The author's school had just been labeled a failing school by No Child Left Behind when its new principal arrived in the fall of 2007. In this demoralizing climate, teachers can get frustrated and choose to give up, or they can rise to the challenge, create a plan for improvement, and plunge into uncharted waters. This article discusses how the crisis gave the author (a library media specialist) an opportunity to step forward and take a leadership role in developing both the students' literacy and the school's standing. She began with the area she knew best: great reading materials. With a focused learning environment, and a climate and culture where everyone is trusted to make improvements, the author believes her school can improve literacy--and stop being a "failing school."