tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64659380290250420892024-02-20T02:42:03.492-05:00Biblio-BrouhahaA Wonderland of Books!infogoddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08736122116921725367noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465938029025042089.post-49057186538940514962023-10-14T16:35:00.004-04:002023-10-14T16:35:42.982-04:00Preschool Learning & Discovery Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnsh15C-SRGNjISlSNoGgnx8cFuCdQi_FmRJVxXEG7vEb0FE_JnI3oE1FhJAMZIGG08g9V25xnxNzvdbtrSojU8xwqZ0JWJ5j-n5vEld9iMzSVeA8ANCkVLZTurUiyruwNU-XUNnwrK1rCoGOkNAxqPqmaG2_Um_kAzc0e-tABhY5F_SvO8S_-57GfzAg/s2048/penguins.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnsh15C-SRGNjISlSNoGgnx8cFuCdQi_FmRJVxXEG7vEb0FE_JnI3oE1FhJAMZIGG08g9V25xnxNzvdbtrSojU8xwqZ0JWJ5j-n5vEld9iMzSVeA8ANCkVLZTurUiyruwNU-XUNnwrK1rCoGOkNAxqPqmaG2_Um_kAzc0e-tABhY5F_SvO8S_-57GfzAg/s320/penguins.jpg"/></a></div>
A few years ago I decided to give my Story Time a face lift. The children and families I have worked with were capable of so much more. While the original format of a story time program is still relevant and fun, I imagined I could make this experience so much more. An experience with more opportunity for creative, hands-on learning that goes beyond cutting and pasting. Enter Preschool Learning & Discovery Time.
While much remains the same, we still read stories, sing, dance and etc., I have added hands-on learning experiences and STEM activities. Let's face it, kids are smart. I wanted to begin introducing concepts to these little sponges to spark their imaginations and create joy around learning. We do simple experiments, graph, measure, predict, count, sort and all of the things! Children are introduced to basic scientific terms and concepts in a fun way. Stay tuned for some of my favorite PL&D Time themes and concepts. infogoddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08736122116921725367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465938029025042089.post-23669894542506826862017-11-27T17:30:00.003-05:002017-11-27T17:33:17.826-05:00Update Your Holiday Repertoire <h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">2017 Holiday Books </span></h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Sharing books anytime of year is one of my most favorite things to do. I am especially pleased when I can share quality holiday books. My children and I had our favorites which we read year after year which is a great tradition but it also can become comfortable. I always kept a watchful eye out for new books to mix in with the old standbys so as not to miss something great. </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Now that my kids are grown, I continue to seek out new and special holiday books to share with my friends, family and Library patrons. </span>Here are a few of my favorites published this year. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By Nicola Killen</td></tr>
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An endearing tale about a little girl and her late night adventure with a lost reindeer. The beautiful illustrations were the highlight of this heartwarming tale for me. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76Qr5h4uZ7_qDoeEIsFdhjf6xO1nsHmiDvL0_VNAo9OMzA0sqa2AfvRerbZkagMz7ZmHC48JZiSs5nyHzG1_dcXkPGLPVf7Es9AIOm6ldNAP3oVdRK8wdScDL4I655jsDhiE0CpiBkjzV/s1600/love+santa17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="251" data-original-width="201" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76Qr5h4uZ7_qDoeEIsFdhjf6xO1nsHmiDvL0_VNAo9OMzA0sqa2AfvRerbZkagMz7ZmHC48JZiSs5nyHzG1_dcXkPGLPVf7Es9AIOm6ldNAP3oVdRK8wdScDL4I655jsDhiE0CpiBkjzV/s320/love+santa17.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By Martha Brockenbrough</td></tr>
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A sentimental book about a child learning that Santa Claus is not real, but the spirit of Santa Claus is! A fun way to welcome children who are questioning to "Team Santa". </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adapted by the Metropolitan Museum of Art</td></tr>
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For families seeking a more traditional approach, this biblical telling of the Christmas Story is accompanied by medieval and Renaissance paintings from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. </div>
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Gorgeous from cover to cover! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By M.E. Furman<br />
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A tasty look at Christmas traditions around the world. Did you know that in Australia, because its summer, families leave Santa a cool glass of milk or BEER? </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By Bonnie Becker</td></tr>
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Pickles, poems, presents... oh my! </div>
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Curmudgeon Bear and the ever optimistic Mouse are back for another fun tale. </div>
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infogoddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08736122116921725367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465938029025042089.post-37322837623079289732016-08-11T12:41:00.000-04:002016-08-11T16:21:55.091-04:00<b>These are a few of my favorite things!</b>-
My favorites of 2016 are abundant. There have been so many great books I've read and so many in my TBR pile I am excited about. I feel full of book love! Here I include a nice assortment, (historical fiction; spooky; graphic novel; survival; realistic fiction) a little something for everyone!
Enjoy these <i>few</i> of my favorite middle grade reads of 2016 and you can look forward to many more posts with lots of gushing!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVikDA_ikMG1l6j0Wf3BBvx_BNYCDMKLZjjEqlVi8Fgn-wYpt8yFcUOu1YFbgUsiFKpZEkgFRm9gL70By14r65ZXkRiDNMjyW8_Q4lb3T9xpKVs_OtUOvtBZn2_G4mN-k5M6KGACdA-zHD/s1600/Wolf-Hollow-final-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVikDA_ikMG1l6j0Wf3BBvx_BNYCDMKLZjjEqlVi8Fgn-wYpt8yFcUOu1YFbgUsiFKpZEkgFRm9gL70By14r65ZXkRiDNMjyW8_Q4lb3T9xpKVs_OtUOvtBZn2_G4mN-k5M6KGACdA-zHD/s320/Wolf-Hollow-final-cover.jpg" width="240" height="320" /></a></div>
<b><i>Wolf Hollow</i> by Lauren Wolk</b>-
Betty Glengarry's arrival at a rural Pennsylvania school changes everything for Annabelle, age 12. Annabelle's biggest worry in her life to date has been the war(WWII) but Betty's presence has created a more immediate threat. Betty is a bully and not at all harmless, although its hard for adults to believe that this pretty little blonde girl is capable of violence. Instead, its easier to blame recent wrong doings on an odd WWI vet who roams the nearby Pennsylvania hills.
Annabelle makes difficult choices with a child's eye making the story believable. I loved this book so much, I couldn't put it down, although sometimes I wanted to. It was gripping and emotionally complex and at points hard to bear. <3 Well done Lauren Wolk.
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<b><i>All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook </i>by Leslie Connor</b>-
Perry Cook has lived at the Blue River Correctional facility all of his life (12 years) with his mother, Jessica, who is a resident there. All is well until someone refuses to look the other way and Perry is forced into foster care. A look at prison life, what it means to have an incarcerated parent and a lesson in finding the goodness in life. SO well done. I loved every page. I think kids will eat this one up too.
