Final Reflection on LSSL 5391

 

Final Reflection on LSSL 5391

When I began this course, I considered myself relatively tech-comfortable, as a user. But being asked to create with digital tools was a different story. I didn’t realize how vulnerable I would feel putting my voice, ideas, and personality into formats I’d never used before. Looking back now, I’m proud not just of what I made, but of how far I’ve come.

The most exciting part? Podcasting was a clear favorite. It pushed me creatively, but it also connected to real library applications. Recording with Podbean alongside my partner showed me how accessible podcasting could be for schools. We were able to work remotely, add music and sound effects, and craft something fun yet informative. I could easily see this being used for student book talks, author studies, or even parent resources.

I also loved using Canva to design newsletters, infographics, and visual messages. It helped me see how essential branding and clear communication are for library visibility. These tools sparked ideas I’ll carry into my future library, monthly reading challenges, digital signage, and even themed social media posts.

The hardest part? One assignment that challenged me was the “Teach Someone” technique. I originally misunderstood the directions and created a video using TumbleBooks, which, while a vetted educational resource, didn’t align with the assignment’s goal of demonstrating how to teach someone to find information on a real-world topic. After receiving feedback, I corrected the assignment by guiding students, parents, and teachers through the process of finding a safe and accurate slime recipe online. This required me to evaluate sources carefully and demonstrate how to identify trustworthy information, a skill that’s crucial for digital literacy. In the end, redoing the assignment taught me more than just how to follow directions; it reminded me that school librarians are responsible for teaching others how to navigate the internet with care and confidence.

Most beneficial for students? Digital storytelling tools in general, whether through podcasting, comic creation, or short videos, stand out the most. They allow students to process and present information in powerful, multimodal ways. These tools don't just support curriculum, they support expression, agency, and engagement.

As I reflect, I keep returning to the “Food for Thought” passage we were given. Jen Hatmaker’s words remind me that introducing tech in a library shouldn’t be about showing off what I know. It should be about meeting my students and teachers where they are. Listening first. Adapting. Supporting. Walking beside, not in front. That’s what makes this work meaningful.

This course didn’t just teach me how to use new tools, it taught me to be a more empathetic, intentional, and creative educator. I’m grateful for the encouragement, the challenges, and the opportunity to grow not just as a tech user, but as a digital leader.

 

 

 

To wrap up my reflection, I used one last tool: Pic-Lit, a platform that combines images with words to tell a visual story. I chose an image that symbolized growth and created a short poem that captured my personal journey from consumer to creator. It was a simple tool, but a powerful one, it reminded me that even a few well-chosen words can carry deep meaning when paired with the right visual. Creating the Pic-Lit helped me distill everything I’ve learned this semester into something emotional, creative, and shareable. I can see how this tool would be highly beneficial for students as well. It supports visual literacy, builds vocabulary, encourages poetic thinking, and allows even reluctant writers to express themselves creatively. Pic-Lit is the kind of low-barrier, high-engagement tool that fits perfectly in a school library program focused on voice, choice, and connection.

Module 6, Fiction , Fantasy and Graphic Novels

 

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Telgemeier, R. (2020). Smile. New York: Graphix. ISBN 978-1338740264.

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Raina dreams about living an ordinary sixth-grade life. During Girl Scouts Raina experiences a severe accident which damages her two front teeth when she trips and falls.  Raina endures a prolonged dental process which includes multiple surgeries and braces and headgear and a retainer with artificial teeth. Raina faces a difficult time because she must handle both her changing appearance and a major earthquake and boy-related confusion and fake friendships. Readers experience the pain of tooth loss and social rejection and the happiness of self-discovery because of Raina's struggles. Raina learns to accept her genuine smile in all ways while discovering genuine confidence and true friendship and personal development.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Smile tells the story of adolescence through humorous and truthful illustrations of growing up. Readers immediately feel connected to Raina because she presents as a character who is deeply  relatable. The dental problems Raina faces function as both actual barriers and metaphors for her need to be herself while remaining part of her social group. Through her clear perspective and strong narrative voice Telgemeier creates an authentic and welcoming environment for readers to experience Raina's world. The story’s basic locations of school and home and orthodontist offices become alive through illustrations which both depict physical spaces and emotional states. The story explores perseverance and self-acceptance and friendship as core themes which lead to Raina's rewarding emotional development. Her journey is believable and engaging, with each setback pushing her closer to discovering who she truly is. The author's playful style, paired with impactful visual storytelling, makes this graphic memoir a powerful and accessible choice for middle-grade readers.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS

