OWS/Vista Library Learning Commons

Read your way through Black History Month!

2012-02-06T12:56:00.000-08:00

February is Black History Month and it's a wonderful reason to pick up some amazing literature. Spend a lot of time in the car? Consider these audiobooks!

Do not forget the Coretta Scott King Award winners honored by the American Library Association (the same organization behind the Newbery and Caldecott).

Our local library system has great lists for elementary/middle school readers as well as teens.

Here are a few of my personal favorites:

Picture books - Goin' Someplace Special by Patricia C. McKissack, Ruth and the Green Book by Calvin Alexander Ramsey, and Show Way by Jacqueline Woodson

Chapter books - Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis, Heaven by Angela Johnson and One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia

Poetry - ellington was not a street by Ntozake Shange and Visiting Langston by Willie Perdomo

For adult and high school readers, I highly recommend The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson and The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot.

5th grade book presentation: February

2012-01-31T13:10:00.000-08:00

February's theme is biography and memoir! The only requirement is that the book be a minimum of 40pp long.

We have a great selection of both in the general and middle school sections of the school library, but if you would like to borrow from the public library, you can:

1) browse the B (biography) section of your local public library, or

2) check out these online biography resources (databases and websites) provided by KCLS to get ideas - but please remember that while this is a good place to start, there will not be biographies about all of these people written for a younger audience!

When you are looking at library books online, remember that the call number JB means it is was written for elementary and middle school readers, while YB means it was written for teens. If you need more information, click on "Reviews & More" beside the title or click on the title to see the number of pages.

Just a few of the books I would recommend from the school library are:

- Chasing Lincoln's Killer by James L. Swanson (about John Wilkes Booth)
- Margaret Bourke-White: Adventurous Photographer by Christopher C. L. Anderson
- She Touched the World: Laura Bridgman, Deaf-Blind Pioneer by Sally Hobart Alexander
- Claudette Colvin: Twice toward Justice by Phillip Hoose
- The Forbidden Schoolhouse: The True and Dramatic Story of Prudence Crandall and Her Students by Suzanne Jurmain (about a courageous teacher who tried to integrate her school in the 1830s)
- Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith by Deborah Heiligman
- Fireflies in the Dark: The Story of Friedl Dicker-Brandeis and the Children of Terezin by Susan Goldman Rubin (about the Holocaust)
- This Land Was Made for You and Me: The Life and Songs of Woody Guthrie by Elizabeth Partridge
- Onward: A Photobiography of African-American Polar Explorer Matthew Henson by Dolores Johnson

Award winners announced!

2012-01-26T09:33:00.000-08:00

A few days ago the announcement readers and writers everywhere awaited with anticipation: this year's Association for Library Service to Children award winners were named! These include the very well-known Newbery and Caldecott books, as well as the very special, but not as widely appreciated Batchelder Award for books in translation, Sibert Medal for nonfiction, and Geisel Award for beginning readers.

Looking for a great new book to read? These new winners aren't a bad place to start!

One Author Vista: Ken Mochizuki!

2012-01-23T14:33:00.000-08:00

I am excited to announce that as part of our third annual One Author Vista program, Ken Mochizuki will be coming to Vista on February 3rd! He will make a presentation to students, answer their questions and sign their books.

The book order form is available on my Sharepoint page and was also sent in an email by Ms. Klein. University Book Store will be on campus on the day of his visit to sell books. You may:

a) submit the order form and check by 1/30 to the library, the book return bin behind Ms. Klein's desk or my mailbox in the office;
b) call in your credit card order to the secure number on the order form; or
c) bring cash or a check on the day of his visit.

A Seattle native, Ken has written books for a wide range of ages, from picture books about the Japanese American internment camps and their aftermath (Baseball Saved Us, Heroes) to realistic fiction for middle and high school students (Beacon Hill Boys) to a work of local history (Meet Me at Higo: An Enduring Story of a Japanese American Family).

He has also written two biographies for all ages, Be Water, My Friend: The Early Years of Bruce Lee, about the martial arts legend, and my personal favorite, Passage to Freedom: The Sugihara Story. Chiune Sugihara, a Japanese diplomat in Lithuania during World War II who saved the lives of thousands of Jews.

For those unfamiliar with One Author Vista, it was inspired by Seattle librarian Nancy Pearl's "If All of Seattle Read the Same Book" project. Each year, Vista students are encouraged to read books by an assortment of local authors. They then have the opportunity to vote for the one they would like to invite to campus.

Update on Margaret Read MacDonald's visit

2012-01-18T13:20:00.001-08:00

I am sorry to announce that we have to reschedule Margaret Read MacDonald's visit, originally planned for this Monday. Dr. MacDonald is currently traveling out of town and concerned about getting home safely and on time. Also, with the school cancellations, I did not have a chance this week to prepare students properly for her visit. Instead, she will come to campus later this spring, following her Middle East tour.

If you already submitted a book order, we will hang onto it unless you prefer to have it returned (please let me know if that is the case).

If you had an order ready to hand in this week, you may also go ahead and give it to me whenever school starts up again. I'm happy to keep it in a safe place and pass it on to the bookstore later on.

Stay tuned for the new date!

Why not blog?

2012-01-16T18:25:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I was sitting by the window with a stack of books, a steaming mug of tea by my side, enjoying the wintry landscape, when a message popped up from a friend informing me of her new blog about books, The Book Dowser.

Blogging has been a wonderful way for librarians, authors and book lovers to come together in cyberspace and share a common love for literature. In fact, as I read her second post about her passion for historical fiction and the Little House series in particular, I was tickled by the remarkable parallels to an earlier post of mine entitled "Characters coming to life" which referenced several of the same titles.

Only later did I realize that even more than a fun new book-related blog to read, The Book Dowser is another answer to a question I commonly receive from students and parents who are curious about avenues for publishing young people's writing!

The reader and writer behind the The Book Dowser is in high school and this blog is a wonderful outlet for her talents. In the past I've written a few posts on magazines which publish writing by young people, National Novel Writing Month (did you hear that University Book Store is going to publish a novel written by a local author during NaNoWriMo?) and websites with additional information on getting young people's writing into print.

But somehow the idea of the blog as a way of self-publishing one's writing did not occur to me until yesterday. However, I am now throwing the idea out there in case it catches anyone's fancy! Blogs are easy to set up, sites such as Blogspot will host your blog for free, and they can be a fantastic way to keep in touch with far-flung friends and family, exercise your creative writing skills, comment on issues that matter to you, and much more. Of course, you should remember to follow basic Internet safety rules and check with your parents before setting anything up online. If you do start blogging about books, please let me know! I'd love to read what you have to say.

Meet our new National Ambassador for Young People's Literature!

2012-01-10T09:47:00.000-08:00

Last week we heard the exciting news that prolific, award-winning author Walter Dean Myers has been named the new National Ambassador for Young People's Literature by the Library of Congress! He will serve in this capacity as someone who will help raise "national awareness of the importance of young people’s literature as it relates to lifelong literacy, education and the development and betterment of the lives of young people."

Not only is Myers an incredibly gifted writer, he is also a caring human being. One story about him that impressed me greatly was that after a young fan, Ross Workman, wrote to him, he struck up a correspondence with the teen which led them to co-author the novel Kick! Watch this short video clip of Myers and Workman discussing their collaboration. How cool is that?!

Best of 2011!

2012-01-06T15:04:00.000-08:00

Can you believe we're already a week into 2012? Neither can I! It's been wonderful returning to school and catching up with all the students. Everyone seems refreshed and excited about plunging back into school life.

This time of year there are many "best of" lists. Here's a link to School Library Journal's Best of 2011 Roundup, which offers a great selection of reading lists - from picture books to the best adult books for teens - as well as the most exciting tech developments of 2011, the most interesting apps and the top educational DVDs.

Why not see what goodies you missed out on?

Let your ears do the reading

2011-12-27T09:59:00.000-08:00

While the theory of different learning styles (auditory vs. visual, for example) has come under fire of late, there is no doubt that when it comes to reading books in a traditional way vs. listening to them on audio, many people have strong preferences and opinions!

Wired for Sound is a fascinating essay exploring one man's preference for audio as compared to his wife's assertion that reading text with one's own eyes is a superior option. The author contacted Howard Gardner, of multiple intelligences fame, for his input on the topic as well.

I am a fairly recent convert to audiobooks, and find that as a busy working mother, they are a lifesaver! I can "read" while commuting to and from work or cooking dinner. Suddenly, in the midst of a hectic schedule, I am more easily able to keep up with new literature while also enjoying a superb performance that most often brings a rich new dimension to the book in question.

Audiobooks are a great way to encourage a child who is a reluctant reader or who isn't eager to branch out into different genres. Even enthusiastic readers find themselves unexpectedly enjoying books they didn't think were appealing when they are presented in audio form by a parent who stealthily pops a CD into the car stereo. They are also great for physically active kids, who can play with Legos while listening to a book rather than being expected to sit still and read. Check out this earlier blog post on the topic for more information and suggestions!

Winter break 2011 reading list

2011-12-14T11:31:00.000-08:00

Without further ado, here are a few gems to explore over winter break! Also view my profile on GoodReads for more recommendations!

Picture Books for All Ages

I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen – A deceptively simple, quite ingenious book. Ponder the clues in the illustrations and see if you get the joke at the end!

The Selkie Girl by Susan Cooper – Dreamy illustrations perfectly match this haunting and magical Scottish folktale of love and longing.

The Three Golden Oranges by Alma Flor Ada – This is a beautifully illustrated retelling of a well-known Spanish folktale.

White is for Blueberry by George Shannon – “White is for blueberry… when the berry is still too young to pick.” This clever book will encourage you to look more deeply, see the world differently and ponder the surprising connections between everyday objects.

Elementary Fiction

A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond – First published over 50 years ago, this class is not as widely read today as it deserves to be! When the Brown family takes in a homeless young bear, they have no idea what adventures will ensue!

Billy and the Rebel: Based on a True Civil War Story by Deborah Hopkinson – Who says beginning readers have to be boring? This story captures the tension of the original, real life encounter between a runaway Confederate boy soldier and the kind Union family who shelter him.

Calvin Coconut: Trouble Magnet by Graham Salisbury – The first in a fun series about Calvin, a little boy who lives in Hawaii. Perfect for fans of Ramona, Stink, Fudge and other humorous realistic fiction books.

Houndsley and Catina and the Quiet Time by James Howe – This beginning chapter book is perfect for a peaceful, snowy winter’s day. Snuggle up inside and share this one together!

Elementary & Middle School Fiction

Bird in a Box by Andrea Davis Pinkney – Boxing legend Joe Louis is at the center of this heartwarming story about the lives of several African American families, each dealing with different kinds of troubles during the Great Depression.

Boom! by Mark Haddon – Did you ever suspect some of your teachers might really be aliens? Find out what happens when two curious boys stumble into the adventure of their lives!

The Friendship Doll by Kirby Larson – Inspired by 58 dolls sent from Japan to the US in 1927 as a gesture of friendship between the countries, this sweet chapter book follows one doll as she changes hands over the years and is loved by girls leading very different lives.

The Truth about Truman School by Dori Hillestad Butler – Can you write anything you want online just because it’s true? Where is the line between honesty and cruelty? A group of students find their lives deeply affected by anonymous comments on their online school newspaper.

Middle & High School Fiction

Hero by Mike Lupica – There is non-stop action and adventure in this exciting mystery investigating the death of his father, an undercover government agent!

Page by Paige by Laura Lee Gulledge – A truly creative and inspirational graphic novel about high school students coming into their own and learning to express themselves through art.

The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen – How would you cope if one day you discovered you couldn’t pursue your passion? Track star Jessica has to find the answer to this question after a tragic accident leaves her with only one leg.

The Summer I Learned to Fly by Dana Reinhardt – One of my favorite books of the year, this is a lovely story about a girl’s summer of personal exploration, a boy’s quest for the miracle that will reunite his family, and their budding friendship.

Non-fiction

The Book of Pirates by Jamaica Rose and Captain Michael MacLeod – A very entertaining combination of history, activities to try at home, recipes, humor and trivia – all relating to pirates, of course!

The Good, the Bad and the Barbie: A Doll’s History and Her Impact on Us by Tanya Lee Stone – A fascinating exploration of the cultural and commercial impact of this legendary doll. Love her or hate her, Barbie has influenced our society over the last half century – read this and find out more!

Life on Earth: The Story of Evolution by Steve Jenkins – Art and science combine in this incomparable introduction to a complex topic. Don’t be fooled by the beautiful collages and picture book format – this book is packed with science made clear and accessible!

Passage to Freedom: The Sugihara Story by Ken Mochizuki – Seattle author Mochizuki tells the incredible tale of a courageous man, Japanese diplomat Chiune Sugihara, who defied his government and single-handedly saved the lives of thousands of Jews during World War II in this picture book biography.

What Makes a Book "Challenging Enough"?

2011-12-01T12:24:00.000-08:00

This week I've been speaking with 7th and 8th graders about this year's Student Diversity Leadership Retreat which I am excited to be helping to plan and chaperone. This year's theme is media and becoming a more savvy, aware consumer of all forms of media. To spark the students' interest, I showed them a couple of television commercials and asked them to dissect the stereotypes they contained. I was impressed with their ability to look beyond the surface joke or message and recognize the common cultural assumptions or stereotypes that the ads were building on.

