Libraries Matter

Tadpole's Promise Strikes Again

2012-01-17T08:59:00.000-08:00

No, I'm afraid there is not a sequel to Tadpole's Promise by Jeanne Willis and Tony Ross, but I can never resist telling their tale. There are few picture books that are easier to prove the point that even older students can enjoy a picture book. In December Aunt Betty went to two fifth grade classes with a large suitcase full of new books. (Yes, she could come to your class. I could, too, for that matter.) She began each class with a telling of Tadpole's Promise and the lesson learned is that you shouldn't skip the short books- they aren't always just for the little ones. As you may recall, this book falls into the "don't shoot from the hip because it might backfire group."

While there, Aunt Betty booktalked some of the newest trends in literature for middle grades- series, comics, nonfiction. The hour went by quickly. Interspersed were some great books that fifth graders might miss because they are in the "easy section." Aunt Betty told them that they could always use them to read to their younger siblings. They are really short stories that might give them an idea about their own writing. Pictures are amazing...

I just got a book of thank you letters from the classes. Two letters especially made me laugh out loud.

Dear Aunt Betty,
I really appreciate you coming to our class and telling about all new books. I thought that the story The Tadpole's Promise was pretty funny. I can relate to that story because my mom wants me to stay her little baby but I can't and I told her to expect change. So thanks for coming to our class.
Sincerely,
D

Dear Aunt Betty,
Thank you for visiting my school and sharing books with us. I really liked the books you showed us. The stories that you told us were awesome because I told the tadpole and caterpillar story to my mom and my dad and they loved it. And I told the story to my baby brother for bedtime story and he went right to sleep.

Sincerely,
E

Well. There you go...

Don't Shoot From the Hip- Again

2011-11-16T08:52:00.001-08:00

Once in a while a book comes along that takes you by surprise. It’s simply spoken. Simple illustrations. Suddenly, wham! It jumps out and gets you. You realize its simplicity is genius. I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen, published by Candlewick Press, is just the book. The pattern in the text hypnotizes you, enabling you to laugh out loud (or gasp) at the surprise ending. The title has already won a Publisher's Weekly Best Book of the Year.

The story is about a bear who has lost his hat. He meets animal after animal in the forest. No one has seen his hat. Well, actually, he has seen his hat. He remembers after Reindeer jogs his memory. What happens to Rabbit when Bear catches up with him? You’ll have to read it yourself. But beware- this book is my favorite genre- Don’t Shoot From the Hip ‘Cause it Might Backfire.

The link to Candlewick Press includes a book trailer and a 13 page teaching guide that includes this title and other new titles from the publisher.Check out my list of other books like this in an early blog post.

California Young Reader Medal- 2.0 Style

2011-09-16T19:47:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is my day at IMC, so I’m presenting another Saturday Matinee. Topic: California Young Reader Medal- 2.0 Style. In this fast-paced one hour session, participants will learn a little bit about the CYRM and the resources that are available for including it into their curriculum or library program.

Launched in 1976, this reader’s choice award program has 5 different categories: Picture Book (K-3), Intermediate (3-6), Middle (6-9), Young Adult (9-12) and Picture Book for Older Readers (Grade 4 and up). It is the only national reader’s choice award to be sponsored by four different professional organizations: California Association of Teachers of English (CATE), California Library Association (CLA), California Reading Association (CRA), and California School Library Association (CSLA). A committee of representatives from each organization coordinates CYRM activities at the state level.

California children and teens can read the nominated books from May through March and vote for their favorites. Teachers and librarians introduce the nominees, often reading them aloud. They provide ballots for voting, compile vote totals, and submit results to the CYRM committee. CYRM ballots must be postmarked by April 1st of each year. Winning titles are announced in May. New nominees are announced on February 1.

Saturday Matinee Focus
The class focus will be on reviewing and voting for the nominated books. We’ll review using Photo Story and Power Point games. We’ll look at the free resource booklet that is available at the program website. Reader’s Theater scripts are available for all awards.

We’ll also look at how teachers and librarians can use their whiteboards for interactive voting. Even without all the bells and whistles, educators who have access to computers can create online surveys that take the counting out of voting and put the fun back in.

Looking Ahead
Though this class is only an introduction, we are planning more training for teachers and library staff. Mark your calendars now for our Second Annual SDUSD CYRM workshop. Wednesday, November 16. From 2:30 to 3:00 we’ll have poster sessions, door prizes, shopping with Yellow Book Road and refreshments. The program will be from 3PM to 4:30PM with continued door prizes, poster sessions, shopping and refreshments until 5PM. All are welcome!

Resources
Destiny
California Young Reader Medal official site- (complete resource guide available)
100 Web Resources for Teachers
Libraries Matter wiki CYRM page
TeachingBooks.net http://www.teachingbooks.net/quicksearch.cgi

And the nominees are…
PRIMARY K-3
On Meadowview Street by Henry Cole. Greenwillow Books, 2007.
Let’s Do Nothing by Tony Fucile. Candlewick Press, 2009.
The Odd Egg by Emily Gravett. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2009.
Princess Hyacinth: The Surprising Tale of a Girl Who Floated by Florence Heide. Illustrated by Lane Smith, Schwartz & Wade Books, 2009.
I Need My Monster by Amanda Noll. Illustrated by Howard McWilliam. Flashlight
Press, 2009.

INTERMEDIATE 3-6
Violet Raines Almost Got Struck by Lightning by Danette Haworth. Walker & Co., 2008.
Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School and Other Scary Things by Lenore Look. Schwartz & Wade Books, 2008.
The Small Adventure of Popeye and Elvis by Barbara O’Conner. Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2009.

MIDDLE SCHOOL/JUNIOR HIGH 6-9
Revolution is Not a Dinner Party: A Novel by Ying Chang Compestine. Henry Holt, 2007.
Waiting for Normal by Leslie Conner. Katherine Tegen Books, 2008.
Every Soul a Star, by Wendy Mass. Little, Brown & Co., 2008.

YOUNG ADULT 9-12
Graceling by Kristin Cashore. Harcourt, 2008.
Beastly by Alex Flinn. Harper Teen, 2007.
If I Stay by Gayle Forman. Penguin Group USA, 2009.

PICTURE BOOKS FOR OLDER READERS Grade 4+
Goal! written by Mina Javaherbin. Illustrated by A.G.Ford. Candlewick Press, 2010.
Henry’s Freedom Box written by Ellen Levine. Illustrated by Kadir Nelson. Scholastic Press, 2007.
Wabi Sabi written by Mark Reibstein. Illustrated by Ed Young. Little, Brown & Co., 2008.

Orientation 2.0 Style

2011-08-24T13:38:00.000-07:00

One of the first things we “do to” our students is bore them to death with an Orientation. Rules, procedures, what we will learn this year… Yak. Yak. Yak. Snore. Snore. Snore. Sometimes, I think we should just herd them all into the cafeteria and do it all at once. Get it over with- like ripping off a band-aid. It’s a necessary evil. We have to do it, right?

Maybe we do have to do it, but it doesn’t have to be boring- for your students or for yourself. They only have to hear it once. You may have to do it 6 to 25 times! Enter a solution. Orientation 2.0 Style. On Saturday @ the IMC I’ll be teaching a Saturday Matinee about modern ways to teach the same old thing. We'll look at websites that offer free digital tools. For example, we’ll learn how to make a Voki, like the one here (click on the play button to get your homework assignment). I'll show you how to work smarter by looking at what other folks have done. For example, my class for elementary teachers has its own website- Best of the Best- Top 100 Web Resources for Teachers or a wiki like Web 2.0, Cool Tools for Schools.

During our quick hour, I’ll introduce you to PowerPoint games that you can adapt for Orientation- Jeopardy, Millionaire and Smarter than a Fifth Grader. These interactive games can be adapted by your older students and played by your younger students. They can be used later in the year as pre or post tests for your curriculum units. The more students are involved in the learning, the more likely they are to remember.

We can also take those same slides, add some pictures, and create movies in Photo Story or other video programs. One of the best uses of this media is that it saves your voice (and retains your enthusiasm). You can play it all day long without having to repeat yourself, ensuring that all students get the same message. Once your movie is created, you can also place it on your website and students or parents can watch it when they need to do so. Be sure to do “best practice” and introduce your video as well as discuss it afterwards.

You can also use your interactive whiteboards for your orientation. You could create a flipchart that has students take a test. Use Inspiration and have older students create a chart of rules and procedures. You can easily use it with the PowerPoint games you created.

Online voting is another interactive way to use 2.0 technology is You can create a survey that students have to complete online. As the creator, you can get their compiled answers. It’s a great way to test students who ought to know the answers. There are many free online sites for creating surveys- Survey Monkey, Google, or even your school website. Our district uses School Wires which has surveys as a component.

Another fun way to use technology is to create a QR code. Anyone who has a Smart Phone can scan the QR code and it will take them to your website. It’s a great marketing tool. Once you create it, put it on your brochure or newsletter. How about a bookmarker for your parents?

And because I am a firm believer in working smarter by collaborating, I have added a page on my wiki- Libraries Matter for Orientation. As folks create their orientation, I'll invite you to post yours to my wikispace page. Then, as we add projects, we can borrow what someone else created and adapt it to suit our needs.

And yes, I know everyone doesn’t have a Smart Phone, interactive whiteboard or even an LCD projector, but just like everything else we do, we need to reach out in all manner of ways. Different fish are caught with different bait. Why not try some new bait this year? You never know who might actually bite.

Developing New Seminars

2011-07-26T16:13:00.000-07:00

On Monday- was that just yesterday?- I sent in my handbook for my newest seminar, How School Library Staff Can Impact Student Achievement: Collaboration Ideas that Work. (See Institute for Educational Development to find out if I am coming to your area. Like most other things in my life, one deadline follows another.

Now I am working on another seminar on Using Technology in the Library. I have my own ideas about what to include, but I am curious as to yours. What would you like to learn about in a 5 hour seminar? Though there will be breakout exercises, this seminar will be mostly show and tell. Participants won't necessarily bring their laptops or have internet connectivity. So, put in your two cents and let me know.

July = Summer Musical

2011-06-30T08:47:00.000-07:00

It's almost July, so that means a great many things. Summer is here. Almost all of my schools are out until September. I have another book due in two weeks. Yikes! And for me it also means the summer musical opens in two weeks. This year’s Vanguard Productions @ Westminster Theatre is “Damn Yankees.” With a cast of almost 50 and most characters with multiple costume changes, it’s been a challenge for this costumer. I’m also in the show as Gloria, the reporter who makes Joe famous and then tries to find out who he really is.

There are many other SDUSD folks in the production. Bill Cobb, musical theater teacher at Dana Middle School, returns to the Vanguard stage as Joe Boyd. Consuelo Goodman, Super Lead Teacher @ CDC, stars as Lola. JoDarlene Reardon, retired from SDUSD, is our Doris, part of a laugh out loud sister team. Lesley Pearson, Administrator @ CDC, is producing the show. We also have lots of SDUSD students.

The show opens with a rousing song, “Six Months Out of Every Year,” that sets the stage- Joe Boyd would love to save his beloved baseball team, the Washington Senators, and lead them to the pennant. Enter Applegate- the devil who grants his wish. What Joe learns is that home and the life he had is worth more than his favorite pastime.

“Damn Yankees” opens July 15 and runs for 3 weekends. Tickets sell out quickly, so go online (new for us) and order yours today. Bring your family for a heartwarming and fun show. You don’t want to miss it!

Bribery… Works Every Time

2011-06-21T09:54:00.000-07:00

It’s the end of the year and you’re trying to get the library and textbooks returned. How do you get them back without feeling like a nag? Though you have to face the fact that some books won’t ever return, there are many ways to encourage folks to play along. One of most important ways is to think positive: try “rewarding” those who do before harassing those who don’t. For example:

Brownie Party: Have a drawing for the classes that return all their books. Reward them with a party- pizza, brownies. Maybe you could save money by having them bring their school lunches to the library and eating there with you.
Class Stars: In a high traffic area, post the names of the teachers (or students) who return their materials. People don’t like to be left out.
Library Lollies: Give kids who return their materials a lollipop, etc. when they return their materials. It could also be a trinket. Oriental Trading has cute, inexpensive things.
Return One-Get One: Students who return their materials get to choose a free book, magazine or lottery ticket for a door prize.
Book Return Countdown: Get the whole school involved. Post a thermometer in the hall. Use construction paper to fill up the thermometer. As books are returned, add more color until the thermometer is full and all materials are returned.
Amnesty Day: For those of you who charge late fines, announce an Amnesty Day and excuse fines for one day. Kids will bring them back because they won’t fear the fine.
Bring a Can-Feed the Needy: Collect food for the needy. If students bring in dry or canned goods, you can excuse the fine when they return the books. This works especially well in November and December.
Collaborate: Work with your PE teachers. Ask them to award extra points for field day if the class has returned all of their books.
Little Red Wagon: Go to where they are. Take a little red wagon and go from class to class picking up books.
Return Bins: Have a book return outside your secondary library. Sometimes kids just won't take the time to go inside.
Lunch Encounters: Go to the lunchroom and have them return books there.

Sadly you have to be realistic. Not all books will come back. Some students just have too many things going on and can’t find their shoes, much less a library book. Some of your students just don’t have the money to pay for lost materials or overdue fines. For those students you may want to try the following options.

Payment Plans: One of our Teacher Librarians has her kids bring in a dollar a week until it’s paid off. Little by little students can clear up their fines.
Work it Off: Hold students accountable by “hiring” them to work in the library at minimum wage until they pay off their accounts. Talk to them about the cost of the materials and how long they will have to work to replace it. Putting it in real world terms also teaches them a valuable lesson.
Replacement: Especially with paperbacks, you might take a different paperback for the one that was lost.
Paperwork: In actuality, handing out notices to teachers is rarely effective. They get buried in the bottom of the backpack. It’s more effective to hand a student an overdue notice when the rest of his class is getting to take a book or a prize. His paper can be exchanged for a prize when he clears up his record.

Do the best you can. Know that some loss is the cost of doing business. At some point you should forgive the students and move on. Clean up records after a year or so. Certainly by the time he graduates, his record of losing Brown Bear in Kindergarten should be off his record. Let it go and move on. Focus on the positive.

Just in Time for Summer

2011-06-14T09:46:00.000-07:00

With all of the end of the year stress and the staffing situations, this weekend I was dying to read something far from my real world. I wanted something light. Maybe something funny. Something that takes me away from it all and lets me relax. So, Saturday night at dinner, I grabbed a book off the big pile in the hallway. Alex Rider: The Final Mission- Scorpia Rising.

Fans of Alex Rider are probably laughing now. If anything, Rider books are certainly not light. I feel exhausted after reading most of the first chapters. Alex Rider is the James Bond of 14 year olds. His life is far from ordinary and full of adventure. It will take you away from your real life. Dishes will go unwashed. Homework will go undone. The world will fade away when you are reading books from the Alex Rider series. Scorpia Rising is the last of his missions- and it’s just as good as its predecessors.

Set mostly in Cairo, Alex again finds himself in the employment of M16. It seems, however, that he has fallen into the trap that Scorpia set for him. Having been twice defeated by Alex, Scorpia has no intention of letting a 15 year old boy get the best of him a third time.

Like every other book, Horowitz hooks you in the first chapter. There is no easy stopping place. If you wait for the end of the chapter, you’re too hooked to stop. Needless to say, on Sunday, when I should have been writing, I was reading. I sat on my patio-porch-balcony in the sun of the day and consumed it. In just a matter of hours, I was finished. Mouth open. Really? How can that be? Are you kidding me? Did that really happen?

Ah. Intrigued? Your turn to read Alex Rider’s final mission. Haven’t started them? Run to your library- and check it out. And thank goodness, it’s just in time for summer.

It's a Present, But it's No Surprise

2011-06-03T16:12:00.000-07:00

Once in awhile a book comes along that warms your heart and teaches you a lesson. Enter True.. Sort of by Katherine Hannigan. Delaware Pattison “was trouble: little trouble on the way to BIG TROUBLE, and getting closer to it every day. Delly’s trouble wasn’t mean. It always started with her thinking something would be fun and good. It always ended with somebody yelling, ‘Delaware Pattison, to your room!’ or, ‘Welcome to detention, Ms. Pattison. Again.’ And there Delly’d be, wondering how something that had seemed so right could go so, so wrong.”

Delly is a kid who has heard “bad, wrong, trouble” until that’s all she can see about herself. That translates into a heart that only feels sadness until one day she feels the coming of a “surpresent.” What she gets is not only a surprise but could be a present not only to herself, but to all those who get close enough to be touched by someone who can’t bear to be touched.

Just like she did in Ida B., Hannigan writes a story that pulls at your heartstrings. It makes you laugh out loud. It makes you cry real tears. As an adult it makes you look twice at the “gray children” you teach- those kids who are quiet. Those kids who stay on the fringe of the crowd. Those kids who act out and seem uncontrollable. Like Ida B., this is a must read for any adult who works with kids.

It’s also a great read aloud. It has boy characters. It has girl characters. It has adults who pay attention. For kids who struggle, it will give them hope. For kids who harass, it can lead them to a higher path. They can see past their own weaknesses and choose to lead the underdogs out.

Hannigan's latest book is certainly a present to all who read it, but considering her track record, it's no surprise.

Poetry: Take 2

2011-05-02T11:42:00.000-07:00

Last month was Poetry Month, but who says we can't do poetry all year? After all, that's what Poetry 180 is all about. So, to compensate for the cancellation of last month's class, I am offering two options for an entertaining, informative class. The first is Saturday, May 7 from 10 AM to 11 AM, Saturday Matinee. A repeat of the same class will be held on Wednesday, May 11 from 4PM to 5PM, Evening Gathering. Both classes will be held in Room 3 at the IMC. SDUSD staff (both classified and certificated) should enroll in the class at ERO, using your ERO PIN number, not your district ID password.

Bring your coffee/tea cup! See you then.

Off to Chicago

2011-04-26T12:46:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I leave for a short trip to Chicago to teach a seminar called, The Best of the Best: Top 100 Web Resources for Elementary Teachers, K-6. Sponsored by the Institute for Educational Development, this full day seminar includes:

Teacher-friendly templates to use upon returning to your classroom
Grant funding opportunities for educators to add much-needed resources to your classroom
Best subscription databases and the resources they provide to teachers
Searchable databases filled with engaging Webquest adventures for all elementary subject areas
Timesaving teacher tools to ease the strain of all that paperwork in your classroom
Exciting online collaborative projects that can connect your students with a world-wide community of learners
Copyright-free digital images to enhance your presentations and Web sites
Explore the wonderful world of free Google tools
The latest, most cutting-edge Web 2.0 tools such as blogs, wikis and Webcasts and how to use them in your K-6 classroom
Web site addresses (URLs) and what the various parts mean to make you a savvy surfer
Web browser choices and why you may need more than one on your computer
Online bookmark services to organize your favorite Web sites in one location for easy access from any computer
Tips for conducting successful searches to ensure that your valuable time online is well-spent
Elementary curriculum sites that focus on elementary math, social studies, art/music, ELA, reading, science, special education, and ESL
Software to create your own Podcasts to communicate world wide or locally
Online translator tools to help improve your communication with ESL parents

This is a new seminar for me. My biggest hope is that the teachers who attend will learn how to save time and money by finding the best resources that are available. When you search Google for Ancient China, you get over 10 million hits. Life is too short to sort through that.

So, what are your 5 favorite sites? Oh, and by the way, the Voki, is one of those cool things we'll learn now to do.

Beyond the Book

2011-04-25T14:00:00.000-07:00

While reading the local paper online, I saw a link to an article called Beyond the Book. Intrigued, I clicked. What I saw next was brilliant. The article was a description of 20 programs that will be held in North County public libraries over the next week. From resume writing classes to guest speakers and musical programs, patrons can attend these free programs- beyond the book. Check out your local public library. There’s a lot going on.
There's also a lesson in there for school libraries. How many of us school library types offer programs and activities like this? What are some beyond the book programs that we offer?

How about these?

• Resumes that Get the Job
• Concerts from student performers
• Theater performances by student actors
• Books Anytime- Anywhere- E-books
• Reference Online- Databases Rock!
• 4G charging stations
• Dial-a-Story
• Game Night/Day
• Stitches- A Sewing/Knitting, etc. group
• Musings- Teen Writers Workshop
• Yoga in the Stacks
• Gaming Night/Day
• SAT Prep
• Poetry Slams
• Art Demonstrations by students
• Recycling Crafts
• Cooking Demonstrations

So think about it. When people think of the library, what do they think of? It's time to change the stereotype. There’s a lot more we can offer beyond the book. Why not advertise that too?

Thank Goodness for English

2011-04-19T16:18:00.000-07:00

I've spent most of the last two days at the district hearings regarding the layoff notices to certificated teachers. This morning, the union attorney told us that 20 teachers would be recalled before the testimony continued. She rattled off many different subject areas. Library was not one of them. I settled in for what I was sure would be a long day. The very last name that was called was me. I gasped. I cried. People applauded.

What happened? I don't know exactly, but it seems there were errors made in the seniority list and tie breakers due to other certification. I believe my English teaching credential saved me. Now I am free to breathe and go about my work.

Relieved? Extremely. Relaxed? Not yet. Classifed battles have yet to begun. Now, I get to stay to help fight them.

For all of you who wrote to support me. I thank you. For those who prayed and spoke and wrote to others, let's remember we're not out of the woods yet. Let's keep all libraries open. Libraries matter because children matter.

More than a Storage Room

2011-04-12T16:21:00.000-07:00

I am a published author. An international speaker. A school librarian. Twelve months of the year I am employed by San Diego Unified Schools as the district’s only resource librarian. We have over 228 schools in a district with nearly 132,000 students. For the first time since I took this job 9 and a half years ago, we have every school library open except one.

Our School Board is currently in the process of making budget reductions for the 2011-2012 school year. Of over 200 schools, we only have about 30 Teacher Librarians. School budgets have excessed about half a dozen of them. Another 13 Teacher Librarians have received a layoff notice. Though I don’t work at a school site, I got caught in the big net of media credentials, so I am one of the thirteen. It appears that certificated library staffing could take a 50% cut.

Classified staffing seems just as grim. We are projecting that 37 school libraries will close due to no staffing. Eleven additional secondary schools will have less than one person working full time. Most of these have more than 1000 students who will need to check out textbooks.

Our library staff is a mixture of mostly classified and just over 30 certified people. In the last two years, we have trained almost 100 new staff members. Many of these library workers began as volunteers. Their children attended their school. Then they saw the value in what they did. They do their job, not for the summers off or for the salary. They do it because it’s important. They do it because it matters.

There is a common misconception about what a “librarian” does. The average person thinks a librarian reads stories to children and checks out books. Today’s “librarian” is much more than that. Libraries with adequate staffing level the educational playing field. Not every child has internet access at home. Not every child has a 4G phone. Not every child has books to call his own.

But in the library, students may have access to current technology. They have access to books. Most importantly they have access to trained staff who can guide them from 92 million Google hits on poetry to 184 educationally appropriate sites. Someone who can teach him about how to find the most current data. Someone who can find that just-right book.

Yes, I am an international speaker and a published author. But I am also a school librarian. I chose to work in this district because it matters. These are my schools. My teachers. My students. They need me. They need all of us. Libraries matter because kids matter. Libraries are more than storage rooms for books. They are the doors to literacy. Let’s keep them open. Shall we?

Bringing Poetry to Life with Digital Resources

2011-04-11T16:52:00.000-07:00

Baseball, spring flowers, and poetry. It must be April. Since 1996, April has been National Poetry Month. This weekend I will be teaching a Saturday Matinee at the IMC on using digital resources to teach poetry. Whether you teach language arts or not, there’s a poem and a strategy that will enhance your curriculum and jazz up your lessons.

We will start, of course, with Destiny, our one-stop-shopping hub of all things digital. Within your online catalog, you may also find titles and digital resources. If you Google “poetry” you get over 92 million hits. Within Destiny, 184 educationally appropriate sites. Why start driving the Titanic when what you really need is a speedboat?

We will look at some of the best sites for K-12 instruction. We will also look at our databases. In TeachingBooks.net, for example, there are 546 results. From lesson plans to videos and strategies, everything you need to teach your curriculum is there for the searching.

As time allows, we will also look at poetry dramatization. We will sing some poetry. We’ll look at some of the best new titles. Today’s poetry is fun. It’s informational. Picture book poetry is beautiful.

Maybe you belong to me (fellow SDUSD teachers/staff). So join me. It’s not too late to get in on a jam packed, rip roarin’, poetry packed hour. Bring your cup. I’ll make you some coffee or tea. The bonus: It’s my Saturday to work, so I can help you find the best resources from the IMC collection while you’re here.

For more information:

April is National Poetry Month. Join Deborah B. Ford, District Resource Librarian, for a one hour workshop of online resources to jazz up your current poetry curriculum teaching with the latest in Web 2.0 tools. Learn how to find new digital resources. Discover lesson plans, books and teaching strategies for your library or classroom that will entice even your most reluctant readers. Find them today. Use them tomorrow.

Register for this fun one hour workshop at:

IMC Saturday Matinee Series: Bringing Poetry to Life with Digital Resources (5458SATMAT0008)
SRN: 545804162011

Class will be held from 10 AM to 11 AM at the Instructional Media Center, Room 3. Bring your coffee/tea cup!!

Contact Deborah B. Ford for questions. dford@sandi.net

Aunt Betty Skypes

2011-03-31T13:57:00.000-07:00

Today Aunt Betty had a new experience. She Skyped with a school- in Michigan. Pansophia Academy is a school in Coldwater, Michigan. I met the librarian at a recent workshop. Her school planned a read-a-thon, so she asked Aunt Betty to share a story with her school.

Enter Skype (or Google Voice and Video Chat). Skype offers free audio and video chats, all for the downloading of the software. You can talk (and see) someone from anywhere in the world without leaving your house. How about Skyping with an author? Try a Virtual Visit. Check out teachingdegree.org for more ideas about how to use video chats in your classroom.

To do this with a guest speaker you will want to do a few things ahead of time.

1. Download Skype,
2. Invite your speaker to be a contact within Skype.
3. Check your Privacy settings in Skype.
4. Get an LCD projector to connect to your computer.
5. Get speakers- you may need to place a microphone near your speakers, depending on the size of your audience.
6. Do a practice test with your guest before there is an audience.
7. You may want to use a USB web cam so that if you want to show other things in the room, you won’t have to move the whole computer.

Because we used a USB web cam, Aunt Betty was able to show her office and a Google map of the distance between San Diego and Coldwater, Michigan. We sang a song together and Aunt Betty told the true story of the Itsy Bitsy Spider.

As my mama always says, “a good time was had by all.” Try it. You’ll like it.

All the Way to America

2011-03-28T14:26:00.000-07:00

“Work hard, but remember to enjoy life, and never forget your family.” Dan Yaccarino's newest picture book tells the story of four generations of his own family's history. Using a family shovel as the connecting link, an Italian family begins a new life in New York City. Michael (formerly Michele Iaccarino of Sorrento, Italy) uses his father's shovel as he works in a bakery. The shovel passes to his son who becomes the owner of a market and uses the shovel to measure out beans, macaroni and olives.

The influence of family, hard work and enjoying life are sprinkled throughout the narrative. Each generation becomes more “American,” but never loses their heritage. From family recipes to work ethics, the Yaccarino family’s strength and character moves from generation to generation.

This wonderfully told story with classic Yaccarino illustrations, causes readers to wonder. Where did my family come from? What family treasure have we passed from father to son or generation to generation? What family recipes and traditions do we have that came from past generations? Like the author, when students tell their own stories, they will have to edit. Read an interview from Publisher’s Weekly for the inside scoop.

In just a few minutes, librarians and teachers can use this book as a starting point for immigration units or for teaching narrative writing. Go to Randomhouse.com for teachers to find ready to use teaching guides. This new-for-2011 may be just the book you need- even if you don’t have a family shovel.

At Least They Aren't Really Pink

2011-03-24T20:35:00.000-07:00

Last week, while I was on tour, more than 1300 people in my district received layoff notices. Having already seen the budget cuts for each school, I knew that many of those notices- and those yet to come- would be library staff. It was starting to look like 32 elementary libraries will be closing and more than that will have reduction in hours. Thirteen teacher librarians would get those “pink slips.” While I traveled, I rehearsed this post in my head.

What can you say to someone who knows her job is important, yet because of money, she will not return? What can you say to someone who works hard to meet the needs of an entire school, yet because of money, she will have to figure out how to do the same thing with less time? What can you say to the people who have established collaborative relationships with teachers, yet they will be “bumped” because someone with more seniority was eliminated or reduced?

I made a list of all the things I would say to those people. Then on Friday night, as I was making my way home, my boss called me. It seems there was a surprise layoff notice waiting for me at home.

