Library News and Book Reviews

Library News

The students have been learning about book awards and will be voting to choose a Mock Caldecott winner for Tanner Elementary.  Three awards they have learned about are the Caldecott, the Geisel, and the Coretta Scott King. The Caldecott Award is awarded to the book with the best pictures. Students have been exploring books using various mediums to create pictures in the books. They have seen stitching made with yarn, crayon, pencil, watercolor, and ink. After experiencing many new books they will vote for their favorite. The ALA Youth Media Awards will be announced on Monday, January 24.

Students will vote using the above form.

Book Reviews

The Story of a Story by Deborah Hopkinson Pictures by Hadley Hooper

A poetic narrative, with thoughtful illustrations depicting a young boy trying to find the right words to start a story. It reminds me of when I have a task that I deem hard or not fun and have trouble beginning. I know our students have those same experiences. The sequence of events in this book will feel familiar to writers and especially reassuring to new, young ones as they watch how finding ideas takes time and focus. The little boy shows perseverance as he goes through the writing process and is a great book to share with your young writers.

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

I find that I need a purpose for my reading so learning about an event in history fills my reading appetite. Kristin Hannah books sure do that for me and my latest read had me learning about the Dust Bowl era. This book takes you to Texas in 1921 in a time of abundance. You will meet Elsa who doesn't meet up to the expectations of her family. She meets Rafe and her life changes to one of a farm wife with a baby on the way. When the great dust storms and the depression hit life changes. Elsa fights for her life and the life of her family and one learns of the harsh realities that divided us as a nation and the battle between the haves and the have-nots. Elsa was such a strong character who really changed to be courageous as she endured such harsh realities. I highly recommend this book.

Library Books

Please remind students to use plastic library bags for their library books.