Last day of summer break

We start back to school tomorrow. District meetings, building meetings and then a wee bit of time in our rooms. The children come on Tuesday. Another summer gone.

Yesterday I spent the day in class. My doctoral class meets one Saturday a month and it was good seeing everyone again. There were great discussions and my poor little brain hurt by 5:30. Too much info going in :-)

Podcasts added to my site include two books that may help me as I search for answers and watch ideas grow!

Stevens, Janet. HELP ME, MR. MUTT! : EXPERT ANSWERS FOR DOGS WITH PEOPLE PROBLEMS
Dear Mr. Mutt,
It's ridiculous!
Outrageous!
Preposterous!
Holidays are unbearable. First I'm a baby, next I'm a bunny, then I'm a bride, now I'm an angel.
I'm NOT a baby or a bunny or a bride or an angel.
I'm a dog.
Where is my dignity? I'm the laughingstock of the block! I'm in need of your assistance immediately!
Help me, Mr. Mutt!
-- Overdressed in Oklahoma
P.S. My people never dress up the cantankerous cat!

What would your dog write if he sent a letter to a doggie advice column?

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/stevens_help.mp3

Swanson, Susan Marie. TO BE LIKE THE SUN

Have you ever planted a seed? And took care of it? And watched it grow? Here, a young girl does just that. And we share her journey. As she plants a sunflower seed, she wonders what it is made of. And how it knows to become a sunflower.

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/swanson_to.mp3

Summer's worth of plans in a day?

Like educators around the world, I have so many plans for the summer. It seems to stretch out before us in June and there are endless little projects that can be finished. Clean the basement, paint the kitchen, finish the bathroom, read, read, read. But then late August arrives and you realize that very few of the projects have been crossed off the list. I have gotten a couple of project finished but certainly not all. And I have not been reading very much. At least for pleasure. I had so much reading due for the start of my doctoral course that it was all I could do to finish all that. That type of reading is so different than reading a fiction book. Or even a memoir. I did managed to get a couple of books read and recorded podcasts.

Today's podcast is for

Rhodes-Courter, Ashley. THREE LITTLE WORDS : A MEMOIR

Ashley entered foster care at the young age of three. Over the next nine years, she and her younger brother were placed in a variety of foster homes. Sometimes together, sometimes apart. Ashley endured 14 placements in nine years. Some of the homes were good, and some were abusive. Through it all, Ashley desperately wanted to believe her mother would return for her. Her mother had promised that they would be back together again. This is the author's true story of her life in the foster care system. Her story of being caught in the system and her desire to live a normal life.

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/rhodes_three.mp3


Yesterday, I added a podcast for Alice Schertle's new book

Schertle, Alice. LITTLE BLUE TRUCK

Little Blue Truck rides along the back roads saying hi to all his friends along the way. He is having a great ride. But when the huge dump truck comes by, things change. The dump truck thinks he's too important to stop and say hello to all the animals on the road. But when he gets stuck in the mud, he wishes he had been nicer.

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/schertle_little.mp3

Home again.

After several flight delays and several changed itineraries, I finally made it home around 1:00 this morning. I was one of the lucky ones. Many of my fellow travelers either didn't get on a plane of got sent to other airports. On my NH flight, I was sitting with a young man who was trying to get to Burlington VT and this was as close at he could get. His parents were driving 3 hours from VT to pick him up. I hope they got a hotel and didn't turn around and drive 3 hours back.

My son is now set up in his first apartment 1500 miles away. I didn't like leaving him there but I just have to trust that he will be fine. He has a week to settle in before he starts his Americorps program.

Family really is very important to us. Be it driving 3 hours in the middle of the night or leaving your baby 1500 miles away. Today's book is all about family and the importance of working together to help out one member.


