Sunday, May 30, 2010
Today's Podcast 05/30/2010
Townley, Roderick. THE BLUE SHOE
Townley, Roderick.
THE BLUE SHOE
New York : Knopf, 2009
IL 3-6, RL 5.9
ISBN 0375856005
13-year-old Hap Barlo had been reduced to begging and thieving after his father was arrested and exiled to hard labor on Mount Xexnax by the mayor of Aplanap. Grel, the simple, kindly village shoemaker, took in the bright and cheerful lad and taught him his trade. One night, a tall, mysterious stranger slipped into the shop at closing time. He commissioned Grel to make him a shoe…just one, but it must be adorned with every blue jewel contained in the pouch he left with him.
The shoemaker applied all his talent and skill to creating this special shoe; he then wrapped it in paper and stored it away in a closet, away from prying eyes. But young Hap was not a lad who could keep a secret for long…soon enough, word was out, and the whole town flocked to see this masterpiece. But suddenly, the largest diamond went missing! Fingers were pointed at Hap, who was then sentenced to hard labor in the same mines as his father, on the same mysterious mountain! Who will uncover the real culprit and rescue Hap from his dire fate?
Rich characters, high adventure and a touch of magic imbue this fairytale with tremendous charm and intrigue. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2011)Morton-Shaw, Christine. THE HUNT FOR SEVENTH
Morton-Shaw, Christine. THE HUNT FOR SEVENTH
“Somebody died here once. I ‘m convinced of it. Somewhere here in this huge garden. I feel them watching me.” (from prologue, p.1)
Hello. My name is Jim. My little sister Sally, and my Father and I live here at Minerva Hall. Dad took a job here as head gardener after our Mum died. Minerva Hall is a huge place with sixty two rooms; it looks like a castle. There are many gardens, orchards, statues, and even an ice house. Well, right after we arrived here, my sister Sal and I were walking the Tudor garden and that’s when I heard the voice. The tiny whisper that said: “Find the Seventh”. I’ve seen and felt many strange and terrifying things since that day here at Minerva Hall. I found out that six Minerva children over the years have died here. I invite you to read my story about how I “find the seventh”. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2011)Cochran, Mike. THE GIRL WHO THREW BUTTERFLIES
Cochran, Mike. THE GIRL WHO THREW BUTTERFLIES
New York : Knopf, 2009
IL YA
ISBN 037585682X
Molly’s life has changed dramatically since her father died in a car crash. Her mother is struggling to build a new life as well. Molly and her Dad loved to watch baseball and play catch. Her Dad taught her all about
baseball and how to throw a knuckleball, a pitch that floats and moves like a butterfly. Molly was on the softball team the season before but this year she decides to try out for the boys eight grade baseball team. She
doesn’t tell her Mother about baseball. Molly makes the team. With the help of baseball, good friends, and her Mother a new season in Molly’s life begins. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2011)Dakin, Glenn. THE SOCIETY OF UNRELENTING VIGILANCE
Dakin, Glenn. THE SOCIETY OF UNRELENTING VIGILANCE : CANDLE MAN BOOK ONE\nNew York : Egmont, 2009\nIL 3-6, RL 6.4\nISBN 1606840150\n\nTheo Wickland has a miserable life. He never goes beyond his bedroom, bathroom and the study of Empire Hall. And this year for his birthday, he gets to go out to visit a graveyard! His suffers from a mysterious illness with makes it necessary for him to wear gloves at all times, eat a bland diet of millet and grains, and have radiation treatments in the "mercy tube". Theo is looked after Dr. Saintly, who presides over the "Society of Good Works". Theo sees no other people besides Dr. Saintly, his butler Mr. Nicely and Clarice the maid.\n\nTheo escapes the confines of Empire Hall and travels the amazing underground world beneath the city of London filled with weird and dangerous creatures. The strangest of all of these are smoglodytes - ugly, glowing, imp- like creatures with skin like plastic bags stretched over gas filled, pulsating organs. Their grotesque faces feature long gray tongues.\n\nFind out the secret behind Theo's identity and the "Society of Unrelenting Vigilance" and the return of the Candle Man. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2011)
Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Today's Podcast 05/26/2010
Klise, Kate. DYING TO MEET YOU
Klise, Kate. DYING TO MEET YOU
Orlando : Harcourt, 2009
IL 3-6, RL 4.4
ISBN 0152057277
Ignatius B. Grumply, children’s mystery writer, had had writer’s block for twenty years. In hopes of finding inspiration, he rented an old Victorian mansion, seeking solitude and quiet. Iggy had not read the fine print…
Clause 102 (a) of the rental agreement stated that Seymour Hope, aged 11, should be allowed to remain at 43 Old Cemetery Road, and whoever rented the property should look after Seymour and his cat, Shadow, and return both in good condition to his parents at the termination of the contract, if they so requested.
