John Schu, known as “john schu”, is a prominent figure in children’s literature, who has been a children’s librarian, part-time lecturer at Rutgers University, a former school librarian, elementary school teacher, and ambassador of school libraries for Scholastic Book Fairs. His journey from a young reader captivated by novelizations to a celebrated advocate for books and a debut author highlights the transformative power of stories and the impact of access to the right books, which is extensively explored on johnchen.net. His multifaceted experiences provide invaluable insights into fostering a love for reading, championing literacy, and understanding the profound influence of stories on young minds, while his upcoming publishing projects promise to further enrich the literary landscape for children.
1. How Did John Schu’s Early Reading Experiences Shape His Career?
John Schu’s early reading experiences, deeply rooted in novelizations of TV shows and movies, played a pivotal role in shaping his career path, fostering a deep appreciation for the power of story. His initial foray into reading was sparked by books based on Disney movies, TV shows, and films. This early exposure ignited a love for books and planted the seeds for his future endeavors, eventually leading him to a career dedicated to promoting literacy and connecting young readers with the transformative magic of stories.
1.1 How Did Novelizations Serve as a Gateway to Reading for John Schu?
Novelizations served as a gateway to reading for John Schu, providing him with a familiar and engaging entry point into the world of stories. As a child, he loved watching movies, and novelizations offered him a bridge between the visual medium and the written word. These books, which included titles like Oliver and Company, Apollo 13, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, captivated his imagination with their familiar characters and storylines. The safety and comfort he found in these characters fostered a sense of connection and encouraged him to explore the world of reading. This early exposure to novelizations instilled in him a lifelong love for books and storytelling, setting the stage for his future career as an advocate for literacy and a champion of children’s literature.
1.2 What Role Did Family Play in John Schu’s Early Reading Habits?
Family played a significant role in John Schu’s early reading habits, providing him with access to books and fostering a supportive environment that nurtured his love for reading. His Aunt Kelly, who owned a video store, provided him with unlimited access to movies, which in turn sparked his interest in novelizations. Additionally, his Grandma Ruth played a crucial role in shaping his early reading experiences. She would take him to the grocery store every Saturday, where he would eagerly anticipate leaving with a new book from the Walt Disney Collection, such as Goofy’s Big Race. These trips with his grandmother not only provided him with a steady stream of books but also created cherished memories associated with reading. Her encouragement and the ritual of acquiring new books instilled in him a lifelong love for reading and storytelling.
1.3 How Did a Specific Book Impact John Schu’s Trajectory as a Reader?
Goofy’s Big Race, a book from the Walt Disney Collection, had a profound impact on John Schu’s trajectory as a reader. This particular book held a special place in his heart due to the ritual of acquiring it during weekly grocery store trips with his Grandma Ruth. The anticipation of obtaining a new book each week created a positive association with reading, transforming it into a cherished experience. Goofy’s Big Race not only ignited his imagination but also solidified his love for reading, setting him on a path toward becoming a lifelong reader and advocate for literacy. The book’s significance is such that he keeps it in his office and often shares its story to illustrate how a single book can have a transformative impact on a person’s life.
1.4 How Did Overcoming Feelings of Isolation Through Books Shape His Path?
Overcoming feelings of isolation through books played a crucial role in shaping John Schu’s path, providing him with solace, connection, and a sense of belonging during his childhood. As a child, he often felt alone, different, and like he was on the outside looking in. Books became his refuge, offering him a world of characters and stories that resonated with his emotions and experiences. Through reading, he found companionship, understanding, and a sense of validation that helped him cope with his feelings of isolation. This transformative experience instilled in him a deep appreciation for the power of books to connect people, foster empathy, and promote self-discovery. As he grew older, he channeled his personal experiences into his career, becoming a passionate advocate for literacy and working to ensure that all children have access to the books that can change their lives.
