I somewhat foolishly thought that once I got through the month of October, things would slow down just a bit. No, that's not going to happen!
I'll continue my reporting on October's before I hint about the month of November. So after I finished at OTA/EncycloMedia. I headed back home. This was a short week at school with Fall Break, but those of you in education land know that the short weeks are usually the hardest. True to this - conferences, classes, and trying to help teachers get things done. The worst was our poor orchestra teacher. He's not tech savvy, and he had a ton of recording and scoring that needed to be finished for the students who made it into the All Metro Orchestra. Some of it even confused me, but we hung in there and got the job done. We had a fantastic Fall Break, complete with an 80th Birthday party for Ken's Uncle Roger. It was a surprise, and I made him his favorite upside-down pineapple cupcakes. We had supper club at India Palace and went to see The Martian - fantastic movie, but the book was even better. On a side note... I love talking about the The Martian because of our NASA event I discovered about through the NASA educators' e-newsletter, which I highly recommend subscribing too (not the most exciting read, but some cool gems hidden in there!). This live online chat featured the author Andy Weir, astronaut Ricky Arnold, and scientist Chris McKay. Oh! The stuff I learned! Andy Weir was just blogging about his favorite things - he's just a big nerd fascinated with NASA, creating crazy scenarios, and plotting possible trajectories for rockets. He was just blogging and people told him they wanted to read it like a book, so he went through Amazon, which requires you to charge something. He put it out there for $0.99, and within a week he had a publishing and movie deal. NASA is thrilled with him, as the popular book and now movie has brought about a huge surge of renewed interest in the space program. Very cool! I wished that the event would have been better for our students, but our school's technology blocked our opportunity to participate. the good news is that I had already submitted our questions, so they did use them and acknowledge us. We had a 2nd chance to participate in another live event with NASA's Journey to Mars program, but it failed again. Of course if you ask our IT dept., everything went well. It did because we were watching it just like any other school via NASA's video channel, but it didn't if we used the real link we were suppose to use so we could be one of the schools interacting with the guests. Oh well! Now I have a new funny statement when having tech issues at school - that NASA! Always messing up our technology! I've decided it's just easier to laugh. Now... I'm suppose to have a Skype event in December with author Dan Gemeinhart - it better work!
The following week i had not one, but two conferences... and I presented at both. The first one was Making Information Meaningful, and I did the Google Search Ninja session. Went well. The second conference I had two presentations - one on Twitter and the other was about MakerSpaces. I got a little too big for my britches by telling Ken that after you start presenting several times, you start to relax and not be so nervous - I was getting my groove on. Well, that was after my Twitter one and before the MakerSpaces. I'm greeting people as they come into my session and low and behold in walks my new superintendent - no pressure here! I will say that I psychologically told myself to relax - you got this. I did think it went well, and she stayed the entire time (I thought for sure she would leave and head to someone else's). Afterwards, as I was cleaning up, I met another biggie, our new chief of staff. She told me she wanted to come by and meet me and offer resources if I need them in the future. Very impressive! Of course, at the time this was going right over my head. It was a true whirlwind!
I also have been participating in OU Confucius Institute's Educators workshops on Saturdays. So far I've been to 2 of them and there are 4 more scheduled and a book study through November and December. I was lucky enough to go on one of the China trip in 2014. I could go on and on about it - best trip ever! Now if I hear of any of their sponsored events, I try to go.
I plan on writing about my Teen Read Week next time. Until then, enjoy the extra hour today!
Sunday, November 1, 2015
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
MIA
It might look like I've been missing in action... and I kind of have been. It's has been so crazy busy! Blogging was always on my to-do list, but it was the one thing that kept getting pushed back. I will try to focus and do a better job in the future. Writing and personal reflections are important!
I have many books to reviews, but I'm going to take a break from these and write about what my schedule has been like.
OTA/EncycloMedia took place in OKC on Oct. 6th & 7th. Had a fantastic time at the OKSL luncheon - even had a fan girl moment. I knew Matt de la Pena was going to be there as the guest speaker/author, but low and behold in walks Alex London, author of Proxy. I loved this book! It's pretty much my favorite on this year's Sequoyah List. I was able to calm myself down, and I did enjoy listening to Matt's talk. I helped cleanup and then went to 2 more sessions. The Brown Brothers, our PermaBound reps, do a fantastic job each year. They hold a huge after first day conference event. They'll bring in great authors and give away fantastic prizes. It's a definite CAN'T MISS when you go to EncycloMedia. I ended up just staying to wait for it to start instead of checking into my hotel and then coming back. I'm one of those people that when it looks like I'm home for the evening, I'm pretty much done for the rest of the night. I figured if I went to the hotel, then I wouldn't come back, and I did not want to miss it. Lucky me! As I was waiting for it to start... in walks Matt and Alex. Yes, I was bold and daring. I went up to Alex and told him how I enjoyed his book. Big smile! Then I said it reminded me so much of The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman, and he got excited with me because that's exactly what he was going for. Too cool! The rest of the conference went well, and I even presented the next day on How to Search Google Like a Ninja. Got lots of positive feedback, which is always nice because you're never really sure how people feel about your presentations. Didn't head back home after EncycloMedia because...
