Two authors take issue with our review of their resource book

D Is for Disagreement In rebuttal to the June 2008 review of our book A Is for Almanac: Complete Lessons to Teach the Use of Reference Sources in Grades K–6, we take issue with several of the reviewer's points. Firstly, formal assessments, in the form of rubrics, are included in all of the curricular units. Worksheets used for reference book lessons can be collected and scored if formal assessments are desired on individual lessons. As to the issue of the supposed lack of independent practice in some lessons, most library schedules do not allow enough time for independent practice. Independent practice is provided in the use of the reference games and in all of the curricular units. Differentiation of instruction is a matter between the classroom teacher and the local school librarian, depends on the needs of the individual students, and cannot be addressed in a general book. Accommodations for English Language Learners are included in the lessons by using many visual aids. The requirement to have 15 paperback copies of dictionaries, thesauri, almanacs, atlases, and two sets of encyclopedias is realistic for most school libraries. Using copied pages of reference books instead of the actual book severely compromises the learning experience. Reference materials are legitimate purchases under Title I programs. Keeping in mind that the intended students are K–6, we decided to limit Internet searches due to firewalls, filters, and time problems. As to the use of Wikipedia, we suggested it for schools that do not have subscriptions to online encyclopedias. We referred to James Giles's study that concluded that Wikipedia was accurate enough to be worth using. The June 2008 review of our book in the University of Iowa's College of Education's publication Remarkable Education states, "This truly useful resource will be a welcome addition to professional collections for elementary schools." Susan L. Garvin and Annie Weissman, authors Phoenix, AZ Our Reviewer Replies This is a book of lesson plans, and so the format needs to be scrutinized in the review. Where the authors introduce their format, they state: "The assessment is generally informal. The instructor circulates among the students and directly observes whether the students are able to complete the tasks or need reteaching." Unfortunately, in these days of assessment-driven NCLB and educational budget slashing, it behooves media specialists to include formal assessments as part of their lesson plans, if only for job security. Also, not having enough time is never an acceptable excuse. If there is no independent practice, then how are students going to learn to find information for themselves? The whole point of a school library program is to instill information skills that will serve children for the rest of their lives. It's all about independent practice. Obviously, differentiation of instruction depends on the needs of the individual students. But differentiation of instruction absolutely must be addressed in a professional book of lesson plans (not a "general book"). I never suggested that a librarian should use "copied pages of reference books." That would constitute a violation of copyright. But unless Arizona stands alone in having extraordinary funding for school libraries, no librarian worth her salt would spend her entire library budget on class sets of reference materials. And who would have space for them on their shelves? A better solution to this problem might be to purchase reference materials as e-books, which would allow unlimited access to students, but the authors did not mention this option. Finally, telling students that the information on Wikipedia can be added, amended, or edited by anyone with online access, as the authors suggest, while using it as an authoritative reference source is just plain confusing to elementary students. Jane Barrer, librarian PS/IS 111 Adolph S. Ochs School New York, NY Smart, Savvy Librarians I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed reading the two "Make It New" pieces in the July issue (pp. 38–42). I'm over-and-over-again amazed at the brilliant things librarians across the country are doing to adapt to the needs of communities and teens in the 21st century. They are some of the smartest and savviest leaders out there, period. The more you can do to put them up on pedestals the better! Tyler Reed, Scholastic Inc. New York, NY