Wow. Has it really been almost a month since I've updated my blog? So unlike me. And I haven't posted a podcast in about a week. I have got to get back into a routine.

This school year has started out at a face pace. I hit the ground running and haven't slowed down since. In addition to the expected 6th grade orientation, I was pleasantly surprise to be asked to booktalk to many 7th grade classes. There is a new content literacy class being offered so all teachers must teach literacy. And they are coming to the library. How cool is that? Of course, we just get the kids charged up about books and then close the library for a month for standardize testing. I will be going to the classrooms during that time though. It will be OK.

I had my second f2f class for my doctoral course yesterday. As much as I appreciate the fact that I don't have to drive an hour each way too often, I do love the f2f times when we have them. It is wonderful to be surrounded by like minded people. The passion in the room is palpable. We'll see how it feels a couple of years into the program!

Now that I am spending money on classes, doesn't it just figure that unexpected expenses would pop up?? My computer died a couple of weeks ago. Yes, it is the same computer that I just put lots of money into for repairs in May. I decided that I just couldn't justify putting any more money into it. I ended up buying a low end laptop on clearance. This one will probably last a lot longer than the one I spent so much money on. I just need a reliable laptop to use -- especially for workshops! I also had to spend lots of money to get my car fixed so it would pass inspection. But it is 11 years old and hasn't needed anything major before so I guess it is worth it.

So I've gone from not writing to just rambling. So, today's podcast is for White, Linda Arms. I COULD DO THAT! : ESTHER MORRIS GETS WOMEN TO VOTE. This is a good book to share just in time for the elections. And to talk about women in politics. (I am still a Hilary supporter!)

White, Linda Arms. I COULD DO THAT! : ESTHER MORRIS GETS WOMEN TO VOTE
You have probably never heard of Esther Morris. But she was very important in the history of women's rights. Esther was the type of person who didn't take no for an answer. When she wanted to do something, she would try until she succeeded. In 1869, Esther was living in Wyoming with her husband and children. She decided that she wanted to vote in the upcoming elections. But at that time, women were not allowed to vote. This didn't stop Esther. She talked to politicians and convinced them to introduce a bill to allow women to vote. I Could Do That!, she thought. And she was right.


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

Happy Birthday Aiden!

Today is my grandson's birthday. Aiden is 5 years old today and one week away from starting Kindergarten. One thing that Aiden loves is funny rhymes. He loves hearing Mother Goose and other children's poetry. These might keep him laughing today.

Prelutsky, Jack. MY DOG MAY BE A GENIUS

The penguins once collided --
both were in a nasty mood
and quickly started bickering
they were extremely rude.

Those penguins argued on and on
without an interlude,
and that was the beginning
of their famous frozen feud.

Jack Prelutsky and James Stevenson team up again to give us another great poetry collection. Come on in and join the fun.

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

One week to the start of school

Only one more week of summer vacation. If it seems shorter this year, it is. We had to go a week later in June due to all the snow days. The summer flew by even faster than usual. I think my grandson Aiden is the only one excited about school starting next week. He is going into Kindergarten! We just found out that he will not be going the first day of school. They are having half the class go on Tuesday and the other half on Wednesday. So, he will have to wait another day. I hope we can keep his enthusiasm up for many years.

Yesterday's podcast was for the new Fancy Nancy book. I love Fancy Nancy -- and not just because of her name! The vocabulary used in the books is wonderful as are the stories. And the illustrations. This is just the kind of book I would have treasured as a little one.

O'Connor, Jane. FANCY NANCY : BONJOUR, BUTTERFLY

Fancy Nancy and her friend Bree are planning the most extraordinary birthday party. It will be a butterfly party. Whenever Nancy and Bree see a butterfly, they say "Bonjour" -- that's French for "hello". Nancy is so excited about Bree's party. She has her butterfly outfit all planned. But then her mother tells her something bad. They are going away that weekend and Nancy can't go to Bree's party. Now Nancy scowls and sulks and storms around the house.

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/o'connor_bonjour.mp3

Today's podcast if for Kimberly Pauley's first book. And it is a vampire book. You just can't have too many of these. The girls just eat them up. Take a bit out of this one.

Pauley, Kimberly. SUCKS TO BE ME

Most teen girls have to worry about who they are going to the prom with and maybe where they will be going to college. At that age, the whold world is open and there isn't a real hurry to decide your future. Unless you are Mina Hamilton. You see, she comes from a very different family and now she is told that she has just about a month to decide what her future will be. To help her make up her mind, she has been enrolled in special classes that explain what she will need to consider. What she will need to know to become a vampire like her parents.

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