As Terry and Jen mentioned “way back when,” they were shifting to a twice-a-month format. This has changed the way we look at the literacy and reading news and has created a new opportunity to look back at what’s happened each month. I have agreed to help “fill in” during Jen’s initial time with her new baby bookworm, so here goes for April…and yes, I realize I am late, yes, I am late for this very important date of my first Roundup…the tardiness is a story better than the most creative of children’s stories, and it begins with a mistaken laptop case identity. We’ll leave it at that and proceed!
LIBRARIES: The month of April in review was a month producing a great deal of information about libraries in trouble, books for American Indian teens, the relationship of writing to improving reading skills, twitter archives headed to a special home, and the volcano in Iceland (and just what Carol does that have to do with literacy for children?),
In mid-April the American Library Association released The State of America’s Libraries, 2010indicating Americans are turning to libraries in the economic downturn more and more as they seek information about job searches. At the same time, with state, regional and local governments feeling the severe pinch of that same downturn, libraries are in the news daily showing cutbacks and full system closures.
Similarly, school libraries are suffering; The American Association of School Librarians conducted an informal survey over recent weeks on the cutbacks and closing of school libraries. More graphically, you can follow the progression of cuts on this Google map created by Shonda Brisco and open to all collaborators.
As you review what is happening to libraries in your community I encourage you to at least review summaries of the two reports mentioned as well as the map, glance at some earlier thoughts I posted in Rasco from RIF and above all, visit personally with the librarian(s) in the libraries that might be suffering in your community.
BOOKS PURCHASED: The online community showed its generosity in responding to the call by GUYS LIT WIREto purchase books for two American Indian school libraries. It was a SELLOUT with 772 books purchased as you will note in the linked post. I personally looked forward to checking the comments daily as those comments were often a rich discussion about the books on the wish lists, the deep meaning for many individuals to be able to give to these students and more. Congratulations and even more, thank you to Colleen for organizing the lists and keeping us all focused on the need. And how exciting to read about the reactions of the parents and students and school personnel as the books began to arrive!
WRITING AND READING:Writing to Read: Evidence for How Writing Can Improve Readingis a new report from Carnegie Corporation of New York and published by the Alliance for Excellent Education (the Alliance). The report outlines three related practices for instruction that are found to be effective in improving reading: (1) students writing about texts they read; (2) students learning about writing skills and the processes that are used in creating text; and (3) students writing more. It was noted in a later April conference on the Common Core State Standards that states participating in the standards initiative want writing – considered a vital communication skill – taught across the curriculum beginning in kindergarten. The draft writing standards may be reviewed at www.corestandards.org/Files/K12ELAStandards.pdf.
MIND IN THE MAKING is both the title of a book by Ellen Galinsky, President of The Families and Work Institute, as well as ”an unprecedented and unparalleled collaborative effort to share the science of early learning with the general public, families and professionals who work with children and families.” Learn more in a Katie Couric interview of Ellen about the seven essential life skills Ellen outlines in the book as well as the Marshmallow Test.
BRIEFLY
The day it was announced the Library of Congress would be housing the “Twitter” archives, the flurry of activity on twitter and throughout the news media was nothing short of incredible. Matt Raymond writing on the Library of Congress Blog agrees as he notes “I’ve been working in journalism and public relations for nearly 20 years, and of all the stories with which I was personally involved, this one has beaten the rest by a mile.” This posting by Matt then adds the first set of Frequently Asked Questions about the twitter acquisition.
Iceland’s Eyjafjallajokull volcano: I can’t prepare a roundup of April news without some mention of this volcano that dominated the news for more than a few days. And there is a good library story out of DC on the matter! 20 British teens were grounded here in DC much longer than planned; the director of the group approached personnel at The Martin Luther King Jr. central branch of the District of Columbia Public Library, and the students were able through the use of the library’s computer room to access their school’s virtual class work. The students noted in a television interview they were originally only to have spent two days in DC at the end of their USA tour and were delighted to have a “bit more time” to study some of the institutions and exhibits.
LOOKING AHEAD
Don’t forget CHILDREN’S BOOK WEEK to be celebrated May 10-16, a week celebrated since 1919. Download a bookmark and more!
THE VIDEO: Terry and Jen advised me they hoped to close these newly formatted Roundups with a helpful, perhaps fun video. Well, I looked and I didn’t find one that “grabbed” me…but I found these items regarding the distribution of books that were fun to review, I hope you enjoy them, too!
