Not just another author study

Using picture books by Mac Barnett to unlock reading buzzwords

If you are an elementary school librarian, you have probably done an author study unit. Many. They are easy to plan, fun to implement, and typically lead to a circulation boost for that author’s work for a good long while.

This spring, I did a media literacy unit with my fifth graders (which was fine — the new Common Sense Media lessons are solid). But when we came back from spring break, I knew we needed something to jolt us back into having a really great time with books. My remedy? I reached for an author who takes big creative swings, often leaving expansive space for the kids to get in on the storytelling: Mac Barnett. (Note, I happened to be in the midst of this unit when all hell broke loose regarding Mac’s first book for grown-ups. Continuing to read his work out loud with kids each day was a balm.)

When I announced our author study, the room burst into applause. See, I did a Mac study with these same kids back when they were in third grade. My readers adore Mac books.

But I was curious: what would happen if we revisited an author already known and loved from a new developmental viewpoint? And could our conversations drive my readers into more vibrant, empowered reading lives? (Spoiler: YES!)

Let’s get into the details.