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48 Hour Reading Challenge

I signed up to participate in the “48 Hour Reading Challenge” from 7 PM Friday to 7 PM Sunday. My goal to read six of the 2010 Sasquatch Reader Award  and 2010 YRCA nominees. I forgot (until packing)that I would be out of town with friends all weekend.

Happy to say that yesterday was spent in the car for almost nine hours and I read.  I read four of the six (bolded and starred are ones read) books:

**The Return of the Killer Cat. Fine, Anne

Brendan Buckley’s Universe and Everything In It. Frazier, Sundee

**Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Stuart Little. Gifford, Peggy

**Ten Ways to Make My Sister Disappear. Mazer, Norma Fox

**No Talking. Clements, Andrew

 Elijah of Buxton. Curtis, Christopher Paul

I could have started Elijah of Buxton and had planned to but then I saw my copy of Silksinger by Laini Taylor, started already and pleading to be read. So I rewarded myself by sticking my nose into its pages. Soon I was taken away with Whisper to find the city of Nazneen.  It total I read 559 pages which will pale in comparison to those who cleared their calendar to read.  But I tried and after two years of not participating due to conflict, I am happy that I could try once more.

Now rereading the rules, I did not check in. I did not blog. I read on Sunday.  Well, there is next year!!

Summer Revision Smackdown

Last weekend I was invited to join the Summer Revision Smackdown at Holly Cupala.  So last week did I state my goals?  No. Did I do any revising?  Only in my head.  Doubt that counts for anything. So thank goodness for a new week! 

My revision goals this week:

To make the changes based on our May writer’s critique group meeting.

To revise at least two haiku to submit for publication.

Bridget Zinn Fund Update

We raised $16,000 with the two auctions (one local and the on-line). Checks are arriving in the mail daily. The Paypal is operational (and taking a fee, bleh!) 

If you have not heard from me, please contact me at macrush53 at yahoo dot com.  I was gone for the weekend. Tonight’s plan?  To go into the “spinning room” to email folks and catch up on all things auction.

 I have two stories in the realm of “Who’s Reading What Wednesday”.  This past weekend, I spend the afternoon/evening with my granddaughters.  I listened to the parallel play involving two characters, “Grody and Cookie”.  What I finally realized was that The one granddaughter was using her love of Grody’s Golden Rules by Nicole Rubel to drive the story line.  It was delightful to witness.

Second story:  The fifth grade girl  devouring  The Sisters Grimm series came to school Monday, proudly displaying the latest release, the seventh one.  That girl has been on the count down for the book and patiently waiting for the public library call.  Yesterday she arrived at school with a sad look,  “I finished. There are no more.”  You could just see how she was living the book.

Today’s interview is no other than Jennifer Holm, co-creator of Babymouse.  She donated a signed copy of Babymouse: The Musical and a chance to have your name in story for the Bridget Zinn Auction.

How long have you been writing/ illustrating?

A: I’ve been writing since my early twenties (eek!). Will be 41 in June!

When you aren’t illustrating/writing, what might we find you doing?

A: Chasing my kids around; collapsed in exhaustion from chasing my kids around.

Who influenced you as a writer/illustrator?

A: Lloyd Alexander, Bill Watterson, Hal Foster.

What is your current project?

A: BABYMOUSE: CUPCAKE TYCOON!

What books are on your nightstand?

A: The Little Orphan Annie cartoon strips.

Where do you find inspiration?

A: History, my perceived childhood traumas.

What was your favorite book as a child? As a teen?  As an adult? Any particular genre stand out?

A: Prince Valiant cartoon strips.

Favorite time of the day to work?

A: 10-3 (that’s when the kids are at school/daycare)

Chocolate:  white, dark, or milk?

A: Neither; I’m allergic.

Coffee or tea or —?

A: Coffee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dance: Funky chicken or the tango?

A: Waltz?

Thanks, Jennifer for sharing a bit about yourself.  Did you know that besides Babymouse, Jennifer has had two Newbery Honor books?  Our Only May Amelia (2000) and Penny From Heaven (2007).  Both are terrific reads and in one of my favorite genres, historical and period fiction.