I drove straight to Quartz Mt. Resort the next day for the Oklahoma Fall Institute for Educators. Now we do not get many perks as a teacher. When you stumble upon one, you need to seize it. I've had other teachers tell the wonders of this opportunity, but it never seemed to work out for my schedule. This year I decided to go for it. I applied for Digital Painting, thinking it would be a great resource for my students in my MakerSpace. At first they didn't think this workshop would be useful for a librarian, but I worked my magic. Are you kidding me!?!? Digital painting is straight up graphic novels. Once I set them straight, they happily approved my application. First day I thought I was in way over my head, 2nd day I got into my groove, and finally by the 3rd day I was loving it. I ended up creating 3 pieces - very proud of them! Each one has its own story and design strategy.
I'll stop for now and continue with my narrative of the craziness that is me soon. Stay tune!
I have many books to reviews, but I'm going to take a break from these and write about what my schedule has been like.
OTA/EncycloMedia took place in OKC on Oct. 6th & 7th. Had a fantastic time at the OKSL luncheon - even had a fan girl moment. I knew Matt de la Pena was going to be there as the guest speaker/author, but low and behold in walks Alex London, author of Proxy. I loved this book! It's pretty much my favorite on this year's Sequoyah List. I was able to calm myself down, and I did enjoy listening to Matt's talk. I helped cleanup and then went to 2 more sessions. The Brown Brothers, our PermaBound reps, do a fantastic job each year. They hold a huge after first day conference event. They'll bring in great authors and give away fantastic prizes. It's a definite CAN'T MISS when you go to EncycloMedia. I ended up just staying to wait for it to start instead of checking into my hotel and then coming back. I'm one of those people that when it looks like I'm home for the evening, I'm pretty much done for the rest of the night. I figured if I went to the hotel, then I wouldn't come back, and I did not want to miss it. Lucky me! As I was waiting for it to start... in walks Matt and Alex. Yes, I was bold and daring. I went up to Alex and told him how I enjoyed his book. Big smile! Then I said it reminded me so much of The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman, and he got excited with me because that's exactly what he was going for. Too cool! The rest of the conference went well, and I even presented the next day on How to Search Google Like a Ninja. Got lots of positive feedback, which is always nice because you're never really sure how people feel about your presentations. Didn't head back home after EncycloMedia because...
I drove straight to Quartz Mt. Resort the next day for the Oklahoma Fall Institute for Educators. Now we do not get many perks as a teacher. When you stumble upon one, you need to seize it. I've had other teachers tell the wonders of this opportunity, but it never seemed to work out for my schedule. This year I decided to go for it. I applied for Digital Painting, thinking it would be a great resource for my students in my MakerSpace. At first they didn't think this workshop would be useful for a librarian, but I worked my magic. Are you kidding me!?!? Digital painting is straight up graphic novels. Once I set them straight, they happily approved my application. First day I thought I was in way over my head, 2nd day I got into my groove, and finally by the 3rd day I was loving it. I ended up creating 3 pieces - very proud of them! Each one has its own story and design strategy.
I'll stop for now and continue with my narrative of the craziness that is me soon. Stay tune!
Monday, September 7, 2015
Goodbye, Rebel Blue by Shelley Coriell
This is an excellent choice for the Sequoyah Book List this year. Goodbye, Rebel Blue by Shelley Coriell turned out to be a happy read for a summer day. It's definitely a girl-friendly romance, so I wouldn't recommend it to those boys seeking high thrills and adventure style books.
It starts off with Rebel Blue, a moody and free spirited teen, who is forced to live with aunt and family after her mother dies in an accident. The atmosphere at her aunt's house is the opposite of Rebel Blue's personality, so the teenage angst is strong from the start. Rebel Blue is faced with yet another after school detention and finds herself sitting next to Kennedy Green. This girl is peppy and upbeat, friendly and social, basically everything Rebel is not. Kennedy suggests they were meant to be friends with both their last names being colors, but Rebel isn't buying it. The counselor in charge of detention tells the girls their assignment is to create their bucket list - a list of things they want to accomplish before they die. When the counselor doesn't come back at 5, the girls both end up throwing their lists in the trash.
