Making a Difference Through Blogging About Children's Books

Colleen Mondor has a post today about her desire to make a difference with what she does, in light of big-picture things going on in the world. I started to comment about this at her site, and my thoughts rapidly grew to the point where I needed a separate post for them. This concept of making a difference is why, no matter how busy I get, I still try to at least do the children's literacy and reading advocacy posts on my blog. It's also why I try to read and review books for all age levels, even though it would simplify my own life if I picked an age range, and focused on that. I truly feel that if, in my small way, I can help people to help the kids that they know to love books, I'm helping them to change the world in a tiny but positive way.

This will not, of course, directly lead to world peace or end world hunger. However, every kid who learns to love books will have that more of an opportunity to do well in school, to learn more, and to be more successful in life (in whatever way he or she ends up defining success). And once you have those kids growing up to make a difference, well, there's no end in sight.

It's because I believe this so strongly that I'm able to justify spending the time that I spend on my blog (and trust me, it's a lot of time). Sure, I enjoy the books (I have always loved reading children's and young adult books). I love talking about books with like-minded people - this makes me feel connected and validated. But for me personally, it's the higher calling about helping people to encourage kids to love books that has me prioritizing my blogging time. This is why I stay up until midnight scouring blog posts, and work on my literacy round-ups when I should be making dinner. [And I'm not at all saying that everyone needs to have a higher purpose about it - blogging is fun and rewarding in and of itself. This is just how it is for me.]

Am I fooling myself? Am I creating this higher purpose to justify spending time on something that I want to spend time on anyway (I mean, making dinner has never been a big joy for me)? Maybe sometimes, but I really don't think so overall. I get emotional when I think about kids and reading. When I talk about this with people, I'm passionate about it (to the point of being annoying). I've always, dating back to long before I started my blog, wanted to spend time reading with my friends' children  (I would frequently choose that over adult conversation, even with close friends). I've always bought books for kids, and donated them to organizations that give books to kids. This is my thing. This is what lights me up.

What I think I need to do now is take another look at my blog, and how I can focus my time better to support my goal. [I've been partly inspired by Kelly Herold on this, too]. I would welcome feedback and suggestions from parents and teachers and librarians - the people who interact directly with kids. Because you've the ones who really have an impact. I'm just here, trying to shine a little light on some great books and some worthy literacy and reading efforts. Because, like Colleen said, even if it's a small thing, I think that's something good to do. Thanks for listening.

© 2009 by Jennifer Robinson of Jen Robinson's Book Page. All rights reserved.

Comments

[Jules]

Focusing my time better is something I also need to reeeeeally figure out. I'm also feeling out of balance (and it's not at all 'cause of Robert's Snow -- I felt this way before that). I wish I had answers for you; all I can say is that I love what you do, particularly your strong focus on literacy issues.

Are you wanting to change something? I have considered focusing on one age range as well (picture books), but then when, say, volume II of Octavian comes out, I'm not going to be able to stand not talking about it.

I'm rambling. Good luck! You do good work. That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it.

[Jen Robinson]

Thanks, Jules! Your comments help a lot. It's good to hear positive feedback about the literacy stuff - that it's not just me putting out content that no one is interested in. It's not so much that I'm looking for big changes, but I am looking for more time to read and review books, and it's not clear where that time is going to come from. I think I'm going to need to simplify a bit in other areas, to give myself more time to read and review, and that I'll feel more balanced then. But I'm also mulling over structural things that I might do to make the blog more useful to people like parents.... But here we start to run into time issues again. Oh well, thanks for making me feel that I'm far from alone.

[Cheryl Rainfield]

Jen, I really believe that in helping children find good books, we are helping them, and helping to make a difference. I believe that so deeply because I know it was true for me.

I went through pretty horrific abuse as a child, and a BIG part of what helped me survive was books. I read constantly. Realistic books with emotion, that helped me know that I wasn't alone, even though none of them talked about what I was going through specifically, and fantasy books, that helped me escape into my imagination and helped me dream. And so many more books, that showed me what kind parents could actually be like. In some ways, I think books helped keep me alive. And books helped me see, too, that people could be kind.

So I know books can make a huge difference in a child's life. I know you're doing good, important things with this blog, from my experience as a child. I know you're making a difference. And I don't think that difference is small.

[Jen Robinson]

Wow, Cheryl. Thanks for sharing that! I get so wrapped up in the learning side of books - how they help with vocabulary and learning and math skills and all of that, and just the fun of books, that I sometimes lose sight of the lifeline that books can be for kids in tough situations. I do think that this is INCREDIBLY important. That's one reason why I try to review books about kids in abusive situations, and kids who are gay, and so on. I think that kids should be able to find situations in books that mirror theirs, as well as situations that offer hope. Thank you so much for putting yourself out there to remind me of this. I'm sorry that those things happened to you, but I am glad that you always had books. And I enjoy our chats.

