When I first began as a library media specialist in New Haven 6 years ago, Karen Schumann worked her magic and brought an author-illustrator into my library to work with and inspire  children. Watching first hand how students interacted with the author, I was hooked. Since then, Karen  has worked with me to create insightful and exciting author’s visits in which she moderated and co-moderated with students. In virtual author visits where she solely moderated, student questions were seamlessly presented. Karen knew how to build on certain questions and kept the conversation rolling and fresh.  When she co-moderated with my middle school students, she helped them  understand the process and supported them in their role as student-moderators. She encouraged them to take ownership of their role, creating memorable opportunities. Karen has an intuitive sense about both the author- guest  and the students she works with. Whether it is a district wide, school wide, or a small and intimate event, Karen’s innate skills and creative leadership makes each event a success that promotes reading, inquiry, and wonder.

Karen moderated two book talks in our district, one with our high school students and one with our middle schoolers.  The day before, she met with our student moderators to ensure they were prepared to interview the author.  Her rapport with the students was wonderful, imparting a gravitas into their roles as moderators while also instilling the kids with confidence.  It was a perfect balance to set them up to succeed. And then, she sat back and let them shine.  It was a memorable experience for students.