The Many Hats of a School Librarian

Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt My rating: 4 of 5 stars I liked this book because mostly because of the way the author revealed information to us. A few times in the book - I thought - ooooohhhhhhh.... I get it, now. I struggled with the beginning because I don't really care about birds, drawing, and I dislike reading about kids with hard times at home because I just feel so sad and I don't like to feel sad when I'm reading. But soon I grew to really like Doug's positive attitude and no matter what is going on, he lives in the moment and thinks everything is ok for now. It's a good philosophy to have. View all my reviews

Disgusting Food Invaders by Ruth Owen My rating: 2 of 5 stars Well I sort of read it. It grossed me out. I looked at the headings and realized I'd never eat the food again if I thought about the bugs and germs and mold that grows. eeeew www ... my students will love it! View all my reviews

Bad Island by Doug TenNapel My rating: 3 of 5 stars I loved this story and the relationship between the family members seemed real. I loved the sarcasm and humor in their interactions. However, this was my first graphic novel and I am learning I don't have enough patience to study the pictures to get the whole story. I need to take more time to enjoy the talented artists. I know the 5th graders in Mrs. Brunson's class are loving it. It will be fun to talk to them about it. View all my reviews

Painter and Ugly by Robert J. Blake My rating: 3 of 5 stars Another story set with an iditarod theme. This one, though is fiction. I'm glad I read the author's note in the back about where this story came from. I think kids could be inspired to write "what if" stories. View all my reviews

Play Ball, Jackie! by Stephen Krensky My rating: 4 of 5 stars How sad it would be if African Americans didn't play in major league baseball today! It's people like Jackie Robinson who tolerated the tormenting and paved the way for some great ball players like Kirby Puckett and Torii Hunter. I can't imagine a segregated baseball field - or country. View all my reviews

Razzle-Dazzle Ruby by Masha D'yans My rating: 2 of 5 stars It was fine, but I found the pop up element distracting. Too many things to do to move the parts. I would have liked it better if it was just sparkly. I can't put a book like this in my library. View all my reviews

Lost and Found: Three by Shaun Tan: Three by Shaun Tan by Shaun Tan My rating: 4 of 5 stars Maybe a little deep for me on a happy saturday morning. It's a picture book with few words and amazing art. I see why it's a picture book for older grades. I think kids 5th grade and up could probably have lots to say about each of the 3 stories. I think with some leading questions, we could get kids to write some great reflections. View all my reviews

Army: Civilian to Soldier by Meish Goldish My rating: 3 of 5 stars Great non-fiction book about what it's like to be in basic training for the US Army. View all my reviews

Bun Bun Button by Patricia Polacco My rating: 3 of 5 stars What a great story to read over and over before bed. I love happy endings. View all my reviews

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick My rating: 5 of 5 stars The illustrations in this book are amazing and the story keeps me reading! View all my reviews

Gilbert Goldfish Wants a Pet by Kelly DiPucchio My rating: 4 of 5 stars I read this to the pre school kids today and thought it was super fun! I love the little twist at the end. I think kids can identify with this because everyone has wanted a pet in their life - but maybe doesn't think about how it will work out. View all my reviews

The Giant Hug by Sandra Horning My rating: 4 of 5 stars I cannot imagine hugging my postman, but wouldn't it be cool to send someone a hug and know it really got there? It is also nice to think about how nice it is to hug people you work with at school. Hugs make everyday a little better. View all my reviews

Martha Speaks by Susan Meddaugh My rating: 3 of 5 stars This book is funny! It would be cool if dogs could talk, but it's even cooler when not everyone know that the dog can talk. View all my reviews

Another Brother by Matthew Cordell My rating: 4 of 5 stars This book is sooo cute! The illustartions are really great and I love the story about sisters and brothers adoring their older brother. View all my reviews

Llama Llama Home with Mama by Anna Dewdney My rating: 3 of 5 stars View all my reviews

Find YouTube videos that define words – more info at the link below. http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2012/03/vifinition-videos-defining-words.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+freetech4teachers%2FcGEY+%28Free+Technology+for+Teachers%29

The Kiss That Missed by David Melling My rating: 4 of 5 stars So fun to think about a kiss that haleped tame all kinds of animals! What can your Kiss do? View all my reviews

Four Feet, Two Sandals by Karen Lynn Williams My rating: 5 of 5 stars I loved this book about 2 girls that share a pair of shoes. View all my reviews

Finn McCool and the Great Fish by Eve Bunting My rating: 4 of 5 stars Such a sweet story of how compassion can help you get what you want and feel good about it. View all my reviews

Do you want to show YouTube videos to your class but are frustrated with all of the distractions/ads/other inappropriate videos?  I have seen a couple of other sites like this, but this one seems to be one of the best. All you have to do is go to www.safeshare.tv, paste in the YouTube URL, and you will be redirected to a plain grey page with the video in the center. You can also use the new URL to post on a blog or link for you to go directly to.  I'll be using it often!! Here's a link to an old video I made just as an example. http://www.safeshare.tv/w/cfaPrdoGvl Cool, huh??!! Holly