So there I was- now in the net of people who work hard at their job, yet no matter how much work needs to be done, no matter how hard we work, we could lose our jobs. What do I say now?

I say the same thing I would say before. We should prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Get your check ups. Pay off your credit cards. Meet with your union. File for a hearing. Put a little money aside. Start putting out feelers for Plan B. Plan for the end of your job as you know it.

But…do your job every day. Help the people who need you. It’s not the fault of the children that there are budget reductions. It’s not the fault of the teachers- or the parents.

So, we get up in the morning and we remember why we took this job in the first place. The library is the one place at school where every person can feel welcome. Every child can feel safe. We remember that the children are the reason we have a job. We put ourselves aside and do the best we can for as long as they will let us.

In the end, things will work out. It may not be what we planned. It may not be what we expected. It may turn out to be a big fuss about nothing. It may turn out that we get to go to a different job that we love even more. We plan for the worst and hope for the best.

Oh! And one more thing. Pink is my favorite color. At least pink slips aren’t really pink.

Red Light, Green Light: What's Your Signal?

2011-02-08T16:30:00.000-08:00

Music Wand from Tree Blocks

Every classroom teacher has a signal for getting a class’s attention. The library is the largest classroom in the school, so it only makes sense to have a signal there as well. Training your students in the procedure for getting their attention takes some initial explanation, rehearsing and reinforcement, but the payoff can be huge. In literally seconds you can quiet a room with the wave of your hand- or maybe a wand.

Harry Wong teaches us that a procedure is how you want things done. So, you must first decide what your signal will be. Let’s say you choose to ring a bell. You will begin to teach the procedure by telling your students that whenever they hear the bell, they should stop, look and listen. You have something important to say.

Tell students that next they will rehearse the procedure. Ring the bell. Students should stop, look and listen. You will tell them how well (or not) they did. Usually they do well the first time. They need practice. So, send some students to the circulation desk and some to the tables. Give everyone a few seconds to talk to each other and ring your bell again. This time, count the seconds. If they do well, go about your regular schedule. Half way through the period, try it again.

Remember that this is a procedure. Not following procedure brings more rehearsal, not punishment. For example, if they don’t respond fast enough to the bell, they should try again five minutes later. They should not have to write “I will stop, look and listen at the bell.” That teaches them to hate writing (and maybe the library). I remember years ago, I had a really big bell. My kids learned to stop talking when I was walking to the drawer where I kept it. I never even had to ring it. They saw me walk to the drawer and the library became silent.

The third step is reinforcement. Once students have learned a procedure, from time to time, acknowledge those who do a good job. If you notice that one table was especially quick to stop at the signal, point that out. I did that last week at a staff training. When I gave prizes to that table, it was amazing how fast the others remembered the procedure. Point out the good and the rest will quickly follow.

What are some signals you can use?
• Give me five- raising your hand, children raise theirs too; sometimes kids count backward- 5,4,3,,, (eyes on speaker, quiet, be still, hands free, listen)
• Raising your hand
• Ringing a bell
• Flicking the lights
• Music
• MusicWand from Tree Blocks
• A wooden frog
• Clap your hands in a pattern- students clap it back
• Say, “if you can hear my voice, raise your hand” (use a very small voice)

If your school already has a signal, adopt it. All you will have to do is tell the students. Rehearse. Reinforce. You’ll be amazed at how much time you save after they learn the procedure. It’s never too late to start a new procedure. You’ll be really glad you did.

What signal do you use?

Joining Forces

2011-01-21T10:53:00.000-08:00

Late yesterday evening I went to a new group meeting. Bill Sannwald, Youth Service Librarian @ Malcolm X Library wanted to connect with the area school libraries to network. A small group of us met at his branch library for about an hour. So what did we talk about?

We talked about services we were offering at our sites and at the branch libraries. At Malcolm X, they have movies, game nights, storytelling, a quilt show and teen artwork coming soon to a wall near you. At Lincoln High, kids are reading. Margo said she has 3 copies of the Hunger Games series and none of the copies have been on the shelf since she got them. They continue to be on hold. Erin talked about how she was doing the California Young Reader Medal Program at her schools. Thanks to the collections at the IMC Libraries, she said she has enough books to do it. At Bell Middle School, Erin has created a student book review blog- Bell Literacy Council. Check it out and be a follower.

In times like these, we have to work together. Networking to share ideas does more than let us toot our own horn. It lets us share our resources. If you are a school library staff person and you don’t have a book that a student wants or needs, when is the last time you told him to check with the public library? Better yet, you showed him how to order the book online? Add it to your own wish list and provide customer service that will help him for a lifetime.

When you are looking at reducing your databases, talk with your public library and buy what they aren’t buying. If you are a public library staff person, when is the last time you visited a school? Bill is going to Nye Elementary to do Story Time. How great is that? Of course, Aunt Betty is going to Malcolm X to do her thing too.

By working together, we find that we are bound together to help us see that we are not alone. Library budgets are tough all over. School libraries are building a foundation that transfers over into life at the public library. As both grow into what our customers need, we need to reach out to each other so that we transform into more than just a building with books. We become that safe haven. That place where all are welcome- whether they came there to read or not. Besides, we all like a good movie. Don’t we?

Oh yes, and bring cookies.

Is it Time for a Nap?

2010-11-22T11:54:00.000-08:00

After being awake since 3AM this morning, it’s no wonder when I took a reading break that I chose two picture books about sleeping. The first was Bedtime for Mommy by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, illustrated by LeUyen Pham. Using a speech bubble format, a little girl gets her mommy ready for bed. Children will delight in the reverse role as they see themselves in the tricks that Mommy uses to stall bedtime. A surprise ending will have them shouting, “read it again.” A lovely read aloud, it will also be a nice Christmas gift for moms with young children.

For a great laugh out loud bedtime story, read A Bedtime for Bear by Bonny Becker, illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton. Bear is a bit set in his sleeping routines and he likes it quiet. When Mouse shows up for a sleepover, Bear tries to make the best of it. Once Mouse stops with the noise at bedtime, Bear begins to hear unsettling noises. “Mouse!” he cried. “Wake up!” Mouse wisely realizes the fear that Bear is having and helps him settle back to sleep. Readers will laugh out loud as they see through Bear. A lovely story of friendship, A Bedtime for Bear is sure to be a crowd pleaser too.

Now, about my nap...

Library Makeovers on a Budget

2010-11-03T14:59:00.000-07:00

Before makeover

After the book shift and new theme

One of the services that my office provides is reorganization of the library facility. Janet, Elaine and I go to a school library, and compare the needs of the school with the layout of the furniture, books and other resources in the library. With changing technology and growing schools (many of our elementary schools have gone K-8), how we used to use a space often differs from the best way to use it now.

So we weed the collection, often moving books to better accommodate assignments from teachers. For example, at Fulton, the older students were looking for fiction books and nonfiction books in the same space. By moving the nonfiction and fiction to the outside walls, students spread out more when looking for books to check out. Sometimes, we move computer stations to an area closer to the circulation desk. We have, on occasion, moved free standing bookshelves away from the front door to open up the entrance space. This often creates an area suitable for multiple purposes or a Storytime.

Now that many of our libraries are utilitzing i21 technology, we want to create a space for teaching an entire class. In those spaces, we try to keep a Storytime area, but corral the tables together so that we can also seat an entire class for instruction. Sometimes the screen needs to be moved so that it is in the center of the instructional area.

Fiction area in transition

We recently finished a complete reorganization of a library that has become K-8. We wanted to create an area for younger students, but also set apart an area for the middle schoolers- the Double Digits. So, we moved the fiction and reference books to the instructional end of the library. We added a paperback book rack to shelve the edgy fiction. A space was created to make a cozy reading area.

To tie in both areas, we used a theme- rainforest. Using the resources at the TMC (Noah, especially), we added leaves, vines and creatures that students will research when they study the rainforest habitat. Old posters were taken down. A few “explorer” type props were added. We suggested adding camping chairs for the Double Digit special reading area. A mosquito netting canopy would set that off nicely.

Instructional area with student work

The next step is buy in from the school. We made a list of props that can be collected and added to the displays. The school will post these ideas. Students and parents will bring these into “their” library. Everyone will have an opportunity to have a part and continue to make the library more inviting and usable.

Students will also have an opportunity to fill out paper leaves and add to the vines. Whenever they read a book they especially liked, they can fill out a leaf with the title and author. The library staff will add it to the walls. Thus, another chance for ownership. Teachers and students who have ownership in a library are your biggest advocates. They take care of the space and care about what happens in it. Remember to call it “our library,” as well. No one cares about “your” library.

A final piece is that the library staff is the gathering volunteers- from parents to students to work in the library. The library staff has created an application form for students to fill out. A letter is going home to parents about helping on campus. The library is one of the places they can help. By creating a usable, inviting place that provides opportunities for ownership, students increase their chances to learn in a library that belongs to them. We, on the other hand, benefit from having help and having nurtured our best cheerleaders.

For more ideas about library themes, see my wikispace, Libraries Matter.

Shelf Worthy

2010-11-02T11:07:00.001-07:00

I just finished a big weed project at a site. This site has gone through two circulation conversions in the last ten years. As I went through the decisions of what stays and what goes, I came to this conclusion: why do we spend time and money barcoding items that shouldn’t even be in the collection at all? Why do they transfer from one program to the next?

I know that in our district, we went from one system to the other so quickly, that it was hard to keep up. In many cases we didn’t have staffing or time to weed before we added all records. But if we are physically putting barcodes on a book or material that no longer has value to our collection, shouldn’t we just delete it then and there?

The same applies to materials we are given. If someone donates a book or material to the library, we should evaluate it before taking the time and energy to add it to our collection.

• Does it add value to the collection?
• Does it meet the needs of the curriculum?
• Is it grade level appropriate for our students?
• Will teachers and students use it?
• Is it more appropriate for a home library than a school library?
• If it was already on our shelf, would we weed it?
• Is the information current?
• Does it have mold or a smell? (straight to a plastic bag please)
• Do we already have a newer edition?

So before, you add a barcode to something, take just a second longer and ask yourself: Is this shelf worthy? If not, discard it or recycle it. You can also use some of the donations for a book sale. Collect these books all year long and sort them into boxes marked 25 cents, 50 cents or 1.00. At the end of the year, have a two day sale. Sell the books at half price on the second day.

Use other donated books as giveaways to your student helpers or as prizes for students who bring their books back. Most secondary schools have a spot near the front door for free books. Good idea! We all love free.

In short, even in tight times, it is better to have no information than misinformation. Discard books with misinformation. Delete worn materials. Free up space in your video or CDROM collection for newer materials. Point your patrons in the direction of digital databases. You are still the “keeper” of the information, just be sure it’s worth keeping.

Can I Keep Him, Please??

2010-11-01T14:22:00.000-07:00

How many of you found an animal, brought it home and asked Mom if you could keep it? And her answer? Well, it depends on the mom. I just read a delightful story about just that- only there is a twist. The animal is a child and the one who found it is a bear. The story is Children Make Terrible Pets by Peter Brown. Lucy is playing in the woods when she hears a squeak coming from the bushes. “OH! MY! GOSH! You are the cutest critter in the WHOLE forest.” So like any child, Lucy takes him home to ask her parents if she can keep him. They agree on one condition- he’s Lucy’s responsibility.

Squeaker is a great pet- for awhile. They play together. They eat together. They nap together. Potty training is another story. Then the worst happens- Squeaker disappears. Lucy learns a valuable lesson about pets. One that kids can quickly see and relate to as well.

Children Make Terrible Pets is a great read aloud. You might combine it with Princess Justina Albertina: A Cautionary Tale by Ellen Lee Davidson or do a search in Destiny. Search pets. Then narrow your search by browsing subjects. Look in the list of subjects for pets—fiction. Teachers and library staff can create a resource list (after logging in) and make it public so your students can easily find all sorts of fiction stories about kids and their pets. Looking across the district, I can see 543 different titles. How many do you have at your school?

Meaningful Work

2010-10-17T22:07:00.000-07:00

Last week Elaine and I (Janet was still on vacation) went out to some of our secondary schools on what we call a reconnaissance mission. We listen to the needs and questions of the staff, look around and offer suggestions about improvements. One of the first high schools we visited has a new library staff member. She’s new to our district too. Her school is broken into 6 smaller schools. With over 5000 students, she is the lone wolf, coming into a situation that is just- plainly put- hard. There is no teacher librarian. No other classified staff. Only three students are currently coming in to help with clerical tasks, like shelving. Even in a library where things are in great order when you get there, it would be tough.

Unfortunately, staffing at this site has not been enough or consistent. The staff that has been there for the last 9 years (that’s all I can vouch for) have admirably done everything they can to just keep their heads above the water. With the new library tech starting after the first textbook distribution was over, there were still offices full of boxes of consumables. The library has been a place to put (or leave) things that don’t work- from equipment to furniture.

Before anything has been rearranged.

Enter new tech. She comes to training. She makes a list of what she thinks is a priority to make this high school a better place for kids. Elaine and I go out to look things over. We all jump right in and see what we can do right away. We clear out things that have been dumped in the front. We find signage to hang to welcome students in.

Teens flock to an area that has been created for them.

Elaine rearranges some furniture and creates a welcoming place for kids to sit and read. Within minutes of this, a class comes in to check out books. Instantly kids are there reading. Not going to the computers. Not leaving. Sitting and reading. They want to be there, but they need a space that speaks to them. With the three of us working, and the help of a substitute, the space begins to take shape.

When we talked about this at the next elementary training, some of our library assistants volunteered to come on their own time to help this school. When we talked to the new high school tech to encourage her about all the work there is to do, her response was “it’s meaningful work.”

We have great people in our team of SDUSD library staff. There is Elaine, who switches her days off so she can be with Janet when she comes back, as I am in Canada. Sharon, who volunteers to help a high school in need. Library assistants (and teachers) who came to Books and Boys on Saturday morning. Janet, who skips lunch to talk someone through and issue on the phone. The list goes on and on.

Yes, my job is hard too. There is a reason why I have a collection of crowns. Some days a girl just needs to wear one. Some days, she just has to think about all the great work being done by people who work harder than they get paid for because it’s “meaningful work.” Today is one of those days. So, thank you, library staff, on behalf of all the kids and teachers in this district for what you do for kids.

Birthday Book Clubs

2010-09-23T09:20:00.000-07:00

I’m on my way to speak in Florida about how to do something with what you have. It seems like everywhere I go, funds and staffing are stretched to their limits. So we will talk about saving time and money when you don’t have much of either. As part of that we will talk about ways to raise money.

Start a fund raising project that adds new books to your collection at little cost to you. A Birthday Book Club provides funding for you to add new books to the collection while allowing your community to take ownership by donating materials you really want and need. Students who are members get to be the first to check out the books. You can host a party which could be offered several times throughout the year, adding new members to your club. Encourage area businesses or community members to donate so that your less fortunate students can also participate. Perhaps students who return their books, etc. can win chances for a drawing for these donor club memberships.

If you have upper grade students, you can adapt the idea to an Honor Club. Books/money can be donated in honor of a graduating student. Students can invite friends and family from all over the world to participate, so that many books are added in honor of the student.

As an alternative fundraiser, I learned yesterday that PermaBound has a new program called Book Busters. Schools can create a url that can be posted on a website. People from all over the world can go to the site and donate money for books. All you need to do is create a reason for buying them. How many reasons, let me count they ways… They even have promotional material for you to use. Contact your PermaBound representative for more information.

How do you start the book club? See the ideas below to get you started. There are forms you can adapt on my Libraries Matter wikispace on the Prepare for Fall page. Help yourself.

Oh and party refreshments? Ice cream and cake? Of course!

 At the end of the year, around Christmas or at the beginning of the school year, send a letter home to parents inviting them to participate in the Birthday Book Club.
 If you charge $20.00, you will be able to choose library bound books.
 Parents return the form with their money or check.
 Order the books, selecting age and topic appropriate books.
 Create a database from the forms.
 Use Microsoft Word to create a mail merge label for each child’s book.
 Use Word to create a spine label for the Birthday Book. A simple cake logo works.
 When the books are ready send out invitations to the Birthday Book Club Party.
 Plan age appropriate entertainment and refreshments.
 Enlist volunteers to help with the books and party.
 Place the labels on the spine and in the books.
 Sort the books by your distribution plan.
 Check out the books to the student whose family donated the book.
 Throw the party.

Thank You Harry Wong

2010-08-31T09:16:00.000-07:00

Years ago, I was the Susan Lucci of education. Every year I was nominated for Teacher of the Year and every year I lost. Then I earned my library degree. After that, I was nominated for Teacher of the Year and Media Specialist of the Year, and lost. Again and Again.

Then I read Harry Wong's The First Days of School. my classroom management was transformed. I taught more because kids knew what to do. I learned the difference between rules and procedures. Rules have consequences. Procedures get practice. If a student runs, he practices walking. Eventually he learns to walk.

Wong also teaches that students are our customers. Especially in a secondary library, we need to remember that. In a flexible schedule, students can and will go somewhere else, if their needs are not met or they don’t feel welcome. That’s the beginning of this story…

So we need to teach the rules and share the consequences. One way to do that is the yakking power point. You can improve that by adding photographs of students demonstrating the rules. Maybe they even do them incorrectly.

Now take this a step further. Save your power point presentation as jpgs. Then create a Photo Story using the rule slides that are now picture files. (See my blog article about Photo Story if this is news to you.) You will have to go into the motion feature and adjust the time and movement on the word slides. Choose start and stop in the same place and make sure the movement is the whole frame.

Narrate the slides. Add some opening and/or closing music and TA DA! You have an interesting movie to share with your students about rules. You’ve used technology that will capture their attention. Students like to see themselves “on camera.” And you save your voice. If you ever need to change it, and you will, you can just change or add pictures. Re-record the voice over and save your new production.

Now for the rest of the story…
After I learned the difference between rules and procedures and practiced. I was not only voted Teacher of the Year, but also Media Specialist of the Year for my state. Harry Wong made a difference in how I taught. My kids learned more, because I was able to guide them more when less time was wasted. How about you? Couldn’t you use more time to guide your students? Check it out at your library.

Mockingjay Day

2010-08-24T11:13:00.000-07:00

Today is Mockingjay Day. A day that Hunger Games’ fans have been anxiously awaiting. The third in a series staring a strong female character who lives in a dystopian world, Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins has been kept under lock and key. Today the bird is released.

No. I did not get it early. Yes. I went to my local bookstore first thing this morning and got my copy. No. I left it in the car so I would actually work today.

I gave one of my theater friends (a fifty-ish male) a copy of Hunger Games last year to read on a transatlantic flight. When he got to his layover, he called me. “This is a kid’s book?," he said. “Yes,” I told him. “It’s what we call a YA (Young Adult)," which for elementary means R rated movie- run away.

“It's like a car wreck," he said. "You know you should look away but you can't help yourself. So...(big pause) do you have the sequel?” he asked me next. I smiled. “Of course I do.” Another reader hooked I thought to myself.

That’s the beauty of a really good book. It spans the ages for which it was written. Look at the success of Harry Potter. It almost became an offense to people if you hadn’t read it or a guilty secret for some of my librarian staff. "What do you mean you haven't read it?!"

A good read captures your audience on the first page. Sorry, this is so short. I have to get something out of my car...

Coffee Klatch

2010-08-23T10:13:00.000-07:00

The SDUSD Teachers' Media Center

My staff and I, along with support from the TMC staff, are teaching a Back to School Coffee Klatch next Tuesday morning. In a fast one hour session, we will provide tips for classroom management, ideas for instructional/management bulletin boards and best uses of the Teachers Media Center. And yes, there will be coffee.

For those of you who haven’t been to the TMC or if it’s been awhile, the TMC is a make and take it area of the Instructional Media Center. SDUSD staff can visit during our regular hours to cut out letters, bind books, laminate or make posters for their classrooms or libraries. It’s our very own do-it-yourself-without-spending-as-much-money Teacher Store. You are only charged a small amount for anything consumable.

It’s a little overwhelming, so we decided to offer this in the morning, so that people can have the rest of the day to work. We’ll start in the lab to show online resources, but spend most of the time giving ideas and demonstrating how to use the TMC. The IMC/TMC is much like your first visit to DSW (shoe warehouse). There is so much to choose from, it’s hard to start. Our thought is that if we can get you started, you will be able to take it from there. Handouts will be posted on our website.

For example, every room in the school should have rules- even the library, which, as you know, is the largest classroom in the school. We will teach you that the rules should be less than 5, positive and posted. (We are disciples of Harry Wong for a reason.) Rules might be:

1. Take care of classroom/library materials.
2. Use quiet voices.
3. If you use it, put it away.
4. Stop, look and listen at the bell.
5. Mind your manners.

At the Coffee Klatch, we will show you how the rules can be made into a power point or Photo Story. Then we will take you into the TMC and show you how to make a great poster that can be posted in your classroom or school library. You could also take the same rules and/or procedures and make a Jeopardy power point game.

So many ideas, so little time. If you belong to SDUSD, join us on August 31 from 10:00 to 11:00 in the Lab, Room 3. Register at ERO so my numbers look accurate. If you haven't gotten a PIN number before, you'll have to sign up. Then search "coffee."

“The Powers That Be” need to know that Library Services does more than check out books. Help us toot our horn. Tell your principal, parents, school board members and upper administration about what we can do with and for you. Don’t know? Just ask…

Who is Aunt Betty?

2010-08-20T15:50:00.000-07:00

Aunt Betty Takes Time to Read

Where I come from, our grandma’s go to the beauty parlor, not the salon. They get a curly perm and often, a rinse. Sometimes the rinse is blue, sometimes lavender or pink. It’s called a rinse for a reason. If you don’t wear your little plastic rain bonnet and you happen upon a little shower, your hair color is coming right off your hair and onto your lovely cardigan sweater. (This is the voice of experience talking.)

So, many years ago, I was at a yard sale in Mt. Pleasant, SC. In a box of costumes, I saw a blue curly wig. I thought, “Oh my. It’s like my grandma’s hair gone too long in the rinse.” But, since it was a quarter, I bought it. You never know when you might need a bright blue wig.

I took it to school and put it in a box of costume pieces and forgot about it. Almost a year later, our school decided to have school-wide rules (which is brilliant, by the way). On our daily news broadcast, one rule each day would be taught. The committee asked me to go on TV on the day of “respect” and sing, Aretha Franklin’s R-E-S-P-E-C-T. I said, “No, I don’t think so.”

But about ten minutes before we went on the air I thought, “A little old grandma lady- she would do it.” I grabbed that blue wig, a pair of my grandma’s ear bobs (earrings for you non-Southern folk) and Aunt Betty was born.

After that, Aunt Betty made periodic appearances to remind children to mind their manners- push your chair in, don’t say huh? or don’t wash your hands in the drinking fountain. From there I began to do Storytimes and class visits. After that I realized I could use her for staff development. Back then it was a lot easier to be someone else and do books talks about poop and snot than for me to do it.

Now Aunt Betty is an international speaker. Sometimes if I have been to a place as Aunt Betty and return another day as myself, people are disappointed. It’s amazing what you can do with a 25 cent wig.

Aunt Betty visits Field Elem School.

A couple of years ago I told a group of children about having lavender hair. I said that I would just keep it blue, since it matched my eyes. Five minutes into our visit, a little girl raised her hand. She said, "Aunt Betty. I don't think your hair has to match your eyes. You should just do it." So, I've had a makeover. We call it Lightly Lavender. If my Grams had worn glasses, I would look just like her. It's scary.

Where did the Betty come from? My nephew, who is now in his twenties, gave me the name when he was 3. He could say “Debbie,” but chose to use his own nickname. (By the way, very few people call me Debbie and I like that!!) So, it was a perfect choice, since all my family calls me Betty.

Having another person to do storytelling, staff development and other trainings works for me. Maybe it will work for you. Don’t we all wish there were two of us sometimes??

Great Beginnings

2010-08-20T09:34:00.000-07:00

So, there I was, tied to an altar made from outdated encyclopedias, about to get sacrificed by a cult of evil librarians…. (Brandon Sanderson, Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians)

If your teacher has to die, August isn’t a bad time of year for it. (Richard Peck, A Teacher’s Funeral)

Mom and Dad had known about the wedding at my uncle Autry’s ranch for months. But with the date set for a mere ten days after my thirteenth birthday, my family’s RSVP had remained solidly unconfirmed until the last possible wait-and-see moment….In my family, thirteenth birthdays were like time bombs, with no burning fuse or beeping countdown to tell you when to plug your ears, duck, brace yourself, or turn tail and get the hay bales out of Dodge. (Ingrid Law, Scumble)

I love a good hook on the first page of a story. How can you read any of the above without reading on? They get you from the start. That’s one of the criteria I use when I am choosing books to recommend. If it doesn’t have a good hook, right at the start, how can we expect that a young reader, especially a struggling one, will persevere?

Teaching Tip
So the first sentence, the first page of a book is important. Try this out:

Great Hooks Graffiti:
Post a large piece of bulletin board paper in your library or classroom. Start it off by writing your own favorite first sentence. Write it in quotes and underneath write the author and title of the book.

Ask your students to add their book graffiti as they read books that have a great first sentence. Nonfiction, picture books and fiction… any kind of reading works. Collect good first sentences or anything on the first page that grabs and hooks you into the next page.

After you have collected a fair number of starters, categorize each quote. Did the author start with dialogue? Setting? Character? Problem? Is there a pattern? Does one technique seem used more than others? What feeling does the author create with that technique?

Then have kids use these ideas to do their own writing. Getting started is the hardest part. By having concrete examples and starting a story in a given method, students who struggle can worry about other important things. How to end it, for example? Ah, but that’s another problem.

Clever Jack Takes the Cake

2010-08-16T13:00:00.000-07:00

They have done it again. The team that brought us Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! have joined forces again to bring us another tale that will keep you turning pages and clapping your hands at the end.

All the children in the kingdom have been invited to the birthday party of the princess. Jack, a poor child, cannot afford to buy her anything. So, Clever Jack, barters and trades for the makings of a cake. His problems really begin when he has to travel from home to the castle to take the cake to the princess. It seems that everyone wants some of that cake.

Will Jack be clever enough to get the cake to its destination? And what will the princess think? Find out yourself in the newly released picture book, Clever Jack Takes the Cake by Candace Fleming, illustrated by G. Brian Karas. You will clap your hands in delight. It's a great read aloud for all ages.

Want S'More?

2010-08-10T15:22:00.000-07:00

Recently I attended an author visit at our local independent bookstore, Yellow Book Road. Helen Foster James was doing a talk about her book, S is for S’Mores, illustrated by Lita Judge. Just like any teacher or librarian, Helen welcomed children and parents as they entered and began by introducing herself and her book. Immediately she drew the children in and managed behavior with a trick of her hand.

Helen talked about camping and what you might need when you camp. Then she read from her book, which is a rhyming alphabet book about camping. It can also be used as a picture book for older readers, as each page also has a sidebar of more information on the topical letter. The illustrations are beautiful. Be sure you check out Lita's books too. She's writing her own books and illustrating them too.

G is for the Gear you’ll need

To organize and pack

To keep your camping full of fun

And bring you safely back.

Then she brought out a plastic container and took the lid off with a penny. Kids guessed about what its’ use might be. She said, “What do you think you might put in here?” One kid said, “a gun.” Well, probably not. In the end, we learned that it was for keeping food away from bears. She told us that we need to be careful when we are camping so that bears can’t get our food. How will they feed themselves from nature if they learn that they like Snickers bars better?

A is for adventure.

Let’s camp from A to Z.

On mountains and deserts or beaches,

If you want to have fun, follow me!

The author told us that the last line of the A page came from something her friend used to say when she was a little girl. One of the best things about going to an event like this is that you learn about where stories come from. You learn that authors are real people too. Certainly Helen Foster James is joy to listen to. Her final triumph was a folding paper story. Children were mesmerized and of course, wanted to learn to fold and tell as well.

The best thing is that this event was free. Check out your local children’s book store. Are you on their email list? Make time to visit the store. Listen to an author. Browse the shelf. Take home a few unexpected treasures. (Who can leave a bookstore without buying something??) What do you know? Sometimes you might even get to eat a S’more.

Knock Knock
Who’s there?
Amos
Amos who?
A mosquito bit me.

Knock Knock
Who’s there?
Andy?
Andy who?
Andy bit me again.

Knock Knock.
Who’s there.
Betty.
Betty who?
(Smack your arm.) Bet he won’t do that again.

May all your camping adventures be fun- and bug free.

