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Module 12: Miss Moore Thought Otherwise by Jan Pinborough


Genre: Biography

Book Summary:
As a child growing up among all her brothers, Anne Carroll Moore did not try to be like all the other girls.  She was happy to run and play outside.  As she got older, she continued to go against the expectations of her modern society.  Her willingness to think outside the box led to the development of children's library services as we know them today.

Pinborough, J. (2013). Miss Moore thought otherwise. MA: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children.

Impressions:
Miss Moore Thought Otherwise tells a story that I was unfamiliar with, even after all my library science coursework thus far.  Reading it made me stop to and realize that there wasn't always a calling for children's librarians, because at one time, the position didn't even exist.

Professional Review:
Any library school student or librarian who doesn't know the name of Anne Carroll Moore is greatly remiss; this book will set them right.
“Miss Moore” was the primary force in establishing library service for children in 1906 at the New York Public Library. And a force she was. Beginning with her childhood, the story relays how her strong-willed nature and independence led her to challenge the societal taboos of the times and demand the rights of children to books and library services. To counter the argument that children would damage or forget to return books, she instituted a pledge for children to sign: “When I write my name in this book I promise to take good care of the book I use at home and in the library and to obey the rules of the library.” Pinborough’s affectionate portrait paints her hero as larger than life, an indomitable promoter of books and reading, and an inspiration for improved library service to children around the world. Atwell’s acrylic illustrations have a folk-art look, befitting the time period and conveying the spirit of this doyenne. The image of Miss Moore taking down a giant “SILENCE” sign in the children’s room speaks volumes.
A must for school and public libraries and those who love them. (author’s note, bibliography) (Picture book/biography. 6-10)
Kirkus (2013). [Review for the book Miss Moore Thought Otherwise].   Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/jan-pinborough/miss-moore-thought-otherwise/

 Library Uses:
I had no idea about the history of children and libraries.  I think sharing with students the fact that children were not allowed to check out books at one time would make for an interesting talk.  This would be a good beginning of the year book that could lead into a discussion about expectations in the library, why we have them, why they change, and what the expectations for our own library should be.

Readalikes:
Queen of the Falls by Chris Van Allsburg
The Tree Lady: The True Story of how One Tree-loving Lady Changed a City Forever by Joseph H. Hopkins
Queen of the Diamond: The Lizzie Murphy Story by Emily Arnold McCully

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