Check It Out

 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

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

 I recently interviewed the library media specialists in our district about what they planned to read over the winter break.  The following titles could be found at their homes:

No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front in World War IIby Doris Kearns Goodwin

 Hot, Flat, and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution–and How It Can Renew America by Thomas L. Friedman.

All the Pretty Horsesby Comac McCarthy

 The Otherby David Guterson

 What Color is Your Parachute for Retirement by Richard Nelson Bolles

 Breathe: A Ghost Storyby Cliff McNish

 Knights of the Hill Country by Tim Tharp

 Hemingses of Monticello by Annette Gordon-Reed

 Crocodile on the Sandbank  and the rest of the series by Elizabeth Peters

 Unaccustomed Earthby Jhumpa Lahiri (mentioned by two people)

 Doppelgangerby David Stahler, Jr

 The Little Giant of Aberdeen County by Tiffany Baker

With all the snow, it was a good time to read.  What are you reading?  I just started listening to Magyk by Angie Sage.  I do not know what my problem was but I had a difficult time getting into both Time Travelers Wifeby Audrey Niffenegger and Suite Francaiseby Irene Nemirovsky and Sandra Smith.  So I put them aside for now. I have Brooklyn Bridge by Karen Hesse and Steinbeck’s Ghostby Lewis Buzbeeto read.

Happy Reading. What are you reading?

MsMac

I just finished listening to  Love, Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli. Oh, my.  I love this book. There is something so magical about Stargirl. Something so simple and yet complex.  I think the magic lies within the fact that at fifty-five I am taken in by the characters as much as my fifth graders are.  If I were a middle grade student I would start a “Stargirl Society” as Spinelli’s website suggests.  It is the kind of book that makes you take a rest from listening to stories for a bit because you do not want the magic of that story to evaporate.  I am left with a yearning for a third book.  I want the book in which Stargirl and Leo meet again.  So for now, I will appreciate the upcoming solstice on my daily trek to work, thinking about Stargirl and her own preparations for the solstice.

I interviewed Mr Johnson’s fifth grade class about what they are reading:

Their teacher, Mr. Johnson is reading about The Reagan Diaries.  He is impressed with Reagan’s self-reliance and personal responsibility and says that it is an inspiration to read.

Alyssa gobbled up the third Sisters Grimm book by Michael Buckley .  Now I have to add to the series as I only have the first three.

Sophie finished The True Meaning of Smekday by Adam Rex.  Did you know that there is a Smekday site? It is here.  She like that the aliens were scary but not so scary.

Austin is hanging onto Troll Fell by Katherine Langrish.  I think it is quite a challenge for a fifth grader but he is enjoying and and reports to me what page he is on. Austin likes the fantasy and adventure.

Christian finished Sparrow Hawk Red by Ben Mikaelsen.  He, too, loved the adventures of the street rats.  Christian is challenging himself to read books that are more on his level and this Mikaelsen book fit the bill.

I had a couple of fourth graders finished The Homework Machine by Dan Gutman. Lena and Kailee report that they liked the different voices telling the story.  They like the blend of the funny and sad parts.

So what is on your nightstand?  Anything new?  I am almost finished with Girl Overboard by Justina Chen Headley. 

Happy Reading.

MsMac