• Kirkus Reviews: “Irresistible, funny, and touching.”
• Booklist: “One of the most widely loved kids' graphic novels in recent history.”
• The New York Times: “It hits home partly because there is nothing else out there like it.”
• Awards: Will Eisner Comic Industry Award Winner, Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book, Vermont Golden Dome Book Award Winner

5. CONNECTIONS

• Students can create their own short graphic memoir panels about a personal experience that taught them a life lesson.
• Great for classroom discussions on topics like self-esteem, peer relationships, and resilience.
• Pair with Telgemeier’s Sisters and Guts for a thematic unit on growing up and family dynamics.
• Use in SEL lessons to explore how young people process change, anxiety, and personal growth.
• Invite students to compare Raina’s story to Beverly Cleary’s Ramona series or Cece Bell’s El Deafo for additional perspectives on childhood challenges and empowerment.

 

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Fajardo, K. (2022). Miss Quinces. New York: Graphix. ISBN 978-1338535594.

2. PLOT SUMMARY

The summer camp experience Sue had envisioned with her friends creating comics becomes impossible because her family embarks on a Honduras vacation. Sue's world takes a turn for the worse when her mother reveals the unwanted news about Sue's upcoming quinceañera. Sue finds it completely unacceptable to wear a frilly outfit while participating in customs which do not align with her cultural background.  Sue starts to understand the importance of her cultural traditions by spending time with her family members, particularly her grandmother whom she loves. After her abuela passes away Sue gains the power to celebrate life in her own manner while understanding that tradition does not force her to lose her individuality.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The graphic novel Miss Quinces presents an emotional portrayal of cultural identity development through its exploration of family obligations and personal growth. The story maintains a realistic tone that accurately represents the genuine conflicts people experience between personal needs and cultural customs. Sue's resistance to her quinceañera seems genuine and her development throughout the narrative brings emotional strength. Sue's bond with her abuela forms the story's core element as it brings laughter and love before transforming into sadness that leads to personal transformation. The Honduran landscape appears vividly in the illustrations through truck rides along bumpy roads and lively family events in rural areas. Through his vivid coloring and dynamic drawing Sue's emotional state matches the scenery which becomes alive in each panel. The graphic storytelling approach maintains audience engagement through a mix of humor and heartfelt expression. The book uses blue font for Spanish text and black font for English to demonstrate bilingual identity fluidity while Sue gains confidence in both languages. The story teaches readers to maintain their authenticity by exploring their cultural identity. Sue evolves into her authentic self instead of transforming into a different person.

 

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS

• ★ School Library Journal: “With all of the charm of Raina Telgemeier and Lucy Knisley’s works... will especially resonate with readers from bicultural communities.”
• ★ The Horn Book: “Fajardo’s expressive use of line, and color palette of cool blues and pinks convey the complexity... of Sue’s feelings.”
• Booklist: “Fajardo’s colorful artwork is lively, full of emotion... will appeal to fans of Raina Telgemeier and Jen Wang.”
• Publishers Weekly: “A sympathetic look at a girl learning that she can be herself and still cherish family tradition.”
• Awards: National Indie Bestseller, ALA Best Graphic Novel for Children, NPR Books We Love, Horn Book Best Book of the Year

5. CONNECTIONS

• Pair with Raina Telgemeier’s Drama or Sisters to explore themes of cultural identity and growing up.
• Students can research and present different cultural coming-of-age ceremonies, comparing similarities and differences.
• A classroom activity could include students writing and illustrating their own “mini graphic memoirs” centered around a family tradition or moment of self-discovery.
• Readers could also reflect on the use of bilingual dialogue and discuss how it shapes character identity and voice.
• Follow up with discussions on intergenerational relationships and the importance of listening to elder voices.

 

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Soontornvat, C. (2022). The Tryout. Ill. by Joanna Cacao. New York: Graphix. ISBN 978-1338741261.

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Christina has always been different from the rest of the students at school because Christina is Thai American. Her best friend,  and Megan is Iranian American but they both want to belong. The cheerleading squad becomes the ideal opportunity for the girls to gain acceptance from their peers. Christina faces two major challenges during tryouts as she needs to overcome both her fear of failing and her changing sense of identity and friendships. The initial pursuit of popularity transforms into a journey that helps Christina discover herself while strengthening her cultural identity and understanding that staying true to oneself is the greatest achievement.