[Cheryl Rainfield]

Thank you, Jen, for your lovely words back.

I am *so* glad that you review books with kids in abusive situations, kids that are gay, all the kinds of situations that can be so incredibly painful or isolating if you're alone, but can help so much if you find a good book that lets you know--lets that kid know--that they're not alone.

I know I would have found your blog a treasure, a gateway to freedom, when i was a kid/teen. It's people like you who can help make a difference in many kids lives, by letting them know about the books that are out there that will speak to them.

I really enjoy our chats, too. :)

[La Liseuse]

Jen,
As a children's librarian, I buy the books that go onto the library's shelves. I no longer work at the children's desk, so I don't see those books in the children's hands often anymore. But with each book I select, I try to focus on the hope that it will get into the "right child's hand at the right time."

I have been following the kidlit bloggers for the past six months or so and your blog has become one of the "must reads" for me. You are providing a service of capsulizing the literacy world for those of us who don't have the time to do so and yet need to hear what's going on out there. And, like my job, you may not see the end result of the book in the child's hands, but you are a vital part of the chain.

Please keep up the good work!

La Liseuse
Shawn Sipe

P.S. I have decided to start a blog so I can help with the Cybils in the future and hopefully bring my experience with children's nonfiction to the online conversation.

[Liz in Ink]

Are we allowed to say that everything you do is awesome? I mean, it's true. But maybe not very helpful. Here's what I know -- I'd miss a HEAP of news regarding children's literature in the world if it weren't for your roundups because I just can't even fathom doing the careful kind of comb-through that you apparently do. And then I follow your links and the next thing you know I'm thinking about how nobody's depicting women scientists in children's books. Things like that. Your blog is edifying and smart and conversational and friendly and I really, really, really like what you do. Allllll that said, I'm always in favor of people speaking up and saying very careful no thankyous to too much anything. 'K?

[Kelly]

Hi Jen:

It's priorities day!

I find your reviews (always well written, always straightforward) extremely helpful. And, I trust you as a reviewer. So, you have to make time for reading and reviewing.

I also find your literacy roundups invaluable. No one else does these, and the focus is important.

A combination of these two things makes your blog the invaluable resource it is. And, if you can find a way to get these two things out to a wider readership, I'd say you're golden and accomplishing your ultimate goal.

While I enjoy your Sunday afternoon visits around the kidlitosphere, I don't think they work towards the same goal.

[LIbby]

Jen, you and Kelly have both made me think a lot as well about blogging and its purpose(s). Thanks for what you do here--you're working a very different corner of the kidlit world than I am, and I'm grateful for what you do. I think it's important and I'm glad the commenters above agree. Cheers!

[Jen Robinson]

See, this is the other reason that I keep blogging. You all are so wonderful. Thanks so much for the thoughtful feedback! You really do make me feel like what I'm doing makes a difference, and that helps me to stay motivated when things get hectic.

Shawn, you are exactly the kind of person that I'm hoping to reach with what I'm doing. I can't tell you how much it means to have you say that it's helping. And I look forward to reading your new blog. I'm delighted that the Cybils have had the pleasant side-effect of encouraging people who love children's books, especially people with a specific interest, like yours in non-fiction, to start blogs.

Liz, you have to stop. You're making me blush. But seriously, I appreciate the feedback. The problem for me is that I enjoy all of the things that I'm doing (well, most of them...), but with a full-time job, there are only so many hours in the day.

Kelly, I appreciate how specific your feedback is. I'm not surprised, because I think we're coming at this issue from a similar perspective. You're absolutely right that I need to make the time to write more reviews. And of course I'll keep up the literacy round-ups - those for me are what Poetry Friday is for you - non-negotiable. The Sunday Visits, yes, I've been struggling with those a bit, because I agree that they don't help my larger goal. They're a nice service to provide for people who read the blogs, but don't have time to read all of the blogs (I mean, who does?), and they are very fun to do, but they aren't really helping to put the right books into the hands of the right kid. I think I might have to focus those more exclusively on rounding up posts about encouraging readers, useful book lists, and things like that.

And Libby, glad if Kelly and I have helped in any way, as we've simultaneously gone public with our blog focus angst (there's a phrase that's not going to make it into common use). Thanks so much for the encouragement!

Whew, that's a whole post in one comment. If anyone is actually reading this far, I'm impressed.

[Kelly]

I'm still reading! This has been an interesting discussion. I'm headed over to see if LIbby has posted anything yet...