My 15 Minutes Plus

2010-08-02T10:25:00.000-07:00

It looks like perhaps I hit on a popular subject with my Comic Con gig. Word got to my school district. The media was alerted. The next day my office was filled with reporters and news cameras. The district gathered all the footage into one video clip that runs about 3.5 minutes. School Library Journal called me for an interview. The article will come out tomorrow. Library Media Connection wants me to write an article, “Redefining Reading.” I was invited to speak at the SLJ Leadership Summit in Chicago. I have answered mail from all over the country about using graphic novels in the classroom. I stand amazed.

I was even more amazed at Comic Con. For those of you who are out of the popular culture loop, San Diego Comic Con is the place to be for popular culture, comic books, all things Star Trek and the like. It’s a place to see and be seen. 130,000 people attended this 4 day conference. The SD Convention Center main floor is completely covered with vendors, while break out sessions start in the morning and end at “prevening.” Costume balls, movie and TV premiers… So many costumes that you sometimes think you could be on the back lot of a movie production company.

I spoke on a panel with 3 university professors on the topic “Comics in the Classroom.” The room was set up for 260 people. I thought, “hmm, going to be a lot of empty seats.” Was I wrong! The room was full with standing room only. The hour passed quickly- I had so much more to say. Afterwards, our table was mobbed by people who wanted to ask questions, get our cards, or ask for help. Chris Butcher, our moderator, posted our handouts on his website. If you missed it, you can at least see these.

I did walk the vendor floor on Preview Night. I have to say, it was much different than a library conference. (Can you see my sign?) I am afraid that even though I had on my cowgirl boots for bravery, I was still very anxious. I was delighted to see publishers I knew. My sister’s big question was, “Did you see any stars?” I am afraid not.

Despite the crowds, the traffic, the unfamiliarity, a funny thing happened. I usually avoid downtown like the plague during the Con. Too many crowds, etc. But I have to say this. The folks who go to Comic Con are passionate about what they love. They love the characters. They love the buzz. They love the comics. I, too, fell under the spell. I went there to preach redefining reading, but left as a fan of Comic Con.

Comics in the Classroom

2010-07-17T13:43:00.000-07:00

Recently we decided to do Saturday Matinees @ the IMC. My Saturday was today and with Comic Con just around the corner, I decided to do “Comics in the Classroom.” There are an amazing number of resources available for teachers in the use of this literature.

Literature? Comics? Yes, comics. When is the last time you looked at a comic without reading? Don’t you have to determine sequence of events, character, plot, and resolution? And don’t forget that these panels have a beginning, middle and end in as few as three squares. I found a website, Professorgarfield.org, using Destiny that allows you to sort the panels into correct sequence and then you have to answer questions about them. It was not as easy as you would think!

Teachers can use comic books and graphic novels (fiction and nonfiction) to teach the same curriculum and standards as with traditional literature. Publishers are seeing the interest that students have placed in graphic novels. Some companies have published graphic novels of the classics. These versions make it easier for Second Language learners or students reading below grade level to grasp the storyline, as well as give them some background for reading the original. Stone Arch books and Capstone Press have created Graphic Libraries of content related curriculum. Now students can read what they want, and learn something while doing it. As with any literature, teachers and librarians will want to pre-read before using graphic materials with students. (Remember my article on Don’t Shoot From the Hip.) Our local sales rep is Diana McGeorge. Capstone books are also available in paperback for your classrooms!

As you learn more about graphic novels, you will find there are many strategies that carry over from using traditional literature. Many publishers and authors also have lesson plans on their websites, so there is no need to recreate the wheel. First Second Books, for example, has free lesson plans on their website. On the other hand, here are some strategies for using any graphic work with your students in the library or in the classroom.

• Use a document camera to “read” a graphic novel or picture book to your students. The pictures are as important as the text, so everyone needs to see both well.
• Instead of barcoding comic books in the library, have students sign for them on a clipboard-perhaps as a reward or over the weekend.
• Allow students who like to draw the opportunity to use their skills in their work from time to time.
• Graphic novels and comic books are expensive. Encourage your students to swap books with each other.
• Photocopy a page of comic panels. Cut them apart. Ask students to put them in order.
• Photocopy a page of comic panels. White out the text and ask students to either match the panels to the original text or create their own. Students can work separately or in pairs.
• As an alternate activity, give students the text and have them illustrate the panel.
• Mo Willems’ series, Elephant and Piggie, can be used as Reader’s Theater. Divide your students into pairs and let them read.
• Have a gaming activity- whether it’s Dance Dance Revolution or a video game challenge, this activity is sure to bring them into the library.
• Use graphic novels to teach transition words.
• Use graphic novels to teach fluency with ESL students. Turn a graphic novel into a readers’ theater just by reading the dialogue. Be sure to assign a narrator.

Once I told the group what graphic novels are and why and how to use them, the next logical step was where do I find them. Enter IMC and Destiny. Destiny is our one-stop digital shopping cart. Teachers choose their school, check IMC box also and search. In a matter of seconds we can use One Search to find hundreds of books, database articles and websites on our topic. We found that by typing in “comics” and our subject area, we can find content related materials. As an SDUSD staff person, they learned that they can make a resource list to keep track of those resources. By making it public, even their students can see those websites, databases and books or media. They also learned that they can book these materials from IMC in advance and have them delivered. Membership has its privileges.

To make it easier to find supportive websites, I directed participants to my internet hotlist of websites for books and boys. Searching through that list, you will find links to student and teacher resources, lesson plan ideas and even software that students can use to create their own comics.

There is a wealth of ready to use material for teachers and librarians on using comic books in the classroom. Try it. You might find that even you, enjoy it.

By the way, I am speaking at Comic Con Saturday at 3:30. How cool is that?!

Book Buzz 2010 K-6

2010-04-22T10:40:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I am doing two sessions at our County Professional Growth Day about what's getting the buzz for 2010 and how do you find out. So today I will post what I am hearing about for K-6 and tomorrow for 6-12. I'll include how to know in today's article.

As a literature specialist and resource librarian for SDUSD, publishers (and authors) send me their books for review. I read as many as I can, as reviews are helpful, but truthfully, only you know what is best for your students and community. So having the actual books in hand is a blessing. What do you do if that is not possible?

Webcasts- You can watch webcasts to find out what is being published. There have been quite a few offered in the last few months. Some of these are free. Try journals like School Library Journal or Library Journal, for example. Go to their websites and look at the archives. Get on their notification lists. Some publishers are also offering free webcasts. Capstone and Lerner recently held webcasts about new titles. Other publishers have offerings at a cost. Linworth, for example, gives you group discount rates, so the more the merrier ( and cheaper than doing it alone). Our CSLA listserv also announces webcasts. So check out your state's offerings as well. Membership has its privileges.

Newsletters- Another way to find out what is on the horizon is to subscribe to newsletters. School Library Journal and Publishers Weekly offer many different e-letters that will keep you up to date. Kids Reads and Teen Reads have e-letters that not only tell you what is coming, but which books have been purchased for movie options. Many book jobbers have newsletters or features on their websites about new books. Bound to Stay Bound (BTSB) has the Cream of the Crop. Ingram publishes Children's Advance Magazine. Check out your favorite vendor to see what they have to offer.

Book Sellers- Then there are book sellers. You know how I feel about Junior Library Guild. Love, love, love them. Their website will tell you what you have in store for you when you get their subscriptions. (Check out a past JLG blog article if you missed it.) Independent bookstores, such as our Yellow Book Road and Warwick's, belong to the Indie Booksellers who publish their quarterly top ten picks along with other favorite titles. These independents know the authors, read the books and have less vested interest than what you might get from a publisher. I am also a huge fan of Follett's Titlewave for new titles. I recently discovered that they even have a "set" of favorite authors who have books on the way.

Literature Specialists- Last but not least, there are folks like me. People who have actually had their hands on the books. Esme, Kathy Baxter, Judy Freeman, Peggy Sharp, Michael Cart. Check out their workshops and websites to find out what they have been reading. Then, you too, can be In the Know. Tomorrow I'll let you know what is getting the buzz for grades 6-12.

Some of the Possible Best Books for 2010, K-6
Most of these books have received starred reviews from 3 or more of the following journals: Booklist, Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, Hornbook, Kirkus, Kliatt, Library Media Connection, Publishers Weekly, and School Library Journal. You should determine whether the books are appropriate for your school library.

Cat the cat, who is that? -- Willems, Mo. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Balzer & Bray, 2010., RL .7, 24p
An exuberant cat introduces readers to her friends.

Chester's masterpiece -- Watt, Melanie. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Kids Can Press, 2010., RL 3.5, 32p
A conflict over the creative process ensues when Chester, an egotistical cat, decides to produce a masterpiece.

The fabled fifth graders of Aesop elementary school -- Fleming, Candace {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Schwartz & Wade books, 2010
Sequel to The Fabled fourth graders of Aesop. Due out in the fall.

Henry Aaron's dream -- Tavares, Matt. {IL K-3, 796.357} -- Candlewick Press, 2010., RL 2.8, 40p
Chronicles the childhood of Henry Aaron, describing his dream of becoming a major league baseball player.

Lincoln tells a joke : how laughter saved the president (and the country) -- Krull, Kathleen. {IL 3-6, 973.7} -- Harcourt Children's Books, 2010., RL 4.5, 32p
Explores what made Abraham Lincoln's sense of humor so distinctive and how his ability to find humor in even the most dire circumstances helped him survive his difficult life and helped the country cope with the Civil War.

Miss Brooks loves books! (and I don't) -- Bottner, Barbara. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Alfred A. Knopf, 2010., RL 2.4, 26p
A first-grade girl--who does not like to read--stubbornly resists her school librarian's efforts to convince her to love books until she finds one that might change her mind.

Mirror mirror : a book of reversible verse -- Singer, Marilyn. {IL 3-6, 811} -- Dutton Children's Books, 2010., RL 4.1, 32p
A collection of short poems which, when reversed, provide new perspectives on the fairy tale characters they feature.

My garden -- Henkes, Kevin. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Greenwillow Books, 2010., RL 3.9, 32p
After helping her mother weed, water, and chase the rabbits from their garden, a young girl imagines her dream garden complete with jellybean bushes, chocolate rabbits, and tomatoes the size of beach balls.

The mysterious howling -- Wood, Maryrose. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Balzer & Bray, 2010., RL 6.6, 267p
Fifteen-year-old Miss Penelope Lumley, a recent graduate of the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, is hired as governess to three young children who have been raised by wolves and must teach them to behave in a civilized manner quickly, in preparation for a Christmas ball.

A nest for Celeste : a story about art, inspiration, and the meaning of home -- Cole, Henry. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Katherine Tegen Books, 2010., RL 4.9, 342p
Celeste, a mouse longing for a real home, becomes a source of inspiration to teenaged Joseph, assistant to the artist and naturalist John James Audubon, at a New Orleans, Louisiana, plantation in 1821.

One crazy summer -- Williams-Garcia, Rita. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Amistad, 2010., RL 5.3, 218p
In the summer of 1968, after traveling from Brooklyn to Oakland, California, to spend a month with the mother they barely know, eleven-year-old Delphine and her two younger sisters arrive to a cold welcome as they discover that their mother, a dedicated poet and printer, is resentful of the intrusion of their visit and wants them to attend a nearby Black Panther summer camp.

Scary, gross, and enlightening books for boys grades 3-12 -- Ford, Deborah B. {IL PF, 028.5} -- Libraries Unlimited, 2010., 158p
Profiles books from a variety of genres, including nonfiction, graphic novels, science-fiction, and others, aimed at boys in third through twelfth grade, and includes strategies teachers and librarians can use to promote interest in them.

Ubiquitous : celebrating nature's survivors : poetry -- Sidman, Joyce. {IL 3-6, 811} -- Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2010., RL 6.8, 36p
Collects poems that examine survival in nature, and includes information about a number of plants and animals.

A whole nother story -- Soup, Cuthbert. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Bloomsbury, 2010., RL 6.1, 264p
Ethan Cheeseman and his children, ages eight, twelve, and fourteen, hope to settle in a nice small town, at least long enough to complete work on a time machine, but spies and government agents have been pursuing them for two years and are about to catch up.

Let 'em Pick! Let 'em Read!

2010-04-14T19:25:00.000-07:00

I remember years ago I taught a boy, Calvin, who checked out the same book every week for almost his entire kindergarten year. For awhile, it drove me crazy that he would only read There’s a Nightmare in My Closet. I tried everything. More Mayer books. Books about monsters. Books his classmates liked. Nothing interested him.

One day, Calvin came to me and said he needed a book about eagles. I was stunned. So, I took him to the 590’s and showed him his options. He chose two eagle books. I was thrilled. We have a break through, I thought.

The next week he came back. "What would you like to read this week?" I asked him.
"Books about eagles."
"Which books?" I asked.
"Any books about eagles."
So, we made a break through. The days of There’s a Nightmare were over. Now it was all about eagles.

We all have kids who get stuck on an author, a genre, a book. At some point, the reader moves on. Really, they do. Sometimes we are the motivator. Sometimes not. Whatever the case, if we let a reader read, and don’t hinder him with the number of pages, variety, or other factors, kids move on. What difference does it make if they read the same thing over and over? Don’t we eat at the same restaurant over and over? Watch the same movies or television shows?

So let ‘em pick. Let ‘em read. You’d be surprised at the results.

Where in the World is Deborah Now?

2010-04-11T09:53:00.000-07:00

This week I am “on the road,” as we say at the office. I am on tour, so to speak, with BER, Bureau of Education and Research. This company sends educators across the United States and Canada to lead full day seminars on all sorts of subjects related to education. Today I am on my way to begin the week in Detroit, then we are off to Chicago, Peoria and St. Louis before heading home. My topic for the week is Increasing the Effectiveness of Your School Library Program. If you live near the areas where I will be, check out the BER website, sign up and join us. I have so many things to tell you while you’re there. I’ll fire you up and send you out. If you aren't in that part of the world, contact me and we can talk about how you can bring me to you.

So I have to tell you. I am on a flight to Detroit and guess who is sitting two people down from me? Jonathan Rand. You would be proud. I didn’t gush when I recognized him- unlike the time I literally ran into Esme Codell. It was pathetic, but she said she liked gushing. "Go ahead and gush!" Rand has been in San Diego and is on his way home. Search him on this blog for info about this author and fabulous speaker for Grades 1-6ish. FYI- he’s working on a story while he flies. So there you have it. Authors write on planes.

I’m also writing on the plane. Delta has Gogo which is a wifi service allowing passengers to use the internet while they fly. Amazing! Since it’s a long flight to Minneapolis, there is time to write on my blog, double-check my power point for tomorrow and catch up on email. I have thirty minutes left of battery, so I had better work quickly. Good thing I brought a book.

Speaking of books, I got my first royalty check this week. Now that is an amazing thing. I hung it on my refrigerator. I have to tell you- it feels pretty good. Now it’s time to start on another. Any suggestions?

I Can't See the Pictures

2010-04-06T08:18:00.000-07:00

If I had to name one tool that revolutionized the way I teach, it would be my document camera. How many times have you read a picture book to a class and there is a chorus of “I can’t see the pictures?” Using the camera, or visual presenter, everyone can see both pictures and text. If I find something in today's newspaper that I want to show a class, I can place it on the table and everyone can see the small print. If I want to show an example of a student’s work, I can take it from his desk and show the entire class. Kids get immediate feedback on their work.

A document camera replaces your old overhead projector. It's not loud. It doesn’t get hot. Many models don’t even need to use the lamp, so there is little maintenance cost. No transparencies or pens to buy. It’s a choose-and-go kind of tool. Choose what you want to show and place it on the table. Prep time is minimal and set up is fairly easy.

How can you use a document camera? Let me count the ways. You can use it to do experiments so that everyone can see your hands. You can use it to explain how to complete a worksheet or form. You can model writing samples. You can zoom in to show details of a painting. In a music class, you can show one piece of music and everyone can play it. If it’s too hard or too easy, you can easily change to another piece.

A document camera is great for assisting the visually impaired. Tiny print is now easy to see. When you only have one copy, and you show it on the document camera, you can still use the resource you want, but no copyright violations have occurred. It saves time and money. No overhead transparencies to make. No copies to make. Teachable moments are a reality.

The camera (or visual presenter) that I use only weighs 5 pounds, so it is easy to transport in my luggage or from school to school. My current camera of choice is a Lumens DC166. You do need some sort of projection system to use one. Perhaps you already have a Promethean board or Smart Board. I use an LCD projector and also hook up my laptop. This way I can switch between the camera and my powerpoint or the internet. Where do you get one? Probably the same place you can get an overhead projector. Certainly where you can buy a new LCD projector.

Last year I went to a school and worked with a Language Arts teacher on point of view. We were going to begin with a reading of Jon Scieszka’s The True Story of the Three Little Pigs. When I started to hold the book out to my right to read, there was a loud chorus of “No, Miss Ford. You have to use the document camera so we can all see.” So you, see, even kids know the value of the tool as well. Try it. You’ll never miss your overhead. I promise.

For more ideas, see Educational Technology Network. For lesson plans (all grade levels) see the Document Camera Experts. For even more ideas, check out 101 Ways to Use a Document Camera.

The Boy Who Drew Birds

2010-04-02T12:42:00.000-07:00

Thinking that I would love to read a story- kind of Kate Dicamillo-like, I stumbled upon an advance copy of Henry Cole’s new novel. Yes, novel. A Nest for Celeste: A Story About Art, Inspiration, and the Meaning of Home is his first novel. Filled with charming illustrations of his heroine, Celeste, Cole tells the story of a humble mouse who is in need of a safe place to live. A place without the dangers of the cat or the bullying of the rats.

She finds that place in the boot of a young teenage artist. Joseph, it seems, is a gifted painter of backgrounds, just what a young John James Audubon needs as an assistant. On a plantation in Louisiana, Celeste learns that friends come from unexpected places and home is closer than you think.

Beautifully illustrated, the story brings history and ecology into its themes. However, for those of you who think K-3 when you think of Henry Cole, think a little older. It seems that Audubon, beloved painter of birds, shot many of his subjects and then wired them to look "lifelike" before he painted them. (For the record, other painters, shot and stuffed their subjects before painting.) In the novel, Celeste coaches live specimens to pose for Audubon, thereby saving their lives. Celeste seems to have nine lives herself, as she runs into many dangers on the plantation. Thankfully, her kindness to others saves her in the end.

A thorough afterword details Audubon’s life with information that Cole learned while he was writing the story. I love a book that makes me clap at the end and sends me to the library to read more. How can I not know about the shooting and wiring of the birds? I read four Audubon biographies in 2003. So, I reread them. Very subtle. If they do at all ("But he was also a crack shot with a rifle. He loved to explore the woods and study the habits of birds and make pictures of them." Armstrong, 2003), most of the books mentioned his use of a gun in the afterword or author notes. Thank you, Henry Cole, for sending me back for more information.

These picture book biographies are excellent partners to Cole’s novel. Share them with your older students before or after you read Celeste’s story. You may also want to dust off your copy of Birds of America that you can’t bear to discard.

Audubon : painter of birds in the wild frontier -- Armstrong, Jennifer. -- Harry N. Abrams, 2003., RL 5, 40p
Briefly tells the story of this nineteenth-century painter and naturalist who is most famous for his detailed paintings of birds.

The boy who drew birds : a story of John James Audubon -- Davies, Jacqueline. -- Houghton Mifflin, 2004., RL 4.4, 32p
John James Audubon, living in Pennsylvania far from his home and father in France, continues his obsession with birds, and comes up with the idea of banding the legs of his pewee bird friends to see if they will return in the spring to the nests they abandoned in the fall.

Into the Woods by Robert Burleigh. -- Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2003., RL 5.1, 34p
Uses quotes from his journals to help explore Audubon's decision to follow his dream to paint every bird species in North America.

A Howling Good Story

2010-04-02T11:58:00.000-07:00

It’s funny that Connie should mention by The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood. I just finished it myself. This is the first in a series, The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place. Wood tells the story of Miss Penelope Lumley and her first job as a governess. Are you a parent? Do you ever feel like your children are wild animals? It seems that Penelope’s charges almost are. Rumor has it they were raised by wolves. They certainly look and sound as if they were. The three orphans were found in the woods by the master of the house while he was out hunting. But keeping children in the barn is unacceptable to this governess, so she rolls up her sleeves and begins to teach the children. Perhaps not the Latin she intended, but certainly what they need to live in the house.

Horrible adults and pressure to perform keep the story moving. Humorous situations keep the story from being too dark. Then there’s an underlying mystery about the whole thing. Where did the children come from? Where are their parents? And why does the master disappear at the most odd moments for long periods of time? I have some ideas, but I shall restrain myself and wait anxiously for the sequel. Maybe not too many moons from now?

Remember that when you find a new book, always look for support material from the author's website. I found a lovely blog by the author. I also found support material on the publisher's website (another great place to look). Why reinvent the wheel? There is a fun game that makes you feel like one of the incorrigibles! Warning: Extremely addictive if you are competitive. Be sure you won't burn down the house before you begin.

LOL-Snort

2010-03-23T08:52:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you just know you need to read something funny. A few years ago I got stuck at the car repair shop. I always keep an emergency book in my car, so I took out the book and read while my car was being repaired. The book I had in my trunk was Sold by Patricia McCormick. Though it is a wonderful (and now award winning book), it is not the story a person would want to read while her pocketbook is being drained. That’s the day I decided that only funny stories would be allowed to linger in the trunk. Now I keep a Junie B or a Judy Moody for emergencies.

Two weeks ago, I was speaking to Clark County School Librarians in Vegas. On the flight over, I took Pop by Gordon Korman. So, here I was, back to the car thing again. It was a wonderful, character-driven book about a football star and a 54 year old former NFL linebacker who had early onset of Alzheimer’s. Sigh. Not the most cheerful story. I raced to Borders (sorry independents) and bought one of the best LOL-Snort books I have read in awhile. It almost got me in trouble.

A Whole Nother Story by Cuthbert Soup is just that (Thanks, Connie). Fans of Lemony Snicket or Pseudenomymous Bosch (The Name of This Book is Secret, etc.) rejoice! Soup tells the story of a father with 3 children who are on the run from top secret government agents, international superspies and corporate villains. Their pink hairless dog alerts them to danger and they are off, trying to prevent the bad guys from stealing their almost-working time machine.

After every few chapters, there is a bit of timely advice. I knew I was in trouble when I got to the “much needed advice on tattoos.” “There was a time when, if you encountered someone with a tattoo, you could pretty much assume he was either a sailor or had, at one time or another, been in prison. There was something, it seemed, about men being cooped up together that made them want to draw on themselves.” At that point, I felt a LOL-Snort coming on. Because I was reading quietly in the back, I decided to give myself some timely advice, “When to Put the Book Down Before You Get into Trouble.”

Another hilarious book I recently read puts me in mind of Huck Finn, The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg by Rodman Philbrick. Huck doesn’t hold a candle to Homer when it comes to telling whoppers. That boy can scare up a story faster than butter melts off a plate in the desert. Read it. You’ll laugh out loud too. Just be careful about where you are when you start to snort.

The Word is Out!

2010-03-08T11:03:00.000-08:00

My first book with Linworth Publishing, Scary, Gross and Enlightening: Books for Boys, Grades 3-12 is out. I have decided that publishing a book is kind of like producing a show. You work really hard for a long time behind the scenes and then you let it go. In a show, you rehearse the cast. You prepare the sets, costumes and lights. Then you let it go and hope for the best. In publishing, the editors and publishing company take over. One day, your copy comes in the mail. There it is.

I remember when I saw the movie, Julie and Julia, for the first time. The day her copy came was an ordinary day. Paul brought in the mail as usual, but there was a big envelope on the bottom of the pile. Like Julia, I opened the envelope, held my book to my chest and then cried. Finally, it was done. The show was delivered.

It actually has been released for awhile. But last week, I got the blessing of the library gods. It was reviewed in Curriculum Connections of School Library Journal- the featured professional title of all things! Being reviewed is one of the most terrifying things. You hope someone will review you, but you also hope he says something good. Getting the blessing from SLJ is amazing.

If you buy my book, I hope you will find it to be useful. I wrote it so that if I can’t get to your area, you can at least have a bit of what I would tell you. It’s for parents and educators who want to get boys to read. But as the review says, I chose great books that will work for all kinds of kids- even girls. Let 'em pick. Let 'em read.

Best Books for Boys of 2009

2010-02-23T09:01:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I realized I neglected to post (some of) my favorite "boy" books for 2009. So without futher ado, here they are. I chose books that had action and adventure. Books that have a certain "gross-ness." Books full of facts. Books that are laugh out loud- try Alien Feast. Some of our favorite characters are back with a new book in a series: Percy, Alvin Ho, Peeta, and Melonhead who finally has his own book. Try these with your boys. And your girls too.

11 birthdays -- Mass,Wendy. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Scholastic Press, 2009., RL 3.9, 267p
After celebrating their first nine same-day birthdays together, Amanda and Leo, having fallen out on their tenth and not speaking to each other for the last year, prepare to celebrate their eleventh birthday separately but peculiar things begin to happen as the day of their birthday begins to repeat itself over and over again.

Alien feast -- Simmons, Michael.{IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Roaring Brook Press, 2009., RL 5.6, 231p
In 2017, human-eating aliens have kidnapped two scientists who might cure the disease that is destroying them, and twelve-year-old William Aitkin, his elderly, ailing Uncle Maynard, and the scientists' daughter, Sophie, set out to rescue them.

All-star Superman. Volume 2 -- Morrison, Grant. {IL YA, 741.5} -- DC Comics, 2009., 153p
A collection of comics in which Superman finds his powers tested as he faces off against his strangest adversaries yet.

Alvin Ho : allergic to camping, hiking, and other natural disasters -- Look, Lenore. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Schwartz & Wade Books, 2009., RL 3.8, 170p
Alvin makes a new friend and learns that he can be brave despite his fear of everything when his father takes him camping, hoping to install a love of nature like that of their hometown hero, Henry David Thoreau.

The Anne Frank case : Simon Wiesenthal's search for the truth -- Rubin, Susan Goldman. {IL 3-6, 940.53} -- Holiday House, 2009., RL 5.8, 40p
After witnessing a group of demonstrators halt a performance of "The Diary of Anne Frank," claiming that the girl never existed, Simon Wiesenthal, a Holocaust survivor, goes on a personal quest in 1958 to track down the Gestapo officer who had arrested the Frank family.

Anything but typical -- Baskin, Nora Raleigh. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2009., RL 5.3, 195p
Jason, a twelve-year-old autistic boy who wants to become a writer, relates what his life is like as he tries to make sense of his world.

Barnyard slam -- Regan, Dian Curtis. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Holiday House, 2009., RL 2.7, 32p
Farm animals express themselves at a poetry slam hosted by Yo Mama Goose.

Baseball great -- Green, Tim. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} – HarperCollins Publishers, 2009., RL 5.6, 250p
All twelve-year-old Josh wants to do is play baseball but when his father, a minor league pitcher, signs him up for a youth championship team, Josh finds himself embroiled in a situation with potentially illegal consequences.

The boy who invented TV : the story of Philo Farnsworth -- Krull, Kathleen. {IL K-3, 621.388} -- Alfred A. Knopf, 2009., RL 5.5, 34p
Presents a picture-book biography of Philo Farnsworth, who created the world's first television image in 1928.

The Brooklyn nine : a novel in nine innings -- Gratz, Alan.{IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Dial Books, 2009., RL 5, 299p
Follows the fortunes of a German immigrant family through nine generations, beginning in 1845, as they experience American life and play baseball.

Bubble homes and fish farts -- Bayrock, Fiona. {IL K-3, 590} -- Charlesbridge, 2009., RL 3.9, 45p
Presents humorous scientific information about the use of bubbles by various animals, such as whales, otters, dolphins, herring, and water shrews, for various recreational or functional purposes, such as hunting, warmth, communication, survival, or as a game.

Catching fire -- Collins, Suzanne. {IL YA, -Fic-} -- Scholastic Press, 2009., 391p
By winning the annual Hunger Games, District 12 tributes Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark have secured a life of safety and plenty for themselves and their families, but because they won by defying the rules, they unwittingly become the faces of an impending rebellion.

Change-up : mystery at the World Series -- Feinstein, John. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Alfred A. Knopf, 2009., RL 4.6, 308p
While covering the World Series, teen reporters Stevie Thomas and Susan Carol uncover some inconsistencies in the life story of a popular, new pitcher and begin to investigate.

Chasing Lincoln's killer -- Swanson, James L. {IL YA, 973.7} -- Scholastic Press, 2009., 194p
Recounts the twelve-day pursuit and capture of John Wilkes Booth, covering the chase through Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, with a discussion of Abraham Lincoln as a father, husband, and friend that examines the impact of his death on those close to him.

Chicken Little -- Emberley, Rebecca. {IL K-3, 398.2} -- Roaring Brook Press, 2009., RL 2.8, 32p An illustrated retelling of the story in which Chicken Little becomes convinced the sky is falling after being hit on the head by an acorn.

