The Lion's Playground - OLLS Library Blog

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed - Mrs. Kirkpatrick's Class

2011-11-18T07:26:00.001-08:00

Click to view my story.

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed - Mrs. Parent's Class

2011-11-17T05:54:00.001-08:00

Click to view my story.

After Ever After

2011-09-13T14:04:00.001-07:00

Hitler's Canary by Sandi Toksvig

2011-09-01T07:37:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-09-01T07:16:00.000-07:00

Where have you been? We have missed you! Be sure to add your travels to the library bulletin board!

Stations of the Cross 6S

2011-05-02T08:53:00.001-07:00

Stations of the Cross 6E

2011-05-02T08:52:00.001-07:00

Demonata: Lord Loss

2011-04-13T17:41:00.000-07:00

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.

We Give Books

2011-03-17T06:31:00.000-07:00

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.

Listen to the first chapter The Alchemyst by Michael Scott...great series!

2011-02-15T05:48:00.001-08:00

For all you Twilight readers...have you checked out his series???

2011-02-15T05:42:00.001-08:00

A Fair (y) Use Tale

2011-02-14T08:29:00.001-08:00

"The Social Network" from a kid's view

2011-02-07T17:08:00.001-08:00

Redwall author Brian Jacques has died.

2011-02-07T17:04:00.000-08:00

Click on the following article regarding author Brian Jacques.

Redwall Author Brian Jacques Dies, Age 71

Wait Until Helen comes

2011-01-25T08:57:00.001-08:00

Vanished

2011-01-25T08:56:00.003-08:00

Travel Team

2011-01-25T08:56:00.001-08:00

Titan's Curse

2011-01-25T08:55:00.003-08:00

The Summer I Turned Pretty

2011-01-25T08:55:00.001-08:00

The Graveyard Book

2011-01-25T08:54:00.003-08:00

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

2011-01-25T08:54:00.001-08:00

Skybreaker

2011-01-25T08:53:00.007-08:00

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

2011-01-25T08:53:00.005-08:00

Shooting Stars

2011-01-25T08:53:00.001-08:00

Sea Biscuit

2011-01-25T08:52:00.000-08:00

Sea of Monsters

2011-01-25T08:01:00.001-08:00

Sea of Monsters

2011-01-25T07:57:00.005-08:00

Red and Me

2011-01-25T07:57:00.003-08:00

Private

2011-01-25T07:57:00.001-08:00

Private

2011-01-25T07:56:00.003-08:00

Princess of the Midnight Ball

2011-01-25T07:56:00.001-08:00

Pretty Little Liars

2011-01-25T07:55:00.004-08:00

Pretty Little Liars

2011-01-25T07:55:00.002-08:00

Megan Meade's Guide to the McGown Boys

2011-01-25T07:55:00.000-08:00

L.A. Candy

2011-01-25T07:21:00.004-08:00

Killer

2011-01-25T07:21:00.002-08:00

Holes

2011-01-25T07:21:00.000-08:00

Hatchet

2011-01-25T07:01:00.000-08:00

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

2011-01-25T06:46:00.001-08:00

Freddie and Me

2011-01-25T06:45:00.000-08:00

Flawless

2011-01-25T06:19:00.000-08:00

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

2011-01-25T06:04:00.000-08:00

Dear John

2011-01-25T06:03:00.000-08:00

The Summoning

2011-01-25T05:50:00.003-08:00

Before I Fall

2011-01-25T05:50:00.001-08:00

Assassin

2011-01-25T05:49:00.004-08:00

Assasin

2011-01-25T05:49:00.002-08:00

Two Way Street

2011-01-25T05:49:00.000-08:00

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

2011-01-25T05:29:00.003-08:00

Travel Team

2011-01-25T05:29:00.001-08:00

The Watsons Go To Birmingham - 1963

2011-01-20T09:50:00.000-08:00

The Secret Identity of Devon Delaney

2011-01-20T09:49:00.001-08:00

The Greatest Game Ever

2011-01-20T09:48:00.005-08:00

The Atlantis Complex

2011-01-20T09:48:00.003-08:00

Stormbreaker

2011-01-20T09:48:00.001-08:00

Scarlett Fever

2011-01-20T09:47:00.005-08:00

Ranger's Apprentice

2011-01-20T09:47:00.003-08:00

Rainbow Six

2011-01-20T09:47:00.001-08:00

Prism

2011-01-20T09:46:00.005-08:00

Point Blank

2011-01-20T09:46:00.003-08:00

Percy Jackson

2011-01-20T09:46:00.001-08:00

Pendragon

2011-01-20T09:45:00.001-08:00

Left Behind

2011-01-20T09:44:00.003-08:00

Hollywood Hills

2011-01-20T09:44:00.001-08:00

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

2011-01-20T09:43:00.005-08:00

Girl, Barely 15, Flirting for England

2011-01-20T09:43:00.003-08:00

Fallen Angels

2011-01-20T09:43:00.001-08:00

Eggs

2011-01-20T09:42:00.003-08:00

Disney after Dark

2011-01-20T09:42:00.001-08:00

Crocodile Tears

2011-01-19T07:14:00.000-08:00

Charlie St. Cloud

2011-01-19T07:12:00.004-08:00

When Zachary Beaver Came to Town

2011-01-19T07:12:00.002-08:00

Banner in the Sky

2011-01-19T07:12:00.000-08:00

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

2011-01-19T06:57:00.000-08:00

Ruby Lavender

2011-01-19T06:50:00.000-08:00

Hit and Run

2011-01-19T06:39:00.000-08:00

Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls

2011-01-19T06:36:00.001-08:00

The Red Pyramid

2011-01-19T06:35:00.001-08:00

The Fellowship of the Ring

2011-01-19T06:27:00.003-08:00

Bunnicula

2011-01-19T06:27:00.001-08:00

Shutter Island

2011-01-19T06:26:00.000-08:00

Stormbreaker

2011-01-19T06:08:00.001-08:00

Lily's Ghost

2011-01-19T06:07:00.000-08:00

Freefall

2011-01-19T06:01:00.000-08:00

Frindle

2011-01-19T06:00:00.001-08:00

Pagan's Crusade

2011-01-19T05:51:00.000-08:00

The Warrior Heir

2011-01-19T05:44:00.000-08:00

Wild Things

2011-01-19T05:35:00.000-08:00

Umbrella Summer

2011-01-19T05:22:00.000-08:00

The Blindside

2011-01-19T05:16:00.000-08:00

Supernatural

2011-01-19T05:12:00.001-08:00

Shiloh

2011-01-19T05:09:00.003-08:00

Revenge of the Wannabes

2011-01-19T05:09:00.001-08:00

Battle of Labyrinth

2011-01-19T05:03:00.000-08:00

Frindle

2011-01-19T05:02:00.001-08:00

On Pointe

2011-01-18T12:12:00.000-08:00

Mockingjay

2011-01-18T12:07:00.000-08:00

The Lightning Thief

2011-01-18T12:04:00.000-08:00

Killing Mr. Griffith

2011-01-18T12:01:00.000-08:00

Hoot

2011-01-18T11:59:00.000-08:00