Next day Rebel finds out that Kennedy never made it home that night. She died in a car crash. This hits a nerve in Rebel. She can't shake it and ends up breaking into the classroom to rescue Kennedy's bucket list from the trash. She decides to complete Kennedy's list, thinking it's her destiny to do this for her. She ends up trying new things and definitely getting out of her comfort zone. All of these, of course, leads Rebel into becoming a more likeable person. Plus, she gets the guy in the end - always a good way to end!
It starts off with Rebel Blue, a moody and free spirited teen, who is forced to live with aunt and family after her mother dies in an accident. The atmosphere at her aunt's house is the opposite of Rebel Blue's personality, so the teenage angst is strong from the start. Rebel Blue is faced with yet another after school detention and finds herself sitting next to Kennedy Green. This girl is peppy and upbeat, friendly and social, basically everything Rebel is not. Kennedy suggests they were meant to be friends with both their last names being colors, but Rebel isn't buying it. The counselor in charge of detention tells the girls their assignment is to create their bucket list - a list of things they want to accomplish before they die. When the counselor doesn't come back at 5, the girls both end up throwing their lists in the trash.
Next day Rebel finds out that Kennedy never made it home that night. She died in a car crash. This hits a nerve in Rebel. She can't shake it and ends up breaking into the classroom to rescue Kennedy's bucket list from the trash. She decides to complete Kennedy's list, thinking it's her destiny to do this for her. She ends up trying new things and definitely getting out of her comfort zone. All of these, of course, leads Rebel into becoming a more likeable person. Plus, she gets the guy in the end - always a good way to end!
Potty Papers
I got this idea from Twitter. Mr. Schu, a librarian extraordinaire, writes in his blog that he routinely uses what he calls his "potty papers." He advertises in the most unusual, but a favorite hangout for many students - the bathroom. I tried it this week and discovered success!
I created a simple flier - big heading, small note about applying for MakerSpace Club, a Sequoyah Book Review, and another book review on a series. I wanted to keep it short and sweet - something that would catch their eye and be quick to read. we made copies and hung them up in each stall and above each urinal. They're a hit! I plan on putting up a new edition each Tuesday. I kept the same format and switched out the info and book reviews. What an easy way to advertise the library!
I created a simple flier - big heading, small note about applying for MakerSpace Club, a Sequoyah Book Review, and another book review on a series. I wanted to keep it short and sweet - something that would catch their eye and be quick to read. we made copies and hung them up in each stall and above each urinal. They're a hit! I plan on putting up a new edition each Tuesday. I kept the same format and switched out the info and book reviews. What an easy way to advertise the library!
Sunday, August 30, 2015
The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson
Another great read from the 2016 Sequoyah Intermediate Book List was accomplished today. It took me more days to finish this book, not the book's fault, just busy with Back to School craziness. I would slowly, but surely read at least one chapter from The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson, a night, but today I plowed through the exciting ending. The book leaves you wanting more, and thankfully book #2, The Aztlanian, has already come out and the book #3 is due soon.
This is a Steampunk book at its finest. Joel, the main character, wants nothing more than to be a Rithmatist, those chosen to be the protectors against the dreaded chalkings. Instead he's just the son of the chalkmaker. He spends his days studying the defenses used by the Rithmatists and scores a summer internship with one of the best Rithmatist professor. During the summers, after the regular students go home, the Rithmatist students stay to study more of the art of defense. That's when students, one by one, start to disappear. Will Joel's knowledge of the Rithmatists help put an end to the terror?
This book is actually the seond one on this year's Sequoyah list by author, Brandon Sanderson. The first one I've already reviewed and loved. This book is right up there as well, but I would choose Steelheart over this one - just my preference, of course. I can easily see students dedicated to the genre of steampunk falling head over heals for this title.
FYI - If you look at the map on the end pages, you'll see the island of Tulsa. Pretty cool!
FYI - If you look at the map on the end pages, you'll see the island of Tulsa. Pretty cool!
Sunday, August 23, 2015
Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson
Another great title on the Sequoyah Intermediate List is Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson. I just finished it and looking forward to reading the sequel that's already out.
If you enjoy Marvel and/or Avengers comic style action, then this is the book for you. Something in the past hit Earth and gave a select group of people super powers. These people are called Epics, and the power has gone to their heads. Flash forward and a group called the Reckoners study these Epics looking for their weaknesses in an attempt to restore order.