If you want a signed copy of Babymouse the Musical and a chance to have your name in a future book, bid on it here.

I read two terrific books by Oregon authors this past week.  Both authors have graciously donated a visit to a school or library for the cost of a raffle ticket.  The funds will help local YA public librarian, Bridget Zinn, who is currently fighting Stage Four Colon Cancer.

The Heart of a Shepard by Rosanne Parry

Rosanne Parry has written a very tender story about the importance of family and doing what is right. When 12 year old Brother’s father leaves for Iraq, it is up to him to step up to ranching duties in Eastern Oregon.  He is not sure he is capable of such responsibilities. He know he must help his grandparents with older brothers away at school.  Brother discovers he has the heart of a shepard in this coming of age book.  The pacing of the story made it impossible to put down.
I found myself thinking about my father who left his home in New Jersey at 17 to spend a year on a ranch in southeast Idaho.  He would have enjoyed hearing about this book.  It provides a slice of life glimpse of what it means to live in eastern Oregon.  It is a book with a lot of heart and Rosanne should be proud of her first novel.

Radiant Darkness by Emily Whitman

When you were a teen, did you fight with your mother? Were you interested in boys that perhaps were parents would not approve?

Radiant Darknesstakes us to the realm of the Greek gods and goddesses. The story of Persephone retold in a unique way with a twist, Whitman takes us to a world long forgotten.  I read the book on the way to the coast last weekend because I could not put it down.  YA readers will relate to the tussle between parents and wanting freedom.  I hope this book sees a huge readership.  Emily has written a terrific first novel.

If you would like to have one of these authors at you school (in the Portland area), then contact me for a raffle ticket.  Drawing will be held on May 29, 2009.  Tickets are $10.00 each.  Money goes to the Bridget Zinn Fund.

Happy Reading.

MsMac

We are into the state assessment period and the halls are quiet except for the scritchy-scratch of pencils.  I recently read two books to classes that were sent to me by publishers.

The first is a follow-up to Library Mouse by Daniel Kirk.  In Library Mouse A Friend’s Tale, Sam the library mouse gets to secretly pair up with Tom, left over student.  All the kids have partner’s to write a story and illustrate it except Tom.  Mrs. Forrester, the librarian, suggests to Tom that they work together but them a mystery unfolds.  Sam accidentally leaves his notebook on the librarian’s desk and when he goes back to get it, he leaves tracks to his little home in the reference section.  What happens when Tom follows the track? Will he reveal the library mouse secret?  What kind of story does Mrs. Forrester and Sam write or do they?  You will have to read and find out your self. 

Kids love these two book by Daniel Kirk.  Library Mouse came in second in the Washington state Children’s Picture Book Award.  The perspectives that Kirk uses in the illustrations engage students.  It will not be on the shelf long.

The second book, Hee-Haw-Dini and the Great Zambini by Kim Kennedy has kids laughing out loud.  This is a new author for me.  It is a fun tale about the power of practice, practice, practice.  Hee-Haw the donkey and Chester the mouse practice their magic tricks all day long.  But none of the other farm animals want to see the tricks because after all, they are just farm animals.

When the Circus train comes through and a mysterious trunk belonging to the Great Zambini is left along the countryside, Chester and Hee-Haw decide its time to pull the ultimate trick. The ending has a fun trick of its own. I did not expect the ending. Students were quite engaged in this book, too. Doug Kennedy’s acrylic paintings match the vivid text.

This brother-sister team rely on family stories about magic to tell a magical story about the power of believing in your self.

I am listening to Savvy by Ingrid Law. Wow what a great story. The Beaumont family each get their special “savvy” on their 13th birthday. Mibs’s 13th birthday is no exception and the events of that day lead her, her family, and a colorful cast of characters on a wild chase.

I keep thinking about how the characters of Savvy might like the characters Spinelli’s Star Girl.  There have been a couple times where I pull into the driveway at home and have to wait until the chapter is finished. On her blog, Law invites readers to share their savvy, their special know-how.  I think my savvy just might be the my diplomaticway with people.