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<b><i>The Door by the Staircase</i> by Katherine Marsh</b>-
Mary Hayes is adopted from a deplorable orphanage only to learn that her new guardian, Madame Z (a Baba Yaga) is planning to eat her. Clever Mary, though, has a plan. Filled with magic and spookiness, this one should have broad appeal.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEIXAFMWi-oy_YP8SFrnOdSLWbzNSXA20ZcoqZ4lDP1j_r_Mt3r75SGojCyRP1hw53JNjp5voKzBBW0YG1WLGTkwyKukTtGUaPtDcvtedlljPNWJQMtQP-p7rj6t9iCs6jeMAOg0Uiap9K/s1600/GHOSTS-Front-Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEIXAFMWi-oy_YP8SFrnOdSLWbzNSXA20ZcoqZ4lDP1j_r_Mt3r75SGojCyRP1hw53JNjp5voKzBBW0YG1WLGTkwyKukTtGUaPtDcvtedlljPNWJQMtQP-p7rj6t9iCs6jeMAOg0Uiap9K/s320/GHOSTS-Front-Cover.jpg" width="220" height="320" /></a></div>
<b><i>Ghosts</i> by Raina Telgemeier</b>-
Telgemeier hits another one out of the park. Cat and her family are forced to move to a dismal (and ghost ridden) town in Northern California due to her little sister's cystic fibrosis. Cat wrestles with feelings of resentment towards her sister while still feeling fiercely protective of her. A great exploration of culture, family, death and sibling bonds. Totally realistic characters that lots of readers will identify with. I LOVED it!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOiY4sk2VvYnRaVTJJayaCE-S7PbgZ9Z8ozFsGIyCa4lI0vvGaIeXG9onnvMouqfEueVf2ip9qhddKSd5O4pB4s0kqYo_TYqYyLhQs7NW3ntzTmXNbDk7Bs0s4Y9Y2bF0MxsJsAtPqnJQ7/s1600/skeletontree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOiY4sk2VvYnRaVTJJayaCE-S7PbgZ9Z8ozFsGIyCa4lI0vvGaIeXG9onnvMouqfEueVf2ip9qhddKSd5O4pB4s0kqYo_TYqYyLhQs7NW3ntzTmXNbDk7Bs0s4Y9Y2bF0MxsJsAtPqnJQ7/s320/skeletontree.jpg" width="212" height="320" /></a></div>
<b><i>The Skeleton Tree</i> by Iain Lawrence</b>-
A fast paced and exhilarating adventure/survival story that also explores some pretty weighty topics (i.e. grief). Two boys must learn to cooperate, despite their dislike for each other, when stranded in the Alaskan wild. Angry and sullen teen Frank and the younger (12) Chris, creative and patient must work together and forge a bond in order to survive. Kids who love <i>Hatchet, Lost on a Mountain in Maine and My Side of the Mountain</i> are going to eat this up. I could not put it down. Well written and solid. infogoddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08736122116921725367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465938029025042089.post-65587109647599001542014-08-22T15:42:00.002-04:002014-08-22T15:42:55.295-04:00I Didn't Pass Out When I Read This Book, Hooray!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Tooth Traditions around the World by Ann Malaspina</h4>
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Who knew there were so many tooth traditions? Being one who is a little squeamish about anything to do with dental topics of any kind, I found myself surprisingly engaged and less and less squirmy as I read. </div>
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It is a perfect book for kids of tooth-loosing age and may help ease some fears or create new and different traditions. I plan to buy this one for my crazy tooth-loosing-jack-o-lantern-looking nieces.<br />
Suggested for ages 5 -8. </div>
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infogoddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08736122116921725367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465938029025042089.post-51688858815143496562014-08-22T15:37:00.001-04:002014-08-22T15:56:47.254-04:00Helping Children Meet the Right Book
<span style=font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;"><b>There is No Such Thing as a Reluctant Reader-</b> I prefer to think that kids who are labeled as such just have not met the right book yet. I encounter many parents who are concerned that their child is not interested in reading. Through many conversations with kids and parents I have discovered a few reasons why. Some kids prefer to experience life directly rather than through reading about someone else’s experiences. Other kids find it hard to sit still long enough to read for any length of time. And think about the competition! For many kids, books seem like inadequate entertainment when compared with video games, the Internet, television and other extra curricular activities. Sometimes well meaning adults place persistent stress on the child to read constantly which can be counterproductive. We want our kids to be better readers so we make them read. They are struggling with reading so they do not want to read. Reading becomes a battleground and is not associated with pleasure but viewed as a chore. Whatever the reason, the fact remains; some kids prefer not to read. So what can we do about it?</span><br />
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<strong style=font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">Give Them Freedom of Choice</strong><span style=font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">- Whether it is a cereal box, a comic, a magazine or a novel…it is all reading. Let them read their favorite series books too. It might not be great literature, but their predictable themes and familiar characters will instill confidence and help your child prepare for more substantial reading down the road. </span><br />
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<strong style=font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">Play to Their Passion</strong><span style=font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">- Whether its trucks, horses or Sponge Bob your child has had a fascination with something and likely there is a book about it. </span><b style=font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">Find it</b><span style=font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">. If they are interested in it, they will read it or at least make the connection that there is something worthwhile and interesting inside of a book. </span><br />
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<strong style=font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">Give Audio a Go</strong><span style=font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">- No, it is not cheating. Your child may not be reading the words, but an audio book is a great way to expose students to books that would otherwise be beyond their reading ability. It will also challenge their vocabulary and comprehension skills as well as model wonderful reading aloud. Try pairing a print book with an audio book so your child can follow along as they listen. </span><br />
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<strong style=font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">Make a Connection</strong><span style=font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">-I believe that kids who do not read simply have not met the right book yet. When you understand the message of the story, use imagination while reading and think critically about the content, then you have made a connection with the book. Making these connections are what makes us love them and what makes us love to read. Once you read a book and have this type of experience, you are naturally going to crave more. When you crave more, you read more, when you read more you become more skilled at the practice. Unfortunately there is no one magic book which is going to hook every kid; however, we can help our kids find the right one. Respect your child’s likes and dislikes and be supportive of their choices. As your child samples new reading material they will become more discriminating in their own reading choice and development.</span>infogoddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08736122116921725367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465938029025042089.post-31398625211510887442013-11-05T16:25:00.000-05:002013-11-05T16:25:12.036-05:00Librarian Gone Wild!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgszMABe5fIbxoteLrVEIxv3L8gVBSOvsU4ACWikAUK-7gxSNKkVkgzDHaeqOCp3Y2hzVXIbxk0mmJH2TaVcJSCNXHHVtwNQZhqVSoF5WRp7K7scIJwJZAJZ1SyrZ0oxWFv1DFridMmah9/s1600/wild+thing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgszMABe5fIbxoteLrVEIxv3L8gVBSOvsU4ACWikAUK-7gxSNKkVkgzDHaeqOCp3Y2hzVXIbxk0mmJH2TaVcJSCNXHHVtwNQZhqVSoF5WRp7K7scIJwJZAJZ1SyrZ0oxWFv1DFridMmah9/s400/wild+thing.jpg" width="300" zsa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roaring my terrible ROAR!</td></tr>
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NOVEMBER</div>
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"In November's </div>
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gusty gale</div>
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I will flop </div>
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my flippy tail</div>
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and spout hot soup</div>
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I'll be a whale! </div>
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Spouting once</div>