The Penguincubator, say what? Read about it…..and learn a bit of history about paperback books at the same time.
FACTOID OF THE DAY: On February 4, 1789 George Washingtonwas elected the first President of the United States of America. Google kicked off its third installment of Doodle 4 Google, a yearly nationwide art contest for students in grades K–12. Eligible students can submit their own “Google Doodles,” and the winning Doodle will appear on Google’s homepage for one day, May 27. The winner will also receive a $15,000 college scholarship, a laptop computer, and a $25,000 technology grant for his or her school. All doodles must be submitted by March 31.
From The Reading Zone came a posting titled Wait a Minute…Reading is Fun?! As 3rd period filed into my classroom one of my students yelled from across the room, Hey Ms. M.! Reading is fun! I had no idea!
I laughed and asked him what he meant.
“Like, it’s awesome. I never knew that before. But last night I took out my book for my 20 minutes of reading and all of a sudden an hour went by. I finished half the book last night! It’s a really great book! I never knew a book could be this good!”
Needless to say, I walked around with a huge smile all day. This is why reading workshop works. This is why requiring students to read every night, instead of filling out worksheets, works.
Oh, and the “awesome book” in question? Gone from These Woods by Donny Bailey Seagraves.
Well of COURSE I had to include that full posting…that is a living ad for the mission of Reading Is Fundamental! Go, The Reading Zone, awesome teacher!
FROM SCHOLASTIC: Mark Teague, illustrator of the How Do Dinosaurs series, uses his imagination to help dinosaurs learn about lots of important things—how to say good night, play with friends, go to school, even to say “I love you”! Now It’s Students’ Turn! Create a book cover by filling in the blank: How Do Dinosaurs __________? Then draw the cover you imagine! 1 Grand-Prize Winner will receive a classroom visit from Mark Teague! 10 Runners-Up will receive a 10-book Mark Teague library! Check out the complete rules.
CYBILS = Children’s and Young Adult Bloggers’ Literary Awards!
More you want to know, eh? I like the opening post “About CYBILS“ which says in part:
Our purpose is two-fold:
Reward the children’s and young adult authors (and illustrators, let’s not forget them) whose books combine the highest literary merit and “kid appeal.” What’s that mean? If some la-di-dah awards can be compared to brussel sprouts, and other, more populist ones to gummy bears, we’re thinking more like organic chicken nuggets. We’re yummy and nutritious.
Foster a sense of community among bloggers who write about children’s and YA literature, highlight our best reviewers (and shamelessly promote their blogs) and provide a forum for the similarly obsessed.
We wouldn’t be a real awards if we didn’t have a whole bunch of complicated rules in tortured lawyerese. So maybe we’re not a real awards, because there aren’t any lawyers ….(and you can read and explore the rest of the site).
I am honored this year to be serving on the panel to select the top award winner in the Non-Fiction Picture Book category which you will note is to be chosen from the following entries determined by a first panel of judges from the many nominees:
I will be serving with the following bloggers on the panel for this category:
Jone Rush MacCulloch, Panel Organizer, Check It Out
J.L. Bell, Oz and Ends Shirley Smith Duke, SimplyScience Roberta Gibson, Wrapped in Foil Emily Mitchell, Emily Reads
I look forward to the discussions with these new colleagues as we select the award winner in this category for announcement on February 14.
While you are awaiting the 2009 winning titles, start a list for yourself of books published starting October 1, 2009 through the following October and plan to be a nominator next year. Yes, it is open to the general public for nominations; just keep in mind “literary merit” and “kid appeal”!
Questions? Leave them in the comment section and I’ll make sure an appropriate person gets an answer posted.
Every Monday is NONFICTION MONDAYin the children’s literature blogging world. I am honored to host this weekly event today and invite participants to leave a link and any notes in the comment section; I will update throughout the day. To readers: this is a great opportunity to learn about new or rediscovered children’s nonfiction; for those of us who blog it is a celebration of nonfiction we are eager to share! You can see the current schedule on the blog PICTURE BOOK OF THE DAY; thank you, Anastasia Suen, for organizing this great weekly festival of nonfiction for all.
Sara @ In Need of Chocolategets us started today with a review of Bubble Homes and Fish Farts. Thanks, Sara, I have some young friends who have thoroughly enjoyed that book!