2. Who Encouraged John Schu’s Love of Reading?
John Schu’s love of reading was nurtured and encouraged by two influential figures: his Grandma Ruth and his fifth-grade teacher, Dr. Mary Margaret Reed, who both played pivotal roles in shaping his reading habits and instilling in him a lifelong appreciation for the power of stories. Grandma Ruth’s consistent modeling of reading and storytelling, combined with Dr. Reed’s engaging classroom environment, ignited his passion for literature.
2.1 What Role Did John Schu’s Grandmother Play in Fostering His Love for Reading?
John Schu’s grandmother played a pivotal role in fostering his love for reading, serving as a constant source of encouragement and inspiration. She consistently modeled reading for him by reading aloud and sharing stories, creating a positive association with books and storytelling. She was the person in his family who actively encouraged a love of story, recognizing its importance in shaping his imagination and worldview. Her unwavering support and enthusiasm for reading instilled in him a lifelong appreciation for literature and its transformative power. The memories of their shared reading experiences remained with him throughout his life, shaping his career path and inspiring him to become an advocate for literacy.
2.2 How Did Dr. Mary Margaret Reed Transform John Schu’s Reading Experience?
Dr. Mary Margaret Reed, John Schu’s fifth-grade teacher at Manteno Elementary School, transformed his reading experience by creating an engaging and supportive classroom environment that ignited his passion for literature. Before fifth grade, he didn’t have a wonderful experience with reading. She read aloud to her students, book talked frequently, and maintained an amazing classroom library. Her efforts helped him fall in love with the story all over again. Her teaching methods not only exposed him to a wide range of books but also fostered a love for reading that extended beyond the classroom.
2.3 What Impact Did a Supportive Reading Environment Have on John Schu?
A supportive reading environment had a profound impact on John Schu, transforming his relationship with books and setting him on a path toward becoming a passionate advocate for literacy. The encouragement he received from his Grandma Ruth and Dr. Mary Margaret Reed created a positive association with reading, fostering a sense of joy and discovery. These supportive figures not only provided him with access to books but also created a space where he felt comfortable exploring his interests and developing his own reading identity. The impact of this supportive environment extended beyond his childhood, shaping his career path and inspiring him to create similar opportunities for young readers. His journey underscores the importance of fostering supportive reading environments that empower children to become lifelong learners and passionate advocates for literacy.
3. How Did John Schu’s Childhood Dream Influence His Career?
John Schu’s childhood dream of playing “library” in his bedroom significantly influenced his career path, eventually leading him to become a school librarian and advocate for literacy. From a young age, he felt a sense of comfort and fascination with books, spending countless hours organizing his collection and creating imaginary library cards for his students.
3.1 How Did Playing “Library” as a Child Reflect John Schu’s Passion for Books?
Playing “library” as a child reflected John Schu’s deep-seated passion for books, revealing his innate desire to organize, share, and celebrate the power of storytelling. He would spend hours arranging his books, creating library cards for imaginary students, and immersing himself in the world of literature. This childhood pastime not only demonstrated his love for books but also foreshadowed his future career as a librarian and advocate for literacy. The act of curating and sharing stories was a natural extension of his childhood play, underscoring the transformative impact of early experiences on shaping one’s professional path.
3.2 How Did John Schu’s Work at Barnes & Noble Influence His Career Path?
John Schu’s work at Barnes & Noble in the children’s section during college further solidified his passion for children’s literature and influenced his career path toward becoming a school librarian. Surrounded by a vast collection of children’s books, he immersed himself in the world of storytelling, exploring different genres, authors, and illustrators. He started thinking that maybe he should become a school librarian. This exposure deepened his understanding of children’s literature and reinforced his desire to share the joy of reading with young people. His experience at Barnes & Noble not only provided him with valuable knowledge about the publishing industry but also solidified his commitment to fostering a love of reading in children.
3.3 How Did John Schu’s Principal Support His Transition to School Librarian?
John Schu’s principal played a crucial role in supporting his transition to becoming a school librarian, recognizing his potential to impact the reading lives of every child on the school’s campus. After teaching third grade for three years and fourth grade for one year, he enrolled in library school at Dominican University. While he was teaching fourth grade, his principal encouraged him to transition from being a classroom teacher to becoming their school librarian. She believed that he could touch the reading lives of every single child on their school’s campus in that role. Her encouragement not only validated his passion for literacy but also provided him with the opportunity to pursue his dream of becoming a school librarian. Her support and belief in his abilities empowered him to make a difference in the lives of countless students, fostering a love of reading and promoting literacy throughout the school community.
