#MondayMood

 I saw this on my childhood friend’s page and though I would #repost.

Lately I’ve been approached by a number of people to contribute to their ‘personal or passion’ projects.  Some of the invitations have downright raggedy and disrespectful of my time, my work and knowledge. Understand, I'm very sensitive to how my words are used as well as people who want to 'pick my brain.'   I get really tired of seeing my words used in their personal projects.   Don’t get me wrong, I do agree to some projects but when I get the sense of your ‘ask’ is fueled by the need to have a ‘black voice,’ for the project because ‘black’ is ‘hip’ these days, I ignore it.

 I’ve been asked to write chapters in books (no payment for my time, but I’m just supposed to be ‘happy’ to be included...yeah right.) podcast interviews, and test out educational material that my students would have absolutely no use for.   There are a number of projects I agreed to participate in and you will see them on my social media feeds.  The organizer was respectful of my time, knowledge and words, this is why I agreed to participate.  Why is respectful behavior of educators, media and sales representatives so difficult?  I'm tired of asking this question and I'm burned out from the behavior.

One day, I’ll sit down and write ‘my story,’ where I will have full control of the narrative. Until then, I’ll tell my story in very small bits and pieces when I want to.  I’ve lived a life that has been full of events that have been funny, sad, intriguing, frustrating, inspirational and yes unbelievable.  We all have a story to tell and learn from each other.  Share your story when the time is right and when you are inspired to do so. #KC_SaidIt 

Easy Like Sunday Morning: Black Boys

     I along with others across the country was angered by the racism that nine year old Dallas Greene encountered while trying to enter the Ouzo Bay Restaurant in Baltimore.  The youngster and his mother Marcia Grant were denied entry because young Dallas Greene was wearing athletic wear/tennis shoes.  Grant pointed out to the manager that she could see another youngster around the same age on the patio area of the restaurant wearing similar clothing as her son.  The question is, why was Dallas a black boy denied service while the white boy was permitted to dine?  The damage is done, this display of racism is forever engrained in his memory as he saw his mother argue with the restaurant's manager, and was refused service.  It angers me that this child had to experience the racism that plagued this country during the 1960's in 2020.  

     My school librarian mind clicked on immediately, I began to think about books that celebrate the spirit of black boys.  I am very sensitive about the stories for young black girls and boys...period!   I am also very critical of these stories, their message and imagery portrayed in books targeted for this very impressionable audience of young readers.   
- I have enjoyed books written by black authors who have authentically captured the voice, spirit, issues, and culture of the community.  
- I have also enjoyed books written by white authors who have done their homework and written a solid and accurate story, yet I want publishing houses to contract more black authors to write stories about our own community.

     The time has come for change.  Look at the 2019 statistics from the Cooperative Children's Book Center.  Each spring, the Cooperative Children's Book Center releases the numbers of children's and young adult books by and about BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) received in the previous year.  Only 46% of all children's books featuring black/African characters were written and/or illustrated by black/African authors and/or illustrators.  Publishing houses have got to do better.  I'm often in-boxed on social media by black authors who are trying to get their foot in the door.  I provide as much advice, from a school librarians point of view, as I can.  I understand that getting published is difficult, just look at J.K. Rowling, author of the "Harry Potter," book series.  Rowlings was rejected by twelve publishing houses before she was picked up by Bloomsbury.  African-American authors have it three times worst.


This brings me to a book that I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy from the publisher and had been sitting on my shelf for three weeks.  I've been meaning to write a review of this book but unfortunately, life got in the way.  I picked up this book again after seeing how Dallas Green's story had become a national headline.  My mind drifted back to the story I read one evening after a long weary day at work and meetings.  I recalled after reading the book how I felt.  The story left me smiling, renewed with hope and proud that two black men wrote/illustrated a book that celebrates the beauty of black boys.  Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James have created a treasure that should be on every bookshelf not just in African-American homes but all homes where little boys reside.  