This got me thinking about a common request I have, which is to provide children with books that are "challenging enough." The question is, how do you define "challenging"? Just as you can relax on the sofa and mindlessly watch television, you can also take even the most vapid programming and analyze it in a complex way. Books are very similar!

Recently I had a wonderful conversation with a parent who said that her daughter didn't need to be challenged just by reading books with vocabulary levels at the upper limits of her comprehension because she recognized that challenge can come from complex ideas expressed in relatively simple language. This is especially true with realistic fiction, which usually portrays people speaking in naturalistic ways.

Three books I shared with students this week highlight this idea: Wild Wings by Gill Lewis, a chapter book I've been reading to 4th graders in connection with our information literacy exercises, and Traction Man Is Here! and Traction Man Meets Turbodog by Mini Grey, which are part of our kindergarten and 1st grade author unit on this very creative woman.

Wild Wings is not very difficult in terms of reading level, however it raises a number of challenging topics. There is a child in the book who is living in poverty. This is not stated outright, but is indicated through various contextual clues. In one scene she comes to school with no lunch, claiming she forgot it. In every 4th grade class we discussed this scenario: what appeared to be happening vs. the actual situation. Most students initially accepted at face value the idea that she forgot her lunch. However, every class had one child who suggested that this was her way of avoiding the embarrassment of admitting they didn't have enough food at home for her to bring any lunch. This insight led to some interesting conversations between the students about how people behave when they feel different, how peers can react in a kind and supportive way, and so on. This book, which might seem "easy" going just by reading level or vocabulary, is actually quite rich in meaning.

With the Mini Grey picture books, there were interesting contrasts in the developmental levels of most 1st graders as compared to most kindergartners. They are about a small boy engaging in imaginary play with his action figure. Many kindergartners initially interpreted the stories as being about a real, animated little person, rather than about a child playing the way they do with their own stuffed animals, dolls, action figures, etc., setting up scenarios using household objects and giving voice to an inanimate object. There is one scene in the second book in which Turbodog, an electronic toy, wakes up a sleeping cat. Traction Man comments, "Well, thanks for that, Turbodog." This simple statement is actually fairly complex, since the reader must understand that it was used sarcastically to actually mean the opposite. Both books contain many layers of meaning in pictures and text, as well as implied value statements about creativity and imagination - all conveyed through very little text, most of which is quite simple.

When you see your child reading an apparently too easy book, it can be a great opportunity to challenge him or her to think more deeply about the material! Wondering where to start with this discussion? Try this list of Universal Questions that work well for chapter books. With picture books, I also like to ask some of the following:

What kind of techniques or materials do you recognize in the art work? Why do you think the illustrator chose to use these materials?

Why do you think the illustrator drew [point to example] in this way? How else might he/she have drawn this? Why choose this part of a scene to illustrate, rather than something else? Do the pictures communicate the same meaning as the words? Or do they contradict each other? Why do you think that is?

Why do you think the words were printed on the page in this way? Would it have made a difference in how you feel about the book if the font were different?

5th grade book report: December

2011-11-21T09:00:00.000-08:00

This month's book presentation will be on a book of appropriate length and difficulty which is not a biography and which was selected as a medal or honor book for one of the American Library Association awards shown below.

We have dozens of titles on display in the school library or you may follow the links below to choose one yourself. Remember to run your selection past Ms. Russell for her approval!

The Batchelder Award is "awarded to an American publisher for a children's book considered to be the most outstanding of those books originally published in a foreign language in a foreign country, and subsequently translated into English and published in the United States. ALSC gives the award to encourage American publishers to seek out superior children's books abroad and to promote communication among the peoples of the world."

The Pura Belpré Award is "presented annually to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth."

The Coretta Scott King Award is "given to African American authors and illustrator for outstanding inspirational and educational contributions, the Coretta Scott King Book Award titles promote understanding and appreciation of the culture of all peoples and their contribution to the realization of the American dream of a pluralistic society."

The Newbery Medal is "awarded annually to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children published by an American publisher in the United States in English during the preceding year. There are no limitations as to the character of the book considered except that it be original work."

The Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal "is awarded annually to the author(s) and illustrator(s) of the most distinguished informational book published in the United States in English during the preceding year."

Cyberbullying: what you can do

2011-11-17T09:02:00.000-08:00

The Bully in the Backpack is a valuable, balanced article that I highly recommend all parents and teachers read - show it to your teen too!

From a parent's perspective, one of the most important lessons I took from this article was that many teens view their parents as technologically incompetent and prone to over-reacting. Therefore, they often prefer to suffer cyberbullying in silence rather than tell a parent out of fear that the parent will take away their cell phone or kick them off social networking sites.

Instead, we should help young people learn to "stop, block and tell": stop responding so they do not escalate situations, block the perpetrator, and tell an adult. Technology is a daily reality in young people's lives. As in many other situations, they must learn to behave safely and responsibly rather than eschew the tools altogether.

The article also features many useful links to sites for kids of all ages, parents and educators.

Want to read and discuss a great book? Check out The Truth about Truman School by Dori Hillestad Butler, a great read for students in grades 5-8 about an online middle school newspaper that starts off with good intentions but rapidly spirals out of control.

Meet Christopher Paolini!

2011-11-07T09:49:00.000-08:00

The young author of the immensely popular series that started with Eragon will be at the Redmond Regional Library on Tuesday, November 29th at 7pm! He will be promoting the release of his latest book, Inheritance, coming out tomorrow and concluding the series.

Check out this and other author events on the library's website!

NPR's book club for kids

2011-11-04T15:36:00.001-07:00

If you haven't heard about it yet, check out the Back-Seat Book Club just for kids! It started in late October with Neil Gaiman's Newbery winner, The Graveyard Book, which is both spooky and heartwarming! This could be a fun activity for those too busy to get out to traditional book groups.

Library of the Early Mind

2011-10-31T14:31:00.000-07:00

Our local branch of the Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators is sponsoring the first local screening of an amazing documentary, Library of the Early Mind, including a chance to hear and ask questions of the director. This powerful tribute to the power of children's literature features an all-star cast of notable authors and illustrators and is well worth seeing.

It will be showing at 7pm next Tuesday, November 8th, in Demaray Hall at Seattle Pacific University. Tickets are $10 at the door.

I had the good fortune to attend a screening of this film at the American Library Association annual conference this summer and was deeply touched and moved by it. I cannot recommend it highly enough!

Write an author fan letter!

2011-10-25T11:57:00.000-07:00

If you're in grades 4-12, you're invited to write a letter to an author (living or dead) whom you admire and submit it to the Letters about Literature contest. The deadline is January 6, 2012, which gives you plenty of time to ponder and write!

You can also read letters from past winners as well as some authors' responses.

Writing can be a solitary and lonely occupation. Sending a letter of appreciation to your favorite author and submitting it to this contest - and also mailing it to him or her (find contact information on the author's website or write c/o their publisher) - is a lovely act of generosity! And it might just win you national recognition too.

Meet with me during parent/teacher conference days!

2011-10-19T08:23:00.000-07:00

This is just a reminder that I will be available to meet with parents this Thursday between 8am-4pm and Friday between 8am-1pm. You may contact me in advance if you wish to reserve a time, however you are also very welcome to drop by the library learning commons without advance notice!

(My apologies for not being able to be here later on Friday. That was my original intention, however there is a memorial service I must attend.)

Please stop by just to see our newly renovated space, to ask any questions you might have about reading and research, to find out how your student is doing in library classes, or simply to introduce yourself and say hello. I look forward to chatting with you!

Participate in the Mock Newbery!

2011-10-17T15:42:00.000-07:00

The Newbery Medal, given by the American Library Association each year to the author of a notable contribution to young people's literature, is widely recognized and respected as one of the country's most prestigious literary awards. Did you know that many public library systems hold Mock Newbery panels every year? King County Library System is no exception and they welcome participation from readers of all ages!

Just go to their You Choose the Next Newbery at KCLS blog, read at least four of the eight finalists, and vote online in January!

If you look at their past blog entries you will also find more wonderful reading suggestions among the many great titles that didn't make the final cut. Right now I'm listening to one of their finalists, Gary Schmidt's Okay for Now, which is a deeply moving account of artistic and personal discovery and dysfunctional family life in Vietnam War-era America (also shortlisted for the National Book Award)!

Happy reading!

4th grade animal fiction book reports

2011-10-12T12:09:00.000-07:00

Fourth graders will be reading a realistic fiction chapter book about animals that is age appropriate and at their own “just right” reading level. There are some books meeting these criteria available in school library and reserved just for 4th graders to choose from! Students are welcome to stop by during lunch recess or before or after school.

KidsPage at KCLS has a list of animal books (be sure to check that they fit the requirements):

To find more reading ideas, you can search the KCLS catalog:

1. Log into your account
2. Click on Advanced Search
3. Under Search Input, select Subject and type in the kind of animal (plural) and juvenile fiction, e.g. dogs juvenile fiction or rats juvenile fiction
4. Under Search Input, select Call number and put J in the search box
5. Under Item Type, select Book
6. You can click Limit to Available to find only items that are currently checked in
7. Click on Search
8. When you get your results, click on Reviews & More to see what the book is about and what age level it is recommended for (I find the School Library Journal and Booklist reviews most helpful)
9. Click on Place Hold to have the book delivered to your local branch

November book presentation for 5th grade

2011-10-11T15:25:00.000-07:00

November's genre for Ms. Russell's 5th grade Humanities class is historical fiction!

We have over 70 books available in the library learning commons just for 5th graders to choose from. Stop by anytime between 8:30am-4pm to choose your book! The deadline for letting Ms. Russell know which book you will be reading is November 7th.

Here are a few places to get reading suggestions:

KCLS KidsPage American Historical Fiction
KCLS KidsPage World Historical Fiction
KCLS TeenZone American Historical Fiction
KCLS TeenZone World Historical Fiction

Who's Who in the Library Learning Commons

2011-10-10T15:44:00.000-07:00

This Thursday, October 13th, from 6:15-8:30pm is OWS Specialists' Night for parents of students in grades K-4! You will get to meet many of the Specialists, try out mini-lessons and ask general questions about the program. It is a fun, energizing evening - please stop by!

The library learning commons offers another way to get to know us and our program: you are welcome to drop by at any time between 8am-4pm on parent/teacher conference days (Thursday and Friday, October 20th-21st). Please drop in before or after your meeting with your student's teacher! I'd love to have the chance to chat and show you around. If you have more in-depth questions, you may schedule a private conference during the conference days or at another time.

Detailed grade level information is available on my website (OWS website - Current Families - Teacher Websites - Simeon, Laura - Documents - Library Curriculum & Policies).

Library staff:

Laura Simeon, Librarian, has a BA from Bryn Mawr College, where she majored in history before completing an MA in the history of Early Modern Europe and Tokugawa Japan at the University of British Columbia and a Master's in Library and Information Science at the University of Washington. In her spare time, Ms. Simeon enjoys reading (of course!), travelling, knitting, spending time with her 9th grade daughter, and playing with her two cats and lop-eared rabbit. She loves the intellectual curiosity and vibrant energy of OWS students - no two days are ever the same!

Yuri Kenmochi, Library Assistant, was born and raised in Japan before coming to the US to attend university. She has been working at OWS for 5 years and really enjoys working with students and is inspired by the excitement children bring to readalouds. In her free time, Mrs. Kenmochi enjoys gardening, cooking and spending time with her daughter, who is a 5th grade Vista student.

Alliance for Young Artists & Writers Contest

2011-10-03T12:49:00.000-07:00

Are you in grade 7 or higher? If so, check out this great opportunity to share your creative talents! The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers contest allows you to enter in a variety of categories, including journalism, video game design, film, fashion, novel writing, jewelry, comic art, and more.

Why not give it a whirl? There may be a cool project you started in class that could be perfect!

October book presentation for 5th grade

2011-09-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

October's genre for Ms. Russell's 5th grade Humanities class is mystery/suspense!

We have a number of books available in the library learning commons just for 5th graders to choose from. Stop by anytime between 8:30am-4pm to choose your book! The deadline for letting Ms. Russell know which book you will be reading is October 3rd.

Here are some places you can look for more ideas. As always, check the recommended age level for each title! The best way is to look up the book at KCLS, click on "Reviews & More," then "Reviews." I highly recommend Booklist or School Library Journal. A review will also give you a summary of the plot so you can see if the book interests you or not.

It's a Mystery!

Teen Zone's Mystery List

KidsPage Mystery List

Create a Culture of Reading at Home

2011-09-20T10:54:00.000-07:00

This week I'd like to share my guest post on the Mothering magazine blog entitled Create a Culture of Reading at Home. It addresses some of the questions I have been most frequently asked over the years and I hope you will find it interesting and helpful!

Before you turn in that paper...

2011-09-12T12:25:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you are all familiar with the concept of "plagiarism" but sometimes, especially when you're doing research online, it can feel a bit confusing. This website from the makers of Turnitin (which a lot of your high school teachers will probably use) helps clarify things. You can also use this fun interactive tutorial to test your knowledge!

Now, before you hand in your paper, you might want to run it through Plagiarism Checker (you can enter a maximum of 32 words at a time on this site) or Paper Rater (this one works better for longer papers and also gives you advice on grammar and writing style).

What do you do if one of these sites says you plagiarized? Remember that if you paraphrase in your own words or directly quote someone else's original idea, you must give them credit by including a citation! If you intended to paraphrase but didn't manage it the first time, try using a thesaurus such as WordSmyth to find other ways to word your sentences.

