Pyrotechnics and classroom library loans

Fireworks could be seen from a second-floor classroom window when teacher Allie O'Malley started passing out books. Hard copies of books with bold covers and intriguing summaries on the inside flaps. Books by energizing authors, such as Nicola Yoon, Nic Stone, and Marie Lu. Books that reveal aspirations and adventures, struggles and successes, challenges and changes. Books that were previously stacked willy-nilly on shelves, then papered over like they pulled a blanket over their heads and said, "Wake me when it's over."

Well, it's not over, but real live students sat within four actual walls, listened to in-person book talks, and jotted down titles that turned their heads. They browsed with their eyes and ears before reaching out with their hands--policy, you know--but with each book that left the room, the sparks flew higher and brighter. Shooting stars in pink, gold, and silver shot from Room 224 signaling the world of this breathtaking celebration.

As students stood from their sanitized desks and filed out with books in hand, their teacher looked on in awe and said, "Oooooh, aaaaaah."