You may remember, the 2017 release of  'Crown:  Ode to the Fresh Cut,' written by Derrick Barnes and illustrated by Gordon C. James.   The story was a beautiful salute to black boys, their pride, humanity and how they view themselves through a simple glance in the mirror.  I truly think, "I Am Every Good Thing," is a definite winner and contender during awards season next year.   Barnes lyrically describes to the reader:

I am good - I am worthy - I am proud and deserve respect.  

I am allot of things, all are good, and it is the good that you must see in me as I see in myself.  

These are daily affirmations I can teach my nephew who I see represented in the story and illustrations.  Here's a excerpt that just made me melt:

"I am good to the core, like the center of a cinnamon roll."

Working in K-12 education, often times the beauty black boys is lost because the focus is concentrated on academic achievement, athletic abilities and behavior.   The book is scheduled for release on September 1st and it's SO hard not to talk about the entire book and ruin it for others.   I just can't help myself, here's a couple of stand-out excerpts and illustrations from the story:

Black boys are that ball of energy, this image reminds me of a couple of my students and my nephew.  They struggle with staying in their seat, they are thinking ahead of you, recognizing they can help in any situation and they want to be a part of the mix.  They view themselves as a superhero with the ability to conquer any challenge they encounter with humor, a smile and bright eyes to match.  

This page really resonated with me.  Because of the racial times that we live in, I find myself reinforcing messaging that the parents of my black boys engrain in their minds.  Be polite, courteous,  a gentleman and scholar at all times, especially when others are suspicious or don't think you are worthy.  Look at the picture in this photo of this teen.  The man staring at the teen could be interpreted as surprise, respect or suspicion, regardless this is a teen and he will make mistakes and is still learning about 'people' and how to navigate in this complex and racist society we live in.

Despite the narrative that is assumed, this is a accurate depiction of African-American fathers with their sons.  The smiles and interaction is accurate while sharing what looks to be a common love:  basketball.  Sports can often serve as a bonding tool between father and son.  I fondly recall my brother and late father watching Chicago Bears Football on Sunday's after church.  My mother and I were responsible for bringing snacks to both of them while they screamed and barked at the television set.  This 'good noise' often interrupted my Sunday reading time but I wouldn't trade it for the world.  My brother was happy to get that uninterrupted time with my father as he schooled him on the game while cheering for Chicago Bear greats Gale Sayers, Walter Payton and William 'Refrigerator' Perry.  That interaction moved from the home to the field with my father yelling encouragement from the sidelines as my brother played pee-wee and high school football.

The story ends simply with:

"I am my ancestor's wildest dream"

"I am worthy to be loved"

Simply said, thank you for writing such a beautiful book that celebrates the true essence of black boys.  Barnes and James you have written a masterpiece that will be celebrated and loved for generations to come.

Black Women Are Credible Sources

Danielle Coke nailed it in this IG meme.

- If I were to tell you how many times parts of my presentations have been stolen without permission,
- If I were to tell you how many times my voice was silenced during meetings,
- If I were to tell you how many times I was not believed or trusted by co-workers or in stores,
- If I were to tell you how many times I was told, "You are cute... for a big girl,"
- If I were to tell you how many times I was informed by medical personnel that I can bear the pain...just think positively,
...it would definitely blow your mind.

Let's keep it simple moving forward: Just believe and respect me when I describe my experiences to you.
#SundayMorning #kc_saidit

Easy Like Sunday Morning: School Librarians United Podcast

     I had a great time talking with Amy Hermon, host of the School Librarians United Podcast .  I have been interviewed before but this interview was really special.  I spoke at length about what inspires my drive to work hard serving school children/communities and some experiences that have defined me as an educator.  

     The podcast can be found on the School Librarians United website and also on the Apple podcast menu.  Many thanks to Amy for her commitment to this platform of supporting school librarians and the work that we do for our students.   

