What's Happening In The Library....

Library Lessons:

This week in the library we continued to review manners in the library and how to care for books.
Kindergarten heard the wonderful story by Judy Sierra Wild About Books. We also finished up stories from our wall characters. What a fun week!  First Grade classes heard the stories of Mrs Watson Wants Your Teeth by Alison McGhee

 We then created our own class book. What would Mrs. Hoffman look like as a 300 year old Alien?
Ha! Lots of fun pictures in this book.

We also, shared Grandpa's Teeth by Rod Clement.  This book is always so much fun to read aloud, such wonderful voice. A great way to introduce first graders to the genre of mysteries. I always pull a bunch of mysteries out after we read this book.

We shared a character education day with our 1st grade classes and shared the story of Horton Hatches The Egg By Dr. Seuss and discussed caring in the library. The students did an amazing job of sharing their ideas.

What I am reading:

This story takes place in New York and I love that. Jack Harris' wife was murdered several years ago and although he says he has moved on in his life, mainly because of his teenage daughter, Buckley, he clearly has not. His file cabinets are full of case files relating to the man who he feels was responsible. When that man is shot dead, along with two others, during Jack's attempt to meet a woman he met online, he is their prime suspect.

Olivia Randall used to date Jack back in the day. They were together several years until Olivia did something that has left a tarnish of guilt on her life ever since. When she sees that Jack has been arrested, she decides to represent him as his lawyer. She knows Jack is innocent. But the man she used to know, or thought she knew, may not be the same.

Filled with twists and turns, The Ex flashes back to Jack and Olivia's past to help authenticate their current relationship and provide contrast to the differences of how they have changed and grown over the years. While this is important to the story, it doesn't deflect from the current events of Olivia delving into the investigation to prove that Jack is innocent.

While I wasn't surprised by the ending, I was surprised with the repercussions of some character decisions on the facts of the case. Or in this case, the lack of...in some instances. I didn't connect with any characters, which really bothered me because I really didn't care who did it. But I had to know why, so I continued my journey with The Ex.

If you're looking for a standard murder mystery, then The Ex is worth a go. But if you're looking for the darker side of a thriller, you won't find that thrill here. 3 stars for me.

My Secret Sister had this series on her wishlist and when I bought her one of the books, it brought me to read about the series and I was done. I devoured the first 2 books in 3 days.

The Selection by Keira Cass This is a YA novel 

In a world where everything is determined by social castes, America was born a five, one of the lowest castes. This year, a Selection will be held to find a bride for Prince Maxon. America's mother thinks that having her daughter participate will be the solution to all of their problems but America doesn't want to participate for one simple reason, she is secretly in love with Aspen. The only problem is that he belongs to an even lower caste and so her parents prohibit her from marrying him. She ends up applying for the selection, sure that she will not be one of the 35 chosen girls, so you can imagine her surprise when she is the one picked from her district. This is where the heat of the competition starts; complete with friendship, jealousy and of course a little sabotage.

The concept of the book was really great. I know many associated it with The Bachelor,. The dystopian element in it was also quite good and reminded me of The Hunger Games. I found the history element in this book to be interesting. Also, the rebel attacks to the palace added more depth to an otherwise typical YA dystopian romance.

However, what really made me fall in love with this book were its characters. America's character was so down-to-earth and kind that you couldn't help liking her. She cares for the other competitors and even her maids. She even gives tips to her friend on winning over the Prince. I also found the fact that, while the other girls went for the most glamorous dresses, she always opted for the simplistic style that she felt most comfortable in. Through out the book she was the character you rooted for.

Maxon was so swoon-worthy and all he wanted throughout this competition was to fall in love. I thought that he would be arrogant, but from his first meeting with America, he stole my heart.

The only downside to this book, for me, was Aspen's character. I found him to be quite arrogant at times and really didn't understand why America had fallen in love with him. We do get a backstory, which enables the reader to learn how America and Aspen's relationship started. which made me him a bit more likable.

Overall, I felt that this book was like candy floss; fun, colorful and leaves you with a smile. I simply could not put this book down and couldn't wait to get my hands on the sequel! So....I did!

 I enjoyed The Selection so much I had to go right into book 2 The Elite. I was skeptical because of the things I about the complete lack of world-building. This remains a problem for me after reading The Elite.

In The Elite, we find America as one of six final girls in the selection and her heart is torn between Prince Maxon and Aspen, her ex-boyfriend who works as a guard in the castle. She goes back and forth, back and forth, never able to fulyl commit to either one.  She is unsure about becoming a princess and the political ramifications that could have. She discovers some hidden truths about her country's history which color her decisions.

On the plus side for characters, both Maxon and Aspen were stronger love interests this time around and we continue to find out more about each of these characters which lends to the depth of the characters. Which enables the reader to understand why America is truly so perplexed with her decision. 

I also really enjoyed the other girls in The Elite. They each had their place and even surprised me from time to time. Some of them sabotaged, lied, and even fought. I really loved the dynamic between these ladies.

I really enjoyed this story as well. I will read the next novel The One .

