It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 4-14-2014

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (IMWAYR) is a weekly challenge begun by Sheila at Book Journey to encourage others to share the books they are reading each week. Jen at Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki over at Unleashing Readers took Sheila's idea and added "From Picture Books to YA," spreading the IMWAYR concept to a much wider audience.  

Yes, I know I've been slacking off big time with IMWAYR lately. In my defense, I've been occupied with administering STAAR and preparing for the TLA conference. Now I'm ready to get back on track. 

When I wasn't administering the state test, working on my poster presentation, or preparing for a road trip with another librarian from my school district, I've been mostly reading professional development books to improve my library program. 

Professional Development Books

Welcome to Storytime!: The Art of Story Program Planning

Robert Reid

I'm trying to ramp up the library program for a strong end to the school year. This book has helped me find some new songs and storytime activities for my Pre-K and Kinder students. It includes several pre-made lessons that the author has used in his public library as well as an outline of how to create your own storytime lesson for kids. 

The author is a public librarian but I found that much of what he does is similar to what I do with Pre-K and Kinder students in my school library. 

The Centered School LIbrary: Engaging Every Learner with Library Skills Centers

Cari S. Young

I read this book over the summer, so I'm actually re-reading it to see if there's something I might like to add to my library lessons. I'm really trying to keep the library fun and engaging while students are stressed out with testing and end of the year business. I'm also taking mental notes on things I should work on over the summer. 

Happy Birthday, Dear Author!

Jacqueline Witter-Easley

This was one of the books I purchased with my Scholastic Book Fair dollars. I started an author study center this school year, and students seem to enjoy it. Any books I put out in the center are checked out immediately, and I scramble to refill the empty spots. Next year, I'd like to do more highlighting of authors through a monthly author birthday club. I love the ideas and suggestions in this book. If you're interested in doing something similar in your library, please look into this book. 

LibrarySparks Library Lessons: 
A Collection of the finest Library Lessons from LibrarySparks Magazine

Editor: Diane Findlay

This is another book that I read last summer and have started re-reading in order to come up with a plan of things do work on over the summer. LibrarySparks Magazine has so many great lesson plans in their monthly magazines, but I do think this book is a "collection of the finest Library Lessons." It's got many lesson plans I could students doing in the library, plus a few that would be great for when I have a substitute. The book has plans for students in Kindergarten through 5th Grade. 

Picture Books
Secret Agent Splat

Rob Scotton

Many, many thanks to Alana Whitman, marketer for Harper Children's for sending me a free copy of Secret Agent Splat and goodies to share with kids at my school. 

Mr. Tiger Goes Wild

Peter Brown

Really cute book. My son and I both enjoyed it. However, I didn't start roaring after I read it. I can't say the same for my son. 

Young Adult 
Cinder

Marissa Meyer

Cinder is the story of a cyborg girl set somewhere in future Japan, complete with an evil step-mother and two step-sisters. Oh, yes - there's also a prince looking for a wife. Unfortunately human/cyborg relationships are frowned upon by society. 

I started the book just as TLA was beginning, then had to put off reading it until I caught my breath. I'm about half way through the book, and although I'm admittedly not a sci-fi person, I am enjoying it.