David is the main character and is bent on revenge after his father was killed by Steelheart eight years earlier. Steelheart is said to be as strong as ten men and no bullet can penetrate his skin, but David saw him bleed. He works his way into the Reckoners, where he's able to share all the information he has collected over the years of being an orphan. The group uses his research to plan the ultimate assassination attempt.
This novel is action packed, with lots of twists and turns. The ending is NOT what you're expecting!
If you enjoy Marvel and/or Avengers comic style action, then this is the book for you. Something in the past hit Earth and gave a select group of people super powers. These people are called Epics, and the power has gone to their heads. Flash forward and a group called the Reckoners study these Epics looking for their weaknesses in an attempt to restore order.
David is the main character and is bent on revenge after his father was killed by Steelheart eight years earlier. Steelheart is said to be as strong as ten men and no bullet can penetrate his skin, but David saw him bleed. He works his way into the Reckoners, where he's able to share all the information he has collected over the years of being an orphan. The group uses his research to plan the ultimate assassination attempt.
This novel is action packed, with lots of twists and turns. The ending is NOT what you're expecting!
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
First Day of School is Tomorrow!
I've been wanting to blog, truly I have! It's been extremely busy in the library trying to get everything ready for the BIG day tomorrow. Can't wait to start another great year!
Our district has a new superintendent. She's trying to increase communication, especially with social media - more specifically Twitter. I've become a twitter fanatic! You can even spot me in this news clip:
http://www.newson6.com/story/29827507/superintendent-encourages-social-media-to-further-tps-success
She's planning on visiting our school in the morning to greet our students, and my principal has already assigned me on Twitter patrol. It's an important job, and somebody's got do it!
After the craziness of First-Day-of-School, I promise to return to writing my book reviews. Plus, I will be posting pictures of my bulletin boards and display case. I believe in sharing, especially since I got the ideas from Pinterest!
Our district has a new superintendent. She's trying to increase communication, especially with social media - more specifically Twitter. I've become a twitter fanatic! You can even spot me in this news clip:
http://www.newson6.com/story/29827507/superintendent-encourages-social-media-to-further-tps-success
She's planning on visiting our school in the morning to greet our students, and my principal has already assigned me on Twitter patrol. It's an important job, and somebody's got do it!
After the craziness of First-Day-of-School, I promise to return to writing my book reviews. Plus, I will be posting pictures of my bulletin boards and display case. I believe in sharing, especially since I got the ideas from Pinterest!
Sunday, August 9, 2015
Doll Bones by Holly Black
The creepy book Doll Bones by Holly Black will not be a hard sell to middle schoolers. The cover alone will pull them in.
Three kids, Zach, Alice, and Poppy, have always enjoyed making up imaginary stories for their dolls. These stories of pirates and mermaids always centered around one doll, the Queen, the porcelain figurine kept in the China cabinet at Poppy's house. Now the friends are in middle school, and Zach is pressured into giving up this childish play. Poppy, however, can't let it go. She starts having nightmares about the Queen. She finally convinces Zach and Alice to join her on a quest to put the haunted China doll's bones to rest. The trio must discover if Poppy's vision are real. Is this doll really the ghost of a girl? Can they uncover the truth before the doll ruins their lives? My favorite part is when they find refuge in the library, of course!
I love how Holly Black interweaves the history of porcelain making in the United States with the mystery of a haunted doll. This spookish novel will grabbed the attention of teens looking for a ghost story. I wish the ending was a little scarier, to satisfy their need to be terrified, but the creepiness will win them over.
Three kids, Zach, Alice, and Poppy, have always enjoyed making up imaginary stories for their dolls. These stories of pirates and mermaids always centered around one doll, the Queen, the porcelain figurine kept in the China cabinet at Poppy's house. Now the friends are in middle school, and Zach is pressured into giving up this childish play. Poppy, however, can't let it go. She starts having nightmares about the Queen. She finally convinces Zach and Alice to join her on a quest to put the haunted China doll's bones to rest. The trio must discover if Poppy's vision are real. Is this doll really the ghost of a girl? Can they uncover the truth before the doll ruins their lives? My favorite part is when they find refuge in the library, of course!
I love how Holly Black interweaves the history of porcelain making in the United States with the mystery of a haunted doll. This spookish novel will grabbed the attention of teens looking for a ghost story. I wish the ending was a little scarier, to satisfy their need to be terrified, but the creepiness will win them over.
Proxy by Alex London
Proxy is one of those books that are hard to put down. You can't wait to read what happens next, because Alex London's writing is a roller coaster of a ride.
