Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine

Every now and then I read a book that completely takes my breath away.  Today I finished a book called Mockingbird by Kathyrn Erskine that totally fits into that category.  I have been observing this book come in and out of my library; the book being put on hold several times in the first few weeks of school.  I snagged it as it came in yesterday to see what the hype was.  What did my readers know that I was unaware of?

The story is about a 10 year old girl named Caitlin who has aspergers.  She has just lost her brother and best friend, Devon, to a school shooting.  As she struggles with her own life challenges, she now has to face them alone without her brother helping her along the way.  As she searches for closure, she has some very important and hugely supportive people to help her along the way. 

I found myself experiencing a vast array of emotions as I read this book.  I connected with Caitlin's complex character but also with her father and the teachers who were each dealing with the loss of family and friends.  I can't imagine the pain and suffering that accompanies tragic events.  However, this author establishes a story of sorrow and hope.  What an amazing and touching story. 

Thanks to my readers for leading me to a fabulous book.  I can't wait to share with my book loving friends!

Talking Books!

One of the best things about my job is that I get to talk to students about good books!  I’m always amazed and impressed by the knowledge kids have about the great books available to them.   It’s fun to hear about what their interests are and how that applies to the literature they choose to read.  I have learned so much about the books they love to read these first few weeks of school.    

I am just getting to know the students and them me.   I think it is fair to say that they are sometimes distrustful of my recommendations for books to read.  I am slowly winning them over.  I had a young lady in the library this week struggling to find a good book.  She had one in her hand declaring it the best book she had ever read.  (A Place to Call Home by Jackie French Koller) After talking with her a while she decided that she liked it so much because it was sad and hopeful at the same time.  I steered her in the direction of Lurlene McDaniel books which are always tear jerkers.  They have older book covers so she was reluctant and hesitant to check one out.  I finally convinced her to just take one and try it.  A few days later, she was back.  She loved the book and proclaimed that I “was right!”  She left the library with three more titles by the same author. 

I love the challenge of book recommendations and finding just the right book for kids.  I hear kids say all the time that they don’t like to read.  My quick response to them is that they just haven’t found the right book yet.  I accept that challenge eagerly and hope that I can help to make that connection for them.   I had another student this week that had just finished Crank by Ellen Hopkins.  She wanted the next book called Glass but we didn’t have it.  She said, “I finally decided to read this year and now I can’t get the book I want.”  It took everything I had not to grab my purse and head to Barnes & Noble to purchase that title.  I refrained as my husband probably wouldn’t approve of my purchasing books every time a student asked for a title I don’t have.  However, we did request a copy from another school as fast as we could!

My job is awesome!  I look forward to continuing wonderful book discussions with my students!  Building trust…one book at a time! 

New School Year, New Job!

After five years of being in the regular classroom, I find myself back in the library media center and loving every minute of it.  I am so lucky to have my new position at West Middle School.  The staff and students have been so welcoming and encouraging.  I can't wait to see what the year brings.

They say that if you write your goals down, you are more likely to attain the goal you have set.  Here are a few of mine for the 2012-2013 school year...

1.  Learn every student's name by March.
2.  Collaborate with my colleagues every chance I get.
3.  Learn a new Web 2.0 feature every two weeks.
4.  Develop a fundraising opportunity to increase the fiction book selection at WMS.
5.  Work within the GVCIA to ensure optimum student learning.

These are important goals to me.  The hard part is that I want everything to happen at once.  I have to exercise patience and get to know the students and staff at WMS.  I also need to be aware of their own goals.  How do my goals and their goals incorporate into each other? 

I'm excited and proud to be part of WMS.  This school is truly about students; their learning and well being. I am honored to be part of this ideal place of learning.