Sample Booktalk Observation: Speak-ing of Banned Books Week

Subject Line: Video Name and a Descriptor (Example: Moreillon Booktalk – Smile More!)

Subject Line (Example): Moreillon Booktalk – Smile More?

• What did you notice about the instructional setting?

These three related booktalks were conducted online and on a blog. The book reviews on the blog post allows readers/listeners to return to the booktalk and revisit the titles. The context for these booktalks during Banned Books Week was important.

• How would you describe the "type" or style of the booktalks?

The booktalker’s style was a bit academic. She targeted a preservice and practicing school librarian audience for whom these books may be useful in their professional work as well as for their own personal reading.

• What was effective in the lesson presentation?

The connection to Banned Books Week and the selection of these three books by the same author published over a period of time (twenty years) increased the effectiveness of these booktalks. The connection to today’s #MeToo movement also heightened the impact of these booktalks.

• What student behavior management techniques did you observe?

These booktalks were presented online to graduate students so there were no management techniques necessary. However, in a middle or high school library students who have attention challenges could be seated closer to the speaker.

• What accommodations for different learners were included? or could be included?

For this example, there were none modeled. In the actual library/classroom setting, some students make sit closer to the readers so they could see the book jackets or hear the talk more clearly. Educators could also preview and provide a context for Banned Books Week to increase listeners understanding of the connection between BBW, these books, and others from the list.

• What would you imitate in your own booktalks?

The author study/thematic approach was effective. Selecting books for booktalking is an important aspect of these activities. Sharing a professional story related to successful ways to engage students in Banned Books Week may have increased the interest of these listeners (but it would not have been appropriate for secondary students).

• What would you do differently?

It is as important for booktalkers as it is for read-aloud readers to have a hook to capture students’ interest and attention. This hook was targeted to adults. Involving secondary students in identifying the number of books that have already read from the list of the 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books 2000-2009 could have been a successful hook. The topic of these books was serious. However, booktalkers who take a more casual, conversational tone as a friend recommending a book might do may have more success. To that point, this booktalker could have “smiled more” with another set of books.