Crafty critters -- Armentrout, David, 1962- {IL 3-6, 591.47} -- Rourke Pub., 2009., RL 4.8, 32p Photographs and easy-to-follow text introduce young readers to animals that utilize camouflage, mimicry, and other curious techniques as defense mechanisms against predators, including skunks, porcupines, walking sticks, kingsnakes, octopuses, and others.

Deeper -- Gordon, Roderick. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Chicken House, 2009., RL 7.3, 643p

Boy archaeologist Will Burrows wanders the caverns beneath the Colony with his best friend Chester and brother Cal, falls upon the Styx's plan to get rid of Topsoilers with a deadly plague, and risks his life to foil their plot while wondering if his killer stepsister is still on the loose.

Denied, detained, deported : stories from the dark side of American immigration -- Bausum, Ann. {IL 5-8, 325} -- National Geographic, 2009., RL 8.6, 111p
Discusses cases from the history of immigration in the U.S. in which immigrants are denied, such as the people aboard "The St. Louis" who were sent back to Nazi Germany during the Holocaust, the detained, such as Japanese Americans during WWII, and the deported, such as Emma Goldman, who was sent back to Russia in 1919 after living in the U.S. for thirty years.

Dodger for President -- Sonnenblick, Jordan. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Feiwel and Friends, 2009., RL 4.1, 168p
When Dodger, the big blue chimpanzee genie, magically portrays fifth-grader Willie one day at school, Willie finds himself running for student council president.

Down, down, down : a journey to the bottom of the sea -- Jenkins, Steve. {IL K-3, 591.779} -- Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2009., RL 5.6, 40p
Illustrations explore the ocean from the birds and waves down to the deepest, darkest bottom; and feature jellyfish, squid, whales, and more.

Elephants cannot dance! -- Willems, Mo. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Hyperion Books for Children, 2009., RL 1.2, 57p
Piggy loves to dance and wants to teach everyone, including her best friend, Gerald the elephant.

Extra credit -- Clements, Andrew. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2009., RL 5.2, 183p
Three young middle-school-age children, Abby, Amira, and Sadeed, exchange letters back and forth between the prairies of Illinois and the mountains of Afghanistan and begin to bridge a gap across cultural and religious divides.

Face to face with sharks -- Doubilet, David. {IL 3-6, 597.3} -- National Geographic, 2009., RL 6.2, 31p
The author describes his experiences photographing sharks, shares what he has learned about the animals, and showcases some of his pictures.

The fantastic undersea life of Jacques Cousteau -- Yaccarino, Dan. {IL K-3, 551.46} -- Knopf, 2009., RL 3.6, 33p
A pictorial biography of Jacques Cousteau, covering his adventures aboard "Calypso" with his team of scientists, diving equipment, and waterproof cameras, and work to protect the oceans from pollution.

Gettysburg : the graphic novel -- Butzer, C. M. {IL 5-8, 973.7} -- Bowen Press/Collins, 2009., RL 5.9, 80p
Presents a comic book style depiction of the Battle of Gettysburg; the national movement to create a memorial at the battle site; and the day of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address in 1863, drawn from first-person letters, speeches, and other primary sources.

Gods of Manhattan : spirits in the park -- Mebus, Scott. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Dutton Children's Books, 2009., RL 6.6, 372p
As thirteen-year-old Rory continues his mission in Mannahatta, a spirit realm that co-exists alongside modern-day New York City, filled with fantastical creatures and people from the city's colorful past, he discovers that his father, whom he never wants to see again, is the only hope for peace.

Going, going, gone! : and other silly dilly sports songs -- Katz, Alan. {IL K-3, 782.42} -- Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2009., RL 1.9, 31p
Provides new, sports-themed lyrics to well-known songs, including "On Top of the Bleachers" and "When Jimmy Gets in the Batter's Box."

The greatest baseball records -- Doeden, Matt. {IL 5-8, 796.357} -- Capstone Press, 2009., RL 5.3, 32p
Short stories and tables of statistics describe the history and greatest records of Major League Baseball.

Guinness World Records, 2009 -- {IL YA, 031} -- Bantam Books, 2009., 572p
Presents the biggest, smallest, fastest, longest, and other record setters for 2008 in such categories as the space, human achievements, sports, entertainment, science, technology, and engineering; and includes three-dimensional illustrations and gatefolds.

Guinness World Records, 2009 : gamer's edition -- {IL YA, 032} -- Guinness World Records, 2009., 216p
Collects world records set by the video game industry and players in 2008, and covers firsts, speed records, high scores, and mosts concerning video games of various genres on a variety of platforms; and includes a list of the top fifty console games, interviews, and other related information.

Heart of a shepherd -- Parry, Rosanne. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Random House, 2009., RL 4.5, 161p
Ignatius "Brother" Alderman, nearly twelve, promises to help his grandparents keep the family's Oregon ranch the same while his brothers are away and his father is deployed to Iraq, but as he comes to accept the inevitability of change, he also sees the man he is meant to be.

I and I : Bob Marley -- Medina, Tony. {IL 3-6, 782.421646} -- Lee & Low Books, 2009., RL 3.1, 42p
A biography in verse about Jamaican reggae musician Bob Marley, offering an overview of key events and themes in his life, including his biracial heritage, Rastafarian beliefs, and love of music.

The last Olympian -- Riordan, Rick. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Disney/Hyperion Books, 2009., RL 6, 381p
The long-awaited prophecy surrounding Percy Jackson's sixteenth birthday unfolds as he leads an army of young demigods to stop Kronos in his advance on New York City, while the Olympians struggle to contain the rampaging monster, Typhon.

The last straw -- Kinney, Jeff. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Amulet Books, 2009., RL 6.1, 217p
Middle-schooler Greg Heffley nimbly sidesteps his father's attempts to change Greg's wimpy ways until his father threatens to send him to military school.

Luke on the loose : a Toon book -- Bliss, Harry. {IL K-3, 741.5} -- RAW Junior, 2009., RL 1.7, 32p
A young boy's fascination with pigeons soon erupts into a full-blown chase around Central Park, across the Brooklyn Bridge, through a fancy restaurant, and into the sky.

Marcelo in the real world -- Stork, Francisco X. {IL YA, -Fic-} -- Arthur A. Levine Books, 2009., 312p
Marcelo Sandoval, a seventeen-year-old boy on the high-functioning end of the autistic spectrum, faces new challenges, including romance and injustice, when he goes to work for his father in the mailroom of a corporate law firm.

Melonhead -- Kelly, Katy. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Delacorte Press, 2009., RL 4.6, 209p
In the Washington, D.C. neighborhood of Capitol Hill, Lucy Rose's friend Adam "Melonhead" Melon, a budding inventor with a knack for getting into trouble, enters a science contest that challenges students to recycle an older invention into a new invention.

Mudshark -- Paulsen, Gary. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Wendy Lamb Books, 2009., RL 6.5, 83p
Principal Wagner confidently deals with a faculty washroom crisis, a psychic parrot, and a terrorizing gerbil, but when sixty-five erasers go missing, he enlists the help of the school's best problem solver and lost item locator, twelve-year-old Lyle Williams, also known as Mudshark.

Mummies -- Spengler, Kremena. {IL K-3, 932} -- Capstone Press, 2009., RL 3.5, 24p
Describes mummies in ancient Egypt, including how and why people were mummified.

Murder at midnight – Avi. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Scholastic Press, 2009., RL 5.4, 254p
Falsely accused of plotting to overthrow King Claudio, scholarly Mangus the magician, along with his street-smart servant boy, Fabrizio, face deadly consequences unless they can track down the real traitor by the stroke of midnight.

The naked mole-rat -- Rake, Jody Sullivan. {IL K-3, 599.35} -- Capstone Press, 2009., RL 1.9, 24p
Photographs and simple text describe the physical characteristics, habits, and habitats of naked mole-rats.

Naked mole rat gets dressed -- Willems, Mo. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Hyperion Books for Children, 2009., RL 2.9, 36p
Wilbur is the only naked mole rat in his colony who enjoys wearing clothes, and when Grandpah, the oldest and most naked naked mole rat, discovers his secret, Wilbur fears he will be ostracized from the colony.

Orangutan tongs : poems to tangle your tongue -- Agee, Jon. {IL 3-6, 818} -- Disney/Hyperion Books, 2009., RL 3.4, 47p
Presents a humorous collection of poems and tricky tongue twisters.

Peace, Locomotion -- Woodson, Jacqueline. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Putnam's, 2009., RL 5, 134p
Through letters to his little sister, who is living in a different foster home, sixth-grader Lonnie, also known as "Locomotion," keeps a record of their lives while they are apart, describing his own foster family, including his foster brother who returns home after losing a leg in the Iraq War.

The potato chip puzzles -- Berlin, Eric. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Putnam's, 2009., RL 5.7, 244p
Winston and his friends enter an all-day puzzle contest to win fifty-thousand dollars for their school, but they must also figure out who is trying to keep them from winning. Puzzles for the reader to solve are included throughout the text.

Redwoods -- Chin, Jason. {IL K-3, 585} -- Flash Point, 2009., RL 4.8, 36p
While reading a book about redwood trees on the subway, a young boy travels as he learns, all the way to the forests of California.

The roar -- Clayton, Emma. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Chicken House, 2009., RL 5.7, 481p
In an overpopulated world where all signs of nature have been obliterated and a wall has been erected to keep out plague-ridden animals, twelve-year-old Mika refuses to believe that his twin sister was killed after being abducted, and continues to search for her in spite of the dangers he faces in doing so.

Scat -- Hiaasen, Carl. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Knopf, 2009., RL 6, 371p
Nick and Marta are both suspicious when their biology teacher, the feared Mrs. Bunny Starch, disappears, and try to uncover the truth despite the police and headmaster's insistence that nothing is wrong.

Sent -- Haddix, Margaret Peterson. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2009., RL 5, 313p
Jonah, Katherine, Chip, and Alex find themselves in 1483 at the Tower of London, and discover that Chip and Alex are Prince Edward V and Richard of Shrewsbury, imprisoned by Richard III; but trying to repair history without knowing what is supposed to happen proves challenging.

Skeleton Creek -- Carman, Patrick. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Scholastic Press, 2009., RL 5.5, 185p
Although housebound following an eerie accident, teenaged Ryan continues to investigate the strange occurrences in his hometown of Skeleton Creek, recording his findings in a journal and viewing email video clips sent by fellow detective Sarah.

The storm in the barn -- Phelan, Matt. {IL 5-8, 741.5} -- Candlewick, 2009., RL 3.3, 201p
Eleven-year-old Jack Clark struggles with everyday obstacles while his family and community contend with the challenges brought on by the Dust Bowl in 1937 Kansas.

Villain's lair -- Van Draanen, Wendelin. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Knopf, 2009., RL 4.7, 201p
Thirteen-year-old Dave and his sidekick, a talking gecko named Sticky, try to retrieve an ancient Aztec powerband and its magic ingots from the evil villain, Damien Black.

Watch me throw the ball! -- Willems, Mo. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Hyperion Books for Children, 2009., RL 1.3, 57p
Gerald gets serious about teaching Piggie to throw a ball, but Piggie, as usual, just wants to have fun.

What Darwin saw : the journey that changed the world -- Schanzer, Rosalyn. {IL 5-8, 508} -- National Geographic, 2009., RL 7.9, 47p
Introduces children to the life of Charles Darwin, describing how his innovative theories on evolution changed how people view the world.

What really happened to Humpty? : (from the files of a hard-boiled detective) -- Ransom, Jeanie Franz. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Charlesbridge, 2009., RL 2.2, 32p
Detective Joe Dumpty rushes to investigate the mysterious circumstances under which his older brother, Humpty, fell from a wall on his first day as captain of the new Neighborhood Watch program.

Written in bone : buried lives of Jamestown and Colonial Maryland -- Walker, Sally M. {IL 5-8, 614} -- Carolrhoda Books, 2009., RL 8.3, 144p
Reports on the work of forensic scientists who are excavating grave sites in James Fort, in Jamestown, Virginia, to understand who lived in the Chesapeake Bay area in the 1600s and 1700s; and uncovers the lives of a teenage boy, a ship's captain, a colonial officer, an African slave girl, and others.

The Yggyssey : how Iggy wondered what happened to all the ghosts, found out where they went, and went there -- Pinkwater, Daniel Manus. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2009., RL 5.4, 245p
In the mid-1950s, Yggdrasil Birnbaum and her friends, Seamus and Neddie, journey to Old New Hackensack, which is on another plane, to try to learn why ghosts are disappearing from the Birnbaum's hotel and other Hollywood, California, locations.

You never heard of Sandy Koufax?! -- Winter, Jonah. {IL K-3, 796.357} -- Schwartz & Wade Books, 2009., RL 3.7, 32p
Offers a brief overview of the life of Sandy Koufax, discussing the obstacles and physical challenges he faced, his successful career, his retirement, and other related topics.

And the Winners Are...

2010-01-26T15:10:00.000-08:00

Last Monday, when most of us were off work, the American Library Association (ALA) announced the best books, audio books and videos of the year at its annual mid-winter meeting in Boston. Having attended several of these in person, I can tell you that the air is electric. It’s almost like attending the Academy Awards or an NFL playoff game. Everyone is rooting for their favorite. The committees that selected the winners are grinning from ear to ear, like they have the best secrets. (Which they do!)

There are many sites that list the best books, so instead of reinventing the wheel, I will direct you to ALA for the list. Note that there are many awards, not just the Newbery and Caldecott. This year YALSA added a nonfiction award. When you are ready to order from the award winning books, most book jobbers have already prepared a wish list. All you have to do is mark which books are appropriate for your library. I did notice that one of the jobbers identifies the Newbery Award Winner, When You Reach Me, as Young Adult. It is not YA. It is certainly acceptable for an elementary school. We are very conservative in Southern California and I would not be afraid to put it in my K-4 schools. (You will want to buy some new editions of A Wrinkle in Time to accompany it.)

In addition to ALA awards, I also look at the journal awards for best books. These include Publishers Weekly, Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Blue Ribbons, Booklist Editor’s Choice, Horn Book Fanfare List, Kirkus Best Books for Children, Booklinks Lasting Connections, and of course, School Library Journal.

I also look to see what my colleagues think: Michael Cart, Patty Tjomland, Peggy Sharp, Judy Freeman and Kathy Baxter. Many of these literature consultants post their best lists on the book jobber websites. For example, you can see my Books and Boys list on Follett Titlewave under Expert Picks (under tab Essentials). PermaBound and Bound to Stay Bound are among many other book sellers who have lists from BER speakers or other literature experts. Check with your favorite jobber to see. If not, ask that they add them.

Finally, there are Notable Lists from ALA. Most of these are books and media that don’t win the “big awards,” but are certainly worthy of purchase. However, if a book/media won an award, it automatically becomes a notable as well. Many of these might even be your favorites. Let me close today with my favorites that didn’t make the final cut of ALA's Top Winners.

Some of my favorites for YA: If I Stay by Gayle Foreman, Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson, Great and Only Barnum by Candace Fleming and Chasing Lincoln’s Killer by James Swanson.

For Middle Grades: Heart of a Shepherd by Rosanne Perry, Burn my Heart by Beverley Naidoo, Sparrow Girl by Sara Pennypacker and Tsunami by Ed Young.

For Primary Grades: Chicken Little by Rebecca and Ed Emberley, Birds by Kevin Henkes, Pigs Make Me Sneeze by Mo Willems, and Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed by Mo Willems. Be sure to pair Naked Mole Rat with Capstone's nonfiction title, The Naked Mole Rat by Jody Rake.

American Thriller- Jonathan Rand, Super Author

2010-01-26T06:21:00.000-08:00

Sometimes we get lucky and our schools are offered free visits by authors. Recently I became aware of an author in this manner. You know the old saying “too good to be true?” I wondered about an author who volunteered to come to San Diego and give many- not just one- free author assemblies. Of course, we have much to offer here, but still.. As part of my “real job,” I like to hear them before I give my blessing.

Well known in Michigan, Jonathan Rand was fairly unknown to me. I’d seen some of his American Chillers series, as our cataloger brought them to me for an okay to add them to the district database. After a little research, the books seemed harmless to elementary to me. A little variety from R. L. Stine is also a good idea, I thought.

So I went to see him at one of our elementary schools. 4 classes of first and second graders were invited to sit in a fairly small area in the library. To make a long story short, Jonathan Rand had their attention from the second they walked in the door. I have never seen anything like it. Halfway through the time (about 25 minutes in), an act of nature occurred. We had a hailstorm at the beach, of all places. Even the teachers began to talk while he was talking. Quickly the storm stopped. Within seconds, Jonathan had the attention again. Not once, during that time did kids squirm, ask to leave or bother each other.

For 50 minutes, Jonathan Rand held their attention. He talked about writing. He talked about reading. He talked about the importance of school. He talked about his works. He involved the kids. It was amazing. He has a series, Freddy Fernortnor, for younger students (Interest Level Grades 1-3). Full of mystery, cliffhanging chapters and adventure, Freddy and his friends will keep young readers interested. His American Chillers (IL Grades 3-6) will keep older elementary students who like horror stories, scared without overdoing it.

Final verdict: Jonathan Rand’s free presentation was well worth attending. In fact, it was well worth paying for. Blessing given.

Check him out at his website AmericanChillers.com.

Thank Goodness for Junior Library Guild

2010-01-20T08:20:00.000-08:00

You know how sometimes you get a cold phone call and the person on the other end wants to send you a box of books? "Just keep the ones you want. We will pick up any that you don't want. You'll only be charged for what you keep." In the end, you keep them all because it just seems easier that way.

A couple of years ago, one of our principals wanted to fill some holes in his school library collection (and there were many). He answered "yes" when they called. What he got was an expensive box of 6 year old books. In a school district of over 180 schools, only a handful of the books were already in the district database. Not even considering his collection needs, I can tell you that if 200 schools haven't needed those books in 6 years, his school could probably do without them too.

Now I know that not all "we'll send you a box" companies send you old books. However, I have always been of the mind that I can choose what I need by myself, "thank you very much." So, of course, I also resisted Junior Library Guild. They send you books each month, kind of like a Book of the Month Club. You pay in advance, like a magazine. One day, while visiting one of my schools, I saw really new books that I had just learned about. "How did you get these? I didn't tell you about these yet." The sheepish reply was, "I know you don't like them, but I wanted to get my money spent. I bought JLG."

Well, for Pete's sake. I looked at the titles and there was nothing there that I wouldn't have chosen. Turns out JLG has spies- library spies. They have librarians like us who get advanced copies. They sometimes see what's coming out before I do! (Publishers also send me review and advance copies.)

So where am I going with this? On Monday, ALA announced the award winning books and media. So, like many of you, I checked our library, the Instructional Media Center, to see how many we had in our collection. When I pulled the books, I noticed a pattern. Almost all of the books that we had were Junior Library Guild Selections or they were ARCs or publisher review copies. Hmm. I thought. How about that? Now why is that?

First, I haven't had money to spend on our collection since last March. Just before the money that I had was swept, I renewed our subscription to JLG. If it weren't for JLG (and the publishers who want me to know about their books), I wouldn't have any of the award winning books. It was the best decision I have made for spending money on books. The money is spent, but the new titles keep rolling in.

Too many times my money has been saved for late releases and swept before I got a chance to spend it. Do yourself a favor. After you buy your ALA award winners, spend the rest of the money on a subscription to JLG. Keep the best new books coming into your library. JLG has my blessing.

Connecting Storytelling to the Classroom: Books to Tell 2009

2009-12-10T10:05:00.000-08:00

Tonight I am speaking at USD about using literature in your classroom. It's a storytelling class so I will talk about connecting stories with reading, writing and curriculum. You can look through the blog and see what I did last time, but this time, I will show them a family story I made on Spaghoake Night. Using Photo Story and pictures I took of my family, I created a story in just a few minutes. Here is the video I made.

Here are the books that I suggested that they use:

Picture Books to Tell
14 cows for America -- Deedy, Carmen Agra. {IL K-3, 327.676207} -- Peachtree, 2009., RL 3.7, 38p
Presents an illustrated tale of a gift of fourteen cows given by the Maasai people of Kenya to the U.S. as a gesture of comfort and friendship in the wake of the attacks of September 11, 2001.

Auntie Tiger -- Yep, Laurence. {IL K-3, -E-} – HarperCollins Publishers, 2009., RL 2.7, 32p
A retelling of the classic fairy tale, "Little Red Riding Hood," in which Big Sister sets aside her differences with Little Sister to rescue her from a tiger in disguise.

The boy who invented TV : the story of Philo Farnsworth -- Krull, Kathleen. {IL K-3, 621.388} -- Alfred A. Knopf, 2009., RL 5.5, 34p
Presents a picture-book biography of Philo Farnsworth, who created the world's first television image in 1928.

Chicken and Cat clean up -- Varon, Sara. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Scholastic Press, 2009., 36p
A wordless story in which Chicken opens his own housekeeping business with Cat as his partner; but when Cat's clumsiness forces chicken to send him out, Cat listens to his inner-species and ends up saving the day.

Chicken Little -- Emberley, Rebecca. {IL K-3, 398.2} -- Roaring Brook Press, 2009., RL 2.8, 32p An illustrated retelling of the story in which Chicken Little becomes convinced the sky is falling after being hit on the head by an acorn.

Crow call -- Lowry, Lois. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Scholastic Press, 2009., RL 3.5, 32p
Nine-year-old Liz accompanies the stranger who is her father, just returned from the war, when he goes hunting for crows in Pennsylvania farmland.

Epossumondas plays possum -- Salley, Coleen. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Harcourt Children's Books, 2009., RL 2.2, 34p
Forgetting his mother's warnings, Epossumondas goes into the swamp alone then must pretend to be dead time and again as he hears frightening sounds and fears they are being made by the dreaded loup garou.

Foo, the flying frog of Washtub Pond -- Yang, Belle. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Candlewick Press, 2009., RL 2.9, 24p
When Foo Frog starts to outgrow his fellow web-footed creatures, Sue-Lin Salamander and Mao-Mao Mudpuppy, his new found attitude puts their friendship to the test.

Food for thought : the stories behind the things we eat -- Robbins, Ken. {IL 3-6, 641.3} -- Flash Point/Roaring Brook Press, 2009., RL 5.3, 45p
Photographs and text explain how commonly consumed foods were introduced to the human palate, and provides brief histories on apples, oranges, corn, bananas, tomatoes, potatoes, pomegranates, grapes, and mushrooms.

Goldilocks -- Sanderson, Ruth. {IL K-3, 398.22} -- Little, Brown and Company Books for Young Readers, 2009., RL 2.3, 32p
After finding the bears' cottage in the woods and making a mess inside, Goldilocks helps the family clean up and enjoys a nice meal.

Goldilocks and the three bears -- Spirin, Gennadii. {IL K-3, 398.2} -- Marshall Cavendish Children, 2009., RL 1.5, 32p
A simplified retelling of the adventures of a little girl walking in the woods who finds the house of the three bears and helps herself to their belongings. Includes a note on the history of the tale.

Hansel and Gretel -- Isadora, Rachel. {IL K-3, 398.2} -- Putnam's, 2009., RL 2.9, 32p
An illustrated retelling of Grimm's fairy tale that depicts two children who are left in the woods by their parents, but manage to find their way home after escaping from a wicked witch and her delicious cottage.

Homework -- Yorinks, Arthur. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Walker, 2009., RL 2.8, 32p
Tony's pens, along with his pencil and eraser, come to life and begin to squabble as they try to complete Tony's neglected homework.

How many donkeys? : an Arabic counting tale -- MacDonald, Margaret Read. {IL K-3, 398.2} -- Albert Whitman, 2009., RL 1.5, 32p
When Jouha counts the ten donkeys carrying his dates to market, he repeatedly forgets to count the one he is riding on, causing him great consternation. Includes numbers written out in Arabic and in English transliteration, as well as the numerals one through ten, and a note on the origins and other versions of the story.

The king who barked : real animals who ruled -- Jones, Charlotte Foltz. {IL 3-6, 636} -- Holiday House, 2009., RL 6.7, 40p
Relates the stories of fifteen animals from throughout history who were appointed to or ran for government positions.

The lion & the mouse -- Pinkney, Jerry. {IL K-3, 398.2} -- Little, Brown and Co. Books for Young Readers, 2009., 34p
In this wordless retelling of an Aesop fable, an adventuresome mouse proves that even small creatures are capable of great deeds when he rescues the King of the Jungle.

Lousy rotten stinkin' grapes -- Palatini, Margie. {IL K-3, 398.2} -- Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2009., RL 1.9, 31p
Retells the fable of a frustrated fox that, after many tries to reach a high bunch of grapes, decides they must be sour anyway.

The mitten -- Aylesworth, Jim. {IL K-3, 398.2} -- Scholastic Press, 2009., RL 2.9, 32p
A retelling of the traditional tale of how a boy's lost mitten becomes a refuge from the cold for an increasing number of animals.

New Year at the pier : a Rosh Hashanah story -- Wayland, April Halprin. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Dial Books for Young Readers, 2009., RL 2.7, 32p
On Rosh Hashanah, Izzy and his family make lists of the wrongs they have committed over the past year, and after they have apologized, they throw pieces of bread into the water to "clean their hearts" in a ceremony called tashlich.

One fine trade -- Miller, Bobbi. {IL K-3, 398.2} -- Holiday House, 2009., RL 2.3, 32p
Georgy Piney Woods, the best peddler who ever lived, makes several trades so his daughter can buy a wedding dress.

Otis -- Long, Loren. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Philomel Books, 2009., RL 3.4, 40p
When a big new yellow tractor arrives, Otis the friendly little tractor is cast away behind the barn, but when trouble occurs Otis is the only one who can help.

Pig-Boy : a trickster tale from Hawai'i -- McDermott, Gerald. {IL K-3, 398.2} -- Hougton Mifflin Harcourt, 2009., RL 1.8, 32p
Pig-Boy, a dirty, hairy trickster, uses his shape-shifting talents to get out of all sorts of troublesome situations.

Pigling : a Cinderella story : a Korean tale -- Jolley, Dan. {IL 5-8, 398.2} -- Graphic Universe, 2009., RL 3.3, 48p
A Korean adaptation of the Cinderella story told in graphic novel format, featuring Pigling, a young girl whose stepmother and stepsister treat her badly.

Rapunzel : the graphic novel -- Peters, Stephanie True. {IL 5-8, 398.2} -- Stone Arch Books, 2009., RL 2.5, 33p
A graphic novel adaptation of the classic fairy tale of "Rapunzel."

The snow day -- Sakai, Komako. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Arthur A. Levine Books, 2009., RL 1.7, 32p
A little rabbit enjoys having a day off from kindergarten and spending time with his mother during a snowstorm, but his father's flight home is cancelled until the snow stops falling.

Sparrow girl -- Pennypacker, Sara. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Disney/Hyperion Books, 2009., RL 3.5
Ming-Li vows to save as many sparrows as she can after her village tries to kill them all.

Tsunami! -- Kajikawa, Kimiko. {IL K-3, 398.2} -- Philomel Books, 2009., RL 2.9, 32p
A wealthy man in a Japanese village, who everyone calls Ojiisan, which means grandfather, sets fire to his rice fields to warn the innocent people of an approaching tsunami.

The twelve dancing princesses -- Cech, John. {IL K-3, 398.22} -- Sterling, 20
09., RL 5.7, 22p
Every day twelve princesses mysteriously wear out their shoes, but neither the king nor their suitors can figure out why, until one simple soldier tries.

The underground gators -- Casey, Tina. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Dutton Children's Books, 2009., RL 3.3, 32p
Humorous illustrations and text describe what is really living in the New York City sewer system.

When I wore my sailor suit -- Shulevitz, Uri. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Farrar Straus Giroux, 2009., RL 1.7, 32p
A young child spends the day imagining himself to be a sailor on a grand adventure.

Word builder -- Paul, Ann Whitford. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2009., RL 1.6, 31p
Text explains how putting letters into words, words into sentences, sentences into paragraphs, and paragraphs into chapters ends up creating a book.

You never heard of Sandy Koufax?! -- Winter, Jonah. {IL K-3, 796.357} -- Schwartz & Wade Books, 2009., RL 3.7, 32p
Offers a brief overview of the life of Sandy Koufax, discussing the obstacles and physical challenges he faced, his successful career, his retirement, and other related topics.

Yours truly, Louisa -- Puttock, Simon. {IL K-3, -E-} – HarperCollins Publishers, 2009., RL 3.2, 32p
Louisa the pig, unhappy with conditions on the farm, starts an anonymous letter writing campaign to get Farmer Joe to fix things up, but when she goes too far she gets a letter of her own.

