The Book Blurb
March 2019
The library has been a busy place
Additionally, we've been working on creating a Free Comic book day for students, and planning new STEAM challenges to start next week.
If you are interesting in co-teaching, collaborating on lessons or programs, or wanting to bounce ideas for reading advisory- let me know!
Grants and Books
In the beginning of the school year I created a separate section just for these more visual books, and there has been growth in students who normally are resistant, reading for enjoyment. Unfortunately, our collection does not have many graphic novels, and those reluctant and struggling readers are starting to finish the books that we do have. In an effort to keep these students reading, Mr. Roscup and I have been working together to find solutions!
Thanks to the hard work of Mr. Roscup, we received graphic novels from the 21st century grant. We have also applied for a large library grant that would allow us to fill the gap we have in our graphic novel and manga collection! Regardless of the outcome, I want to give a huge shout out to Mr. Roscup for all of his help!
Celebrations in March
March 14th is Pi day- the library will celebrate by providing Pi and other math related activities available all day!
Tech Tools
Goodreads
For those of you who haven't used goodreads, this would be a great tool for yourself and your students! Goodreads is a website that allows you to keep track of books you have read, make a list of books you want to read, and learn about other books. The website lets you see what your friends are reading, create shelves of books, and you can review books as well.
For as teachers, you can keep the books strictly to what you personally want to read, or create shelves to help you with curriculum or use them as resources for recommendations to students.
For students, this site is a great tool to get them more involved with their reading. They can set up reading challenges, get ideas for books they might like, and also practice academic skills like: writing, critical thinking, practice with story elements, and searching strategies.
There is also an app that you can use, so it's mobile!
Library Schedule
https://docs.google.com/document/d/17aPa9B-73X4o1EqzhlS_IZ9PIWHFgp_VkoEiiq7Z1mY/edit?usp=sharing
Book Recommendations found at our library!
How Dare the Sun Rise by Sandra Uwiringyimana. This is a memoir about Sandra Uwiringyimana, a woman who lived in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It follows her as she survives a massacre, immigrating into the USA, and trying to overcome her trauma through art and activism. Here is a link to learn more about the book!
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31706524-how-dare-the-sun-rise
Historical Fiction
His Majesty's Dragon by Naomi Novik. This book takes place in the Napoleonic war time period, but with dragons. It follows a British naval officer who suddenly gets enlisted in the Aerial Core, and is partnered with a very intelligent and argumentative dragon. This is part of a series!
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28876.His_Majesty_s_Dragon?from_search=true
Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys. This book takes place at the end of WWII, and follows three individuals who ban together for survival. They reach a ship that is supposed to lead to safety, however while on board everyone's safety ends up in jeopardy.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25614492-salt-to-the-sea?from_search=true
Fantasy
Graceling by Kristin Cashore. Graceling is a high fantasy novel that takes place in a world where some people have Graces- a special gift like a magical ability, and some people do not. These gifts can range from being amazing at baking to being able to control what people see or hear. The story follows Katsa, the King's niece, who has the grace of killing people. To Katsa, this is a curse and she struggles with her self view, while her uncle uses this skill to her advantage. Katsa ends up challenging her beliefs and follows her own moral compass, leading her on an adventure she did not expect.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3236307-graceling?ac=1&from_search=true
Nevermoore by Jessica Townsend. Nevermoore is a very whimsical fantasy, that includes deeper mythological references if you look closely. It takes place in a different world, and starts out dark. Morrigan Crow is a cursed child who survives her dark world and gets shoved into a wild, magical, dangerous, and amazing world. The characters are quirky, there is a very sassy talking cat, the plot is really interesting, and Harry Potter fans might enjoy this!
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34219873-nevermoor?ac=1&from_search=true
Next month I will include more genres, this was just a trial run for book recommendations! All of these books can be found in our library! If you have any books you think should be featured, feel free to let me know!