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Do you want to be on the cover of the January SLJ?
Here’s the story: our January cover is about our recent job satisfaction survey (it turns out librarians who work with youth have a high degree of satisfaction, but—here’s the shocker—could use a little more money). And our illustrator needs head shots of real librarians (that means you!) smiling or at least looking otherwise happy. He’ll be using about a dozen in a collage (I promise we won’t be superimposing you on the body of Madonna from her recent tour), and we’ll be sure to identify you. So be brave, and send your photos to me at the email address below.
SLJ Talks to Jamie Lee Curtis
Actress, photographer, and children’s book author Jamie Lee Curtis has just come out with her eighth picture book, Big Words for Little People (HarperCollins, 2008). SLJ spoke to her about her inspiration, the creative process, and why she does it.
Big Words for Little People is geared toward kids older than four, but the preschool set really seem to enjoy it even though it uses words they probably don’t use.
I think kids like the book because it recognizes that they want to learn. Dumbing down to our children is wrong on so many levels but the primary reason is that they know you are doing it. How many times do kids have to say, "I understand, I'm not stupid" to get the point across that they want bigger language. more » » »
Blogs
Practically Paradise
Diane Chen, Librarian, Hickman Elementary School, Nashville, Tennessee Students Can Give Obama Advice
Last year I attended Susan Bosak's workshop on Dreams in Nashville. This year the legacy project has a new event called "WEB OF DREAMS: STUDENTS CAN GIVE OBAMA ADVICE." I wanted to b... more » » »
Good Comics for Kids
Brigid Alverson, , Linkfest: Everybody's talkin'
Kiel Phegley of Comic Book Resources talks to Matt Loux about the second volume of Salt Water Taffy, which was released last month. Also at CBR, Alex Dueben interviews Scott Christian Sava about Th... more » » »
A Fuse #8 Production
Elizabeth Bird, Children's Librarian, Donnell Central Children's Room Fusenews: Mmm. Crack Me Open a Delicious Can of Library.
There's a great play-by-play of a teacher reading Blueberries for Sal to a class of well-informed third graders over at the mesmerizingly named Derfwad Manor. I was particularly fond of th... more » » »
WHAT ARE THEY READING FOR FUN?
What Are They Reading for Fun?
“Fantasy, vampires, monsters, and the paranormal continue to be the order of the day in Merrimack.”
Jennifer L. Hartshorn, Merrimack Public Library, Merrimack, NH:
Teens in our southern New Hampshire town are caught up in the “Twilight” (Little, Brown) craze, and we continuously are asked for other titles on vampires. We have been recommending "Darkangel" trilogy by Meredith Ann Pierce (Little, Brown) and Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy (Penguin, 2007). Erin Hunter’s “Warriors” series (HarperCollins) is also hot. With Christopher Paolini’s Brisingr (Knopf, 2008) newly out, there has been renewed interest in the other novels in the “Inheritance” trilogy. Manga is still a big draw, especially Nobuhiro Watsuki’s “Shojo Beat” and Kazune Kawahara’s High School Debut (2008, both Viz Media). Anna Godbersen’s The Luxe (2007) and Rumors
(HarperCollins, 2008) and Libba Bray’s trilogy about Gemma Doyle (Delacorte) remain popular. more » » »
NEWS
Penguin, UN Build Afghan School in Honor of Khaled Hosseini
Some very needy primary-school students in Afghanistan now have a brand-new school, thanks to a partnership between the Penguin Group (USA) and the United Nations’ refugee agency, UNHCR. The school, located in Arababshirali, roughly 150 miles from Kabul, in Kunduz Province, recently opened its doors to 270 children in grades one to six as a “tribute to American booksellers, librarians, and educators” who supported author Khaled Hosseini’s novels, The Kite Runner (2003) and A Thousand Splendid Suns (2007, both Riverhead), says Penguin. Riverhead is an imprint of Penguin. more » » »
From water contamination, sanitation, and disease to malaria, soil erosion, and the education of girls, the goal of the site is to teach kids about “sustainable development at the grassroots level” and to provide them with topical lessons on development. In the end, students will get a taste of life as a Peace Corps member—and possibly spark their interest in volunteering. more » » »
REMARKABLE READS
If You Like the 'Bluford' Series
Again and again, teen librarians talk about the power of the “Bluford” series in attracting reluctant readers and keeping them going. Focused on the lives of predominantly African-American inner-city teens, the dialogue is street real, as are the situations. Adding to the appeal, the stories are all less than 200 pages and are written at a 4th- to 5th-grade reading level, making them accessible to struggling readers. The following titles are recommended for those who are ready for more complex writing and mature subject matter.
FLAKE, Sharon. Bang! Hyperion/Jump at the Sun. 2005. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7868-1844-0; pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-0-7868-4955-0. Gr 8-12–Already living in a harsh environment in the city, 13-year-old Mann’s life gets worse when his little brother dies in a random shooting. more » » »
LIBRARIAN'S INTERNET
Slavery in America
The 13th Amendment, which outlawed slavery, was ratified by Congress and became law on December 6, 1865. This great site provides teachers, librarians, and homeschooling parents with tons of resources to help teens understand how slavery affected not only slaves but also other folks, as well as the economy and society, and, most importantly, how it led to the “War Between the States.”
First, visit the “Lesson Plans” and “Image Gallery,” which are chock-full of great classroom resources. Next, spend time looking at the “Encyclopedia." Finally, visit the “Teacher Resources” section and explore the online exhibitions, especially the “Melrose Interactive Slavery Environment” and “Roads to Freedom." Another great site is “Slavery and the Making of America,” which is designed more for students than teachers, and is an excellent homework resource for teens.
Anne Arundel County Public Library, Annapolis, MD, invites applications for this position which supervises the managers of and oversees 3 departments: Materials Management, Information Services Support (IT), and Technical Services. Reports directly to Library Administrator.
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Do you want to be on the cover of the January SLJ?
