London Calling

Title: London Calling
Author: Edward Bloor
Pages: 289 p.
Genre: Historical Fiction/Fantasy
AR Zone: 4.0

A Bit About It: Martin’s grandmother has a reputation for having a “spiritual side.” Could this mean she talked to ghosts? Are these same ghosts trying to communicate with Martin? He has to wonder after he inherits his grandfather’s radio and strange ideas begin to inhabit his dreams.

Favorite Quote: Certain days from the past come back to me perfectly clear, like a strong radio signal. p. 21

If you like this book, chances are you’ll like… Lord of the Nutcracker Men by Lawrence and Eggs by Spinelli

Look About You

There are some things I've been meaning to mention.

Firstly, the American Library Association handed out their awards this month. Click here for the information and to see the presentation on their webcast. If you get a chance, look at the video from the next morning's Today Show.

Secondly, there are some very intelligent people who are writing (on the internet) about kids books. Do yourself a favor and check out what they have to say. (Many blogs are blocked by our network filters. You'll need to visit these from home.)

Guys Read
Kids Love Comics
Class of 2K8 (authors who are publishing for the first time in 2008)
Game On: Games in Libraries
Boys Blogging Books

Thirdly, The East Grand Rapids Library will be holding a reception for Gary Schmidt (you remember, he has won the Newbery Honor two times!) on March 7th. This would be a very cool opportunity for you to meet a real live successful author. Interested, click here for details. If you think you might go, let me know. I'm considering it.

Happy New Year (a little late)

Hello friends! It has been a while since we caught up. I hope your new year is starting off well. Mine is. That first week back to school was a bit crazy. Every single book in the library was due on January 7th. Our carts overfloweth-ed! But with the help of some wonderful volunteers we dug ourselves out and are back to normal.

People are getting excited for Book Bowl. As I look over on the shelves I see that some titles are totally checked out! Wow! This looks like it's going to be a very competetive year. Read, read, read.

Stay tuned for some updates on the book world at large. . .

The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips

Title:The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips
Author: Michael Morpurgo
Pages:137 p.
Genre: Historical Fiction
AR Zone: 4.8

A Bit About It-The war came to Lily’s town. Everyone wants to win it and stop Hitler but abandoning their homes seems like an awful lot to ask. Lily’s grandfather says he won’t go. Maybe the cat feels the same way.

Told through flashback based on a letter to Lily’s grandson, this powerful book has a lot to offer its readers; war, friendship, life and death. Well worth a read.

Favorite Quote- “My singing sounds really good in the bath, I know it does. But I can’t take the bath into church, can I?” p. 50

If you like this book, chances are you’ll like… Lord of the Nutcracker Men by Iain Lawrence and Waiting for Anya by Michael Morpurgo.

Fish

Title: Fish : a novel
Author: L. S. Matthews
Pages:183 p.
Genre: Realistic Fiction

A Bit About It- We never really know if Tiger, the main character, is a boy or a girl, what country Tiger is from or where Tiger is going. What we do know is that there is trouble and Tiger’s family must trust a guide to get them across the border alive. The title, Fish, refers to the small animal Tiger transports for the entire harrowing journey. Wow! What a story.

Favorite Quote- Watch the Guide. Follow him exactly. He knows what he’s doing. p. 157.

If you like this book, chances are you’ll like… No Way Out by Ivy Ruckman and Soldier X by Don Wulffson

Look About You

It's that time again. Time to look around on the web and notice the cool and funny stuff out there. You may have noticed that the teachers around here are very into technology these days. We had a two day conference - while you were on vacation, thank you very much- all about the wonders of the technological world about us. Newly inspired and filled with turkey, we have returned to school ready to try it all out. Feel like a guinea pig?

But for this blog entry:

A very good description of what the Dewey Decimal System is and why it matters can be found here.

A group of high schoolers got to interview authors who were nominated for the National Book Award. This is so cool! Read their interesting interviews here.

Have you seen the Kiki Strike blog? If not, you TOTALLY need to get with the program. Click here and start reading. I am in awe of how many oddities this blog can bring to us on a regular basis.

Toilet Paper and Chocolate Cake?

Sometimes I wonder what the cashier thinks when I go to Meijer and buy 12 rolls of toilet paper and a chocolate cake. Combinations can be funny and can lend themselves to a good story. So, last week I had to snap a picture of this book combination. The Cirque du Freak books are very popular, as is Dav Pilkey. The two together just made me laugh. Will the vampire devour Captain Underpants? Stay tuned. . .