Sunday, June 30, 2024
Thursday, June 20, 2024
Book Review: Meet Cute
Meet Cute, Some People are Destined to Meet by various authors
Bibliography:
Armentrout, J. L. (2018). Meet cute : stories. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Plot Summary:
Whether exciting, cringey or a situation of love at first sight, the idea of a meet cute is so intriguing. You are captivated by the characters' stories and are often contemplating how your own meet cute would go.
Critical Analysis:
Meet Cute, Some People are Destined to Meet is a collection of stories embodying its title. Due to the nature of a story collection/anthology, your interest is constantly renewed due to the ease of reading and the nature of starting the next story. These stories are relatable, humorous and silly making it perfect for a YA audience.
Awards/Accolades:
"This incredibly talented group of authors brings us a collection of stories that are at turns romantic and witty, epic and everyday, heartbreaking and real." - GoodReads
"What I did enjoy about this anthology was the diversity of it. In terms of race and sexual orientation Meet Cute does a wonderful job of showing the different couples and I feel like the romance genre isn’t as diverse as it should be, so if you’re looking for more diverse romance you’ll enjoy this anthology just for that." - Sarah Connor Writes
Connections:
This book is a nice model of a story collection or anthology. It could be used to teach this genre as all of the stories are
connected by a common theme.
Readers could check out books by the authors in this anthology which include some of today's most popular YA authors.
Book Review by Barbara Jean Thompson
Book Review: Blood Water Paint
Blood Water Paint by Joy McCullough
Bibliography:
Mccullough, J. (2019). Blood Water Paint. Penguin Group Usa.
Plot Summary:
This story is about a young girl, Artemisia, after she has lost her mother. She has a choice to make, life in a convent or to work with her father making paint. Artemisia decides to fight for her future and works with her father, which comes with many challenges. As the story progresses you follow Artemisia as she becomes a painter during a time in Rome where women didn't have the freedom of choice, autonomy or creativity.
Critical Analysis:
This book is a classic underdog story. It is so empowering because it is what anyone would want to do in the situation of Artemisia. This book is a powerful YA novel because it keeps the readers close attention by inspiring, upsetting and satisfying the reader. The poetic text flows and is almost lyrical making the reading less arduous and more of an experience. The character building is powerful to where you are rooting for this character. It is important for the audience to know that through her struggles there are themes of violence and rape. This book creates visibility for women and the struggle to exist, thrive and succeed in a world made for the success of men. This book is so different, but so beautiful, it is something you should read and then pass along to share.
Awards/Accolades: William C. Morris Award Finalist
2018 National Book Award Long List
"A captivating and impressive."—Booklist, starred review
"Belongs on every YA shelf."—SLJ, starred review
"Haunting."—Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Luminous."—Shelf Awareness, starred review
Connections:
Due to the subject matter of this book it would be great to read alongside lessons regarding Roman history, women's experiences and rights throughout the world or art history.
Book Review by Barbara Jean Thompson
Book Review: The Rose That Grew From Concrete
The Rose That Grew From Concrete by Tupac Shakur
Bibliography:
Shakur, T. (2009). The rose that grew from concrete. Mtv Books/Gallery Books. (Original work published 1999)
Plot Summary:
This collection of poetry from Tupac Shakur illustrates the struggles and difficulties of his young life. It is a must read as it gives you insight into his innermost thoughts. Containing 72 poems, they range from titles like Love is Just Complicated to After the Miscarriage to How Can We Be Free.
Critical Analysis:
This book of poetry is fascinating because you are privy to the intimate thoughts of a person who navigated his life and grappled with his struggles through words. Reading this book could lead to reading other poetry books opening up this genre to your community. Through lines like “Please wake me when I'm free I cannot bear captivity 4 I would rather be stricken blind Than 2 live without expression of mind” the readers can feel and understand his struggle and his desire for freedom, peace and a good life, and that is something that we all want.
Connections:
This book could be used to teach poetry, to compare and contrast to other poetry and other poet's works. Due to the interest in the life of Tupac Shakur, this could be a good way to draw in readers and writers.
Use as a model to write poetry.
This book could be used to model what life was like for Tupac. This could bring representation for some students' experiences.
Book Review by Barbara Jean Thompson
Book Review: Things in the Basement
Things in the Basement by Ben Hatke
Bibliography:
Hatke, B. (2023). Things in the Basement. First Second.
Plot Summary:
Milo is tasked by his mother to go retrieve a sock from the basement. Through a series of events he is transported through different portals with surprises around every turn including interesting places and creatures. This book focuses on a young boy at a potentially difficult transition in life, where we have all been at some point, teaching lessons about facing your fears and believing in yourself, again.
