On the Shelf by Tara Michener: Property of the Rebel Librarian by Allison Varnes

What makes a good kid a good kid? 

In Property of the Rebel Librarian, June Harper is considered a good kid by many parents, educators, and most adults because of her propensity for obedience and having a clean record, never getting into any type of trouble. This all changes when her parents discover that she has a book in her possession that they consider too scary. When her parents find out the book came from her middle school the plot thickens and fast forwards into many layers that many people can relate to today. 

This book brings up the aforementioned question of what makes a good kid good? Does it mean that they are quiet? Does it mean that they are compliant? Does it mean that they don't speak up even when they want to be heard and create dialogue? 

June was faced with so many opinions, and all of this impacted her ability to participate in her favorite hobby...reading books. 

A love of literacy can teach us to think critically, to discern our own convictions, and to question. In this phenomenal book by Dr. Allison Varnes, we see the presenting problem begin with the "scary" book, but it does not end there. What can I tell you, Reader, without spoiling the plot? I can tell you that this is a must read. It describes the powerlessness that many young people feel when they cannot voice their concerns and choose their own books due to factors that may be arbitrary. 

This book creates the opportunity for discussion on who should decide what a child reads. I think it is timely, especially during Banned Book Week.      

Tara Michener is the author of six children's books that focus on self-esteem, diversity and anti-bullying. She is a TEDx speaker, therapist and owns her own private practice in Novi, MI. Tara has been recognized in publications such as Prevention Magazine, Essence Magazine, FREEP and more! She is the Committee Chair of E&I at SCBWI-MI. Her favorite days usually include spending time with her hubistrator, Jason, her son Cannon and her favorite snack Twizzlers and Diet Coke. You can follow her on Twitter @Taramichener. 

On the Shelf by Tara Michener: Say It Out Loud by Allison Varnes

Speak up. Use your words. Express yourself. 

These suggestions might sound easier than they are. This is especially true if you are a middle school student who has been bullied because the bullies believe that you told on them. This might be even harder if you try your best not to use your words very often because you stutter. 

Allison Varnes does a delightful job of taking us on a journey of a young girl, giving readers an inside look at what it is like when speech does not come easy. 

When we talk about the concept of windows and mirrors, we don’t always talk about talk. Talking is sometimes a privilege that is assumed. This book gives a really good glimpse of the pressure that a student can face when they are caught off guard and expected to speak or the shame that can threaten when there is a need for a teacher to assist. 

Say It Out Loud (Random House, 2021) covers the value in speaking up for others as well as understanding that we don’t all speak the same, but our words make the biggest difference. I implore you to not only get it for a person who loves middle grade lit but also for an educator who works with children. 

Tara Michener is the author of six children's books that focus on self-esteem, diversity and anti-bullying. She is a TEDx speaker, therapist and owns her own private practice in Novi, MI. Tara has been recognized in publications such as Prevention Magazine, Essence Magazine, FREEP and more! She is the Committee Chair of E&I at SCBWI-MI. Her favorite days usually include spending time with her hubistrator, Jason, her son Cannon and her favorite snack Twizzlers and Diet Coke. You can follow her on Twitter @Taramichener.