About the Instructor – Bonnie Kunzel

Uniquely Qualified Instructor

Bonnie Kunzel is a librarian and nationally known speaker and author. A past president of YALSA (Young Adult Library Services Association, a division of the American Library Association), her passion for reading and talking about books, combined with her expertise in programs and services for children and teens, has made her a familiar figure around state and national conferences, bookfests and forums. She recently was selected as the Librarian of the Year by her state.

Bonnie is the co-author of Readers into Leaders; Teen-Centered Book Clubs in Your Library with Constance Hardesty (Greenwood, 2005); Strictly Science Fiction with Diana Tixier Herald (Libraries Unlimited, 2002); Fluent in Fantasy: The Next Generation with Diana Tixier Herald (Libraries Unlimited, 2007) and Tamora Pierce: Teen Reads: Student Companions to Young Adult Literature with Susan Fichtelberg (Greenwood, 2007). In addition, she is the co-editor of The Continuum Encyclopedia of Young Adult Literature with Bernice Cullinan and Deborah Wooten (Continuum Press, 2005). She is also a regular reviewer for VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates). And, of course, Bonnie is the author of The Best Books for Students in Grades 4-8: Practical Activities and Strategies, the resource handbook that each participant will receive at the seminar.

Bonnie was a member of YALSA’s prestigious Best Books for Young Adults Committee, which led to her passion for young adult literature, the Margaret A. Edwards Award Committee, which recognized Gary Paulsen for his lifetime contribution to young adult literature, the Printz Award committee for 2005, the Newbery committee for 2008, and was the first chair of the William C. Morris YA Debut Award Committee for 2009. She was also a founding member of her state’s teen book award committee and continues to be a strong advocate for connecting young people and books at every opportunity.

What Your Colleagues Say About Bonnie Kunzel

“Mrs. Kunzel is great! She recommended so many books for my tweens. Lots of ideas to implement in my class!”
– Robin Hackel, Grades 6-8 Reading/Lanugage Arts Teacher

“It’s amazing – and very inspiring – that Bonnie has read so many books. I’m leaving this seminar with plenty of new books and ideas to investigate further.”
– Jessica Bassett, Librarian

“Bonnie’s knowledge of books is vast. She has been very helpful in broadening my knowledge of what is available to my students.”
– Marion Rogers, Title I Teacher

“The explanation of ‘good book for tweens’ makes me want to read every title listed!”
– Liz Hallisey, Special Education Teacher

“Wonderfully organized!”
– Mary Ellen Logue, 5th Grade Teacher

“Very, Very informative! Bonnie has so many great books to share!”
– Claire Overlee, 4th Grade Teacher

“Wonderfully informative! Great reviews and tips, especially for graphic novels.”
– J. M. Proia, Library Coordinator

“All the information is high quality and the entire day went by in a flash. Thank you, Bonnie, for all the amazing book choices for my students (and for me too).”– Jennifer Bevars, English Teacher

“Excellent! I have all the information and the ‘un-book report’ ideas! I will definitely be using an extraordinary amount of this information in my classroom.”
– Kristen Wittwer, English Teacher

“Bonnie, your knowledge, passion and experience is beyond impressive. Thank you for sharing some of the best books for young people. I heard today about books in my media collection that I haven’t paid attention to. I will now! The professional books you brought were also extremely helpful!”
– Natalie Weatherman, Media Specialist

“Bonnie’s knowledge and passion about books for tweens is phenomenal. She left me satisfied and yearning for more, all at once.”
– Rebecca Putzier, Media Specialist

“Priceless resources for anyone passionate about providing students in grades 4-8 with the best books.”
– Kristin Urycki, 8th Grade Teacher

“Fantastic summary of so many books and genres!”
– Zach Kowalski, 6th Grade Teacher