About Book Bizarre
Welcome to Book Bizarre
Book Bizarre grew from two of the biggest passions in my life: reading and education.
I have always believed that books are about so much more than simply turning pages. They can entertain us, challenge us, introduce us to lives completely different from our own, help us understand history, spark difficult conversations, and sometimes change the way we see the world.
Book Bizarre is a place to explore all of that.
Whether you are searching for your next great read, helping a young reader find the right book, revisiting an enduring classic, discovering a graphic novel, exploring banned and challenged literature, or simply following a literary rabbit hole, I hope you find something here that makes you want to keep reading.
Meet Theresa
I’m Theresa Schantz—an educator, reading specialist, literacy advocate, and lifelong reader with more than 15 years of experience in education.
Books and literacy have always been at the center of both my professional life and my personal life. As a teacher, I have seen what can happen when a reader finally finds the book that speaks to them. As a reader myself, I know the excitement of discovering an unforgettable story, learning something completely unexpected, or finishing a book and realizing that you are still thinking about it days later.
I read widely and believe that wonderful books can be found at every age level and in every format. Children’s literature, young adult novels, adult fiction and nonfiction, graphic novels, classics, historical fiction, mysteries, memoirs, challenged books—there is always another corner of literature worth exploring.
Why I Created Book Bizarre
Book Bizarre began with a simple idea: create a welcoming place where people can discover books and talk about why they matter.
Over time, that idea grew.
I wanted a space for honest book reviews and thoughtful recommendations, but I also wanted to go beyond the traditional book list. I wanted to explore the history behind books, the authors who create them, the issues they raise, the reasons some books are challenged, the stories that bear witness to important moments in history, and the classics that continue to resonate generations after they were written.
I also wanted education to remain part of the heart of Book Bizarre. Literacy is not limited to any particular age, and learning does not end when we leave school.
Book Bizarre is ultimately about curiosity, discovery, conversation, and lifelong learning.
What You’ll Find Here
Throughout Book Bizarre, you’ll find book reviews and recommendations for readers of different ages, graphic novels, enduring classics, banned and challenged books, nonfiction, books that bear witness to history and injustice, featured articles, author spotlights, educational resources, and plenty of opportunities to discover something new.
Some books will make us laugh. Some will make us uncomfortable. Some will teach us something. Some will simply give us a wonderful place to escape for a while.
All of them give us something to talk about.
Come Explore
There is no single right way to be a reader.
Read the classics. Read the bestseller everyone is talking about. Read children’s books as an adult. Read graphic novels. Read something challenging. Read something purely for fun. Follow an author you love. Pick up a book you know absolutely nothing about.
Most importantly, keep reading and stay curious.
I’m so glad you’re here.
Welcome to Book Bizarre.