|
Trouble viewing this email? Click here.
To ensure our emails reach your inbox, add ExtraHelping@email.schoollibraryjournal.com to your address book. Click here to learn how.
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
With our fascination for all things presidential these days, this is a great time to introduce kids to one of our most fascinating presidents: Abraham Lincoln. Not to mention that it's the 200th anniversary of Abe's death. Take a look at Janet Thompson's "All About Abe" for a great selection of books.
|
 |
|
| Interview |
| Nel Ward Talks about a New Annual 'GLBTQ Book List' |
 Are there quality books out there for young gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, and questioning (GLBTQ) readers? The newly launched "Rainbow Project"—a collaboration of the American Library Association (ALA) Social Responsibilities and GLBTQ round tables investigated and found that the best books are heavily weighted toward upper grade levels and peripheral characters. These books
constitute part of the project's first, 45-title "Annual GLBTQ Book List for Youth," which is topped off by four starred titles. Nel Ward, a retired school librarian from the Phoenix Union High School District, and the Rainbow Project's chair, tells more.
The project's members are all librarians. Is that a requirement?
What we look for are people interested in the subject either because they are GLBTQ themselves or perhaps have family members or an intense interest in the subject. For the first year, we looked for people who had a lot of experience in other best books groups in ALA. Many of us have been on Best Books for Young Adults, Quick Picks, Newbery, a variety of book selection groups. read more... |
|
ADVERTISEMENT |
|
| SLJ Goes to the Movies |
| The Spiderwick Chronicles |
 |
| Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures |
In SLJ's review of the first installment of Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black's "The Spiderwick Chronicles," The Field Guide (S & S, 2003), our reviewer forecasted that, "While the characters' lack of depth detracts from the quality of these titles, the fast, movielike pace will grab young readers." But the review went on to say that the main characters "stand out only for surface characteristics." And the same is almost true in the film adaptation of the series: nine-year-old Jared can't control his temper; his twin brother, Simon, loves all animals; and their sporty older sister, Mallory, has a way with a fencing sword. But believe it or not, the film provides slightly more depth to the Grace family—although we're not talking Bridge to Terabithia here. read more... |
|
|
|
| News and Views |
| Study: U.K. Kids Think Reading Is Cool |
Who says kids don't like to read? A new study from the United Kingdom says that the majority of young people (58 percent) actually enjoy reading very much or quite a lot and rate themselves as proficient readers.
In fact, kids are quite proud to be labeled as readers, with 71 percent saying the description fits them just fine. Not surprisingly, however, more girls than boys see themselves as readers—and girls tend to enjoy reading more than boys. But, overall, both sexes say they read on a weekly basis, either every day or once or twice a week, says the report "Young People's Self-Perceptions as Readers: An Investigation Including Family, Peer, and School Influences," issued by the nonprofit group the National Literacy Trust. read more... |
|
| A New, Hip Raggedy Ann and Andy |
Librarians who grew up playing with Raggedy Ann—that iconic red-haired, blue-and-white gingham-dressed doll—may be heartened to know that a media deal announced this week will introduce the character to a whole new generation.
Simon & Schuster (S & S) Children's Publishing and Starz Media, the production and distribution company, are collaborating on a new animated Raggedy Adventures television series. The series, based on the S & S books, will offer an updated look to the Raggedy characters designed to appeal to today's young readers. read more... |
|
| Remarkable Reads |
| Motorhead |
With NASCAR topping entertainment charts, there is renewed interest in automobile racing in all its formats. From dusty rough-and-tumble stock cars to elite Formula One masterpieces, these books cover all the bases. Work these fiction titles into a display of nonfiction automobile books and you may snare a few reluctant readers along with the motorheads.
ESCKILSEN, Erik. The Outside Groove. Houghton. 2006. Tr $16. ISBN 978-0-618-66854-0.
Gr 8-11–Stock car racing isn't for girls? Says who? Seventeen-year-old Casey is sure that if her brother can be a star driver, she can, too. When a sympathetic uncle sets her up with a car of her own, Casey gets a quick education in track politics, as well as the skills and nerve necessary to succeed in the sport. Fast paced and filled with insights on sibling and family dynamics. read more... |
|
| What Are They Reading for Fun?
|
|
In this week's issue, we hear from public librarians.
Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI:
It's a wonderful moment in a kid's life when they discover they can handle those big, scary chapter books. They whiz through those series like gangbusters: Mary Pope Osborne's "Magic Tree House" (Random), Joanna Cole's "Magic School Bus" (Scholastic), Geronimo Stilton's books. Young children are also going after graphic novels: Jeff Smith's "Bone" series (Scholastic), Jennifer L. Holm & Matthew Holm's "Babymouse" books (Random), James Proimos's "Johnny Mutton" titles (Harcourt). "Garfield" (Ballantine) is still HUGE, and we have lots of fathers come in with their sons and ask if we still have the "Asterix" (Orion) and "Tintin" (Little, Brown) books. We do. read more... |
|
| Librarian's Internet |
| Leap Year 101 |
| www.factmonster.com/spot/leapyear2.html |
| This year is a leap year, which means that it has 366 days instead of the usual 365. Why an extra day needs to be added to the calendar every few years (which requires seriously complex mathematical explanations) and when the extra days began to be added (which requires knowledge of both Julian and Gregorian calendars) is fascinating stuff for adults and older teens.
However, finding a Web-based explanation that will make sense for kids and younger teens can be a challenge. FactMonster does a great job providing kids with just the right amount of mathematical and historical information. For a whimsical approach to Leap Day, be sure to visit www.leapyearday.com and check out the links posted on each day of the February calendar…lots of fun!—Gail Junion-Metz
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
| Web Services Manager |
Salt Lake City Public Library
Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City Public Library, 2006 Library of the Year, is ready to move up to the next level of technology. The City Library is offering a fantastic management opportunity; the Web Services manager will work with public service staff and provide strong technical support.
To see all positions available through the SLJ Career Center, click here...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