A direct quote also needs to be put in quotation marks. Use the citation generator in World Book Online (see my page on Vista Sharepoint for login information) or KnightCite to create your citation. At our school we use MLA format for citations.

Citations need to be used to give credit to authors whose works you used in your research even if you do not quote or paraphrase them. General knowledge (e.g. "George Washington was the first president of the United States") does not need to be cited.

When in doubt, check with your teachers or me! It's better to play it safe and give credit to the sources you use.

Nonfiction book presentation for 5th grade

2011-09-06T09:48:00.000-07:00

Welcome back to school!

This month 5th graders will be reading a nonfiction book for their monthly book presentation for Ms. Russell's class. Qualifying books will have more than 40 pages that are primarily text, and will not be biographies. Science books must have been published during or after 2006. No duplication is allowed (each 5th grader must select a unique title).

Books need to be selected by Monday, September 19th.

Students may stop by the library learning commons to select an appropriate book from the 5th grade “genre of the month” shelf. If you prefer to borrow books from the public library instead, you can check out some recommended authors and websites below. Make sure you evaluate all titles in terms of age appropriateness as well as whether they meet the parameters Ms. Russell has set.

Suggested authors:
Rhoda Blumberg
Russell Freedman
Sy Montgomery (please note that she writes for both adults and young people)

Suggested websites:
Classic Non-fiction from the TeenZone at KCLS

The Sibert Medal, an award for exceptional non-fiction given by the American Library Association (which also gives out the Caldecott & Newbery Medals)

Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12 offers detailed annotated lists for those who enjoy science.

The Cooperative Children's Book Center has numerous reading lists, many of which focus on non-fiction. Select first by grade level, then by topic.

New this year in Vista: The Nook!

2011-09-02T09:59:00.000-07:00

E-readers are becoming increasingly popular and for good reason! In late August I purchased a dozen Nook e-readers for use by our Vista students. They will allow us to get new releases into the hands of students much more quickly than before and make multiple copies of hot new titles easily accessible without taking up a lot of shelf space.

Information you need to know:

• Nooks may be borrowed by Vista students with parental permission. The E-reader Appropriate Use Policy form is available on my Vista Sharepoint site and will be sent to families via email along with other Vista news the week before school starts.

• Families are financially liable for replacement and repair costs due to damage or loss while the Nook is checked out in their student’s name.

• Nooks may be borrowed for 3 weeks. Students may place holds on them just as they do with print books.

• The Nooks will be preloaded with books for a middle school audience purchased by Ms. Simeon (who welcomes additional requests from students)!

• Students may download e-books they borrow from the public library, however they may not purchase additional titles or delete or modify titles already on the Nook.

Have more questions? Contact Ms. Simeon anytime at library at ows dot org!

Comfort books

2011-08-23T22:11:00.000-07:00

The other day my soon-to-be-9th grader asked me what my "comfort book" was (hers is Roald Dahl's The Witches). I love this idea of a book that is reassuring and nurturing in its familiarity and association with carefree, happy times. Much like the power of comfort foods, comfort reads can soothe us in times of stress.

I often see students picking up books that are "too easy," but which are meaningful to them for this very reason. They line up to check out these beloved books and share with me how very special they are, perhaps through association with a fond relative or favorite teacher or because something about the plot or characters speaks deeply to them (even if they cannot articulate exactly how or why).

Sometimes this is concerning to parents - that a child is reading below his or her current level - but reading can be a powerful emotional experience, and nostalgic forays into favorite titles from earlier in life build a positive association with books and are nothing to fear.

So, what is my comfort book? No question, it is C.S. Lewis's The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The first time Lucy steps through the wardrobe into Narnia is seared into my brain as the single most magical moment in all of literature. Hmm, I might just have to pick it up again sometime very soon!

Back to school!

2011-08-13T23:44:00.000-07:00

Isn't it hard to believe that school starts up in just about a month? Tonight I stumbled across this great reading list for teens that focuses on stories set in school - check them out!

Coincidentally I've just started listening to the audio version of Ten Miles Past Normal by Frances O'Roark Dowell, about a girl's entry into high school. It's great realistic fiction about friends, parents, teachers and figuring out these confusing times that so many adults say are the best years of your life!

Characters coming to life

2011-08-04T07:21:00.000-07:00

One of the most entertaining sessions I attended at the American Library Association conference in New Orleans was one in which several authors who won a Newbery with their first published novel talked about how it changed their lives.

Jennifer Holm, one of the panelists, worked in television broadcasting before eventually turning to writing full-time. She shared a sweet anecdote about a little boy who desperately loved her book Our Only May Amelia. Set in Washington state in the late 1800s, this story of a spirited Finnish American girl in a pioneer family was inspired by the diaries of Holm's great aunt, Alice Amelia, and set in Naselle, Washington, where some of her family remain to this day.

One day, Holm received a phone call from her grandparents, who reported that a little boy from Seattle had shown up asking to meet May Amelia! It was his spring break, and he had persuaded his family to drive him to Naselle, where he asked around about "where May Amelia lives" until he was finally directed to the Holm family farm.

Holm's grandparents took the little boy on a tractor tour of their farm and showed him Alice Amelia's diaries, and gently informed him that May Amelia was a fictional character. This story moved me deeply and was a reminder of how, when young people read, they are often consumed by stories in ways that are difficult to recapture as an adult.

Right now I'm in the middle of listening to a charming audiobook, The Wilder Life: My Adventures in the Lost World of Little House on the Prarie by Wendy McClure. The author recounts her wholehearted childhood belief in a parallel universe in which Laura Ingalls Wilder not only lived on, but could possibly come visit her for a tour of 1970s America! Similarly, The Magician's Book by Laura Miller is an absorbing tour through the author's childhood devotion to the Narnia series.

Sometimes parents worry when young people become consumed by a particular book or series, however, if you think back to your own childhood reading - or read books such as these about childhood reading obsessions - it can be reassuring to remember that this is not only normal and common, but something you may longingly wish to experience later in life!

Do you remember the first time you read on your own?

2011-07-28T11:03:00.000-07:00

I don't - but I do remember the first time I noticed punctuation! Those funny squiggly marks had been there all along, but one day, while reading a print version of Bambi, they suddenly leapt off the page and into my consciousness!

The Geisel Award, named in honor of Theodor Seuss Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss), honors the beginning reader format: books that are powerfully important in the early stages of a reader's life. They may appear "easy," and yet it requires enormous skill to craft a book that weaves an interesting plot peopled by engaging characters using only simple vocabulary.

At the American Library Association annual conference in New Orleans last month, I was moved by the acceptance speeches given by Kate DiCamillo, Alison McGhee and Tony Fucile, who together created this year's charming Geisel Award winner, Bink & Gollie. They spoke eloquently about the magic of the first time you read independently and whole new worlds open up!

Alison McGhee also shared a humorous tale about her son, who as a small boy passionately loved Munro Leaf's classic The Story of Ferdinand. He called one day to excitedly announce to his mother that he'd gotten a tattoo - but one that she would love! She was doubtful about this, but he eagerly went on to explain that it was a tattoo of - you guessed it - Ferdinand the bull! Talk about one's early reading making an indelible impression!

KCLS: Our local gem!

2011-07-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

Did you know that the King County Library System is not only the nation's busiest (circulating over 22 million items last year), but was also named Library of the Year by Library Journal for its outstanding service to the community?

Read all about it in the official announcement and check out the KCLS news release. Maybe you'll be surprised at all the wonderful services, events and resources that are right at our fingertips and in our neighborhoods!

No school library can ever compete with a great public library system, which is why an integral part of information literacy lessons for OWS and Vista students is learning about and encouraging use of KCLS resources. By becoming familiar with all the public library has to offer at a young age, students will be set for life since the library enriches and offers tremendous value to the lives of people of all ages and backgrounds.

Following up on last week's post about video contests, check out the talented teen winners of the Why I Need My Library video competition.

Do you like making videos?

2011-07-11T15:27:00.000-07:00

If you love to read and enjoy making videos, why not make a short video about a book you love and enter it at Storytubes (for ages 5-18) or Read.Flip.Win (for middle school, junior high and high school students)?

Get some friends involved in making your short movie and see how much fun it is to tell the world about the books you love!

The women who started Storytubes spoke at the ALA conference at a session on combining reading promotion with other media and they showed the very darling video on the main page about a book on chicken care. Take 2 minutes to watch it - I guarantee you'll be smiling by the end! You can also see some amazing past winners of Read.Flip.Win on their YouTube channel. Feel inspired? Please let me know if you enter - I'd love to see your videos!

Words of wisdom from Ingrid Law

2011-07-05T10:42:00.000-07:00

Apologies for my silence! I was fortunate to get a grant from Penguin Young Readers Group to attend the American Library Association annual conference in New Orleans. It was an amazing week packed full of learning opportunities (literally: there were a couple of days when I had events scheduled from 8am-10pm), networking with about 13,000 other librarians from around the world, and even a bit of sightseeing in that truly incomparable city. I met many people who had lived through the trauma of Hurricane Katrina and was humbled by their stories. During this and coming weeks, I will be sharing some of the experiences I had at ALA.

To begin, I'll share some nuggets of wisdom from Newbery-winning author, Ingrid Law, whose delightful fantasies Savvy and Scumble have been very popular with our students. Among the many fantastic sessions I attended was one in which she was a panelist along with Jennifer Holm and Kirby Larson.

Ingrid shared the value of persistence and hard work when writing. Did you know that the first manuscript she sent out was rejected 45 times? Publishers told her that they loved her writing... but they didn't particularly like that novel. It would have been easy to give up, but she forged on, kept writing - and in 2009, Savvy was awarded a richly deserved Newbery Honor!

Want to know another secret? Ingrid revealed that one day she sat down, gave herself permission to write anything that came to mind without judgment (no self-censoring because her idea was too silly or strange or boring!) and what she wrote became the opening sentence of Savvy: "When my brother Fish turned thirteen, we moved to the deepest part of inland because of the hurricane and, of course, the fact that he'd caused it."

Ingrid said that she gives herself permission to write "badly" on days when she's not feeling too inspired because you can always go back and fix bad writing, but if you haven't written anything at all there's nothing to work with.

She also does a surprising amount of research for someone who writes fantasy books! Of course you know that writers of historical fiction bury themselves in research to prepare for their writing. But Ingrid carefully checks out every detail, including going on road trips to the same places the Beaumont family visits and ordering a Volkswagen Beetle bumper on eBay (read Scumble if you're curious about that one)!

It was fascinating to hear all of this directly from the author and I hope that it will help you appreciate all the behind-the-scenes work your favorite authors put in, as well as encouraging you in your own writing!

Julia Donaldson: The New Children's Laureate!

2011-06-21T19:22:00.000-07:00

The list of British Children's Laureates includes some of my personal favorite authors and the most recent addition, Julia Donaldson, is no exception! I was so pleased to see a recent article announcing her appointment.

Best known for her beloved Gruffalo picture books, Donaldson is also the prolific author of chapter books for beginning readers, middle grade students and teens - not to mention plays, poems and songs!

She is a busy woman overflowing with creativity, which will serve her well in her tenure as she devotes the next two years to promoting literacy, supporting libraries and generally spreading the joy of reading. If you only know her for the Gruffalo, you are in for a treat as you explore some of her other writing.

In the US, we have a National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. In case you missed it, check out this earlier blog post about Katherine Paterson!

Book Spine Poetry

2011-06-13T11:27:00.001-07:00

In 5th grade we finished off the year by making book spine poems during library class! The students impressed me with their boundless energy and creativity as they rushed about the library cleverly putting together books to create funny, creepy, thoughtful and intriguing poetry.

We ended up many wonderful poems that I hoped to show you, but I ran into frustrating formatting issues with adding photos to the blog and regretfully had to limit what I've shared to the following... [My apologies for the erratic spacing - after wrestling with this for some time, I have decided to send this post out into the world as is!]

Why not raid your bookshelves and try creating some book spine poems of your own?

Summer Break 2011 Reading Guide

2011-06-08T12:36:00.000-07:00

Also view my profile on Goodreads and my SWIFT and Sharepoint pages for more reading ideas! On this blog, look at the “labels” menu on the lower left for categories such as “reading lists” and “awards.”

Happy summer break & happy reading!
Ms. Simeon

Picture books for all ages

Bigfoot Cinderrrrrella by Tony Johnston – Enjoy this jolly romp through a Pacific Northwest forest with a hairy prince and his Bigfoot brrrrride!

Cora Cooks Pancit by Dorina K. Lazo Gilmore – Be warned: this book will make you hungry! Read the story, then use the recipe to try making pancit at home!

Miss Dorothy and Her Bookmobile by Gloria Houston – In a remote part of the United States, a dedicated woman loaded up a green van every day and drove the mountain roads to bring books to grateful readers, including the author of this book!

The Rabbit Problem by Emily Gravett – There’s a different rabbit problem every month of the year in this hilarious book!

The Strange Case of the Missing Sheep by Mircea Catusanu – Unique illustrations highlight this clever mystery with a surprise ending!

Wonder Horse: The True Story of the World’s Smartest Horse by Emily Arnold McCully – An inspirational tale showing the human/animal bond at its best.

Chapter books - elementary

A Finder’s Magic by Philippa Pearce – A charming short illustrated chapter book about a boy whose beloved dog goes missing and the magical helper who comes to his aid.