Nolen, Jerdine. PITCHING IN FOR EUBIE
This is exciting news! Eubie has won a full scholarship to college! This is what they were hoping for. But, the family needs to come up with $3,000 for her room and board. It seems like an impossible amount. But maybe if they all work a little extra, they can raise the money. Even though Lily wants to help, it seems that every thing she does turns out wrong. Will she be able to help with Eubie's expenses?

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/nolen_pitching.mp3


I wasn't able to blog yesterday with all my travels. But, would anyone miss it if I didn't blog? I doubt it. But I am a strong proponent of having kids blog. But they really need to be careful about what they put out there for others to see. Or have a possibility of seeing. The kids have to learn that what they put out may be used against them. And that is just what happens to Libby.

Norris, Shana. SOMETHING TO BLOG ABOUT
Libby Fawcett has just had about the worst day in her life. She accidentally set her hair on fire in chemistry class! In front of her secret crush Seth. And her mortal enemy Angel. How can she possibly go back to school? Ever? So she begins a blog to pour out her thoughts. It's password protected so no one will ever see her secret, personal, for her eys only thoughts. Will they?

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/norris_something.mp3

On the road...

Today we set off for Cooperstown NY. We had planned to get an early start but the son is not ready yet. He hasn't even started packing the car. I know he is nervous about his move and I think that is why he is dragging his feet. But we should be on the road within the hour.

Today's podcast is for the book LaReau, Kara. RABBIT & SQUIRREL : A TALE OF WAR & PEAS. I think it is important to expose children to stories about mindless conflict, misunderstandings and conflict resolution. While watching the Olympics, I keep wishing we could all come together for more than just sports. But it is an avenue for discussion and comradery. But the situation in Georgia breaks my heart. Let's keep teaching war and peas -- I mean peace!!

LaReau, Kara. RABBIT & SQUIRREL : A TALE OF WAR & PEAS

Rabbit is oh so very proud of her garden. She spends a lot of time taking care of it. Squirrel lives next door and also has a garden that he is proud of. Now, you'd think since they lived next door to each other and they both love gardening that they would be friends. But they never even spoke to each other. Until one day when Rabbit finds that someone has ruined her garden. She blames Squirrel and vows to get even. And then someone ruins Squirrel's garden and he is sure it is Rabbit. Now they are sworn enemies.

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/lareau_rabbit.mp3

First day of doctoral studies

I survived my first day of my doctoral studies. Only four years to go!! The program at Rivier is designed to be a bit different than traditional programs and I chose it for that reason. There are so many opportunities for us to follow our interests. I am really looking forward to being in the program. The cohort group is amazing. There are so many interesting, accomplished educators. I am anxious to get to know them and learn from them all.

Today's podcast is for a retelling of a classic fairy tale. Give it a read!

Hale, Bruce. SNORING BEAUTY

This tale may sound a bit familiar. A beautiful princess is born and a huge party is thrown for her. The fairies each wish her happiness. All except for Beebo the fairy. She is furious about not being invited to the party so she places a curse on the baby. "When this babe turns sixteen, she will be run over by a pie wagon and die!" But Tintinnitus the fairy is a bit hard of hearing and changes the curse into something completely different.

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/hale_snoring.mp3

Happy Birthday to me!!

Ah summer birthdays. I like having a summer birthday and having the day to do what I want to do. Since I have summers off, I have this luxury. The weather is great today and I plan to just relax and enjoy myself.

The local Borders store will be staying open late tonight. I'm sure it is just for my birthday even though some people think that it is for the release of Breaking Dawn. I don't think I'll do the party this year. The Harry Potter releases were fun but ...

When Haddix concluded her Shadow Children series, I was a bit sad knowing that I had no more to look forward to. But now she is back with a new series. The first one is Found and we are introduced to a group of children who appeared out of nowhere and have been adopted -- some unknowingly. There is much intrigue in the story and I can't wait for the next one. I have about a year to wait though.