Easy Like Sunday Morning: 'We’ve Always Done It This Way'

     This post is not a rant, just a reflection on many things I've seen over the course of this week:  Social media posts from librarians who are really struggling with staff/administrators, messages from my mentees who are frustrated with treatment at their schools, Chicago Public Schools Librarians who are fighting for full reinstatement of library positions throughout the district, and clueless comments about why do we need school librarians.  *Sigh....   Plus,  I'm an introvert and it's hard to really get me to verbally share my 'true' feelings when I'm not disrespected, angry or threatened.  I express myself best through writing because I learned a long time ago, people will forget what you have said, but will always refer to what you have written.

    I cannot tell you how many times I have heard the above statement from staff and administration while serving as a library media specialist.  Often times this it is made from a unknowing perspective.  Sometimes it is a fear of trying something new and it can also be a blatant disregard that the school library program has changed and evolved over time.  The statement, "we've always done it this way," means to me people want to remain in a 'safe space' where they can predict outcomes and not work any harder/longer/more efficiently than they had in the past and a recorded excuse for not 'rocking the boat' with the staff.   

     While it is the job of the library media specialist to educate all within the learning community about our programming, skills and services we provide,  I am also critical of our partners in education.  I've worked with educators who initially refused to view or use the library program as it should.  Those who refused to, 'Move Their Cheese,' and trust the judgment of the library media specialist, viewing them as a 'second rate' or 'not a REAL teacher,' in the building.  Challenges ranging from programming, to curriculum support, lack of access to IEP's to properly support students, use of space and yes, professional babysitting services.  Yes I said it!   When I've reached my limit of the foolery, I get really quiet...that's when you should be concerned if you work with me.  

     I belong to a number of professional listserves and social media groups where the above is shared.  You can feel the frustration and sometimes anguish library media specialists tolerate daily.  Let me be clear, our challenges should not be viewed no less than a classroom teacher's challenges.  We share frustration, anger and sadly burnout, and our issues are different but the feelings are definitely mutual.   Respect is the important factor here, we may not understand exactly what everyone is experiencing, but we need to respect each other's roles and efforts.

  I have so many ideas to share and test out, but sometimes hesitant.  My fear is I won't be taken seriously and my efforts will be disregarded.  It's a fear that I will hear that statement, "we've always done it this way."   This is something I need to continually work on professionally because some of these ditched ideas could have a great and positive impact on the school community.  Change is essential.  It makes us better, it makes us stronger.  Change can be good, it can be productive and in education has the opportunity to reach the learner in ways we never imagined.  Continually reverting back to bad habits and practices of the past is detrimental and prevents all of us from moving past GO!  

   So this post was really loaded with allot of #KC_SaidIt - isms and is based off of over 20 years of observations.  So you nay-sayers, give me a break, you haven't walked in my shoes.  I'm coming up on my teaching anniversary on November 1st and you can't help but reflect on your practice.  I've experienced allot and seen allot, so that alone gives me the foundation on which I speak on today.  

Until next time!

What Drives Me Nuts!

Outside of straightening up my Anime and Graphic Novels section (sometimes four times a day), this drives me nuts!

“In Praise of School Libraries & Librarians” by K.C. Boyd

“In Praise of School Libraries & Librarians:  Being a SCHOOL LIBRARIAN is a labor of love, even if it means getting into “good trouble” 

DA op-ed: In praise of school libraries—and librarians

👉🏾https://districtadministration.com/da-op-ed-in-praise-of-school-libraries-and-librarians/ 

Being a librarian is a labor of love, even if it means getting into “good trouble”

By K.C. Boyd

I love libraries. It’s a love that began when I was in preschool and continues to this day. My love of listening to and reading stories dates back to my early childhood in suburban Chicago. Libraries sparked my curiosity and imagination so much that every day I would beg my teacher for a pass to the Hickory Elementary School library. 

I enjoyed reading the works of Virginia Hamilton, Judy Blume and Paula Danzinger and anything that had a Disney stamp on it. And I spent hours reading books after school and on weekends at the public library.