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Spouting twice</div>
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Spouting checken soup</div>
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with rice. "</div>
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From Chicken Soup with Rice by Maurice Sendak</div>
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A life long Maurice Sendak lover and recently inspired by the FANTASTIC exhibit at Portland Public Library I couldn't resist being a WILD THING for our annual Halloween event at my Library. </div>
infogoddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08736122116921725367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465938029025042089.post-69876431495894465572013-07-08T21:12:00.006-04:002013-07-08T21:14:56.532-04:00It's Monday! What Are You Reading?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zQ_fozrLtICz4IoOvNbabP_ywx8SHZMXzmWoDNINr_RGMlna1EWCOb7U4NcrqVrNdvWK8UUMID1F_AwmWmjp-bwhYTszimugahdyD54iMQuAmxNJNZz8g99T1R_VIgfs1aaMOqNigm9N/s1600/Mon+Reading+Button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nya="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zQ_fozrLtICz4IoOvNbabP_ywx8SHZMXzmWoDNINr_RGMlna1EWCOb7U4NcrqVrNdvWK8UUMID1F_AwmWmjp-bwhYTszimugahdyD54iMQuAmxNJNZz8g99T1R_VIgfs1aaMOqNigm9N/s1600/Mon+Reading+Button.jpg" /></a></div>
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Traveling to ALA (and enjoying more of Chicago than humanly possible in 4 days) didn't leave too much time for reading. So forgive my sparse contribution this week!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBJ7wv_NMSpAKNVWc9gKB9eU64TUYLM_x5rIGmkTIRi1_i3FMxOPPRQ2qEH6fClh3y12kqvf7YGZjwWH8ydqhAC6aUUpwq99ZOF66XkkmpY95zaLG2C1HVGIVIjZO4r8jfQlB702iJgFUd/s1600/stranded.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nya="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBJ7wv_NMSpAKNVWc9gKB9eU64TUYLM_x5rIGmkTIRi1_i3FMxOPPRQ2qEH6fClh3y12kqvf7YGZjwWH8ydqhAC6aUUpwq99ZOF66XkkmpY95zaLG2C1HVGIVIjZO4r8jfQlB702iJgFUd/s320/stranded.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
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I will admit I was skeptical about this one (no offense Jeff Probst). Happily, my skepticism was completely unfounded. This is a fantastic summer read for middle grade readers! </div>
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4 kids in a newly formed blended family set off on a sailing adventure while their parents honeymoon. The trip was originally designed to help the kids get to know each other and bond as a family. It accomplishes its mission, but not in the way it was expected. The kids end up stranded (surprise!) on an island in the south pacific. No adults, no guidance just the kids and their limited supplies. Kids will LOVE this fast and tense read! I also suggest you have the second in the series on-hand because once this one is finished, they won't want to wait. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGsRCe7hwg2uM3lUTzT20r2o6LolCFr-zRleJqVNx4XtHUOzwl72az0BffN4qlty1zQFUgOHRzVM-tS0A-RWFjcmq_dCqEWBRqpaiUmJwo_Fyi2WNHm9DZDyeaBAlrKID2cMsfmG3j6fa8/s1600/blueballiett.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGsRCe7hwg2uM3lUTzT20r2o6LolCFr-zRleJqVNx4XtHUOzwl72az0BffN4qlty1zQFUgOHRzVM-tS0A-RWFjcmq_dCqEWBRqpaiUmJwo_Fyi2WNHm9DZDyeaBAlrKID2cMsfmG3j6fa8/s320/blueballiett.JPG" width="210" /></a></div>
There is much buzz about Blue Balliett's latest and I promise you, the rumors are true. I loved everything about this one. Another fabulous middle grade read! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrh7hGZqRXATmQXkx5LNwckmPmC8XDJtisAbWYjSlMhnJlCGE50_0K-QhhJ7UYVnS4m7T3tjrGnJB37IjPGgNZCbx1-D5e1VtbI0cNLh2sMCfvWuGS7VwbJc-nSuRbgR2umESlMYkcojqu/s1600/flame+in+the+mist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrh7hGZqRXATmQXkx5LNwckmPmC8XDJtisAbWYjSlMhnJlCGE50_0K-QhhJ7UYVnS4m7T3tjrGnJB37IjPGgNZCbx1-D5e1VtbI0cNLh2sMCfvWuGS7VwbJc-nSuRbgR2umESlMYkcojqu/s1600/flame+in+the+mist.jpg" /></a></div>
While fantasy is not my favorite genre, I really enjoyed this one (even if it was a little on the long side at 464 pages). While not perfect, readers will be invested enough in Jemma's fate to overlook imperfections in the plot. Some darker moments were edge-of-your-seat exciting and a wee bit scary. <br />
I look forward to seeing more from Kit Grindstaff!<br />
Suggested for hardcore fantasy fans grades 6 and up. <br />
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Check out the book trailer<a href="http://youtu.be/dsNhJMIKaEc" target="_blank"> here</a>.<br />
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Until next time, happy reading! </div>
infogoddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08736122116921725367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465938029025042089.post-41186336596640235682013-07-05T19:01:00.000-04:002013-07-05T19:25:23.935-04:00Fast & Fun Reads (picture book edition)<div style="text-align: center;">
I always feel like I should have more time for family reading in the summer. Somehow, with all the sunshiny temptations, we always seem to have less. Constant interruptions can make it difficult to squeeze in that valuable together reading time. Why not gather up some quick reads to sneak into those (rare) moments of downtime? Here are some fast & fun reads which are guaranteed to make the whole family smile! </div>
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Bark, George!</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb49dgv-F1Azo6rQaDxpkF98-DB6wpFlnaHRGeoh7JJIz72EOGVZ-KvhJ6AC954taIpsthSiGPyz30i6jHI9jV9zFD1___JB7V4JbmlUII9Dy6LH5jxvXKn13gxhahI77tmYXSV2u-vk6y/s1600/BarkGeorge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb49dgv-F1Azo6rQaDxpkF98-DB6wpFlnaHRGeoh7JJIz72EOGVZ-KvhJ6AC954taIpsthSiGPyz30i6jHI9jV9zFD1___JB7V4JbmlUII9Dy6LH5jxvXKn13gxhahI77tmYXSV2u-vk6y/s320/BarkGeorge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Classic! </div>
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When prompted by his mother to "Bark, George." George makes many interesting sounds but none of them are what one expects a dog to say. This book proves, once and for all, that picture books are to be enjoyed by readers of ALL ages. Delightful in every way! </div>
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A Pig Parade is a Terrible Idea</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXjpRLtj89l9h86u5IspzqwF5StypwaYSIzJFM4dG_LwxX40vO1sCBzyG-SXIXTHo5ko2Y6-AMlvvpbc6fJeS0CHGHJbOlSl-H9MRJkycuA5O7i9VllaofpDot1y7xoF6xQAa0y5JEUE8d/s1600/apigparade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXjpRLtj89l9h86u5IspzqwF5StypwaYSIzJFM4dG_LwxX40vO1sCBzyG-SXIXTHo5ko2Y6-AMlvvpbc6fJeS0CHGHJbOlSl-H9MRJkycuA5O7i9VllaofpDot1y7xoF6xQAa0y5JEUE8d/s320/apigparade.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>
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There was a day when I used to think that a pig parade sounded like a rather awesome and inspired idea. That was before I read this gem of a book by Michael Ian Black, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes. Pigs, it turns out, are actually quite uncooperative when it comes to parades. Who knew? </div>
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Totally fun! </div>
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*If you love this, which you will, you must check out Chicken Cheeks also by Michael Ian Black*</div>
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Chicken Cheeks</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-2Z6U2TresQJuZ3YQWNEZZ9AYhfj4-RKOUhw6FPxYOdVnz0WcIwFoxvt9RpRkC_-sE3AyXqNZm3B7NmNUiWJ-w65S6XoLplDy0m05bRZM6yq4yAEVw1q52Qz2QR_hyUN8Xn0pN8X8_Sz/s1600/chicken+cheeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-2Z6U2TresQJuZ3YQWNEZZ9AYhfj4-RKOUhw6FPxYOdVnz0WcIwFoxvt9RpRkC_-sE3AyXqNZm3B7NmNUiWJ-w65S6XoLplDy0m05bRZM6yq4yAEVw1q52Qz2QR_hyUN8Xn0pN8X8_Sz/s1600/chicken+cheeks.jpg" /></a></div>
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Because really, who doesn't love a story about butts? </div>
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I'm the Biggest Thing in the Ocean</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYeueWO_VJ_vs8eDZE3Q9bkRz7qlevrGQnPEoVIYh3VNRsjkng-Bie8TGHTCBMG60h4XUte03Dj4PF2AH75cyd5DJsZUjXBLgsnBlJhY1V1Dczy5jjGwgYCLPqUiN4ZFH2_gQLPnuNijfg/s1600/biggestthing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYeueWO_VJ_vs8eDZE3Q9bkRz7qlevrGQnPEoVIYh3VNRsjkng-Bie8TGHTCBMG60h4XUte03Dj4PF2AH75cyd5DJsZUjXBLgsnBlJhY1V1Dczy5jjGwgYCLPqUiN4ZFH2_gQLPnuNijfg/s1600/biggestthing.jpg" /></a></div>
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A perfect picture book to use for a quick and fun read or to generate a conversation about the food chain. </div>
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The giant squid is almost as charming as the big, bold and beautiful illustrations that leap off from the double spread pages. You can't help but adore her as she proclaims over and over that she is the BIGGEST thing in the ocean. Her positive attitude goes undaunted even after the cruel realization that she is in fact NOT the biggest thing in the ocean. </div>