Haddix, Margaret Peterson. FOUND

"You are one of the missing." "Beware! They're coming back to get you." What would you do if you got these letters in the mail? There is no return address and no way to find out who sent them. Is it a prank? Or should Jonah and Chip worry? Jonah is adopted and he has always known that. But Chip had no idea that he was adopted as well. Why would his parents hide that from him? And now no one is talking. Except for one woman. The woman who witnessed the airplane just appear out of nowhere twelve years ago. Carrying 36 babies -- and no adults. This is the first book in a new series. If you like Haddix's Shadow Children series, be sure to pick this one up and find yourself among the missing.

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/haddix_found.mp3

Gliori, Debi. NO MATTER WHAT

This summer I have been watching my two preschool grandsons in the mornings. They are sure giving me a run for my money. And they are each vying for my undivided attention. "Mimi, look at me" is heard numerous times a day. And sometimes the behavior goes a bit to the dark side to get my attention. That's what the child in today's book is doing as well. And he longs to know that his mama will love him no matter what.


Gliori, Debi. NO MATTER WHAT

Have you ever felt that no one was paying attention to you? What do you do? Did you hide in your room and sulk? Or did you do something naughty to be seen? Well, Small fox doesn't think that Large fox loves him anymore. So he does naughty things to test Large's love. And what do you think Small learned?

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/gliori_no.mp3

Glenn, Sarlee Mullins. JUST WHAT MAMA NEEDS

What is it that you need today? Do you need to be around lots of people? Do you need to be alone? Each day brings us a bunch of different needs. And it takes a special type of mother to find just what she needs.

Glenn, Sarlee Mullins. JUST WHAT MAMA NEEDS

Abby loves to dress up. On Monday she dresses as a pirate and pretends she is on a pirate ship. And that is just what Mama needs. A fierce pirate to swab the decks. Every day Abby dresses as a different character and Mama always needs just what Abby is. What are some of the ways Abby helps during the week?

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/glenn_just.mp3

Frazee, Marla. A COUPLE OF BOYS HAVE THE BEST WEEK EVER

I ran into a colleague in the supermarket yesterday. As we were talking we realized that we have less than a month until school starts again. Due to all our snow days that we had to make up at the end of the school year, summer break is shorter this year. And I know my "to do" list still has a great many items on it. I don't think I'll get to everything. I never do. I start my doctoral studies next week and then go on vacation the following week so there really isn't much time to get all the projects finished.

So next week my grandson goes to summer camp. It is just mornings but he is so excited. I remember looking forward to camp and the year that my best friend went to the same camp was the best. Aiden doesn't know any other kids that will be in camp but I'm sure he'll have the best week ever.

Frazee, Marla. A COUPLE OF BOYS HAVE THE BEST WEEK EVER

Have you ever gone to summer camp? James and his best friend Eamon are looking forward to going to nature day camp. They are going to stay with Eamon's grandparents at the beach and go to day camp together. I'm sure their love of nature will be enhanced by the experiences of camp, don't you?

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/frazee_couple.mp3

Florian, Douglas. LAUGH-ETERIA : POEMS AND DRAWINGS

The past few days have been really dreary. The rain just won't stop. There was a tornado a couple of miles away (we just don't have tornadoes in New Hampshire). My roof is leaking. There has been some ridiculous drama at work. The grandkids have been sick. And so it goes. What I need is a funny book to make me laugh. Laugh-eteria is full of silly poems that are just right for that. Lots of elementary school humor that is making my grandson crack up. And that makes me laugh too! So if you need a laugh, pick this book up!



Florian, Douglas. LAUGH-ETERIA : POEMS AND DRAWINGS

"Monster meatballs / so scary to chew. / First you bite THEM. / Then they bite YOU." This collection offers some rather off beat poems. From school lunches to dinosaurs to Sir Isaac Newton, there is something for everyone in this funny book.

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/florian_laugh.mp3

Christelow, Eileen. VOTE!