My parents, both teachers, were born and raised in the Jim Crow South: Shreveport, Louisiana, and New Orleans. Along with their ancestors, they were a part of the great 1960s migration of African Americans who escaped the Deep South for the promise of a better life and better jobs in Chicago.

For them, libraries served as a conduit to freely dream, imagine and excel academically. They were ecstatic that my school library and the public library were well stocked. And they were relieved that I would not be denied the ability to enter and take out books because of the color of my skin. 

My joy every couple of days was visiting the library to check out unlimited books and magazines. The library was a place of solace for me—an introverted girl. 

Libraries gave me a voice that I didn’t have before and strength that I didn’t know existed within me.

Finding my passion

In college, I majored in mass communications with an emphasis on broadcasting for television. I worked for a couple of years for a local origination satellite company, and then I moved on to corporate America.

But then I had enough, and it was my late father who sat me down and made me realize that I was not working in a field that I was passionate about. When he suggested school libraries, it made sense—but I didn’t want to go back to school. 

My father eased my fears and assured me that because I was passionate about reading, I would breeze through school, and he was right. But I quickly learned that sometimes the path taken is filled with challenges, confusion and events that make you stronger.

Getting into ‘good trouble’

I have served children, teachers, staff and communities for more than 20 years through school libraries. My experience spans three school districts, two district library managerial positions,  five schools, two departmental directors, and 13 principals. I have learned to adjust, bend and comply. 

And from time to time, I even got into what civil rights hero and Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., has famously called “good trouble.” As Lewis has explained: “Sometimes you have to get in the way. You have to make some noise by speaking up and speaking out against injustice and inaction.”

All but one of the schools that I served were designated as Title I, and in all of these schools, I had to clean up and rebuild the library. I was often the lone voice that defended student choice, The Right to Read, and student access to technology.

Riding a roller coaster

Working in school libraries is not easy. It’s a roller coaster of events and emotions that are not for the weak. Committed warrior librarians possess the same driving force: a deep and abiding love for libraries. 

It’s also not easy to remain focused at a time when school librarian positions and programs are being written out of the district budgets across the country. 

As school librarians, we serve others and provide a safe, warm and inviting haven for all students every day. 

I want all of my students to have the same feelings and experiences that I had as a child each time they walk through the doors of my school library. 

I see small pieces of myself in each of the students who attend Jefferson Middle School Academy in Washington, D.C.—from a smile, a laugh and a love of hip-hop music to even a side-eye of frustration when they learn that the copies of The Hate U Give, Amulet or Thirteen Reasons Why are still checked out. 

I love being a school librarian because I believe it is the best job on the planet. Getting into  good trouble is worth it because my students deserve the best. I am a school library media specialist, and I’m proud to serve.

K.C. Boyd is the library media specialist at Jefferson Middle School Academy in Washington D.C. 

Interested in edtech? Keep up with the Future of Education Technology Conference®.

 “Originally published in District Administration magazine, August, 2019. Used by Permission.”

District Administrator District Administrator

Back To School Memes

Just laugh!🤣

#KC_SaidIt: The Lexile Drama

I’ve been arguing this point for several years with teachers, reading specialists and principals. But let’s take a deeper dive.

Many school districts use a popular reading leveling system called Lexile. When you enter the name of a popular book in this case that contain black characters, the Lexile scoring is consistently very low. For example, here are three very popular books at my school:

- 'The Hate U Give' - HL590L

- 'Long Way Down' - HL770L

- 'Dear Martin' - HL720L

***The average Lexile for 6th-7th-8th graders is 855L-1295L

If one of my students had a Lexile range greatly above or below the ranges listed above, their teachers would discourage them from reading the book. There’s no wiggle room with this as some  schools are very insistent on using this system and rely on it to improve data/reading scores. In addition, some schools now rely on test scores and data as a means of image, promotion and sometimes survival against other competitive schools.

