Jean Getzel has an addiction that’s infectious.
The Naperville resident is hooked on introducing children to the joys of reading good literature, and her enthusiasm for her life’s mission is absolutely infectious.
Getzel is an expert in children’s literature whose influence is felt in schools and bookstores across DuPage County. Reading is one of the primary tools children use to understand and think about their world, and Getzel has a wonderfully positive impact on what DuPage youngsters read, according to those who know her work.
“She’s a tremendous resource,” said Roberta Berglund, reading and language arts coordinator for Lombard District 44. “Not only does she read all the new books being published, she remembers the details and merits of what she’s read. She has the benefit of several years experience, so she knows not just what’s out there this year but can relate current offerings to what’s already been published. She’s a marvelous guide for helping schools choose quality literature.”
Some 5,000 new children’s books are published each year, and Getzel reviews practically all of them. Schools hire Getzel as a consultant to help their teachers choose the best available literature for their classes. A teacher who needs a particular type of book on a specific topic can expect Getzel to provide several top-flight recommendations that students will both learn from and enjoy reading.
“I’m the link between publishers and the schools,” Getzel explained modestly. “The publishers look at books for their literary value and beauty. I start with that but then look at how they can fit into a classroom curriculum.”
Getzel’s work with DuPage schools has grown greatly during the last decade as more districts have adopted a literature-based curriculum. This concept, based on research into how children learn written and oral language, proposes that well-written, stimulating books are the best means for teaching reading and writing skills.
“In order to learn, children must be engaged, which means you have to get them interested in what you’re teaching,” said Paula Schoenfelder, principal of Indian Plains School in Indian Prairie District 204, which covers parts of Naperville and Aurora. “If you use good literature with beautiful language, you’re more likely to get their attention.”
“There’s a big difference between being able to read and being a reader,” pointed out Christine Rauscher, assistant superintendent for learning in Hinsdale District 181. “Quality reading programs develop a love for reading.”
Getzel, a lifelong avid reader, understands that distinction both personally and professionally. The Wisconsin native spent a decade as a kindergarten and 1st-grade teacher in that state and Minnesota before fate nudged her into a new career as a consultant on children’s literature. When her husband Jack’s job relocated them from Minneapolis to Naperville two decades ago, Getzel originally planned to continue teaching. When she discovered that her Minnesota teaching credentials were not sufficient to teach in Illinois, she got a part-time job at Anderson’s Bookshops in Naperville.
The bookstore job opened Getzel’s eyes to the breadth and depth of children’s literature. She also saw that this resource wasn’t being used to its potential.
“When I started,” she recalled, “what struck me was that some teachers would buy the same books over and over because they were familiar with those books and didn’t have the time to read the new ones that were available.”
Getzel took on the challenge of becoming a professional guide through the ever-expanding world of children’s books. “It just became my passion,” she said. “This isn’t just a job, it’s my avocation.”
Getzel started tentatively, approaching the Naperville schools about making literature recommendations. As her expertise, confidence and reputation grew, schools throughout DuPage began hiring her as a consultant. Today, her influence has spread well beyond the Chicago area. She crisscrosses the Midwest preaching her gospel of good books. She went international last May, giving a presentation at a teachers’ conference in Toronto.
“Her knowledge, experience and deep commitment to her work have made her outstanding in her field,” declared nationally known author/illustrator Stephen Kellogg.
The joy that Getzel receives from reading good literature is passed along to teachers through the 50 or so workshops she gives each year.
“Jean really gets excited as she talks about these books and how they can be used in the classroom,” observed District 44’s Berglund. “The excitement she engenders in teachers in turn is passed on to the students.”
On a recent Wednesday evening, 15 teachers gathered in a classroom to hear Getzel’s recommendations on new books for their students. Seated in a semicircle, they took notes and asked questions as Getzel spent more than an hour describing the literary merits and classroom uses of 36 books. Getzel, who had already worked a full day at Anderson’s Bookshops, tirelessly moved about the semicircle, reading snippets of text and pointing out important details in photographs and illustrations.
At times, Getzel seemed like an actress performing a one-woman show, transporting her audience through myriad emotions. Her voice subtly slowed and softened as she read the story of Sophie watching her grandfather age and die. When she finished, the room was completely silent. But minutes later, teachers laughed aloud at the antics of Eggbert the slightly cracked egg.
“Somebody could do a boring job of telling us about these books, and that would be deadly,” observed workshop coordinator Rauscher. “Jean’s expertise is obvious and her enthusiasm is so genuine and heartfelt that it really comes through.”
Over the years, Getzel has come to know many of the top-selling authors personally, and she spiced her presentation with insights into how particular books were developed (“this really happened to the author’s father-in-law”), why certain authors started writing (“her grandchildren kept asking about it so she decided to write a book”) and more. When the presentation ended, the teachers charged toward Getzel’s stockpile of books, eager to look through the selections that had touched them.
