"Making the Match" by Teri S. Lesesne is a comprehensive guide that provides valuable insights and practical strategies for librarians and educators who aim to connect young readers with engaging and resonant books. Lesesne's extensive experience as an educator and literacy advocate is evident throughout the book, offering a wealth of knowledge on the book-matching process.
One of the standout features of this book is Lesesne's emphasis on understanding each individual reader's unique needs and preferences. She urges librarians and educators to move beyond generic recommendations and take the time to genuinely know their readers on a personal level. By providing detailed case studies and examples, Lesesne offers practical guidance on how to gather information about readers' interests, reading levels, and backgrounds, enabling better book suggestions.
Lesesne also highlights the significance of diverse representation in children's literature. She discusses the importance of including books that reflect the experiences, cultures, and identities of all readers, fostering a sense of visibility and validation. The author supplies useful resources and recommendations to support professionals in diversifying their book collections and making inclusive matches.
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Moreover, "Making the Match" addresses common challenges encountered during the book-matching process. Lesesne tackles issues like reluctant readers, boys' reading preferences, and accommodating advanced readers, providing actionable strategies applicable to various educational settings. The book also includes helpful lists and suggestions to expand readers' horizons, introducing them to new genres and authors.
Overall, Teri S. Lesesne's "Making the Match" is an invaluable resource for librarians and educators seeking to forge meaningful connections between young readers and books. Through personalized recommendations, diversity, and practical strategies, this book offers a comprehensive guide that empowers professionals to cultivate a lifelong love of reading in their students.
What are readers saying?
"Making the Match" by Teri S. Lesesne has received a mixed response from readers. The book aims to help readers choose books for young readers based on their interests and needs. While some reviewers found the book informative and helpful, others felt that it lacked practical examples and was too theoretical.
Many readers appreciated Teri S. Lesesne's expertise and valued her insights. They praised the book for emphasizing the importance of matching books to readers' interests and abilities. Readers found Lesesne's discussions on various genres and book recommendations to be useful in expanding their knowledge of children's literature.
However, some readers felt that the book lacked concrete examples and practical advice. They mentioned that while Lesesne provided a good theoretical foundation, they would have liked more detailed guidance on how to apply her suggestions in real-life situations. Several reviewers also wished for more specific book recommendations suitable for different age groups and reading levels.
Despite the mixed reviews, it is evident that "Making the Match" has its merits in terms of providing a theoretical understanding of selecting books for young readers based on their preferences. However, it may benefit from a more practical approach, including additional examples and specific book recommendations tailored to different age groups and reading abilities. Overall, readers seeking to deepen their understanding of matching books to young readers may find value in this book, even if it falls short in certain practical aspects.