Cicely Lewis

Oct 31, 2024 | slj.com | Cicely Lewis |Rachel Strolle |Amanda MacGregor |Kara Yorio

I’ll never forget when my colleague shared the news that she and her husband were adopting. They were overjoyed to welcome a young child into their home, and throughout their journey, I had the privilege of witnessing the power of this life-changing experience. November, as recognized by childwelfare.gov, is National Adoption Awareness Month, established to promote adoption from foster care and raise awareness of children and teens awaiting a home.

Aug 13, 2024 | slj.com | Cicely Lewis |Mary Russo |Laura Silver |Kara Yorio

If you missed Season 3, Episode 7 of Abbott Elementary, watch it right now and come back. Abbott has a school librarian. Let’s stop and dance right here!What a heartwarming story. Second-grade teacher Janine Teagues (Quinta Brunson) pilots a program to bring in a school librarian, Rosalyn Inez (Cree Summer). She’s wildly popular with kids, and the program is succeeding.

Mar 28, 2024 | slj.com | David Adler |Ava Yun Lin |Kelly Lyons |Cicely Lewis

When I was a young girl, the early readers we were given in elementary school were a step above picture books but fell short of the captivating narratives in chapter books. Their plots were  rudimentary, serving only to encourage reading proficiency. While they were undoubtedly helpful in that regard, I now realize they missed a golden opportunity to celebrate diversity and engage young minds in meaningful ways. Surveying early readers today, I am heartened to see a shift.

Feb 21, 2024 | slj.com | Cicely Lewis

My students loved The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, the beautiful story of two young souls who fall in love while grappling with terminal illness. Similarly popular was Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon, about a girl confined to her home due to severe allergies. These books were always in high demand at the library. Then a fellow librarian introduced me to the term “Sick Lit,” and I learned that stories about chronic pain and illness had their own category.

Oct 30, 2023 | slj.com | Mayra Cuevas |Cicely Lewis |Kara Yorio

Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour was more than a celebration of her music. Along with her killer dance moves, catch beats, and iconic outfits, she delivered a message that celebrates individuality, nonconformity, and empowerment. That message will resonate far and wide beginning December 1, when her concert film, Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé,hits theaters.