School Library Month
April 2021
The first national School Library Month began in 1985 with the theme "Where Learning Never Ends: The School Library Media Center." Click here from more history on the celebration.
School Library Month Activity Choice Board
Elementary & Middle Grades Book Recommendations by your JISD Librarians
Two kids. One devastating day. Nothing will ever be the same.
Click here for book trailer. Recommended by Ms. Colwell (Kitty Hawk MS)
When petty thief Gilly, who lives with her five younger brothers and sisters in a run-down boot, gets caught stealing, she is sentenced to three months at Fairy Tale Reform School, where all of the teachers are former villains, including the Big Bad Wolf, the Evil Queen, and Cinderella's Wicked Stepmother.
Recommended by Ms. King (Judson MS)
An absolute original story that kids will love. Click here of book trailer. Recommended by Ms. Ortiz (Judson HS)
Based on true events, this inspiring story celebrates the extraordinary influence a teacher can have on her students.The touching story is accompanied by Polacco's trademark illustrations. The book reminds us of our students' potential and how they can achieve anything they put their minds to! Recommended by Ms. Sauceda (Olympia ES)
When is a mouse not a mouse? When he's a tiger of course! This funny story is all about being who you want to be!
Click here for book read aloud.
Recommended by Ms. St. Pierre (Hopkins ES)
Isaac isn't interested in much, but when a mysterious shopkeeper tells him about a legendary book that holds the answers to every question ever asked, he embarks on a lifelong search for the Book of Gold. Click here for a book read aloud. Recommended by Ms. Polk (Copperfield ES & Crestview ES)
Author Gary Paulsen reveals his own life through his experiences with eight of his own dogs. This heart-warming memoir serves as a tribute to the dogs in one person's life.
Recommended by Ms. Stringer (Candlewood & Masters ES)
During the Iraq War of 2003, librarian Alia Muhammad saves thirty thousand new and old books in her Basra library from destruction. Click here for a book read aloud. Recommended by Ms. Polk (Copperfield ES & Crestview ES)
Although, The Graveyard Book has been around for a while it is a book worth reading over and over again. The story is definitely full of things both creepy and supernatural. After the grisly murder of his entire family, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where the ghosts and other supernatural residents agree to raise him as one of their own. Recommended by Ms. Simmons (Escondido ES)
YA Book Recommendations by your JISD Librarians
A racially diverse cast of characters with authentic voices and realistic struggles makes this a must read! Click here for book trailer. Recommended by Ms. Thompson (Veterans Memorial HS)
Looking for a mystery? Try One of Us is Lying.
When the creator of a high school gossip app mysteriously dies in front of four high-profile students all four become suspects. It's up to them to solve the case. Recommended by Ms. Thompson (Veterans Memorial HS)
A graphic novel memoir about how complicated the truth can be. Click here for the book trailer. Recommended by Ms. Lehman (Kirby MS)
Did you enjoy the first book? The highly anticipated sequel to the beloved worldwide bestseller Ready Player One, the near-future adventure is here! Recommended by Ms. Thompson (Veterans Memorial HS)
Eighteen-year-old Carmen takes on a summer internship that has her reuniting with estranged family for an over-the-top quinceanera, reluctantly reconnecting to a long-lost ex-boyfriend, and finding happiness in the chaos. Recommended by Ms. Thompson (Veterans Memorial HS)
A coming-of-age YA contemporary novel about a girl who accidentally falls into the world of stand-up comedy. Perfect for fans of John Green.
Recommended by Ms. Thompson (Veterans Memorial HS)
Author Recommendations by your JISD Librarians
Alan Gratz
If you love historical fiction, then you will love Alan Gratz. You have to give the book Refugee a try. Click here for authors website. Recommended by Ms. Colwell (KHMS) & Ms. King (JMS)
Jeff Zentner
Looking for a new Young Adult author you haven't read before. Give Jeff Zentner a try. Click here for authors website. Recommended by Ms. Ortiz (Judson HS)
Malala Yousafzai
You have heard of Malala Yousafzai as the Nobel Peace Prize winner and advocate for the rights of women and girls, as an outspoken proponent for girls' right to education. Did you know that she is an author as well? Give her books a try. Click here for a read aloud of Malala's Magic Pencil. Recommended by Ms. St. Pierre (Hopkins MS)
Karen M. McManus
Love reading mysteries? Try Karen M. McManus. She is the
New York Times bestselling author of twisty YA thrillers.
Click here for author website. Recommended by Ms. Thompson (Veterans Memorial HS)
Rob Buyea
Rob Buyea is a teacher turned full-time writer. His books have a way of getting students invested in the story and seeking out the next book, and then the next. It's wonderful! Click here for information about his books. Recommended by Ms. Comeaux (Salinas ES & Rolling Meadows ES)
Neil Gaiman
Looking for an author for both adults and children - Neil Gaiman writes for both. He has a way with words, and he never minces them, even in his books for children. His book Coraline is still a favorite for kids of all ages. Click here of authors website. Recommended by Ms. Simmons (Escondido ES)