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A FANTASTIC read aloud!</div>
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Bright Ideas! </h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbm6Y-3KopKKUoV3K1sl8xc4ai6thXHm1uZgJq_dX-2mXMn7FSLVNAszOfWJtf1l6AWOjXZucifrHXXvlWX6jvsHLrR-6FeZzVVQA0EjotaLkvCKoyYGLT1SXt9ZV4-X1NgX_3wH8u6nE/s1600/benjamin+bear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbm6Y-3KopKKUoV3K1sl8xc4ai6thXHm1uZgJq_dX-2mXMn7FSLVNAszOfWJtf1l6AWOjXZucifrHXXvlWX6jvsHLrR-6FeZzVVQA0EjotaLkvCKoyYGLT1SXt9ZV4-X1NgX_3wH8u6nE/s320/benjamin+bear.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Check out the latest installment by Philippe Courdray. Benjamin Bear and his companion have many interesting problems to solve in this series of one page comic strips. Just right kid humor interspersed with more thoughtful stories make this a fun (and quick) blend. The illustrations are top-notch! Sure to please readers from kindergarten to adulthood. <br />
**disclaimer**<br />
I understand this is not technically a picture book, but I couldn't do a post about fun books without including this one because it is SO SUPER FUN it deserved a spot amid the rest. <br />
ENJOY!</div>
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infogoddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08736122116921725367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465938029025042089.post-188441913568672182013-04-08T13:49:00.002-04:002013-04-08T16:38:51.226-04:00It's Monday! What Are You Reading?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiatBaA-YvhVO_Jhr1P0nGPe1uXBJ8RgYDcrvh8qDTlRB0_AJmE2L3D31-b-uSbemXH6pXwZdwNCOeFhRsG0xhsuFKM0NQsO6BiDvD4JnKZJS9lhH0UnfNqoHEdmHAQxbf9mTGolr4vzTFH/s1600/Mon+Reading+Button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mta="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiatBaA-YvhVO_Jhr1P0nGPe1uXBJ8RgYDcrvh8qDTlRB0_AJmE2L3D31-b-uSbemXH6pXwZdwNCOeFhRsG0xhsuFKM0NQsO6BiDvD4JnKZJS9lhH0UnfNqoHEdmHAQxbf9mTGolr4vzTFH/s1600/Mon+Reading+Button.jpg" /></a></div>
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Check out a few of my favorites from this week's picture book binge!</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Oa7m4x0qyqnVaoURaaRAl6qFI7tRbYTCroiZpJyrx-AuvrRssPY0lymDQtntSckGl5sW20gKP-HW_EOiyV__Gf-1fBQqxXQhmf_QbhgaMrXFODf7jAjkeBGYg692GyoQmEv44XMGD1jB/s1600/jolly+Bones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" mta="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Oa7m4x0qyqnVaoURaaRAl6qFI7tRbYTCroiZpJyrx-AuvrRssPY0lymDQtntSckGl5sW20gKP-HW_EOiyV__Gf-1fBQqxXQhmf_QbhgaMrXFODf7jAjkeBGYg692GyoQmEv44XMGD1jB/s320/jolly+Bones.jpg" width="287" /></a></div>
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<em>It's Monday, Mrs. Jolly Bones!</em> by Warren Hanson and Illustrated by Tricia Tusa</h3>
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<span class="style77"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-small;">"It’s Monday, Mrs. Jolly Bones, there’s laundry to be done.</span></em><span class="style63"><br /></span><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-small;">So gather up the dirty clothes and sort them one by one.</span></em><span class="style63"><br /></span><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-small;">Wash them, dry them, iron them, and fold them nice and neat—</span></em></span><span class="style63"><span class="style61"><span class="style63"><br /></span><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-small;">Then fling them out the window so they brighten up the street!"</span></em></span></span></h2>
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<span class="style63"><span class="style61"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-small;">A silly romp through the weekly chore list is sure to inspire some smiles. I especially loved the charming watercolor and pen illustrations. Suggest this to fans of the Amelia Bedelia series. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="style63"><span class="style61"><em>See Me Dig</em> by Paul Meisel</span></span></h3>
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<span class="style63"><span class="style61">A super-fun, high quality early reader. Large easy-to-read text with lots of repitition make this a fabulous choice for those just beginning to read. </span></span></div>
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<span class="style63"><span class="style61">A rowdy bunch of digging dogs encounter a scary bear, buried treasure, pirate ghosts and find a kindred spirit in a back hoe. </span></span></div>
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<span class="style63"><span class="style61"></span></span><span class="style63"><span class="style61">This title is head & shoulders above other early readers in its ability to tell a bigger story with its amazing illustrations. Engaging and fun! </span></span></div>
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A few more titles you should check out!</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrtuwnsoiJhqzjMmEulHKXihid2c31aMnuAXLTLL2aKYa7hj7igyRor8nyD6cIQoZPfCEvOkPuF8PGlIARN9fnDIj7R3uC6um1OHv6gzJiumGrEfkImKmyVxQycXzpfl4udTIqs_thN-h/s1600/tigersoup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" mta="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrtuwnsoiJhqzjMmEulHKXihid2c31aMnuAXLTLL2aKYa7hj7igyRor8nyD6cIQoZPfCEvOkPuF8PGlIARN9fnDIj7R3uC6um1OHv6gzJiumGrEfkImKmyVxQycXzpfl4udTIqs_thN-h/s320/tigersoup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<em>Tiger in my Soup</em> by Kashmira Sheth and illustrated by Jeffery Ebbeler</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHK1hpDe1my8CWl_RAxLnoYXE3b0bL2hoxwfamPXNmyrztKaljiqY6f2CJ6K8cGz_lS1HMIO5KkCEnp7sJbx1X_qfVZCiJfIXVY8c8WVLsCssCXuj_rL3gb0kDiYE__iiiWUCnrOWsgZjj/s1600/How_to_be_a_Cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" mta="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHK1hpDe1my8CWl_RAxLnoYXE3b0bL2hoxwfamPXNmyrztKaljiqY6f2CJ6K8cGz_lS1HMIO5KkCEnp7sJbx1X_qfVZCiJfIXVY8c8WVLsCssCXuj_rL3gb0kDiYE__iiiWUCnrOWsgZjj/s320/How_to_be_a_Cat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<em>How to be a Cat</em> by Nikki McClure</h3>
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I Have a Garden by Bob Barner</h3>
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infogoddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08736122116921725367noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465938029025042089.post-72034651250021374472012-09-17T12:07:00.005-04:002012-09-17T12:11:17.870-04:00It's Monday! Here's What I'm Reading. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP9hlGtDdNfzeUbv94R8rDZsXlIhQ9R_NVJJ5tXoOL3eQ_1wAyFp042z_7mAHqzGzb_fc6oN-dzLQVS7S3QaXvrTOfMiCDFQAh20H9cFQAsvKmS-pbdavorQesf3BfQqIOre5xmOREOMfY/s1600/It's+Monday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP9hlGtDdNfzeUbv94R8rDZsXlIhQ9R_NVJJ5tXoOL3eQ_1wAyFp042z_7mAHqzGzb_fc6oN-dzLQVS7S3QaXvrTOfMiCDFQAh20H9cFQAsvKmS-pbdavorQesf3BfQqIOre5xmOREOMfY/s1600/It's+Monday.jpg" /></a></div>
Hooray for Monday! Here's what I'm up to today:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJM0r64VIpZQSLaUy4HblwUOx6qLPPLBX3Es8ZXtVhmGyqFbARGZd6oI90TQy9nOwJj_XbMHIvr2GCvHYI3PFyFRLT7ePhbyMxKK9UD0UsW4YIHd0CWt5pRcB59_3-ojVag1r7touKBc9/s1600/TitanicVoicesFromTheDisaster.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJM0r64VIpZQSLaUy4HblwUOx6qLPPLBX3Es8ZXtVhmGyqFbARGZd6oI90TQy9nOwJj_XbMHIvr2GCvHYI3PFyFRLT7ePhbyMxKK9UD0UsW4YIHd0CWt5pRcB59_3-ojVag1r7touKBc9/s320/TitanicVoicesFromTheDisaster.JPG" width="211" /></a></div>
<i> Titanic: Voices from the Disaster</i> by Deborah Hopkinson<br />
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A disaster which has fascinated us for 100 years continues to do so. In fact, I set my alarm to wake myself up extra early this morning so that I could finish it! While we tend to think of this as well-known event, younger readers may not have had much exposure. This book geared for readers 8 - 13 years old was particularly well done. Hopkinson uses eye-witness accounts, photographs, maps, letters, telegraph transmissions and quotes from survivors to tell the tale from the point-of-view of the passengers making this a particularly gripping account.<br />
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I lamented to a co-worker that whenever I read stories about real-life disasters, I'm always on the edge of my seat hoping that *this time* it will end differently. This has never been more true than when I read this genuinely affecting version of the tale. <br />