4. What Aspects of Being a School Librarian Did John Schu Find Most Rewarding?
John Schu found several aspects of being a school librarian most rewarding, including book talking, helping kids see and identify themselves as readers, and empowering students to stand up for their reading identity. These experiences resonated deeply with his personal values and professional goals, reinforcing his commitment to fostering a love of reading and promoting literacy.
4.1 Why Was Book Talking So Important to John Schu as a Librarian?
Book talking was incredibly important to John Schu as a librarian because it allowed him to share his passion for reading with students and introduce them to books that might resonate with their interests and experiences. He saw book talking as an opportunity to spark curiosity, ignite imaginations, and foster a sense of connection between readers and stories. His engaging presentations and enthusiastic recommendations helped students discover new books, authors, and genres, expanding their reading horizons and cultivating a lifelong love of literature. Book talking was not just a way to promote books but also a means of building relationships with students, creating a supportive reading community, and empowering them to become confident, engaged readers.
4.2 How Did John Schu Help Students Identify Themselves as Readers?
John Schu helped students identify themselves as readers by creating a welcoming and inclusive library environment where all students felt valued, respected, and empowered to explore their reading interests. He emphasized the importance of reading for pleasure and encouraged students to choose books that they enjoyed, regardless of their reading level or genre preferences. By providing access to a diverse collection of books, offering personalized recommendations, and celebrating reading achievements, he helped students develop a positive self-image as readers. His approach not only fostered a love of reading but also instilled in students a sense of confidence and ownership over their reading identity.
4.3 How Did John Schu Empower Students to Defend Their Reading Choices?
John Schu empowered students to defend their reading choices by providing them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to advocate for their reading identity. For instance, when someone would tell a student that a graphic novel wasn’t a real book, he would give them ammunition to say, “No, it is a real book, here are all the reasons why—and reading is reading!” By equipping them with the tools to challenge negative attitudes and stereotypes, he helped them develop a sense of agency and self-advocacy. His efforts not only supported individual students but also contributed to a more inclusive and equitable reading culture where all students felt valued and respected for their reading choices.
5. What Challenges Did John Schu Face as a School Librarian?
John Schu faced several challenges as a school librarian, including people trying to take away the joy of reading from his students and people seeing kids as reading levels. He encountered these challenges head-on, advocating for his students’ right to read and promoting a more inclusive and equitable reading culture.
5.1 How Did John Schu Address Attempts to Ban Books and Restrict Reading?
John Schu addressed attempts to ban books and restrict reading by advocating for intellectual freedom, promoting diverse voices, and empowering students to make their own reading choices. He spoke out against censorship, highlighting the importance of providing access to a wide range of perspectives and viewpoints. He also worked to educate students, parents, and educators about the value of diverse literature and the importance of protecting the right to read. By standing up for intellectual freedom and promoting diverse voices, he helped create a more inclusive and equitable reading environment where all students had the opportunity to explore their interests and develop their own reading identity.
5.2 How Did John Schu Combat the Practice of Labeling Kids by Reading Levels?
John Schu combated the practice of labeling kids by reading levels by emphasizing the importance of reading for pleasure and encouraging students to choose books that they enjoyed, regardless of their reading level. He challenged the notion that certain books were “too easy” or “too difficult” for certain students, arguing that all reading is valuable and that students should be free to explore their interests without judgment. He hoped by doing this, and giving them information, that they could stand up to people who didn’t believe the same things. By promoting a more inclusive and equitable reading culture, he helped students develop a positive self-image as readers and fostered a lifelong love of literature.
