"We want to make sure, every school librarian who wants a copy of this, (Radical Reads), has a chance to get it as soon as possible. We are considering having a special section in the professional collection at headquarters including all of Bodart's books"
Elizabeth Wrenn-Estes, Collection Development Supervisor, Denver Public Schools.

"Bodart selects excellent books, and her booktalk synopses are well crafted... Bodart has a lively writing style; her Booktalks really hook the reader... a one-of-a-kind resource."
Diane Masala, Voice of Youth Advocates

"This is a very handy tool for busy teachers and librarians who have little time to compose but want to hook readers with an enticing talk."
Judy S. Richardson, Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy

"Any librarian working with children and teens should find this a useful resource. Experienced booktalkers will find enough inspiration and ideas... to last for an entire year of programming. Inexperienced booktalkers will benefit from the basic booktalking guidelines."     
Caroline Shepard, Journal of Youth Services in Libraries

I think it is excellent work!  Anyone wanting to see a sample of the great Booktalks (and also, discussion questions, book report ideas, etc.) that are available in Joni's book, you can see her booktalk for Breathing Underwater (included in Radical Reads) at Alex Flinn's website.

"I could have listened to Joni give Booktalks forever!   She's a professional and it shows."

"Fabulous instructor with so much knowledge of the subject and great presentation skills."

"She 'spoke' to our LMS(Library Media Services) group at FSU(Florida State University) and it was a real treat. I gleaned so much and am now an avid user of her Booktalks, and I learned about how to create my own with confidence through her teachings."
Cyndi Ashley, Media Specialist, Mandarin HS, Jacksonville, FL

"When is she coming back?"
In-service Workshop, Denver Public Schools

"Joni knows her area! Excellent handouts will help me attempt Booktalks with my students."

"A real treat! I loved talking about books--what's more fun!"

"Joni's excitement about YA literature is what I liked best"

"The booktalking demonstration was... so effective that I am going shopping this afternoon!"
All day booktalking workshop, Gallup-McKinley Schools

Thank you so much for coming here and presenting the 2 workshops. We
had so much positive feedback and your presentations were right on
target. I thought you would love to see this message I got from a librarian in
the Richmond area!
--Katie
Fairfax Co. PL, Fairfax VA, 3/31/03

Dear Katie and Co.
Beth Porter, Annie Stowe and I drove up to hear Joni Bodart on Monday from Chesterfield County. Thank you so much for your generosity in opening up her workshops to us outsiders. I learned SO Much by listening to her. My level of enthusiasm about the real reason for sharing books was given a real booster shot. I'm a "quiet" teller - no bells & whistles, and love to hear someone who doesn't use a banana or a hat. In my dreams I'll ever be as good as she is! Wow! She is the perfect conduit from the book to the listener, a goal I've always aspired to...
Thanks again, Janet Baumgardner (Janet)

"Great lady-- very approachable and kind-- really knew her stuff-- gave real life examples from her work."

"Joni is a great teacher who encourages creative expression."
Student course evaluations, Division of Library and Information Science, College of Education, University of Denver

From School Library Journal
An excellent resource examining the "edgy, raw, and relevant" in contemporary YA literature. The entries, arranged alphabetically by title, include bibliographic information, suggested reading and interest levels, and an extensive list of keywords that helps describe each book's content. Other useful features are the brief descriptions of the main characters and the lists of the book's major themes, strengths, awards, and possible controversial elements. Detailed booktalk and discussion tips and ideas, a well-written and informative booktalk, and excerpts from reviews are provided. The volume also includes valuable information regarding censorship, dealing with challenges, and writing a rationale for selecting a particular title as part of the curriculum. Multiple indexes allow for easy access. The 101 selections, dating from 1994 to 2001, offer a balanced depiction of the literature and its authors. This clear and incredibly well-organized source should be a part of every public and school library's collection and will serve both adults and teens.
Kimberly L. Paone, Elizabeth Public Library, NJ
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.