The Power of Books

Storyline Online

I came across this really cool website and wanted to share!
It's called Storyline Online and it streams videos featuring famous people reading children's books aloud.
Click HERE! to go to the website! 

“Requirements for Healthy Development of Adolescent Youth”

I just finished reading "Requirements for Healthy Development of Adolescent Youth." I felt like this article repeated itself over and over. The article states, "Two approaches to recommendations were considered: (1) giving attention individually to each system in which adolescents live and move--educational, family, work, discretionary time, correctional, and governmental; (2) looking at the total picture and thinking in terms of remedial or rectifying programs and research efforts. The second approach was agreed upon, chiefly because each system is so closely related to other systems that any program, to be effective, necessarily would have to involve more than one system." From what I gather, the article is focusing on the facts that we need to focus our attention that we give students where it is needed most, otherwise the students are less likely to develop into well rounded individuals. 

Champion Booktalker

I've met a person whom I consider to be a champion booktalker. I would consider my high school librarian to be a champion booktalker. She knows me very well and is very familiar with my reading preferences. She is very familiar with most of the books in her library and has a gift of recommending them for certain individuals. 

The First Part Last

I just finished reading The First Part Last by Angela Johnson. I really enjoyed this book. It's the story of a young couple, Nia and Bobby, and the birth of their baby girl, Feather. The story describes the hardships that the family faces. Working with young adults on a daily basis made this book touch my heart. I think The First Part Last makes it easy for young adults to relate their lives to the story. Self to text connections often make the story that much sweeter! Johnson does an excellent job of portraying the truth that so many young adults live. 

Technology Tools of the Future

What's coming, technologically speaking, to the library world? Well, personally, I believe we're already on our way to having only cyberlibraries. I think with the advancement of technology and the speed that it's advancing, we'll be there quicker than we think! 
There are many technology tools coming to the library! This is scary and exciting, at the same time! We are starting to see more automated check out stations, more online resources, and definitely more e-books! At any given time, I have at least one type of technology with me. I always have access to my e-books! I absolutely love how easy it is now to have all of the reading material I need with me at all times! 

Young Adults Reading Preferences

After interviewing young adults about their reading preferences, I realized that their preferences are really ALL over the place! That shows me that as a librarian it is really important to have all types of books and resources. I did find repeat answers of Nicholas Sparks as a favorite author and some of Sparks's books as their favorite titles. Typically, the boys seemed to be more interested in informational text verses the girls having a heart for novels. 

My Favorite Illustrators

I've recently been exploring more children's book illustrators. I think illustrations can really make a story. Even through my exploration of new illustrators, Eric Carle is still my all time favorite! I love that Carle's work is simple enough for children to recreate their own rendition. I have personally use several of Carle's techniques with my class and they loved it! I think it allows students to believe that they could be as successful as Carle. 

I am also extremely impressed by Robert Sabuda's pop-up books! What an excellent way to get children excited about reading! The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and Alice's Adventures in Wonderland are two of my favorite books by Sabuda. If you have a young reader in your life, I would definitely suggest exposing them to Sabuda's artwork. Even as an adult, I love to soak up the details of Sabuda's work!

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

I just finished reading The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick! What a great book! I really enjoyed reading it! I could definitely see my students enjoying and loving this book. At first glance, it looks very overwhelming- it is a verrrrry thick book! While skimming through the book, I quickly realized it had several beautiful black and white illustrations, making it not quite so intimidating. I think it is absolutely brilliant that there isn't any color throughout the book. 
My dad's parents were both gone by the time he was 12 years old. So, this story hit home with me in a way. My dad has told me stories about adventures he had as a young boy, without parents around to lasso him. While I was reading Hugo's story, I couldn't help but imagine my dad as a young man. I think this book will allow various types of readers to make a personal connection. I love the surprise ending that Selznick presents! Without spoiling any of the surprises along the way, I'll say that this book is a must-read! 

Sneaky Semester!

Here we go! It's the start of a new semester!!! I have been so busy writing IEPs, testing, and preparing for cheer competition in June, this semester doesn't seem like it should be here yet! I have downloaded some new books to my kindle, and I am really excited to start reading them!

I'm currently updating my Shelfari and trying to get more familiar with how to use it! I am committed to keeping my blog and Shelfari up to date this semester!