Fork Shoals Library Ledger
News for the week of January 2nd
What's your reading resolution?
My reading resolution in 2012 was to read 366 books. (That's one book per day during the Leap Year.) I met that goal, so I'm going to do my best to read even more in 2013. Can I make it to 400 books in one year? Check back next year to see!
Book of the Week: The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
The One and Only Ivan is the tale of a gorilla, and it is based on the life of a real gorilla. (Ivan recently passed away at Zoo Atlanta.) Now, this first-person–or first-gorilla–tale is a work of fiction, but it gives readers a glimpse of what life might be like for animals in captivity…and how those animals might view humans and the world around them.
Ivan has been a star attraction of a circus-themed mall for about twenty-seven years. He’s made a few friends during his time at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade. There’s Stella, an old elephant; Bob, a stray mutt; and Julie, a young human who introduced Ivan to the wonder of art. Ivan is a bit bored with his life, but he really doesn’t know much else. Most of the time, he can’t really remember what his life was like in the jungle where he was born. (Ivan was not blessed with Stella’s memory.)
When a baby elephant named Ruby–the newest mall attraction–enters the picture, however, Ivan’s worldview begins to change. The arrival of Ruby and a terrible tragedy make Ivan begin to think about Ruby’s circumstances…and his own. Surely there is more than living and dying in a mall for Ivan’s newest friend. But what can Ivan possibly do to help Ruby get to a better life? How can he make the people around him see that life in a cage is no life at all? There might be a way, but Ivan will have to use his considerable intelligence and artistic talent to make things change. Will Ivan, Ruby, and their friends be ready, though, when the time for change–and a chance at a real home–arrives? It’s up to the One and Only Ivan, great Silverback Gorilla, to make sure that whatever happens, happens for the better.
The One and Only Ivan is a fantastic book. This book reminds me a bit of the classic Charlotte’s Web, and I think most readers who love that book will find The One and Only Ivan equally enchanting.
To learn more about this lovable book–and the real Ivan–I urge you to visit http://theoneandonlyivan.com/.
Help 5th grade!
Fork Shoals School Library
Mrs. Allison Meredith, Library Clerk
Email: klknight@greenville.k12.sc.us
Website: forkshoalsreads.blog.greenville.k12.sc.us
Location: 916 McKelvey Road, Pelzer, SC
Phone: (864) 355-5005
Follow Fork Shoals on Twitter!
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Dates to remember:
- January 8 - Chick-Fil-A Night Out, 5-8pm
- January 11 - Spirit Day
- January 12 - Ms. Knight to SCASL Board meeting in Columbia
- January 14 - SIC meeting; SE regional PTA meeting
- January 17 - End of 2nd quarter
- January 18 - Teacher workday
- January 21 - MLK Day (No school)
IB Information
Our school is in an evaluation year for our IB program. Our teachers have worked hard the first part of the year preparing a self-study where we evaluate ourselves and provide evidence for how we are meeting the expectations of the International Baccalaureate Program. Soon we will offer a parent workshop to help give a better understanding of some of the elements of the program. Your child will also receive one of our IB report cards with the 2nd quarter report cards. Please take the time to read these with your child and help to create a goal for improvement.