First of all, I should let you know that I loved Sid Fleischman's Whipping Boy way back when (used it when I taught 5th grade), and this book has the similarities.... but with updated twists today's teens will love. the same theme is there, with a system set up where the rich kids have proxies who must endure their punishment. In the Whipping Boy, it's the prince; because royalty couldn't be punished, so a peasant boy must suffer whippings meant for the prince's misbehavior. Flash foward to Proxy, and now the rich pay the poor to withstand punishment intended for their misdeeds.
Syd, the main character, is the proxy. His life is not his own, and he is forced to suffer punishment meant for bad-boy, Knox. The book starts with Knox determined, once again, to break the rules. He has a car accident and the girl with him is killed. Let's just say, the consequence takes its toll on Sid. who's sentenced to death. The roller coaster ride continues, and just when you think you've figured it out - BOOM! Another twist!
I enjoyed this novel so much, I've already recommended it to two people. I know it's going to be a hit with teens, especially ones into the dystopia genre. This book is going to give the other titles a run for their money in the race for the Sequoyah Book Award for 2016.
First of all, I should let you know that I loved Sid Fleischman's Whipping Boy way back when (used it when I taught 5th grade), and this book has the similarities.... but with updated twists today's teens will love. the same theme is there, with a system set up where the rich kids have proxies who must endure their punishment. In the Whipping Boy, it's the prince; because royalty couldn't be punished, so a peasant boy must suffer whippings meant for the prince's misbehavior. Flash foward to Proxy, and now the rich pay the poor to withstand punishment intended for their misdeeds.
Syd, the main character, is the proxy. His life is not his own, and he is forced to suffer punishment meant for bad-boy, Knox. The book starts with Knox determined, once again, to break the rules. He has a car accident and the girl with him is killed. Let's just say, the consequence takes its toll on Sid. who's sentenced to death. The roller coaster ride continues, and just when you think you've figured it out - BOOM! Another twist!
I enjoyed this novel so much, I've already recommended it to two people. I know it's going to be a hit with teens, especially ones into the dystopia genre. This book is going to give the other titles a run for their money in the race for the Sequoyah Book Award for 2016.
Monday, August 3, 2015
Zebra Forest by Adina Rishe Gerwirtz
The last two book reviews have been historical fiction, so I'm taking a turn to a realistic or contemporary fiction title. I'm not going to lie, Zebra Forest is a dark book. The book opens with two siblings, Annie and Rew, living with their grandmother. It's not an ideal situation from the start because, let's just say... the grandmother is quirky. This is realistic fiction! There's a prisoner break, and one of the convicts shows up at their house in the middle of the night. I don't want to give away too much of this book, but this convict holds them hostage and turns out to be somebody important in their lives. Each person must learn to cope, and each one handles it differently - again, realistic fiction. There's no sugar coating in this novel.
The book is well written, and I enjoyed how the characters developed as each one had to deal with emotions, events, and life. It would be a good read for those not interested in the standard sitcom book format - happy family, problem, gets resolved, and they live happily ever after.
The book is well written, and I enjoyed how the characters developed as each one had to deal with emotions, events, and life. It would be a good read for those not interested in the standard sitcom book format - happy family, problem, gets resolved, and they live happily ever after.
Sunday, August 2, 2015
The Fire Horse Girl by Kay Honeyman
Next up is another historical fiction novel. Kay Honeyman's The Fire Horse Girl starts in China. It's during the 1920s, and the country is in turmoil and just on the brink of the Cultural Revolution. Many Chinese are fleeing their homeland, but immigrating to the United States is difficult, especially for women.
The main character is a young girl living with her father, grandfather, and housekeeper. Her mother died during childbirth, and this young baby's destiny gets even worse as she's born during the worst year in the Chinese Astrological Calendar - the Year of the Fire Horse. All of the bad characteristics seem magnified in Jade as she grows up in her tiny village. Her strong will fuels her dreams of a better life for herself. She wants adventure!
Next on the scene is Sterling Promise, who convinces the men of the house that Jade's uncle (her father's older brother) adopted him with plans of going to America before he passed away. Sterling needs Jade's father to make the journey with him so a business deal could be completed. He has all the necessary paperwork in order for Jade's father to pass as his older brother. This is important because at the time Chinese immigrants were detained on Angel Island before being allowed into the US or being deported back to China. After the San Francisco earthquake, all documents were burned, and this made it easier for Chinese immigrants to claim they were really US citizens. However, US immigration officers would detain the Chinese in order to question them. These questions would prove if they were really US citizens or not. Sterling's paperwork was the "story" they would use during the interrogations at Angel Island. They had to study and memorize it, so when asked they would know all the important details and not get mixed up. Jade's father does not want to go, but Jade does. Finally Sterling persuades her father into going by allowing Jade to go as well.