Smarter Than Squirrels by Lucy Nolan – A funny beginning chapter book in the Down Girl and Sit series about two dogs who think they know exactly how the human world works!

Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm – Times are tough and Turtle’s mama has to pack her off to stay with a gang of cousins in Key West. That’s when the adventure begins!

Chapter books - elementary/middle school

Drizzle by Kathleen Van Cleve – Great fun for those who like a dash of magic and mystery in their books.

I, Emma Freke by Elizabeth Atkinson – This is the summer that Emma figures out that, despite her name, she is NOT a freak!

Ninth Ward by Jewell Parker Rhodes – Lanesha has always been able to talk with spirits, and that’s what helps her survive when Hurricane Katrina comes and the waters start to rise.

Return to Sender by Julia Alvarez – What would you do if you found out your parents were breaking the law…?

Chapter books - middle/high school

As Easy as Falling Off the Face of the Earth by Lynne Rae Perkins – When Ry’s summer camp is cancelled, his summer turns out to be more wildly adventurous than he ever could have dreamed!

Backwater by Joan Bauer – Finding the mysterious aunt no one wants to talk about helps Ivy figure out her own place in the family where she doesn’t quite fit in.

Peace, Love and Baby Ducks by Lauren Myracle – No one writes smart chick lit like Myracle! The title says it all.

Shift by Jennifer Bradbury – It all started off as the perfect summer vacation: two guys, their bikes and the open road. But that’s not how it ended…

Non-fiction

The Day-Glo Brothers: The True Story of Bob and Joe Switzer’s Bright Ideas and Brand-New Colors by Chris Barton (grades 3-6) – An entertaining science book about the unexpected discoveries made by two brothers that have an impact on all our lives.

Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler’s Shadow by Susan Campbell Bartoletti (grades 5 and up) – History comes to life through the words of young Germans who share what it was like to grow up in the Third Reich.

Making Amazing Art!: 40 Activities Using the 7 Elements of Art Design by Sandi Henry (grades 2-8) – A great art book that teaches theory and technique as well as providing many activities to try.

Nasreen’s Secret School: A True Story from Afghanistan by Jeanette Winter (grades 2-4) – A beautiful true story about the power of learning and human connection.

Meet Satoshi Kitamura

2011-06-02T12:01:00.000-07:00

One of the delights of the picture book genre is the way that someone who is a truly gifted artist and illustrator can create works that bring great joy to readers of all ages. Satoshi Kitamura is just such an individual. A native of Japan who lived for many years in London and who has won multiple literary awards in the English-speaking world, his books number among my favorites.

Take a look at this gallery of some of his art, including a page from my personal favorite, Sheep in Wolves' Clothing. You can also read his Postcard from Japan, about his experiences during and after the recent earthquake.

The whimsy, creativity and exuberance of an artist such as Kitamura are real gifts to readers of all ages. If you are not familiar with his work, give yourself a treat and take a moment to explore his work!

Cell phone novels & other creative writing outlets

2011-05-20T08:58:00.000-07:00

Figment, a free creative writing site for teens, is barely 6 months old but is already teeming with creative energy! Profiled in the New York Times, the site offers teens a place to share their writing - poetry, fiction, short stories, biography, and even cell phone novels.

Young writers can read and comment on one another's work. Some publishers have even joined the site! With summer break just around the corner, this might be the perfect time to sign up with Figment and start writing...

What's going on in 5th grade?

2011-05-17T16:24:00.000-07:00

Rounding out our recent survey of what's happening at various grace levels, 5th graders have been learning about RADCAB. This handy acronym helps students consider whether a particular website suits their needs or not.

Relevancy (Is it related to what I want to know?)
Appropriateness (Is the reading level just right for me? Is the content appropriate for someone my age?)
Detail (Are there page headings or a site map to help me find what I need? What about a works cited page or a search engine? Is the site too general or too specific for me, or just right?)
Currency (How recently was this website updated?)
Authority (Who wrote the content for this site and how do I know whether I can trust him or her?)
Bias (What viewpoint was this information written from?)

Each week we've looked at a different aspect of RADCAB and discussed it as a group. Next, students explored the websites individually trying to determine on their own where the "mission statement" or "last updated" or "about the authors" or "contact us" sections of the site were, among other things.

Finally, we again got together to review as a class the areas that were most challenging for the majority of students, visiting many of the websites in question to help clear up any difficulties.

If you ever search the web with your student, I strongly suggest you work together to think about and discuss each of these points above. This will help him or her with future online research and also contribute to his or her general information literacy. These are valuable skills to have when reading news stories, watching advertisements on TV or listening to debates.

Our book fair starts tomorrow!

2011-05-12T08:34:00.000-07:00

Our annual book fair at the downtown Bellevue branch of University Book Store will take place beginning tomorrow, Friday, May 13th through Sunday, May 15th during normal store hours (see below).

The school library gets 25% of the sales as store credit. Combined with our 20% educators’ discount, this adds up to a lot of books! Just show your OWS/Vista book fair voucher when you shop for books, gifts, art supplies, stationery and more. Vouchers will be sent home with students next week and will also be available in the farmhouse, library, main office and at the bookstore.

At 10:30am on Saturday, May 14th, Ms. Arends will lead the OWS recorders group in a concert at the store. And don’t miss the beautiful Matisse-inspired self portraits created by our 2nd graders in Ms. Leggitt’s art class that will be on display for the duration of the book fair!

Thank you for helping to support your school library!

Questions? Contact Ms. Simeon at library at ows dot org

University Book Store has free underground parking and is conveniently located near Bellevue Square mall!

990 102nd Ave NE, Bellevue
425.462.4500 ~ ubsbelle@u.washington.edu
Hours: Friday 9am–7pm, Saturday 10am–6pm, Sunday 12pm–5pm

What's going on in 4th grade?

2011-05-09T10:52:00.000-07:00

Fourth graders continue to practice important information literacy skills during library classes that help them locate information more efficiently whether they are searching for books in a library catalog, articles in a database for a homework assignment, or websites in a search engine just for fun.

Unlike the days of hunting high and low to find enough information for your needs, today we all face the opposite challenge: too much information is out there and at times it threatens to overwhelm us!

Two of the most important skills students need to acquire are efficient search techniques and the ability to evaluate the quality of the content they retrieve.

We have been focusing on the former skill during library classes as students have practiced using search engines to locate answers to specific questions (such as the most popular dog breeds in Seattle or the top tourist destinations in the United States). They have also searched the library catalog for books that might interest a classmate, following a brief interview about his/her reading tastes.

These exercises have shown how challenging such relatively basic tasks can be for students of this age. One challenge is spelling! Another is being able to search in a flexible way. If your first search doesn't work (and is spelled correctly!), what other keywords could you try before deciding that the database has "nothing" about your topic or that there just aren't any good websites out there? We've focused on brainstorming a variety of related keywords to help make this type of flexible thinking a habit.

Take a look at my past blog posts on the topic of research to find out more!

What's going on in 2nd and 3rd grades?

2011-05-03T13:40:00.000-07:00

Recently 2nd and 3rd grades have been enjoying books about individuals who struggled to overcome hardship in pursuit of their dreams. Most of the books we've been reading have been biographies - a genre which has come a long, long way since the rather dry books many of us parents and teachers remember reading as kids!

These days there are captivating, richly illustrated biographies of individuals both famous and not-so-famous. One thing their stories all have in common is persistence in the face of what can seem like insurmountable odds!

Students were fascinated to learn about Billy Wong, the Arizona-born son of Chinese immigrants who became El Chino, a famous bullfighter in Spain. Noted Japanese American author and artist, Allen Say, writes that Wong's "search for self-identity became the inspirational force for the story."

This was a theme at work in the story of Wilma Rudolph as well. Wilma Unlimited by Kathleen Krull tells the remarkable tale of her triumph over debilitating diseases to become one of the greatest athletes of her time.

The public library's biography reading lists for kids and teens will help you find more great books to enjoy at home!

May 13-15: The OWS/Vista Academy Book Fair!

2011-05-02T11:57:00.000-07:00

Our annual book fair at the downtown Bellevue branch of University Book Store will take place from Friday, May 13th to Sunday, May 15th during normal store hours (see below).

The school library gets 25% of the sales as store credit. Combined with our 20% educators’ discount, this adds up to a lot of books! Just show your OWS/Vista book fair voucher when you shop for books, gifts, art supplies, stationery and more. Vouchers will be sent home with students next week and will also be available in the farmhouse, library, main office and at the bookstore.

At 10:30am on Saturday, May 14th, Ms. Arends will lead the OWS recorders group in a concert at the store. And don’t miss the beautiful Matisse-inspired self portraits created by our 2nd graders in Ms. Leggitt’s art class that will be on display for the duration of the book fair!

Thank you for helping to support your school library!

Questions? Contact Ms. Simeon at library at ows dot org

University Book Store has free underground parking and is conveniently located near Bellevue Square mall!

990 102nd Ave NE, Bellevue
425.462.4500 ~ ubsbelle@u.washington.edu
Hours: Friday 9am–7pm, Saturday 10am–6pm, Sunday 12pm–5pm

What's going on in Kindergarten and 1st Grade?

2011-04-25T10:23:00.000-07:00

Kindergarten and first graders have been enjoying our new unit on noodlehead stories! Noodlehead tales poke gentle fun at individuals - or sometimes entire villages, such as Chelm or Gotham - who behave in a silly manner.

In addition to providing a lot of good laughs, sharing these tales from around the world reinforces a bit of geography (we start every story with a look at the globe) and reminds students of some of the universalities of human culture. They are starting to notice commonalities between, for example, a noodlehead situation in a Goha story from the Middle East, a Cajun story from Louisiana and a story from England.

I am also combining reading books with storytelling - which of course is the way that stories were primarily transmitted from generation to generation long before the written word! Storytelling is enjoying something of a rebirth in popularity at the moment and I find that students respond eagerly to the immediacy and physicality of it.

If you'd like to enjoy more noodlehead stories at home, you can do a web search and find many sites that list them. Noodleheads: The Wisdom of Fools is a favorite of mine which lists many great books.

How to use Goodreads

2011-04-19T16:42:00.000-07:00

Goodreads is a social networking site for readers who want to keep track of what they've read and what they'd like to read, as well as share their opinions with others or just see what books other readers might recommend.

On my Goodreads page, I have a number of books (almost 900!) sorted by genre, age level, theme, etc. If you are interested in checking out some of my recommendations - and you do not have to be a Goodreads member to do so - simply click on the link to get to my page.

Once you are there, choose a virtual bookshelf to explore - let's say, Australia. Click on that label and you will see a list of the books I categorized as having a connection to Australia. Wondering what exactly they are about or what ages they are recommended for? Just click on "view" in the far right column.

Let's say you pick Diary of a Wombat. If you click on "view" you will see that I added it to the following bookshelves: animals, australia, humor, picture-books. If you click on the title of the book at the top of the page, you will see a summary of the plot, other users' ratings, and more book information.

However, if you clicked on "view" next to Does My Head Look Big in This? you would see that it was on these bookshelves: australia, cross-cultural, high-school, middle-school-fiction, muslim, palestine, religion.

I generally update my Goodreads listings on a weekly basis and I hope they will prove useful to anyone looking for something fun to read!

The 2011 Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award Winner!

2011-04-11T15:14:00.000-07:00

This year's results for the Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award are in.... and the state-wide winner is Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine and a Miracle by Major Brian Dennis, Kirby Larson and Mary Nethery! This is a heartwarming true story about a dog in the deserts of Iraq who formed a special bond with a Marine and ended up starting a new life in California. Larson, a local author, has written some other student favorites, including Two Bobbies: A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship, and Survival.

Meanwhile, the winner at Open Window School (where Nubs came in second place) was Duck! Rabbit! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, an incredibly clever offering by the beloved author of Little Pea and Spoon. You can even see an animated version of the book on YouTube!

Fun new children's book website!

2011-03-28T08:27:00.000-07:00

The Guardian newspaper's Children's Books site is full of fun activities from book quizzes and answers to readers' questions to author and illustrator interviews, top 10 lists and reviews of new releases! Head on over to check it out!

Best Fiction for Young Adults!

2011-03-22T13:33:00.000-07:00

The YALSA (Young Adult Library Services Association) 2011 list of Best Fiction for Young Adults is now available. This list covers a range of books in diverse genres for ages 12-18.

These days more and more adults have figured out that much young adult fiction is wonderfully written and entertaining no matter what your age. Check out this New York Times article on the subject of the growing popularity of YA fiction across all age levels!

Visit the library on parent/teacher conference days!

2011-03-15T10:52:00.000-07:00

I will be in the library from 8am-3:30pm on March 16th and 17th, which are parent teacher conference days. If there is anything you would like to discuss, from encouraging your child to read more, to safely searching online for information, helping him/her try a greater variety of books, or research tips to help make homework go more smoothly, please come see me.

No appointment necessary! Consider this an open house time. You are welcome to take a look around the library even if you don't have any burning questions. I'd love to meet you!

Samantha Vamos at Open Window!

2011-03-14T10:46:00.000-07:00

Last week we were fortunate enough to have Samantha Vamos come to our school. She did three presentations - one for kindergarten and first grade, one for second grade and one for fifth grade. Students got to see her PowerPoint slideshow about what it's like to be an author and a short movie about her life, listened to her read her books aloud, and got to ask her questions. (One of my favorite questions came from a first grader who asked, "Mrs. Vamos, what do you like better: writing books or selling books?")