Overheard, Alyssa D., 5th grader, “May 1, do you know what that date means?”  That’s when the seventh book of the Sisters Grim series by Michael Buckley comes out.

What are you reading?

Happy Reading.

MsMac

Voting for the Washington Children’s Choice Picture Book Award (WCCPBA) is happening fast and furiously.  There are twenty contenders which I divide between primary teachers and myself.

The Contenders:
Bud and Gabby. Davis, Anne
Cha Cha Chimps. Durango, Julia
Cheese, The. Palatini, Margie
Chester. Watt, Melanie
Chickens to the rescue. Himmelman, John
End, The. LaRochelle, David
Ham the Astrochimp. Hillard, Richard
Help! A story of friendship. Keller, Holly
Ivan the terrier. Catalanotto, Peter
Killer whale’s world, A. Arnold, Caroline
Larry gets lost in Seattle. Skewes, John
Library Mouse. Kirk, Daniel
Louder Lili. Chodenko, Gennifer
Oh, Theodore! Guinea pig poems. Katz, Susan
Peanut. Alsenas, Linis
Velma Gratch and the way cool butterfly. Madison, Alan
When a monster is born. Taylor, Sean
Wolf’s coming.Kulka, Joe
Would I ever lie to you? Buehner, Carolyn
Younger brother’s survival guide. Kopelke, Lisa

Early lead is going to Chester by Melanie Watt, author of the Scaredy Squirrel series.  Voting will continue through out the week.  Results will be sent to the state and a winner announced in early April.

A fifth grader handed me the best note yesterday.  This is in response to talking about experience of listening to The Underneath by Kathi Appelt.

“Dear Mrs. Mac,
I was wondering if you would hold the NEW Book, that you love so much.  I think the way yourecommended the book made me want to red it.  Also I think that the way you said that the person who reads the book to you, read it so smooth.  I hope that you would hold the book for me.  Thank you.

Mikayla, 5th
I, of course, cannot wait for the book order to come in and will have to buy it before spring break is over.

Am enjoying listening to The Graveyard Book and really, thank goodness, it is not as intense as The Underneath.  I find myself thinking about Harry Potter. Wonder if he and Bod could have been friends.

Bringing The Summer Guest on spring break.  It’s our book club choice.  Last night, I picked up Three Cups of Tea and started to get into that book.  Have you seen both the picture book and the middle grade book about the Pakistani schools project?

Reminder if you would like a Poem Postcard.  Let me know.

Happy Reading.

MsMac

You know a book is good when you have to sit in your car and listen to make sure the characters are okay before walking into the workplace.  This is what I have had to do with The Underneath by Kathi Appelt.  I am just about finished and this is probably a good thing because I don’t think my heart could take another couple of CD’s.    Today besides the heart pounding, I had tears in my eyes.

Appelt has braided three stories together in a story that will probably be read for many years.  It is on my book order both book and audio.  Anyone who has pets will fall in love with Ranger, Sabine, and Puck.  I believe readers will revile Gar-Face as one of the most evil characters I have recently encountered.  And the mystical qualities of an ancient story draws the reader into some great magic.

Appelt’s poetic voice is strong.  Her use of repetition and imagery move the story along like on the wings of a hummingbird.

I hate that the book is coming to an end.  It will be one that I re-read. I cannot wait to put it into the hands of my intermediate teachers to read.  It is no wonder it is an Newbery Honor Book.

Speaking of Newbery, The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman is beginning to circulate in fifth grade. The first reader returned the book with a big smile and asked, “Do you have any other books like this?”  Close behind him was a classmate ready to grab the book.  I get to pick up the audio version of the book this week (as soon as I finish The Underneath, which should be today).  I wonder if the audio version of Gaiman will be as intense as Appelt’s story.

What is on your nightstand?

Happy Reading.

MsMac

I have a goal that fifth graders will leave this school knowing how to select a “good fit” book for themselves and loving reading.  I also want them to start knowing who they are as readers.