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I got the pleasure of running my Library's Toddler Time this morning and shared a few of my favorites for a Monday morning. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZ1vT09nedpPAQdLa0IUckS6uFjnrcw0piQ_2I6hVeu1unulpqZPBl2e0MU7zafQVq9wJq858sPNfJVzPhZsW0JyBGhs5tz-hgXwMdWeATdA8hFWXjLQ5pzm6-LygelcvOUdGV6WoqzO0/s1600/green+sheep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZ1vT09nedpPAQdLa0IUckS6uFjnrcw0piQ_2I6hVeu1unulpqZPBl2e0MU7zafQVq9wJq858sPNfJVzPhZsW0JyBGhs5tz-hgXwMdWeATdA8hFWXjLQ5pzm6-LygelcvOUdGV6WoqzO0/s320/green+sheep.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu9jiWzwKxLh8Vns-ZtpsPUtXhJpjjqr68yjKei8ioRLYbfaidnhFNMy0rvwgn86GY8XgHXEEzqjcERebqrYDgaxSX3Y1qdNy7u7NaugZL_weFAiVmgVpfHe8IJoZ8iqR34EtB-noq0GT9/s1600/tanka.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu9jiWzwKxLh8Vns-ZtpsPUtXhJpjjqr68yjKei8ioRLYbfaidnhFNMy0rvwgn86GY8XgHXEEzqjcERebqrYDgaxSX3Y1qdNy7u7NaugZL_weFAiVmgVpfHe8IJoZ8iqR34EtB-noq0GT9/s1600/tanka.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhimDeZh0AfpSsaFzz-hM3doKDEeIQJuEGgZVWAr8OnxfE1fLgrSG7F52lCLIn5nsY_6ndlR5HY-5dThz3t_Sv1zaIDn94Wn2dlTInBUWN5LU_g9VQ8dPD4pptVM5hk4B5tFbexBReCvq/s1600/rainbow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhimDeZh0AfpSsaFzz-hM3doKDEeIQJuEGgZVWAr8OnxfE1fLgrSG7F52lCLIn5nsY_6ndlR5HY-5dThz3t_Sv1zaIDn94Wn2dlTInBUWN5LU_g9VQ8dPD4pptVM5hk4B5tFbexBReCvq/s1600/rainbow.jpg" /></a></div>
My fast approaching lunch break means I get to start <i>Fenway Fever</i> by
John H. Ritter (in honor of my annual Birthday trip to Fenway next
weekend). I'll let you know what I think...of the book and my trip to
Fenway ;)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZW1bQJUoYGzClaOucciCV9w0XaerTCGUHFpafG9HfeCUNJ6MhpIrgNM016rqGGLLhEbhtgQc-bb6hhpw4ug1viZY9z3-hzGAuCEJSNLPx9GL4s4lGzGG_4i9mnakw3_VPwsabhgSu1TA6/s1600/FenwayFever_front_2in.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZW1bQJUoYGzClaOucciCV9w0XaerTCGUHFpafG9HfeCUNJ6MhpIrgNM016rqGGLLhEbhtgQc-bb6hhpw4ug1viZY9z3-hzGAuCEJSNLPx9GL4s4lGzGG_4i9mnakw3_VPwsabhgSu1TA6/s400/FenwayFever_front_2in.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Now tell me, what are YOU reading? </span></h3>
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<br />infogoddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08736122116921725367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465938029025042089.post-4498011861805185782012-09-13T11:58:00.001-04:002012-09-13T11:58:28.508-04:00Remembering Roald<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcjCbc6D_W6E1jFHUcIej99_OsWgTzRM9Ug3t6Ou2Ai0RQJKxM5QBevIao8AU_OvnO-nQuASQWdJeGsaKeITlcrRChA5l5vmAerjCXNU25_mJw6y8vTboxYzWdG6_CihumjQCbGUU0PF5R/s1600/roald+dahl+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcjCbc6D_W6E1jFHUcIej99_OsWgTzRM9Ug3t6Ou2Ai0RQJKxM5QBevIao8AU_OvnO-nQuASQWdJeGsaKeITlcrRChA5l5vmAerjCXNU25_mJw6y8vTboxYzWdG6_CihumjQCbGUU0PF5R/s320/roald+dahl+day.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The first book I remember my mother reading to me was "James and the Giant Peach". It's not that she hadn't read me scores of other titles, its just that this was the first one that mattered to me. Ever a fan of dark and subversive, I thought the poems about Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker were wonderful. I felt a sort of interesting mix of pride and shock as the story went on. I truly felt as if that book had been written exclusively for me and I was proud that Roald Dahl felt I was grown-up enough to "get the joke". I was shocked that my mother read this (and then many others) without batting an eye at what seemed too delicious for a child's ear. </div>
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I had always liked books but after a few Roald Dahl titles, I LOVED books and began gobbling them up as fast as I could. I have since read and re-read them many time. I have read them to my own children and shared them with library patrons. Each time I open one of my beloved childhood favorites, I get the same rush of excitement as I did so many years ago for I know that what lies inside is going to fill me wonder and pride and shock all over again. Thank you Mr. Dahl for understanding that children are just little people and are just as deserving of stories which shock and delight as are adults. </div>
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Today we celebrate a masterful story teller and here is my tribute. </div>
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infogoddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08736122116921725367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465938029025042089.post-50325092962741048062012-07-20T16:02:00.000-04:002012-07-20T16:10:54.768-04:00Summer Displays<div style="text-align: center;">
I am always amazed at how fast books (any books) which are placed on display will get scooped up by patrons looking for their next favorite read. I could just put an assortment of books out on easels and people would check them out.... but where's the fun in that? </div>
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Here are a few of my latest displays, just for fun. </div>
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<b>Dr. Seuss on the Loose! </b></h4>
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Seuss books on display with home-made Trufulla Trees. The only challenge with this eye catching display is keeping it stocked. I stole the Trufulla Tree directions from this<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%20%20http://mrslodgeslibrary.blogspot.com/2012/02/truffula-trees.html" target="_blank"> blog</a>: </div>
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These were so much fun to make and really brighten up a book display. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWygdNC_hDCzfFAYlwAAZKf2lFJ_EXKj7TaHX8tSIfJ6-7imN3jQXaJ4Heo6WsB-ChRU4RqeYoZqIgkjjukC_BReTrjp4kiRZ3_X8ExtX0rLuuwTVWXR_kNTvRGni3viTC618R_fRFmYlv/s1600/displays+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWygdNC_hDCzfFAYlwAAZKf2lFJ_EXKj7TaHX8tSIfJ6-7imN3jQXaJ4Heo6WsB-ChRU4RqeYoZqIgkjjukC_BReTrjp4kiRZ3_X8ExtX0rLuuwTVWXR_kNTvRGni3viTC618R_fRFmYlv/s320/displays+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Better Together!</b></h4>
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I find that many people request the print book along with the audio so that they can read along as they listen. I wrapped these up into a pretty little display. It's a fantastic time saver and it looks super cute. Give yourself the gift of reading! </div>
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Easy-Peasy a book, an audio and some curling ribbon. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfeLO45Znz-kZcQx9Ufg0vagNkIHN-WqfnLMSyx1_NPKA19lxFgPfwcCFPV-5sFLGgkchi4pXm_0skQVT3YXErhAyqlVM98lkVHM_kW1rnyaEsuxYE2LL7moRunK7PvwLEstu4PT70Da04/s1600/displays+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfeLO45Znz-kZcQx9Ufg0vagNkIHN-WqfnLMSyx1_NPKA19lxFgPfwcCFPV-5sFLGgkchi4pXm_0skQVT3YXErhAyqlVM98lkVHM_kW1rnyaEsuxYE2LL7moRunK7PvwLEstu4PT70Da04/s320/displays+009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>The MVD (Most Valuable Display)</b></h4>
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I work with the public school to get a copies of their recommended summer reading lists. I have copies of the list available and we pull all the books (that are in) and put them on display together by school. This saves staff time and is SO CONVENIENT for patrons who are searching for these titles. Having the lists here at the public library has been an amazing tool, many people forget them at home and are relieved to find that we have them. Totally makes us look like ROCK STARS!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsB-8rwckFnP0aPhb2a7DlAkAlmEpiqKMnKObuvXUHY373vP93JFraLSicQHC8hCTC-bS2UCI3oOuLDpFKkcEjCFEYb_G8OQ18T9avTKQGZDHDT39mTCiSov0Sf6_gSeIK2jiYlCMZkma/s1600/displays+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsB-8rwckFnP0aPhb2a7DlAkAlmEpiqKMnKObuvXUHY373vP93JFraLSicQHC8hCTC-bS2UCI3oOuLDpFKkcEjCFEYb_G8OQ18T9avTKQGZDHDT39mTCiSov0Sf6_gSeIK2jiYlCMZkma/s320/displays+012.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b> Don't Judge a Book by its Cover! </b></h4>
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Who hasn't heard this sage advice? This displays doesn't allow any judging. We covered up some of those books that have less than appealing covers. The inside flap descriptions are copied and pasted onto the back so patrons can make their selections based on what the book is about, not by its cover. We let them unwrap it after they read the book. SO.MUCH.FUN!!</div>
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<br />infogoddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08736122116921725367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465938029025042089.post-16828057349359826032012-07-02T14:13:00.001-04:002012-07-02T16:19:48.350-04:00Happy Monday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy Monday Everyone! I'm jumping on the Teach.Mentor.Texts (teachmentortexts.com) meme bandwagon. I love seeing what everyone else is reading and I have been reading some great stuff too. Here is what I've been up to:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmKE3iB7dw_hQDc3J36YcEosOCkM5SNq7YGnh65AmxroQxIDNSKfiTWz4rl7vBEBtVMVBF3NiVpbggPAdphTivXLiVJFXLuybhN36hTbSkyB2QWdKegJVRHYSAk93m9fsiauyGX8C2PtU/s1600/liar+%2526spy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmKE3iB7dw_hQDc3J36YcEosOCkM5SNq7YGnh65AmxroQxIDNSKfiTWz4rl7vBEBtVMVBF3NiVpbggPAdphTivXLiVJFXLuybhN36hTbSkyB2QWdKegJVRHYSAk93m9fsiauyGX8C2PtU/s320/liar+%2526spy.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Liar & Spy by Rebecca Stead- Quirky & Wonderful! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid6Y7bewKi_HP5Q8I1rVS6OyiPKK2wirhxlK0P10XerWcATjlpuTzd0TwO9XikTIUJzEbSaFlCXKyZnHmtFR9kNcZcUjpyK_gFJ3zh2EWPmd5qD9eBvKZOX9S5mt11Efjhw9vELVaL_WF-/s1600/henry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid6Y7bewKi_HP5Q8I1rVS6OyiPKK2wirhxlK0P10XerWcATjlpuTzd0TwO9XikTIUJzEbSaFlCXKyZnHmtFR9kNcZcUjpyK_gFJ3zh2EWPmd5qD9eBvKZOX9S5mt11Efjhw9vELVaL_WF-/s320/henry.jpg" width="186" /></a></div>
