Sandra Kitain

KITAIN, Sandra. Shelf-Esteem. 183 pp. list of titles, authors, and illustrators.
appendix with resources for book selection. author and illustrator index. title index. subject index. Neal-Schuman Publishers, Inc. Jan. 2008. pap. $49.95.
LC Z1003.15 .K58 2008. ISBN-13: 978-1-55570-568-8.

Kitain, whose extensive experience includes work as a teacher, librarian, and author, (The Continuum Encyclopedia of Young Adult Literature), wrote Shelf-Esteem to provide those who work with youth ways to help children connect with books in meaningful ways. According to Kitain: In order for children to become good readers, they need both certainty of their ability to read and stories that speak to them in a personal way. This book offers 50 programs that do just that. Chapters are based on themes including but not limited to friendship, courage, emotions, moving, new siblings, physical challenges, and bullies. Tough subjects like alcoholism, illness and death, and homelessness are also included. Each chapter follows a format that integrates full bibliographic information, a synopsis of the main text, a simple book talk, and a shelf-esteem connection and idea grid that explores a main message and other related ideas. Book Hop lists other texts related to the theme, Classic Corner suggests related classic titles, For Older Children offers titles for more accelerated readers, and Support Material contains awards, honors and book reviews. The texts utilized in each theme are generally PreK through Second Grade with extensions suggested for older children. References and footnotes are appropriately placed and the quality and variety of texts are excellent, an indication of the author’s expertise. The remaining chapters of the book explore the shelf-esteem concept and working with community partners. This text is highly recommended for all librarians, teachers, caregivers and parents of younger readers.

Rebecca Sheridan
Easttown Library & Information Center
Berwyn, PA… (plus d'informations)