An easy way to support the North Beach Library!

I saw a news story tonight that explained that Borders bookstores were offering $15 gift cards this weekend that customers making in-store purchases could then use on DonorsChoose.Org to support the school of their choice.  It doesn't matter if the purchase is a book or simply a cup of coffee; the customer will still receive a $15 gift card.  So tonight I took a book list I've been working with for a few weeks of books I'd really like to add to the library collection that are previous award nominees or that are leveled readers appealing to our younger readers, and I submitted a grant on the DonorsChoose website after updating my profile for North Beach.  It may take a day or two for them to review my grant before it goes live - currently it tells me that my request is pending.  But it will definitely be live shortly, and if you're interested in learning more about the grant, keep checking back at http://www.donorschoose.org/northbeach in the next couple of days!  And if you're out shopping on December 4th or 5th, consider making a purchase of any amount at Borders and you'll be able to support the acquisition of new materials for our students!  Thank you!

Genre Recommendations: Survival/Adventure

Many of the intermediate classrooms are working on reading a variety of literary genres.  I've compiled bibliographies for these genres and posted them on the library catalog,  In the middle of the page, look under "Resource Lists" and see what titles are available.  The Survival/Adventure list includes this year's Sasquatch nominated books "Diamond Willow" by Helen Frost and "Leepike Ridge" by N.D. Wilson as well as titles by Ben Mikaelsen, Roland Smith, Gary Paulsen and others.   I will be working on acquiring additional titles for the collection that fall under the survival/adventure genre category during the year.

Genre Recommendations: Historical Fiction

Many of the intermediate classrooms are working on reading a variety of literary genres.  I've compiled bibliographies for these genres and posted them on the library catalog,  In the middle of the page, look under "Resource Lists" and see what titles are available.  The Historical Fiction list includes this year's Sasquatch nominated book "A Friendship for Today" by Patricia McKissack and several Newbery Medal and Honor titles. There are a variety of lengths represented in the books on the list, and the list is by no means exhaustive of what is available in the library.  If you're unable to find something that will work on the list provided, please feel free to contact me in the library for further recommendations.

Genre Recommendations: Science Fiction

Many of the intermediate classrooms are working on reading a variety of literary genres.  I've compiled bibliographies for these genres and posted them on the library catalog,  In the middle of the page, look under "Resource Lists" and see what titles are available.  The Science Fiction list includes this year's Sasquatch nominated book "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix and last year's Newbery Award winner "When you reach me" by Rebecca stead. For those seeking out shorter reading options, try the Andrew Lost series by J.C. Greenburg, currently available only through the public library.   I will be working on acquiring additional titles for the collection that fall under the science fiction genre category during the year.

Genre Recommendations: Mystery

Many of the intermediate classrooms are working on reading a variety of literary genres.  I've compiled bibliographies for these genres and posted them on the library catalog,  In the middle of the page, look under "Resource Lists" and see what titles are available.  Included in the Mystery list are well-known authors David Adler, Ron Roy, and Carolyn Keene among other less well-known writers.  Many of the titles are a part of a series and there are other titles included in the series available in the library.  I will be working on acquiring additional titles that fall under the mystery genre throughout the year.

Genre Recommendations: Fantasy

What to do after Harry Potter and Percy Jackson? Many of the intermediate classrooms are working on reading a variety of literary genres.  I've compiled bibliographies for these genres and posted them on the library catalog,  In the middle of the page, look under "Resource Lists" and see what titles are available.  Included in the fantasy list are titles by well-known authors such as Bruce Coville and Cornelia Funke, but any titles by these two would be outstanding choices.  Unfortunately, we don't have Funke's "Ink Trilogy" available, and these are some of my favorite Funke titles.  They can be accessed at the public library. We also only have one title by one of my favorite British authors, Eva Ibbotson, and none of the Charlie Bone series by Jenny Nimmo, so I will be working on making these additions to the collection this year.  In the meantime, I highly recommend these books if your child was a big fan of Harry Potter or fantasy in general. From Australia comes another fabulous fantasy writer, Emily Rodda.  In addition to the Deltora Quest series that is listed on the bibliography, she is also the author of several other outstanding series that would appeal to a wide variety of readers:  Fairy Realm, Rowan of Rin, and Rondo.  As always, if you need further recommendations, feel free to call, email, or stop by the library for book recommendations.

Searching Seattle Public Library Resources from the North Beach Catalog

If you are trying to determine if our school library has a particular title and you are unable to locate the book you're looking for in our catalog, you can quickly determine if the materials you're looking for are available through the Seattle Public Library by clicking on the One Search tab after receiving your search results. I would be happy to show you how to use this function any time I'm not teaching if you want to stop by the library.

Nubs: The true story of a mutt, a marine, and a miracle

In honor of Veterans Day, most classes have been able to hear the story of Nubs, a very special dog that was rescued by Major Brian Dennis, a marine serving in Iraq.  Nubs is a heartwarming story that demonstrates perseverance, loyalty, and dedication by the marines who served with Major Dennis and most of all, Nubs.  The true story details the story of how Nubs crossed the Iraqi desert in pursuit of Major Dennis and his men after they were sent to the Jordanian border to assist with training Iraqi soldiers. Because they were not allowed to have pets with them and Nubs had continually followed them and sought out Major Dennis wherever he was stationed, the marines saw no other option then to raise the funds to send Nubs to the United States to live with Major Dennis and his family.  Nubs is one of this year's Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award Nominees and is by the same authors as last year's winner, The Two Bobbies. You can see the book trailer on co-author Kirby Larson's website, and see an interview with Major Dennis on the Today Show to learn more about this inspiring story.

Educational Technology Standards/Technology Gift to North Beach!

Last week I was out of the building for 2 days, and will be again on November 15-16.  Lots of people have been asking what I've been doing on those days.  I am a member of the Washington State Educational Technology Assessment Development Group.  In 2008, Washington State adopted new Ed Tech standards for students.  The legislature mandated that assessments be developed that address the standards.  Since January I've been working with a group of about 12 educators from around the state to develop these assessments.  I plan to pilot one of these with 3rd graders later in the year as soon as it's available.  If you're interested in learning more about Educational Technology in Washington State, go to http://k12.wa.us/EdTech/Assessment/edtechcbaBackground.aspx .  I am continually working on developing and improving lessons that will support student achievement of these standards and to fulfill the library information and technology program's mission to "ensure that all students are effective users and producers of ideas and information".

After I initially wrote this posting, I learned that the school has been given a gift by an anonymous donor to assist with updating and enhancing the technology available to our students and teachers.  I am incredibly grateful for this donor's generosity and am excited to work with Mr. Sammons and other teachers to determine the best possible manner to utilize these funds so that our students are acquiring the skills they need to be prepared to participate in a 21st Century economy and democracy.  Thank you!!