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The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen by Susan Nielsen- One of my favorites for 2012! Click <a href="http://infogoddess-bibliobrouhaha.blogspot.com/2012/07/reluctant-journal-of-henry-k-larsen-by.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> to see my brief review. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDgtOkhU8YitBSAbcg4pX-LYMx1zHXDaIYsawPjig7E5lJsYj8GeEqPlbRgEEojsC877DM9M6E6syx1320RDGN9r-jY-9YpXx2VVGRd7OFyLRV4_N2wScPTKC0GM60mqoMbk-SrM4odAv/s1600/guysreadsports.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDgtOkhU8YitBSAbcg4pX-LYMx1zHXDaIYsawPjig7E5lJsYj8GeEqPlbRgEEojsC877DM9M6E6syx1320RDGN9r-jY-9YpXx2VVGRd7OFyLRV4_N2wScPTKC0GM60mqoMbk-SrM4odAv/s320/guysreadsports.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Another fine addition to the "Guys Read" series. My Red Sox loving soul especially liked Dan Gutman's contribution. Thanks to Walden Pond Press for the ARC of this one.</div>
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Wishing you all a week full of wonderful books! See you next Monday.</div>infogoddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08736122116921725367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465938029025042089.post-37309263074834159842012-07-02T10:38:00.001-04:002012-07-02T10:43:29.918-04:00Helping Children Meet the Right BookI encounter many parents who are concerned that their child is not interested in reading. Through many conversations with kids and parents I have discovered a few reasons why. Some kids prefer to experience life directly rather than through reading about someone else’s experiences. Other kids find it hard to sit still long enough to read for any length of time. And think about the competition! For many kids, books seem like inadequate entertainment when compared with video games, the Internet, television and other extra curricular activities. Sometimes well meaning adults place persistent stress on the child to read constantly which can be counterproductive. We want our kids to be better readers so we make them read. They are struggling with reading so they do not want to read. Reading becomes a battleground and is not associated with pleasure but viewed as a chore. Whatever the reason, the fact remains; some kids prefer not to read. So what can we do about it? <br /><br /><br /><strong>Give Them Freedom of Choice</strong>- Whether it is a cereal box, a comic, a magazine or a novel…it is all reading. Let them read their favorite series books too. It might not be great literature, but their predictable themes and familiar characters will instill confidence and help your child prepare for more substantial reading down the road. <br /><br /><strong>Play to Their Passion</strong>- Whether its trucks, horses or Sponge Bob your child has had a fascination with something and likely there is a book about it. <b>Find it</b>. If they are interested in it, they will read it or at least make the connection that there is something worthwhile and interesting inside of a book.
<br /><br /><br /><strong>Give Audio a Go</strong>- No, it is not cheating. Your child may not be reading the words, but an audio book is a great way to expose students to books that would otherwise be beyond their reading ability. It will also challenge their vocabulary and comprehension skills as well as model wonderful reading aloud. Try pairing a print book with an audio book so your child can follow along as they listen. <br /><br /><br /><strong>Make a Connection</strong>-I believe that kids who do not read simply have not met the right book yet. When you understand the message of the story, use imagination while reading and think critically about the content, then you have made a connection with the book. Making these connections are what makes us love them and what makes us love to read. Once you read a book and have this type of experience, you are naturally going to crave more. When you crave more, you read more, when you read more you become more skilled at the practice. Unfortunately there is no one magic book which is going to hook every kid; however, we can help our kids find the right one. Respect your child’s likes and dislikes and be supportive of their choices. As your child samples new reading material they will become more discriminating in their own reading choice and development.infogoddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08736122116921725367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465938029025042089.post-40767034434127457612012-07-01T10:56:00.000-04:002012-07-01T11:05:27.663-04:00The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen by Susin Nielsen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMNNbb-WryIapL7YZbWo_DQ4lt-NCv3fQimDduB6_PA9oB7Zow8HZk99oBmjqdI3yWLTyabZhHspOjed2Pgf4Qew1B3wS4XM7J6O9csmpGS0sH2hN70UWQeDcee0_wc-Pn6UwGAIbJwJ5/s1600/henry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMNNbb-WryIapL7YZbWo_DQ4lt-NCv3fQimDduB6_PA9oB7Zow8HZk99oBmjqdI3yWLTyabZhHspOjed2Pgf4Qew1B3wS4XM7J6O9csmpGS0sH2hN70UWQeDcee0_wc-Pn6UwGAIbJwJ5/s200/henry.jpg" /></a></div>
Henry and his father are forced to pack up and move to a new city after Henry's brother commits an unspeakable crime. Grief stricken, lonely and confused, Henry is forced into therapy and given a journal which he (reluctantly) begins to write in.
Through Henry's journal the story of what happened slowly unfolds.
Henry is a responsible but confused young teen with an authentic and, at times, wryly humorous voice. This book beautifully blends drama and humor in a thoughtful and achingly poignant way. The cast of quirky characters charmed me and I missed Henry as soon as I finished the book. Beautifully done! Suggested for kids ages 12 & up.
Review copy provided by Netgalley;
Published by Tundra Books,
September 11, 2012.infogoddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08736122116921725367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465938029025042089.post-85892976598291607512012-06-30T21:42:00.000-04:002012-06-30T21:42:54.850-04:00#bookadayI'm always jealous when the kids at my library come in to sign up for Summer Reading. Why should the kids have all the fun? My competitive nature makes me a person who is always up for a challenge. This year I came across The Book Whisperer AKA Donalyn Miller's Book-a-Day Challenge. This is exactly what I needed to get me amped up for summer filled with many, many books! <br />
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It's simple. You start when you want (TODAY!) and commit to reading a book a day. You track by posting the title of the book read in your blog, facebook or twitter using #bookaday. Visit <a href="http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/book_whisperer/2012/05/4th_annual_book-a-day.html" target="_blank">this site</a> for more information. <br />
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I am having fun participating and because I have a burning desire not to miss a single great book published, I love seeing what everyone else is reading- say it <busybody>. I have gotten some GREAT ideas and my TBR pile is growing by leaps and bounds. <br />
Happy Reading!<br />infogoddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08736122116921725367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465938029025042089.post-7835255128328562362012-06-30T15:19:00.002-04:002012-06-30T15:19:53.041-04:00The Adventures of John Smith Jr. AKA Houdini by Peter Johnson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm8OnabbgWYxu8LkxV3fOYLEoMXAKTO7lo0SCD8z4XDsXBXUjTwqeZFouRM1BCWzOOabNnpRmp1aIk25qLPxqGU_4_4YebzQx0XMefcutyVWNaMfARHvDsYa28KLGXiDvjSBfJkadKLF7h/s1600/houdini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm8OnabbgWYxu8LkxV3fOYLEoMXAKTO7lo0SCD8z4XDsXBXUjTwqeZFouRM1BCWzOOabNnpRmp1aIk25qLPxqGU_4_4YebzQx0XMefcutyVWNaMfARHvDsYa28KLGXiDvjSBfJkadKLF7h/s320/houdini.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
John Smith (dubbed Houdini due to his obsession with the magician) is
inspired to write his own novel after an author visits his school. He is
the best writer in his class and feels he is better equipped to write
about kids than a grown-up pretending to be a kid. Additionally, Houdini
has plenty of real life fodder for his own novel; a brother serving in
Iraq, a father on the brink of loosing his job, a bully who is plaguing him and two best
friends who have plenty of their own issues to spice things up.
