Library and Reading Corner
Happy New Year!
The first few months of the year mark several library celebrations. One of these literary celebrations that involves our fifth grade readers, teachers, and librarians is the announcement of the 2012 Newbery Medal award-winning book! This prestigious award is announced at the American Library Association’s Midwinter Meeting, which falls on Monday, January 23, this year. The Newbery Medal, named after the eighteenth-century British bookseller John Newbery, is just one of many Youth Media Awards announced at this meeting and recognized the world over. For example, another favorite is the Robert F. Sibert Informational Award given to the most distinguished nonfiction title published in the United States. There are also awards given to authors, to publishers, andto best videos and audiobooks.
Mrs. Shore’s classes came in to the library to select books and were introduced to the very first book to win the Newbery, The Story of Mankind, by Hendrik Willem van Loon, published in 1921. A nonfiction title, our readers were surprised that it was nearly as long as a Harry Potter title, at 672 pages. According to the publisher, "This genuinely enjoyable charmer, for history buffs and the historically challenged alike, covers human history from prehistoric times, when our earliest ancestors were learning to communicate with grunts, right through to the issues of the latter 20th century." By the way, there is even a Kindle and e-book version available.
We are all anticipating the announcement of the winning book! Since the criteria for a book to win the Newbery is not that it be number one on the bestseller list, but rather it have literary value, we are never sure if it’s a book we’ve already purchased and read. Some possible winning titles that look promising are:The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne Valente, with illustrations by Ana Juan. Amelia Lost by Candace Fleming. A nonfiction title that has a wonderful story to tell for her possible future Newbery speech. According to the book festival website, “Candace Fleming awarded herself the Newbery Medal in fifth grade after scraping the gold sticker off the class copy of The Witch of Blackbird Pond and pasting it onto her first novel, a ten-page, ten-chapter mystery called Who Done It?”
Searching for a magazine article you read a while ago but already recycled your personal copy? Go to the BMS Library’s web page and check out the Online Newstand, created by Steve Butzel, Assistant Director of Portsmouth Public Library. Then click on the magazine title you want, say “Consumer Reports.” You will be able to retrieve most articles published from 1991 through to January 2012. Please ask your child for the EBSCO username and password or e-mail me for a handout.
It’s a mystery! Along with queries about all the dystopian novels such as the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Maze Runner by James Dashel, and the Rick Riordan Olympus titles, the question I am asked most is, “Where are the mystery books?" Here’s one that’s part fairy tale and mystery: A Tale of Two Castles by Gail Carson Levine who typically writes historical fiction/fairy tales. Click here for the beautifully illustrated book trailer.
NEA has partnered with The Lorax this year.
“NEA's Read Across America campaign will showcase The Lorax book as well as NBC/Universal's The Lorax movie (featuring the voices of Taylor Swift, Zach Efron, Danny Devito and Betty White)." After February school vacation, in celebration of reading and Dr. Seuss’ birthday, all three schools will share the fun of reading in such ways as the book drive for “Picture Books for Patients,” Drop Everything and Read time, and giving away movie tickets to see The Lorax.
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...” Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You'll Go!
Janine Rousseau-Evans, Media Specialist
Joan Hopf, Reading Specialist