While Varnes was a doctoral student, she and Groenke worked together on a research project at the Boys and Girls Club to learn more about what kinds of books middle school students chose to read when given opportunities, what motivated them to read, and what engaged them with the books they read. She was passionate then about the importance of reading and good reading instruction, and I knew she was a strong advocate for her students,” said Groenke. “She was a student in one of my master’s level English methods courses, and we established a connection. In reflecting on her first meeting with Varnes, Groenke said she was immediately impressed. Her work as a doctoral student with chair Susan Groenke, professor of English education, Department of Theory and Practice in Teacher Education) catapulted her career as a young adult author. Varnes brings Harper to life in her first young adult novel Property of the Rebel Librarian (Random House Children’s Books, 2017). ' A] funny and fast read.Written by Kristin Rearden, clinical professor of STEM education/science.Īllison Varnes (’17) has created an unlikely adolescent hero: avid reader June Harper, a middle-schooler-turned-secret-librarian. and for all the kids who already know they can For any kid who doesn't believe one person can effect change. A risky reading movement begins at Dogwood, which could destroy June-or gain enough power to protect the one thing she cares most about: the freedom to readĮqual parts fun and empowering, this novel explores censorship, freedom of speech, and activism. When her classmates realize she has access to contraband, she (secretly) becomes the most popular girl in school. Then June discovers a Little Free Library on her walk to school. What follows is a massive book ban at Dogwood Middle School, and suddenly everything June loves-the librarian, books, an author visit-is gone. It starts with one book deemed 'inappropriate' by June's parents. until her parents take strict parenting to a whole new level. She follows the rules, plays flute in band, and spends her spare time reading. Celebrate the freedom to read with this timely, empowering middle-grade debut in the spirit of The View from Saturday or Frindle.

The rebel librarian