Programming: Field Trip to Queens Library Teen Space

Image of the interior from Library Journal article by Lisa Peet

On Friday, April 8th, three of us educators (librarian, ELA teacher, Speech-language pathologist) took our Martin DePorres group to the Queens Library’s Hunters Point branch teen space.  We were met by teen librarian Maggie Johnson who had worked with her team to prepare library cards for our students in advance of their arrival. 

Students completed a library scavenger hunt, learned how to print using their new library cards, and enjoyed a board game. When our visit was over, students said they did not want to leave and can’t wait to go back.--Jessica Fenster-Sparber

Kid Start-Up: How You Can Be an Entrepreneur by Mark Cuban, Shaan Patel, and Ian McCue

Students who know the TV show Shark Tank may be interested in this  book co-authored by the American billionaire Mark Cuban, former Shark Tank contestant Shaan Patel,  and Ian McCue who is a successful teen entrepreneur.

The book offers direct, practical advice for younger readers with a section on “10 businesses that any kid can start”  including pricing and strategy suggestions, procedural directions, and a list of supplies needed - it is a how-to book rooted in the practical.  

Chapter 5  “The Nuts and Bolts of Launching Your Business” gives screenshot-illustrated directions on creating an advertising flyer,  setting up social media, building a weekly website, and selling items on eBay.  These directions link to templates that unfortunately may frustrate detained readers who are without Internet at present, but may be usual nevertheless and in the future.

Chapter 7 is designed like a workbook with lines where readers can write their comments and responses.  Backmatter includes info on affiliate marketing, a glossary, and affiliate links to resources.  Page 65 lists legal tips and may spark additional interest.

While not a perfect fit for all older NYC adolescents,  nor culturally relevant to most Passages students,  the book nonetheless offers useful information and a reader-friendly table of contents.  Older readers may find the book valuable despite the  “kid” focus and language.  --Jessica Fenster-Sparber

Cuban, Mark and Shaan Patel, Ian McCue.   Kid Start-Up: How You Can Be an Entrepreneur.  New York: Diversion Books, 2018.

Programming Spotlight: Creative Writing with Paul Griffin

L-R: Paul Griffin, Math Teacher Wanda Carter and her students in Abbott House during the workshop

With his usual kindness and warmth the author Paul Griffin facilitated two creative writing workshops for detained  students at Belmont last Wednesday.   As always Griffin nurtured the students’ voices,  and motivated them to pick up their pencils to express themselves and tell their stories.   He then encouraged everyone interested to enter the contest for the Ned Vizzini Writing Prize.  

We are grateful to Karen Keys and the Brooklyn Public Library for arranging the workshops. --Jessica Fenster-Sparber