Harvey "Smokey" Daniels

The writing team of Literature Circles has discovered inquiry in the classroom; the use of research projects large and small to engage learner, have them explore the world of information, help them become critical thinkers, and build their knowledge in depth as opposed to the fast-moving coverage of surface knowledge. It is one of the first real books on inquiry we have seen for the classroom teacher. So, of course, our authors speak up for teacher librarians as co-teachers since we have been in the business of inquiry for many years…NOT. We are mentioned as folks who will fetch stuff for a project; so why name this as one of the best professional books of the year? We call this an “opportunity” book. Because of the reputation of the authors, if this book raises its heads in your school, it is a perfect opportunity for the teacher librarian to jump in with both feet as a full-fledged partner. There are some very helpful suggestions for teachers and teacher librarians as small groups are formed in the class to attack a topic, project, or problem and carry them successfully through the inquiry process to maximize learning, learning skills, and deep understanding. There are problems along the way from the teacher librarian’s perspective, but these challenges can be conquered easily as you, the teacher librarian makes any kind of an initiative into the world of inquiry. Read this; offer to partner with folks wanting to try inquiry; if it is your ticket in, go for it.… (mere)