With the elections coming up, we are all trying to get kids to understand the process and well as the stakes. It's hard for kids to see beyond the popularity contest. Actually, some adults can see beyond that either. There are several new kids books about the election process aimed at helping young one understand and take notice. This one is all about voting. If you are interested in helping your kids understand the process, give this one a read.

Christelow, Eileen. VOTE!

The elections are coming up and everywhere you turn, people are asking for your vote. But what does that mean? What is a vote? And who gets to give one? How do you choose who to vote for? How do they raise money to buy ads? Boy, I have a lot of questions. It's a good thing I have this book to give me the answers.

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/christelow_vote.mp3

Child, Lauren. THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA

Today's podcast is for Lauren Child's retelling of The Princess and the Pea. I love this story. And I can't help but think of the great Carol Burnett's version of the story. She always cracks me up and her version of this story was no exception. I tried finding it on youtube but no luck. It is probably there somewhere.

Child, Lauren. THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA

Based on the classic tale by Hans Christian Andersen, this clever version uses pictures from a doll house to illustrate the story. The king and queen are searching for a proper wife for their son. When a beautiful young woman takes shelter in the castle, the queen tests her by having the servants prepare a bed with 12 mattresses on top. She then puts one tiny little pea underneath the bottom mattress. If the young woman can feel the pea, she can marry the prince.

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/child_princess.mp3

Calmenson, Stephanie. JAZZMATAZZ!

It's been raining just about all the time this week and I haven't been able to play outside with the grandsons. They are feeling a bit antsy and I know they need some outdoor time. But we've been doing some fun things around the house. And watching the movie Bambie many times. I have no idea why they have suddenly become mesmerized by this movie but they can't get enough of it. Well, it let's me get some work done as I don't feel the need to sit and watch it again -- ever! Anyway, we have been having some fun indoors amusing ourselves with games and singing and dancing. What we really need is Jazzmatazz!


Calmenson, Stephanie. JAZZMATAZZ!

"When the weather gets cold/And a mouse slips in,/A jazzmatazz story/Is sure to begin."

When a mouse sneaks into the house, things are going to get strange. I know if I saw a mouse in my house, I would be screaming and running away. But if it were this mouse, I would just have to join in the fun.

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/calmenson_jazzmatazz.mp3

Blumenthal, Deborah. CHARLIE HITS IT BIG

Last month when I was at ALA, I took one of those tours of LA that brought us by the stars' homes and famous sites. We didn't see any famous people but we might have seen tomorrow's stars! You never know. We also drove by the studio where some of those star maker shows are filmed. All these people heading out to LA in hopes of becoming a star. Or at least making a living at it.

So what does that have to do with today's podcast? Well, the book is about a hamster who leaves home hoping to make it big in Hollywood. Does he have better luck than the majority of kids who head west?



Blumenthal, Deborah. CHARLIE HITS IT BIG

He's just your average guinea pig. Isn't he? When Sophie wakes up and finds him gone, she is so sad. He's gone to Hollywood to check things out. And Hollywood certainly likes him. He gets a part in a movie? Wow, he sure hits it big.

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/blumenthal_charlie.mp3

Averbeck, Jim. IN A BLUE ROOM

My grandson Aiden is getting so antsy about going to Kindergarten next month. He is excited but I think he is also a bit nervous. He is so excited about going to school and learning to read and write and all that stuff. In the meantime, I love reading to him and he is such a cuddly audience. Today's podcast is for one of his favorite books. He loves to tell me the ending before we get there!


Averbeck, Jim. IN A BLUE ROOM

“In a blue room, / Alice bounces, / wide-awake past bedtime.” Alice insists that everything in her room must be blue. When Mama brings in some flowers, Alice says no because they aren't blue. But they smell so wonderful. And the orange tea tastes so good. And the green quilt is so comfy. Can Alice forget that these are not blue and enjoy them anyway?