Samantha emphasized that writing is a skill - and as with any skill, you get better with practice! She talked about how many times (about 50!) she rewrote her first picture book, Before You Were Here, Mi Amor, and how she learned to use rejections as a way to make the book better by really listening to the comments of the publishers who turned it down.

Fifth graders were able to see some of the early drafts of The Cazuela That the Farm Maiden Stirred, with the editors' comments on both text and illustrations. Samantha had created a special presentation just for them on generating story ideas and described all the ways she gains inspiration for her writing. In turn, students were thrilled to share with her the stories they'd written in English and Spanish!

As always, it was a real treat to welcome an author to our campus and I hope the experience was one that our students will remember for years to come.

The University Book Store bookmark contest!

2011-03-09T12:43:00.000-08:00

In the past you may have noticed the colorful bookmarks with children's artwork coming home with your student from the school library. University Book Store runs an annual bookmark contest for students in grades K-8. Winners will be chosen in three grade divisions and these artists will have their work printed up as bookmarks. We were delighted last year when one of our talented first graders won!

We will be handing out entry forms and information sheets in the school library starting today. Any student interested in entering may take one home (you can also pick up extras at the bookstore). The deadline is Friday, April 8th. Entries may be submitted in person at any UBS branch or mailed to:

Kids Books
University Book Store
4326 University Way NE
Seattle, WA 98105-1009

Please do not send completed entries to school! We cannot take responsibility for them and do not want your child's precious artwork to get mislaid.

I have uploaded a copy of the directions to my SWIFT and Sharepoint pages. Please see the Documents section of my teacher websites if you need to refer to them.

Have questions about reading or information literacy? Come see me during parent/teacher conferences!

2011-03-07T11:09:00.001-08:00

Samantha Vamos - here tomorrow!

2011-03-07T10:41:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, Tuesday, March 8th, our Kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade and 5th grade students will get to meet with local bilingual author, Samantha Vamos! She will meet with them in three separate sessions to talk about her work, read her latest book to them, and answer their questions. 5th graders will get to learn about the process of becoming a published author, how she has drawn on her life experiences to create her books, and more. They have also been writing their own Spanish stories in preparation for her visit!

If you wish to purchase one of her books and get it signed, you may download the order form from my teacher website in the Current Families section of the school website, or just come to the main office tomorrow between 10:45-11:15am. Samantha would be happy to meet and chat with anyone who is interested.

Happy Read Across America Day!

2011-03-02T10:27:00.000-08:00

In honor of the inimitable Theodor Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss, today is Read Across America Day! With events planned across the country in honor of his birthday, this is a moment to stop and reflect on the man who extraordinary creative talents changed children's books forever. Why not sit down with your family and read The Boy on Fairfield Street: How Ted Geisel Grew Up to Become Dr. Seuss by Kathleen Krull, which is a delightful picture book biography?

The Geisel Award for excellence in literature for beginning readers is given out by the American Library Association (the same folks who award the Newbery and Caldecott Medals). Check out their list of winners for reading suggestions for your young reader!

You can also look at the official Dr. Seuss homepage, which is full of fun activities and check out the Dr. Seuss National Memorial.

Teens and adults may be interested to learn that in addition to writing for young children, Geisel was a political cartoonist and worked in the advertising industry. These sites highlight a little known side of this beloved author.

The Cybils Are Here!

2011-02-18T10:22:00.000-08:00

The 2010 Cybil winners - books for children and young adults that best "combined literary merit with kid appeal" have been announced!

This is a delightful list chosen by children's and YA literature bloggers from a crop of literally thousands of new releases.

Check them out and enjoy some great reading over midwinter break!

A farewell salute to the magical world of Brian Jacques

2011-02-08T08:35:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I saw the very sad news that the greatly beloved author of the Redwall series, Brian Jacques, had passed away.

Over the years, his books have consistently been among the most popular in our school library and justifiably so! They are well-written animal fantasies, full of drama, intrigue and adventure, as well as a charming attention to the kinds of details that make all good fantasy worlds spring vividly to life in the mind of the reader.

If you are not already familiar with this talented and prolific writer, do give them a try (Redwall is the first book in the series). If you enjoy the Warriors series, the Chronicles of Narnia, or stories about rodents, the Redwall books are likely to appeal to you.

There is even a Redwall comic series in the works - one has been released and I look forward to seeing the rest. Brian Jacques may be gone, but his stories live on.

Meet Samantha Vamos!

2011-02-02T11:32:00.000-08:00

Not only is bilingualism good for the brain, it's a lot of fun - instantly opening up whole worlds full of new friends and great books! Our students are very fortunate to be learning Spanish at school and now they can practice their language skills with a lovely new bilingual picture book by local author Samantha Vamos.

Later this spring, Samantha will visit our school to meet with students in kindergarten through 2nd grade. In the meantime, you can meet her at the book launch party for her latest title, The Cazuela That the Farm Maiden Stirred.

There will be a reading, book signing, cupcakes, balloons and lots of fun for all!

When: Saturday, February 5, 2:30PM
Where: Northwest Arts Center, Studio D, 9825 NE 24th St., Bellevue, WA 98004

What Happens When You Write to an Author?

2011-01-25T13:13:00.000-08:00

I thought of this topic when reading an inspirational article about the multiple-award winning author Walter Dean Myers who responded to a fan letter by inviting a teenaged boy to co-write his next novel! The result is Kick, coming out next week!

Have any of you ever written to your favorite authors? I first wrote to an author when I was in 3rd or 4th grade. I sent a letter and drawing of a horse to the now late Marguerite Henry, greatly beloved author of many classic horse novels, and was utterly thrilled to get a warm and positive response, which I still have tucked away in a special place at home.

This first encounter encouraged me, and over the years I've made a point to send a note of appreciation to many authors I've admired to let them know how their books have touched me. I imagine that writing can sometimes be a lonely and solitary occupation. Writers set their books loose in the world hoping that they will meet a sympathetic mind and I want them to know if their books changed me in an important way or made me think or even just brightened up my life for a few weeks. Sometimes I get a response, sometimes not. That's ok. I'd much prefer that my favorite writers spend their time working on new books than writing to fans!

If you want to write to an author, first try searching for their website. The Internet has vastly changed how we contact people! They may list their preferences for personal contact somewhere online. If not, you can do an online search to find the name of their agent and write care of him or her. Failing that, check the title page of the book and send a letter care of their publisher, being sure to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you're hoping for a response! Writing generally does not pay well and most authors have a day job to pay the bills.

If you do write to an author, I'd love to hear about it!

Don't Believe Everything You Read!

2011-01-19T11:59:00.000-08:00

An article about a controversy regarding a textbook used in a 4th grade classroom was recently posted to a librarians' mailing list that I'm on. The author of the textbook, who is not a professional historian, used websites from an organization called the Sons of Confederate Veterans to support the claim - disputed by experts - that thousands of African Americans fought on the side of the South during the Civil War. This argument is put forward by organizations which attempt to minimize slavery as a factor in the Civil War.

Situations such as this can make for wonderful conversations about the validity of sources. They are reminders to young people not to believe everything they read, whether it's in print or on the Internet (the same goes for everything they see or hear on television or the radio)! Mistakes happen and information can be skewed deliberately to further an agenda.

When I talk about this type of case with students (as well as the importance of bibliographies so people can check on sources!) two examples I like to share are the War of the Worlds and Snopes. Megan McCarthy has written a great book for young people called Aliens are Coming! The True Account of the 1938 War of the Worlds Radio Broadcast. The original listeners' credulity may strain belief today, but the existence of Snopes, a site which verifies or debunks urban legends forwarded by email, shows that people still have a tendency to accept as true anything delivered via a medium they trust.

Encourage your son or daughter to develop his or her critical thinking skills by questioning what they read and hear. Discuss together the information presented in commercials, newspaper articles, etc. In 5th grade library classes we have been working on distinguishing between fact and fiction, as well as on paraphrasing - putting information from a source into one's own words without changing the original meaning or adding personal opinions. These are challenging skills, but they are crucial ones in our increasingly media and information saturated lives.

Books about grief and loss

2011-01-11T09:20:00.000-08:00

Lately several children have shared with me the death of a beloved family member and I have also been searching for appropriate titles to share with teachers and parents who have requested books on this topic.

Sometimes nonfiction titles are most suitable, especially when young people have factual questions, but at other times, fiction can speak to the tumult of conflicting emotions felt by a grieving person.

Today I'd like to share a few reading lists as well as a handful of my own favorite books on this difficult and sensitive subject.

Reading lists

40 Books about Grief and Loss - mostly fiction, organized by type of loss and age level (preschool-teen)
Books for Teens on Grief and Loss - annotated nonfiction reading list
Children's Books about Grief - annotated reading list organized by age (preschool-teen)
Children's Books on Death-Related Issues - annotated reading list for younger readers
Death & Dying - annotated fiction list for the kindergarten-tween years
Pet Loss and Bereavement: Books Especially for or about Children - a selection of fiction and nonfiction titles
Top 10 Children's Picture Books about the Death of a Pet - annotated list of fiction books with age recommendations (preschool to tween)

My recommendations

Before I Die by Jenny Downham - A gripping and compelling novel for high school students and adults about a girl facing her own mortality.

Each Little Bird That Sings by Deborah Wiles - Southern warmth and humor infuse this chapter book for upper elementary and middle school students.

Looking for Bapu by Anjali Banerjee - This middle grade novel deftly and honestly explores a young boy's confusing swirl of emotions after his beloved grandfather dies.

Nana Upstairs & Nana Downstairs by Tomie dePaola - Based on the author's childhood memories, this is a beautiful picture book that speaks to the reader in a simple and heartfelt way.

Michael Rosen's Sad Book by Michael Rosen - The talented poet and former British Children's Laureate shares his experience of grief following the loss of his son in a picture book that can be appreciated by people of all ages.

Best Illustrated Children’s Books of 2010 & the WCCPBA

2011-01-04T14:14:00.000-08:00

Recently the New York Times chose the Best Illustrated Children’s Books of 2010 and there are some wonderful selections on the list that can be enjoyed by all ages!

Picture books are a format rather than a genre. They generally are 32 pages long and what makes them different from books that have some or no illustrations is that in a picture book, text and illustrations unite to create a new whole that is equally dependent on both elements. (Having said that, some are slightly longer or shorter and there are wordless picture books!)

There are picture books for infants and there are others that are more sophisticated or that deal with more mature topics that only an older teen or adult will fully appreciate. You can find just about any genre written in picture book format. It is a rich and innovative area of publishing!

Right now, grades K-3 are taking part in the Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Awards. This is an annual tradition that the students greatly look forward to. We will read all 20 nominated books during library classes, then students will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite. The nominees appeal to a wide range of tastes and ages, and always spark spirited discussions.

What is most fascinating for me is to observe different reactions to the same book across grade levels. For example, so far this week I've read Amy Krouse Rosenthal's Duck! Rabbit! to kindergartners, first graders and third graders. Kindergartners were intrigued but rather literal-minded in their interpretations, first graders thought it was simply hilarious, and third graders delved deeply into the meaning of the story and its implications for conflict resolution and building empathy between people. All this from one small picture book!

The process of participating in the WCCPBA also allows us to talk about how books are chosen to receive awards, who does the selecting for most awards (adults!), and how very difficult it is to choose one "best" book. Why not check out their website and borrow some of the past winners to enjoy with your family?

The Great Wall of Lucy Wu by Wendy Wan-Long Shang

2010-12-31T08:31:00.000-08:00

As a child I was an insatiable reader. I started reading very early and I have read nonstop ever since. Reading was an education, a comfort and an escape. In fact I passionately devoured so many classics from the British Isles that when I finally landed in Wales at the age of 16 it felt more like a homecoming than an adventure abroad! However, in all the thousands of pages I consumed in my youth and the millions of virtual miles travelled, I never once encountered a child like myself – one who was Asian American or even one who was navigating her way carefully between multiple cultures. It is difficult to articulate the psychic toll this invisibility takes on a young person.

This memory of finding out through books about other people’s lives but never delving more deeply into my own through literature (at least, not until my university years), is the major reason why as an adult today I am drawn particularly to children’s books that reflect diverse backgrounds. These books open the eyes of children in the cultural majority, showing them new perspectives they might otherwise never encounter, and they are also incredibly precious to the children whose lives they mirror. We are fortunate today to see the emergence of an increasing number of marvellously talented Asian American writers for young people. I am excited that Wendy Wan-Long Shang has added to their number!

The Great Wall of Lucy Wu is a story that is at once universal and particular, and it is one that will appeal to upper elementary and middle school boys and girls equally. Every sixth grader feels self-conscious about being different at times (whether those differences are obvious or mostly internal) and it is the job of young people of this age to begin exploring where their parents end and their own identity begins. Lucy Wu is no exception. She starts off the school year with high hopes as she contemplates finally having a bedroom to herself and enjoying a great year with her best friend on their basketball team. However, these dreams are quickly shattered when she learns of her parents’ plans to bring her long-lost great-aunt from China to share her room and for her to go to Chinese Saturday school instead of basketball practice!

How Lucy navigates her way through these challenges makes for an entertaining and educational read. The educational aspects are woven seamlessly into the story and presented in an entirely age-appropriate way: Chinese cultural information, background on the Cultural Revolution, the sad realities of racism and classism. The entertaining part is that the information always moves the story forward; it never feels like a digression or mini-lecture as is too often the case.

