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Meet Sonja Cole From Bookwink
December 9, 2006
(photo courtesy of Sonja Cole)
A.B. As a former librarian, could you explain your role at Bookwink and how you got started as a book reviewer?
S.C. When I was working in a Middle School library, booktalking was my favorite part of the job. It was so much fun to be able to connect with kids in that way, and to recommend books I knew they would love. When Paul suggested we start a video blog, I immediately thought of booktalks and how great it would be to reach a larger audience of readers. I've seen over and over again how finding the right book can turn a reluctant reader into a devoted and passionate reader. My hope is that Bookwink will help kids find the book that hooks them into reading for life. That was one of my motivating forces as a practicing librarian, and it continues to motivate my work on Bookwink, but now I'm not limited to 300 students in one small school.
My role at Bookwink is to find and read books I think kids are going to really respond to, and then I do the booktalk. Reading the books and preparing the booktalks is the easy part. The most difficult part is filming the video. At first I completely underestimated how much I depend on an audience of kids. It is much more difficult to be natural and convincing when it is just me in front of a camera. I have a whole new respect for TV personalities who make it look easy!
A.B. Are there any blogs and/or books you highly recommend for readers?
S.C.
LM-Net I can't recommend it highly enough. Even though a list-serv seems kind of retro in our blog and podcast world, lm-net is a great way to connect with the world that librarians live in. It's like a big block party where all your neighbors are super-friendly and helpful librarians.
Teaching for the Future This weekly podcast gives an insightful perspective on incorporating technology into teaching in a meaningful way.
PW Weekly I subscribe to the free Children's Bookshelf weekly e-mail newsletter for bestseller lists and new books that are generating buzz.
There are four blogs I read regularly for their attitude, insight and great book suggestions. Achockablog, Chicken Spaghetti, Fuse # 8 and Read Roger
Posted by Amy Bowllan on December 9, 2006 | Comments (0)