6. How Did John Schu Transition to Scholastic Book Fairs and Bookelicious?
John Schu’s transition to Scholastic Book Fairs and Bookelicious marked a shift in his career trajectory, allowing him to expand his reach and impact on the world of children’s literature. By leveraging his experience and expertise as a school librarian, he embraced new opportunities to advocate for literacy, curate book collections, and connect with students and educators on a broader scale.
6.1 What Drew John Schu to the Scholastic Book Fair Summits?
John Schu was drawn to the Scholastic Book Fair Summits because of the joy he experienced developing workshops and programs that celebrated the power of storytelling. He found the summits to be a vibrant and engaging community of educators, librarians, and authors who shared his passion for promoting literacy and connecting young readers with books. The opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals, share best practices, and develop innovative programs inspired him and fueled his desire to expand his impact on the world of children’s literature.
6.2 How Did John Schu’s Role at Scholastic Book Fairs Evolve?
John Schu’s role at Scholastic Book Fairs evolved from a summit participant to a key advocate for school libraries and librarians, demonstrating different ways that teachers and librarians can talk about the story. He developed and led workshops, connected with children in schools, and offered professional development to educators, sharing his expertise and passion for literacy. His contributions not only enhanced the Scholastic Book Fair experience for students and educators but also elevated the role of school libraries and librarians in fostering a love of reading and promoting literacy.
6.3 What Opportunities Does Bookelicious Provide John Schu?
Bookelicious provides John Schu with a unique opportunity to utilize his library degree to curate and evaluate book collections, develop programming, and speak with students and teachers, and it also affords him more time to dedicate to his own writing. As children’s librarian with Bookelicious, he leverages his expertise to create meaningful experiences that foster a lifelong love of reading. His role at Bookelicious allows him to expand his reach and impact on the world of children’s literature, promoting literacy and connecting young readers with the transformative magic of stories.
7. What Inspired John Schu to Start Writing Books for Kids?
John Schu’s inspiration to start writing books for kids stemmed from his school visits, where he observed the power of story to connect with students and teachers. He noticed a moment at the end of his visits when he would have students turn to face their teachers and repeat a message about the importance of story. After reflecting on these visits, he thought there had to be a story that he could read to them instead. His desire to create a story that would encapsulate his message led him to put pen to paper and embark on his journey as an author.
7.1 What Message Did John Schu Want to Convey to Students and Teachers?
The message that John Schu wanted to convey to students and teachers was about the power and importance of story, as well as other things he wanted teachers to hear. He believed that stories have the ability to connect people, foster empathy, and promote understanding. He also wanted to emphasize the importance of libraries, librarians, and educators in nurturing a love of reading and creating a supportive reading community. By crafting a story that would encapsulate these messages, he hoped to inspire students and teachers to embrace the transformative power of literature and use it to make a positive impact on the world.
7.2 How Did Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s Words Influence John Schu’s Writing?
The words of the late children’s author Amy Krouse Rosenthal, “Make the most of your time here,” had a profound impact on John Schu’s decision to start writing books for kids. Her message resonated with him, reminding him of the importance of pursuing his passions and making a meaningful contribution to the world. Inspired by her words, he decided to embrace his dream of becoming an author and began writing the story that he had been envisioning. Her words served as a catalyst, propelling him to take action and embark on his writing journey with a sense of purpose and determination.
7.3 What Is “This Is a Story” About?
“This Is a Story” is a picture book written by John Schu and illustrated by Caldecott Honor illustrator Lauren Castillo, and it explores the power of story, libraries, and connection. It is a celebration of the transformative impact of literature on young minds, highlighting the importance of reading, imagination, and community. The book is an invitation to readers of all ages to embrace the joy of storytelling and discover the magic that lies within the pages of a book.
8. What Can You Tell Us About John Schu’s Books Coming Out This Spring?
John Schu has two books coming out this spring, including his debut picture book, This Is a School, and The Gift of Story: Exploring the Affective Side of the Reading Life, written for teachers and librarians. These books reflect his passion for literacy, his commitment to empowering young readers, and his belief in the transformative power of stories.