“It’s much more exciting to listen to Jean than some of the other presenters,” declared Addison resident Anne Fehring, a 7th-grade teacher who attends three or four book workshops annually. “When you see someone else get excited about the books, there’s a domino effect and it’s easier for you to get into them, too.”
Getzel doesn’t confine her preaching to teachers. She also gives workshops for parents groups ranging from parent-teacher organizations to newcomers clubs. (Interested groups can schedule workshops by calling Getzel at 708-355-2665.) Getzel contends that parents should be just as discriminating as teachers when choosing children’s books.
“With 5,000 kids’ books produced every year, why choose something mediocre when there are truly wonderful books available?” she said.
Parents who grew up reading the Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew might be stunned at the sophistication and literary quality of today’s best children’s books.
“There have always been wonderful books,” District 181’s Rauscher remarked, “but there are probably more quality books available for kids now.”
Today’s best kids’ books cover a remarkable range of contemporary topics and encourage children to thoughtfully examine social issues. A recently published book that Getzel would recommend for junior high school students is “Smoky Night” by Eve Bunting, the story of an urban African-American family whose apartment building is burned down during a riot.
“This is a complex world and kids have to learn how to sort it out,” Getzel observed. “When I was growing up, I didn’t have Rwanda (on television) in my living room. These kids do. Issues like racism are coming at these kids from all angles.”
While books are no substitute for parents when it comes to shaping children’s values, they can be a helpful tool for framing discussions of important issues, according to Getzel.
“You can use books to help teach children about things like tolerance and compassion,” she noted.
Of course, Getzel pointed out, not all children’s books deal with significant topics. Kids’ literature has a playful side that Getzel thoroughly enjoys.
“With so many books on serious subjects,” she said, “I also look for books that celebrate the joy and humor in life. I want books that make people laugh.”
While her consulting work with schools consumes an increasing amount of Getzel’s time, she plans to continue her 17-year relationship with Anderson’s Bookshops, where she buys all the children’s books and schedules special events for kids. Anderson’s has stores in Downers Grove and Elmhurst, as well as Naperville.
“Tres Anderson, our owner, has pretty much given Jean carte blanche on buying our children’s books,” said Joe Durepos, Anderson’s general manager. “She’s much more knowledeable about it than the rest of us.”
“She runs a first-rate children’s book department at Anderson’s,” commented Connecticut-based author Kellogg, who visits bookstores across the country for book signings.
Getzel is based at Anderson’s Naperville store, but she regularly visits the other two shops and often can be found helping customers make their selections.
“Most people don’t realize what they’re getting when Jean’s in the store answering their questions,” said Durepos, who recalled seeking out Getzel’s recommendations years before joining the bookseller’s staff.
“When I first met Jean, I was a sales representative for Ballantine Books. She had a reputation among the publishing company sales reps as a tremendous resource,” he said. “She was the person who built our kids’ home library.”
Getzel is an advocate for home libraries and especially for parents reading to their young children. Sharing the excitement of a good story is the best way for parents to foster a love of reading in their kids, according to Getzel.
“When a parent shows joy and enthusiasm and uses different voices for the different characters in a book, don’t you think that young child is going to come back every night and ask to read?” she asked. “On the other hand, if you only have two minutes to read with your child, what message are you giving him?”
The expert recommends
With 5,000 new kids’ books produced every year, parents wanting to make a good choice have lots of options. In fact, the selection can seem overwhelming. According to Jean Getzel, an expert on children’s literature, parents should choose books based on their child’s interests and reading ability rather than his or her grade level. Here are a few of Getzel’s recommendations enjoy:
Babies and Toddlers
“Time for Bed” by Mem Fox
“Big Fat Hen” by Keith Baker
Picture Books
“All the Colors of the Earth” by Sheila Hamanaka
“Rattlebang Picnic” by Margaret Mahy
“Town Mouse, Country Mouse” by Jan Brett
Beginning Readers
“Mr. Putter and Tabby Pour the Tea” by Cynthia Rylant
“Mr. Putter and Tabby Walk the Dog” by Cynthia Rylant
“The Magic School Bus in the Time of the Dinosaurs” by Joanna Cole
Middle Readers
“The Best School Year Ever” by Barbara Robinson
“Redwall” (and others in the same series) by Brian Jacques
Young Adults
“The Giver” by Lois Lowry
“Invitation to the Game” by Monica Hughes
Books for the Family
“Stephen Biesty’s Incredible Cross Sections Castle” by Stephen Biesty
“I Am the Dog, I Am the Cat” by Donald Hall
“Brown Angels” by Walter Dean Myers