But young Seymour was not living alone…Olive C. Spence, original owner of the house, kept him company and prepared his meals, and once in awhile, she allowed him to actually see her. Had she still been alive, she would
have been 190 years old.
Mr. Grumply was not a believer in ghosts; but if he didn’t become one soon, how could he ever get the annoying pranks to stop? And how could he possibly get over his writer’s block?
The sequel to the delightfully humorous 43 Old Cemetery Road series is already out; OVER MY DEAD BODY is equally enjoyable. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2011)Cody, Matthew. POWERLESS
New York : Knopf, 2009
IL 5-8, RL 5.3
ISBN 0375855955
Welcome to Noble’s Green, Pennsylvania---the safest town on earth!
“The safest town on earth?” thought Daniel, “Couldn’t sound lamer.”
When he moves to his new home in Noble’s Green, 12-yr-old Daniel Corrigan notices that there’s something distinctly odd about some of the kids in town. After one of them literally saves his life, he discovers that some of them are equipped with superpowers, and they’ve been using them to protect the local citizens.
There is one power that his classmates don’t have, however. They haven’t been able to discover the source of these powers, or an explanation for why, when a “super-kid” turns 13, both their powers and all memories of having had them, disappear. When Daniel embarks on a mission to solve this mystery, he uncovers a plot that is more serious, and more evil, than any of them could have imagined.
Will Daniel and his new friends be able to triumph over evil before their 13th birthdays arrive, and leave them POWERLESS??? (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2011)French, S. Tirrell. OPERATION REDWOOD
French, S. Tirrell.
OPERATION REDWOOD
New York : Amulet Books, 2009
IL YA
ISBN 0810983540
“Sibley Carter is a moron and a world-class jerk.”
When 12-yr-old Julian Carter-Li intercepts an angry e-mail message intended for his high-powered uncle, he finds himself caught up in the fight to save some of the oldest trees in the world.
Over the course of the summer, normally cautious Julian will do many things he would never have dreamed of doing before:
· Promise to help a girl he’s never met,
· Milk a goat,
· Take a vow of silence,
· Mastermind an office break-in,
· Live in a tree,
· And, most important, stand up for what he believes.
This funny, fast-paced adventure shows the power of determined individuals, no matter what their age, to change the world. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2011)
Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Tribute to Tucker
My wonderful cat Tucker died today. We knew it was coming but it still hard to accept. He has been battling cancer for awhile and was given only days to live -- a month ago. I am so happy that we did have this past month to be with him and let him know how much we loved him. I will miss him terribly. I will miss his funny way of chirping instead of meowing. I will miss the way he demanded attention. And I will miss having him on my lap as I read. Good bye Tucker. You were the best!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
NHSLMA author panel
First on the panel was Katherine Marsh, author of Night Tourist.
Next on the panel was Kristie McCadden. Kristie is an author and illustrator who has decided to self publish her works.
Next up was Kekla Magoon. When the committee asked Magoon to appear at the conference, she had not yet won her prestigious awards. We were fortunate to meet this amazing young woman. I had the opportunity to sit with her at lunch and found her charming. I really enjoyed meeting her.
The last panelist was Ed Hanson. Ed had actually written many, many books. Unfortunately my camera had a malfunction so I didn't get him talking more about his works.
Today's Podcast 05/23/2010
Yohalem, Eve. ESCAPE UNDER THE FOREVER SKY
Yohalem, Eve. ESCAPE UNDER THE FOREVER SKY
New York : Chronicle Books, 2009
IL 5-8, RL 5.1
ISBN 081186653X
You’d think that being the daughter of the American ambassador to Ethiopia would be one adventure after another, right? Wrong. Thirteen-year-old Lucy Hoffman never gets to see anything beyond the walls of the embassy compound. All she can do is read about the exotic and exciting world outside and imagine what it would be like to be a part of it.
Until she gets kidnapped.
All alone in the Ethiopian wild, Lucy must use her knowledge of African animal life along with her inventiveness, will, and courage to escape and find her way to freedom.
Inspired by a true story, this suspenseful tale will have readers riveted from start to finish. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2011)
Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Today's Podcast 05/20/2010
Seuss, Dr. WHAT WAS I SCARED OF? : A GLOW IN THE DARK ENCOUNTER
Seuss, Dr.
