My Library book is….outstanding!

In recent weeks, as a team, we’ve been pondering over what makes marks an exceptional book over a good book. What is this defining characteristic or characteristics?

Subsequently, it’s not an uncommon sight to see people mid-tasks, taking a moment to join a huddle over a book discussing its qualities; some nods, some quizzical looks, an occasional “hmmmmm….”; and then, the crucial moment when the verdict comes in- ‘Yes! It is an exceptional book!’ or ‘It is a good book!’.

Personally, I haven’t yet found this formula that sets the distinction. Yes, there are certain books that I feel convinced belong in the exceptional book category; there are other books that I imagine should be in that category, but don’t always make the cut.

I want a checklist! I want a set of criterion! Something that I can tick off options, tabulate a score and decide whether or not it meets the mark. But clearly it’s not that simple. There, is a ‘something more’ criterion that cannot be negated from the process. An instinct. Intuition. Something intrinsic.

Nevertheless, the collection of those books is shaping up wonderfully; the list is growing. Ofcourse, as is mostly the case with me, my mind goes back to the classroom. In this space, I wondered, what would the little readers classify as an outstanding book? What would their criterion be? Would it be the same as ours? Would they overlap or completely contradict each other?

My single question had suddenly mushroomed into more questions than I could process at a time. Nonetheless, with this lens of ‘what makes an outstanding book firmly set, I’ve been focusing (yet again) on the selection process that kids go through when picking a book to read. There is very apparently a discernment that is the prelude to that ‘AHA!’ moment when the perfect book is found.

‘What is this process?’; I don’t know yet, and maybe never will.

‘Will all the books the kids pick find a place on the outstanding shelf?’, no.

‘Do the kids think that every book they pick week after week is an exceptional book?’, probably not. I’m sure that they have a favourite they’ve read at some point that sets the standard for books they eventually pick.

Are my questions answered? Clearly not. I haven’t decoded the formula behind the outstanding book criteria…YET! And I don’t know what the kids make out to be an outstanding book….YET!

Irrespective of this my observations have led me to several discoveries. Some about my own book choices and preferences. Some about how kids pick books. And most wonderful of all, I was privy to many many happy book moments.

I watched and listened. And here’s what the little voices say…..

‘My library book is…….

…exciting and comes with new things to discover on every page and behind every flap!

…something I use so much that I occasionally have to help my library teacher mend it.

…something that I react to!

…touch and feel!

…something I share with my friend.

…about something I’m interested in!

…relevant to me and my world.

…something worth fighting over.

…was also shown to us as a movie by the library teachers.

…something I sometimes discuss with m friends before making a final choice.

…worth standing in line for!

…something we all have opinions about.

…something that excites us!

…something I read on my way home!  

 

Perhaps every one of these books was indeed outstanding for the kids, perhaps some of them were good books.

What I do know is that every one of these moments where books and reading bring magic and wonder to the kids is special….that’s my ‘outstanding’ for the week.

And therein, lies the ‘something more’ quotient.