The School Librarian’s Compass: Stories and Reflections to Help You Find Your Way

A particular little book, which the author calls a “book of school library stories...a resource for fostering professional empathy and self-reflection.” Its structure is unique: each of the five chapters contains six stories featuring a challenging moment or opportunity. Half of the stories contain a resolution, and half are open-ended. It is difficult to classify this book, as it is neither a guide nor a handbook. Morris’s approach is to teach through storytelling, and this volume is meant to be read holistically, not dipped into at the point of need. Annotated resource lists in each chapter and appendices, such as “Library Stories IRL: School Librarians Recount Pivot Points,” provide a thorough map for further professional development. This book is sufficiently detailed but does not include a discrete chapter on book challenges and censorship.