School Library Spot

Summer Reading

2011-05-20T15:27:00.000-06:00

Summer is coming - faster than we think! The weather may not be cooperating with that plan, but we know it will be here eventually! It is time to think about your summer reading choices. This is a good time to choose some books that you did not have time for or to try out a new author. If you are near a public library, make it a point to stop in and get some new material! Use some of the links on this page to help you choose some books - there are lots of great sites that will give suggestions for the very youngest to the more mature reader.

Long car rides are a perfect time to read a book or magazine (provided doing so does not make you ill!). Lazing in your lounge chair or staying in your bed when you don't actually have to get up are activities that scream out for reading!

I will post some suggestions for you in the next couple of weeks - watch for them.

Been awhile!

2011-03-09T10:21:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone - it has been awhile since I posted anything. I am afraid that time gets away too easily. Just wanted to draw attention to some books I have recently (or not so recently) read that you may really enjoy.

For younger elementary students - Barnyard Slam (by Dian Curtis Regan; illus. by Paul Meisel) - this is a very cute and funny story about a poetry contest being held by the animals in the barn. Hostess Yo Mama Goose leads the pack as all of the animals perform their funny, crazy creations. Lots of plays on words and silliness!

For upper elementary/middle years students - Music for the End of Time (by Jen Bryant; illus. by Beth Peck) - this is the powerful biography of French composer Olivier Messiaen who was detained in a German prison camp during WWII. Olivier misses music but finds the opportunity to write music again while in the camp. This is moving story - well written with lovely illustrations.

For upper elementary/middle years students - Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School and Other Scary Things (by Lenore Look; illus. by LeUyen Pham) - one of a series of books about Alvin, this is a hilarious novel about a neurotic young boy who is allergic or afraid of just about everything! The world according to Alvin is very entertaining and student who have heard this book read to them have laughed out loud and demanded more.

For high school students - Gym Candy (by Carl Deuker) - a well written tale about a good and talented kid who has always excelled at football. As he reaches high school, he realizes that the competition is not what he expected. Hard work and vitamin supplements do not seem to be giving him the edge he needs, and he ends up turning to steroids. This is a good book with a good message - girls too, but the teenage boys I have recommended this to have all really enjoyed it.

That is it for now - keep reading! Post if you find a book worth sharing!

Book Fair - Stewart Nicks

2010-11-17T15:33:00.000-06:00

Book Fair will be running at Stewart Nicks School next Wednesday and Thursday evenings (Nov 24-25) during Parent-Student-Teacher conferences. This is a great time to not only buy books for yourselves but also to shop for Christmas gifts! We have lots of books, extras like posters, pens...etc., as well as contests. I have lots of student volunteers who will be helping and reading to kids. Join us before or after your conference.

Kids Reading Willows

2010-11-17T15:29:00.000-06:00

Lots of kids taking out and reading the Willow nominees in all my schools - the buzz is great! There is a lot of excitement this year about participating. Lots of the kids have already read enough books to vote and they are still going! Way to go folks! Keep it up.

Willow Books

2010-11-05T14:08:00.000-06:00

This year, I am hoping that all 3 of my schools jump in and read as many Willow Books as possible! As you know, there are books for 3 age ranges: Shining Willows - K-3; Diamond Willows - 4-6; Snow Willows - 7-9. Remember, each group has to read a certain number of books to vote - so get reading!! I am pleased to see they have been flying off the shelves. Keep it up. You can be pretty sure of reading a great book by choosing one as the nominees are usually pretty great! We will vote in mid-February. I am including the link to the Willows site so you can check things out for yourself!

http://www.willowawards.ca/

Hunger Games Trilogy

2010-11-05T14:02:00.000-06:00

For those of you in Grade 6/7 or higher, you should read the Hunger Games series of books by Suzanne Collins. I know I have told many of you this already, but these books are very entertaining. They are a bit futuristic - society is quite different than it is now - but even if that is not your usual book fare, you should give them a try. In the first book, The Hunger Games, you will follow the main characters into a series of televised games, where the last one left alive is the winner. The next two books, Catching Fire and Mocking Jay continue and complete the story. They are now in each library. Go out on a limb...try something different. You won't regret it!!

Review a Book

2010-05-21T09:51:00.000-06:00

This is a great place to tell others about a book that you have read or a series that others may want to check out. Give the title and author if you can as well as a short description of the book. What did you like about it? Why would others want to read it?