Norwalk High School Library
November 2013
Books to Know About
New
Allegiant by Veronica Roth - The third book in the Divergent trilogy. The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered - fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she's known, Tris is ready.
Fiction
The Infinite Moment of Us by Lauren Myracle - As high school graduation nears, Wren Gray is surprised to connect with Charlie Parker, a boy with a troubled past who has loved her for years, while she considers displeasing her parents for the first time and changing the plans for her future.
Non-fiction
Geeks: How Two Lost Boys Rode the Internet out of Idaho by Jon Katz - This book tells the true story of Jesse and Eric, nineteen-year-old roommates in the small town of Caldwell, Idaho, who changed their lives and built a new future for themselves with the power of the Internet.
Google Tool to Know About
Kaizena
Kaizena is a Google app that allows users to provide verbal feedback in a Google Document. This can save teachers a tremendous amount of time because they no longer have to type out feedback; it can all be done verbally. In addition to verbal comments, users can also highlight text and tag it to outside resources, including those that offer further explanation on a topic or concept. To use this app, click the create button in drive, then click on connect more apps, search for Kaizena, and add it to the account. From there, users can right-click on a document and choose "open with Kaizena." Super easy!!
Web Tool to Know About
PowToon
Students love PowToon!! PowToon (http://www.powtoon.com) is a fun and easy-to-use website that allows users to create animated videos using "dynamic characters, eye-popping images, and active text sequences." Finished videos can be saved in and shared through PowToon, downloaded to a computer, or even uploaded to YouTube. This is a great resource for both formative and summative assessments as well as for enhancing instruction.
Other Information to Know About
10 Benefits of Reading: Why You Should Read Every Day
As we all know, there are many benefits to reading. Check out the following website that explains 10 reasons why reading is so important, including reducing stress, building vocabulary, and possibly preventing Alzheimer's. Read the article here: http://goo.gl/UyN5mM.
Norwalk High School Library
Email: joconnor@norwalk.k12.ia.us
Website: http://goo.gl/KQXkWf
Location: 1201 North Avenue, Norwalk, IA
Phone: (515) 981-4201
Twitter: @JenAOConnor