so what does the pledge mean?

I have a new favorite book!

I Pledge Allegiance by Bill Martin Jr and Michael Sampson ~ Illustrated by Chris Raschka

I was looking for a book with a patriotic feel to read next week before September 11th, Patriot Day.  Here it is!  This one is a must read for all children (and adults).  Martin and Sampson breaks down the pledge in simple language.  Combined with the simple illustrations by Raschka, the book conveys the powerful meaning of our Pledge of Allegiance.

This book is a must for the classroom library and the family library at home.

check it out on amazon~ I Pledge of Allegiance

Summer Reading... Outside the List

I must confess... Summer is winding down and I have not nearly read the titles that I wanted to read.  I guess I shouldn't be surprised.  I have never made a "Summer Reading List" before.

The Vampire Chronicles... I inhaled the first one and moved on to the 2nd then to the third.  In the third, I lost interest and I think it is waiting patiently under my night stand.  I saw it peeking out this morning when I crawled out of the bed.  I was moving pretty slow because I wanted to read Michael Connelly's The Lincoln Lawyer yesterday.  (I usually avoid the movie until I've read the book.)  I enjoyed reading Mickey's adventure and managed not to hit the buy button on my kindle for another one last night.

Here's a few from the list that wasn't on the "reading list."
The Lincoln Lawyer  - M. Connelly
The Gunslinger - S. King
Ava's Man - R. Bragg
All Over But the Shoutin' - R. Bragg
The Valley of the Horses - J. M. Auel
The Clan of the Cave Bear - J. M. Auel
(quite a variety)

That leaves me wondering - do I stick to what I planned in May or just read what I feel like?  Of course, it's summer.  I 'm going to read what I want.

Ha ha... so do you think the students enjoy reading outside the reading list too?

A Boy at War

If you looking for a good read for the Memorial Day weekend or you're interested in the events that took place at Pearl Harbor, try A Boy at War by Harry Mazer.  It's perfect for a quick read or for someone who doesn't like a long novel.   Harry Mazer shows you the attack on Pearl Harbor through the eyes of a 14 year old boy.  (No,  you don't have to be in jr. high to enjoy it.)  When you finish reading it you'll have more questions about the families that were stationed there and the locals. 

 "A Boy at War" on amazon.com

 

I bet you don't stop there.... I bet you move on to A Boy No More and then to Heroes Don't Run: A Novel of the Pacific War.

Harry Mazer's Page on amazon.com

Sunshine and Summertime!

I've made it through my first year as an Elementary School Librarian!

Summertime is always good for massive reading.  Before I packed up and wrapped up the last shelf in the library, I browsed our fiction shelves for some of my summer reads.  I picked several that I have been wanting to read for awhile.  I also picked some newer titles that I know that have potential to be popular next year.  Here's a short list of them...

Heart of a Samurai - Margi Preus
Elijah of Buxton - Christopher Paul Curtis
Ninth Ward - Jewell Parker Rhodes
90 Miles to Havana - Enrique Flores -Galbis
My Louisiana Sky - Kimberly Holt
Bud Not Buddy - Christopher Paul Curtis
Hattie Big Sky - Kirby Larson
and the list goes on.

For fun reading, I'm going to read Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles.  Somehow or another I missed them when everyone was reading them years ago.  I've got a beach trip coming up and I'm sure I can take care of them while I'm there.  No.  I am not going to start them yet... I can be strong.   I'm going to save them for the week on the beach...I'm sitting here looking at them.  I shouldn't have taken the shrink wrap off the box.  Maybe I'll just read the first chapter of Interview with the Vampire.  (Famous last words of an addicted reader.)

One more on the planned summer list -- Stephen King's On Writing.

Look Out Modern World!

I am super excited!  I just received my wireless handheld scanner for the library and the news that we are ready for automation!  I can't wait to get started on the transition to the modern world!