I have a couple of ARCS(advanced reader copies) to read and review for our Books On Tour group. I have Falling over Sideways by Jordan Sonnenblick that I am just finishing up and The Graces by Laure Eve This is a book I have been hearing so much about. I can't wait to read it.

Happy Reading,
Mrs. Shamhart

First Full Week Back To School

In The Library This Week...

We worked on rules, manners and expectations in the library. With these lessons we shared Library Lion by Michelle Knudson and If You Take a Mouse To School by Laura Numeroff with 1st graders.
They created a Mouse of their own and even did a bit of writing. Here is a sample:

I also introduced our students to the new Golden Ticket Store in our library. At Kennedy Primary we started a new, positive reinforcement  to our students behavior. The students have the opportunity to earn golden tickets for positive behavior. For all students making good choices and doing what is expected.

Each week students will get to come into the library and spend their golden tickets. They will have the opportunity to purchase snacks, books, bookmarks, erasers, pencil grippers, notebooks, gel pens, coloring books, puzzles, crayons, water bottles, pencil boxes/bags and large note books.

A few photos of our first shopping day...

I shared some books that are represented on our wall in the library with my kindergarten friends.
Corduroy by Don Freeman and Clifford The Big Red Dog By Norman Bridwell.

The character from left to right: Koala Lou by Mem Fox, Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss, Curious George By H.A. Rey, Franklin By Paulette Bourgeois, The Nook (One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish) Dr. Seuss, Arthur by Marc Brown, Clifford by Norman Bridwell, and Corduroy by Don Freeman.

What I've Been Reading

I finished the book Remember Me by Sabine Durant
 Remember Me This Way is a spine-tingling, suspense-laden psychological thriller. The novel is full of clever twists and turns. Leaving you wondering until the end.

On the one year anniversary of her husband Zack’s death, Lizzie Carter is finally ready to visit the site of his accident and finish settling his estate. She is surprised to see that someone has left a bouquet of memorial flowers at the accident scene, but it is the attached message that rouses a few suspicions. When she reaches his cottage, she is further unsettled by some missing items that lead her to believe that Zack might have faked his own death. After she returns home, Lizzie becomes certain that is Zack alive and he is stalking her. When no one takes her fears seriously, she begins her own investigation and Lizzie quickly discovers that she really did not know Zack at all.

Lizzie is a somewhat unreliable narrator because she is rather fuzzy on the day to day details of her life. She feels guilty for some of the events that occurred in the days leading up Zack’s death and her lingering grief further clouds her judgment. There are also some very strange occurrences that bolster her belief that he is still alive but why would Zack fake his death? The answer to that question is revealed bit by bit through the lies that Lizzie uncovers and her memories of her relationship with Zach.

The most chilling revelations are share through passages from Zack’s point of view. As he reflects on his previous relationships and his marriage, a frightening picture begins to emerge. In the days and months leading up to his death, he becomes increasingly controlling of Lizzie and his behavior grows more volatile and erratic. 

This story leaves you guessing clear up to the end. I loved it.

The Sunlight Pilgrims, by Jenni Fagan, takes place from November 2020-March 2021. The polar caps are melting, and a new Ice Age appears to be imminent. The world’s leaders are unprepared to deal with a catastrophe of this magnitude. Still, some stockpile food and warm clothing, prepare fuel to heat their homes, check their generators, and keep a close eye on the forecast. No matter how prepared the survivalists are, however, the fact remains that temperatures are plummeting; major rivers are icing over; people are freezing to death; a huge iceberg is headed towards Scotland; and if spring does not bring a major thaw, Earth could become uninhabitable. 

This book is wonderful and the writing is truly amazing. 5 stars for me.

I just started this beauty, The Ex by Alafair Burke.  I will let you know my thoughts next week.

Swaps:

Chaotic Goddess Swaps 

Once again it is time for the Books N Bloggers Swap by the lovely ladies at Chaotic Goddess Swaps.
Important Dates to Remember

• Sign-Ups Close on August 22nd, 2016
• Partners Assigned by August 24th, 2016
• Packages Ship by September 3rd, 2016
• Swap Show-Off Post  September 7th, 2016
• This is one of my most favorite swaps hosted by Chaotic Goddess! So excited!

The Girls On The Same Page

THE BASICS

The What:

The Secret Sister project is essentially a cheer club. Think Secret Santa but all year round (in 6 month intervals) with less emphasis on big presents, and more thoughtful notes, cards, small somethings sent just to let your secret sister know that you are thinking about her!

The When:

• Sign-ups will go live on July 16, 2016
• This round will run from August 2016 through January 2017

• 
  
  

 Please share what you are reading in the comments.

Happy Reading.

Mrs. Shamhart

Welcome August

Welcome Back:

Summer has skipped on by rather abruptly, and I am anxious to share it with all of you. I am heading back to Kennedy Primary School next week to get my library together and ready for students. I am so excited to see my friends and meet our new friends at Kennedy.  I have some changes in the library this year that I am excited to implement with new center activities and some STEM centers as well.

I will share all of these centers as I introduce them in the library. 

