Tue. April 22, 2025
Each month, What We’re Reading features reflections on current reads from Follett Content team members. It’s a blog where our collective lifelong love of reading takes center stage!
This month, we’re highlighting three amazing team members who help you analyze your collections, curate custom book lists to round out your classrooms and libraries, and ensure you get your books when you need them!
El origen de todas las cosas (Legendarios, Book 2)
By Karla Arenas Valenti
Reviewed by Jennifer Velasquez, Sr. Bibliographer - World Languages
“I chose this Spanish-language early chapter book for a couple reasons. First, it’s by this year’s Pura Belpré author award winner, Karla Valenti (Lola). Second, the first title in the English-language series is a Texas Bluebonnet award nominee for 2025. For those readers who enjoy shorter chapter books with time travel and want to learn a bit about Mexican mythology, this book may be for them. With good back matter, it’s a nice blend of the scientific explanation of the origin of the universe and the Aztec origin of the universe. The English series currently has four books in the series, and the Spanish series currently has two books. Overall, this series is a great fit for dual language schools or those serving ESL students.”
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About Jennifer
Jennifer joined Follett Content after working as a Bilingual Youth Services Associate Librarian at the McHenry Public Library, where she presented Spanish children’s programs and built collections of Spanish titles. She previously worked for Book Wholesalers Inc. as a World Language Specialist creating customer lists and handling Spanish standing orders. At Follett Content, she supports world language lists on Titlewave® in addition to working on opening day collections.
The Echo of Old Books
By Barbara Davis
Reviewed by Gisela Overby, Sr. Content Sales Support Specialist
“I came across this book after reading The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah and was looking for a lighter read. The Echo of Old Books is the story of Ashlyn Greer, a rare book dealer and conservator, who can feel emotional “echoes” left behind by the books’ previous owners. I found myself not wanting to put this book down to not only continue reading about Ashlyn; but also, because to be able to continue reading the other two books, one had to wait for them to be read to us by the main character. An additional aspect that I loved about this book was being able to read about the different techniques and methodologies Ashlyn would employ when repairing old and/or damaged books, a trade she had learned from the previous bookstore owner. The bonus of reading three different books in one and learning about the possibilities of restoring books once considered unsalvageable, is enough to entice any book lover.”
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About Gisela
Before moving to the US and joining Follett Content in 2021, Gisela was an Elementary School teacher librarian in Puerto Rico, where she was also born and raised. She was previously a contract employee for Follett International and officially joined Follett Content as a team member in 2024 in the Sales Support and Titlewave Support Team where she continues to provide support to international schools worldwide. After living in Kentucky for more than three years, she recently moved her family of seven (including two kids, two rescue dogs [a Puerto Rican terrier and a Kentucky terrier], and a cat) back to Puerto Rico, so they could be closer to family. Though she misses the changing seasons, it’s great being closer to family and taking sunset strolls on the beach. When not working, Gisela loves going to the beach, doing yoga, hiking and, of course, reading books.
The Housemaid
By Freida McFadden
Reviewed by Jackie Sepanik, Book Processing Supervisor
“I started reading this book as part of a neighborhood book club I’m in. I read multiple genres but haven’t read a mystery/thriller in quite some time. This book was a great start to get back into them. You can see the characters as you’re reading and there are lots of twists and turns to keep you hooked. I also enjoyed how the author gave you the opportunity to read in the perspectives of the two main characters. As somewhat of an easy read, it was great for someone who has a busy home/work schedule.”
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About Jackie
Jackie has been with Follett Content for 24 years, starting as a stocker and a receiver before making the move to management. She was a supervisor in the receiving department for about 17 years, recently becoming Book Processing Supervisor. Jackie loves spending time with her family doing outdoor activities, including going four-wheeling, being out on the water using wave runners, and going boating with friends. In the colder months is when she enjoys sitting back and reading.
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