The other main issue is familiarity.  When those who are in the driver's seat of making decisions regarding what children read are constantly recommending the same books over and over again because of familiarity, rather than expanse of knowledge, we get the same end result.  My question is where is the teacher and student input in the selection of these books?  I often think about this and use myself as an example.  'The Color Purple,' is one of my personal favorites, but for this generation, it doesn't resonate with them.  I can't continue to recommend this book.  I would have to read the current literature to identify what is popular then merge the literature into the curriculum then maybe circle back to the classics once the book is read.

In years past, I’ve had many not too pleasant encounters with teachers who felt as the school librarian I should support their students identify books in the collection by Lexile. I instead listened to them and showed them books that were of interest to them. Principals wanted to write my tail up for being difficult but didn’t for fear of a grievance.  This continues to be a struggle.  

At the end of the day...in my opinion, reading is reading and leveling is just plain wrong and discourages reading at any level.  If we continue to use this system, we can and will discourage readers and frustrate them.

Sources:

Typical Lexile Reader Measures by Grade for English Text

E-Book Review: Lenny Gray

I listened to this epic e-book during my commute in DMV traffic over a period of 10 days. I immediately got hooked on the rich character performances (all narrated by author Earl Sewell!) and the lush historical descriptions of life in rural Mississippi.  This says allot mainly because I’m not a ebook enthusiast.  The story and performances captured my attention so much so that I was enjoying my hour commute to/from work because I could escape into this story and characters. 

I don’t want to give away too many parts of the story because there are so many events that take place and you will definitely be surprised.   The story’s protagonist, Lenny Gray is pregnant and trapped in a loveless marriage while trying to learn who she is as a person and woman. Sewell describes vividly Lenny Gray’s struggle with her husband Curly and her, survival during disease, famine and devastating poverty.  As described by the book’s synopsis, Lenny Gray has known from an early age that she is meant to live a better life, but she is hemmed in by the limits imposed on women and particularly African-American women. Lenny Gray is a survivor and represents the resilient African-American women of that time who were tough and determined individuals who withstood the unspeakable.  It is these rich character traits that are often overlooked in historical fiction where African-American drive the story.  

Working in K-12 education as a school librarian for over 20 years, Lenny Gray is a book that I would recommend as a class novel read for my grades 8th-12th classes.   This book would be best used in ELA/English and U.S. History classes.   I would also recommend this book for collegiate African-American Studies or History courses because it provides an alternative view of life during this time but through the unique lens of an African-American.  

My hope is that publishing houses will recognize that African-Americans do want to read historical fiction books that feature their life experiences.   Hopefully this book, ‘Lenny Gray,’ will be the catalyst in advocating for change. 

National School Librarian Day

Happy National School Librarian Day to all my fellow #schoollibrarians in the struggle!  

My NEW Website!

Happy New Year!

My new website is finally up and running.  Check out my labor of love at KCBoyd.com.

Easy Like Sunday Morning: Arrogant

     During various periods in my life, I've been told that I'm arrogant.  No one has said anything to me lately, nor has a argument ensued so to my Chicago homies....fall back!  This is merely one of those, 'Easy Like Sunday Morning,' posts that forces me to deeply reflect on things from the past and how they can influence my practice in the future.  I started thinking deeply about the word, 'ARROGANT,'  and according to Google's dictionary, the definition of 'arrogant,' is:

       ar·ro·gant - having or revealing an exaggerated sense of one's own importance or abilities.   

Now I ask the question, 'Am I arrogant?'

I was named recognized as a
Chicago Public Schools,
 'Hall of Fame Librarian'
in 2014 while at @Phillips High School.

     A wonderful principal I once worked for often said that people often accused him of displaying a high level of arrogance.  He further explained that observers mistakened arrogance for his self-confidence, a tool that his mother instilled in him at a early age.   Given where he was raised and childhood experiences, he said that he needed every tool just to survive and remain motivated.   My late friend would often say she was called arrogant in response to people who could not handle her high level of intelligence and she was often 99% right.  Guess what?  She was right 99% of the time!  I began thinking deeply about 'why' I have been called arrogant by others.

