Coming in 2024: Reference Sources and services for youth, 2nd edition, co-written with Meghan Harper

The challenge for K-12 library media specialists, teachers, and youth services librarians alike is how and where to direct students so they spend time on productive research rather than shallow online searches. This trusted resource points the way, and now Harper has updated and revised her book to make it even more useful as a text for LIS instruction. This book demonstrates how to teach and support students as they learn to access, evaluate, and use print and electronic information successfully.

Profiles of Resilience: Books for Children and Teens that Center the Lived Experience of Generational Poverty

“Drawing from my own experience growing up in generational poverty, as well as my 30+ years in education, I assist other teachers in understanding the joys and challenges of children and teens who live in similar circumstances.  And how each educator can truly be a partner in their education.”

“This book helps to expand the definition of diversity in children’s books by shedding light on an element of diversity that is sometimes overlooked—economic situation or income . . . Teachers and librarians will find it informative and engaging as it deepens their experience with both authors and books as well as their understanding of children who are experiencing generational poverty.”

—from the Foreword by Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop, Professor Emeritus, The Ohio State University

Drawing from her own lived experience, in this guide Dorr shines a light on some of the cultural values that exist across both rural and urban poverty, inviting teachers, librarians, and others who work with children from low-income families to see them in their cultural context and appreciate the values they bring to the classroom or library. First, she shares the work of ten authors and illustrators familiar with poverty, offering insights into the sources of their stories and the ways storytellers’ biographies can influence their creative works and make their characters more authentic. Then she spotlights a range of books for children and teens that offer literary mirrors to low-income children, as well as windows to more economically privileged readers, enabling all young readers to celebrate our common humanity.

Other Publications: 

I've written book reviews, articles, and columns for the last 20 years for, among others, School Library Journal, Horn Book Guide , School Library Connection , Children and Libraries , and Middle Web   Below are just a few examples:

Dorr, C. (2020). “Books and Authors: Talking with Matthew Cordell.” Book Links. September 2020.

Dorr, C. (2019). “Books and Authors: Talking with Roxie Munro.” Book Links. April, 2019.

Dorr, C. (2018). “Build a Year-Long Book Bash!” JLG Blog. September, 2018.

Dorr, C. (2018).  "Young Adult Literature with LGBTQAI+ Themes." MiddleWeb.com.  March, 2018.  

Dorr, C. (2018).  “How to Get YA Authors Into Your Classrooms.”  MiddleWeb.com  January, 2018.

Dorr, C. (2017).  "Picture Book Biographies for the Middle Grades."  MiddleWeb.com November, 2017.  

Dorr, C.  (2016).  “’Obviously, a Major Malfunction’: The Legacy of Lost Space Heroes and What It Can Teach Today’s Students.”  School Library Connection.  February, 2016.

Dorr, C.  (2016).  “Popular: an Interview with Author Maya Van Wagenen.” School Library Connection. June, 2016. 

Deskins, L. & Dorr, C.  (2014).  “Picture Book Biographies Enrich Science Studies.”  School Library Monthly, November, 2014.

Dorr, C. (2011).  "Searching for She-roes: A Study of Historic Children’s Biographies of Women."  Children & Libraries, Summer/Fall 2011. 

Deskins, L. & Dorr, C.  (2011).  "The Magic Behind the Magic School Bus."  BookLinks, June, 2011.

Deskins, L. & Dorr, C.  (2011).  "What Makes Me a Good Global Citizen?: Using Inquiry to Explore Our Rights & Responsibilities."  BookLinks, January, 2011.