Books Quote by Mac Barnett
““He checked out his surrounding. More books. A drinking fountain. A poster showing a guy slam-dunking a basketball with one hand and holding a book in the other, urging kids to READ! Weird, thought Steve. How can he even see the hoop? ... You see, Steven, Librarians are the most elite, best trained secret force in the United States of America. Probably in the world." "No way." "Yes way." "What about the FBI?" "Featherweights." "The CIA?" Mackintosh snorted. "Don't make me laugh. Those guys can't even dunk a basketball andd read a book at the same time.””
About This Quote
Source Film: The Secret Life of Librarians (fictional scene)
A satirical monologue highlighting librarians as an underestimated, highly skilled group, juxtaposing physical prowess with intellectual mastery.
In simple terms: Librarians are portrayed as elite secret agents.
Key Takeaway
Recognize hidden expertise in unexpected places.
Themes
humor
skill
stereotypes
Mood
playful
ironic
Type
satirical
commentary
When to use this quote
- library work
- team building
- public perception
- media representation
Key Concepts
secret service
knowledge power
Questions to Reflect On
- How do stereotypes affect respect for librarians?
- What hidden skills do you overlook in others?
A Different Perspective
The exaggeration may downplay real challenges librarians face.
![“I love those adult writers with the pranking ethos, [Don] DeLillo and [Donald] Barthelme and David Foster Wallace. I don't see any reason not to bring those kinds of influences to bear on books for children.” quote by Mac Barnett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cf9/mac-barnett-23936_adults_i-love-those-adult-writers-with-the-pran_1437529.jpg)