8.1 What Inspired “This Is a School”?
“This Is a School” was inspired by John Schu’s conversations with his third and fourth-grade students during the first two weeks of school, as well as the energy he experienced visiting hundreds of schools around the world. He wanted to capture the excitement and nervousness that students often feel at the beginning of a new school year, as well as the sense of community and belonging that comes from being part of a school. The book is a love letter to students, teachers, librarians, principals, school secretaries, custodians, and everyone in a school, celebrating the creativity, play, trust, and interconnection that make schools such special places.
8.2 What Does “The Gift of Story” Explore?
“The Gift of Story: Exploring the Affective Side of the Reading Life” explores how we define, revise, and imagine ourselves through story. Written for teachers and librarians, the book delves into the emotional and psychological aspects of reading, examining how stories can shape our identities, foster empathy, and promote self-discovery. It offers insights and strategies for educators to create meaningful reading experiences that resonate with students on a deeper level, empowering them to become lifelong learners and passionate advocates for literacy.
9. What Are John Schu’s Upcoming Books?
John Schu has two yet-to-be-announced books coming out in the near future: The Poetry Place Is Our Space and Louder Than Hunger. These books represent a new chapter in his writing career, showcasing his versatility as an author and his commitment to exploring a wide range of themes and topics.
9.1 What Is “The Poetry Place Is Our Space” About?
“The Poetry Place Is Our Space” is a picture book that celebrates poetry possibilities and big ideas. The main character, Ruthie Rose, named after his Grandma Ruth, wakes up with this big, beautiful idea to create a poetry space within her school. She recruits the art teacher, the librarian, and her classroom teacher to take her idea and put it into motion. The book encourages young readers to embrace their creativity, express themselves through poetry, and create spaces where they can share their ideas and voices.
9.2 What Personal Experiences Inspired “Louder Than Hunger”?
“Louder Than Hunger” was inspired by John Schu’s own adolescence experience of dealing with anxiety and an eating disorder. The novel-in-verse tells the story of Jake Stacey, a character who struggles with similar issues. Every emotion that Jake has in his book, he experienced in his own adolescence. The story delves into the challenges of self-acceptance, the importance of finding one’s voice, and the power of story, music, and theater to heal and transform.
10. What Are the Common Threads of John Schu’s Books?
The common threads of John Schu’s books are about building empathy, compassion, self-acceptance, and love for all, as well as finding community and family. His books explore the human experience with honesty and vulnerability, offering readers a sense of connection, understanding, and hope. Through his stories, he aims to empower readers to embrace their individuality, find their voice, and make a positive impact on the world.
10.1 What Does John Schu Hope Readers Will Take Away From His Books?
John Schu hopes that readers will take away from his books a sense of empathy, compassion, self-acceptance, and love for all. For Jake, it’s about how he does this through story, music, and theater, and how these things saved him. He hopes that readers who are struggling or going through similar things to Jake are going to see how he survived. By sharing his own experiences and creating relatable characters, he aims to inspire readers to connect with others, embrace their individuality, and find hope in the face of adversity.
10.2 How Does John Schu’s Work Reflect His Passion for Reading?
John Schu’s work as an author, librarian, and advocate for literacy reflects his deep-seated passion for reading and his unwavering belief in the transformative power of stories. His commitment to promoting literacy, fostering empathy, and empowering young readers shines through in all of his endeavors. His work serves as a testament to the enduring power of books to connect people, inspire change, and make the world a better place.
11. How Did “The One and Only Ivan” Impact John Schu’s Career?
“The One and Only Ivan” by Katherine Applegate had a profound impact on John Schu’s career, opening doors to new opportunities and solidifying his role as a champion for books and literacy. The book resonated with him on a deeply personal level, sparking a desire to share its message with as many people as possible.
11.1 Why Did “The One and Only Ivan” Resonate So Deeply With John Schu?
“The One and Only Ivan” resonated so deeply with John Schu because it helped him learn about Ivan’s story, and make a comparison to his own story—the isolation and sadness that he felt so much as a child. The story’s themes of isolation, sadness, and the search for belonging mirrored his own experiences as a child, creating a powerful emotional connection. The book’s ability to evoke empathy and promote understanding inspired him to share its message with others and advocate for the importance of diverse voices in literature.