The story of Jade has many ups and downs. You get to meet some interesting characters and read about life in China and for the Chinese settling in San Francisco during the 1920s. It is obvious Sterling is a con, but, remember, Jade is strong willed. She's a fire horse girl!
The main character is a young girl living with her father, grandfather, and housekeeper. Her mother died during childbirth, and this young baby's destiny gets even worse as she's born during the worst year in the Chinese Astrological Calendar - the Year of the Fire Horse. All of the bad characteristics seem magnified in Jade as she grows up in her tiny village. Her strong will fuels her dreams of a better life for herself. She wants adventure!
Next on the scene is Sterling Promise, who convinces the men of the house that Jade's uncle (her father's older brother) adopted him with plans of going to America before he passed away. Sterling needs Jade's father to make the journey with him so a business deal could be completed. He has all the necessary paperwork in order for Jade's father to pass as his older brother. This is important because at the time Chinese immigrants were detained on Angel Island before being allowed into the US or being deported back to China. After the San Francisco earthquake, all documents were burned, and this made it easier for Chinese immigrants to claim they were really US citizens. However, US immigration officers would detain the Chinese in order to question them. These questions would prove if they were really US citizens or not. Sterling's paperwork was the "story" they would use during the interrogations at Angel Island. They had to study and memorize it, so when asked they would know all the important details and not get mixed up. Jade's father does not want to go, but Jade does. Finally Sterling persuades her father into going by allowing Jade to go as well.
The story of Jade has many ups and downs. You get to meet some interesting characters and read about life in China and for the Chinese settling in San Francisco during the 1920s. It is obvious Sterling is a con, but, remember, Jade is strong willed. She's a fire horse girl!
Friday, July 31, 2015
how i became a ghost: A Choctaw Trail of Tears Story by Time Tingle
I'm so far behind writing reviews, but I just finished how i became a ghost: A Choctaw Trail of Tears Story by Tim Tingle today. It's leaping above the other titles while it's fresh on my mind.
Tim Tingle is known for his storytelling, and this book weaves together his skills and a terrible part of US history. It's a difficult subject matter - Native Americans being uprooted because others want their land. Living in Oklahoma I thought I knew about the Trail of Tears, but reading about it in this novel has deepened my understanding of the plight these Native Americans endured.
The book starts with this opener - "Maybe you have never read a book written by a ghost before." This alone will grab the reader's attention. I kept wanting to read more to find out about Issac, his family, and other Choctaws. Sadly, this part of history is not fully explained, and, while reading, you'll discover just how much Native Americans went through as they were forced to leave their homes and move to Indian Territory. I also appreciated learning more about the Choctaw people, their customs, and even some of their language.
This is historical fiction, which tends to not be as popular with teens, but I believe Tim Tingle's writing style might just grab and hold onto a few. I would also recommend it to fellow educators to read aloud to students and open up the conversation about the Trail of Tears. I would also highly recommend one of his other books, Crossing Bok Chitto: A Choctaw Tale of Friendship and Freedom. This title was on the Children's Sequoyah List a few years ago when I was in an elementary library. Love this book! Pair these two up and you've got great resources to highlight the gentle, preserving spirit of the Choctaw Nation.
Tim Tingle is known for his storytelling, and this book weaves together his skills and a terrible part of US history. It's a difficult subject matter - Native Americans being uprooted because others want their land. Living in Oklahoma I thought I knew about the Trail of Tears, but reading about it in this novel has deepened my understanding of the plight these Native Americans endured.
The book starts with this opener - "Maybe you have never read a book written by a ghost before." This alone will grab the reader's attention. I kept wanting to read more to find out about Issac, his family, and other Choctaws. Sadly, this part of history is not fully explained, and, while reading, you'll discover just how much Native Americans went through as they were forced to leave their homes and move to Indian Territory. I also appreciated learning more about the Choctaw people, their customs, and even some of their language.
This is historical fiction, which tends to not be as popular with teens, but I believe Tim Tingle's writing style might just grab and hold onto a few. I would also recommend it to fellow educators to read aloud to students and open up the conversation about the Trail of Tears. I would also highly recommend one of his other books, Crossing Bok Chitto: A Choctaw Tale of Friendship and Freedom. This title was on the Children's Sequoyah List a few years ago when I was in an elementary library. Love this book! Pair these two up and you've got great resources to highlight the gentle, preserving spirit of the Choctaw Nation.
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
a matter of days by Amber Kizer
This was the first book I read on the Sequoyah List 2016. It came highly recommended to me from my assistant. We had no idea it was going to be on the new list. I had ordered it based on reviews from School Library Journal, and I'm so happy I did. When the box arrived, she scooped it up to take home and read that night. Don't you just love getting a new book order!
