Library Question of the Week 2019-20
Each week in the Library Media Center, we display a thought-provoking question that focuses on a topical issue relating to literature, literacy, digital awareness, or another contemporary subject. We include an accompanying article and encourage students to read and discuss. Please feel free to email your thoughts to me at karin_greenberg@manhassetschools.org—I would love to hear what you think!
February 24, 2020
How has the Tik Tok app affected the amount of time you spend on your phone?
In this article from The Bates Student, author Sophie Mackin explores the spreading popularity of the app and its implications:
The Rise of Tik Tok: Trends, Controversies, and What Bates Students Think
February 10, 2020
According to studies, strong school library programs boost student achievement. What do you think are the most important aspects of the high school library?
In this Phi Delta Kappan article, the authors explore the benefits of school libraries:
Why School Librarians Matter: What Years of Research Tell Us
February 3, 2020
How important is it for authors to have first-hand experience of what they write about in a fictional book?
Andre Wheeler examines cultural appropriation and the controversy over American Dirt in this article in The Guardian:
American Dirt: Why Critics are Calling Oprah's Book Club Pick Exploitative and Divisive
January 27, 2020
How are your reading habits affected by the types of books offered to you?
In this English Journal article, teacher Carol Jago recommends books that will motivate high school students to read:
January 13, 2020
What are the best ways to balance the needs for technology and solitude?
Julie Phillips Randles interviews media entrepreneur Manoush Zomorodi, who explores ideas for using technology to foster positive experiences:
January 6, 2020
How has the process of reading changed in the modern age?
Mairead Small Staid explores how technology has impacted the act of reading:
Reading in the Age of Constant Distraction
December 16, 2019
In a 2018 survey, 87% of millennials found a handwritten note to be more meaningful than a digital one. What are the differences between the two ?
Caroline Cox discusses the benefits of receiving, and giving, old-fashioned cards:
The Superpowers (and Staying Power) of Greeting Cards
December 2, 2019
How do you feel when you read a book with a character who is similar to you?
Kathy Ishizuka explores the goal of diversifying book collections so that all people are able to see themselves in fiction:
November 18, 2019
How does lecture-based learning differ from hands-on learning?
Youki Terada explains how students are often wrong about assessing the most effective learning methods:
Students Think Lectures are Best, But Research Suggests They're Wrong
November 12, 2019
In what ways do Instagram and other social media photos affect your self-esteem?
Writer Sheila Marikar explores how women react to digital storytelling:
You Won't Find Your Self-Worth on Instagram
November 4, 2019
Why do some people love horror books and others can’t bear to read them?
In this article from Bookstr, author Peyton Skoczylas explains what happens inside people’s brains when they read horror:
Why We Love Being Scared by Horror Books and Movies
October 28, 2019
What are the benefits of reading about life from others’ perspectives?
In this article from The Stanford Daily, student author Avery Rogers explores the value of modern memoir:
October 21, 2019
Harold Bloom, one of the most prominent literary critics of the 20th and 21st centuries, died last week at the age of 89. He supported curriculums that were based on classic works of literature. How important is it to continue reading books that are considered classics?
In this opinion piece, the authors reflect on what it means to focus on the Western literary tradition in the age of diversity:
Did Harold Bloom or Toni Morrison Win the Literary Canon Wars?
October 15, 2019
“Teenagers are more likely to read books at 13 than 17” according to teacher Jeremy Adams. What would motivate you to read more books?
In his opinion piece, Adams ponders what is lost when high school students give up reading for pleasure:
My High School Students Don't Read Anymore
October 7, 2017
What is the ultimate goal of reading?
Culture writer Zat Rana explores the issue and explains how coming to reading with the right mindset can teach you how to see:
There Are Two Ways to Read--One is Useless
September 16, 2019
What do you think are some of the most compelling reasons to read a book?
Writer Abigail Wise highlights eight benefits of reading, including why a print book may be better for your brain than an e-book:
Eight Science-Backed Reasons to Read a (Real) Book
September 9, 2019
In what ways do summer reading assignments increase or decrease your motivation to read?
Teacher and mom Donalyn Miller reflects on the effects of summer reading:
If Kids Can't Read What They Want in the Summer, When Can They?