You will find a review of Jill Esbaum’s Apples for Everyone at the Wild About Nature blog. And you will also find a delectable cover to this book about apples….mmm, good!
Jennifer from Jean Little Library has posted about two animal fact series, check them out, they look great for younger readers!
Please see below in the comments section of this entry Debbie Reese’s thoughts regarding concerns she has about a nonfiction book she just read; as noted in her comment she has written more on the issue at American Indians in Children’s Literature. Thank you, Debbie for reminding us to think about all aspects of the nonfiction we read.
Now this sounds intriguing: Bookends Blog is headed into deep water today with reviews of Menorah Under the Sea by Esther Susan Heller and Down, Down, Down by Steve Jenkins.
Liz who brings us A Chair, A Fireplace & A Tea Cozy has reviewed the new National Book Award winner in Young People’s Literature: Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice by Phillip Hoose. Very interesting here is that Liz reviewed this book full of photographs from an audiobook, don’t miss her comments!
Dawn from Moms Inspire Learning writes that since she has been been writing a series of posts related to peace for the holidays, she chose today to post a listing of 5 great nonfiction books on the topic of peace for children between the ages of 9 and 13. An inspiring list! She also sends to all of us a wish for a joyous and peaceful holiday season; thank you, Dawn!
Water is appearing as a central feature in several posts today. Amanda of A Patchwork of Books has posted a review of Our World of Water by Beatrice Hollyer. Of note in the posting is that all royalties from this book go to Oxfam.
Just in from MotherReader where she is talking about two books on things kids can do to save the planet by going green!
Diane Chen wrote about 2 beginning reader series using rebuses from Marshal Cavendish Benchmark. I haven’t thought about a rebus in a long time…interesting!
Alicia of LibrariYAn notes “I’ve reviewed two books in the “Scientists in the Field” series.
Here is a fun post to keep in mind during the upcoming school holidays: Easter at Owl in the Library notes she has revisited two student favorites: Oh, Yuck! and Oh, Yikes! – encyclopedias of the gross and disgusting.
Please join me in welcoming Anna from Lost Between the Pages who notes it is her first time to participate in Nonfiction Monday. Today she reports on two books Do It Yourself Projects!: Make Your Own Books and Money Matters: A Kid’s Guide to Money: A Kid’s Guide to Stock Market Investing. I also was pleased to see you noted these books are in your local library, Anna! Good reminder to all of us!
Mary Ann from Great Kid Books looks at two books celebrating Hanukkah around the world. She shares “Holidays celebrate our traditions within our own family, and also help us feel connected to the broader world as we see how our traditions can have common threads across many places and cultures. These are special books because of the way they help us connect to far away places with similar traditions.”
Jone of Check It Out has submitted a Cybils nominee today, 14 Cows for America. She shares interesting information about how she used this with students.
The Wonders Inside Bugs and Spiders is not just another bug book according to Lori Calabrese! Lori encourages all to check out “this creepy-crawly collection”!
Feaky, Fegan and Squirt of 3T News and Reviews suggest several biographies as part of their gift-giving suggestions, some older and some newer.
Bookscoops reports at their household a top favorite is Butterflies and Moths by Nic Bishop. I loved the way the Mother thought some things were creepy while the young daughter felt the same items were just adorable!
Over on Wendie’s Wanderings, Wendie talks about Mount Rushmore — a place she says she has always wanted to see for herself.
I have chosen to share with you a treasure of a book I recently discovered that I know can be enjoyed as one friend put it “by children 8 – 80″ which is saying a lot for an “alphabet book.” But Lights on Broadway: A Theatrical Tour from A to Zis a wonderful trip through the theatre district from what else, but yes, A to Z! Written by Harriet Ziefert and illustrated by Elliot Kreloff there are additional comments by Brian Stokes Mitchell, winner of the Tony Award for Kiss Me Kate. Published in 2009 by Blue Apple Books, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book benefits The Actors Fund.
Break a Leg, grip, improvisation, fourth wall, understudy, and zing are just some of the terms explored. The illustrations are exciting and colorful and help to fully explain the unique language of the theatre world. Need more? There is a CD that helps to set the mood….”I Was There” sung by Brian Stokes Mitchell.