One of the challenges of writing multi-cultural books is that the author must include enough explanation to make the story and characters comprehensible to people outside the community, but not so much that it bogs down the plot or makes readers from the group that is portrayed feel as if they are being treated as an interesting curiosity. Shang walks this tightrope brilliantly. She also excels at creating well-rounded characters who are products of their cultures as well as distinct individuals.

When my daughter finished this book, the first thing she said was, “I hope she writes a sequel.” That was my feeling too: I started reading it and wanted to do nothing else, though I was also reluctant to finish and have the journey end. Lucy and her family stole my heart. They held up a mirror to my own childhood but also taught me a great deal. There’s not much more I can ask for from a book.

Ask an adult for a book suggestion!

2010-12-28T16:01:00.000-08:00

January's 5th grade book report will be a bit different from past months. This time you will ask an adult you know to suggest a book - but not just any old book! You need to come up with an intriguing question, one that will stimulate them to think and pique the curiosity of your classmates when you present your book to them.

Think carefully about your question, because it will become part of your presentation. Some examples of questions you could use are:

When you were about my age, what was a book you read that...

- made you cry?
- changed your mind about something important?
- taught you something completely new about the world?
- made you feel like the author really understood you?

You can use one of these questions or come up with your own!

Who can you ask? Your parents, aunts and uncles, grandparents, teachers, dentist, soccer coach, mail carrier, the checkout guy at the grocery store, the old lady who lives down the street... ask away and be prepared to hear some interesting answers!
And remember, once you have a book idea, be sure to run it past Ms. Russell for approval!

Happy New Year, everyone! May 2011 be filled with wonderful books!

Penny Dreadful by Laurel Snyder

2010-12-20T17:47:00.000-08:00

I hope each and every one of you is equipped with a book - or preferably a stack of books! - to look forward to settling down with over winter break. I'm in the middle of Penny Dreadful by Laurel Snyder, a truly delightful tale about a little girl whose life turns upsidedown in an instant following a magic (or is it?) wish she makes...

If you liked Half Magic by Edward Eager or The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall or Savvy by Ingrid Law, this is your kind of book! Penelope Grey, later known as Penny, is an only child who has lived a life of great comfort and elegance, even if it's a rather lonely one. When her father walks out on his job out of the blue one day, this impulsive move has enormous consequences for the entire family. There is struggle and anxiety, yes, but also new possibilities and adventures never before dreamed of.

In between reading, I'm also looking forward to spending time in Washington, DC with my family, including my 5-month-old niece, and my best friend from high school. I wish you all a Happy New Year and look forward to seeing you in January!

Global Studies Book Clubs for Grades 2-3 and 4-5!

2010-12-15T09:33:00.001-08:00

I am pleased to announce that starting in January there will be Global Studies Book Clubs for grades 2-3 and 4-5, meeting in the library during lunch recess! We will read a book together and meet several times to discuss it. There will also be an online discussion component using ThinkQuest, a secure site for educators.

The size will be limited to 8 students so that we can have meaningful discussions within the half hour time frame. If more than 8 students apply, I will choose names at random.

Students are responsible for obtaining their own copies of the book they are reading from the public library or a bookstore (both are available in paperback).

Second and third graders will be reading How Tia Lola Came to (Visit) Stay by Julia Alvarez, a chapter book about Miguel, a boy who is adjusting to moving from New York City to rural Vermont following his parents' divorce, and the arrival of his Spanish-speaking aunt who will be living with his family. The author was raised in the Dominican Republic and the US and has written many wonderful books about family, identity and belonging.

Fourth and fifth graders will read Project Mulberry by Linda Sue Park, a chapter book about the intersection of two cultures by a Newbery Medal-winning Korean American author. Best friends Julia and Patrick need a project for the state fair and the one they pick - raising silkworms - is connected to Julia's Korean heritage. Patrick is a European American boy who loves Korean food and culture, but Julia feels ambivalent and wonders if their project is "American" enough. One of the most fun parts of this book are the sections between the chapters in which Julia argues with the author about the plot!

Note: Students should NOT begin reading until after our first meeting. It’s important that we progress through and experience the book together at a similar pace!

Interested? Check out my teacher website on the Open Window School website (log in to the Current Families page and select Teacher Websites). Send me an email before January 4th and I will add your student's name to the list!

Winter Break 2010 Reading Guide

2010-12-14T15:16:00.000-08:00

Also view my profile on GoodReads and my SWIFT and Sharepoint pages for more book recommendations! On this blog, look at the “labels” menu on the lower left for categories such as “reading lists” and “awards.”

In honor of our upcoming Multicultural Event which focuses on Africa, several of the suggested titles below are about that richly diverse continent!

Happy holidays & happy reading!
Ms. Simeon

Picture books for all ages

Elizabeti's School by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen (A sweet first day of school book by a former Peace Corps volunteer who lived in Tanzania. Look for the other Elizabeti books while you're at it!)

I Lost My Tooth in Africa by Penda Diakité (Based on the young author’s actual experiences as an 8 year old from Oregon who was visiting relatives in Mali. You know about the tooth fairy, but what happens if you lose a tooth in West Africa?)

The Nightingale by Jerry Pinkney (Legendary African American author and artist Pinkney takes Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale and moves it to Morocco adding lush illustrations and cultural details.)

Pretty Salma: A Little Red Riding Hood Story from Africa by Niki Daly (Daly, a South African writer, set this fractured fairy tale in the West African country of Ghana! A delightful variation on a beloved classic.)

The Silver Charm by Robert D. San Souci (A charmingly illustrated folktale about a little boy and an ogre from the Ainu ethnic minority of Japan.)

Chapter books - elementary

Akimbo and the Elephants by Alexander McCall Smith (The first in a series about a Kenyan boy growing up on a wildlife reserve, written for young readers by a British author born in Zimbabwe.)

My Dad's a Birdman by David Almond (Both whimsical and emotionally compelling, this lovely book brings to mind Roald Dahl.)

No Flying in the House by Betty Brock (A sweet classic about Annabel Tippens, half fairy, and her little talking dog!)

Seaglass Summer by Anjali Banerjee (Animal lovers will enjoy this touching story of a girl, her veterinarian Uncle Sanjay, and a host of furry critters set in the Pacific Northwest - a little taste of summer in the middle of our cold, wet winter.)

Chapter books - elementary/middle school

The Butterfly Lion by Michael Morpurgo (A heartwarming tale from the former British Children’s Laureate about a South African boy and the lion he loved.)

The Danger Box by Blue Balliett (A mysterious box containing an unknown treasure goes missing – and that results in the single most exciting summer vacation Zoomy has ever known.)

Dog Lost by Ingrid Lee (Dog fighting and the pit bull controversy are sensitively handled in this Canadian book about the tender bonds that can form between compassionate humans and the dogs in their lives.)

Feathers by Jacqueline Woodson (Taking its title from the Emily Dickinson poem which begins, “Hope is the thing with feathers / that perches in the soul,” this is a quiet and thoughtful story of figuring out family, friends and faith.)

A Friendship for Today by Patricia C. McKissack (What if your school were going to close and you and your friends would be scattered around, having to start all over? Throw in parents who are arguing and a serious disagreement with your best friend and you’ll have a lot to figure out in 6th grade! See how Rosemary triumphs over all these obstacles in this heartwarming book.)

Listening for Lions by Gloria Whelan (Set during the colonial days of what is now Kenya, this is the dramatic tale of an orphaned English girl caught in the midst of scheming and intrigue.)

Chapter books - middle/high school

The Ear, the Eye and the Arm by Nancy Farmer (An exciting science fiction detective story set in 22nd century Zimbabwe!)

The Juvie Three by Gordon Korman (Three boys in juvenile detention get one last chance at freedom in a halfway house… but can they be good students and stay out of trouble when they are left living along after their social worker ends up hospitalized with amnesia?)

Rose Sees Red by Cecil Castellucci (A freshman at a performing arts high school, Rose wears all black, desperately wants to be cool, is trying to figure out her best friend’s betrayal and wonders about the mysterious Russian teenager living next door. Realistic fiction at its best!)

What My Mother Doesn't Know by Sonya Sones (Ninth grade Sophie and her two best friends navigate the world of high school, from the masked mystery boy at the Halloween dance to the perils of cyber-romance.)

Non-fiction

Do You Remember the Color Blue: The Questions Children Ask about Blindness by Sally Hobart Alexander (A woman who lost her sight as an adult answers questions young people commonly ask about living as a blind person.)

My Painted House, My Friendly Chicken, and Me by Maya Angelou (A colorful tour through an Ndebele village in South Africa as seen through the eyes of a little girl.)

Ox, House, Stick: The History of Our Alphabet by Don Robb (Fascinating introduction to the origins of our alphabet.)

Planting the Trees of Kenya: The Story of Wangari Maathai by Claire A. Nivola (Inspirational short biography of this remarkable Nobel Peace Prize winner!)

The Race to Save the Lord God Bird by Phillip M. Hoose (A real-life environmental tragedy and mystery, this compelling book outlines the fate of the majestic ivory-billed woodpecker which fell victim to the march of American economic development.)

What Stinks? by Marilyn Singer (A funny and entertaining guide to your sense of smell!)

You Are What You Read

2010-12-07T10:52:00.000-08:00

You Are What You Read (for adults) and The Stacks (the kids' version) are fun new sites from Scholastic where users can share the 5 books that have most influenced them, see what they have in common with other readers, and get new ideas for books to read.

Today I set up my profile in which I chose my "bookprints" - the books that had the greatest impact on my life. It was nearly impossible to limit the choices to just 5, but I had fun trying!

Why don't you create an account today? If you do, please write a comment and share your profile with me. I'd love to see your bookprints too!

Award-winning books

2010-11-30T15:26:00.000-08:00

The theme for the December 5th grade book report is award-winning books, specifically a "just right" book that won a medal or honor as part of an American Library Association award.

Links to the award websites are below. While the Newbery is perhaps the most famous of the ALA awards, there are several others that recognize truly outstanding works of fiction and nonfiction.

Parents should be aware that the intended audience may be older than 5th grade. Please read professional reviews of the book (e.g. on KCLS) and help your student make an appropriate choice. Many of the awards cover books intended for a wide span of ages.

Each student must select a different book! When you have chosen your book, Ms. Russell must approve it and record the title. Let her know which award the book won.

Mildred L. Batchelder Award - Given to an outstanding book originally published in a language other than English.

Pura Belpré Award - Recognizes "a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth."

Coretta Scott King Book Award - Is for "outstanding books for young adults and children by African American authors and illustrators that reflect the African American experience."

John Newbery Medal - Awarded "to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children."

Michael L. Printz Award - Given to "a book that exemplifies literary excellence in young adult literature."

Schneider Family Book Award - Is awarded to "honor an author or illustrator for a book that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences."

Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal - Honors "the most distinguished informational book published in English in the preceding year for its significant contribution to children’s literature."

Snow days!

2010-11-24T11:20:00.000-08:00

What are you all up to on these unexpected days off school? On Monday, my daughter and I walked to the library. Yesterday, when the library was closed due to icy roads, we walked to a bookstore. Today we’re making a gingerbread house using the directions from one of our library books!

All this chilly weather reminds me of one of my very favorite wintertime books, Snow by Uri Shulevitz. The simplicity and beauty of this book perfectly evoke the wonder of the first winter snowfall. Shulevitz is a talented artist whose luminous paintings have graced many exquisite picture books.

While it is not a Thanksgiving holiday book, The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs by Betty G. Birney is an ideal read for this time of year. It's about a boy who chafes at spending his summer vacation stuck in his boring hometown. He yearns to take off for more exotic destinations and see the Seven Wonders of the World. His father makes a deal: if he can find seven wonders - one for each day of the week - right there at home, he'll get a train ticket out of town to visit relatives.

Birney is hugely popular for her Humphrey the hamster series, but this little gem of hers is sometimes overlooked. Try it out this Thanksgiving and start paying attention to the everyday wonders that surround us all.

Wishing you and your families a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Stress, sleep & wellness

2010-11-16T12:30:00.000-08:00

As the mother of a middle school student, I knew sleep mattered, but was surprised to read about how greatly it can influence academic performance (not just how much sleep, but also when!) in Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman's thought provoking book, NurtureShock. I highly recommend this fascinating and very readable book that challenges many of the assumptions we "know" to be true about raising kids.

Next came this eye-opening article, Late-Night Texting Can Negatively Impact Schoolwork, which talks about the potential negative side effects of use of electronic media during the evening before sleep.

Of course, our children lead busy and enriched lives, full of extracurriculars and homework and family fun too. How can we help our kids make the most of all these opportunities? By focusing on wellness too! Here are a few books that might help your family get started:

Elementary
Don't Pop Your Cork on Mondays! The Children's Anti-stress Book by Adolph Moser
Real Spirit: Fun Ideas for Refreshing, Relaxing, and Staying Strong by Elizabeth Chobanian
Stress Can Really Get on Your Nerves! by Trevor Romain
What Would You Do? Quizzes about Real-Life Problems by Patti Kelley Criswell

Middle & high school
My Anxious Mind: A Teen's Guide to Managing Anxiety and Panic by Michael Tompkins
Stress Relief: The Ultimate Teen Guide by Mark Powell

Our visit with Phillip Hoose!

2010-11-08T10:23:00.000-08:00

It was an absolute joy to welcome renowned author Phillip Hoose to Vista last Thursday morning!