Critical Analysis:
This book captures the reader with anticipation through a situation that many of us have been through; fear of the unknown. By presenting this plot, the author endears us to the character and what he is experiencing. You feel Milo's anticipation, uncertainty and fear. The dialogue is quirky and to the point. You experience the story through the frequent use of onomatopoeia. Due to the limited text on each page, this is a very approachable book, even for non readers. This book is divided into parts making it very digestible for readers, young or old. The illustrations in the this graphic story are stunning. The foreshadowing from the dark, mysterious pages is so intriguing. There seems to be a different color palette for each portal, which is beautiful. The book end leading to a possible sequel, in the attic.
Awards/Accolades:
Ben Hatke is a NYT best selling author
"A great book for spooky season! Also great for any super imaginative child who really does wonder what worlds may lay behind hidden doors." - Cocoa with Book
"A journey of loss both intimate and fantastical, swept along by flowing, emotive illustrations." - Kirkus Reviews
Connections:
Author/Illustrator Study:
This would be a shining example of how to illustrate and write a graphic story/novel. The way Ben Hatke illustrates is exceptional and displays many characteristics to learn from: color palette and use of color, design (full panel pages or different variations), facial expression, building the story through the illustrations.
Book Review by Barbara Jean Thompson
Wednesday, June 19, 2024
AI Generated Newsletter
What is AI and why is it beneficial?
AI is a powerful tool to harness information. As a traditionally trained and taught student and teacher, I think first, is anything original anymore? But, if there is a tool to help students and teachers dive deeper into learner by facilitating processes, then why not? Through AI, you can open up ideas to students, give them a bigger and more diverse vocabulary and help them to edit and revise writing, thus imparting these skills to them. AI can be abused and it is important to explicitly teach students and teachers how to use this powerful tool.
Why should librarians be on the frontline of the capabilities of AI?
Librarians are the leaders of information in the school and community. As technologies advances continue to transform at an amazing rate, it is our jobs to make clarity of these digital tools. If students do not learn the what, how and why from us, these tools can be misused, abused and not utilized to their potential.
While completing an assignment for a Digital Technology class, ChatGPT blew me away. Admittedly, I have not wanted to dive into AI because it is one more thing I have to learn. But, what a tool to learn! My search criteria was: "Make a newsletter presenting a summer reading program for kindergarten students." The information that was queued included a title, program highlights, notes, benefits of the program and how to stay connected. The information was valid and useful to the specific age and could be tweaked and edited so easily to fit your specific needs. I had a revelation that is has to be taught to teachers and can save so much time and headspace in many different ways. I am excited to check out of AI resources.
Check out the basic newsletter that was generated:
Summer Reading Adventures for
Kindergarten Stars!
Your Passport to Summer Learning –
June 3, 2024
Librarian’s Note
Hello and welcome, little bookworms!
We're thrilled to launch our Summer Reading Adventures program designed
especially for kindergarten students like you. Get ready to embark on a journey
through stories, imagination, and fun activities that will make your summer
unforgettable!
Program Highlights
- Reading Challenges: Join our reading challenge and
earn badges for every book you read. Can you complete all the challenges
and become a Summer Reading Superstar?
- Additional Ideas: Additional ideas for reading
supplementation over the Summer will be offered.
- Virtual Storytime: Tune in weekly for interactive
virtual story time sessions. Meet new friends, share your favorite books,
and enjoy lively storytelling.
Benefits of Summer Reading
- Expand Vocabulary: Discover new words and phrases
that will boost your language skills.
- Fuel Imagination: Let your imagination soar with
stories that transport you to magical places and exciting adventures.
- Build Confidence: Become a more confident reader
and storyteller as you explore different genres and authors.
Stay Connected
Follow us on social media for updates,
book recommendations, and to share your child's reading journey with us!
Facebook: /SummerReadingAdventures
Instagram: @SummerReadingAdventures
Twitter: @ReadSummerFun
Monday, June 10, 2024
Environmental Scan
Environmental Scan
1) In my district the community has access to broadband access daily from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm.
2) At my school students have 1:1 access to a piece of technology, which is either a chromebook for grades 3 - 5 and an iPad for grades K - 2.
3) Technology is accessed daily in classrooms across the District. There is an emphasis is integrating technology to teach and extend learning.
4) Professional development for teachers and staff are a requirement for librarians in our District. We also have an ITS (Instructional Technology Specialist) assigned to your campus that conducts their own professional development, but also collaborates with librarians.
5) The community that my school services is a working, middle class community. Most parents work full time although there is a small percentage of stay at home parents. Because of this, we have a lot of support from the community in various ways.
6) The physical environment is a climate that is mostly hot and dry.