I changed the practice of checking out books this year.  Instead of cramming it in the last three to five minutes of the library class, I have either extended the class time and invited teachers to be with their students or have found another time for the classes to come down for book check out.  Having the classroom teacher involved with book check out is making a difference.  Both of us are talking with students about their choices and guiding them along.

I have witnessed a group of fifth grade boys devour Katherine Lasky’s Ga’Hoole series.  One boy even wrote to her and received a response in return. Was that ever a motivator!   When I was informed that I didn’t have the second half of the series, I drove to the local book store and got what I could. We are still missing a couple as the store was out.

Other fifth graders are enjoying the Great Illustrated series.  Bryanna is in the midst of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I like these series for the sole purpose to introduce students to the classics.  They are getting worn and tattered.

Casey, another fifth grader is engrossed in the Fudgemania series by Judy Blume.  he loves the camping and the humor of the book.

Tiffany is learning more about President Obama through the book, Yes We Canby Garen Thomas.

A few months ago, I noticed that more students treated book check out time as a social event.  Lately, the time is being used to talk more about books.  I do fear that if the library is not fully funded next year, I will have to return to book checkout within the class time.  That would be most unfortunate. However, without staff to checkout which enables me to circulate among students, I doubt there will be the availability to offer separate times for classes.  In turn, will fifth graders leave elementary school as readers who can make good choices and know who they are as a reader.

I just finished listening to Mick Harte was Here by Barbara Park and On My Honor by Marion Duane Bauer.  It has been awhile since I both books.  I am struck by how both pull the reader in and you understand how each character deals with the loss of the people close to them.

I am currently reading a history of Key West and Grandparenting Through Love and Logic.  What are you reading?

Happy Reading.

MsMac

All the participants were given a book to read at the conference last week. We were expected to read their book through the lens of the thinking strategy they were studying. Ten titles, nonfiction and fiction, were booked talked, then participants at each table had to come to consensus about which book they would select.  Participants were invited to choose a genre that would challenge their reading and thinking.

Hmmm, what I discovered about my reading was that being in the library media field, I read a lot and am familiar with most styles of writing.  I selected Ultimate Challenge by Alan Gottlieb, a dark, grisly book about how one man copes when forced to keep a secret when his best friend dies unexpectedly while both were in the Peace Corps.  Okay, so my thinking strategy was “synthesizing”.   Throughout the week, the conversation always returned to “is synthesizing  really a thinking strategy or is it the umbrella for which all others strategies come under”? 

So how did I synthesize my reading of Ultimate Excursion?  What did I think about as I read it?  Armed with post-its and pens (because even though we could write in the book, I could not bring myself to do so), I began reading.  I was brought back to a place twenty years ago when I led adult literature circles for class credit.  I was brought back in my mind to my visit to Columbia University, a workshop with Lucy Caulkins and Shelly Harwayne as we explore “what lens do you read through”.   I read through the lens of a reader, not a librarian trying to get through books in order to make selection choices.  There is a difference.  Sometimes I felt annoyed because I impose a “must think about this” on every page and that slows your reading down.  Yet, there was joy in slowing down, savoring the words.   Eventually, I set aside the post-its and just read.  I had to enforce lights out in Denver or I would have stay up all night.  It was an “ultimate excursion” to read this book.  It might make for a good read at high school level.  I am wonmdering if I could talk my book club into reading the book.  They typically do not go for dark reads. Do you know how much we synthesize without realizing it.

Fifth grade boys are crazy about the Guardians of Ga’hoole series by Kathryn Lasky.  I blogged about this two weeks ago.  I discovered Kathryn Lasky’s website and how to contact her and passed it onto the boys.  Today, Ben came down to tell me he had emailed her and she responded.  To see the joy on that boy’s face. Thank you to all the authors out there who take the time to respond to students.

What is on your nightstand?  Happy Reading.

MsMac

What do these three things have in common?
1. The 2009 Newbery Award: The Graveyard Bookby Neil Gaiman.
2. Email chatter about the Newbery Award winner.
3. “A Dirty Little Secret: Self-Censorship” by Debra Lau Whelan, School Library Journal, February.