He spoke with students about his National Book Award winning, Newbery Honor title, Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice, discussing not only this unsung young heroine of the civil rights movement, but also his research techniques, how a middle school teacher inspired him to become an author, and wise words of advice on how to use negative feedback to grow. What does he do when gets a bad review? He lets himself feel angry - but not act on his feelings - for a day, then he wakes up the following morning and asks himself, “Is there anything in this review that I can use to improve?”

He graciously remained after his talk to sign books and chat with students. Many students asked thoughtful and insightful questions that showed they were thinking deeply about the challenging topics raised in his book and imagining how it might have felt to have been in the shoes of some of these individuals.

Phillip Hoose is a man of many talents who, in addition to history, also writes books for adults and young people about natural history and sports. He is currently hard at work researching the red knot, a shorebird whose mind-boggling migratory habitats unfortunately place it at risk. If you have not yet had the pleasure of getting to know his thought-provoking books, be sure to check out some of his titles!

NaNoWriMo!

2010-11-05T12:53:00.000-07:00

It is exciting to see that under Ms. Russell’s guidance more than half of our 5th graders are participating in NaNoWriMo, in which people everywhere set themselves the challenge of writing an entire novel during the month of November!

Despite their busy lives, our young authors are devoting many hours to this creative pursuit – some are even giving up recess to sit in the library and earnestly peck away on their laptops. I was happy to hear about one parent who has taken the challenge with his daughter!

If you hit writer’s block or otherwise need a boost of inspiration, these books may help:

Spilling Ink: A Young Writer’s Handbook by Anne Mazer and Ellen Potter
What's Your Story?: A Young Person's Guide to Writing Fiction by Marion Dane Bauer
Writing Magic: Creating Stories That Fly by Gail Carson Levine

And be sure to check out all the great NaNoWriMo events at the public library this month! Here's something fun that goes to show that starting to write when you are young can lead to all sorts of adventures...

Recognize that name on the far right? Does Captain Underpants mean anything to you?

Now, go forth and write!

Boys and Comics: More Than Meets the Eye!

2010-11-02T09:49:00.000-07:00

A recent study by the Canadian Council on Learning reinforces a lot of observations I've made over the years about the reading habits of many boys. The short version? Boys like reading comics. Boys who read comics also read more overall. Comics enhance literacy skills.

It's worth looking at the original article or at least the summary, Comics Are Key to Promoting Literacy in Boys, Study Says. Both contain valuable information about gender differences in reading, common myths about the value of comics/graphic novels, and the many ways in which comics can be used to enhance education.

Wondering where to start looking?

Get Graphic Titles
Graphic Novel Reporter Reviews - Kids
Graphic Novel Reporter Reviews - Teens
Graphic Novels for Libraries: Recommended Titles for Children and Teens
Kids Love Comics Reading List
No Flying No Tights
...and my previous blog posts on this topic.

Grownups, don't get left out of the fun! Some of my favorite reads have been graphic novel memoirs such as Raymond Briggs' Ethel and Ernest, Craig Thompson's Blankets and David Small's Stitches.

Fiction about Colonial America

2010-10-26T08:21:00.000-07:00

This November, 5th grade students will once again be reading chapter books set in Colonial America. We will display the titles we have in our school library, but consider using these online lists to find additional ideas.

American Historical Fiction Reading List for 4th, 5th and 6th Grades
Colonial America - Historical Fiction
US History, Colonial America 1600-1776 (scroll down to the section with novels)

You can also search the public library by entering the following subject headers:

United States History Colonial Period Ca 1600 1775 Juvenile Fiction

or

United States History Colonial Period Ca 1600 1775 Fiction

The second subject header will yield more results, but you must check the call number to be sure of the intended age group. If the call number begins with a J, the book is intended for elementary-aged students. If it begins with a Y, the book is intended for young adults (teens). However, if you click on the "reviews & more" button you can find more detailed information about recommended ages!

Current events for kids

2010-10-19T08:23:00.000-07:00

Keeping up with current events is an important part of being an informed citizen. Reading news stories also builds vocabulary and general knowledge, enhances comprehension of nonfiction writing, and helps young people develop critical thinking skills, such as an understanding of fact vs. opinion.

However, much news media aimed at adults has content that may not be appropriate for younger readers. Fortunately, there are news websites aimed at students. Take a look at:

CNN Student News
KidsPost from the Washington Post
The Learning Network from the New York Times
Student News Net from Britannica
Time for Kids

If you log into World Book Online you will also find an "In the Headlines" section (in World Book Advanced) and a "Today" section (in World Book Student), both of which feature selected top news stories. See your class website or Ms. Simeon's SWIFT or Sharepoint pages for login details.

Questions about the library or reading?

2010-10-18T09:18:00.000-07:00

I am available for parent conferences this Thursday and Friday, October 21st and 22nd between 8am-3:30pm! You may either schedule a time in advance by going to Pick-a-Time or you may drop by the library (located between the computer lab and the music room) to see whether I am free.

There are two hours (Thursday, 12:30-1:30pm and Friday, 2-3pm) when EDEP students will be in the library as part of their day of enrichment activities, but otherwise I am available.

Parents often have questions either about their individual child's reading or about the library program at OWS/Vista. I would be delighted to meet with you to share resources, reading ideas, discuss safe online research or answer any other questions you might have.

Mystery books for 5th and 6th graders

2010-10-12T09:57:00.000-07:00

This month both 5th and 6th grade students will be reading and reporting on mystery fiction, which just happens to be my own personal favorite genre!

Because there is a lot of overlap in reading between these two grade levels, be sure to look at both lists from last year's mystery book report units and their included links!

Check out my 5th grade recommended mystery list which includes suggested fiction and nonfiction.

Also see my 6th grade recommended mystery list. The Peter Abrahams and Michael D. Beil books are both part of series!

Finding Spanish language resources

2010-10-07T08:15:00.000-07:00

This week I visited Vista Spanish classes and shared some useful resources with students.

Improve your Spanish (or learn other languages) online!

Go to KCLS - click on Databases at the top of the page – select Language Learning from the subject list (scroll down) – Choose a database and log in using your KCLS number

byki
Language learning software with access to flashcard-based lessons in 70+ languages.

Little Pim
Language learning lessons for children. Little Pim is part of Mango Languages - click on the 'Courses' link and select 'Little Pim.' This would be great for younger siblings of Vista students.

Mango Languages
Language learning lessons with reading/writing/listening components.

Oxford Language Dictionaries
Language dictionaries for Chinese, French, German, Italian, Russian, Spanish.

Borrow Spanish books, magazines and audiobooks!

Go to KCLS and in the catalog choose Advanced Search. Set the language option to "Spanish."

If you want, you may limit your Material Type (e.g. Magazine, DVD or Book), Collections (e.g. Teen or Children’s Materials), or search by Author, Title or Subject.

Want to learn more?

The Pura Belpré Award “is presented to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth.”

Hispanic Heritage has biographies, an historical timeline, articles about Latin music and culture, and links to other sites!

Announcing: the Vista Library Sharepoint Page!

2010-10-01T13:38:00.000-07:00

Vista families: be sure to look at the new Vista Library Sharepoint page that just went up today! It has useful links relating to:

Homework & Research Resources through OWS/Vista
Homework & Research Resources through KCLS
Reading
Search engines
General research sites

Just log into Sharepoint as usual, then click on "Ms. Simeon" in the list of teachers' pages.

OWS Families: stay tuned for an announcement about the library SWIFT page that will appear soon!

Roald Dahl Day

2010-09-28T09:35:00.000-07:00

Roald Dahl Day (which takes place on September 13th every year, his birthday) is a day to honor the memory of that very funny and creative man who brought so much joy into so many people's lives through his writing. Philip Ardagh, no slouch himself in the funny author department, has chosen his 10 favorite children's books by Dahl!
Are you a Dahl fan looking for some more great books to read? Well, do not forget his wonderful memoirs, Boy and Going Solo. Also be sure to try:

Philip Ardagh's Eddie Dickens Trilogy
Kaye Umansky's Solomon Snow books
Maryrose Wood's The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place series

And if you are an adult interested in World War II spy stories, check out The Irregulars: Roald Dahl and the British Spy Ring in Wartime Washington by Jennet Conant!

Science Homework: Using netTrekker!

2010-09-21T11:19:00.000-07:00

Today I visited Mr. Montgomery’s 6th grade science class. Students talked about last night’s homework and their successful and challenging searches. Here are a few tips for using netTrekker:

1. Check your spelling. Then check it again!

2. Try searching for variations on your search terms: broader and narrower terms (e.g. if “dog” is your search term, “canine” would be broader, “poodle” would be narrower)

3. Can your search term mean more than one thing? E.g. “scale” can refer to music, or a piece of scientific equipment, or a mathematical model, or drawing and painting. If this happens and you get too many off-topic hits, add another keyword to narrow down your results.

4. Instead of using the search box, use the main contents page to locate what you need! It is often faster and more efficient.

5. Remember, when you use the search box in netTrekker, it does NOT search through the full contents of every website on the Internet! It searches the name and description of the sites it indexes.

E.g. one netTrekker site that contains a pH scale showing ammonia is Chem 1: The pH scale. netTrekker’s description says “Acting as an overview from the General Chemistry Virtual Textbook, this site explores the pH scale and its characteristics including a chart mapping the various levels of the scale.”

If you search for “pH of ammonia” you get no matches because the word “ammonia” doesn’t appear in the name or the description of this site or any of the others! But if you search for “pH scale” this site will be your first hit!

Remember the list of subjects on the main page? You can also find this site and others by following the table of contents:

Science > Chemistry > Acids and Bases > pH > Scale

Suggestions for Mystery Readers

2010-09-14T09:09:00.000-07:00

Parents who sign up to be mystery readers in the classroom often stop by the library looking for help, which we are happy to provide (note: you are welcome to borrow books from the school library for your mystery reader visit and we can advise you on good selections - we also appreciate as much advance notice as possible). I hope the following suggestions will be useful!

You can check out my list of great readalouds to help you get started. This page from the American Library Association is full of useful information aimed at parents. Some books are ideal for one-on-one sharing but do not lend themselves as well to a group reading, while other books beg to shared with a large audience.

Once you've chosen your books, practice reading them aloud clearly, varying the volume of your voice, adding dramatic pauses and otherwise bringing the material to life. Make sure the book is a good fit for you: are you comfortable with any regional accents or dialects that come up in the book? Does the book genuinely appeal to you? (If so, your enthusiasm for it will shine through!) Do the rhymes scan well?

Here are a few tips for getting a great discussion going after you've decided what to read:

Look at the author's and illustrator's websites or online biographies (or check for notes in the book itself) so you can share interesting background information with the class. Maybe the book was inspired by a true story or the author lives locally or owns a dog just like the one in the book! These kinds of details really enhance the overall experience.

Prepare some open-ended questions to ask that encourage children to think on a deeper level (rather than questions that have a simple, factual answer), such as the motivation of various characters, why the illustrator portrayed certain scenes in a certain way, why the plot was resolved the way it was, and so on.

Consider the artwork in the book: what materials and techniques did the artist use and why? Picture books are a unique genre in that words and text together create a whole that is more than the sum of its parts; neither can stand alone. Ask children to notice the font: how does it enhance the story?

Being mystery reader is daunting to some, but it is also a wonderful opportunity to share your love of literature with an eager audience. Happy reading!

Non-fiction book report for 5th grade

2010-09-07T15:49:00.000-07:00

This month 5th graders will be reading a non-fiction book for Ms. Russell's class. In addition to their book report, they will be working on their research skills in library class by researching the topic of their chosen book using online databases.

Students will have time to select from non-fiction books in our school library. If you wish to borrow from the public library instead, you can check out some recommended authors and websites below. Make sure you evaluate all titles in terms of age appropriateness as well as whether they meet the parameters Ms. Russell has set.

Rhoda Blumberg
Russell Freedman
Sy Montgomery

Classic Non-fiction from the TeenZone at KCLS

The Sibert Medal, an award for exceptional non-fiction given by the American Library Association (which also gives out the Caldecott & Newbery Medals).

Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12 offers detailed annotated lists for those who enjoy science.

The Cooperative Children's Book Center has numerous reading lists, many of which focus on non-fiction. Select first by grade level, then by topic.

Happy Labor Day! Exploring Careers...

2010-09-07T09:55:00.000-07:00

Welcome back to school! I hope everyone had a nice, relaxing (if rather rainy) Labor Day. Labor Day has been celebrated since 1882 as a way of honoring the many workers who contribute to the United States.

"What do you want to be when you grow up?" is one of the most common questions adults ask young people. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has put together a website called What Do You Like? which gives upper elementary and middle school students information about select career choices. It is a fun site to browse and helps remind students of the many exciting possibilities open to them in the future - as well as the relevance of all the hard work they do now!

Some books to explore include the Scientists in the Field series, In Their Shoes by Deborah Reber and, for younger readers, the What Can I Be? series by Muriel DuBois.

Meet Cornelia Funke & the producer of the Harry Potter films!

2010-09-01T10:08:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, September 19th, acclaimed German author Cornelia Funke (Dragon Rider, Inkheart, The Thief Lord) will be coming to Seattle to promote the musical based on her new fantasy novel, Reckless.

She will be reading from her new book (to be released on September 14th), and talking to the producer of the Harry Potter and Sherlock Holmes movies about what it's like to take a book and turn it into a stage production. You'll also get to hear a performance of one song from the musical and get your book signed by Cornelia.

