Happy Birthday, Mr. Schu!

Sometimes people ask me how I know which books to buy for our library. There's a long answer and a short answer. 

The long answer is that I read many book review journals, children's literature blogs, and bestseller lists.

The short answer is that I listen to Mr. Schu. 

John Schumacher, affectionately known as "Mr. Schu" by his students and fellow librarians, has a sixth sense about books and children. He knows what they like and what will turn them on to reading. When he recommends a book, I know it will be a winner for our library, too.

To celebrate his birthday today, I pulled out some books that Mr. Schu has recommended over the almost-three years I've "known" him on twitter.

Happy Birthday, Mr. Schu! Thank you for your boundless energy, enthusiasm, and generous spirit*. You've helped make our library a favorite place in our school.

Grade 5 students with some of Mr. Schu's favorite books

He's so generous, he's giving away books on his own birthday! Enter here.

And in case you have any doubt about exactly how famous this rock star librarian is, here's the "Happy Birthday" video some of his famous author and illustrator friends made for him last year.