How do I find out about new books to read? Once upon a time, when I was in graduate school at Hollins University Children’s Literature Program, it was through the required reading lists. Sometimes those lists were, err, on the long side. Both the lists and the length of the novels. So it could be a full-time job getting through some of them, especially some of the 19th century books like The Wide Wide World by Susan Warner—608 pages of the smallest print imaginable. The edition I read had had me wanting to find my magnifying glass. But it was well worth the effort.
Post graduate school, I found my books as a reviewer. For several years, I reviewed children’s books for the Philadelphia Inquirer. The book editor would call me up and assign me a particular book, mail it to me, and I’d send him a review a couple of weeks later. I discovered many delightful middle grade books this way. One that comes to mind is Time Stops for No Mouse by Michael Hoeye. It was a self-published fantasy about a mouse watchmaker who enjoys a fantastic adventure.
The book went on to be published by Penguin Putnam, and there were three sequels. I also reviewed books for 
Children’s Literature, and I would be sent five books a month and through that relationship I was introduced to many books, including the work of Gail Carson Levine.
These days I have a tendency to find my books through word-of-mouth. Often when I attend Society of Children’s Writers and Illustrators conferences, I’ll take the opportunity to purchase and read faculty books. I remember going to a conference and Cynthia Lord speak, and running to be first in line to grab Rules, which went on to win the Newbery Honor.
Or sometimes I will find out about at out about a book from social media. Just the other day, I learned about the release of Christina Springer’s newest middle grade novel Cici Reno #middleschoolmatchmaker. I can’t wait to read it since it’s an update of the Cyrano story. Plus, Christina’s middle grade books are so much fun to read. And the good news, you will be able to read an interview with Christina right here on April 27th.
And naturally, there’s discovering new reads from blogs, just like ours. Our own Mixed-Up Files site has plenty of book lists (click on “book lists” at the top of the page), as well as a list of sites that review middle grade books
There’s also just old fashion word-of-mouth were a friend or a new friend will tell me about a book. So feel free to tell me about your book. I’m all ears!
Hillary Homzie is the author of the newly released Queen of Likes (Simon & Schuster MIX 2016), The Hot List (Simon & Schuster MIX 2011) and Things Are Gonna Be Ugly (Simon & Schuster, 2009). She can be found at hillaryhomzie.com and on her Facebook page.
When I first started writing, I chose middle grade, since that is the age level of my library. However, after being told by critique partners and editors that it should be YA because of the subject matter, I’ve been in the process of converting. Writing time is sparse for a school librarian. It is taking much longer than I thought it would.
Speaking of money, Kansas (as well as other states) has been especially hard hit with cuts to educational funding. How has that affected your ability to purchase books and resources, bring in authors, etc.? The above really helped with funding. I have worked at my current position for about 19 years. My funding has been reduced many times. At one point, because of a change in the district distribution of funds, I did get a slight increase. This really tears me up since there are so many good books that we can’t afford to get. I’m especially concerned about funding for next year. It’s very scary to hear of districts who will cut their librarians. This is a subject I could go on and on about. Let’s just say I’m very disappointed. Our district is fortunate to have a “Meet the Author” program. The district is still helping to fund that program, with help from our PTOs and a share of the proceeds from book sales. This is another area where funding has not been increased 
The biggest changes I have seen in student reading is the interest in graphic novels and hybrid books like the Wimpy Kid series and Dork Diaries. A few years ago it was fantasy with the Harry Potter knock-offs. It will be interesting to see what comes next. I have started seeing more MG animal fantasies, recently.
Fun ways? Never! A librarian is supposed to be 80 years old with a bun. I think of myself as a cheerleader for finding the information, whatever the form, to help the student thrive and create something original from that knowledge. We have different themes every two years for reading in our building. I dress up on the first day of classes most years, in a costume to go along with the theme. One year, the book fair had an Egyptian theme. I just had to be Cleopatra and call the students peasants. They loved it. Last week, I was super librarian, able to find information faster than a speeding bullet. One of the greatest compliments I’ve received from a student was a first grader. He told me I was weird. I hope he meant that I didn’t act like a normal teacher. I encourage students to use their imaginations whenever possible.
Great advice, Lu! Thanks for all of your years of connecting kids to great books and the resources they need to excel. To keep up with Lu and her writing, check out her 