 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This middle grade graphic memoir stands out through its authentic storytelling and heartfelt content and meaningful lessons. Readers will identify strongly with Christina because they can connect to her fears and hopes along with her inner struggles that match their own middle school emotions, past or present.  The story shows both the exhilaration and tension of important seventh-grade moments including cheerleading tryouts and changing relationships. The audience genuinely supports Christina's journey toward squad membership and her understanding of her intrinsic value. Through her authentic storytelling Soontornvat combines humor with honesty to create a narrative which displays both her weaknesses and her strength. The story organically weaves together themes about belonging and identity alongside internalized pressure as it explores racism in both explicit and subtle ways. The illustrations by Joanna Cacao play an essential role in establishing tone by employing vibrant colors and expressive facial expressions and symbolic visual elements (sparkly cheerleader backgrounds and shadowy self-doubt scenes) which reflect Christina's emotional state. The authentic feel of the story results from its consistent point of view alongside distinctive language and cultural references that include homecoming mums and Thai traditions as well as family dynamics. Through this memoir readers learn that being genuine represents the greatest achievement of all.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS

• ★ Kirkus Reviews: “A funny, painfully honest look at a middle schooler finding her way.”
• ★ School Library Journal: “Readers… will want to invite Christina to sit at their table to share food, stories, and the secrets to self-confidence.”
• ★ Publishers Weekly: “Nail-biting… fluidly injecting their athletic pursuits with lively energy using bright color palettes.”
• ★ Shelf Awareness: “Cringe-worthy in the best way… an inspiring and insightful graphic memoir.”
• Awards & Recognition: Instant #1 Bestseller, multiple starred reviews, praised by The New York Times as “a captivating middle-grade gem”

5. CONNECTIONS

• This book pairs well with Invisible by Christina Diaz Gonzalez and Allergic by Megan Wagner Lloyd for units on identity, friendship, and middle school transitions.
• Students could write a journal entry or comic strip about a time they tried something new or took a risk socially or emotionally.
• Teachers can use this book in SEL or diversity lessons to open conversations about cultural pride, microaggressions, and building confidence.
• A group activity could involve students designing a personal “badge” that represents their identity, strengths, and values, just as Christina finds strength in her roots.
• The author's note and real photos at the end make this a great text for autobiographical storytelling discussions.

 

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Alexander, K. (2014). The Crossover. Ill. by Dawud Anyabwile. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 978-0544107717.

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Josh “Filthy McNasty” Bell demonstrates his basketball abilities as a 12-year-old through his impressive crossover and intense dedication to the sport. Josh and JB share all aspects of their lives including basketball and school as well as everything else but JB's new interest in a girl creates distance between them. Josh develops feelings of jealousy and insecurity because he has trouble adapting to the changing connection between him and his brother. The family struggles with serious health problems affecting their father who played professional basketball before his illness. Josh’s tale about rivalry, regret and reconciliation plays out through rhythmic and emotional verse.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The Crossover stands is a  novel written in verse that has both emotional depth and energetic force. Josh is an authentic protagonist whose voice unites athletic confidence with poetic sophistication. The combination of free verse with concrete poetry and basketball terminology creates a rhythm which corresponds to the speed of basketball and teenage life. The family atmosphere stands authentic because it depicts their mother who focuses on academics versus their father who supports their musical talents with his love of jazz. The story takes readers through Josh's experience with sibling conflict and teenage life changes while his father faces a serious health emergency. The story integrates themes about personal identity alongside brotherhood and growing up and coping with loss. The verse structure enables readers to experience Josh's emotional vulnerability through his internal thoughts and visual effects are used to enhance emotional moments or dramatic actions. Basketball definitions and rules that appear throughout the text provide both humorous and meaningful insights to the story. When the brothers finally make peace with each other following their father's death the emotional moment creates a powerful yet uplifting conclusion. Through his voice Alexander delivers a profound message about how life operates without a set plan while demonstrating that success means more than winning.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS

• School Library Journal: “Alexander has crafted a story that vibrates with energy and heart and begs to be read aloud.”
• Booklist: “An accomplished author and poet, Alexander eloquently mashes up concrete poetry, hip-hop, a love of jazz, and a thriving family bond.”
• Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books: “Will inspire budding players and poets alike.”
• Awards: Newbery Medal Winner, Coretta Scott King Award,  #1 Best Seller in Children’s Basketball Books

 

5. CONNECTIONS

• Pair with Rebound, Alexander’s prequel, for a fuller understanding of the Bell family.
• Use as a mentor text for writing poetry with voice, students can create “sports poems” or free verse narratives about their passions.
• Compare with Ghost by Jason Reynolds for themes of identity and overcoming personal challenges.
• Perfect for reluctant readers, especially those interested in sports or music.
• Students can create a character trait chart tracing Josh’s emotional growth across the book, supported by evidence from the verse.