Yummy : eight favorite fairy tales -- Cousins, Lucy. {IL K-3, 398.21} -- Candlewick Press, 2009., RL 2.1, 121p
Simple text and bold illustrations tell eight classic fairy tales, including "The Three Little Pigs" and "Little Red Riding Hood."

Longer Works to Share
Also known as Harper -- Leal, Ann Haywood. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Henry Holt, 2009., RL 4, 246p
Writing poetry helps fifth-grader Harper Lee Morgan cope with her father's absence, being evicted, and having to skip school to care for her brother while their mother works, and things look even brighter after she befriends a mute girl and a kindly disabled woman.

Born to write : the remarkable lives of six famous authors -- Cotter, Charis. {IL 5-8, 809} -- Annick Press, 2008., RL 5.7, 167p
Looks at the childhoods of six celebrated authors, including Madeleine L'Engle, E. B. White, L. M. Montgomery, Philip Pullman, Christopher Paul Curtis, and C. S. Lewis, and discusses how their youthful experiences influenced their writing.

Dying to meet you -- Klise, Kate. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Harcourt, 2009., RL 4.4, 147p
In this story told mostly through letters, children's book author, I. B. Grumply, gets more than he bargained for when he rents a quiet place to write for the summer.

The giant-slayer -- Lawrence, Iain. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Delacorte Press, 2009., RL 5.4, 292p
When her eight-year-old neighbor is stricken with polio in 1955, eleven-year-old Laurie discovers that there is power in her imagination as she weaves a story during her visits with him and other patients confined to iron lung machines.

Over my dead body -- Klise, Kate. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2009., RL 5.1, 116p
A story told mostly through letters in which busybody Dick Tater tries to ban Halloween and ghost stories, as well as to break up the popular writing team of I. B. Grumply, ghost Olive C. Spence, and eleven-year-old illustrator Seymour Hope.

Serendipity Market -- Blubaugh, Penny. {IL YA, -Fic-} -- Laura Geringer Books/HarperTeen, 2009., 268p
When the world begins to seem unbalanced, Mama Inez calls ten storytellers to the Serendipity Market and, through the power of their magical tales, the balance of the world is corrected once again.

Singing for Mrs. Pettigrew : stories and essays from a writing life -- Morpurgo, Michael. {IL 5-8, 828} -- Candlewick Press, 2009, 2006., RL 5.7, 263p
Collects various stories by English author Michael Morpurgo, including "The Giant's Necklace," "My One and Only Great Escape," and "Singing for Mrs. Pettigrew," with essays in which the author discusses his inspiration for each and details of his craft.

The storm in the barn -- Phelan, Matt. {IL 5-8, 741.5} -- Candlewick, 2009., RL 3.3, 201p
Eleven-year-old Jack Clark struggles with everyday obstacles while his family and community contend with the challenges brought on by the Dust Bowl in 1937 Kansas.

Walking backward -- Austen, Catherine. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Orca Book Publishers, 2009., RL 4.5, 167p
After twelve-year-old Josh's mother dies in a car crash he is prescribed to start writing in a journal, but he reaches a better understanding about loss when he chooses death as his research topic for school and begins to research and experiments with the mourning practices of various religions.

Professional Title
Literacy development in the storytelling classroom -- {IL PF, 372.67} -- Libraries Unlimited, 2009., 342p
Presents plans and activities for enchancing literacy development, with articles that focus on curriculum storytelling techniques and experiences in preschool, kindergarten, primary and elementary grades, middle school, and beyond.

What's New in Children's Books 2009?

2009-11-20T14:26:00.000-08:00

This week I am at CLSA Annual Conference in Ontario, CA. (That's California, not Canada!) In the morning I will speak about my favorite books (so far) of 2009. The list was over way 100 titles, but I narrowed it down to the one hour I have to speak. Is your favorite missing? Post a comment. And don't despair. The year isn't over; stay tuned for my final favorites to be posted in January. And the (current) winners are...

14 cows for America -- Deedy, Carmen Agra. {IL K-3, 327.676207} -- Peachtree, 2009., RL 2.5, 38p
Presents an illustrated tale of a gift of fourteen cows given by the Maasai people of Kenya to the U.S. as a gesture of comfort and friendship in the wake of the attacks of September 11, 2001.

Al Capone shines my shoes -- Choldenko, Gennifer. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Dial Books for Young Readers, 2009., RL 4.6, 274p
Moose Flanagan, who lives on Alcatraz along with his family and the families of the other prison guards, is frightened when he discovers that noted gangster Al Capone, a prisoner there, wants a favor in return for the help that he secretly gave Moose.

All the broken pieces : a novel in verse -- Burg, Ann E. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Scholastic Press, 2009., RL 5.6, 218p
Two years after being airlifted out of Vietnam in 1975, Matt Pin is haunted by the terrible secret he left behind and, now, in a loving adoptive home in the United States, a series of profound events forces him to confront his past.

Anything but typical -- Baskin, Nora Raleigh. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2009., RL 5.3, 195p
Jason, a twelve-year-old autistic boy who wants to become a writer, relates what his life is like as he tries to make sense of his world.

Ashley Bryan : words to my life's song -- Bryan, Ashley. {IL 3-6, 818} -- Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2009., RL 6.5, 58p
An illustrated biography in which African-American author Ashley Bryan describes his life.

Birds -- Henkes, Kevin. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Greenwillow Books, 2009., RL 2.1, 32p
Fascinated by the colors, shapes, sounds, and movements of the many different birds she sees through her window, a little girl is happy to discover that she and they have something in common.

Burn my heart -- Naidoo, Beverley. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Amistad, 2009, c2007., RL 5.1, 209p
While the Mau Mau rebellion threatens the British settlers living in Kenya during the 1950s, Mathew and Mugo maintain their friendship, despite their different races, but during these tense times, a single act of betrayal could alter everything.

Button up! : wrinkled rhymes -- Schertle, Alice. {IL K-3, 811} -- Harcourt Children's Books, 2009., RL 2.1, 33p
A collection of poems about clothes and animals wearing them.

Charles and Emma : the Darwins' leap of faith -- Heiligman, Deborah. {IL YA, 576.8} -- Holt, 2009., 268p
A biography of English naturalist Charles Darwin that provides an account of the personality behind evolutionary theory and the affect of his work on his personal life, such as his relationship with his religious wife.

Chicken Little -- Emberley, Rebecca. {IL K-3, 398.2} -- Roaring Brook Press, 2009., RL 2.8, 32p An illustrated retelling of the story in which Chicken Little becomes convinced the sky is falling after being hit on the head by an acorn.

Claudette Colvin : twice toward justice -- Hoose, Phillip M. {IL YA, 323} -- Melanie Kroupa Books, 2009., RL 7, 133p
Presents an account of fifteen-year-old Claudette Colvin, an African-American girl who refused to give up her seat to a white woman on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama, nine months before Rosa Parks, and covers her role in a crucial civil rights case. National Book Award Winner

Coretta Scott -- Shange, Ntozake. {IL K-3, 323} -- Amistad/Katherine Tegen Books, 2009., RL 4.4, 32p
An illustrated biography of Coretta Scott King, describing her childhood in the segregated South, her marriage to Martin Luther King, Jr., and her civil rights work.

Dinothesaurus : prehistoric poems and paintings -- Florian, Douglas. {IL K-3, 811} -- Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2009., RL 3.9, 43p
Presents illustrated verse about various carnivorous and herbivorous dinosaurs, including the Iguanodon, Spinosaurus, and long-necked plesiosaurs.

Duck! Rabbit! -- Rosenthal, Amy Krouse. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Chronicle Books, 2009., RL 1.4, 34p
Two unseen characters argue about whether the creature they are looking at is a rabbit or a duck.

The evolution of Calpurnia Tate -- Kelly, Jacqueline. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Henry Holt, 2009., RL 7.5, 340p
In central Texas in 1899, eleven-year-old Callie Vee Tate is instructed to be a lady by her mother, learns about love from the older three of her six brothers, and studies the natural world with her grandfather, the latter of which leads to an important discovery.

Fire -- Cashore, Kristin. {IL YA, -Fic-} -- Dial Books, 2009., 461p
In a kingdom called the Dells, Fire is the last human-shaped monster, with unimaginable beauty and the ability to control the minds of those around her, but even with these gifts she cannot escape the strife that overcomes her world.

A foot in the mouth : poems to speak, sing, and shout -- {IL 3-6, 811} -- Candlewick Press, 2009., RL 4, 61p
Collects over three dozen illustrated rhyming poems, with tongue twisters and bilingual pieces, drawn from contemporary and classic literary sources and anonymous authors.

The forest of hands and teeth -- Ryan, Carrie {IL YA, -Fic-} -- Delacorte Press, 2009.
Through twists and turns of fate, orphaned Mary seeks knowledge of life, love, and especially what lies beyond her walled village and the surrounding forest, where dwell the Unconsecrated, aggressive flesh-eating people who were once dead.

The frog scientist -- Turner, Pamela S. {IL 5-8, 597.8} -- Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2009., RL 6.9, 58p
Discusses the work of Tyrone Hayes and his efforts to study and protect frogs, and follows Hayes into the field with his students to perform experiments with various types of frogs.

Heroes of the valley -- Stroud, Jonathan. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Disney/Hyperion Books, 2009., RL 6.4, 483p
Halli Sveinsson, a mischievous young man who does not fit in with his peers and siblings, plays a trick on Ragnor that goes too far, forcing him to embark on a hero's quest in which he will face highway robbers, monsters, an intriguing girl, and truths about his family and the legends he grew up with.

Hurry up and slow down -- Marlow, Layn. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Holiday House, 2009, c2008., RL 2.7, 24p
Hare likes to hurry through the day, unlike Tortoise, but manages to slow down for his favorite bedtime story.

If I stay : a novel -- Forman, Gayle. {IL YA, -Fic-} -- Dutton Books, 2009., 201p
While in a coma following an automobile accident that killed her parents and younger brother, seventeen-year-old Mia, a gifted cellist, weights whether to live with her grief or join her family in death.

The lion & the mouse -- Pinkney, Jerry. {IL K-3, 398.2} -- Little, Brown and Co. Books for Young Readers, 2009., 34p
In this wordless retelling of an Aesop fable, an adventuresome mouse proves that even small creatures are capable of great deeds when he rescues the King of the Jungle.

The magician's elephant -- DiCamillo, Kate. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Candlewick Press, 2009., RL 5.8, 201p
When ten-year-old orphan Peter Augustus Duchene encounters a fortune teller in the marketplace one day who tells him that his sister, who is presumed dead, is in fact alive, he embarks on a remarkable series of adventures in an attempt to find her.

Marcelo in the real world -- Stork, Francisco X. {IL YA, -Fic-} -- Arthur A. Levine Books, 2009., 312p
Marcelo Sandoval, a seventeen-year-old boy on the high-functioning end of the autistic spectrum, faces new challenges, including romance and injustice, when he goes to work for his father in the mailroom of a corporate law firm.

The negro speaks of rivers -- Hughes, Langston. {IL K-3, 811} -- Disney/Jump at the Sun Books, 2009., RL 3.2, 32p
Watercolor illustrations by E.B. Lewis accompany Langston Hughes' classic poem "The Negro Speaks of Rivers."

Read it, don't eat it! -- Schoenherr, Ian. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Greenwillow Books, 2009., RL 1.8, 32p
Rhyming text and illustrations of animals reading offer advice on how to take care of a library book.

Red sings from treetops : a year in colors -- Sidman, Joyce. {IL K-3, 535.6} -- Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2009., RL 2.4, 32p
Illustrations and simple text combine the senses of sight, sound, smell, and taste to describe the colors of the seasons.

Redwoods -- Chin, Jason. {IL K-3, 585} -- Flash Point, 2009., RL 4.8, 36p
While reading a book about redwood trees on the subway, a young boy travels as he learns, all the way to the forests of California.

A savage thunder : Antietam and the bloody road to freedom -- Murphy, Jim.{IL 5-8, 973.7} -- Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2009., RL 6.7, 103p
Discusses the bloody battle of Antietam, in which General George B. McClellan faced off against General Lee's Army of Northern Virginia in Maryland in September of 1862.

A season of gifts -- Peck, Richard. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Dial Books for Young Readers, 2009., RL 4.9, 164p
Relates the surprising gifts bestowed on twelve-year-old Bob Barnhart and his family, who have recently moved to a small Illinois town in 1958, by their larger-than-life neighbor, Mrs. Dowdel.

The snow day -- Sakai, Komako. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Arthur A. Levine Books, 2009., RL 1.7, 32p
A little rabbit enjoys having a day off from kindergarten and spending time with his mother during a snowstorm, but his father's flight home is cancelled until the snow stops falling.

Sparrow girl -- Pennypacker, Sara. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Disney/Hyperion Books, 2009., RL 2.1
Ming-Li vows to save as many sparrows as she can after her village tries to destroy them.

Stitches : a memoir-- -- Small, David. {IL AD, 818} -- W.W. Norton, 2009., 329p
A graphic novel that chronicles the life of American author and illustrator David Small, detailing his sickly childhood and teenage years, relationship with his parents, his cancer, and more.

The storm in the barn -- Phelan, Matt. {IL 5-8, 741.5} -- Candlewick, 2009., RL 3.3, 201p
Eleven-year-old Jack Clark struggles with everyday obstacles while his family and community contend with the challenges brought on by the Dust Bowl in 1937 Kansas.

Tales from outer suburbia -- Tan, Shaun. {IL YA, -Fic-} -- Arthur A. Levine Books, 2009, 2008., 92p
Contains fifteen illustrated short stories, some humorous and some haunting, set in the Australian suburbs.

Thunder-boomer! -- Crum, Shutta. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Clarion Books, 2009., RL 2.1, 32p
A farm family scurries for shelter from a violent thunderstorm that brings welcome relief from the heat and also an unexpected surprise.

Tsunami! -- Kajikawa, Kimiko. {IL K-3, 398.2} -- Philomel Books, 2009., RL 2.9, 32p
A wealthy man in a Japanese village, who everyone calls Ojiisan, which means grandfather, sets fire to his rice fields to warn the innocent people of an approaching tsunami.

When you reach me -- Stead, Rebecca. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Wendy Lamb Books, 2009., RL 5.6, 199p
As her mother prepares to be a contestant on the 1980s television game show, "The $20,000 Pyramid," a twelve-year-old New York City girl tries to make sense of a series of mysterious notes received from an anonymous source that seems to defy the laws of time and space.

Where the mountain meets the moon -- Lin, Grace. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Little, Brown and Co. Books for Young Readers, 2009., RL 5.7, 278p
Minli, an adventurous girl from a poor village, buys a magical goldfish, and then joins a dragon who cannot fly on a quest to find the Old Man of the Moon in hopes of bringing life to Fruitless Mountain and freshness to Jade River.

A whiff of pine, a hint of skunk : a forest of poems -- Ruddell, Deborah. {IL K-3, 811} -- Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2009., RL 4.8, 33p
An illustrated collection of whimsical poems about life in the forest through the seasons.

Wintergirls -- Anderson, Laurie Halse. {IL YA, -Fic-} -- Viking, 2009., 278p
Eighteen-year-old Lia comes to terms with her best friend's death from anorexia as she struggles with the same disorder.

Written in bone : buried lives of Jamestown and Colonial Maryland -- Walker, Sally M. {IL 5-8, 614} -- Carolrhoda Books, 2009., RL 8.3, 144p
Reports on the work of forensic scientists who are excavating grave sites in James Fort, in Jamestown, Virginia, to understand who lived in the Chesapeake Bay area in the 1600s and 1700s; and uncovers the lives of a teenage boy, a ship's captain, a colonial officer, an African slave girl, and others.

The year the swallows came early -- Fitzmaurice, Kathryn. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Bowen Press, 2009., RL 5.9, 277p
After her father is sent to jail, eleven-year-old Groovy Robinson must decide if she can forgive the failings of someone she loves.

It Is What It Is

2009-08-10T12:17:00.000-07:00

One of the most overused expressions these days is “It is what it is.” But after reading the new book, Thunder-Boomer! by Shutta Crum, that’s exactly what I thought. The story of a thunderstorm in the Midwest is full of onomatopoeia. A perfect book to teach “it is what it is.” Full of description, a family rushes to safety during a surprise storm. Sounds from the storm are highlighted in the beautiful watercolor illustrations. From the ping pang of the hail to the bawk squawk of Maizey the chicken, the storm comes to life as we see a family hunker down (might as well use another overused phrase) for the brief shower. Even if you don’t live where storms like these are familiar, the perfect pairing of story and illustration will take you there.

And speaking of chickens, I read another book this morning, Tillie Lays an Egg by Terry Golson, illustrated with photographs by Ben Fink. Almost “I Spy” in feeling, this story of a hen that lays her egg wherever she wants is a charming story that uses days of the week and a search and find technique to show where eggs come from. Surprise! It’s not the Winn-Dixie. Where will Tillie lay her next egg? Read it and find out.

Those Darn Squirrels

2009-07-31T08:13:00.000-07:00

Most people have something that they love more than anything else. Maybe it’s anything pink or it’s shoes. Maybe it is the fall or maybe it is the beach. Old Man Fookwire loves birds. He loves to paint birds too. He hates everything else- puppies, pie. How can you hate pie? I love pie!! Birds were the only thing he liked. So he built beautiful birdfeeders for his beloved birds and filled them with delicious seeds and berries. The birds loved them. So did the squirrels.

Old Man Fookwire was not happy. He shook his fist and yelled,”Those darn squirrels.” Something must be done. He builds higher feeders, but those squirrels are clever. In one of the cutest books I have seen this year, Adam Rubin has created a wonderful story to read over and over. Check out Those Darn Squirrels. You will laugh out loud. Who doesn’t need a good laugh?

If you haven't read Melanie Watt's series about Scaredy Squirrel. He, too, will make you laugh out loud.

Read It, Don't Eat It!

2009-07-30T07:37:00.000-07:00

Looking for a just right book to share with the Littles at Storytime or during the first week of school? I just finished a wonderful new story by Ian Schoenherr, Read It, Don’t Eat It!

Simply told in rhyming couplets, adorable animals tell the “book care rules.” On the title page, a bear gently holds and looks at a book. On page one he holds the book close to his chest, closes his eyes and smells. Turn the page. “Read it, don’t eat it!” it says. Bear has the book in the corner of his mouth.

The story goes on to show the reader how to care for a book. Charming illustrations and easy rhyming couplets make this book a winner and a classic in the making. Read it to your class or with your grandchildren. As my mother would say, “ a good time will be had by all.”

Look for other ideas about library orientation to follow in future blogs.

Where in the World is Deborah 2009?

2009-07-28T11:58:00.000-07:00

It’s that time of year again. Show season! Every year I pull myself off the road and do something for myself. (A lesson we could all learn.) Surprise for you newbies: I do theater. This year I took a back seat and stayed on the production crew side of Bye Bye Birdie. I was Costume Mistress for a cast of 45. Begging from the cast, borrowing from Junior Theatre and stealing from my own stash, we put on an almost sold out run of 10 shows which closed on Sunday night. Vanguard has been doing shows at Westminster for more than 40 years, drawing families together and building new friendships within the community.

In the last few years, I have taken the opportunity to encourage storytelling and reading with the Littles, Middles, and Young at Hearts during the run of the show. I lug in a suitcase of mostly picture books and do booktalks, read stories and tell original stories to the cast before the director gives notes and the musical director does warm ups. The Littles and Middles can read the books in between scenes. We talk about their favorites. It’s a nice gathering time that eases nerves and gives me an audience to test out my favorites.

This morning I read a book, Celestine Drama Queen by Penny Ives, that I wished I had read before closing night. I hope that they will read about it here instead. (And then of course, rush out to the library to read the entire book.)

Celestine is a Drama Queen. Complete with tiara, Celestine prepares for her big part in the school play. Never lacking in ego (she is a princess after all!), she learns that even stars have much to learn.

As the costume mistress in this year’s show, I learned several lessons myself. You don’t have to be on the stage to be part of the family. It takes a team of people to pull off a big production. There are no small parts. If everyone does his part, we all win. One of our cast members tore his Achilles tendon during the run. Down to one leg, he could no longer pitch in like he had with set moving. This theater family that I love so much, just jumped right in and delegated. He, on the other hand, still came to the show and stood when he could. Many parts and helpful hands created a show that brought joy to hundreds of people- even if we did have to sing “We Love You Conrad” 4,723 times.

Summer Reading 2009

2009-05-27T11:23:00.000-07:00

This summer I created a list of some of the best books of 2008. I looked at other consultant best lists, award winners, all time favorite writers and series, and of course, my own favorites. Whether you are a teacher, librarian or parent, share these wonderful books with your kids. The more the merrier. (Note- This list is K-3, 3-6 and 5-8. I am working on a 6-12 list that I will post next week.)

Interest Level- K-3 (Actually of interest to most people)

Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek : a Tall, Thin Tale (introducing his forgotten frontier friend) -- Hopkinson, Deborah. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Schwartz & Wade Books, 2008., RL 3.4, 36p
In Knob Creek, Kentucky, in 1816, seven-year-old Abe Lincoln falls into a creek and is rescued by his best friend, Austin Gollaher.

The Apple-Pip Princess -- Ray, Jane. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Candlewick Press, 2008, RL 4.5, 32p
In a land that has stood barren, parched by drought and ravaged by frosts since the Queen's death, the King sets his three daughters the task of making the kingdom bloom again, and discovers that sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest difference.

Are You Ready to Play Outside? -- Willems, Mo. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Hyperion Books for Children, 2008., RL 1.3, 57p
Elephant, who is cautious and pessimistic, and Piggie, who is optimistic and sometimes reckless, go outside to play in the sun and hope that it does not rain. (Read the series- Elephant and Piggie!)

Bats at the Library -- Lies, Brian. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Houghton Mifflin, 2008., RL 2.7, 32p
Bored with another normal, inky evening, bats discover an open library window and fly in to enjoy the photocopier, water fountain, and especially the books and stories found there. (You may want to read the first book, Bats at the Beach.)

Before John was a Jazz Giant : a Song of John Coltrane -- Weatherford, Carole Boston. {IL K-3, 788.7} -- Henry Holt, 2008., RL 3.8, 26p
A biography of John Coltrane that focuses on his childhood and adolescent years and discusses his inspirations, influences, family, the development of his musical talent, and more.

Beware of the Frog -- Bee, William. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Candlewick Press, 2008., RL 2.2, 42p
Sweet old Mrs. Collywobbles lives on the edge of a big, dark, scary wood, but has a pet frog to protect her from greedy goblins, smelly trolls, and hungry ogres.

Big Plans -- Shea, Bob. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Hyperion Books for Children, 2008., RL 1.4, 42p
An unrepentant little boy, sent to the corner for bad behavior, thinks about his very big plans for the future.

The Blacker the Berry : Poems -- Thomas, Joyce Carol. {IL K-3, 811} -- Joanna Cotler Books, 2008., RL 2.9, 32p
A collection of poems, including "Golden Goodness," "Cranberry Red," and "Biscuit Brown," celebrating individuality and Afro-American identity.

Chicken said, "Cluck!" -- Grant, Judyann. {IL K-3, -E-} -- HarperCollins, 2008., RL .8, 32p
Chicken wants to help Earl and Pearl plant their pumpkins, but she only manages to get in the way, until grasshoppers invade the pumpkin patch and Chicken is the only one who can stop them.

A Couple of Boys have the Best Week Ever -- Frazee, Marla. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Harcourt, 2008., RL 2.7, 32p
Friends James and Eamon enjoy a wonderful week at the home of Eamon's grandparents during summer vacation.

Fly High, Fly Guy! -- Arnold, Tedd. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Scholastic, 2008., RL 1.2, 30p
When Buzz, his parents, and his pet fly go on a road trip and get lost, Fly Guy comes to the rescue to help them find their way home. (Read the series, too!)

Goose and Duck -- George, Jean Craighead. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Laura Geringer Books, 2008., RL 1.7, 48p
A young boy becomes the "mother" to a goose, who becomes "mother" to a duck, as they learn about the rhythms of nature together.

Help Me, Mr. Mutt! : Expert Answers for Dogs with People Problems -- Stevens, Janet. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Harcourt, 2008., RL 2.3, 50p
Dogs across the United States write to Mr. Mutt, a people expert, for help with their humans.

The House in the Night -- Swanson, Susan Marie. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Houghton Mifflin, 2008., RL 1.7, 40p
Illustrations and easy-to-read text explore the light that makes a house in the night a home filled with light.

How I Learned Geography -- Shulevitz, Uri. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Farrar Straus Giroux, 2008., RL 2.7, 32p
As he spends hours studying his father's world map, a young boy escapes the hunger and misery of refugee life. Based on the author's childhood in Kazakhstan, where he lived as a Polish refugee during World War II.

Just Grace Walks the Dog -- Harper, Charise Mericle. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Houghton Mifflin, 2008., RL 3.6, 163p
Eight-year-old Just Grace and her best friend Mimi embark on a campaign to convince Grace's parents that they are responsible and dependable enough to get a dog. (Read the rest of the series, Just Grace.)

LaRue for Mayor : Letters from the Campaign Trail -- Teague, Mark. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Blue Sky Press, 2008., RL 3, 32p
Mrs. LaRue's dog, Ike, decides to run for mayor of Snort City after realizing the front-runner, Chief Bugwort, wants to enforce leash, curfew, and other laws for dogs. (Read other adventures of Ike by the same author.)

Look Behind! : Tales of Animal Ends -- Schaefer, Lola M. {IL K-3, 590} -- Greenwillow Books, 2008., RL 4.7, 32p
Looks at the characteristics of different animal butts and how their owners use them, featuring one rear end for each letter in the alphabet.

Maybe a Bear Ate It! -- Harris, Robie H. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Orchard Books, 2008., RL 1.5, 36p
At bedtime, a young boy who cannot find his favorite book imagines the various creatures that might have taken it from him.

The Moon over Star -- Aston, Dianna Hutts. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Dial Books for Young Readers, 2008., RL 4.8, 32p
On her family's farm in the town of Star, eight-year-old Mae eagerly follows the progress of the 1969 Apollo 11 flight and moon landing and dreams that she might one day be an astronaut, too.

Nic Bishop Frogs -- Bishop, Nic. {IL K-3, 597.8} -- Scholastic, 2008., RL 3.7, 48p
Full-color, illustrated photographs describing the characteristics and behaviors of a variety of frogs around the world. (Part of series, Nic Bishop Animals.)

One Boy -- Seeger, Laura Vaccaro. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Roaring Brook Press, 2008., 42p
A boy creates ten paintings in this counting book that also explores the relationship of words within words.

Our California -- Ryan, Pam Munoz. {IL K-3, 979.4} -- Charlesbridge, 2008., RL 3.7, 42p
Colorful illustrations and rhyming text describes the sights and sounds of California. (Also available in Spanish.)

Papa and Me -- Dorros, Arthur. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Rayo, 2008., RL 2, 25p
A bilingual boy and his father, who only speaks Spanish, spend a day together.

Piano Starts Here : the Young Art Tatum -- Parker, Robert Andrew. {IL K-3, 786.2} -- Schwartz & Wade Books, 2008., RL 2.2, 34p
Explores early twentieth-century jazz pianist and virtuoso Art Tatum's passion and talent for playing the instrument, and includes illustrations and biographical information.

The Pigeon Wants a Puppy! -- Willems, Mo. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Hyperion Books for Children, 2008., RL 1.2, 34p
The pigeon really, really wants a puppy, but when a puppy arrives the pigeon changes its mind. (Read other books about the pigeon by the same author.)

Planting the Trees of Kenya : the Story of Wangari Maathai -- Nivola, Claire A. {IL K-3, 333.72} -- Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 2008., RL 3.3, 32p
Relates the story of Wangari Maathai, a native Kenyan who taught the people living in the highlands how to plant trees and care for the land.

The Retired Kid -- Agee, Jon. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Hyperion Books for Children, 2008., RL 2.6, 32p
Although he enjoys some aspects of his retirement, eight-year-old Brian gains a new perspective on his job of being a child after spending time in Florida's Happy Sunset Retirement Community.

Silent Letters Loud and Clear -- Pulver, Robin. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Holiday House, 2008., RL 2.8, 32p
When Mr. Wright's students express a dislike for silent letters, the offended letters decide to teach them a lesson by going on strike.

Sisters & Brothers : Sibling Relationships in the Animal World -- Jenkins, Steve. {IL K-3, 591.56} -- Houghton Mifflin, 2008., RL 3.2, 32p
An illustrated picture book that investigates sibling relationships within the animal kingdom.