Books On Tour

I am excited to share my involvement with a group of 12, librarians and teachers across the U.S. We have created a new group called Books On Tour. This group will be sharing advanced reader copies (arcs) of books and/or new books to us. We then will share our thoughts and ideas and send the book on to the next member. I guess it would be like a traveling book club. The books do the traveling of 6,160 miles round trip. I am so excited to get to know these ladies and share our common passion of reading. A great big thanks to Audra Reed at her blog  The Reeding Librarian for putting this wonderful group together.

I also want to thank Liza Wiemer the author of  Hello?. I had commented on her twitter and won an arc of Rainbow Rowell's newest book called Kindred Spirit. I was so excited to win this book as, it isn't even available for purchase yet. When she realized that I am a librarian (albeit of primary students) she asked if I could use some of her arcs and books she was going through. I was so excited.... Christmas in July.  She is so very generous. I am happy to say that many of these books will be starting our Books On Tour group. All of these books will be in the hands of readers. I am so very grateful to Liza Wiemer.  

I also, received a copy of Liza's book Hello?  Often, when I am given a book and I am unfamiliar with it or with the author, it is exciting to see what you find therein. I was most pleasantly surprised with Hello?.  I loved this book and could not put it down, quite literally. 

For me, I really enjoyed how each character had a different style of narration. I loved that each character shared their point of view, and their personality through this perspective. This writing style promotes the reader to quickly become engaged in the story while easily, distinguishing between each character.

The reader will most definitely find someone they can relate to in this story. The issues within the story are realistic for teenagers today. This should be a must read for every student, coming of age. Enabling parents, teachers and peers to open up and discuss topics of  love, friendship, loss and hope. This book is beautifully written. This story will be one I am reflective upon for a long while.  

Swaps:

 This was a fun swap! I was paired with Kaitlin Michelle over at Vivacious Hobo

I shared how much I absolutely love Game Of Thrones and she sent me a leather bound collectible set. Which I love, aren't they lovely?  A great big thanks to Kaitlin Michelle and to the wonderful ladies over at Chaotic Goddess Swaps
                                

On August 1st the #otspsecretsisterswap began it's 5th session. I am starting my 3rd session and I am still absolutely loving it. It is uplifting and promotes our love of reading. The wonderful ladies over at On The Same Page do an incredible job. 

What are you reading?

 Please share in the comments what you are reading....

I'm listening to Emma Straub's Modern Lovers on Audible.

I'm reading Lisa Beazley's Keep Me Posted

Happy Reading

The Primary Librarian

Tula Shamhart

Wow! Where Has June Gone?

 

Where have I been?

 My lack of blogging had much to do with my mom and uncle being sick. It has been a tough few months but things are finally feeling like they are returning to normal. 

 

From the last day of school till today, seems like a whirlwind of activity. We wrapped up inventory by June 1st. Thanks to Kim Goodman and Tanya Hagedorn for their help.

 Notice that we received three new book cases that I am so excited to fill up with many of our easy readers and an author study display. 

I went to Disney World with my family and my grandsons.

Wizarding World has been on my bucket list since it has opened and I can officially check it off my list. Although I will definitely want to revisit. I didn't want to leave. Here are a few photos...

                                               

   This was a dream come true and I literally had the time of my life. I love the Harry Potter books and this made it all spring to life for me.

Currently

I'm enjoying summer and reading. I am currently reading The Nest by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney

I will share a list of books I have read this summer when I get back to school.

My Next Swap

 Chaotic Goddess Swap

 I love these swaps offered by Chaotic Goddess.

 

Your Swap Objective

Send a fabulous geeky package to a like-minded blogger!
Note: This swap is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only.

Package Guidelines

• Geek related goodies in relation to your partner’s likes
• At least 3 items
• Valued $20-$30

Happy Reading
Tula Shamhart

National Library Week April 2016

 

Happy National Library Week 2016

I love this photo!

(This is not my library but would love for it to be)

 

"A library is a house of hope. It's a place where we all, whatever our situation, can feed our ideas and develop our dreams."   

Doug Wilhelm

In The Library

This week in the library we will take a trip to the bindery through a Reading Rainbow movie, called Simon's Book. How books are made and created are a huge part of the library. We will be continuing our study on Caldecott books and Caldecott Awards. 

We will read the 2016 Caldecott winner and honor books and vote for our favorite 3 books. We will also share many of our favorite Caldecott winner and honor books over the next two weeks.

 

 We shared The Pigeon Stories from Mo Willems and learned to draw the Pigeon.

We discussed the criteria of the Caldecott Award and I asked the students to draw me a picture that tells a story and follows the Caldecott criteria. They have until Thursday, April 14th to turn them in.

I am always amazed at their creativity and design.

What I'm Reading

This week I am reading 2 books a YA book called Passenger by Alexandra Braxton. It is so engaging and wonderfully written. It is part of a series and I am already excited to know that the story isn't going to be over with this first book. 

 I am also listening to another one of Joann Fluke's wonderful books.

 Happy Reading,

Mrs. Shamhart