Lead with Literacy: A Pirate Leader's Guide to Developing a Culture of Readers

by Mandy Ellis

Readers are leaders. Leaders are readers.Literacy impacts every aspect of life—from schoolwork and test scores to the way we relate to others and to the career paths we and our students pursue. But learning to read—and teaching students to read—isn’t always easy, which is why the most important tenet of developing a culture of reading in your school is to foster a love of reading.In Lead with Literacy, educator and elementary school principal Mandy Ellis offers practical, immediately actionable, fun ideas and strategies that will deeply embed books, reading, and literacy into your school culture. You’ll learn . . .Who should decide which books students should be readingWhat it takes to create a culture of readingWhere books can and should be found in your schoolWhy books need to come with a “no strings attached” policyHow to lead the way by sharing what you are reading now Rather than focusing exclusively on Lexile scores and reading levels, Ellis encourages leaders to integrate literacy everywhere. The ultimate goal is to make reading a joy for every member of the school community—starting with the lead reader.

Genres: Education, Professional Development, Teaching, Leadership, Nonfiction, School

170 pages, Paperback

Published June 20, 2018

Reviews

[Melissapalmer404 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lead with Literacy by Mandy Ellis

Any book that starts off saying what a great influence Donalyn Miller has had on the author, and saying that happy teachers make happy students, is a book that I'm going to love and this did not let me down. It talks about how to be a literacy leader within your reading community and how administrators can support their teachers and their PD. If only my district leadership would subscribe to this theory. But I digress.....a recommended read to all teachers, all grade levels, but especially literacy and English teachers.

[Annie Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a phenomenal read for any educator (teacher, librarian, principal, coach, etc) wanting to facilitate a culture of reading in their building. It is full of easy-to-implement ideas that has immeasurable impact on the lives of our students. The passion of the author, Mandy Ellis, comes through her writing and makes one wonder how awesome it would be to be a part of her building and culture of reading! She is truly a model for all educators, but especially leaders, and their important role in making a love of reading an integral part of the everyday life of students and educators.

[Ambre Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Lead with Literacy, Mandy Ellis argues that schools have an obligation to create an environment that not only embraces literacy but also fosters an actual love of reading among students and staff. In the first section, Be the Lead Reader, Ellis focuses on modeling reading, creating book talks, and other creative ways to share personal and professional reading. Ellis doesn't just prioritize reading for students, she equally prioritizes reading for professionals. In section two, Set Sail With Students, Ellis gives numerous creative examples of how to provide choice and access of books to students. At the same time, she writes about how when we read for pleasure, it is not sitting in a metal chair at a desk. While the first two sections were enjoyable to read, it felt like preaching to the choir. If you read this book, these are things you already do and believe. However, it was in the final section, Read. Connect. Repeat, that I felt the most inspired to take risks and try something new with students and teachers at school. Beginning with Chapter nine, I have doodles and ideas all up and down the margins of things I want to try at PDs and with students and parents. I would definitely recommend this book to administrators and teachers who want to create a passion for reading in all areas of the school.

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantastic read for teachers and school leaders! I finished with a brainstorming list filled with ideas for my PLC, classroom and as a parent to three! The beginning of the book hooked me when she said “Readers are the ones who will comprise the next generation of scientists, computer programmers, medical professionals, artists, educators, and leaders in every profession. Our job, then, is to ensure that our students become readers.” As a history teacher and grad student in history I can begin to tell you how important it is to have readers who LOVE reading!

[Denese Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has so many great ideas for promoting reading and creating a culture of reading in schools. The book is concise and easy to read. I will be sharing it with others in my building. Unfortunately, there is no mention of school librarians. School librarians have a wealth of knowledge in this area. They are an important resource when promoting a reading culture in schools. Otherwise, a worthwhile read!

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick inspirational read! Mandy Ellis suggested a lot of easy and practical ways to show your professional reading Leadership. She also gave practical tips on how to ensure all students have access to books. Some of my favorite were Little Free Libraries, Welcome to our school Books, birthday books and much more. This book really spoke to my personal beliefs about teaching and literacy!