    My late mentor once gave a professional development sessions for school librarians where she left me with a indelible motivation.  She discussed how sometimes librarians were viewed as weak, soft spoken, and timid by others within the school community.  She further commented on how we as school librarians were such a rich and invaluable resource to the learning community and how we possessed a natural knowledge and strong

My wall of appreciation
@Jefferson Academy

skill base that would add to the success of any school.  The key was understanding that WE held the power and it was up to us to execute and show others what we could do.  We were school librarians and we stood only for excellence.  I swear I remember that motivational speech she gave like it was yesterday.   It was this speech that motivated me to become more of a self-starter.  Give myself a pat on the back and toot my own horn.  Because seriously, if you don't know how to compliment yourself, who's going to right?

     Throughout my career, I've worked at some schools where my work as a school librarian was overlooked and sometimes ignored.  The focus was on the classroom teacher, sports or technology program.   I'm not trying to be funny but when I compared the work of others to what I had done, it wouldn't compare.  Examples of this are rebuilding the school library program, creating and developing a library culture (this is NOT easy!), getting kids excited about reading, raising reading scores through access to books and leisure reading, bringing in thousands of dollars in donations and free resources and wait for it.....CLEANING UP and REORGANIZING  JACKED UP LIBRARIES THAT HAVE BEEN DOGGED OUT BY THE ADMINISTRATION AND STAFF.   Whew!  Yes,  I had to get that last one off of my chest!

2015 East St. Louis Senior High School weeding project

     My late father used to say, "You need to check yourself, your actions and how you come off to other people."  In other words, you need to smell yourself first and if you are foul, pull up and correct yourself.  To the core of my soul, I'm not a arrogant person.  If anything, those who know me very well are often pushing me to do more but my timid, shy and introverted self constantly digs her heels in the ground when challenged to go to the next level.  This is exactly why libraries and social media is the perfect playground for me because I can push myself to share my views and things that have taken place in my crazy life that I would not normally do in a face to face situation.  

This is a slide I created for my bi-monthly/monthly library newsletter
@Jefferson Academy.  Proud to be recognized in the same company of
these respected library practitioners.
Scholastic Top 15 Librarian Instagram Accounts to Follow  

     I believe I'm more of a promoter of what's good.  I promote the authentic experiences and the unique things that are taking place in school libraries whether it be in my library or my colleagues.     A click, re-post, comment or recommendation is an example of this promotion.  Promotion is what is needed now given the climate of some school districts  removing credentialed librarians from school libraries due to poor budgeting or not trusting the judgment of librarians when making purchasing decisions.   I promote my accomplishments because I'm happy that I have ascended to a level I've been trying to reach for some time.   I talk about school libraries because it is my sincere hope that others will see the beauty in this field and choose to join me and the thousands of librarians across the country behind the circulation desk.   

     So if that makes me arrogant through the lens of others, so be it.    

     

#KC_SaidIt - 'Book Banning, School Officials, Oh My!'

One of the things I absolutely cannot stand is my commute every morning to work. The DMV traffic is a nightmare and is highly unpredictable. To help pass the time, I've decided to take one of my Instagram picture hashtags, #KC_SaidIt and flip it into a video post from my truck. I will be discussing various topics, mostly library related and some on some of the social issues of our day. It's my view and opinion so I'm telling you right now, I'm bound to make you mad! 

Here's my first video where I'm discussing the recent controversial action of the school Superintendent of the Katy ISD of Texas. This educator removed Angie Thomas, "The Hate U Give," from the library bookshelves, and without following the guidelines of the reconsideration policy for libraries. Unfortunately, this man is going to learn a valuable lesson the hard way. 

 Enjoy the video!