Friday, November 18, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Hitler's Canary by Sandi Toksvig
Mrs. Finn asked me to review this book for her students and library blog. Being a smart guy, I acted swiftly on the directive. My summation ensues.
I would set the tone here with an opening salvo: I found the book a quick, engaging read that generated thoughts over the course of my day. In short, impacting. A pleasant surprise, this example of historical fiction is most likely suitable for fifth graders and up, notably the high end youth reader able to respond to the general invitations offered through the descriptions, yet protract additional thoughts to understand the gravity of the events. There are no overly graphic scenes or dialogues that may be approaching limits of acceptability for sensitive readers, however, in a stroke of writing mastery, a young reader can certainly understand the drama of the events. Certainly as an adult reader, I could- and did- give thought to what happened in more detail after certain events. A primary example here: when Anton’s younger sister broke from hiding to retrieve a doll and was captured and taken away by the Gestapo…
Beyond the broader conflict of the German occupation in Denmark, the additional dramas of a teen’s coming of age and internal family conflict offered compelling sub-plots to the main story line. Specifically, the relationship of Bamse’s admiration of his older brother versus his own sense of worth, his sister’s relationship with the German soldier and the dramatic relationship between Bamse’s father and his Uncle. All of these relationships transform in response to the broader conflict at hand, leaving one to wonder how frequently this played out in the various Danish households. To this end, there’s a broader lesson offered with the contemplation and handling of family dynamics. This a benefit that may apply to many readers.
As a whole, I would generalize this as a story of hope and courage. Noting the latter, it is a solid illustration of how people can change through fear, taking action “in doing what is right.” Early on, I could see the book title’s relation to the script. The German occupation “caged” the Danish, who were pleasant and non-threatening, peaceful if you will. However, across the chapters the “canary” responded to the observations surrounding the cage, and broke free despite the risk of the unknown and potential dangers. Accordingly, Hitler’s Canary should be released to middle school readers as an introduction or continuation of discussions specific to the Holocaust so that the Holocaust and associated stories of courage- of humanity- can be shared with others into the future.
Captainesque
Welcome Back!
Monday, May 2, 2011
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Demonata: Lord Loss
This is a very addictive, very entertaining book series. However: Young eyes beware! Some content may be inappropriate for non-middle-school readers. It is about demons and fighting them off... by chess. That's right, a classic strategy game has turned into the problem decider for this suspenseful book.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
We Give Books
Click on the title above and check out this site....
We Give Books is a new digital initiative that enables anyone with access to the Internet to put books in the hands of children who don't have them, simply by reading online. Read a book. Give a book.
All of the books available for online reading are children's picture books appropriate for children through age ten. There is a mix of fiction and nonfiction, a range of authors, and an equal balance between read-alouds and books for independent readers. New books are added every month, together with special seasonal offerings.
The We Give Books team works upfront with non-profit literacy partners to identify the kinds of children's books that best fit their program needs. Some of the same great books you can read online will be donated to our charity partners through your reading efforts. We also donate others they request specifically for the young people they serve.
We Give Books is a new digital initiative that enables anyone with access to the Internet to put books in the hands of children who don't have them, simply by reading online. Read a book. Give a book.
All of the books available for online reading are children's picture books appropriate for children through age ten. There is a mix of fiction and nonfiction, a range of authors, and an equal balance between read-alouds and books for independent readers. New books are added every month, together with special seasonal offerings.
The We Give Books team works upfront with non-profit literacy partners to identify the kinds of children's books that best fit their program needs. Some of the same great books you can read online will be donated to our charity partners through your reading efforts. We also donate others they request specifically for the young people they serve.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
Redwall author Brian Jacques has died.
Click on the following article regarding author Brian Jacques.
Redwall Author Brian Jacques Dies, Age 71
Redwall Author Brian Jacques Dies, Age 71
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011
Coming soon! All New Digital Book Trailers
The middle school students have finished their digital book trailers and I will begin uploading them this week! There are over 180 new trailers for you to enjoy! Please feel free to comment on their projects! They have worked hard over the last month!
Survey....
Welcome Back! I have extended the survey time to the end of January due to our Christmas Break and snow days...please take the time to answer the quick question!
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