[LIbby]

Ha! Kelly, I haven't managed it--but I got a lot of work done today. Maybe tomorrow!

[Nan]

I wish so much there were blogs when my kids were little. At that time I was reading every book I could find that reviewed specific books and authors for children, plus Horn Book, and even Publishers Weekly. It would have been so nice to stop by here and get a suggestion to read that very day to my children! I'm sure there are many moms of young children out there doing this very thing. And even though my kids are grown now, I still like to know what's going on in the kid lit world and here's where I'll find out. Thank you so much for all the time you put in.

[Stacy]

Jen: I love the literacy round-ups on your page. After the kidlit con I presented a blogiography to my teachers, and there was much interest in that aspect of your blog. JRBP is a daily read for me, and for many of my teachers too. Thanks for taking all the time that you do on this!

[Jen Robinson]

Thanks so much, Nan and Stacy!

Nan, that is exactly what I'm hoping for - that people will stop by and get a recommendation for a neat book for their kids. I'm working on a weekly blog summary via email newsletter that will have the literacy news and book reviews, and I'm hoping that this will be helpful for parents, too (anything that saves time is good, right?). Thanks for the validation.

And, Stacy, thanks so much for telling your teachers about my blog. Just knowing that you and they are out there reading will help keep me focused on this literacy / reading / love of books side of things. Which is what I love anyway, so that works out. It's just amazing how easy it is to get distracted by some of the other fun things (and I think that's ok in small doses, but it's good to step back and focus once in a while). So, thanks!

Also, for anyone who's interested, Libby has weighed in with her thoughts on this question. You can find her post here. Did you know that there's a niche out there for "fantasy literature and faith"? Check out her comments.

[cloudscome]

You keep that little light shining girl!! I am inspired by you, I am learning from you and I depend on you for your reviews, your round ups and everything else you do here. You are making a difference in the world! Keep on!

[Susan T.]

Your passion for reading and literacy and your deep respect for children shine through all the time, Jen. Keep spreading the word!

[Anne]

Hey Jen, I've got your back, no matter what you decide.

But if less of you blogging means more oomph to what you do post, I say go for it.

One of the reasons I gave my big hoo-ha presentation on quality reviewing at the blogging conference is that I see a lot people racing to get something in every day on every topic.

How is that sane? How is that conducive to a happy, balanced life and a sense of accomplishment? You're always chasing everyone else's blog. Who wins such a race?

I'm with Kelly when she says to jettison anything that doesn't serve your core mission. It sounds like you're on that path anyway.

Plus, I bet your adorable hubby will enjoy seeing you every now and then. Though you may have to reintroduce yourselves. :-)

[Jen Robinson]

Thanks for the support, cloudscome and Susan! I especially liked what Susan said about "deep respect for children" showing in the blog - what a nice thing. And Andi, how could I not keep on, with encouragement (and exclamation points) like yours.

Anne, I'm glad that you have my back. Of course, you're partly keeping me from writing reviews, you know. Ever since your presentation I've been afraid to write bad reviews, so I haven't been writing them at all. OK, no, that's a huge exaggeration. But it is true that what keeps me from jotting off quick reviews is wanting the reviews to be good and lasting and helpful to the people who visit the blog. And if I have to jettison some other things to make time for that, I think that it's worth it. Thanks for the feedback!

And yes, having some more personal time would be nice, too.

[Joyful Days]

Jen, I usually lurk, but you DO make a difference to parents like me!

I haven't seen you do the bloggy awards thing, but I passed the Community Blogger award onto you. Don't feel like you need to to anything with it, other than know you reach a lot of children & their parents.

Julie

[Jen Robinson]

Thanks so much, Julie! I don't think that my refocusing efforts are going to include a lot of blog awards (or memes), but it means a lot to me to know that I'm helping parents like you. Many, many thanks!

[Kelley]

Hi Jen!

I think you provide tremendous support for those who are working directly with children. I scour your blog posts and share the most applicable information for the children's librarians I serve every week. I know many of your posts have helped them choose better books and meet the needs of their readers on many occasions. Additionally, many of your posts have ignited some great conversations between my librarians and myself about collection development theory and other bigger-picture issues we aren't pushed often enough to consider. So, onward, Jen! Oh, and I'm presenting at NCTE in 2 weeks and am hoping to catch a glimpse of you! You're one of my blogging heroes!

[Jen Robinson]

Thanks so much for your comments, Kelley! They really made my day. It is so wonderful to hear that what I'm doing is helping you and your librarians in a tangible way - that's the kind of feedback that keeps me going.

And I hope that we'll have a chance to meet at NCTE. I have yet to look through the conference schedule in detail, but even a quick look reveals tons of great stuff.

Thanks again!