I found myself reliving throughout this book the first time I attended a Broadway play; my parents took us three girls to see Carol Channing in Hello Dolly! and I was hooked! I actually majored in drama my first year in college and learned as much in those drama courses as any other coursework to prepare me for working in diverse situations. Later drama proved a very useful strategy to use in working with children as I moved into early childhood and family counseling. Studying the theatre has given me a different and exciting way of viewing what I read.
This book will be an engaging and entertaining way to introduce Broadway at various levels to the children and adults you know who have not yet experienced theatre fully! It is even a great exploration of the many careers in the world of theatre necessary to bring us the lessons as well as the entertainment of Broadway.
During this season of “gift giving” consider this great book for a child who has shown interest of any kind in theatre as well as your friends who might be going to New York City to explore the lights of Broadway for the first time. Full of quotes and tidbits about favorite thespians, you’ll want a copy for yourself as well!
I am a fan of Laurie Halse Anderson, pure and simple; and I am excited for her about this lovely writing cottage she now has as a retreat for her writing periods to continue giving so many of us great pleasure through her books. You really must take a look at this video about the loving process by Laurie’s husband in providing the magical cottage Laurie now inhabits…beautiful!
WRITING IS FUNdamental, too! Don’t forget that Reading Rockets is hosting a Prompt Response Writing Challenge that is a response itself to The Exquisite Corpse Adventure. Students in grades K-12 will have the opportunity each month of this school year to respond to writing prompts provided by the 18 authors and illustrators affiliated with The Exquisite Corpse Adventure!
CONTESTS TO CONSIDER!
You have until November 30 to enter the latest FLAT STANLEY contest!
Having grown up loving the little public library in my hometown (and the library has grown considerably!), I really like this contest: The ALA’s Campaign for America’s Libraries is hosting the @ My Library Creative Essay Contest. Write an original, creative essay or produce a multimedia essay about your unique experience(s) at libraries and why American libraries are important. Cash prizes for the Grand Prize Winner as well as a People’s Choice Award winner (yes, you can vote!). Entries are to be emailed by December 7.
A BLOG SHOUTOUT! If you have never visited writes with pictures, a blog by author and illustrator Deborah Freedman, you should drop by…I find it both a pleasant respite and thought provoking time for me.
DID SOMEONE SAY CUPCAKES? I have to infuse here a favorite non-literary topic of mine and a favorite of many colleagues at RIF: CUPCAKES! Love CUPCAKES! Did you know there are cupcake blogs too numerous to list? The popular bloggers at Cupcakes Take the Cake have made a top ten list of cupcake blogs you might enjoy; and these blogs have cupcake event calendars with a cupcake event for almost every whim you might have! There are cupcake videos and the best are those that feature cupcake cars! Say what? Yes, CUPCAKE CARS - they are THE luxury item in a special holiday catalog this year! But wait, it is a topic literarily (whoops, a word?): debate about cupcake books’ longevity, just how long will they be popular as the trend is already outlasting the pundits; and children’s books love the cupcake theme, too! Well, I love pink, you know I am more than fond of cupcakes…so my favorite cupcake book is Elizabeth Kann’s Pinkalicious! So tell me, what is your favorite cupcake book, recipe, video, or new cupcake item I haven’t mentioned?
WANT, NEED……….
Ah, now pass a cupcake, please….and thank you for indulging me. On to something else I really want and need: with a big thank you to Better World Books for sharing the link, take a look at these innovative bookcases and tell me your favorite! I want a version of the “couch” and then a “bear” or similar fun animal for grandson William’s room!
Have you ever seen a brighter blue? Since MotherReader posted about this book back in June 2009, I have returned over and over to gaze at the beauty of this cover. Learn more about how the cover went from a magazine cover to a website motif to the cover of this book in an interview conducted by MotherReader. And enjoy gazing at the beautiful blue as did I!
Happy reading!
Carol
Cover Story is a feature every Monday on Rasco From RIF where I share with you the “face” of a book that has caught my eye or that readers have submitted. Cover Story does not discuss the content of the book. I hope you will share your favorite “cover story” with me now and then!
The Magician’s Elephantby Kate DiCamillo and illustrated by Yoko Tanaka was for me a magical, quietly thrilling reading experience. The language flows from DiCamillo in a lyrical manner that is perfectly and exquisitely illustrated by Yoko Tanaka. A quote by Tanaka herself captures perfectly my feeling of the story: Reading The Magician’s Elephant made me feel as though I had just watched a breathtaking play on stage.