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Lead with Literacy,” is a must-read for any school leader! Mandy Ellis’ ideas for creating a culture of readers are inspiring, engaging and have enough creativity to overflow a bathtub! (read to discover bathtub reference) “Students should have enough access to books that every day has the potential to be “library day.” You will be rethinking and challenging yourself/others to redefine literacy & the culture of your school for the better after reading this book!

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Students are more than Lexile scores and reading levels.”

This elementary school principal shares her tips and strategies for not just promoting reading at school, but making your school culture to be one that develops readers.

Even though I’m middle school, there was a lot of great ideas I can use immediately in my school library. My only negative is that I wish she discussed school librarians and how they can collaborate with all staff to help build this school culture of readers.

[Cheri Caravano · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must for any school leader who wants to promote a culture of literacy. I found this to be an extremely quick and enjoyable read with practical strategies and ideas that we could begin implementing tomorrow. If you want to jumpstart a culture of literacy and a love of reading in your school, grab a copy of Lead with Literacy ASAP!

[Laurie Olive-Solano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lead with Literacy by Mandy Ellis was a phenomenal book. She provides several easy to implement ideas for creating a culture of readers in schools. What we value in our school is what we will get in triple return! Her reflective questions provide a coaching element for cultivating a literacy enriched lifestyle and school environment. I loved it!

[Kelly Ussery · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I think there were good ideas in the book, there was nothing new or innovative. Filled with reminders and ideas to bring a love of reading into schools while celebrating literacy throughout the school. It is a quick read and worth your time if your school needs ideas to bring more opportunities for kids and adults to read and share out their reading.

[Jennifer Custer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mandy Ellis is clearly my spirit animal. I felt alive reading this, and missed my classroom so much! So many of her ideas I implemented on my own when I taught, and a few all-school ideas piqued my interest. Her passion for reading goes beyond comprehension and answering questions. It is a love of reading that is persistent for life-finding books you hug close at night and love.

[Katie Kerns · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read for starting a literacy movement within your classroom, school, or district. I am rejuvenated with easy to implement ideas that will "develop a culture of readers" within my classroom. So excited to get back to school to share my learning with my students and colleagues.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this on a recommendation from a teacher I follow on social media (but i can't remember who). It's a quick and easy read (skim) and gives a variety of ideas on how to incorporate love of reading into a school. It's focus is more elementary and I'm looking for secondary

[Liz Garden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book packed with tons of ideas for creating a culture of literacy in your building and spreading the reading love!

[Denise OBrien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for any school leader (or teacher) looking to raise the culture of literacy in your building!

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I tabbed a few ideas of things that I’d love to do in my school as well as a few ways I’d like to expand things that are being done! Can’t wait to build our culture of readers!

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book about how to create a reading community in your school. I can’t wait to share some of these ideas!!!

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cool read, with a ton of great ideas I am looking forward to implementing in my classroom! This I would highly suggest to any English teacher (or teacher) that I know.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many wonderful ideas for encouraging literacy and a love of books for students as well as staff.

[Ricardo Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, Quick and Practical!

[Katie Lesoine · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many ideas! This is for all teachers and school leaders no matter the content area or grade level!

[Joni Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great professional read for anyone in a leadership position that cares about literacy.

[Leslie Gothard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for every educator and administrator!!

[Jonathan Stefanopoulos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great practical ideas to incorporate literacy in schools. This book shares ideas to help students develop a love for reading at any age and grade level.

[Laurel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of great and practical ways to encourage literacy in your school and your classroom!

[Katie McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not the best piece of literature I’ve ever read but the content is fantastic. So many great ideas! Can’t wait to start many at my school.

[Rachel Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Packed with incredible ideas!

[Reva Pracht · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book inspired me to come up with some new ways to inspire and get students interested in reading. It is all about creating a joy of reading!

[Audrey Goninan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of great strategies for building a culture of reading within your school! I had to read it for a class I’m taking, but now I want to share it with principals that I know!