Where in the World is Deborah?

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

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

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

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

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

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...

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/