Starting September 14th, two tickets are free with the purchase of Reckless from University Book Store! You can purchase the book in person or pre-order over the phone (206.634.3400 or 1.800.335.READ).

Read more about the event by going to the Showbox website. Check out the Get Reckless website for more on the book, the show, what fans are saying and details of a live video chat she's doing on the book's publication date!

Funke is a perennial favorite in our school library and one of the few authors in translation to make it big in the world of English-language children's fiction. If you haven't read her imaginative and beautifully written fantasies, don't delay - they are too good to miss!

Book blogs

2010-08-24T10:16:00.000-07:00

I hope my students and their families are enjoying the last few weeks of summer break. We staff members head back to work on Monday and are so looking forward to seeing all of you again!

Do any of you read book blogs? Ones devoted to children's and teen literature proliferate on the Interent and they are a great way to keep up with the wondrously rich world of publishing. Below are just a very few I'd like to recommend. Have more suggestions? I'd love to hear them!

A Chair, a Fireplace & a Tea Cozy

Cynsations

Good Comics for Kids

Kirby's Lane

Mitali's Fire Escape

Twins!

2010-08-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

The non-fiction book Twin Tales: The Magic and Mystery of Multiple Birth by Donna M. Jackson is as popular in our school library with singletons as it is with twins! Twins also show up frequently in fiction such as the Children of the Lamp fantasy series by P.B. Kerr, Cryptid Hunters by Roland Smith, Lost and Found by Andrew Clements, and many more.

Want to read about twins? Just do a library catalog search for Twins - Juvenile Fiction to find books for elementary through high school students. Here's a short reading list for middle and high school students to look at too!

Book Crush

2010-08-09T06:16:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Finland, where I am visiting family including my newborn niece, Hilla! I hope everyone is having a lovely summer. It has been very nice to have extra time to read - on planes, while relaxing at my in-laws' house in the country, and so on. In case you are wondering what book to pick up next, keep reading!

Nancy Pearl is known to many as the first librarian to have her own action figure! This Seattle legend was the brilliant mind behind the "If All of Seattle Read the Same Book" program that rapidly spread around the country. She's also tremendously well read in a wide range of genres.

Pearl has written several reading guides, including Book Crush, aimed at ages birth-18, as well as Book Lust and More Book Lust for adults. Organized by theme, they are not intended as exhaustive guides to all the "best" books, but rather as starting places for exploring literature. My own 13-year-old daughter likes to dip into Book Crush, choosing a section at random and sometimes even challenging herself to try books in genres she usually avoids. Whether you're stuck for reading ideas or not, you'll find plenty to enjoy in these books.

Nancy Pearl is also an engaging speaker - a warm and witty presence. If you ever have the opportunity to hear her speak, take it!

The joys of summer reading

2010-08-02T07:55:00.000-07:00

What's on your summer reading list? My tottering piles of books represent only a fraction of my actual "to read" list! However, one of the joys of the slower pace of summertime living is sneaking in more opportunities to read - on a park bench, on an airplane, anywhere I find myself with a spare moment or two...

A book for parents that I'm currently reading is The New Global Student by Maya Frost. I've only just begun it, but am quite intrigued by her family's adventures abroad. I'm also in the middle of a suspenseful mystery novel for middle schoolers, Rescuing Seneca Crane by Susan Runholt. It's the second in the Kari and Lucas series about two very intrepid young women who find adventure in the most unexpected places.

School Library Journal recently asked a few notable children's and young adult authors what they're reading this summer. Check out their answers - maybe you'll see some books on their lists that you want to read too!

Ramona Quimby

2010-07-27T08:19:00.000-07:00

These days we are fortunate to have a wide range of feisty heroines of their own realistic fiction series, from Junie B. Jones to Judy Moody to Clementine and so many more. However, back when 94-year-old Portland, Oregon native Beverly Cleary was a child, this was not the case!

After attending library school at the University of Washington, Cleary thought back to her own youth - ironically, she hated to read as a child - and decided to write the kind of books she wished she could give to her young patrons who felt the same way she had about books: down-to-earth stories about normal people living normal lives. Thus were Henry Huggins, Ramona Quimby and her whole colorful cast of characters born.

You can read more about the life of this remarkable woman who changed the face of children's literature in her two memoirs, A Girl from Yamhill and My Own Two Feet.

Also, do take a look at the article Ramona Quimby: The Mischievous Girl Next Door that talks more about Cleary's life, her characters' enduring popularity with fans 60 years after publication and the recent release of the movie Ramona and Beezus.

Internet safety

2010-07-19T09:54:00.000-07:00

Want to learn more about how to keep your kids safe online? The Federal Trade Commission's OnGuard Online website has a section just for parents called Net Cetera. Order a free copy of their printed guide or view and download it online.

Check out books from the public library to read together by searching using the subject header: Internet -- Safety measures -- Juvenile literature.

One important point to keep in mind is that scare tactics don't work! A better approach is balanced, realistic education and ongoing conversations.

The internet offers endless opportunities for learning and exploration, but like any other tool it's important to learn how to use it safely and effectively.

The intrigue and excitement of the Crusades

2010-07-13T08:23:00.000-07:00

With all the news about present day conflicts in the Middle East, it is important to understand the historical background to these modern disputes. The Crusades continue to exert a grip on our imaginations, as evidenced by the popularity of books such as Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code.

School Library Journal has put together a short reading list about the Crusades for grades 2-9 that includes non-fiction in both graphic (comic) and traditional text formats, as well as historical fiction.

One way to get children hooked on history is exposing them to times of great drama and intensity - that is the perfect antidote to the common complaint that "history is boooring!" It's a question of finding well-written books such as these about exciting topics. Why not give these a try?

Exceptional websites for children

2010-07-07T09:07:00.001-07:00

The Association for Library Service to Children maintains a listing of Great Web Sites for Kids ages 14 and under. This site was recently updated with additional sites of exceptional merit. They cover a wide range of topics, from books and authors to science, math, history, social studies and more. If you're trying to stay cool indoors with our impending heatwave, why not take a look?

Biographies - not just for history buffs!

2010-06-29T07:33:00.000-07:00

One of the most interesting ways to learn about history is through biographies. They give a personal, close-up look at events that may be less captivating when viewed at a more macro level. Young people often find much to admire and identify with in the struggles of various historical personages as well.

I've also found that students who strongly prefer to read fiction will often embrace biographies because they describe people's lives in story form. Improving non-fiction reading comprehension skills is another benefit of reading biographies! Even strong fiction readers can benefit from practice in reading more non-fiction.

Check out this great Top 10 Biographies for Youth from 2010 list. It includes books for grades 1-12. The menu on the bottom left-hand side of this website also has links to many other notable fiction and non-fiction awards!

Bank Street College of Education Book Lists & Awards

2010-06-22T09:25:00.000-07:00

The venerable Bank Street College of Education in New York City gives out an annual award to works "of outstanding literary merit in which children or young people deal in a positive and realistic way with difficulties in their world and grow emotionally and morally."

In addition to descriptions of the winners from this and previous years, their website also has Best of the Best reading lists for under 5s through the teen years. Happy reading!

An exciting new children's fiction blog - and a cool contest too!

2010-06-17T09:09:00.000-07:00

Blogs are one of my favorite ways to keep up with all the news in the world of children's literature. The web is bursting at the seams with funny, informative book-related blogs, some of which are linked to this one (see the menu on the left)!

Well, there's a new blog on the block: From the Mixed-Up Files, which is aimed at middle-grade readers and the adults who love them. What is a middle grade book? It's one for kids who are old enough to sink their teeth into a chapter book but who are not yet ready for edgier, mature teen fiction.

The name of this blog was inspired by one of the all-time middle-grade classics, E.L. Konigsburg's From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. This superb mystery/adventure novel so profoundly excited my imagination as a child that when I first set foot in the Metropolitan Museum of Art as an adult, all I could think was that I was finally walking in the footsteps of Claudia and her brother!

What can you find on this blog? Well, there are suggested reading lists, tips and links for parents, interviews with authors, new book releases, and more. Written as a collaborative project by a group of notable published authors of middle grade fiction, they are also giving away free books all summer! Why don't you check out the rules and try your luck?

The Jane Addams Children's Book Awards

2010-06-15T08:58:00.000-07:00

Looking for some inspirational summer reading for all ages? Look no further than the Jane Addams Children's Book Awards, given annually to works "that effectively promote the cause of peace, social justice, world community, and the equality of the sexes and all races as well as meeting conventional standards for excellence."

From their list of 2010 winners, I would particularly recommend National Book Award winner Claudette Colvin by Phillip Hoose. Wonderful for grades 6 and up, this book tells parts of the story of the Montgomery bus boycott that have long been forgotten.

Almost a year before Rosa Parks famously stood up for equal rights, a courageous high school student independently challenged the segregated seating arrangements on the buses and was arrested and imprisoned as a result. Instead of becoming a hero, Colvin was shunned by many in her community and later fell into obscurity. You can read more about this remarkable woman in the New York Times.

Summer Vacation 2010 reading list!

2010-06-10T08:59:00.000-07:00

Summer vacation is right around the corner and that means plenty of time for reading at home or wherever your travels may take you. View my profile on GoodReads and other posts in this blog for more book recommendations. On the blog, look at the labels menu on the bottom left for categories such as “reading lists” and “awards.”

Elementary

Boy, Were We Wrong about Dinosaurs! by Kathleen V. Kudlinksi (nonfiction) – This is an interesting survey of past beliefs about dinosaurs that turned out to be incorrect. It’s an important reminder that science is always changing as we make new discoveries!

11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass (chapter book) – Lifelong friends born on the same day in the same hospital, Amanda and Leo have to re-live their 11th birthday until they finally resolve the feud that has kept them estranged since they were 10.

Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson (biography) – An exciting account of a real life hero, a former slave who arrested over 3000 people and helped bring law and order to the Wild West.

The Bog Baby by Jeanne Willis (picture book) – What exactly is a bog baby? You’ll just have to read this book to find out – and then keep your eyes peeled next time you visit a bog…!

Carl Sandburg: Adventures of a Poet by Penelope Niven (biography) – Featuring gorgeous illustrations and a generous sampling of Sandburg’s poems, this is a unique biography of a remarkable man who lived through some of the most interesting events in modern American history.

How I Learned Geography by Uri Shulevitz (picture book) – The author relates the story of his boyhood years in what is now Kazakhstan after his family fled Poland at the start of World War II. This is an inspirational story about the power of the mind to rise above harsh realities.

The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood (chapter book) – A young governess, a strange howling noise, dark and menacing woods… it all adds up to an original tale of dark humor and suspense.

Sneaky Weasel by Hannah Shaw (picture book) – Weasel is sneaky and mean and so he has no friends. Do you think he can change his weaselly ways and become nicer? Read and find out!

That Rabbit Belongs to Emily Brown by Cressida Cowell (picture book) – What would you do if the Queen suddenly demanded your favorite toy? Emily Brown stands her ground and holds onto her rabbit!

Uh-Oh, Cleo by Jessica Harper (beginning chapter book) – First in a sweet and funny series of realistic fiction books about a family of six children and all the noise and chaos that entails!

Middle school (many of these are great for grades 5 and up as well)

Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock (chapter book) – D.J.’s family (like most everyone else in her rural Wisconsin home) is all about football. Her two older brothers are college football stars and all D.J. wants is a chance to play on her high school team with the boys. But when she’s asked to coach a rival team’s quarterback, life takes an unexpected turn!

Every Soul a Star by Wendy Mass (chapter book) – A group of kids who would never be friends at home find themselves thrown together in a remote camp and the results surprise everyone. A great work about dealing with parents, friendship, crushes – and solar eclipses!

First Light by Rebecca Stead (chapter book) – This science fiction novel by this year’s Newbery Award winner is an exciting tale of a lost civilization hidden under the ice of Greenland and a boy who is the first human to enter – but can he get out alive?

Immersed in Verse: An Informative, Slightly Irreverent & Totally Tremendous Guide to Living the Poet's Life by Allan Wolf (nonfiction) – An entertaining guide to reading and understanding poetry, sprinkled with lively examples and encouragement and advice for writing your own!

Laika by Nick Abadzis (graphic novel) – Have a box of tissues ready when you read this moving account of the Soviet Union’s launch of Sputnik II and the sacrifice of a brave little dog that made it possible.

Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen (chapter book) – Ruby’s head is spinning! From scraping out a living on her own at age 17, she suddenly finds herself in the lap of luxury when her older sister and tech whiz brother-in-law take her in and send her to an expensive private school. Then there’s the boy next door…

No Pretty Pictures by Anita Lobel (memoir) – This is a deeply moving and inspirational Holocaust memoir by a woman who went on to become a noted children’s author and illustrator. She and her brother were at first hidden in the countryside by her nanny, later captured by the Nazis, and finally transported to Sweden. A true story you’ll never forget.

The Omnivore’s Dilemma: The Secrets Behind What You Eat by Michael Pollan (nonfiction) – The young people’s version of Pollan’s comprehensive book about food, where it comes from, and why you should care!

Small Steps by Louis Sachar (chapter book) – In this sequel to Holes, Armpit finds life after leaving Camp Green Lake complicated when he gets involved in a get-rich-quick scheme dreamed up by his friend X-Ray. Full of humor and suspense, this one is a real page turner!