Welcome to 548! 

Inclusivity Matrix: 

I use the inclusivity matrix below to help me AND to help you. The matrix helps me make sure that each reading/award list contains titles that vary in:

• Category (ex: fiction VS nonfiction)

• Format (ex: graphic novel vs novel in verse)

• Genre  (ex: fantasy, romance, sports)

• Representation (ex: disability, indigenous, LBGTQIA+) 

Additionally, because this course requires so much reading, I'm hopeful that the matrix will also help you make informed choices about the books you choose to read each week. Varying the format. genre. etc., will, hopefully, help you select an attainable reading list each week. 

Content/Trigger Warnings:

Because young adult literature seeks, in part, to help young people navigate a challenging world, many titles we read this term (and in this category in general) cover some tough topics. With that in mind, I encourage you to look after your own heart by previewing the books you reach each week, eliminating those that might prove triggering for you. The following resources might be helpful to you when scouting for potentially triggering content. 

• Storygraph

• Common Sense Media

• Good Reads

A word or two about audiobooks!

One of your award choices this semester is The Odyssey Award - which specifically honors audio books. If you choose to explore this award list, you will be required to listen to the audio version of the three titles you select from that list. However, you may also choose to listen to the audio versions of other titles you read this semester. I love audiobooks! Plus, research has confirmed that stories stimulate the brain in the same way, regardless of whether they're read or heard. So... audiobooks are always allowed in this class, with the following caveat: while publishers are releasing more and more graphic novels, and novels in verse, in audio format, my students have had mixed reviews in how these formats affect their own reading/listening experience. I encourage you to think deeply about yourself as a reader and consider which formats will help you not only tackle all the reading required for this course, but also do so in the way that will result in the most meaningful experience for you. In the end, all of the books you read for this course will be used to sharpen your programming/reader's advisory skills. With that goal in mind, it's important that you select the format that will best assist you in the work of connecting the readers you serve with the book they need most.