Stink and the Great Guinea Pig Express -- McDonald, Megan. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Candlewick Press, 2008., RL 3.2, 118p
Stink Moody, friends Webster and Sophie, and Mrs. Birdwistle visit tourist attractions in Virginia as they try to give away 101 guinea pigs rescued from a laboratory, although Stink is very reluctant to relinquish his favorite, Astro. (Read the rest of the series about Stink, as well as books about his sister, Judy Moody, by the same author.)

Stinky : a Toon Book -- Davis, Eleanor. {IL K-3, 741.5} -- Little Lit Library, 2008., RL 1.7, 40p
Stinky, a monster who lives in a swamp, comes up with all kinds of strange ways to get rid of a kid who has wandered into his territory. (Beginning reader, graphic work)

The Storyteller's Candle -- Gonzalez, Lucia M. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Children's Book Press, 2008., RL 2.6, 30p
During the early days of the Great Depression, New York City's first Puerto Rican librarian, Pura Belpre, introduces the public library to immigrants living in El Barrio and hosts the neighborhood's first Three Kings' Day fiesta.

Traction Man Meets Turbodog -- Grey, Mini. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Alfred A. Knopf, 2008., RL 3.4, 32p
Traction Man braves the evil bin things in order to save Scrubbing Brush, who had been thrown away by the little boy's father and replaced with a battery-operated dog. (You may want to read the first book, Traction Man, before reading the sequel.)

What Can You Do with a Rebozo? -- Tafolla, Carmen. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Tricycle Press, 2008., RL 2.9, 25p
A spunky, young Mexican American girl explains the many uses of her mother's red rebozo, or long scarf.

What to Do about Alice? : How Alice Roosevelt Broke the Rules, Charmed the World, and Drove her Father Teddy Crazy! -- Kerley, Barbara. {IL K-3, 973.9} -- Scholastic Press, 2008., RL 4.8, 44p
An illustrated biography of Alice Roosevelt Longworth that focuses on her experiences while her father was president of the United States.

Wolfsnail : a Backyard Predator -- Campbell, Sarah C.{IL K-3, 594} -- Boyds Mills Press, 2008., RL 4.4, 32p
Close-up photographs and simple text describe how a wolf snail hunts, attacks, and eats it prey.

The Wolves are Back -- George, Jean Craighead. {IL K-3, 599.773} -- Dutton Children’s Books, 2008., RL 2.5, 32p
Describes the ecological benefits brought about by the reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone National Park.

Interest Level 3-6

Alvin Ho : Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things -- Look, Lenore. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Schwartz & Wade Books, 2008., RL 3.8, 172p
A young boy in Concord, Massachusetts, who loves superheroes and comes from a long line of brave Chinese farmer-warriors, wants to make friends, but first he must overcome his fear of everything. (First book in a new series.)

Bird -- Elliott, Zetta. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Lee & Low Books, 2008., RL 3.8, 42p
Bird, an artistic young African American boy, expresses himself through drawing as he struggles to understand his older brother's drug addiction and death, while a family friend, Uncle Son, provides guidance and understanding.

The Calder Game -- Balliett, Blue. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Scholastic Press, 2008., RL 5.4, 379p
When seventh-grader Calder Pillay disappears from a remote English village--along with an Alexander Calder sculpture to which he has felt strangely drawn--his friends Petra and Tommy fly from Chicago to help his father find him. (Third book in a series)

Clementine's Letter -- Pennypacker, Sara. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Hyperion Books for Children, 2008., RL 4.7, 150p
After learning that her favorite teacher will be leaving for a trip to Egypt and will be absent for the remainder of the year, Clementine devises a plan to get rid of the substitute and get Mr. D'Matz to stay. (Second book in a series of 3 books.)

Coraline -- Russell, P. Craig. {IL 3-6, 741.5} -- HarperCollins, 2008., RL 5.8, 186p
Coraline, who lives with her parents and some other people in a strange old house, explores the garden, grounds and eventually the inside of the mansion, where a door leads her to another universe that darkly mirrors the one she arrived from. Graphic novel adaptation. (You may also want to read the original novel version by Neil Gaiman.)

The Discovery and Mystery of a Dinosaur Named Jane -- Williams, Judith. {IL 3-6, 567.912} -- Enslow Publishers, 2008., RL 5.2, 48p
Tells the story of the tyrannosaur Jane, from her discovery and excavation in the badlands of Montana to her display at the Burpee Museum in Rockford, Illinois, and explores the mysteries of her life millions of years ago.

Farmer George Plants a Nation -- Thomas, Peggy. {IL 3-6, 973.4} -- Calkins Creek, 2008., RL 6.3, 40p
Describes how George Washington built his farm at Mount Vernon, discussing his experiments with seeds, fertilizers, and tools and presenting related letters and diary entries.

Hate that Cat -- Creech, Sharon. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Joanna Cotler Books, 2008., RL 5.2, 153p
Jack is studying poetry again in school, and he continues to write poems reflecting his understanding of famous works and how they relate to his life. (You may also want to read the first book, Love that Dog.)

I, Matthew Henson : Polar Explorer -- Weatherford, Carole Boston. {IL 3-6, 910.911} -- Walker, 2008., RL 6.5, 32p
Shares the story of Matthew Henson, an African-American man who vigorously pursued his dream to reach the North Pole along with explorer Robert Peary.

If You're Reading This, It's Too Late -- Bosch, Pseudonymous. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Little, Brown, 2008., RL 5, 385p
Cass and Max-Ernest discover the Museum of Magic, unscramble more coded messages, and solve new mysteries in their attempt to thwart the Terces Society's ambitions of discovering immortality. (You may want to read the first book- The Name of this Book is Secret, before reading this sequel.)

The London Eye Mystery -- Dowd, Siobhan. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- David Fickling Books, 2008, RL 6.1, 322p
When Ted and Kat's cousin Salim disappears from the London Eye Ferris wheel, the two siblings must work together--Ted with his brain that is "wired differently" and impatient Kat--to try to solve the mystery of what happened to Salim.

The Maze of Bones / (39 Clues, book 1) -- Riordan, Rick. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Scholastic, 2008.
Amy and Dan, members of the powerful Cahill family, try to uncover the thirty-nine clues which will reveal the secrets of their lineage and find out what really happened to their parents. (There are others in the series too!)

Masterpiece -- Broach, Elise. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Holt/Christy Ottaviano Books, 2008., RL 5.3, 292p
After Marvin, a beetle, makes a miniature drawing as an eleventh birthday gift for James, a human with whom he shares a house, the two new friends work together to help recover a Durer drawing stolen from the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

My One Hundred Adventures -- Horvath, Polly. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Schwartz & Wade Books, 2008., RL 5.2, 260p
Twelve-year-old Jane, who lives at the beach in a run-down old house with her mother, two brothers, and sister, has an eventful summer accompanying her pastor on Bible deliveries, meeting former boyfriends of her mother's, and being coerced into babysitting for a family of ill-mannered children.

The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey -- Stewart, Trenton Lee. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Little, Brown, 2008., RL 6.8, 440p
Reynie, Kate, Sticky, and Constance, all graduates of the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened and members of the Benedict Society, embark on a scavenger hunt that turns into a desperate search for the missing Mr. Benedict. (You may want to read the first book, The Mysterious Benedict Society, before reading this sequel.)

Nightmare at the Book Fair -- Gutman, Dan. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2008., RL 3.3, 230p
On his way to lacrosse tryouts, the president of the PTA asks Trip Dinkelman to help her with the book fair, resulting in Trip sustaining a head injury which causes him temporary amnesia and makes for an interesting journey home.

Pale Male : Citizen Hawk of New York City -- Schulman, Janet. {IL 3-6, 598.9} -- Knopf, 2008., RL 5.8, 34p
Recounts the true story of Pale Male, a red-tailed hawk living in New York City who has become one of the city's most-watched celebrities and bird watchers, tourists, and residents admire the bird and his nest, built on a Fifth Avenue apartment building.

Peter and the Secret of Rundoon -- Barry, Dave. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Disney Editions/Hyperion Books for Children, 2008., RL 5.9, 482p
Fearing that the sinister Lord Ombra was not destroyed, Peter and Molly travel to the land of Rundoon, which is ruled by the evil King Zarboff. (This is the 3rd book in the series.)

A River of Words : the Story of William Carlos Williams -- Bryant, Jennifer. {IL 3-6, 811} -- Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2008., RL 4.6, 34p
Presents a picture book biography of American poet William Carlos Williams, who studied to become a doctor, but still found time to write poetry.

Sipping Spiders through a Straw : Campfire Songs for Monsters -- DiPucchio, Kelly S. {IL 3-6, 782.42164} -- Scholastic Press, 2008., RL 3.2, 32p
A collection of creepy critters sing their favorite campfire sing-alongs, slightly altered for little monsters.

Ways to Live Forever -- Nicholls, Sally. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Arthur A. Levine Books, 2008., RL 4, 212p
Eleven-year-old Sam McQueen, who has leukemia, writes a book during the last three months of his life, in which he tells about what he would like to accomplish, how he feels, and things that have happened to him before he dies.

We are the Ship : the story of Negro League Baseball -- Nelson, Kadir. {IL 3-6, 796.357} -- Jump at the Sun/Hyperion, 2008., RL 6, 88p
Explores the history of Negro League baseball teams, discussing owners, players, hardships, wins, and losses; and including illustrations.

Interest Level 5-8

Ain't Nothing but a Man : My Quest to Find the Real John Henry -- Nelson, Scott Reynolds. {IL 5-8, 973} -- National Geographic, 2008., RL 6.4, 64p
Historian Scott Nelson introduces children to the life of the real John Henry, drawing on songs, poems, and stories to describe the man behind the legendary African-American hero.

The Battle of the Labyrinth -- Riordan, Rick. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Hyperion, 2008., RL 4.1
When demonic cheerleaders invade his high school, Percy Jackson hurries to Camp Half Blood, from whence he and his demigod friends set out on a quest through the Labyrinth, while the war between the Olympians and the evil Titan lord Kronos draws near. (4th book in the Percy and the Olympians series. Final Book is also out.)

Bird Lake Moon -- Henkes, Kevin. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Greenwillow Books, 2008., RL 6.6, 179p
Twelve-year-old Mitch, spending the summer with his grandparents at Bird Lake after his parents' separation, becomes friends with ten-year-old Spencer, who has returned with his family to the lake where his little brother drowned years earlier, and as the boys spend time together and their friendship grows, each of them begins to heal.

The Diamond of Darkhold -- DuPrau, Jeanne. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Random House, 2008., RL 5.3, 285p
After obtaining an ancient book with only a few pages remaining, Lina and Doon return to Ember seeking the machine described in the book that might be able to aid their new community, Sparks, through the winter.

Diary of a Wimpy kid : Rodrick Rules -- Kinney, Jeff. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Amulet Books, 2008., RL 5.7, 216p
Greg Heffley tells about his summer vacation and his attempts to steer clear of trouble when he returns to middle school and tries to keep his older brother, Rodrick, from telling everyone about Greg's most humiliating experience of the summer. (Book 2 in a series. Book 1 is free online at http://www.funbrain.com/)

Found -- Haddix, Margaret Peterson. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2008., RL 5, 314p
When thirteen-year-olds Jonah and Chip, who are both adopted, learn they were discovered on a plane that appeared out of nowhere, full of babies with no adults on board, they realize that they have uncovered a mystery involving time travel and two opposing forces, each trying to repair the fabric of time. (First book in new series, author of series, Shadow Children.)

The Graveyard Book -- Gaiman, Neil. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- HarperCollins, 2008., RL 5.7, 312p
After Bod’s family is murdered, the orphaned Bod, short for Nobody, is taken in by the inhabitants of a graveyard as a child of eighteen months and raised lovingly and carefully to the age of eighteen years by the community of ghosts and otherworldly creatures. Winner of the Newbery 2009

Savvy -- Law, Ingrid. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Dial Books for Young Readers, Walton Media, 2008., RL 6.5, 342p
Recounts the adventures of Mibs Beaumont, whose thirteenth birthday has revealed her "savvy"--a magical power unique to each member of her family--just as her father is injured in a terrible accident.

The Underneath -- Appelt, Kathi. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2008., RL 5.6, 313p
An old hound that has been chained up at his hateful owner's run-down shack, and two kittens born underneath the house, endure separation, danger, and many other tribulations in their quest to be reunited and free.

I would also suggest you read the CYRA nominees for next year or whatever state reader's choice awards you have.

Books to Tell 2008

2009-04-30T08:12:00.000-07:00

One of the great things about books is that so many of them "retell" almost as well as they read aloud. Teachers and librarians can use many of these books to match the curriculum and supplement their textbooks. Books can be used in a science or social studies class.

I remember one of the best teachers I ever had was Janie Putnam at Boiling Springs High School. She was my 11th grade history teacher. I couldn't wait for that class each day. Why? Because she told stories. Stories about Abe Lincoln using his hat for a desk. Stories about Adams losing his clothes to a reporter who wanted an interview. Stories that I used to control the boys I babysat. They were wild boys who would do anything if only I would tell another story. Mrs. Putnam gave me those stories.

How do you know a book will retell?
As you look at books, read them aloud. Many times a story that retells well, reads well aloud. It may have a pattern in the style. There may be repetition of a phrase. When you try retelling it to others and you see their interest almost as soon as you begin, you may have a winner. A picture book can work if you can read the story without looking at the pictures. Sometimes illustrations complement the storyline, while other times they add details that the story cannot live without. You may be able to add something to the story that fills in the illustration gap, but it may not always work.

Look at picture books. Look at fairy tales (398.2). Look for short stories. Scary stories, of course, often retell well. Stories that have a surprise ending, like Beware the Frog (William Bee) for example, often tell well.

I found a story, now what?
Once you find a story that may work, you can practically memorize it or you can make it your own. Identify words or phrases that must be told exactly. Fill it with your own style. Tell it to your students.

You can also use these books without telling them. Give potential books to your students. Give them the criteria on how you know a book will retell. Ask them to write key phrases. Identify characters, plot and setting. Ask them to look for details that are missing without illustrations. What part of the setting, plot or character will have to be filled in with words? A worksheet may make it easier for them to flesh out their notes.

Then have students decide which story to tell. Students can use the sheet as a guide to learning their story. Practicing in groups or with partners can also be beneficial to learning new stories. Using stories written by others can be a big step towards learning to tell stories that work before you try telling your own.

Some stories that work from 2008
Abe Lincoln crosses a creek : a tall, thin tale (introducing his forgotten frontier friend) -- Hopkinson, Deborah. -- Schwartz & Wade Books, 2008., RL 3.4, 36p
In Knob Creek, Kentucky, in 1816, seven-year-old Abe Lincoln falls into a creek and is rescued by his best friend, Austin Gollaher.

Ain't nothing but a man : my quest to find the real John Henry -- Nelson, Scott Reynolds. -- National Geographic, 2008., RL 6.4, 64p
Historian Scott Nelson introduces children to the life of the real John Henry, drawing on songs, poems, and stories to describe the man behind the legendary African-American hero.

The apple-pip princess -- Ray, Jane. -- Candlewick Press, 2008., RL 4.5, 32p
In a land that has stood barren, parched by drought and ravaged by frosts since the Queen's death, the King sets his three daughters the task of making the kingdom bloom again, and discovers that sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest difference.

Bats at the library -- Lies, Brian. -- Houghton Mifflin, 2008., RL 2.7, 32p
Bored with another normal, inky evening, bats discover an open library window and fly in to enjoy the photocopier, water fountain, and especially the books and stories found there.

Beware of the frog -- Bee, William. -- Candlewick Press, 2008., RL 2.2, 42p
Sweet old Mrs. Collywobbles lives on the edge of a big, dark, scary wood, but has a pet frog to protect her from greedy goblins, smelly trolls, and hungry ogres.

The cow that laid an egg -- Cutbill, Andy. -- HarperCollins, 2008, c2006., RL 3.8, 32p
The chickens at the farm hatch a plan to help Marjorie the cow feel special, but some of the other cows get suspicious.

The fisherman and his wife -- Isadora, Rachel. -- G. P. Putnam's Sons, 2008., RL 2.6, 32p
The fisherman's greedy wife is never satisfied with the wishes granted her by an enchanted fish.

How I learned geography -- Shulevitz, Uri. -- Farrar Straus Giroux, 2008., RL 2.7, 32p
As he spends hours studying his father's world map, a young boy escapes the hunger and misery of refugee life. Based on the author's childhood in Kazakhstan, where he lived as a Polish refugee during World War II.

I, Matthew Henson : polar explorer -- Weatherford, Carole Boston. -- Walker, 2008., RL 6.5, 32p
Shares the story of Matthew Henson, an African-American man who vigorously pursued his dream to reach the North Pole along with explorer Robert Peary.

Look behind! : tales of animal ends -- Schaefer, Lola M. -- Greenwillow Books, 2008., RL 4.7, 32p
Looks at the characteristics of different animal butts and how their owners use them, featuring one rear end for each letter in the alphabet.

Maybe a bear ate it! -- Harris, Robie H. -- Orchard Books, 2008., RL 1.5, 36p
At bedtime, a young boy who cannot find his favorite book imagines the various creatures that might have taken it from him.

The McElderry book of Greek myths -- Kimmel, Eric A. -- M.K. McElderry Books, 2008., RL 5.2, 96p
Contains illustrated retellings of twelve classic Greek myths, including the stories of Pandora, Icarus, King Midas, and others.

The moon over Star -- Aston, Dianna Hutts. -- Dial Books for Young Readers, 2008., RL 4.8, 32p
On her family's farm in the town of Star, eight-year-old Mae eagerly follows the progress of the 1969 Apollo 11 flight and moon landing and dreams that she might one day be an astronaut, too.

More bones : scary stories from around the world -- Viking, 2008., RL 4.8, 162p
A collection of scary stories collected from civilizations around the globe and throughout history.

Pale Male : citizen hawk of New York City -- Schulman, Janet. {IL 3-6, 598.9} -- Knopf, 2008., RL 5.8, 34p
Recounts the true story of Pale Male, a red-tailed hawk living in New York City who has become one of the city's most-watched celebrities and bird watchers, tourists, and residents admire the bird and his nest, built on a Fifth Avenue apartment building.

Planting the trees of Kenya : the story of Wangari Maathai -- Nivola, Claire A. -- Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 2008., RL 3.3, 32p
Relates the story of Wangari Maathai, a native Kenyan who taught the people living in the highlands how to plant trees and care for the land.

The race of the century -- Downard, Barry. -- Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2008., RL 2.8, 32p
Fed up with his incessant taunting, Tom Tortoise challenges Flash Harry Hare to the race of the century, which turns into a worldwide media event, complete with television and newspaper coverage, photographers, and many other distractions.

Rapunzel -- Isadora, Rachel. -- G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2008., RL 3.6, 32p
An illustrated adaptation of the familiar fairy tale that describes the story of a beautiful African girl with extraordinarily long hair who is imprisoned in a lonely tower by a witch.

The retired kid -- Agee, Jon. -- Hyperion Books for Children, 2008., RL 2.6, 32p
Although he enjoys some aspects of his retirement, eight-year-old Brian gains a new perspective on his job of being a child after spending time in Florida's Happy Sunset Retirement Community.

Snoring Beauty -- Hale, Bruce. -- Harcourt, 2008., RL 2.9, 44p
An adaptation of the traditional tale, featuring a sleeping, snoring princess who is rescued by a prince after being cursed by a bad fairy.

The storyteller's candle -- Gonzalez, Lucia M. -- Children's Book Press, 2008., RL 2.6, 30p During the early days of the Great Depression, New York City's first Puerto Rican librarian, Pura Belpre, introduces the public library to immigrants living in El Barrio and hosts the neighborhood's first Three Kings' Day fiesta.

There's a wolf at the door -- Alley, Zoe B. -- Roaring Brook Press, 2008., RL 3.5, 34p
As his plans are spoiled over and over again, the wolf keeps trying to find his dinner, in this retelling of five well-known stories and fables.

Way up and over everything -- McGill, Alice. -- Houghton Mifflin, 2008., RL 4.3, 32p
In this retelling of a folktale, five Africans escape the horrors of slavery by simply disappearing into thin air.

What to do about Alice? : how Alice Roosevelt broke the rules, charmed the world, and drove her father Teddy crazy! -- Kerley, Barbara. -- Scholastic Press, 2008., RL 4.8, 44p
An illustrated biography of Alice Roosevelt Longworth that focuses on her experiences while her father was president of the United States.

The wolves are back -- George, Jean Craighead. -- Dutton Childrens Books, 2008., RL 2.5, 32p Describes the ecological benefits brought about by the reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone National Park.

For links to these and other great books, see my website Best Books. For other ideas about storytelling in the library or classroom see Vicky Reed's website at Filamentality, Stories to Tell.

Book Trailers

2009-04-30T08:03:00.000-07:00

Want to put some new technology in your book reports? Try using video. Perhaps you have seen Scholastic book trailers at In the Stacks. Kids can get a sneak preview of the hottest books in a video trailer- just like the movies. These videos are slick and enticing. They make you want to run to the library or bookstore to read these books. Students can use these techniques to either retell the story or as a book teaser.

Movies without a camcorder
You can also create your own videos to encourage reading. Microsoft has a free product that students can use to create movies without a video camera. Photo Story for Windows is a downloadable, easy to use product. Using digital images, students create a storyboard, add narration, text and music. Royalty free music is included in the free software. The software adds the transitions, including zoom and panning. You can fade to black. Users can also adjust the “camera work” if you don’t like what Photo Story creates.

Dr. Mark Geary has worked with students to create examples of these Photo Story book trailers. These "movies for literacy" are arranged by early elementary, late elementary and adolescent trailers. Complete with a tutorial on how to make it, students can make their own. You can use a few scans from the original book or allow students to use their own photographs. You can use Google Images to find photos that will work. Students can even create their own artwork, scan it, and use the saved digital images. Photo Story is so easy, even an adult can do it.

Other resources for digital storytelling can be found at this Filamentality website.

Books in the Digital Age

2009-03-26T21:48:00.000-07:00

Books have really changed in the last few years. Now you can see and hear books in ways you could only read about in science fiction. From entire books online to books on tape and video, there are a multitude of choices for you and your students. Some are even free. Those that charge often have compelling reasons to purchase them. Many also come with support material. (Always check with the publisher!) Tonight's two cents is a round up of some of the digital media you might use with your students.

Complete books online
Perhaps you were a fan of Lookybook.net. Sad to say, its pages are now closed. Tumblebooks, however, is still available at a subscription rate. There are 3 categories of ebooks: TumbleBookLibrary (picture books), TumbleReadables (late elementary to high school) and TumbleTalkingBooks (for public libraries). These ebooks provide narration, music and highlighted sentences in the reading of the books. Subscribers also have access to games, quizzes and teacher resources. A free 30 day trial subscription is available.

Another resource for videos and books is provided by the Screen Actors Guild Program Foundation. Storyline Online is a non profit site, with original funding granted by Verizon. They have a website that posts videos of actors reading some of your favorite books. Related activities and downloadable guides are available. Hear James Earl Jones read To Be a Drum, for example.

If you have a subscription to Discovery Education Streaming (formerly known as United Streaming), you have access to some of the best made movies of children’s literature- Weston Woods videos. Now owned by Scholastic, Weston Woods animates the book’s illustrations, adding music, and using professional actors to narrate the story. Use the subtitles to give your ESL and struggling readers another tool for comprehension. Check out the extras, as they often have illustrator or author interviews as part of the film. You can also buy them individually from Scholastic or your book wholesaler.

Books on tape
I am a huge fan of “books on tape.” Listening to a book being read can be a lovely thing. When I drove across America to San Diego, I listened to Jim Dale read most of the Harry Potter books. I'm not sure I would have made it over those scary mountains into California without the soothing voices of Jim Dale. Many of the adults I know listen to books on their commute to work. However, we can also use these digital books to help our students.

At the IMC where I work, our readalongs are one of our most popular items. We include the book on CD or tape and 5 books. Teachers can group students to share the reading of a book at a listening center. Listening Library and Recorded Books offer great books on tape.

Playaways are another option. These small audio devices have the books recorded on them. Each Playaway is a different machine. They automatically bookmark your stopping place. Costing from 30 to 60 dollars, these teen-friendly digital books, are a cool way to listen to everything from the classics to Alcatraz versus the Evil Librarians. You can use earbuds or connect them to speakers and fill the room with the sound of a wonderful book. You can order them from Follett, Recorded Books and BBC America. Some publishers of the stories sell the Playaways on their sites as well (Live Oak Media and Weston Woods, for example). For more information see the Playaway site. Canadian libraries have a link on the Playaway site.

Which books to buy?
Start by looking at award winning books. ALA publishes a Notable Recordings list every year. These Best Recordings are chosen by a team of librarians who listen to the best of the best and selectively choose the best audio books. The Odyssey Award is given to the best audio recording of a book. That may be another selection if it fits your age group.

For books on video, try the Notable Video selections. Like the Notable Recordings, librarians watch a multitude of videos each year to select the best. Many of these are books that are animated.

YALSA, a division of ALA, has an Awesome Audiobook list. This notable list was renamed in 2009. It was previously called Selected Audiobooks for Young Adults. The awards list goes back to 1999 and selects the best books of the last two years.

Last but not least
The Kindle and the Sony Reader. No, I don’t have either. Easy to use, these digital readers allow you to download entire books into a large paperback sized tablet. The new Kindle will even read to you- not James Earl Jones, but it is reading aloud. It’s not the same as curling up with a paper book, but after hauling 8 books across Canada so I wouldn’t run out of things to read this week, I am really close to at least trying it. I'll let you know.

The Parent Connection

2009-03-08T12:29:00.000-07:00

This week Aunt Betty was invited to speak to children and parents at two of our local schools. At Field Elementary, they celebrated Dr. Seuss’ Birthday with a Literacy Night. After Aunt Betty’s storytelling, parents and children rotated to three different activities: bookmark making, reading as a family and listening to stories in the library. The Cat in the Hat made a special visit.

At Loma Portal Elementary, after Aunt Betty told stories, the students went by grade level to areas around the school where they listened to books. After they left, Aunt Betty was able to meet with the parents to talk about how to get their children to read. She offered two bits of advice.

Advice Number 1: Let Them Read
One of the best ways to get them to read is to let them read- whatever they want to read. Adults have a tendency to want children to read “good literature.” Bottom line is that readers read- everything. From menus to manuals and newspapers to cereal boxes, real readers read. By allowing children to choose what they like, parents can lessen the pressure that often happens at school. Let them read too hard, too easy, or books they have read five million times. Let them read about underwear and bugs. Let them read books that were adapted from movies. Let them stop reading a book that doesn’t interest them. Life is short. Reading- especially at home- should be a pleasure, not a punishment.

Advice Number 2: Don’t Give Up.
Sometimes kids get into a reading rut. They read the same book over and over. I once taught a boy who checked out There’s a Nightmare in my Closet the entire year he was in kindergarten. Then there are kids who read the same series- and only that. There are kids who “never finish a book.”

In my experience, I have found that time changes most things-even reading patterns. Eventually the kindergarten child went on to read books about eagles. He read every book about eagles. Of course, he only read about eagles, but this too, eventually passed. Kids will only read Captain Underpants for so long- not that there's anything wrong with that. As their interests change, as their friends grow, their reading patterns adapt.

So...Be Patient
When you have a child who doesn’t finish reading a book, perhaps it’s time to investigate. Perhaps he doesn’t have enough time to properly choose a book. Perhaps it’s too hard or easy, so he loses interest. Perhaps the cover was misleading or he didn’t know enough about the book before he chose it. Ask questions about his library visits. Take him to the library or bookstore and watch him select. Then you can ask more questions and perhaps determine how to help him select. Your librarian or book seller can help you guide him to good choices.

Maybe your children are different ages and bedtime stories are difficult. Perhaps you can allow the children to take turns selecting the books. You might choose books from the list of 100 books everyone ought to know. From time to time offer separate story times. Allow your older child to read to the younger. Allow your younger child to “read” to the older. He can picture walk through the story. You may want to discuss this idea with the older child so he doesn’t try to “correct” his sibling. Remind him that he began to read in much the same way. You may want to vary your reading time. Perhaps you can read after dinner instead of just before bedtime. Read in the doctor's office while you wait.

Solutions

□ Allow children to stop reading a book.
□ Do some legwork as to how your child selects books.
□ Find out more about the newest and best children’s books.
□ Read shorter picture books with multi-age groups.
□ Use booklists. Nancy Keane has “if you liked this” kind of lists on her wiki. Your public or school library may have a database like Novelist.
□ Take your child to the school or public library.
□ Ownership is important. Add to your family bookshelf as often as you can.
□ Look for reading opportunities in your every day life. Read menus, road signs, cookbooks, the newspaper.
□ Be a role model.
□ Real readers read and real writers write.
□ Don’t give up. Everyone has spurts of “non-reading.”