They intersect one another. Gaiman’s book, a Newbery winner, once again could be self-censored from elementary school libraries. Why? Because of the opening scene. A scene in which the reader discovers the main character has escaped being murder while he rest of his family does not. A scene that includes a knife.
Shortly after the ALA announcement that The Graveyard Book won the award, emails started flying. Many of which stated, the book would not be purchased for their school. I had not read the book but immediately got my hands on it and devoured it cover to cover.

It seems that many recent Newbery Awards are for middle or high school. But this year, the committee was brave in selecting a book that not only has kid appeal but is masterfully written. Have you read Gaiman’s book? If not, it must go on your “to-read” list.
The timing of the SLJ article could not have been more perfect. Do we as school librarians self-censor? Do I self-censor? I think it is food for thought. My library does not have And Tango Makes Three or Uncle Bobby’s Wedding. Interestingly, I check our district, seven schools (four elementary) have And Tango Makes Three and there are no copies of Uncle Bobby’s Wedding in our district. This requires further examination on my part. ( I am in the process of putting an order together).
Last year, I had a parent visit me about Harry Potter. I explain she could censor her children’s reading but not others. I gave her all the paper work to file a challenge but it never happened.
What is the criteria for selecting The Graveyard Bookfor my school library? I am good at considering the reviews and the suggested ages for a book. Many reviews say ten years old or fifth grade for this title. I am always on the lookout for those “edgy” fifth grade reads. Having read the book, I think it is an excellent choice for elementary. Gaiman’s book fills a void in the scary/horror genre of the school library. It is a difficult genre at elementary beyond the Goosebumps series. (which the cover is often more scary than the text). And paired with the classic Jungle Book, wow, let the discussions begin.
This past week at the conference, we talked a lot about providing mentor text for students. The Graveyard Book will make such a great mentor text for those students trying to write a scary story. The reader can be scared and yet, most of the scary parts are nuanced. The reader is not reading about gore beyond the words “bloody knife” and that will send the imagination off, won’t it?
I have to agree with Pat Scales, a former librarian and First Amendment advocate, who says, “Children will put down what they can’t handle or what they aren’t ready for.” I know this will be true for Gaiman’s book and I also know it probably will not stay on the shelves much. By the way, yesterdy it was announced that The Graveyard Book also won the CYBILS for best book in the “Middle Grade Sci-fi/Fantasy” division. Congrats on that.

Happy Reading.

MsMac

Letters to me were delivered last week from Ms. Padden’s class.  Students offered up books that should get an award.  Here’s the books they nominated.

Janel likes Katie Kazoo Christmas.  It is funny and you know what the characters are thinking.

Kylie recommends Number the Stars.  She learned about the plight of the Jewish people and agreed that it should have won the Newbery Award.

Andrew S. loves the suspense of On the Run (6), he also loves the humor in it.

Brady is reading the Ga’Hoole series and thinks The Burning is the best so far. He says “it keeps you on the edge of your seat”.

Ben also read the Ga’Hoole series and is impressed that is is on the NY Times best seller list.  He loves reading about the life and war of the owls.

Another fan of the Ga’Hoole series is Joshua.  He says “This series helps people understand what teamwork is all about and you get to see it through the eyes of a young barn owl.:

We do not have Twilightin the library by Mikayla has been reading it and “could not put it down”.

Kieera has been reading a Young Readers’ Choice nomination; The Homework Machine.  She could not put the book down and thinks that most kids will want a homework machine.

Dakotah has been reading Where the Red Fern Grows.  He believes the book “shows perseverance, is emotional and love to matter the most.”

Tabbatha loves the surprises in Hatchet.  She loves the survival tips as well as it ” makes you LOVE reading”.

Drew just finished Diary of a Wimpy Kid.  He loves the humor and thinks the main character is a lot like him.

So if you are at a loss as to what to read. Try a few of these books which students feel are award winners in their eyes.

Happy Reading.

MsMac