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/averbeck_in.mp3

Bradley, Kimberly Brubaker. THE LACEMAKER AND THE PRINCESS

Today's podcast is for a book in my favorite genre. I love historical fiction. It is hard to get kids into it though. There are a group of kids that do love it and I love talking with them about the different time periods. Today's book takes place during the reign of Marie Antoinette. Not my favorite setting but this is one good book. It's a rags to riches story where a poor young girl is chosen to be a friend to a rich royal. But all is not perfect of course. It does point out the stark differences between the very rich and the very poor. I think it is something we need to keep in mind with our kids. Today's kids are much more aware of what life is like for the rich. They see people like Paris Hilton who's only claim to fame is her wealth. What has she done for anyone? And yet the kids look up to her.


Imagine that you are eleven years old, and every day you must work in order to make enough money to eat. You hand sew lace all day long in a crowded, dirty room, the same room in which you live with your sick mother and harsh grandmother. You sew and you dream, dream of the riches of the palace of the King and his family. The Lacemaker and the Princess is the story of such a girl, eleven-year-old Isabelle, living in France in the late 1700s, a third-generation lace maker. One day, she gets to make a delivery to the palace and seizing the opportunity, Isabelle snoops to see all she can outside her own world. She gets caught up in a crowd, trips and is almost trampled but is rescued by the queen Marie Antoinette. The queen decides that Isabelle should meet Princess Marie-Therese, who chooses Isabelle to be her friend. Now, Isabelle gets to live the dream of the palace. She gets to eat like the princess, wear clothes like the princess, learn to ride horses like the princess. It is no wonder it is hard to go home every day and work like she always had. The difference in the world between the working masses and the few elite of France are obvious, and the revolution boils over while Isabelle finds who she is and where she fits in. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2008-2009)

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/bradley_lacemaker.mp3

600th podcast

Today I posted my 600th podcast! Wow, that seems like so many books. But when I think about all the times I wasn't able to post because of computer issues or even vacations, that still boggles my mind.

So number 600 was inspired by a movie I'm watching this morning. I teach intro to computers at a small college. The kids just want to learn to do the "stuff" and get out of the class. But I like to give them some background to computing history. I tell them about some of the men and women responsible for where we are today. Most of the kids have no idea how long a history there is. Most think computers have come about during their lifetime or shortly before. When I talk about modern technology, I love to show clips from one of my favorite movies -- "War Games". And that is what I am watching today. There are such great examples of "old" technology shown in the movie. From telephone couplers to tape backups, it is all there. And of course the premise that computers will take over and destroy us if we aren't careful.

Today's podcast is for THE SOFTWIRE: VIRUS ON ORBIS 1 by P.J. Haarsma, In this book, we have a kid who can control computers with just his mind. Of course this leads to him being feared by everyone since anyone who controls the computers, controls the world. Just like in War Games where a kid is the one who can control the computer and save the world. The Softwire is classic sci fi and a great read. It is also a nominee for the NH Great Stone Face award.

A group of children are shot into space towards the ringed planet, Orbis1. But during their 253-year trip, the life support systems failed and killed just the adults. Now orphans, the children are sold into slavery as soon as they arrive on Orbis 1. Johnny Turnbull is one of these orphans who discovers that he has the ability to enter any computer just by using his thoughts. He is known as the “softwire” and he is both feared and misunderstood. He discovers a computer virus and must destroy it before the warring factions on the planet go to war and destroy the planet that is now his home. This is classic sci-fi and a real page-turner with a lot of action, suspense and 2-headed aliens. Or are the children the aliens?

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/haarsma_softwire.mp3

Funke, Cornelia. IGRAINE THE BRAVE

Last week I actually got to meet Cornelia Funke. OK, I just got to say hi during a book signing but I did "meet" her. Her ARC of Inkdeath was one of the most sought after at ALA. Scholastic kept them under lock and key until Funke's signing. Only those who waited in line for the signing got a copy. There was no way I was going to pass up that line anyway -- I was 3o minutes early and definitely not the first in line. So I got my signed copy and can now say I met Cornelia Funke!!