7) Most teachers in our school are comfortable with learning new digital technologies and are also comfortable teaching in this manner. We have recently had many teachers retire who had taught for 20+ years. The new teachers and staff that are coming in are younger and very proficient in technology.
7) Most children in the community have additional devices at home.
8) Some students have phones that are being used in the 4th and 5th grades.
9) Most of the community has access to broadband. Those who don't can take advantage of The City of San Antonio's Affordable Connectivity Program offering broadband access at a discounted rate.
Book Review: Everything Sad is Untrue
Book Review: Everything Sad is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri
1. Nayeri, D. (2020). Everything sad is untrue : (a true story). Levine Querido.
ISBN 1646140001
2. Plot Summary
This is an autobiographical story that is told from the perspective of an Iranian refugee. Following the intense journey of a family escaping their homeland and making the long journey to the United States. This book showcases the story of this character’s experience of being a refugee, a student and a family member. He is different than anyone around him. You learn about the depth and richness of Daniel’s life through the stories that are told throughout this book.
3. Critical Analysis
This book is written in a way that transcends all ages. It features themes that are understood by all people; themes of family, growing up and being different. The reader is constantly engaged in this novel due to the dual themes of Daniel’s everyday life and the stories of his family and past life.
4. Awards
Winner of the Michael L. Printz Award
Christopher Award Winner
Middle East Book Award Winner
National Indie Bestseller
NPR Best Book of the Year
New York Times Best of the Year
Amazon Best of the Year
Booklist Editors' Choice
BookPage Best of the Year
NECBA Windows & Mirrors Selection
Publishers Weekly Best of the Year
Wall Street Journal Best of the Year
Today.com Best of the Year
Walter Awards Honor Book
"A modern masterpiece."—The New York Times Book Review
"Supple, sparkling and original."—The Wall Street Journal
"Mesmerizing."—TODAY.com
5. Connections
This book could be connected to experiences of other refugees. A another book that could be read alongside this book could be The Lightless Sky by Gulwali Passarlay. This features the story of a 12 year Afghani refugee.
Book Review by Barbara Jean Thompson
Book Review: The Outsiders
Book Review: The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
1. Hinton, S. E. (1967). The Outsiders. Viking Children’s Books. ISBN 014240733X
2. Plot Summary
This Young Adult novel embodies the emotions, experiences, uncertainties and doubts of youth characters. You follow the character Ponyboy while he navigates life as a kid on the wrong side of the tracks. He has close, loyal friendships but encounters a group that is intent on his downfall. This drama builds and builds making it a book you cannot put down.
3. Critical Analysis
This book showcases the experiences of young people, often in intense life situations, which is a realtable motif to all. The author features societal archetypes through the characters’ experiences. The emotion that is expressed from S.E. Hinton through the characters is, palpable. This is an amazing work of Young Adult Literature, but really is a book that all should read.
4. Awards
A New York Herald Tribune Best Teenage Book
A Chicago Tribune Book World Spring Book Festival Honor Book
An ALA Best Book for Young Adults
Winner of the Massachusetts Children's Book Award
"The Outsiders transformed young-adult fiction from a genre mostly about prom queens, football players and high school crushes to one that portrayed a darker, truer world." —The New York Times
"Taut with tension, filled with drama." —The Chicago Tribune
"[A] classic coming-of-age book." —Philadelphia Daily News
5. Connections
This book is a great example of archetypes and character development. It would be a great example to teach students how to develop characters and story lines in this way.
Book Review by Barbara Jean Thompson
Book Review: Forever
Book Review: Forever by Judy Blume
1. Blume, J. (2015). Forever. Macmillan Children’s. ISBN 1481414437
2. Plot Summary
Forever is a coming of age novel that features the experiences of two young people who are in love. This story encompasses their first sexual experience and all of the happenings that come along with that. The main characters Katherine and Michael connect their experience to Forever. As the story develops Katherine questions what Forever means and if it is possible.
3. Critical Analysis
This book is a showcase of young adult literature. The theme of this book is young love and how that develops into sexuality. This is such a wide reaching topic that most people have experienced. Judy Blume is masterful with the way she develops the characters and endears them to you. This novel is so relatable as it features moments of love and excitement but also disappointment and doubt. This book is recommended for students from grades 9 to 12.
4. Awards
A Time Best YA Book of All Time (2021)
5. Connections
This book would be a good recommendation to a young person at the right time. A lot parents have a hard time talking to their kids about sex and sexuality. This could be a book for both student and kid to read to open up discussions.
Students could study Judy Blume as an author study. Other books that would be good to read alongside this book would be: Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret and Summer Sisters.
Book Review by Barbara Jean Thompson