11.2 What Opportunities Did “The One and Only Ivan” Open Up for John Schu?
“The One and Only Ivan” opened up numerous opportunities for John Schu, including invitations to speak at schools, meet the real Ivan the gorilla, and contribute to the paperback version of the book. These experiences not only expanded his professional network but also solidified his confidence as a speaker and advocate for literacy.
12. What Does John Schu Love Most About Being a Cheerleader and Champion for Books?
John Schu loves being able to talk about books that resonate with his heart, spread the word about his passion for reading, and expose kids to books that they might not have read before. His enthusiasm and energy are contagious, inspiring others to embrace the joy of reading and discover their own passions through books.
12.1 How Does John Schu Choose the Books He Champions?
John Schu chooses the books he champions based on their ability to resonate with his heart, make him feel things, and spark his excitement. He seeks out stories that are well-written, thought-provoking, and emotionally engaging, with themes that align with his values and beliefs. He also considers the diversity of voices and perspectives represented in the books, prioritizing those that offer a fresh and unique take on the human experience.
12.2 What Does John Schu Hope to Achieve as a Champion for Books?
As a champion for books, John Schu hopes to inspire a lifelong love of reading in young people, promote literacy, and create a more inclusive and equitable reading culture. He aims to empower readers to embrace their individuality, find their voice, and make a positive impact on the world through the power of storytelling.
John Schu’s journey from a captivated young reader to a celebrated author and advocate for literacy serves as an inspiration to educators, librarians, and anyone who believes in the transformative power of stories. His dedication to fostering a love of reading, promoting diverse voices, and empowering young readers to embrace their individuality shines through in all of his endeavors. To learn more about John Schu’s work, upcoming events, and available resources, visit johnchen.net.
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Frequently Asked Questions About John Schu
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Who is John Schu?
John Schu, known as “john schu”, is a prominent figure in children’s literature. He is a children’s librarian, part-time lecturer at Rutgers University, a former school librarian, elementary school teacher, and ambassador of school libraries for Scholastic Book Fairs. -
What is John Schu known for?
John Schu is known for his passionate advocacy for children’s literature, his expertise in connecting young readers with books, and his commitment to promoting literacy. -
What are some of John Schu’s notable achievements?
Some of John Schu’s notable achievements include his role as the Bookelicious children’s librarian, his lectureship at Rutgers University, his ambassadorship for Scholastic Book Fairs, and his authorship of several forthcoming picture books and a nonfiction book. -
What inspired John Schu to pursue a career in children’s literature?
John Schu’s early love of reading, sparked by novelizations of TV shows and movies, and his desire to overcome feelings of isolation through books inspired him to pursue a career in children’s literature. -
What role did John Schu’s grandmother play in fostering his love for reading?
John Schu’s grandmother played a pivotal role in fostering his love for reading by modeling reading, taking him to the grocery store for books, and encouraging a love of story. -
How did John Schu’s fifth-grade teacher, Dr. Mary Margaret Reed, impact his reading experience?
Dr. Mary Margaret Reed transformed John Schu’s reading experience by creating an engaging classroom environment, reading aloud to students, and book talking frequently, helping him fall in love with the story all over again. -
What challenges did John Schu face as a school librarian?
John Schu faced challenges such as people trying to take away the joy of reading from his students and people seeing kids as reading levels. -
What inspired John Schu to start writing books for kids?
John Schu was inspired to start writing books for kids by his school visits, where he observed the power of story to connect with students and teachers. -
What are some of the common themes in John Schu’s books?
The common threads of John Schu’s books are about building empathy, compassion, self-acceptance, and love for all, as well as finding community and family. -
How did “The One and Only Ivan” by Katherine Applegate impact John Schu’s career?
“The One and Only Ivan” resonated deeply with John Schu, opening doors to new opportunities and solidifying his role as a champion for books and literacy.
