'Mr. Schu' to speak on igniting passion to read in children

Jonathan Schumacher, aka “Mr. Schu,” nationally known for his expertise in children’s literature and for igniting a passion to read, will speak from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon, Friday, Sept. 14, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon, Metairie. The event is free and open to the public with no registration necessary.

  

Schumacher will share his experiences in promoting a culture of reading among students, staff, and parents. A K-5 librarian in Oak Brook, Illinois, Schumacher reads an average of 2,000 children’s books every year. Since 2002, he has read children’s books almost exclusively.

Schumacher is a blogger, a part-time lecturer at Rutgers University, and the Ambassador of School Libraries for Scholastic Book Fairs. He served on the 2014 Newbery committee, which named the title Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures "the most distinguished contribution to children's literature." He has also served on ALSC’s Children and Technology committee, AASL’s Best Websites for Teachers and Learning, two readers’ choice award committees, the School Library Month Planning Committee, and the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature selection committee. 

Library Journal named him “The Xtreme Librarian” for the high level of exertion he uses to get kids reading, and Instructor Magazine named him a Cool Teacher for redefining what it means to be a teacher-librarian. He blogs daily at MrSchuReads.com. He also hosts the Scholastic Book Fairs web series "Mr. Schu Goes to the Book Fair" and co-edits the "Reader Leader" blog.

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For more information regarding this presentation, contact Chris Smith, Manager of Adult Programming for the library, at 504-889-8143 or wcsmith@jefferson.lib.la.us.

Louisiana Book News is written by award-winning author Chere Dastugue Coen, who writes Louisiana romances and mysteries under the pen name of Cherie Claire. Her first book in each series is FREE to download as an ebook, including "Emilie," book one of The Cajun Series, "Ticket to Paradise," book one of The Cajun Embassy series and "A Ghost of a Chance," the first Viola Valentine mystery.