Alternately affecting and hilarious. This realistic glimpse into the
lives of middle-school boys will surely work its own magic upon readers. Suggested for grades 5 - 8.<br />
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Fans of "Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide to NOT Reading" by Tommy Greenwald will surely like this one!infogoddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08736122116921725367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465938029025042089.post-75584528023015604042012-06-30T14:53:00.000-04:002012-06-30T14:53:40.567-04:00Story Time... It's More Than Just Stories!<link href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cdgouzie%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List"></link><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<o:p> </o:p>I recently had a parent ask me why they should bring their child to a library story time. After gushing about the benefits, I decided it would make a good blog post. Because, sure, on the surface, it may look like typical story
times are all fun and games but look deeper and you’ll see that the benefits
are serious stuff.<span> </span>Amidst the excitement,
story time is actually a wonderful skill building activity for children.<span> </span>Sharing stories, conversing, socializing,
singing songs, counting and rhyming are all excellent ways to build the
foundation for skills children will need later on.<span> </span></div>
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According to research there are six pre-reading skills that
children must develop in order to learn to read.<span> </span></div>
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<o:p> </o:p><b>Print Awareness</b>-
Knowing how to handle a book and noticing the printed word.</div>
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<b>Letter knowledge</b>-
Knowing their names, sounds and recognizing letters everywhere.</div>
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<b>Vocabulary</b>-
Simply knowing the names of things.</div>
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<b>Phonological
Awareness</b>- Being able to hear and play with the smaller sounds in words.</div>
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<b>Narrative Skills</b>-
Being able to describe events and tell stories.</div>
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<b>Print Motivation</b>-
Being interested in and enjoying books.</div>
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Each week my programs include activities
which help strengthen particular skills.<span>
</span>Story time participants learn how to handle a book by watching me hold the book and point to the words as I read (print
awareness).<span> </span>They start recognizing
letters and sounds as they are exposed to them week after week (letter
knowledge).<span> </span>They build vocabulary by
socializing and interacting with other children, by hearing new words in
stories and experiencing new things. Children have fun and work on their motor
skills as we sing and dance our mornings away!<span>
</span>In addition, by singing we break words down into manageable pieces
(phonological awareness). Try it now!<span>
</span>The It-sy, Bit-sy Spi-der went up the wa-ter spout. </div>
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I engage children in conversation about
the books we are reading. By asking a child to predict what might happen in a
story or having them retell parts of a story they are developing narrative
skills.<span> </span>I also allow plenty of time for
self expression.<span> </span>Often books we read
will spark a memory and children will want to tell a personal story.<span> </span>The give and take in a group setting helps
children learn persistence, cooperation and also how to communicate their wants
and needs verbally.<span> </span></div>
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Children who attend library story times are exposed to fun and engaging activities. By making learning a fun
experience, I believe I am encouraging a life long love of stories and the written
word (print motivation). I think perhaps that parent got more than they bargained for when they asked that question, but it was a nice reminder to me that while I look forward to story time and have a blast doing it, it is important work that we are doing! Goooooooo Librarians!</div>
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</div>infogoddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08736122116921725367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465938029025042089.post-66307490049993587132011-11-19T21:08:00.000-05:002011-11-19T22:21:23.563-05:00Picture Book Brouhaha<div><div>It has been a<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFDg0N-Pn7rDknhi3z0xsuJs5JheOsHSaDMdfzk66ruXVpmDWY5bVfxBZcGOrSwkU4TA8g1rJ_CIB_DcmKohFvPfaGF2HSIptyGXFi-tQdb-j1U2ORwv9_5sCv0JfVlgG9qBpQ5yopZcGu/s1600/pmbbadge-ambassador.gif"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 150px; height: 122px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676898432695792386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFDg0N-Pn7rDknhi3z0xsuJs5JheOsHSaDMdfzk66ruXVpmDWY5bVfxBZcGOrSwkU4TA8g1rJ_CIB_DcmKohFvPfaGF2HSIptyGXFi-tQdb-j1U2ORwv9_5sCv0JfVlgG9qBpQ5yopZcGu/s320/pmbbadge-ambassador.gif" /></a>n exciting year for the picture book. With nay-sayers touting the immiment demise of what used to be a childhood staple, it seems that picture book lovers have put on their rally caps in an attempt to educate and inform parents, booksellers, educators (and anyone else who will </div><div>listen) about their value. </div><div> </div><div>The New York Times ran an <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/08/us/08picture.html">article</a> about a year ago which </div><div>detailed the downward spiral of picture book thus kicking off a great debate about the fate of a cherished and treasured format. </div><div>Librarians buzzed, publishers defended... in fact Publishers Weekly printed a<a href="http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-industry-news/article/45476-don-t-write-the-obit-for-picture-books-yet.html"> response </a>to the New York Times piece shortly after it was published claiming that picture books were alive and well. Many librarians, publishers, parents and other defenders have continued their quest to send the message that picture books need to be valued. A few of my favorite responses to the outcry include: </div><div> </div><div> <a href="http://matthewcordell.blogspot.com/2011/10/reawaken-your-love-for-picture-book.html">A Challenge</a>!</div><div> </div><div>Children's book illustrator Matthew Cordell issues the following challenge on his blog. </div><div> </div><div>"This is my challenge to you, dear readers. Go into a book store (not a website, but a store with a roof, walls, people, books you can hold and browse over) and spend some time in the children's book section. Find something incredible (it ain't hard). Then, when you're all filled up, buy just one picture book. And in a week's time, repeat. Buy one picture book a week for your kid(s), some other kid(s) you love, or for yourself or some other grown-up you love. I can identify that it's hard to get, at first, but adults can also enjoy reading picture books. And if you absolutely can't swallow that concept, you can't escape appreciating them for the amazing artwork alone. It's like buying amazing art that can sit on your coffee table (or wherever you keep your favorite books with your favorite images) for, like, 16 bucks or whatever. Someone you know needs more picture books in her/his/their life/lives. You need to experience, again, what you loved when you read picture books as a kid.(Okay, okay.... if you absolutely, seriously, truthfully can't get to or find a brick and mortar book store, buy your books online. But try <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/">this</a> first.)If you can't do a pic book a week, make it a pic book a month.And if you can't do that (understood, times are tight).... Go into your most excellent local library and check out 10 picture books a week. If you can't do it every week, do it once a month. Challenge issued." </div><div>Go to his Facebook page to join in on the fun!</div><div> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Childrens-Book-Challenge/295366400481033">http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Childrens-Book-Challenge/295366400481033</a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="http://picturebookmonth.com/">Picture Book Month</a> -</div><div>an international initiative to designate </div><div>November as Picture Book Month, encouraging everyone to celebrate literacy with print picture books. Founders of the initiatve believe that with the predicted death of the print book, picture books need love. </div><div> </div><div>As for this picture book lover, I continue to collect and cherish them. I read them again and again. I give them as gifts, I tell my friends about them. Do I worry about the death of the picture book? Not this girl. I believe that the picture book is will be alive and kicking for a good long time. :) </div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div></div>infogoddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08736122116921725367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465938029025042089.post-69378866978243535482011-10-21T17:00:00.001-04:002011-10-21T17:01:36.031-04:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-beaOmzxo2wR1c1QrQjMMmpoCCZFtSvhbZuirrVDNq8WQRqbq0UxtQJf9VduAGQnqoUQS3TXsl-jFLz29lTK5LL0NlAjIoNlzjKlW2m8dl2rk3Y4q5i1J16QWM823IDyRNYvbGevb-xE0/s1600/sasquatch.bmp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 230px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 190px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666053417875052994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-beaOmzxo2wR1c1QrQjMMmpoCCZFtSvhbZuirrVDNq8WQRqbq0UxtQJf9VduAGQnqoUQS3TXsl-jFLz29lTK5LL0NlAjIoNlzjKlW2m8dl2rk3Y4q5i1J16QWM823IDyRNYvbGevb-xE0/s320/sasquatch.bmp" /></a><br /><br /><div>In Search of Sasquatch is an engaging work of non-fiction. The book examines the stories of Sasquatch over the years and compiles the evidence (both anecdotal and scientific) in one slick volume. </div><br /><div><br />Fascinating facts about Sasquatch and background on how that information was obtained will keep readers turning the pages of this well put together book and begging their parents to add plaster of paris to their weekly shopping list!