September in the Library
2015
Welcome Back!
The school year is off to a great start! There were lots of changes in the library over the summer. Keep reading for the highlights!
Rake in a Good Read!
Although it didn't feel much life Fall at the beginning of September, students were welcomed back to the library with a Fall-themed bulletin board that finally, with the cooler weather, seems appropriate!
Banned Book Week
In September we celebrated banned book week. Banned Book Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. It highlights the value of free and open access to information.
Dangerous Books
The display table of books that had been banned or challenged in the United States had to be replenished several times, students were so enthusiastic about expressing their freedom to read!
Exciting Library Improvements!
Over the summer, the fiction section, which had gotten so big it no longer fit in the rotunda, was shifted to make room for even more new fiction books. A row of desktop computers was removed and now there is a library teaching space, complete with new projector and whiteboard!
Another exciting library addition is Mr. Sleeman! Located in what was once the meeting room in the library, Mr. Sleeman now operates the Chromebook Help Desk, assisting both teachers and students transition to Chromebook use as smoothly as possible. Every time a herd of students with Chromebook issues comes to the library, Ms. Lechan is very thankful he's there.
Classes in the Library
6th Grade
Ms. Lyons and Ms. Unger brought all their 6th grade Reading Classes to the library for an orientation. Students learned how to find the library catalog and do some basic searches. They went on a tour of the library and learned where all the different sections are, and then had time to check out a book.
7th Grade
Ms. Cummings class learned about censorship during Banned Book Week. They completed their exploration by coming to the library to look at the Banned Books display and discuss and learn why certain books had been challenged or banned. In one class, there was a very interesting discussion on whether or not it's OK to modify a book to removal the "objectionable" parts.
8th Grade
In 8th Grade Library Research, students hit the ground running by diving right into an inquiry research project. Students did a close observation and some even tasted, an at the time unknow food item, which turned out to be molasses. Students generated many questions, such as what molasses was made out of. Students began their research by reading an encyclopedia article, which they cited and annotated. While many questions were answered, many remained. Students are beginning to look at a more in-depth article on molasses, one which mentions the Great Molasses Flood...
Book Reviews
Chanda's Wars by Allan Stratton
She promised her mama she'd keep them safe.
It's been six months since Mama died, and Chanda is struggling to raise her little brother and sister. Determined to end a family feud, she takes them to her relatives' remote rural village.
But across the nearby border, a brutal civil war is spreading. Rebels led by the ruthless General Mandiki attack at night, stealing children. All that separates Chanda from the horror is a stretch of rugged bush and a national park alive with predators. Soon, not even that. Before she knows it, Chanda must face the unthinkable, with a troubled young tracker as her unlikely ally.
Chanda's Wars is the unforgettable story of a teenager who risks everything to save her brother and sister. Epic in its sweep, intimate in its humanity, here is a gripping tale of family intrigue, love and courage, forgiveness and hope. -Goodreads
It's been six months since Mama died, and Chanda is struggling to raise her little brother and sister. Determined to end a family feud, she takes them to her relatives' remote rural village.
But across the nearby border, a brutal civil war is spreading. Rebels led by the ruthless General Mandiki attack at night, stealing children. All that separates Chanda from the horror is a stretch of rugged bush and a national park alive with predators. Soon, not even that. Before she knows it, Chanda must face the unthinkable, with a troubled young tracker as her unlikely ally.
Chanda's Wars is the unforgettable story of a teenager who risks everything to save her brother and sister. Epic in its sweep, intimate in its humanity, here is a gripping tale of family intrigue, love and courage, forgiveness and hope. -Goodreads
Terrible Typhoid Mary : A True Story of the Deadliest Cook in America by Susan Campbell Bartoletti
What happens when a person's reputation has been forever damaged?
With archival photographs and text among other primary sources, this riveting biography of Mary Mallon by the Sibert medalist and Newbery Honor winner Susan Bartoletti looks beyond the tabloid scandal of Mary's controversial life.
How she was treated by medical and legal officials reveals a lesser-known story of human and constitutional rights, entangled with the science of pathology and enduring questions about who Mary Mallon really was.
How did her name become synonymous with deadly disease? And who is really responsible for the lasting legacy of Typhoid Mary?
This thorough exploration includes an author's note, timeline, annotated source notes, and bibliography. -Goodreads
With archival photographs and text among other primary sources, this riveting biography of Mary Mallon by the Sibert medalist and Newbery Honor winner Susan Bartoletti looks beyond the tabloid scandal of Mary's controversial life.
How she was treated by medical and legal officials reveals a lesser-known story of human and constitutional rights, entangled with the science of pathology and enduring questions about who Mary Mallon really was.
How did her name become synonymous with deadly disease? And who is really responsible for the lasting legacy of Typhoid Mary?
This thorough exploration includes an author's note, timeline, annotated source notes, and bibliography. -Goodreads
Upcoming Projects?
Now that they year is well under way, it's time to start thinking about your upcoming research projects! What can I do to help or support you? Please let me know!
Email: alechan@dedham.k12.ma.us
Website: http://dms.dedham.k12.ma.us/pages/Dedham_Middle_School/academics/Library
Location: 70 Whiting Avenue, Dedham, MA, United States
Phone: 781-310-7413