WHAT WAS I SCARED OF? : A GLOW IN THE DARK ENCOUNTER
New York : Random House, 2009
IL K-3, RL 2.2
ISBN 0375958673
Are you afraid of the dark? What do you think is there that isn't when the lights are on? I know sometimes I think I see things in the dark but when I turn on the lights, it is just something silly that I imagined. But in this book, the boy is frightened by a pair of green pants that seems to be following him.
Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
A visit with Roland Smith
Today we had the great pleasure of having author Roland Smith visit. During the day, he visited with all our 400+ 7th graders. The students love Smith's books and when they heard he was coming to our school, excitement broke out all over. Smith told the students about growing up in Oregon and about how he came to work in a zoo. The kids ate this up. With stories of animals, climbing and writing, Smith had them under his spell for the entire visit! He also spoke about his writing process and the importance of research and revision. Hopefully the kids will not view teacher comments on papers as a positive thing rather than a negative one.
Monday, May 17, 2010
My Best Frenemy by Julie Bowe
My Best Frenemy by Julie Bowe. Dial Books for Young Readers, May 2010.
When I was asked to take part in Julie Bowe’s new book blog tour, I was so excited. I am a fan of Julie’s series “Friends for Keeps” . Her first book in the series, “My Last Best Friend” was a nominee for the New Hampshire Great Stone Face Book Award. I have used these titles as part of my He Said, She Said booktalk sessions where I highlight chick lit that will appeal to elementary girls.
Julie’s new book “My Best Frenemy” is the latest book in the series. As a middle school librarian and the mother of a once 4th grader, I know first-hand how important friends are to the young girls I am around. And I know that the friendship dynamics at that age are changing and evolving. And for Ida May and the others, these dynamics can make or break the day.
There is often a thin line between being friends and being enemies. And Ida May is learning that every day. Ida May and Stacy are best friends. They do everything together and can’t stand to be apart. Jenny used to be Ida May’s enemy but things have changed and she is more or a frenemy now. When Brooke enters the equation, things are definitely changing. Brooke is that girl we know who is a bit too grown up for her own good. She has gotten some makeup for Christmas and now insists on making up all the girls before school each day. Ida May is not too sure about this but goes along with it. She makes sure she washes it off before she goes home. But Stacy and Brooke seem to be getting closer. Add to the mix Jenna’s Christmas gift, things are definitely getting tense. Jenna got a Truth or Dare game and the girls play it at lunch. Sometimes the game feels really wrong.
Bowe gets the fourth grade dynamic. She writes books that the intended audience will relate to and they will sure to pick up the latest entry. Let’s hope there are more to come.
Today's Podcast 05/17/2010
Mandela, Nelson. LONG WALK TO FREEDOM
Mandela, Nelson.
LONG WALK TO FREEDOM
New York : Roaring Brook Press, 2009
IL 3-6, RL 3.0
ISBN 1596435666
Have you ever heard someone tell you that you can grow up to be anything you want? Even president? When Nelson Mandela was growing up in South Africa, he did not hear that. During Mandela's childhood, South Africa was a segregated country. This form of government is called apartheid. Mandela lived in a small home with no running water or electricity. But he was determined to change all that. He believed that all races should live together and share the opportunities that were offered. His belief was so strong, he was willing to go to prison to support his fellow Blacks. Mandela spent 27 years in prison before being released in 1990. And guess what. He did grow up to be President of all the people of South Africa.
Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Today's Podcast 05/15/2010
LaFaye, A.
THE KEENING
New York : Milkweed Editions, 2010
IL 5-8, RL 4.6
ISBN 1571316922
Lyza is the daughter of two very eccentric parents. They live in a small Maine town in the year 1918. Lyza dreams of leaving the town and heading to college in Portland. But things may not turn out the way she wants. The flu epidemic has come to her town and now it has claimed her mother. Can her father be expected to take care of himself? He never has before. Even the relatives believe that he should be put away in an institution. Lyza had a very hard decision to make. And she will find some very unusual help in her journey.
Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Today's Podcast 05/11/2010
Hogrogian, Nonny.
COOL CAT
New York : Roaring Brook Press, 2009
IL K-3
ISBN 1596434295
Awhile ago, I painted all the windows in my living room. I was very happy with how they turned out and left to clean the brushes. When I came back, I was horrified. My cats (and probably my dog too), had jumped on the wet paint and then went around the room spreading their art work. What a mess! Or was it really a masterpiece? In Cool Cat, we find a cat who comes upon a paint box and begins to paint a masterpiece. This is a beautifully done wordless picture book.
Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Today's Podcast 05/10/2010
Haddix, Margaret Peterson. SENT
Haddix, Margaret Peterson. SENT
New York : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2009
IL 5-8, RL 5.0
ISBN 1416954228
After discovering that they are really time travelers, Alex and Chip are sent back to the time period they were taken from. Unfortunately Jonah and Katherine are accidentally brought along. They do not belong in 1483 but will try to change history to save their frineds. You see, Alex and Chip are actually Edward and Richard, the Two Princes who were murdered by their uncle Richard III.
The missing book 2
Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.
Sunday, May 09, 2010
Today's Podcast 05/09/2010
Guiberson, Brenda Z. LIFE IN THE BOREAL FOREST
Guiberson, Brenda Z. LIFE IN THE BOREAL FOREST
New York : H. Holt, 2009
IL K-3
ISBN 0805077189
Life in the Boreal Forest. Do any of you know what a boreal forest is? Boreal forests are the forests that cover North America. Many different animals live in the forest. Can you think of one? A deer. A beaver. Birds. Check this out and learn more about the animals that call the boreal forest their home.
Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.
Friday, May 07, 2010
Social Media
There is a new version of Erik Qualman’s Social Media Revolution video that has updated stats about the use of social media. I don't think there can be any doubt that we must allow our students to use these tools in the classroom. They sure are using them on their own time!
Today's Podcast 05/07/2010
Dyer, Hadley. WATCH THIS SPACE
Dyer, Hadley. WATCH THIS SPACE
Toronto : Kids Can Press, 2010
IL YA
ISBN 1554532930
What is a public space? It is a place that anyone can enter freely. Examples are public parks, public buildings, public beaches. Anyplace that belongs to everyone. But who has the right to say what goes on in those spaces? What if someone wanted to paint a public building orange? Who gets to decide? What if someone wanted to have a party on a public beach? Can they tell everyone else to leave? We are all sharing these spaces and they change over time. Find out about designing, defending and most of all, sharing our public spaces.
Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
Today's Podcast 05/04/2010
Banks, Kate. WHAT'S COMING FOR CHRISTMAS?
Summer has come early in New Hampshire. With temps in the high 80s and low 90s, it is certainly hard to keep the kids interested in school. Especially with no air conditioning! So why not read a book about Christmas???
Banks, Kate.
WHAT'S COMING FOR CHRISTMAS?
New York : Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2009
IL K-3, RL 3.0
ISBN 0374399484
Christmas time is certainly a busy time of year. There are decorations to hang. Lots of cooking to do. Cleaning the house. As the humans in this village busy themselves with getting ready, they don't notice that the animals are waiting for something very special. What can they be expecting?
Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.
Monday, May 03, 2010
Today's Podcast 05/03/2010
Anderson, Laurie Halse. THE HAIR OF ZOE FLEEFENBACHER GOES TO SCHOOL
When my daughter was little, it was often a struggle to tame her long red hair. I usually just ended up putting it in braids so it looked a bit cared for. But if her hair had the same talents as Zoe Fleefenbacher's hair, I think we would have let it be.
Anderson, Laurie Halse.
THE HAIR OF ZOE FLEEFENBACHER GOES TO SCHOOL
New York : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2009
IL K-3, RL 2.6
ISBN 0689858094
Zoe Fleefenbacher had one blue eye and one green eye and bright red hair that went on forever. And had a mind of its own. Her hair was very talented. It could turn off the tv. Brush her teeth. Open cookie jars. and even pack her lunch. But now that she is in first grade, her teacher insists that Zoe tame that wild hair. Is that even possible?
Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.
Sunday, May 02, 2010
Today's Podcast 05/02/2010
Roselius, J. Chris. DAVID BECKHAM : GIFTED AND GIVING SOCCER STAR
Roselius, J. Chris.
DAVID BECKHAM : GIFTED AND GIVING SOCCER STAR
Berkeley Heights, NJ : Enslow, 2010
IL 5-8, RL 5.6
ISBN 0766035875
Click on the book to read Amazon reviews
Did you know that David Beckham wears a new pair of $500 soccer shoes for every game he plays?
Did you know that when David Beckham was only a toddler, his father made balls out of rolled up socks for him to kick around the house?
Did you know that U2 lead singer Bono asked David Beckham to climb Mount Kilimanjaro for charity and he said yes? No date has been set.
Did you know that Elton John is the godfather to David Beckham's sons?
And did you know that David Bechham is one of the best and most popular soccer player around the world?
Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.