<br />In addition to legends, footprints and reported sightings, the author adds intresting facts about the "Sierra Sounds" i.e. Big Foot language, a transcript of a <a href="http://www.bfro.net/avevid/sierrasounds/911.asp#911">911 call</a> and a story about how actor Jimmy Stewart smuggled a Yeti finger to the United States in his wife's suitcase. </div><br /><div><br />Illustrations, photos, and archival images and add intrigue to the text and make this a book that will be returned to again and again. A glossary and a healthy "learn more about it" section includes books, videos and websites - enough to keep an interested reader busy until the next Sasquatch sighting.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>infogoddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08736122116921725367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465938029025042089.post-71236823366633485442011-09-20T11:36:00.000-04:002011-09-20T12:49:20.232-04:00The Unforgotten Coat by Frank Cottrell Boyce<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3vrCslIuC5UQDefvthx4nlaxPydKfItHE-atL2m9YmyA2jdrPKumDaz3CV_sA9CLwX8P7aG965ucp50EO8cwO5EYa0ywA_jJ-gyNlx-tjj-9sGBKO9KM7RG_8nl0cKuT2IaLFO_ROtoGi/s1600/COAT.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 248px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3vrCslIuC5UQDefvthx4nlaxPydKfItHE-atL2m9YmyA2jdrPKumDaz3CV_sA9CLwX8P7aG965ucp50EO8cwO5EYa0ywA_jJ-gyNlx-tjj-9sGBKO9KM7RG_8nl0cKuT2IaLFO_ROtoGi/s320/COAT.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654483355505093874" border="0" /></a><br />A quiet, contemplative story about 2 boys who have immigrated from Mongolia to Liverpool. The brothers meet and befriend Julie and make her their "Good Guide". She has to show them how to play football, where to sit at lunch and they seem to expect her to help them find a place to keep them safe from demons. Heartbreakingly honest and wonderful. This slim novel was devoured in one sitting.<br />Recommended for grade 5 & up.infogoddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08736122116921725367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465938029025042089.post-78518392950879367432011-04-19T14:16:00.000-04:002011-04-19T14:29:32.917-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZTdsYFDfXFgokRuEHVy5f8KYONNEWQXHtWzTzRiN2l8lLqknuPKAfjsJff8uhwV66tVV361y8wbYGvGbYqoCHz4JJ_3kM7YMqZaRDuHS4kwGrPgaUScykp_-hYl_h4EPhUl5BMYJIJpEM/s1600/rru2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZTdsYFDfXFgokRuEHVy5f8KYONNEWQXHtWzTzRiN2l8lLqknuPKAfjsJff8uhwV66tVV361y8wbYGvGbYqoCHz4JJ_3kM7YMqZaRDuHS4kwGrPgaUScykp_-hYl_h4EPhUl5BMYJIJpEM/s320/rru2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597360799462944946" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfFj9H0XRyKCAmF5a6TGf7EQsTOv4L7wtoJTg4SUVXDbSrUrJ965_Ntt7HSnYRapVRRmGl3wwl76L3dTUWNIsT2ZoHU-KkaWBDRggDpD4iuog_mBVLDXWjjGUeQd0mauhYXWVCkMrFBvL/s1600/RRU+1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfFj9H0XRyKCAmF5a6TGf7EQsTOv4L7wtoJTg4SUVXDbSrUrJ965_Ntt7HSnYRapVRRmGl3wwl76L3dTUWNIsT2ZoHU-KkaWBDRggDpD4iuog_mBVLDXWjjGUeQd0mauhYXWVCkMrFBvL/s320/RRU+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597360394241302258" /></a><br /><br />Along with Susan Dee (left) and Diana Mullins (right) and lots of helping hands from parent volunteers. I took a group of students from Biddeford to the Maine Reading Round-Up to book talk the freshly pressed Maine Student Book Award Reading List. <br /><br />The Maine Student Book Award is designed to expand literary horizons of students in grades 4-8 by encouraging them to read, evaluate, and enjoy a selection of new books and to choose a statewide favorite by written ballot each spring. In order to be eligible to vote, students must have read 3 books off from the list. <br />This year's winner, announced in April was <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nubs-True-Story-Marine-Miracle/dp/031605318X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1303237589&sr=8-1">Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine & a Miracle</a> written by Major Brian Dennis, Kirby Larson and Mary Nethery. <br /><br />These kids worked so incredibly hard preparing for this conference. The list was published on March 12th which meant the kids had only 1 short month to select and read a book as well as prepare their presentation. They stayed after school, worked through lunch breaks and gave up study halls. They are true ROCK STARS and I am proud of each and every one of them. Care to take a look at the books they discussed? Check out the annotated list <a href="http://efolio.umeedu.maine.edu/~masl/msba/annotated.html">here</a>.infogoddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08736122116921725367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465938029025042089.post-10918932622993259552011-04-18T16:06:00.001-04:002011-04-19T10:39:09.648-04:00As Small as an Elephant by Jennifer Richard Jacobson<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDisR3akEIDxpK3KjsosTkqKmtE5e4LQ8qSVcwqnahUl06lu-oBqC7bjU3lk5fyyZJiG911j8gaa8VOV8AYzmFirOe-pB9VLJr6HKX_uHHABP1q2EMKfA_jBrvRoRyb_PYV1WnCTJMQ-c/s1600/as+small+as+an+elephant.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 128px; height: 192px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDisR3akEIDxpK3KjsosTkqKmtE5e4LQ8qSVcwqnahUl06lu-oBqC7bjU3lk5fyyZJiG911j8gaa8VOV8AYzmFirOe-pB9VLJr6HKX_uHHABP1q2EMKfA_jBrvRoRyb_PYV1WnCTJMQ-c/s320/as+small+as+an+elephant.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597017634268018930" /></a><br /><br />I've been carrying this book around with me for sometime now and had yet to even read the book flap. Knowing it was by Jennifer Richard Jacobson was enough, I didn't actually need to know what the book was about. I was pleasantly surprised, however, to discover that Maine is the setting for this heartbreakingly wonderful new release. <br /><br />Eleven year old Jack goes on a camping trip to Acadia National Park with his mother just before school is about to begin. When Jack exits his small tent the morning after their first night, his heart sinks when he discovers that his mom's tent, their gear and the rental car are all gone. Jack realizes almost immediately that his mom is "spinning", his term for her manic episodes, again. <br /><br />With only a few dollars in his pocket and no gear, Jack finally decides to make his own way home to Boston. He is terrified of the authorities finding out and taking him away from his mother for good. In addition, he feels ashamed that he argued with her and feels responsible for setting her off. His fear and shame are evident, but the resourceful boy finds a way to get money, food and varied modes of transportation. It is clear that Jack has learned to be self-sufficient due to his mother's illness. <br /><br />Obsessed with elephants from a young age, Jack uses his fascination with the animal as a way to cope with his dire circumstances. Jacobson effortlessly weaves interesting facts about elephants into the story. <br /><br />This is a fast moving story that will please fans of "Waiting for Normal" by Leslie Connor.infogoddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08736122116921725367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465938029025042089.post-29970601109054177312011-04-11T10:21:00.000-04:002011-04-11T10:45:23.199-04:00Focus on the Future: Connecting Books and the 21st Century ReaderI recently had the pleasure of presenting at the Maine Association for School Librarians annual conference. The theme this year was Digital Citizenship which seemed like a natural fit for my co-presenter, Susan Dee and I. Susan and I have spent many hours integrating technology into our collaborative book groups which we run at the Biddeford Intermediate School. We put together a Live Binder for our presentation with lots of rationale for using technology in the classroom and library. Additionally you will find a host of resources and fun examples of ways in which we are using Twitter, blogs, word clouds, book trailers and more. Check out our Live Binder <a href="http://livebinders.com/play/play_or_edit?id=69950">here</a> and see how Biddeford kids are making meaningful connections with books!infogoddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08736122116921725367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6465938029025042089.post-13790251955282565272011-02-12T13:57:00.000-05:002011-02-12T14:23:29.405-05:00Plain Kate by Erin BowNot usually a lover of fantasy, but I quite liked this one! Check out the book trailer and review below. <br /><br /><iframe width="480" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/G1tEPKqY7Ow?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe><br /> <br />Plain Kate, lives a simple life with her father a woodworker. A talented carver herself, Plain Kate is determined to become a master by age 20. Suspicious townsfolk fear Kate, her talent with her "witch blade" and her two different colored eyes. When a plague claims the lives of many, including her father, Kate is the target of the blame. With no place to go, no money and few friends in town Kate is pegged as the town's weakest and easiest prey by a mysterious stranger, Linay, who is witch-white and threatening. Kate is strong-armed into striking a bargain with the stranger - her shadow in exchange for much needed supplies and one wish. Without a shadow, it is certain Plain Kate would be condemned as a witch by the already wary townsfolk. Plain Kate takes off with a band of Roamers hoping for acceptance. Instead she becomes even more entangled in a web of magic and an elaborate plan of revenge. Well developed characters, who experience growth and change as the story progresses, drive this story to its bitter-sweet, if a little convenient, climax. Suggested for grades 6 & up.infogoddesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08736122116921725367noreply@blogger.com0