What is a Book Blessing?

Literacy expert Linda Gambrell originated the concept of blessing books. I have used this strategy in the classroom with my students and in professional learning with adults. The simple purpose is to motivate others to read the text.

For example, immediately before releasing students to independent reading, I would select a book from the classroom library, give a brief book talk, read aloud one of my favorite parts of the book to whet their appetites, and encourage them to read it if interested. I would place all blessed books on my whiteboard ledge and students were invited to browse. They were also invited to bless books and write reviews sharing the why behind their blessing.

In professional learning sessions, I would bless a plethora of professional texts and allow adults to peruse. Sometimes, I would give them the books they selected, often needing to order more copies. Other times, I would use this pedagogical strategy as a first step in allowing teachers, principals, and instructional coaches to engage with texts prior to launching professional book study groups.

When books are blessed they are recognized as winners that are worthy of your time. This strategy is a great tool for building a collaborative reading and writing community.

How Do Books Make the List?

Each Friday, we will give our blessing to a professional book that meets most, if not all, of the following criteria:

• Well – written by credible authors, many of whom are celebrated scholar-practitioners in the education field;
• Contains both research and practice points;
• Provides references to other winning texts;
• Inspires change in reader mindset and actions;
• Sparks critical and creative thinking that leads to crucial conversations about public school reform;
• Student-centered;
• Speaks to the power and how-to of creating a positive school culture and climate;
• Conveys innovative and practical ideas that have the potential to directly impact school growth and performance data;
• Challenges assumptions, generalizations, and biases;
• Influences both implementation and de-implementation thinking;
• Can serve as a mentor text for school leadership team design work; and
• Promotes risk-taking and change with student and teacher voice at the core.

We bless professional books that are hard to put down. You might pull a few all-nighters with highlighters, pens, and post-its as your bedfellows. We have read these books and used them in our practice. We love them!

Scoring Approach

Let’s further specify our criteria to ensure we have a reliable approach to comparing the texts. We want everyone in our community to understand why a book received its score. Our scores are not solely subjective. They are criterion-based, considering factors such as literary merit, reader impact, and professional usability.

Defined Scale for Individual Criterion

0-2 = Poor

3 – 5 = Adequate

6 – 8 = Strong

9 – 10 = Exceptional

Rating Bands ( Note well! All TUECE blessed books will fall within the first two ratings: Distinguished or Exceptional. However, TEUCE will also use this system to review new book releases and books new to our team. Moreover, the criteria, scale and rating bands will be used for reviews written in our teacher and student newsletters).

Overall Score	Heart Rating	Professional Meaning
100 – 90	Distinguished	Landmark Work Must – Read
89 – 80	1/2 Exceptional	Highly Recommended
79 – 70	Good	Recommended
69 – 60	1/2 Subpar	Worthwhile But Limited, Somewhat Recommended
59 – 50	Poor	Noticeable Weaknesses, Not Recommended
Below 50	or less Not Worth Your Time	Don’t Waste Your Time or Money, Not Recommended

What We Ask of You!

• Purchase or borrow the recommended texts and post your rating and comments to the community.
• Share ways you have used the book in the comments.
• Use book blessings in your classroom or professional learning work. Share your work in the comments.
• Recommend your favorite texts for a TUECE fresh lens review.
• Start a book club in your school or district.
• Enjoy reading!