This one is going to be hit with middle schoolers. It's the kind of book you enjoy talking about with others who've also read it. I would highly recommend it to those who enjoyed reading Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Both have a catastrophic event, and you can't help but look at your own surroundings differently. What if this really did happen? Would you survive?
Have I hooked you yet? Here are some more highlights of a matter of days by Amber Kizer, just in case you need a little more to take the plunge -
The story starts on day 56 of the killer BluStar pandemic. Nadia and her younger brother, Rabbit, are now orphans and must make their way across the country to their grandfather relying on survival skills taught by their father. This is a suspensful journey as these two make their way through the apocalyptic world, encountering many obstacles along the way, in the hopes of finally finding refuge. Will they make it? Is their grandfather even alive? Definitely worth reading!
This one is going to be hit with middle schoolers. It's the kind of book you enjoy talking about with others who've also read it. I would highly recommend it to those who enjoyed reading Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Both have a catastrophic event, and you can't help but look at your own surroundings differently. What if this really did happen? Would you survive?
Have I hooked you yet? Here are some more highlights of a matter of days by Amber Kizer, just in case you need a little more to take the plunge -
The story starts on day 56 of the killer BluStar pandemic. Nadia and her younger brother, Rabbit, are now orphans and must make their way across the country to their grandfather relying on survival skills taught by their father. This is a suspensful journey as these two make their way through the apocalyptic world, encountering many obstacles along the way, in the hopes of finally finding refuge. Will they make it? Is their grandfather even alive? Definitely worth reading!
Sequoyah Intermediate Book List 2016
Hopefully all Oklahoma students know about Sequoyah Book Lists. Each year a group of librarians, teachers, parents, and students select 15-18 new books to feature. Students are encouraged to read at least three titles from a selected list, and, if they do, they get to vote and help select the winning books for that year. What makes the Sequoyah Book Award special is the fact only children are allowed to vote - no adults. They truly have the power to determine which author will receive this award. Sequoyah, whom the award is named after, is credited as the inventor of the Cherokee alphabet, so it's a great tribute from the state of Oklahoma. Now we used to just have two lists - one for elementary and one for secondary. This was changed two years ago when the committee decided to split the secondary to make one for intermediate and another for high school.
It was so much easier to read the elementary list each summer! I could breeze through the list and was prepared to recommend titles to my students. This didn't happen last year. I made the move to middle school, and let me just say - you cannot breeze through these titles. However, I'm bound and determined to give these middle schoolers the same service! I decided I would read ALL the novels on the Sequoyah Intermediate list this summer. Here's a link to Sequoyah Intermediate Book List 2016,so you'll know what I'm talking about. So far, so good....
I have quite a few to review, so I'm giving you a heads up. My plan is to tag them as both a review and Sequoyah. Hopefully this will help me, you, and others find what they need quickly.
It was so much easier to read the elementary list each summer! I could breeze through the list and was prepared to recommend titles to my students. This didn't happen last year. I made the move to middle school, and let me just say - you cannot breeze through these titles. However, I'm bound and determined to give these middle schoolers the same service! I decided I would read ALL the novels on the Sequoyah Intermediate list this summer. Here's a link to Sequoyah Intermediate Book List 2016,so you'll know what I'm talking about. So far, so good....
I have quite a few to review, so I'm giving you a heads up. My plan is to tag them as both a review and Sequoyah. Hopefully this will help me, you, and others find what they need quickly.
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Book Club!
I've been thinking about this all day - wouldn't it be fun to start a book club! I read so many books, but let's face it - not the grown-up kind. While I will sing the praises of reading children and young adult books, I need to stretch. Plus, it's always a great idea to get together with friends - on a regular basis - that's the important part!
So here's my game plan:
Step 1 - I need willing participants. They need to be as excited with this idea as I am. Karen, my dearest friend since elementary, will be my first candidate. She loves to read and likes to try new adventures too. I figure she'll have some ideas for others to ask as well. Next up would be my next door neighbor, Julie. Again, she loves to read, and I think she'll enjoy the chance to get together with others for book discussions. I have other people in mind, but as of now I'm leaving it open for suggestions from these two friends. Now for the ideal number of participants. Maybe 4 - 6? 4 might be too low because you want a good discussion, so that leaves 5 or 6. I wouldn't go higher than 6 because it might get too crazy. Just to keep this flowing - I'm going with 6 people.
Step 2 - With 6 in the group, the planning becomes a breeze. We could meet every other month - the odd ones, so we don't have to worry about busy December.
