This Week's Recommendation is...

FANTASY

Fantasy is a genre that uses magic and other supernatural forms as a primary element of plot, theme, and/or setting .
Fantasy is generally distinguished from science fiction and horror by the expectation that it steers clear of scientific themes, respectively, though there is a great deal of overlap between the three.

This week I will be doing book talks in this genre. Here are some books I will be recommending to students:

The Secrets of Droon (series) by Tony Abbot

The Dragon Slayer's Academy (series) by Kate McMullan

The Bailey School Kids (series) by Debbie Dadey and Marcia Thornton Jones

Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

The Sisters Grimm by Michael Buckley

Midnight for Charlie Bone by Jenny Nimmo

Eragon by Christopher Paolini

Igraine the Brave by Cornelia Funke

Week of Sept. 14th

This week is all about...

HISTORICAL FICTION!

Historical fiction is a sub-genre of fiction that often portrays fictional accounts or dramatization of historical figures or events.

This week, I am book-talking with 4th, 5th and 6th grade about some great selections within this genre. Titles include:

Lincoln and His Boys by Rosemary Wells

Bread and Roses, Too by Katherine Paterson

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson

Crispin: The Cross of Lead by Avi
Blood on the River: Jamestown 1607 by Elisa Carbone

Yellow Star by Jennifer Roy

September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month!

My Tip of the Month for Septmber 2009 is...

JOIN YOUR PUBLIC LIBRARY!

Become a member of your local branch of the Scottsdale Public Library and gain access to all sorts of fantastic things! These days, libraries do not only offer books, but also movies, games, music, books on tape and classes on many different topics. You can join a book club, learn how to use a computer, or enroll your children in various activities, all for FREE!!!

click on the link to the Scottsdale Public Library system or ask your school librarian for more information.

http://library.scottsdaleaz.gov/

1st Week of School Pick...

For the 1st Week of School, my pick is...

Otto Goes to School

by Todd Parr

I chose this classic children's book by the incredible author, Todd Parr, because it's a great way to introduce children to all of the wonderful things that they will learn this year. In the story, Otto is so excited to go to school on his first day that he puts his clothes on backwards and wears two different colored socks! At first he is nervous, but once he sees his friends he is excited and begins to learn all sorts of useful things. I like to read the story with my students and then relate it to their own lives by talking with them about all of the great things that they think they will learn in school this year.

What I READ on my summer vacation...

I had an incredibly wonderful summer! I was able to stay home, take care of my family and had lots of time to read some great books! I can't wait to share the books that I read with you and would also love to hear about the great books you read. Although all of these books are for adults, I did read with my children each and every day and I will share some of their favorite summer reads with you as well! My favorite genre of fiction is mystery (especially with foreign settings), but I also enjoy checking out all sorts of new fiction (anything from easy "beach" reads to more thoughtful and moving stories). I won't go into detail about any of the books I read, but if you would like any more information on any of them, please feel free to become a "friend" on my blog and send me a message! Or just check them out for yourself at your local library or bookstore.

1. Pretty in Plaid by Jen Lancaster
2. The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
3. Tears of the Giraffe by Alexander McCall Smith
4. Morality for Beautiful Girls by Alexander McCall Smith
5. The Sunday Philosopher's Club by Alexander McCall Smith
6. Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson
7. Summer at Tiffany by Marjorie Hart
8. The Finishing Touches by Hester Browne
9. I Was Told There'd Be Cake by Sloane Crosley
10. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
11. The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie
12. Bringing Home the Birkin by Michael Tonello
13. Swapping Lives by Jane Green
14. How to Teach Filthy Rich Girls by Zoey Dean
15. The Kalahari Typing School for Men by Alexander McCall Smith

I also began a few books that I didn't quite finish because I just didn't like and couldn't get into the story. Usually, I try to push through and read the entire book before giving up on it, but sometimes you just need to move on (and that's okay!)...

1. Heavenly Date by Alexander McCall Smith
2. A Guide to the Birds of East Africa by Nicholas Drayson
3. The Little Lady Detective Agency by Hester Browne

I read EVERY night with my son James who is 4 years old. Reading is one is favorite activities and his room is, literally, overflowing with books! James and I also love to go to the library together, as there are so many fun things to do there. We have participated in music classes, storytimes and puppet shows, and James' newest favorite thing to do is to use the computer to find books! We also just love to sit in the castle and read stories or work on puzzles and play in the kids' area. Here are some of his favorites from the summer:

1. There was an old lady swallowed a fly (this was his most favorite!)
2. I Spy books
3. There's a nightmare in my closet
4. And the dish ran away with the spoon
5. lots of non-fiction books about dinosaurs