Today's podcast if for her book Igraine the Brave. It is on the NH Great Stone Face list for 2009. I acutally went in to a bookstore and bought a copy of this. Now those of you who know me know that I rarely ever "buy" a book. I borrow from the library or get review copies. But I had spoken at the Iowa Library Conference and was on my way home when I realized that I had packed the book I was going to read on the airplane. I had already checked my bags so I went looking for a bookstore. No such thing in Cedar Rapids airport so when we stopped in Cincinnati, I practically ran to Borders. And there I was drawn to the cover of this book and, of course, the author. So, I had a wonderful read for the rest of the flight!

Funke, Cornelia. IGRAINE THE BRAVE

Princess Igraine wants to become a knight, but her family of magicians just doesn’t understand her dreams. Castle life is boring and magic spells don't interest Igraine. The day her parents turn themselves into pigs, is the day a greedy neighbor decides to capture Igraine’s family home. Her big dreams are coming true but things don't always work out the way you think. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2008-2009)

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/funke_igraine.mp3

Happy July 4th!

Between the cookout and the fireworks, we are sitting around relaxing and enjoying the beautiful day. On a day that celebrates freedom, there are so many freedoms that we should be thankful for. Please take a few minutes to think of the men and women who have sacrificed so much to let us celebrate today.

Now that I'm home from California and back on my main computer, I've started recording podcasts again. Today's podcast is for another book that is nominated for the NH Great Stone Face book award. When I was at ALA, I saw a sequel to this book. I don't know if I picked it up or not. I haven't unpacked and organized all the books yet. And I have at least one box coming in the mail. Anyway, the new one is called Emmy and the Home for Troubled Girls and is due out in October. I'm sure it will be as much fun as the first Emmy book.

Jonell, Lynne. EMMY AND THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING RAT

“Emmy was a good girl…she really was a little too good... which is why she liked to sit by the Rat. The Rat was not good at all…” So begins the fascinating story of a girl who found she could communicate with the class Rat. This led her into the mysterious secrets of the rodent world and an explanation of why her heretofore loving parents had become so distant of late. Could her very intrusive nanny, Miss Barmy, really be as evil as it now appeared? (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2008-2009)

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/jonell_emmy.mp3

Happy June!!

If it's June, that must mean the school year is just about over. Because of all our snow this winter, we have to make up 6 days!! I don't ever remember that many. So, we still have 3 weeks to go. Just as well as I have so much more to do before the end of the year.

Today's podcast is for the book The Dead and the Gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer. I waited so long to get this. I heard about it a year ago. I had hoped to get an ARC at midwinter but my eye surgery kept me from getting there. So I had to wait until it was actually published!! And it was worth it. I loved Life as We Knew It. (If you buy my new book, you'll have proof of that!) In one of the evaluations from a workshop I did, a participant said that I seem to concentrate on dark books. Hmmm. I guess s/he was right. I'm trying to be sure I have some "up" books used as examples from now on. But, really, I do like doom and gloom. I am not a fan of blood and gore but give me a good end of the world or dystopian book anyday.

But back to the Dead and the Gone. I thought it would be hard to live up to the first book. But it did. I really enjoyed it (except the part about Brianna). And I really want to see what happens to Alex. I surely hope there is another book in the works!! Please!!!

The Dead and the Gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer.

Alex is a hard working kid living in New York. He dreams of going to college and having a successful life. He comes from a good working class family and has a scholarship to a prestigious prep school. He even has a shot at becoming class president his senior year. Things are really working out for him. But that is all about to change. The night the asteroid hits the moon knocking it out of orbit changes life for everyone. Now Alex's parents are missing, his older brother is deployed and it is up to Alex to keep his younger sisters safe. And fed. And it is getting harder and harder to find food. If you have read Pfeffer's book Life As We Knew It and wondered what was happening in the big cities, take a look at Alex's life as he struggles with the aftermath of the moon shift.

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/pfeffer_dead.mp3