You can help provide books to schools and libraries devastated by Hurricane Sandy by making a donation to the organization First Book.
Watch and Read: Spotlight on Media Tie-ins—Rise of the Guardians
By on November 7, 2012 Leave a Comment
The film “Rise of the Guardians,” based on William Joyce’s popular series “Guardians of Childhood” premieres on November 21. Fans of folk and fairy tales will delight in the characters found in both the original series, the film, and in new books inspired by the movie.
Many Return to School in a Landscape Altered by Hurricane Sandy
By on November 6, 2012 Leave a Comment
Though schools in New York and New Jersey have re-opened this week, many buildings are too damaged to receive students. Lack of power, heat, flooding are all issues that schools are facing.
Consider the Source: On the Common Core Trail
By on November 6, 2012 Leave a Comment
Here’s Marc Aronson’s latest report from Common Core land. Two weeks ago, he was on the road for four days along with Sue Bartle leading Common Core (CC) workshops. They learned a lot—much of it encouraging.
SLJ Summit 2012: Nonfiction Authors Address the Common Core
By on November 5, 2012 Leave a Comment
At the School Library Journal Summit held October 26-27, authors Deborah Hopkinson, Barbara Kerley, Steve Sheinkin, and Sally M. Walker came together to share their views on their work and how they can address Common Core principles as they conduct research for their books.
News Bites: Frank Cottrell Boyce Wins the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize for ‘The Unforgotten Coat’
By on November 5, 2012 1 Comment
Frank Cottrell Boyce has won the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize of £1,500 for his novel, The Unforgotten Coat (Candlewick, 2011), published in the UK by Walker Books. Established in 1967, the prize is unique because it is judged by writers. This year’s panel included children’s authors Tony Bradman, Cressida Cowell, and Kevin Crossley-Holland, and was chaired by Guardian Children’s Books editor Julia Eccleshare. The novel is the story of refugee brothers from Mongolia who live in Liverpool and examines the hard-hitting effects that immigration has on children.
In Sandy’s Aftermath, School Librarians Support Patrons, Communities, and One Another
By on November 5, 2012 2 Comments
Despite the havoc wreaked by Hurricane Sandy, librarians are doing all that they can to serve their communities, from reaching out to offer donations to those affected by the crisis, to librarians compiling resources to give emotional support to their students.
Author Kate Messner Launches All-Star “Kid Lit” Auction for Hurricane Sandy Relief Effort
By on November 2, 2012 3 Comments
Stepping up quickly to serve victims of Hurricane Sandy, award-winning children’s author Kate Messner has launched KitLit Cares: Superstorm Sandy Relief Effort, an online auction featuring donations from the children’s literature community to benefit the Red Cross.
SLJ Summit 2012: Chris Lehmann Calls for a “Citizenry Model” for Today’s Schools
By on November 1, 2012 Leave a Comment
Chris Lehmann, the founding principal of Philadelphia’s Science Leadership Academy, isn’t surprised most teens think, “school stinks.” This innovative educator is out to change their opinion.
Everything from A to Z: Vincent X. Kirsch adds some serious fun to ‘Noah Webster & His Words’ | Under Cover
By on November 1, 2012 1 Comment
Photograph by Jim Dandy
Jeri Chase Ferris’s picture book Noah Webster & His Words is a great read, but it could have been a snoozer without your witty illustrations. How’d you react when editor Kate O’Sullivan offered you the assignment?
Being someone who’s very fond of words, I started looking at other books that were done about Webster, and not to degrade them, but they were very dry, realistic, watercolory, and very highly rendered. Noah Webster looked like some [...]
Libraries Respond to Hurricane Sandy, Offering Refuge, WiFi, and Services to Needy Communities
By on November 1, 2012 9 Comments
Libraries along the East Coast are stepping up to the challenge, providing a range of services, as well as a place to converge and power up, in Sandy’s wake. New York City schools sustained damage, though the school library situation is still being assessed, according to Richard Hasenyager, director of library services for NYC’s Department of Education
Embracing National Novel Writing Month, Librarians Help Kids Turn Off their “Inner Editor”
By on October 31, 2012 Leave a Comment
Thousands of students are meeting the challenge to start and complete a novel over the course of a month this November for National Novel Writing Month (or NaNoWriMo). Librarians and teachers trying to get students interested in writing have a ton of resources from the Young Writers Program, including lesson plans that align to the Common Core.
Native American Heritage Month: Teaching Tips and a Call for Responsible Student Research
By on October 31, 2012 2 Comments
November marks National Native American Heritage Month, and librarians aiming to help students become well-versed in the culture and history of Native people have plenty of options to engage kids of all ages, from ways to visually make the library a welcoming place to books and encyclopedias to use with students.
Interview: Rebecca Stead on ‘Liar & Spy’
By on October 31, 2012 Leave a Comment
SLJ talks to Newbery Medal-winner Rebecca Stead about her latest book, Liar & Spy (Random, 2012), a middle grade novel about friendship, bullies, spies, and family.
Sandy & Libraries: Photos of Libraries in the Storm’s Aftermath
By on October 31, 2012 1 Comment
Sandy blasted through the East Coast from October 28-29 leaving its record-breaking mark. Despite major damage, libraries have risen to the challenge of serving their communities, offering internet access, electrical power, and even storytime.
Stephen King Surprises Canadian Students with pre-Halloween School Visit
By on October 29, 2012 2 Comments
Stephen King stunned students at the Sussex Regional High School (SRHS) in New Brunswick, Canada, by paying a surprise visit to the school library, a week and a half before Halloween. The famous horror writer discussed his own evolution as a writer, his writing habits, and shared tips with the students for how to improve their writing.
Second Annual Picture Book Month Kicks off in November
By on October 29, 2012 2 Comments
Librarians, authors and illustrators are gearing up for Picture Book Month in November. Events and activities include daily postings to the Picture Book Month site by authors and illustrators like Chris Raschka and Paul O. Zeinsky. School libraries will be featuring Mock Caldecotts and author visits.
Interview: Gary Golio Talks About ‘Spirit Seeker’
By on October 28, 2012 2 Comments
Gary Golio speaks to SLJ about his latest picture book, Spirit Seeker: John Coltrane’s Musical Journey (Clarion, 2012), which deals with the tumultuous life of the legendary jazz musician.
On the Radar: Top Picks from the Editors at Junior Library Guild: Scary Stories for Elementary Souls
By on October 26, 2012 1 Comment
It’s the day before Halloween and things that go bump in the night are high on everyone’s reading list. Even at the age of five kids ask, “Where are the scary books?” Of course, their definition of scary differs widely from our fifth graders. So for those kids whose idea of frightening fare is a talking pumpkin, haunted cupcake, or plotting carrots, these books are perfect.
Mix It Up Day Draws Protests from Christian Group
By on October 25, 2012 1 Comment
A Christian group’s protests has spurred some schools to pull their involvement from next week’s Mix it Up at Lunch Day—an 11-year-old program meant to reduce prejudice among students that’s sponsored by the Teaching Tolerance project, part of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC).
