This is a guest post written by Lisa Schurmann, Elementary Librarian at LPGE Elementary School. Read more reports from past mini grant recipients on our page.

Our elementary library has purchased the ‘How is it Made’ books from ABDO and ‘Awesome Dogs’ from Bellwether.

I’ve been amazed how these new easy reader non-fiction books have attracted our students. With our students being curious, enthusiastic and eager to learn new information, these books have been a hit. The pictures are colorful, the pages inviting, and all around amazing books for young readers. I even have fifth and sixth grade students checking out the ‘How it is Made’ books.  

Having non-fiction books that are in their reading level and that they are able to use for AR testing is a plus. I find many students gravitating to the non-fiction area of our library as they enter the doors. It is fun to watch the interest in these series increase as others learn about the new books. 

The great part is they don’t realize they are challenging themselves and improving their reading skills! It is a joy to see the reading levels improve as they pick out their books. 

 I had a mother stop in and tell me her son checked out the new books and it was the first time he did not ‘buck’ about reading before bed. 

Thank you for helping us update our library with books that interest the students.