For Further Reading
Backes, Laura. Best Books for Kids (who Think) They Hate to Read, Prima Lifestyles, 2001
Codell, Esme. How to Get Your Child to Love Reading, Algonguin Books of Chapel Hill, 2003
Trelease, Jim. The Read Aloud Handbook, Penguin, 2006

African American Read-In

2009-02-20T10:08:00.000-08:00

Thursday morning I had the opportunity to read to a class of fourth grade students at one of our schools. The 8th Annual African American History Month Read-In appeared to be a great success. Readers from the community met in the library where the library tech, Mrs. Jackson, had placed some of her best titles by and about African Americans. Sorting them by interest level was helpful to the folks who came to read. A welcome was given by the principal, Ms. Dean, and everyone was invited to have some refreshments before walking to the classrooms.

The organizers (Mrs. Jackson and Ms. Leach) of the annual read-in had arranged for students in grades 4 and 5 to escort us to our assigned classes. What a polite group they were! They walked up to perfect strangers, extended their hands and introduced themselves. The former principal, Ms. Madden, along with their community partner, the US Navy, were among the many adults who would be reading to the students. Mrs. Jackson’s own husband and older sons and one of their friends were among the many men who were readers. I overheard an officer encourage his people to visit the school more often. I hope they will.

When it was time to go to our classes, our escorts led the way. My class was a fourth grade class whose teacher is Ms. Snow. Students quickly gathered at my feet for a story. Today I chose (and choosing is always the hardest thing) to read about the Negro Baseball League. I read Floyd Cooper’s new book, Willie and the All-Stars. I talked to them about Cooper's form of art-subtraction process. He has a very distinct look to his award winning works.

We talked about how times were different. They had so many questions about the time, the players and Wrigley Field. This was obviously a class of good readers and writers. They were thinking as I was reading. Of course, one student told me that maybe the book was too difficult for me when I stumbled on the words. I told him, No. That’s just age and vanity. I ought to have on my classes when I am reading.”

Another book I shared with them is the Sibert winning We are the Ship by Kadir Nelson, one of San Diego’s own. This is a sure fire hit and must-read for all ages. The students actually said “Wow” when I opened the book to the first painting. I have listed the other books I shared at the end of this entry. Be sure to check them out.

Ms. Snow has apparently been working hard, as students knew about hyperboles and third person narratives. The students talked about the author’s purpose. We talked about the details of the story and what they liked. One young lady talked about how she liked how Willie could visualize himself playing ball, even while walking in the street. Students had lots of prior knowledge about Rosa Parks and Ruby Bridges. They wanted to know if the story was in the time of Martin Luther King. So many questions!

I talked about my job- both at the school district and “on the road.” We talked about writing and where writers get ideas. I keep a notebook and pen with me all the time. Age and a full plate do not add up to a good memory. When I have an idea for a story, I jot it down. For example, just this week I got an idea for a story. As I was gardening in my window box, I found more than dead plants- something with reptilian skin. It turned out to be a big lizard, hibernating in the dirt. So, quick as I could breathe again, I jotted it into my notebook. I suggested that they do the same with things that they think about or things that happen to them. Stories come from things we see. Things we hear. Things we think about.

In the end, this visit was one of the brightest spots in my over-full week. The program was organized. It was well supported by the community. So many men came to read to the students. We were welcomed and guided to our classes. Students were interested and full of knowledge. It did my heart a world of good. Now when can I go back??

Here’s what I read and/or shared:
The blacker the berry : poems -- Thomas, Joyce Carol. {IL K-3, 811} -- Joanna Cotler Books, 2008., RL 2.9, 32p
A collection of poems, including "Golden Goodness," "Cranberry Red," and "Biscuit Brown," celebrating individuality and African American identity. Winner of the CSK Illustrator Award 2009

Satchel Paige : don't look back -- Adler, David A. {IL K-3, 796.357} -- Harcourt, 2007., RL 4.5, 32p

Colorful illustrations and simple text tell the story of the life and baseball career of legendary pitcher Satchel Paige from his time with the Negro Leagues to his years with the American League.

Satchel Paige : striking out Jim Crow -- Sturm, James. {IL 5-8, 741.5} -- Hyperion/Jump at the Sun, 2007., RL 5.6, 89p

A graphic novel account of the career of Negro League pitcher Satchel Paige, discussing the show he put on as a popular player, as well as the respect he demanded as an African-American.

Stealing home : Jackie Robinson, against the odds -- Burleigh, Robert. {IL K-3, 796.357} -- Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2007., RL 5.9, 32p

Presents a brief biography of legendary baseball player for the old Brooklyn Dodgers, Jackie Robinson, who, in 1947, became the first African-American to play in major league baseball.

We are the ship : the story of Negro League baseball -- Nelson, Kadir. {IL 3-6, 796.357} -- Jump at the Sun/Hyperion, 2008., RL 6, 88p

Explores the history of Negro League baseball teams, discussing owners, players, hardships, wins, and losses. Winner of the Sibert Award, CSK Author and Illustrator Honor 2009

Willie and the All-Stars -- Cooper, Floyd. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Philomel Books, 2008., RL 3.3, 32p

Willie, a boy growing up on the north side of Chicago in 1942, is disheartened when a neighbor tells him his skin color prohibits him from ever realizing his dream of playing professional baseball, but his hopes are revived when he sees an exhibition game at Wrigley Field between an all-star Negro League team and players from the Major Leagues.

Connecting Parents, Kids and Books

2009-01-09T14:11:00.000-08:00

In our school district, one of our most successful projects has been our Parent Child book clubs. Even in the dead of winter we have had 40 parents and students in a middle school attend so that they can talk about books they don’t even have to read. There’s no grade. There’s no test… When I talk about the clubs on the road, usually the room goes still. It’s that moment during the day when you know you have everyone’s attention. So before I head out again (I leave for Pittsburgh on Sunday.), I thought I would write about how our book clubs work.

How do your book clubs work?
Once a month on a Thursday at 6:30 one of our middle school book clubs meets for “an hour.” It is never only an hour. Usually folks drift off by 8:00. We read one or two books each month. The Teacher Librarian at the school sends an email reminder a day or so before the meeting. Group participants are now bringing a snack to share and we provide a drink. (It’s a good way to try new recipes and gives ownership to our members.)

What do you do on Book Night?
When they arrive, they sign in using Survey Monkey, which gives us records that we can read, emails and the like. They get a snack and wander over to our activity area. Each month, we choose an activity that correlates with the books. Then we spend the rest of the hour talking about the books we read. There is no set list of questions. It's very informal. At the end of the hour (or so) we booktalk the next titles and talk about what we will do then. Participants pick up the new titles and return the current ones.

Last month we read only one book, Schooled by Gordon Korman. We played sixties music as they entered and left the library. We asked them to bring a healthy snack to share and wear hippy clothes if they would like. I taught them how to make a beaded bracelet- using hemp rope, of course. Then we talked about the book. I thought with only one book, we would be out pretty quickly. But nope, we were there until 8:00, talking about one book.

What if they don't want to talk?
We have observed that some people want to comment, but are shy about speaking in front of a group. We have addressed that in a couple of ways. One is that we provide pencils and paper for comments and “pass the jar.” We randomly read comments or questions before we leave. Sometimes we do door prizes. The teacher librarian also set up a blog so that parents and students can write what they think throughout the month.

What do you read?
At this particular school, we start with the ALA award winners for middle school. You might also look at the Notable Lists. Then we move onto the nominees for our state book award program- CYRA. After that we read student suggested books and other books that are just fun to read. On our last meeting of the year, we take time to make a list of what we might like to read next year.

Where do you get the funding?
The PTA truly supports this program. Parents can see the impact this program makes because they are there. We use proceeds from the book fair. We have an Instructional Media Center in our district which orders class sets of books for everyone to check out. That’s another potential place for getting multiple copies. Another middle school recently worked with the public library to round up enough copies for her program. We usually choose books that are in paperback. We don't always barcode and check them out. Sometimes we contribute to the "literacy of the neighborhood."

You can also try Scholastic Literacy Partnerships. After registering you can receive up to 75% off the cost of their books. Visit their website to learn about the benefits. You might also try a grant from Donors Choose. They are very easy to complete when you keep in mind that what you are asking for benefits the students.

Do you have to read the same book?
No, you don’t. Some book clubs just meet to talk about what they are reading. They swap books with each other. The most important thing is choice and that they are talking about books. You might even try a virtual book club by using a blog. Go to a site like Blogger.com to sign up for a free site. You can also meet before school, at lunch or after school.

Final tips
1. The most important thing is choice. Choice to read. Choice to attend. Not every club member will read for every meeting. Attendance can’t be mandatory. It's not a class.
2. Invite ownership by allowing them to suggest titles, bring food, lead in activities.
Send reminders a day or so before.
3. Monitor success. Perhaps it isn’t well attended because of the time of day. What else would work?
4. Advertise. The more who know the more you will grow.
5. Feed them and they will come. Who wouldn't want to eat in the library??
6. Allow them to write, draw or create while you talk. Not everyone can listen and “be still.” It’s a club, not a class.
7. Have prepared questions in case there is a big lull, but don’t rush the silence. Usually someone else will fill it in.
8. Have a related activity.
9. Booktalk books that are similar. If you like this one…

Print resources

Read The Kids’ Book Club Book: Reading Ideas, Recipes, Activities, and Smart Tips for Organizing Terrific Kids’ Book Clubs by Judy Gelman and Vicki Levy Krupp.

See other ideas in Esme Codell’s book, How to Get you Child to Love Reading.

Through the Fence

2008-11-18T08:33:00.000-08:00

Recently I saw a preview showing of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas- based on the book by John Doyne (2006). It took me days to shake the movie off. I remember people sat in the theater without moving or talking for several minutes after the credits rolled. Usually I am the last to leave. Not so, this time. When people finally pulled themselves together enough to leave, they began to talk. They talked of Bruno. They talked of the boy he met through the fence.

There is a new book out this year- a picture book for older readers, also about two kids and a fence. A fence that surrounds a work camp near a small village in Germany. Based on a true story, Angel Girl by Laurie Friedman (2008) tells the story of a boy who was sent to a work camp where a young farm girl met him at the fence and brought him apples. It may not have the ending you expect, but you will be all the better for it.

Suggestion? Read it after The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. It won’t take away the horrors of that story, but it will remind you that sometimes a good deed is rewarded.

By the way, I was able to see an advance screening through Grace Hill Media. Sign up with them and you can get invitations (first come first served seating) at many movies you might share with kids. I also get invitations from Walden Media. Sign up for their newsletter too. Both sites have links to discussion guides and many other resources that you might use. Publishers Weekly has a Children's Bookshelf Newsletter that will keep you in the know about what books are being made into movies. See the movie, but read the book. It's usually better!

Don't Shoot from the Hip...it might backfire

2008-10-17T19:35:00.000-07:00

Don’t shoot from the hip…it might backfire- or at least not be appreciated for the genius bit of writing that it is.

Reading aloud can be a powerful tool towards increasing the literacy of our students. Publishers try to help us by providing a reading interest level to guide us in our choices. However, one needs to be conscious of the fact that a book that is promoted interest level K-3, may not, in fact, be a good idea to read to kindergarten. They really work better with older students. If you have ever read Amelia Bedelia books to young students, you know exactly what I mean. I call these books: Don’t-shoot-from-the-hip-because-it-might-backfire books.

For example, one of my favorites is Tadpole’s Promise by Jeanne Willis and Tony Ross. It’s a love story about a caterpillar and tadpole who fall in love and promise to never change. That’s what these creatures do. They are all about change. The tadpole changes faster than the caterpillar. He is her “shiny black pearl” and she is “his beautiful rainbow.” When he breaks his promise the third time, she goes away angry and cries herself to sleep. Time passes and she has transformed into a beautiful butterfly. She has also lost her anger and decides to forgive him. She flies down to where the lily pad meets the water where a little green frog sits. “Have you seen my shiny black… But before she can finish her sentence, the frog leaps up and eats her- in one great gulp. And there he sits thinking fondly of his beautiful rainbow and wondering where she went. The end.”

Sometimes when I read this with adults, even they are taken aback. If you share this with your high school students, they will see the power of writing. They appreciate the surprise ending. It breaks the ice in a new class because people want to talk about it. If you read these to kindergarten, you may have to get out the box of tissues and spend the rest of the morning consoling little souls. So use the following books as a starter list of books that may be recommended by the publisher for K-3, but they will be better appreciated by grades 3-12.

Tadpole’s Promise by Jeanne Willis
Where Willy Went by Nicholas Allan
Whatever by William Bee
Beware the Frog by William Bee
Princess Justina by Ellen Dee Davidson
The Library Dragon by Carmen Deedy
Martina the Beautiful Cockroach by Carmen Deedy

Booktalking- Count the Ways

2008-10-09T16:02:00.000-07:00

“So there I was tied to an altar of outdated encyclopedias about to be sacrificed by a group of evil librarians.” (Alcatraz versus the Evil Librarians by Brandon Sanderson)

“If your teacher has to die, August is a good time of year for it.” (The Teacher’s Funeral by Richard Peck)

Booktalking is a great way to get kids (or adults) to read books they may otherwise miss. There are lots of ways to do it. One way is by reading the first few sentences. Sometimes, as in the books above, it may only take one sentence to raise interest. You can also read the last paragraph in a chapter.

Which leads me to another idea- have your students collect first and last sentences in a graffiti-kind of way. Place a long sheet of bulletin board paper somewhere in the school. The cafeteria is a great place because it advertises the library outside the library. Title it: Best First Lines or Best Last Lines. Invite students to write lines from their favorite books, being sure to write the author and title.

I also use a document camera to booktalk. Sometimes I read just a few pages, leading up to the exciting point and then stop, telling them that if they want to know what happens, they can check out the book. Sometimes I use the document camera to do something that advertises the book. For example, I do a magic card trick that I learned from Sid Fleischman's webpage to sell his book, Houdini.

I am a huge fan of slide shows with book covers. In fact, that’s the backbone of my book presentations. Everyone can see the covers while I read from the book. It also makes a more lasting impression on those who need to see as well as hear. Right now publishers are fine with us using this method, as it sells books. As long as you are not doing it to save money or raise money, you are probably fine to copy a jpg and paste it into a slide show. You might even make one that loops as your screen saver in the library. If you have an announcement board or a television station, loop your slide show throughout the day to provide more exposure.

There are also places to go to learn more about booktalks. Nancy Keane has a website that features booktalking skills and examples. Many publishers have booktalks on their websites now. I noticed last night that Scholastic has video booktalks. Watch some of these and then let your students make their own video booktalks. Sometimes the kids can sell the books to themselves faster than you can.

Let me make a couple of final points about booktalking.
1. Read the book. You can’t sell a product you don’t know.
2. Read the blurb aloud. It’s a good refresher.
3. Show an interest in the books you are trying to sell.
4. Talk outside your own interests. (Even genres you don’t love.)
5. Talk about fiction and nonfiction. You will reach more readers.

Booktalking is the teacher/librarians’ product. If you love it, it will sell. If you keep trying, you can find the right match from product to client. Don’t give up. Books are like shoes. Not every shoe works for every foot. There is a book to match every Cinderella- or Prince Charming. Try 'em on and see.

Trust Me

2008-09-07T10:27:00.000-07:00

I had an interesting visit at a school library site yesterday. It turns out that this particular library was converted our computer circulation system in 2003, but the school never used it. Half of the books are not barcoded, as they were still using pocket cards to sign. There are no generic barcodes. The circulation computer wasn’t even put together, much less updated. (Remember now, this is a huge district, and only one of me... Sometimes you have to be grateful that the library is just not dark.)

Though neat and cheerful, the library books were not in Dewey order. There were mini-collections everywhere. It had been set up in standard shelving order when it was converted. Now, it is doing its own thing.

To top it off, the new library assistant there was, of course, bumped to this position. In this district if your position is eliminated or reduced, you can take someone's job that is comparable. It causes a big chain reaction with the last man standing doing something else. She is a long way from home at a school not of her choosing. She has inherited a great deal of work.

Here is the best part. There was a smile on her face. There was action in her steps. She has a plan to get things rolling. No complaints. No whining. No being ugly to her kids, teachers, parents, administration or even to me. She is determined to make the best of it because she is there for the kids and teachers- no matter whose they are.

She wouldn’t want me to tell you who she is. But let her be an example to all of you who are not where you want to be. Our job is to serve the children and the community where we are placed. Our job is to be helpful and make those who come into our door feel welcome and glad to be there. Rejoice in an opportunity to learn new things, meet new people and grow as a library staff person.

If you love your job, loving your place may come. Trust me.

Go, Go America

2008-08-19T17:02:00.000-07:00

Wouldn’t you know it? As soon as I turn in my handbook to BER for printing, I find another wonderful book for boys! I just finished Go, Go America by Dan Yaccarino. It has been on my “to do” list for awhile, but as I was trying to round out my recommended list for SDUSD, I discovered a need for books for grades 3-6. There it was with a red dot, waiting to be savored.

Go, Go is full of interesting tidbits about all 50 states. Following the Fabulous Farley Family, readers travel across the US discovering all kinds of wacky facts. Some are laws that are still on the books. For example on Market Street in San Francisco, elephants must be kept on a leash. In Atlanta, it is illegal to tie a giraffe to a telephone pole or a streetlight. That means that someone actually did it!

Fairbanks, Alaska hosts the Ice Art Championships of the world. I know, because I saw it last March with my own two eyes! (That's me on the left, hiding in Mary/Barbara's wonderful coat.) It’s also against the law to wake a sleeping bear in order to photograph it- at least in Alaska.

Items like these gems are just the tip of the iceberg. Rounding out the book, Yaccarino includes an alphabetical listing of the standard facts about states. Go, Go America is a book that upper elementary students- and probably a few adults- will turn to again and again.

Bear's Picture

2008-08-14T12:09:00.000-07:00

Learn something new every day. That should be a rule. Maybe not something that becomes a chore, but we should slow down enough to appreciate things that we see and do. For example, sometimes I read so fast that I forget to slow down and just enjoy the reading of a book. Zooming through, you may really miss something you could have seen for yourself.

Last night I spoke at USD about new picture books for 2008. One of the books was the new version of Bear’s Picture by Daniel Pinkwater, illustrated by D.B. Johnson. It first came out in 1972. Pinkwater wrote and illustrated the first book. Johnson adds his own twist to the story in the latest version. There is something in that book that I completely missed, even with several readings under my belt. To find out more about it, check out the NPR slide show, but be sure you have the book with you. It’s a moment for you to slow down and learn something new.

The Real John Henry

2008-08-12T09:37:00.000-07:00

When reading a nonfiction book in bed keeps you interested after 11 hours at work and cooking dinner in a summer apartment with no air conditioning, it would appear you have a winner. Such is the case in Ain’t Nothing But a Man by Scott Reynolds Nelson with Marc Aronson. A picture book for older readers, 57 pages in length with excellent back matter, Nelson tells the story of how history is discovered. As Aronson says in the appendix, when you read a secondary source, not only do you get facts, you also get the author’s opinions and conclusions as well. By searching primary sources and actually visiting related sites, researchers find clues that lead you to draw your own conclusions. The work of a historian is very much like being a detective.

Nothing But a Man is the search to find the real John Henry. You know the songs; you have probably sung them yourself. We have all read Lester and Pinkney’s award winning picture book of the legend of John Henry. The author used versions of the song to find clues to discover the identity of John Henry. He learned that there were 40,000 men, mostly African American, working on the railroads in the South as trackliners. One of those was an inmate from a penitentiary in Virginia. His name was John Henry.

How did he find out? He was persistent in his requests of a librarian until one finally gave him access to the “big ledger.” He visited places that were mentioned in the songs. He read other works. He studied pictures. Eventually the clues led him to Lewis Tunnel and a conclusion that the songs, as many songs are, were sending a message- the hammer that killed John Henry “can’t kill me.”

Read it today. Read it more than once. Then remember what you read as you do your own research. Question what you read. Compare information. Answers don’t always come easily. Be a detective and find your own answers.

Sleeping Animals

2008-08-11T12:28:00.000-07:00

I hadn’t intended to write about picture books today, but as I am readying a new workshop on picture books, I came across two books. Ironically both are about animals who have found a safe haven. One sleeps through storm and gale, while the other is soon startled awake. The Searcher and the Old Tree by David McPhail tells the story of a raccoon who settles down to sleep in the arms of an old tree. When seemingly gale force winds rock the tree, the Searcher sleeps on. (Oh! if only I could do that.) Scoot! By Cathryn Falwell tells the story of busy pond animals while six silent turtles slumber away.

Both stories are beautifully illustrated. McPhail’s lovely watercolor illustrations are peaceful and comforting until the storm hits. Even then, the branches of the old tree curl around, protecting its inhabitant. Falwell’s are paper cut collages, using- in fact, some of the things she found in nature to write about. Both are perfect for a Storytime. Add Scoot! to your science lessons on habitats. Use The Searcher in a lesson about animals or allegories. Where is your safe haven?

Where in the World is Deborah?

2008-07-23T14:16:00.000-07:00

By now, you may have wondered where I have been. This is the time of year that I make some time to do community theatre. Wonder of Wonders- This year I played the role of Annie Oakley in "Annie Get Your Gun." I also did the costumes, which was so much fun too! That, of course, led me to reread biographies of Little Sure Shot and others in the show. If you have ever seen the play or the movie, you should know that they are nothing like the true story of Annie and Frank. The real Frank Butler knew a good thing when he saw it and married Annie within a year of that first shooting match. Right away he saw that she had a gift for shooting and became her manager. My favorite is National Geographics' Bull's-eye : a Photobiography of Annie Oakley by Sue Macy.

One of the things I did while the show was running, was to give the kids in the cast books to read during their downtime. I pulled books about the old west, Annie Oakley and others in the play, and some books that are just plain good. For the last weekend, I pulled out some of my favorite picture books from last year-Chester, books by Mo Willems, and Princess Justina. See below for a complete list of what we read and talked about over the three week run.

The show ends on Sunday. After that, it's back to the world as usual. I go back on the road in September. In between, I have lots of reading to do. Stop in and see what I found!

Books about the Wild West, Annie Oakley and Books That Are Just Plain Good!

