-
Hold Fast
I fell in love with Blue Balliett’s writing after reading her first middle grade novel – Chasing Vermeer. She was able to combine so many unique elements into one story that held me spellbound from beginning to end. In fact, Chasing Vermeer, was the first book discussion book choice that I…
-
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
If you do a search online a number of libraries around the country have created their own version of 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program. My boss came to me sometime in early January, I believe, and thought that this would be a great program for our library to offer. After a…
-
Middle School Theatre Program
I was lucky enough to begin working in a library with a strong group of middle school students that swells to about 50 kids during the summer and is usually between 25 – 35 during the school year. Each fall the kids try-out for roles in our Enchanted Library program. …
-
Exclamation Mark
Let me start with one simple fact – I ADORE Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s picture books. Her ideas are absolutely spot-on for young children and are humorous enough to get a chuckle out the adults reading them as well. Tom Lichtenheld’s illustrations are comical as well – he has an amazing way of…
-
33 Minutes
A lot can happen in 33 minutes… just ask Sam Lewis, who is going to get his butt kicked in 33 minutes by his former best friend, Morgan Sturtz. Written in a span of time that takes only 33 minutes, Todd Hasak-Lowy creates a typical middle school environment where anything can happen. …
-
The Fire Horse Girl
I really enjoyed this historical fiction novel based in San Francisco in the early 1920s. Often, parts of history seem to be overlooked in grade school and although much is said about immigration through Ellis Island, I had never heard of Angel Island, until I read this novel. Angel Island…
-
Better Nate Than Ever
I found I was easily able to relate to Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle. Nate is growing up outside of Pittsburgh and trying to survive middle school. While his older brother is “perfect” at everything (i.e. sports), Nate prefers Broadway shows and singing, hoping one day to be a star! …
-
The Colossus Rises
If you’re a librarian like me, there is a constant stream of kids asking, “What do I read now?” Even if you’re not a librarian, you may have asked yourself this as well. It’s always difficult after you find a great author or series to jump into something else you…
-
Fun Friday Program – Urban Art
Friday’s program was a lot of fun! We ended up with 27 students from 1st – 4th grade. Our theme for the month was “Urban Art.” Because these kids live only about 20 minutes outside of Philadelphia with its largest public art program in the country, I felt that urban…
-
Story Time Theme: Clap, Tap, & Drum
This was a new theme for me… Clap, Tap, and Drum and I was hesitant when I began planning this because I tried some new books and I wasn’t quite sure how they’d turn out. I had a little trouble with my younger kids and the first book. They did…