Photos: The Most Well Read Book Ever?
In my job, I split time between four elementary school libraries that range from preschool up to sixth grade. I’m getting to know the collections at the various schools pretty well, and when I was cataloging a new copy of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” this morning, I remembered there was something interesting about the old “Grinch” that was being replaced. I went to the shelf and found what has got to be one of the most used up books I’ve seen:
(click images for close-up)
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Used. Up. Take a look look at the side by side comparison:
I especially love the view from the spine:
AHHH! Uh, I mean, wow! That book has had gotten some use.
I couldn’t find the data about when the old “Grinch” was added to the collection, but I would hazard to guess it’s been getting circulations since the good ol’ days (which officially took place between 1970-75*). I would say that a new copy was in order.
*Completely made up information
Filed under: Articles
About Travis Jonker
Travis Jonker is an elementary school librarian in Michigan. He writes reviews (and the occasional article or two) for School Library Journal and is a member of the 2014 Caldecott committee. You can email Travis at scopenotes@gmail.com, or follow him on Twitter: @100scopenotes.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
SLJ Blog Network
Publisher Spotlight Spring/Summer 2026 Preview (Part Three)
You’re A Superhero! | News
From Policy Ask to Public Voice: Five Layers of Writing to Advance School Library Policy
Not Just Greta: True stories of youth acting to fight the climate crisis, a guest post by Meera Subramanian
Elisha Cooper Visits The Yarn!
ADVERTISEMENT
Ok, as interesting as it is that a book like this is so popular in your 4 libraries, I’m having a hard time getting past your first line: “I split time between four elementary school libraries”. That is mind-boggling to me. How do you do it? I had 2 half-time jobs last year, and I could never figure out if I was coming or going!
That is one book that has been well-loved by many kids. It should be enshrined in a book museum. I hope the new copy holds up as well.
Thanks for the thoughtful post.
It is indeed a stretch. I’m at a different building each day of the week, so keeping things straight has been a challenge. Although that can be tricky, I really enjoy my job and the fact that I get to work with kids from K all the way through 6th.