Thursday, February 28, 2013

Popular Titles

Here's the latest display in the library, and as you can see, it features several of our popular titles:
According to Destiny Quest, two of the most popular titles in circulation include Artichoke's Heart and The Truth About Truman School, both of which are Iowa Teen Award nominees. Also included in the top 10 is The Dangerous Days of Daniel X, a good choice if you liked I Am Number Four. Two graphic novels are on the list: Anya's Ghost and Maximum Ride 1. Two books with severals holds placed on them also made the list: Things That Go Bump in the Night and Something Like Fate. With so many featured on the board, it's likely you've read a few of them--why not try a few more? :)

Monday, February 25, 2013

Let's Support Scholastic's ALL FOR BOOKS!

It's almost Spring Book Fair time, and this year, we're holding a penny war to support Scholastic's charity All For Books, which supports Kids In Distressed Situations, Inc. and Kids In Need Foundation.
Students can bring in change to their advisories between now and Fri. Mar. 8, and students in the winning advisory will get to pick out a $1.00 item from the Book Fair. 

Here's a video that explains more about Scholastic's All For Books program:

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

The Wonder of Wonder


This book has won numerous awards and has strong "word-of-mouth" appeal. Check out the book trailer below from Random House:


The book--and its importance messages about acceptance and courage and friendship--has become a sensation. Stop by the library today to check out the book if you haven't already. You can also find out more at ChooseKind.

Sunday, February 17, 2013

The Raven Boys Sequel Cover Reveal

Maggie Stiefvater is the author of the Mercy Falls Trilogy Shiver, Linger, and Forever. Her latest paranormal romance, The Raven Boys, is one of the more popular books checked out in our library, and just last week the second in the series had its cover reveal:
Not much is known yet about The Dream Thieves except it will be released in September 2013. Readers will certainly find main character Blue back for more adventures that feature her clairvoyant abilities, and Aglionby Academy student Gansley has to be right there by her side, right?

So, what do you think of the cover? Could that be the mysterious Gansley on the cover, or is it one of his unusual friends he surrounds himself with?

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Vote in the 2013 KIDDO Awards

The KIDDO Awards are sponsored by ReadKiddoRead.com and honor books that were the best at getting kids turned on to reading. You can visit their voting page and submit your vote in a number of categories:

BEST SERIES OF 2012
In our library, Diary of a Wimpy Kid would win this battle hands down! Is that the book you will vote for? Or are you a fan of the Matched series with its third in the trilogy, Reached?

BEST ADVANCED READ OF 2012
Code Name Verity is the Printz Honor Award winner for this year--will it also win a KIDDO Award?

BEST PAGETURNER OF 2012
The graphic novel Drama is a hot read in our library now, but Wonder is one of the most talked about books, both online and in classrooms and libraries.

BEST BEGINNER READ OF 2012
The One and Only Ivan is the Newbery Winner for this year, and it's a great story!

BEST ILLUSTRATED BOOK OF 2012
Mo Willems and Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs--'nuff said! 

Voting can occur any time between now and late March. The winners will be announced in April. 

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Culture Grams & 6th Grade Social Studies

Students in 6th grade social studies have begun working on their African country/region project, and as they did last year, students visited the library for a lesson related to Culture Grams. This great database is provided to us through the AEA, and students were so pleased to learn that all of the information they needed to find about their country or region was included there! 
An example of a country's home page with links to various information
When students had time to read and take notes, many started Google docs to keep track of their information. As one student said, "I've never had this much fun doing research--everything I need is right here!"

Thursday, February 7, 2013

James Patterson Interview


Author James Patterson is a favorite of many students here at DCG MS--and he was named teen author of the year last year. School Library Journal recently interviewed him on a variety of topics, including his popular Maximum Ride series, the Daniel X series, and his Middle School books. All of these you can find here in our library! Click HERE to read the interview. 


Patterson also talked about Read Kiddo Read, an organization that works to improve kids' reading skills and put good books into kids' hands. 

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Patterson had seen his own son Jack struggle with reading, so this organization grew out of his desire to help his own son and others like him find good books and eventually enjoy reading. At the website, you can search for a variety of books and find recommendations, too. You can also see Sneak Peaks and read chapters of books before you can buy them!
Check it out--you'll be surprised by all the great books and recommendations you can find at Read Kiddo Read!

Monday, February 4, 2013

So...Are You a Cookie or a Cream?

The Ravens may have won Super Bowl XLVII, but Oreo and Nabisco won the commercials battle for this librarian! A library featured in a Super Bowl commercial?! AWESOME! You can check it out below if you missed it:


In the spirit of friendly competition, students can vote in their own poll today only! Stop by the library to add your Oreo to the Cookie or the Cream glass. May the best candidate win!
In a still-tight race this morning, Cream holds a slight lead over Cookie.
UPDATE: By the end of the day, Cream was declared the winner with a small margin of victory.