Step 3 - We would need to take turns hosting - to be fair. Since there are 6 in the group, here's what I'm thinking: one person hosts, one's in charge of dessert, two bring appetizers/snacks, and finally the last person tries to figure out an activity. All of these should hopefully relate to the book. For example - if we were reading To Kill a Mockingbird, then the dessert could be Lane Cake featured in the book, a snack could be praline pecans, and the craft could be making a paper bird using old book pages. Fun, right?!?
Step 4 - Create a Pinterest board to share with book ideas, along with recipes and activities/crafts.
Step 5 - We'll have to figure out how to select the book. Do we let the next hostess select, or do we post ideas and then vote? Either way, we need to know at each get together so we have plenty of time to read and prepare for the next one.
Step 6 - Contact Karen and Julie. Let's get this ball rolling!
Here's to the beginning a great Book Club!
So here's my game plan:
Step 1 - I need willing participants. They need to be as excited with this idea as I am. Karen, my dearest friend since elementary, will be my first candidate. She loves to read and likes to try new adventures too. I figure she'll have some ideas for others to ask as well. Next up would be my next door neighbor, Julie. Again, she loves to read, and I think she'll enjoy the chance to get together with others for book discussions. I have other people in mind, but as of now I'm leaving it open for suggestions from these two friends. Now for the ideal number of participants. Maybe 4 - 6? 4 might be too low because you want a good discussion, so that leaves 5 or 6. I wouldn't go higher than 6 because it might get too crazy. Just to keep this flowing - I'm going with 6 people.
Step 2 - With 6 in the group, the planning becomes a breeze. We could meet every other month - the odd ones, so we don't have to worry about busy December.
Step 3 - We would need to take turns hosting - to be fair. Since there are 6 in the group, here's what I'm thinking: one person hosts, one's in charge of dessert, two bring appetizers/snacks, and finally the last person tries to figure out an activity. All of these should hopefully relate to the book. For example - if we were reading To Kill a Mockingbird, then the dessert could be Lane Cake featured in the book, a snack could be praline pecans, and the craft could be making a paper bird using old book pages. Fun, right?!?
Step 4 - Create a Pinterest board to share with book ideas, along with recipes and activities/crafts.
Step 5 - We'll have to figure out how to select the book. Do we let the next hostess select, or do we post ideas and then vote? Either way, we need to know at each get together so we have plenty of time to read and prepare for the next one.
Step 6 - Contact Karen and Julie. Let's get this ball rolling!
Here's to the beginning a great Book Club!
Sunday, July 5, 2015
Brief Introduction
Hello to those who have found or stumbled upon my blog. My name is Kristi, and I love being a school librarian - even with all of the challenges facing the education world today.
I just finished my 11th year as a LMS, and taught self-contained elementary classes (4th & 5th grades) for seven years. This means I have a grand total of 18 years in the biz! I've seen and experienced the many ups and downs through the years, and it's never a dull moment. I still believe in the importance of learning - not just 21st century learning standards for the students, but for me too!
This past year I switched it up and moved to a middle school. I can honestly say it was scary, but I'm so glad I did. Middle school has given me the challenge I was looking for, plus I love the kids. I do know I'm in somewhat of an awesome little bubble - it's an academic magnet school. Families in the district want to be a part of our school. The administration is supportive. Standards are high and the staff and students take pride in our accomplishments. What more can you ask for? It's the perfect setting for a school librarian ready to take it to the next level. This is what my blog will be about - transforming the library learning space into one fueled by active learning projects. A place where students ask questions, take risks, and discover answers to real world issues. I'm flipping lessons and providing a Maker Space. How exciting is that?
I just finished my 11th year as a LMS, and taught self-contained elementary classes (4th & 5th grades) for seven years. This means I have a grand total of 18 years in the biz! I've seen and experienced the many ups and downs through the years, and it's never a dull moment. I still believe in the importance of learning - not just 21st century learning standards for the students, but for me too!
This past year I switched it up and moved to a middle school. I can honestly say it was scary, but I'm so glad I did. Middle school has given me the challenge I was looking for, plus I love the kids. I do know I'm in somewhat of an awesome little bubble - it's an academic magnet school. Families in the district want to be a part of our school. The administration is supportive. Standards are high and the staff and students take pride in our accomplishments. What more can you ask for? It's the perfect setting for a school librarian ready to take it to the next level. This is what my blog will be about - transforming the library learning space into one fueled by active learning projects. A place where students ask questions, take risks, and discover answers to real world issues. I'm flipping lessons and providing a Maker Space. How exciting is that?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)