The one question I had of this book is whether children will pick it up and discover the awaiting “magic.” A posting on Educating Alice ponders this issue as well. I do, however, see the book becoming a treasured read-aloud book in small groups; I certainly will be reading it with the children in my extended family over the holidays. I can also foresee this book becoming a special gift of choice, in particular for the persons of whom I often say “there is nothing I can give she needs.” Now I can give “magic” portrayed through words and drawings.
Enjoy!
Carol
WEEK’S END closes the work week with some thoughts, comments, feelings about some book and/or event recently experienced. If a book, it may be a children’s book or an adult book or both. If an event, it may be literacy-related or not. But it comes at week’s end.
Well, I am eager to know: Have you read the “yellow” Wimpy Kid? I have done so several times already and as with the other Diaries, I love it, pure and simple, I do love it! Of course, some adults (not me!) are scratching their heads once again wondering “What is it that is touching just the right chord with kids (and many of us grownups!) to make this phenom called The Wimpy Kid so appealing?” The New York Times reporter captured it well, I believe. What do you think? AND, how did Reading Is Fundamental like the READING IS FUN summer reading club attempt by Wimpy Kid’s mom? I laughed and laughed….Wimpy Kid’s best quote in the book for me is this one upon seeing Mother had chosen Charlotte’s Web as the book to be shared: Just from looking at the cover, I guarantee either the girl or the pig doesn’t make it to the end of the book. I am so ready in another year for Wimpy to go to summer camp….and a first junior high dance as well!
READ BEYOND REALITY@your library! It’s Teen Read Week October 18-24; so many great teen books!
Play-Doh, fun staff by Hasbro….have you voted in the Play-Doh creation finals? Vote once a day until October 31. I particularly like the Fiesta Taco…but then the Ants on a Log creation sure brings back memories of my own childhood. Tough decisions.
Eric Carle recently had a very special birthday cake! And how about JUMPSTART‘S great Read for the Record Day with that hungry caterpillar? Congrats to all for a terrific day!
If you are going to be in the D.C. area October 19-31, make a note of Turning the Page’s Carpe Librum—you know, the great book sale you’ve been to or read about each spring…..well, it will be open parts of October, November and December. Check out the details, get some great bargains on books!
RIF and Macy’s Staff with the $6.5 million check from the Book A Brighter Future campaign.
My name is Erika Ekdahl, and I am the director of corporate relations for RIF. It has been a busy week at RIF, and I’d like to share a bit about two events that RIF hosted in New York City.
On Tuesday, September 29, RIF hosted the Fourth Annual Partner Summit, where we were pleased to hear a thought-provoking presentation on cause-partnerships from Kurt Ascherman, president of the Foundation at Charity Partners, and a powerful statement on the need for reading in education from Dr. Lucy A. Calkins, Robinson Professor in Children’s Literature, Teacher’s College, Columbia University. Each year, RIF brings together our top partners as a way to engage in candid conversation on the best practices in cause partnerships. Highlights from this year included the mock RIF distribution, an engaging roundtable conversation, and two outstanding presentations from our special guests.
Later that evening, RIF hosted the New York City Regional Gathering where we had a group of over 60 local RIF volunteers, partners, board members, supporters, and staff in attendance. This event was an ideal way to learn more about RIF’s local impact and to celebrate the success of the 2009 Book A Brighter Future Campaign with Macy’s, which raised over $6.5 million for RIF!
During the gathering, we heard remarks from Bob Diamond, vice chairman of RIF’s board of directors; Carol Rasco, RIF’s president and CEO; Janine Meehan, RIF coordinator for P.S. 19 Roberto Clemente School; and from Robin Reibel, group vice president, media relations, cause marketing & visitors services at Macy’s. Carol highlighted projects that Macy’s has supported including RIF’s Multicultural Book Collections, which were displayed throughout the room. I was reminded of the powerful impact that books can have when Janice shared quotes from RIF kids and fellow teachers at P.S. 19 about RIF’s multicultural books. At the end of the event, Carol encouraged all attendees to take a book with them to read with a child. We also were excited to raffle off three signed copies of books written by Dr. Calkins, a new friend of RIF.
Following Carol and Janice’s remarks, there were lots of cheers when Robin announced the final results of the Macy’s campaign and presented the giant check for $6.5 million to RIF.
Many thanks to all of those friends (and family) that attended these events! We look forward to seeing you soon.
FROM SCHOLASTIC