Abnett, Dan. -- Sitting Bull and the Battle of the Little Bighorn {IL 3-6, 978.004} -- PowerKids Press, 2007., RL 3.5, 24p
Agee, Jon. -- Nothing {IL K-3, -E-} -- Hyperion Books for Children, 2007., RL 2.1, 32p
Agee, Jon. -- Terrific {IL K-3, -E-} -- Hyperion, 2005., RL 2.9, 32p
Armstrong, Jennifer. -- The American story : 100 true tales from American history {IL 3-6, 973} – Knopf, 2006., RL 6.4, 358p
Arnold, Tedd. -- Even more parts : idioms from head to toe {IL K-3, -E-} -- Dial Books for Young Readers, 2004., RL 1.7, 30p
Arnold, Tedd. -- Hi! Fly Guy {IL K-3, -E-} -- Scholastic, 2005., RL 1.4, 30p
Arnold, Tedd. -- Parts {IL K-3, -E-} -- Puffin Books, 2000, c1997., RL 3.3, 32p
Asch, Frank. -- Mr. Maxwell's mouse {IL K-3, -E-} -- Kids Can Press, 2004., RL 5, 32p
Auch, Mary Jane. -- The princess and the pizza {IL K-3, -E-} -- Holiday House, 2002., RL 3.8, 32p
Banks, Kate. -- Max's words {IL K-3, -E-} -- Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2006., RL 3.2, 32p
Biedrzycki, David. -- Ace Lacewing, Bug Detective {IL K-3, -E-} -- Charlesbridge, 2005., RL 2.4, 44p
Bishop, Nic. -- Nic Bishop spiders {IL K-3, 595.4} -- Scholastic Nonfiction, 2007., RL 3.3, 48p
Blair, Eric. -- Annie Oakley, sharp shooter {IL K-3, 799.3} -- Picture Window Books, 2005., RL 2.9, 32p
Bruchac, Joseph. -- A boy called Slow : the true story of Sitting Bull {IL K-3, 978} -- Philomel Books, 1994., RL 4.3, 32p
Bruel, Nick. -- Who is Melvin Bubble? {IL K-3, -E-} -- Roaring Brook Press, 2006., RL 2.4, 32p
Child, Lauren. -- But excuse me that is my book {IL K-3, -E-} -- Dial Books for Young Readers, 2005., RL 2.3, 32p
Child, Lauren. -- Who's afraid of the big bad book? {IL K-3, -E-} -- Hyperion Books for Children, 2003, 2002., RL 5.5, 32p
Cronin, Doreen. -- Diary of a spider {IL K-3, -E-} -- Joanna Cotler Books, 2005., RL 2.5, 36p
Crummel, Susan Stevens. -- Ten-gallon Bart {IL K-3, -E-} -- Marshall Cavendish Children, 2006., RL 2, 32p
Crunk, Tony. -- Railroad John and the Red Rock run {IL K-3, -E-} -- Peachtree Publishers, 2006., RL 3.9, 32p
Cushman, Doug. -- Mystery at the Club Sandwich {IL K-3, -E-} -- Clarion, 2004., RL 1.6, 30p
Davidson, Ellen Dee. -- Princess Justina Albertina : a cautionary tale {IL K-3, -E-} -- Charlesbridge, 2007., RL 2.3, 32p
Deedy, Carmen Agra. -- The library dragon {IL K-3, -E-} -- Peachtree, c1994., RL 5.5, 32p
Deedy, Carmen Agra. -- Martina the beautiful cockroach {IL K-3, 398.2} -- Peachtree, 2007., RL 2.8, 32p
Dolan, Edward F. -- The Pony Express {IL 3-6, 383} -- Benchmark Books, 2003., RL 5.8, 48p
Duvoisin, Roger. -- Petunia {IL K-3, -E-} -- Dragonfly Books, 2002, c1950., RL 3.1, 32p
Englar, Mary. -- The Sioux and their history {IL 5-8, 978.004} -- Compass Point, 2006., RL 4.2, 48p
Finchler, Judy. -- Miss Malarkey leaves no reader behind {IL K-3, -E-} -- Walker, RL 3.5, 32p
Freedman, Russell. -- Children of the Wild West {IL 5-8, 978} -- Clarion, c1983., RL 7.5, 104p
Friend, Catherine. -- The perfect nest {IL K-3, -E-} -- Candlewick Press, 2007., RL 2.3, 34p
Fuchs, Bernie. -- Ride like the wind : a tale of the Pony Express {IL K-3, -E-} -- Blue Sky Press, 2004., RL 4.5, 32p
Gran, Julia. -- Big bug surprise {IL K-3, -E-} -- Scholastic Press, 2007., RL 3, 32p
Gravett, Emily. -- Wolves {IL K-3, -E-} -- Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2006, 2005., RL 3, 34p
Grey, Mini. -- The adventures of the dish and the spoon {IL K-3, -E-} -- Knopf, 2006., RL 2.3, 32p
Grey, Mini. -- Traction Man is here! {IL K-3, -E-} -- Knopf , 2005., RL 3.2, 32p
Gunderson, Jessica -- Young Riders of the Pony Express {IL 3-6, -E-} -- Capstone Press, 2006.
Harness, Cheryl. -- They're off! : the story of the Pony Express {IL 3-6, 383} -- Aladdin Paperbacks, 2002, 1996., RL 5.5, 32p
Haugen, Brenda. -- Annie Oakley : American sharpshooter {IL 5-8, 799.3} -- Compass Point Books, 2007., RL 6.7, 112p
Hawkes, Kevin. -- The wicked big toddlah {IL K-3, -E-} -- Knopf, 2007., RL 2.8, 34p
Hayden, Kate. -- Plains Indians {IL 3-6, 978} -- Two-Can in association with F. Watts, 1997., RL 5.2, 32p
Henkes, Kevin. -- A good day {IL K-3, -E-} -- Greenwillow Books, 2007., RL 2.1, 24p
Hicks, Peter. -- You wouldn't want to live in a Wild West town! : dust you'd rather not settle {IL 3-6, 978} -- Franklin Watts, 2002., RL 5, 32p
James, Helen Foster. -- S is for s'mores : a camping alphabet {IL 3-6, 796.54} -- Sleeping Bear Press , Thomson/Gale, 2007., RL 5.5, 40p
Jeffers, Oliver. -- The incredible book eating boy {IL K-3, -E-} -- Philomel Books, 2007, 2006., RL 2.2, 32p
Jenkins, Emily. -- That new animal {IL K-3, -E-} -- Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2005., RL 3.3, 32p
Kalman, Bobbie. -- Women of the West {IL 3-6, 920.72} -- Crabtree Pub. Co., 2000., RL 5.7, 32p
Kellogg, Steven. -- Pecos Bill : a tall tale {IL K-3, 398.2} -- Morrow, 1986., RL 5.2, 46p
Kellogg, Steven. -- Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind Crockett : a tall tale {IL 3-6, 398.2} -- Mulberry Books, 1999, 1995., RL 5.3, 40p
Kimmel, Elizabeth Cody. -- The top job {IL K-3, -E-} -- Dutton Children's Books, 2007., RL 3.9, 32p
Kimmel, Eric A. -- The Great Texas hamster drive {IL K-3, -E-} -- Marshall Cavendish Children, 2007., RL 2.4, 40p
Kloske, Geoffrey. -- Once upon a time, the end : (asleep in 60 seconds) {IL K-3, -E-} -- Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2005., RL 2.6, 25p
Koestler-Grack, Rachel A. -- The Sioux : nomadic buffalo hunters {IL 3-6, 978.004} -- Blue Earth Books, 2003., RL 5.6, 32p
Krosoczka, Jarrett. -- Punk Farm {IL K-3, -E-} – Knopf, 2005., RL 1.6, 30p
Krosoczka, Jarrett. -- Punk Farm : on tour {IL K-3, -E-} -- Knopf, 2007., RL 2.3, 36p
Krull, Kathleen. -- Fartiste {IL K-3, -E-} -- Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2008., RL 1.8, 37p
Krull, Kathleen. -- Harvesting hope : the story of Cesar Chavez {IL K-3, 331.88} -- Harcourt, 2003., RL 6.3, 48p
Krull, Kathleen. -- Houdini : world's greatest mystery man and escape king {IL 3-6, 793.8} -- Walker, 2005., RL 5.8, 28p
Krull, Kathleen. -- Lives of extraordinary women : rulers, rebels (and what the neighbors thought) {IL 5-8, 320} -- Harcourt, 2000., RL 6.7, 95p
Krull, Kathleen. -- Lives of the artists : masterpieces, messes (and what the neighbors thought) {IL 3-6, 709} -- Harcourt Brace, 1995., RL 5.8, 96p
Krull, Kathleen. -- Lives of the athletes : thrills, spills (and what the neighbors thought) {IL 5-8, 796} -- Harcourt Brace, 1997., RL 7.3, 96p
Krull, Kathleen. -- Lives of the musicians : good times, bad times (and what the neighbors thought) {IL 5-8, 780} -- Harcourt Brace, 1993., RL 6.3, 96p
Krull, Kathleen. -- Lives of the presidents : fame, shame, and what the neighbors thought {IL 5-8, 973} -- Harcourt Brace & Co., 1998., RL 7.5, 96p
Krull, Kathleen. -- Lives of the writers : comedies, tragedies (and what the neighbors thought) {IL 5-8, 809} -- Harcourt Brace, 1994., RL 6.9, 96p
Krull, Kathleen. -- M is for music {IL K-3, 780} -- Harcourt, 2003., RL 4.3, 48p
Krull, Kathleen. -- Pocahontas : princess of the New World {IL K-3, 975.5} -- Walker, 2007., RL 4.6, 36p
Krull, Kathleen. -- A pot o' gold : a treasury of Irish stories, poetry, folklore, and (of course) blarney {IL 3-6, 820.8} -- Hyperion Books For Children, 2004., RL 3.9, 181p
Krull, Kathleen. -- Wilma unlimited : how Wilma Rudolph became the world's fastest woman {IL 3-6, 796.42} -- Harcourt Brace, 1996., RL 4.8, 44p
Krull, Kathleen. -- A woman for president : the story of Victoria Woodhull {IL 3-6, 305.42} -- Walker & Co., 2004., RL 5.8, 32p
LaRochelle, David. -- The end {IL K-3, -E-} -- Arthur A. Levine Books, 2007., RL 3.2, 36p
Long, Melinda. -- How I became a pirate {IL K-3, -E-} -- Harcourt, 2003., RL 3.1, 36p
Long, Melinda. -- Pirates don't change diapers {IL K-3, -E-} -- Harcourt, 2007., RL 2.7, 42p
Macy, Sue. -- Bull's-eye : a photobiography of Annie Oakley {IL 5-8, 799.3} -- National Geographic Society, 2001., RL 8.8, 64p
McLeod, Bob. -- SuperHero ABC {IL K-3, -E-} -- HarperCollins, 2006., RL 2.7, 34p
Morris, Carla. -- The boy who was raised by librarians {IL K-3, -E-} -- Peachtree, 2007., RL 4.1, 32p
Muntean, Michaela. -- Do not open this book {IL K-3, -E-} -- Scholastic Press, 2006., RL 1.4, 34p
O'Connor, Jane. -- Fancy Nancy and the posh puppy {IL K-3, -E-} -- HarperCollins, 2007., RL 1.7, 32p
O'Malley, Kevin. -- Captain Raptor and the moon mystery {IL K-3, -E-} -- Walker, 2005., RL 3, 32p
O'Malley, Kevin. -- Captain Raptor and the space pirates {IL K-3, -E-} -- Walker, RL 3.2, 32p
Offill, Jenny. -- 17 things I'm not allowed to do anymore {IL K-3, -E-} -- Schwartz & Wade Books, 2007., RL 3.9, 32p
Palatini, Margie. -- The cheese {IL K-3, -E-} -- Katherine Tegen Books, 2007., RL 2.7, 32p
Pallotta, Jerry. -- The beetle alphabet book {IL K-3, 595.76} -- Charlesbridge, 2004., RL 4.8, 32p
Pinkney, Andrea Davis. -- Bill Pickett : rodeo-ridin' cowboy {IL K-3, 636.2} -- Voyager Books, 1999, 1996., RL 5, 32p
Portis, Antoinette. -- Not a box {IL K-3, -E-} -- HarperCollins, 2006., RL .7, 32p
Prince, April Jones. -- Twenty-one elephants and still standing {IL K-3, -E-} -- Houghton Mifflin, 2005., RL 4.9, 32p
Rocco, John. -- Wolf! Wolf! {IL K-3, -E-} -- Hyperion Books for Children, 2007., RL 3.7, 32p
Salley, Coleen. -- Epossumondas saves the day {IL K-3, -E-} -- Harcourt, 2006., RL 3.5, 42p
Salley, Coleen. -- Why epossumondas has no hair on his tail {IL K-3, -E-} -- Harcourt, 2004., RL 3, 34p
Shea, Bob. -- Big plans {IL K-3, -E-} -- Hyperion Books for Children, 2008., RL 1.4, 42p
Sierra, Judy. -- Thelonius Monster's sky-high fly pie : a revolting rhyme {IL K-3, -E-} -- Knopf, 2006., RL 3.2, 34p
Silate, Jennifer. -- Little Sure Shot : Annie Oakley and Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show {IL 5-8, 799.3} -- Rosen Central Primary Source, 2004., RL 5.1, 32p
Simms, Laura. -- Rotten teeth {IL K-3, -E-} -- Houghton Mifflin, c1998., RL 2.5, 32p
Smith, Lane. -- John, Paul, George & Ben {IL K-3, -E-} -- Hyperion Books for Children, 2006., RL 3.5, 40p
Sneed, Brad. -- Deputy Harvey and the ant cow caper {IL K-3, -E-} -- Dial Books for Young Readers, 2005., RL 3.9, 32p
Squires, Janet. -- The Gingerbread Cowboy {IL K-3, 398.21} -- Laura Geringer Books, 2006., RL 3.5, 32p
Stanley, Diane. -- Raising Sweetness {IL K-3, -E-} -- Putnam's, 1999., RL 3.5, 32p
Stanley, Diane. -- Saving Sweetness {IL K-3, -E-} -- Putnam's Sons, 1996., RL 3.5, 32p
Swanson, Wayne. -- Why the West was wild {IL 5-8, 978} -- Annick Press, 2004., RL 6.7, 46p
Sydor, Colleen. -- Raising a little stink {IL K-3, -E-} -- Kids Can Press, 2006., RL 4.1, 32p
Thayer, Ernest Lawrence. -- Casey at the bat : a ballad of the Republic sung in the year 1888 {IL 3-6, 811} -- Handprint Books, 2000., RL 5.5, 30p
Thomas, Jan. -- What will Fat Cat sit on? {IL K-3, -E-} -- Harcourt, 2007., RL 1.9, 33p
Trumbauer, Lisa. -- Sitting Bull {IL K-3, 978.004} -- Capstone Press, 2004., RL 2.8, 24p
Urbanovic, Jackie. -- Duck at the door {IL K-3, -E-} -- HarperCollins, 2007., RL 1.6, 32p
Van Allsburg, Chris. -- Probuditi! {IL K-3, -E-} -- Houghton Mifflin, 2006., RL 3.4, 32p
Watt, Melanie. -- Chester {IL K-3, -E-} -- Kids Can Press, 2007., RL 1.8, 32p
Wiesner, David. – Flotsam {IL K-3, -E-} -- Clarion Books, 2006., 40p
Willems, Mo. -- Don't let the pigeon drive the bus! {IL K-3, -E-} -- Hyperion Books for Children, 2003., RL 1.3, 34p
Willems, Mo. -- Don't let the pigeon stay up late! {IL K-3, -E-} -- Hyperion Books for Children, 2006., RL 1.6, 36p
Willems, Mo. -- I am invited to a party! {IL K-3, -E-} -- Hyperion Books for Children, 2007., RL 1.2, 56p
Willems, Mo. -- Knuffle Bunny too : a case of mistaken identity {IL K-3, -E-} -- Hyperion Books for Children, 2007., RL 2.9, 42p
Willems, Mo. -- Leonardo the terrible monster {IL K-3, -E-} -- Hyperion, 2005., RL 1.9, 44p
Willems, Mo. -- My friend is sad {IL K-3, -E-} -- Hyperion Books for Children, 2007., RL 1.2, 57p
Willems, Mo. -- The pigeon finds a hot dog! {IL K-3, -E-} -- Hyperion Books for Children, 2004., RL 2, 34p
Willems, Mo. -- The pigeon wants a puppy! {IL K-3, -E-} -- Hyperion Books for Children, 2008., RL 1.2, 34p
Willems, Mo. -- There is a bird on your head! {IL K-3, -E-} -- Hyperion Books for Children, 2007., RL .8, 57p
Willems, Mo. -- Today I will fly! {IL K-3, -E-} -- Hyperion Books for Children, 2007., RL 1.2, 57p
Williams, Jean Kinney. -- The Pony Express {IL 5-8, 383} -- Compass Point Books, 2003., RL 6.7, 48p
Willis, Jeanne. -- Tadpole's promise {IL K-3, -E-} -- Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2005., RL 2.6, 28p

Picture Book Biography

2008-06-05T09:07:00.000-07:00

I am regrouping my daily schedule to plan for times to read. So, early this morning, I looked on my “to read right away” shelf and found Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau by Jennifer Berne and illustrated by Eric Puybaret (2008 Chronicle Books). Berne writes for Nick Jr. and this is her first picture book. One of the things I look for in a new book is what happens after I finish. Do I want to read it again? Study the illustrations? Do some research? Tell someone else? If that is your measuring stick too, then, prepare yourself. That is exactly what you will feel after you read Berne’s book.

I am always on the lookout for picture book biographies and picture books for older readers. This book is both. Though the story could certainly be read to younger students, the style and font lean toward an older reader. Teachers of science can certainly use this book in their classes. One of my favorite uses of a PBOR is to proof the facts. Assign parts of the story to your students and have them verify the facts found in the book. Like all good writers, be sure to require more than one source, at least one in print. Be sure to check out the Cousteau Society website http://cousteau.org/.

Beautifully written and illustrated, readers will be inspired to do as Cousteau was often heard to say, “Il faut aller voir,” which translates from French to mean “We must go and see for ourselves.” I hope you will.

Alfred Kropp- The Thirteenth Skull

2008-05-19T13:28:00.000-07:00

I just got back from my last books and boys workshop of the season. On the way to El Paso, TX, I read an advance copy of Alfred Kropp The Thirteenth Skull by Rick Yancey- book three of the Alfred Kropp Adventures, published by Bloomsbury Books, 2008 (rated YA for violence,- language is minimal). I remember when I read the first book The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp, I thought, "Genius! He's Alex Rider meets Indiana Jones." 13th Skull is even better.

Ok- Here is what I think about Skulls.

1. This is not an "airplane" book. I almost missed my flight- twice!! I was so engrossed in the story that not once, but twice, I looked up to turn a page and found myself almost alone- everyone else had boarded.

2. Another reason it is not an airplane book- I read almost the whole thing by the time I got from San Diego to El Paso. I read so fast, I hardly took time for oxygen. Cliff-hanging chapters with sharp last sentences, just increases the chance that readers will finish in one sitting.

Another thing I liked is that it is not filled with gratuitous cursing. So many YA books just go on and on. By the time Alfred actually says something, I am thinking even this good ole’ Southern Baptist girl would be cursing too. (Don't tell my mother.)

I was exhausted after the first chapter. It was like reading an Indiana Jones movie. I laughed out loud. I cried. I got really scared when I thought Alfred was going to die about mid-book. It's genius! Good thing I took some other books for the return flights- a sad disappointment compared to Alfred's adventures.

I love Alfred because he’s real. He’s a hero, but flawed. He’s a teenager, but mature. He’s as real as a character can get and still be fiction. He’s brilliant!

Rick Yancey has written another adventure in a book that is sure to top the charts. Skulls is certainly one of my favorite books this year for boys or anyone else who likes a good read. Having a female co-star signs the deal for that!

I will restlessly wait for Alfred’s next adventures. In the meantime, you can check out Rick's website. There is a contest that begins August 4! http://www.rickyancey.com/ You could win an autographed copy of one of his books or a Seal of Solomon T-shirt.

Ciao For Now Y'all!

Laugh a Little, Laugh a Lot

2008-03-14T15:52:00.000-07:00

After a long, tough week, I searched through my carts of "to-be-read-as-soon-as-possible" books, looking for potential ticklers. Eureka! I found some. First there was Chester by Melanie Watts (2007), a story about writing a story. Chester continues to interrupt the author and write corrections to her story with his red marker. Laugh out Loud! The cover is even marked for the award to follow.

Then I read The Cow Who Laid An Egg by Andy Cutbill (2008). Cow is feeling rather ordinary until the chickens decide to help her out. A surprise ending brought much needed laughter into my office.

Finally, a sister team that never fails to bring a chuckle or two- Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel's new picture book, Help Me, Mr. Mutt. Mr. Mutt, is full of sage advice for the dogfolk who write to him. The Queen (a cat with great cattitude) consistently offers a second opinion in this humorous tale of a power struggle.

I think I will start the weekend off with a new novel that has been compared to Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Iris, Messenger by Sarah Deming (2007, Harcourt). The first paragraph begins like this: "The main difference between school and prison is that prisons release you early for good behavior. School lasts about thirteen years no matter how good you are. Also, prison food is better." So far, so good...

Tried and True Picture Books

2008-03-11T13:42:00.000-07:00

Our elementary library staff development meeting took place at the new Serra Mesa Public Library. Over 50 people were in attendance. We began the training with a reading of It Could Always be Worse by Margot Zemach (1976). What followed were easy to use ideas about how to share some of the best of the oldies but goodies that you may already have in your library. The list came from the NY Public Library List: 100 Picture Books Everyone Should Know.

Whether you have 15 minutes or even less, be sure to begin each story with an introduction and conclusion of sorts– title, author, illustrator– as well as some catch that will connect kids to the story. I used my recent travel experiences as a post reading example of how it could always be worse. (Note to self: Never say "it could always be worse out loud!)

Library Connection: Have kids write or draw about their “worse experiences.” Writers say that a good story takes an ordinary experience and gives it a problem, make the problem worse, and then make it worse again. If you do it one more time, you have a story.

Use this idea as a way to introduce a book while you check books in. Remember to push the cart on the floor, as kids frequently want what someone had last week. Place a sign on the cart that says, “Too Popular to Shelve!”

Other ideas included assigning areas of the library to students to pull books to the edge of shelves, or looking at shelves to make sure books weren’t lost in someone else’s neighborhood. You can also use the time to post a question kids can talk about or even have them locate an answer. From which book to which author, taking a few minutes at the beginning of the period allows time to get ready for checkout.

Finally, we ended with Goin' Someplace Special by Patricia McKissack (2001). The library is a place where everyone is special. So no matter what happens in our daily life, though it could always be worse, we must remember that each child who comes through our door deserves the best that we can give him or her. A room with books is a warehouse. Add a librarian and you have yourself a library.

Books for Boys 2007

2008-03-02T21:39:00.001-08:00

In addition to the books I list in my seminar handbook, there are some 2007 titles that are not to be missed. Chalk it up to publisher deadlines. They are as follows:

Books for Boys 2007- Not to be Missed
The absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian - Alexie, Sherman. {IL YA, -Fic-} -- Little, Brown, 2007., 229p
The alchemyst : the secrets of the immortal Nicholas Flamel - Scott, Michael Dylan. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Delacorte Press, 2007., RL 6, 375p
Alfred Kropp : the seal of Solomon - Yancey, Richard. {IL YA, -Fic-} -- Bloomsbury, 2007., 327p
Attack of the Turtle : a novel - Carlson, Drew. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Eerdman's Books for Young Readers, 2007., RL 4, 149p
Big bug surprise - Gran, Julia. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Scholastic Press, 2007., RL 2.3, 32p
Bugs : poems about creeping things - Harrison, David L. {IL K-3, 811} -- Wordsong, 2007., RL 2.7, 55p
Casey back at bat - Gutman, Dan. {IL K-3, -E-} – HarperCollins Publishers, 2007., RL 3.6, 32p
Chaucer's Canterbury Tales - Williams, Marcia. {IL 5-8, 821} -- Candlewick Press, 2007., RL 5.3, 45p
The chicken dance - Couvillon, Jacques. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Bloomsbury Children's, 2007.
Cracker! : the best dog in Vietnam - Kadohata, Cynthia. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2007., RL 5.1, 312p
The dangerous book for boys - Iggulden, Conn. {IL 5-8, 031} -- Collins, 2007., RL 5.9, 270p
Diary of a wimpy kid : Greg Heffley's journal - Kinney, Jeff. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Amulet Books, 2007., RL 5, 217p
Dino-dinners - Manning, Mick. {IL K-3, 567.9} -- Holiday House, 2007., RL 2.7, 28p
Disgusting foods - Miller, Connie Colwell. {IL 5-8, 641.3} -- Capstone Press, 2007., RL 3.6, 32p
Dogku - Clements, Andrew. {IL K-3, 811} -- Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2007., RL 2.6, 36p
Elijah of Buxton - Curtis, Christopher Paul. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Scholastic Press, 2007.
Encyclopedia horrifica : the terrifying truth! about vampires, ghosts, monsters, and more - Gee, Joshua. {IL 3-6, 001.9} -- Scholastic, 2007., RL 6.6, 129p
The end - LaRochelle, David. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Arthur A. Levine Books, 2007., RL 3.2, 36p
Epic - Kostick, Conor. {IL YA, -Fic-} -- Viking, 2007., 364p
Evil genius - Jinks, Catherine. {IL YA, -Fic-} -- Harcourt, 2007, 486
The explosive world of volcanoes with Max Axiom, super scientist - Harbo, Christopher L. {IL 5-8, 551.21} -- Capstone Press, 2008., RL 5.1, 32p
Fabled Fourth Graders of Aesop Elementary School - Fleming, Candace. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Schwartz Wade Books, 2007.
Face to face with grizzlies - Sartore, Joel. {IL 3-6, 599.784} -- National Geographic, 2007., RL 6.1, 32p
Flush! : the scoop on poop throughout the ages - Harper, Charise Mericle. {IL K-3, 392.3} -- Little, Brown, 2007., RL 3.8, 25p
Foolish physics - Townsend, John. {IL 5-8, 530.09} -- Raintree, 2007., RL 6, 56p
Formula One cars - Schuette, Sarah L. {IL 5-8, 629.228} -- Capstone Press, 2007., RL 3, 32p
Frankenstein - Burgan, Michael. {IL 5-8, 741.5} -- Stone Arch Books, 2008., RL 3.3, 63p
Good sports : rhymes about running, jumping, throwing, and more - Prelutsky, Jack. {IL 3-6, 811} -- Knopf, 2007., RL 4.6, 33p
Gotcha for guys! : nonfiction books to get boys excited about reading - Baxter, Kathleen A. {IL PF, 028.5} -- Libraries Unlimited, 2007., 269p
Gregor and the Code of Claw - Collins, Suzanne. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Scholastic Press, 2007., RL 5.5, 412p
Gut-eating bugs : maggots reveal the time of death! - Denega, Danielle. {IL 5-8, 614} -- Franklin Watts, 2007., RL 5.5, 64p
How to save your tail : if you are a rat nabbed by cats who really like stories about magic spoons, wolves with snout-warts, big hairy chimney trolls-- and cookies too - Hanson, Mary Elizabeth. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Schwartz & Wade Books, 2007., RL 6.9, 93p
The incredible book eating boy - Jeffers, Oliver. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Philomel Books, 2007, RL 2.2, 32p
The invention of Hugo Cabret : a novel in words and pictures - Selznick, Brian. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Scholastic Press, 2007., RL 6, 533p
Iron thunder --a Civil War novel – Avi. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Hyperion Books for Children, 2007.
Jack Plank tells tales - Babbitt, Natalie. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Michael di Capua Books, 2007., RL 3.9, 128p
Jesse Owens : fastest man alive - Weatherford, Carole Boston. {IL 3-6, 796.42} -- Walker, 2007., RL 4.9, 32p
Julius Caesar : the boy who conquered an empire - Galford, Ellen. {IL 3-6, 937} -- National Geographic, 2007., RL 6.9, 64p
The Land of the Silver Apples - Farmer, Nancy. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2007., RL 4.8, 496p
Lawn boy - Paulsen, Gary. {IL YA, -Fic-} -- Wendy Lamb Books, 2007., 88p
The longest season : the story of the Orioles' 1988 losing streak - Ripken, Cal. {IL K-3, 796.357} -- Philomel Books, 2007., RL 3.5, 32p
Mr. Chickee's messy mission - Curtis, Christopher Paul. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Wendy Lamb Books, 2007., RL 4.8, 230p
Mysteries of the mummy kids - Halls, Kelly Milner. {IL 5-8, 393} -- Darby Creek Pub., 2007., RL 7.8, 72p
The mysterious Benedict Society - Stewart, Trenton Lee. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Little, Brown, 2007., RL 6.4, 485p
The name of this book is secret - Bosch, Pseudonymous. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Little, Brown, 2007., RL 5.7, 360p
The Neddiad : how Neddie took the train, went to Hollywood, and saved civilization - Pinkwater, Daniel Manus. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Houghton Mifflin, 2007., RL 5, 307p
Nic Bishop spiders - Bishop, Nic. {IL K-3, 595.4} -- Scholastic Nonfiction, 2007., RL 3.3, 48p
No talking - Clements, Andrew. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2007., RL 6.9, 146p
On the wings of heroes - Peck, Richard. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Dial Books, 2007., RL 5.1, 148p
Owen & Mzee : the language of friendship - Hatkoff, Isabella. {IL 3-6, 599.63} -- Scholastic Press, 2007., RL 6, 34p
Pirates don't change diapers - Long, Melinda. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Harcourt, 2007., RL 2.9, 42p
Princess Justina Albertina : a cautionary tale - Davidson, Ellen Dee. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Charlesbridge, 2007., RL 2.3, 32p
Rally cars - Braulick, Carrie A. {IL 5-8, 796.7} -- Capstone Press, 2007., RL 3.1, 32p
The real story of stone soup - Compestine, Ying Chang. {IL K-3, 398.2} -- Dutton Children's Books, 2007., RL 2.9, 30p
Rex Zero and the end of the world - Wynne-Jones, Tim. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Melanie Kroupa Books, 2007., RL 5.8, 186p
A samurai never fears death : a samurai mystery - Hoobler, Dorothy. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Sleuth/Philomel, 2007., RL 6.7, 198p
Sardine in outer space. 3 - Guibert, Emmanuel. {IL 3-6, 741.5} -- First Second, 2007., RL 3.4, 102p
Satchel Paige : don't look back - Adler, David A. {IL K-3, 796.357} -- Harcourt, 2007., RL 4.5, 32p
Slam dunk! - Robinson, Sharon. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Scholastic Press, 2007.
The snack smasher and other reasons why it's not my fault - Perry, Andrea. {IL 3-6, 811} -- Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2007., RL 7.1, 33p
Snakehead - Horowitz, Anthony. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Philomel Books, 2007.
Stink and the world's worst super-stinky sneakers - McDonald, Megan. {IL K-3, -Fic-} -- Candlewick Press, 2007., RL 2, 130p
The tale of Pale Male : a true story - Winter, Jeanette. {IL K-3, 598.9} -- Harcourt, 2007., RL 3, 32p
The Titan's curse - Riordan, Rick. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Miramax Books/Hyperion Books for Children, 2007., RL 5.3, 312p
Tracking trash : flotsam, jetsam, and the science of ocean motion - Burns, Loree Griffin. {IL 5-8, 551.46} -- Houghton Mifflin, 2007., RL 7.3, 56p
The wall : growing up behind the Iron Curtain - Sis, Peter. {IL 3-6, 943.7} -- Frances Foster Books, 2007., RL 3.2, 50p
The Wednesday wars - Schmidt, Gary D. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Clarion Books, 2007., RL 5.6, 264p
The wizard heir - Chima, Cinda Williams. {IL YA, -Fic-} -- Hyperion, 2007., 458p
Wolf! Wolf! - Rocco, John. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Hyperion Books for Children, 2007., RL 3.7, 32p

This is my real job...

2008-02-13T17:54:00.000-08:00

I thought perhaps, that you would like to know a little bit more about my "real job." Today, I learned how to use Microsoft Photo Story and within an hour, I took my digital pictures and created this movie. Watch it and learn a little bit about the facility where I work in San Diego. This fringe benefit is available to all of our teachers. The same office houses Library Services for Schools, which supports our 221 school libraries. http://www.sandi.net/imc/

BCCB Blue Ribbons 2007

2008-01-02T21:16:00.000-08:00

Today BCCB released their annual Blue Ribbons list for 2007. Nine titles have already appeared on other top lists- SLJ, Kirkus, PW, and Hornbook Fanfare. You can probably guess some of the titles, as they also appear on more than one list. Unsurprisingly, Part-time Indian, The Arrival, Orange Pear Apple Bear, Robot Dreams, Good Masters and The Wall make another appearance.

One title that had slipped my mind is Today and Today: Haiku by Kobayashi. The story is a collection of Issa’s haiku from the 16th century, supported by illustrations that show a family throughout the year. Older readers will pick up the subtle storyline that concludes with the death of the grandfather. As Aunt Betty would say, “it’s a tissue book,” but an unexpected one at that.

Interestingly enough, the Blue Ribbons list is strong on the graphic novel. Three of its fiction titles and also three of its nonfiction titles are graphic novels. I was glad to see Remembering Mrs. Rossi by Amy Hest, which is not a graphic novel. It’s a lovely story for grades three to six about the death of a mother and teacher. It’s the words that bring tears to your eyes and a catch in your throat when you read it. Pictures and words… thank goodness for them both.

2007 Books in Review

2008-01-01T11:55:00.000-08:00

January, my favorite time of the year. Committees are reviewing. Books are being re-read. And I am feverishly making my list and checking it twice. We are on the edges of the Oscars for Literature. The time of year when journals and experts alike publish their best lists of books from the previous year. Like any lover of lists, I compare my lists with those others. What titles show up on list after list? Did I read everything I should have? What did I miss?

The first book I almost missed (due to time- almost everyone starred it) was The Wednesday Wars by Schmidt. WOW! This is a must read, for sure. Great characters. Great conflicts. Lots of laughs and even a few tears. So much to think about.

Another book that flew under my radar is The Very Ordered Existence of Merilee Marvelous. Thanks to Book Sense Quarterly Picks, I found it at the last minute. However, I am afraid that this is a book, that unlike Elijah of Buxton, may not get its due. Don't miss it, even if it doesn't make the lists.

Though there are some lists that are yet to be posted, several books have already made their Notable Presence known. Elijah of Buxton by Curtis and The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie are strong entries in the fiction category. Orange Pear Apple Bear by Gravett and Dog and Bear by Seeger get several nods in the Picture Book Category. The Wall by Peter Sis and The Arrival by Shaun Tan dominate the graphic novel with Robot Dreams by Varon close behind. Who Was First? by Russell Freeman and Spiders by Nic Bishop appear strong in nonfiction.

Let's not forget The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Selznick. A book that so far has dodged the first of the lists is Kadir Nelson's Henry's Freedom Box, which is my personal favorite for Caldecott and CSK. I also like Good Day by Henkes. So many books, so little time...back to reading my last minute choices. Now where did I put my coffee?