Books · 12-06-2014
While everyone knows books are great gifts, it can often be difficult to select a book for someone – especially if you don’t know his/her interests. Over the past few months, I’ve read quite a few excellent books for readers in grades 2-6. Download fifteen of my fiction suggestions (along with their annotations, written at a 4th-6th grade level). Also consider titles suggested by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC). Each year, the ALSC Notable Books Committee selects...
Books · 11-13-2014
“Science,” by Millard Owen Sheets at the Department of Interior, Washington, D.C. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division
Activities · 09-26-2014
I recently read a blog post about book characters who would make “awesome friends.” Since good friends are helpful in promoting lifelong learning, I immediately thought of Charlotte from Charlotte’s Web and how her sweet face could jump-start the following reading promotion. The library media specialist (or teacher) would put up a large white board or a large piece of bulletin board paper in the media center or other communal area. Students use the white board to share book...
Books · 09-02-2014
Even though the 2014 National Book Festival is over, you can still enjoy all the author presentations. They were videotaped and will be available soon on the Library's website. I enjoyed listening to Jacqueline Woodson who shared writing tips, personal information, and excerpts from her newest book, Brown Girl Dreaming. When a young writer in the audience asked for a few tips, Woodson's reply was "BIC" which is short for "butt in chair." She also shared how, as a child, she told many lies. One...
Books · 08-27-2014
Get ready for another chapter of the National Book Festival -- perhaps the greatest book festival on the planet! Just ask the Man in the Moon. It is free and open to the public and will take place from 10 a.m to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. If you plan on going with children, use the Festival's guide to help you. For book lovers unable to attend, the Festival's website is filled with: Author Videos Creative writing and...