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READING STYLE GUIDE

Stellar Achievement

8/29/2017

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Why Am I Me? by Paige Britt ill Sean Qualls & Selina Alko

Paige Britt's lyrical text opens with a question posed by a boy and girl while walking on the streets of their bustling community. Independently each begins to notice individual physical differences and wonder why they exist.  This private reflection causes each to extend thoughts beyond self and into the neighborhood. They observe a community filled with a richly diverse array of humanity. Both wonder what life would be like if these difference did not exist. 
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But then there's that star... Observant readers will notice the first hint of a star on the title page.
​One of the year's most visually and philosophically intriguing covers is  Am I Me? The husband and wife team of  Sean Qualls and Selina Alko has created a stunningly bold and colorful cover image. Readers will find deeper concepts embedded within the art. Look at the shared faces, each maintaining a uniquely individual identity, while expressing a shared perception. One thing that immediately caught my eye was the use of stars. The shared eye becomes a star, symbolizing a united vision.
I grabbed a heavy glass star and went in search of the numerous stars found throughout the book.
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The star metaphor continues to reappear on each page, moving the concept of individual worth and shared humanity from a personal perspective to a cosmic vision. Rich with symbolism, poetic text, and thoughtful images, this book belongs in every home, library, and school. Readers young and old will find a wealth of inspiration within its pages.
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Companion Activity

Make some stars.  Fill them with messages recognizing the uniqueness of a classmate, neighbor or acquaintance. What makes that person special? Try to choose someone who may be different from you in some way. Deliver your star either in person, or leave the star message as a secret surprise to be discovered.
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If you enjoy the challenge of origami, try making origami stars. Includes two instructional videos.
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Want something less intricate? Try these cut paper stars. Instructional video guides you through each fold.
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Lots of stars! Printable templates to use for making stars with a variety of points.
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Because of Delia

8/24/2017

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Yes. There will probably be a wait.
Yes. I am a librarian and always try to be prepared for such contingencies. ​
I stepped into the hair salon for my regularly scheduled trim, sporting an ARC of this fantastic new book from Tracey Baptiste: Rise of the Jumbies.  A lovely young lady who introduced herself as Delia informed me that she was ready to shampoo my hair. But then she noticed my book and proceeded to ask me about Baptiste's middle grade novel. The cover is that eye-arresting. Take a look for yourself. We chatted for a few minutes, forgetting all about the scheduled shampoo. Seriously, why worry about your hair when there are jumbies to discuss?
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Eventually we made our way back to the shampoo area and as the warm water streamed over the back of my head, Delia's slender fingers began to massage my tresses. Okay, they are rapidly thinning, but still for the sake of the story let’s imagine a flowing head of hair. Delia began to tell me her story. She was not a reader. Never enjoyed books. Then one day she saw a movie: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. She fell in love with Harry and his fantastic adventures. She sought out the movie sequels and viewed each film several times over. She couldn't get enough of the story so decided to try actually reading the books from which the movies were based. She was totally captivated by the stories and proceeded to read the entire series. Something clicked for her. She began to ask friends if there might be other books similar to Harry Potter that she might enjoy. Her friends were happy to offer her reading suggestions. Today she reads some literature for children and teens, however now she primarily  reads books written for adults. Delia discovered that she is drawn to books with a heavy philosophical bent. I thought about the original Rowling title Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, and wondered to myself if perhaps there were a connection.
But this was only the beginning. Delia noticed that her eleven-year-old brother did not enjoy reading. She wondered if perhaps Harry Potter might cast its magical spell over him in a way similar to her own experience. Unfortunately this presented a bit of dilemma. Delia lives in South Texas and her younger brother lives in Chicago. The resourceful siblings found a solution. Each Sunday they would read together via Facetime.
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They take turns reading aloud from a chapter. Sometimes she reads to him. Sometimes he reads to her. Other days they each read silently and then stop and discuss as they proceed through the selection. Occasionally they both read a chapter in advance and make a list of things they want to talk about based on their reading. They mix it up. Each week they decide what works for them. The important thing is that they share a part of a book together once a week, building connections with the book, and more importantly, with each other. ​
I had a glorious shampoo and subsequently a splendid haircut.  
​I also left the salon with a renewed appreciation for J. K. Rowling, the Harry Potter series, modern technology that can connect families, and most of all for an older sister who shares a chapter of a book each week with her brother.  My day, the life of a young boy in Chicago, and ultimately the world are better because of Delia.
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Game Changers

8/22/2017

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Women and Science: Three books Three formats
Historically the world of juvenile literature has paid little attention to the achievements of female scientists. But that is changing. There have been a number of excellent single subject biographies chronicling the life and contributions of individual women of science. These biographies have been published as picture books as well as nonfiction studies for middle grade and teen readers.
Anthologies and studies of women working in related fields can be important additions to a juvenile collection. These formats provide readers with a focused retrospective on the contributions of women to the field of scientific study. 

Super Women: Six Scientists Who Changed the World
​by Laurie Lawlor

"I think women must have the confidence to pursue their goads without the fear that they cannot succeed."
​Gertrude Elion
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This slim volume chronicles the lives of six brave women. Their pioneering work advanced progress in astronomy, underwater cartography, chemistry, and mathematic research. Five were born in the United States and all worked as scientists and researchers in the United States.
Lawlor highlights their passion for discovery and the significant contributions that each made to the body of scientific knowledge. She focuses on the determination that each exhibited as she overcame obstacles. These women were consciously aware of their roles as mentors for the next generation of scientists. 
While their respective research achievements are considerable, Lawlor gives added emphasis to the importance of role models for young girls interested in pursuing careers in the sciences. and inspires future generations of young women to excel in fields of scientific endeavor. 
Back matter includes a glossary, listing of sources, source notes, picture credits, and index.

Hidden Figures Young Readers' Edition
By Margot Lee Shetterly  read by Bahni Turpin

“Their dark skin, their gender, their economic status--none of those were acceptable excuses for not giving the fullest rein to their imaginations and ambitions.” ​
Shetterly's fascinating study of the lives and contributions of four African American female mathematicians, initially known as computers, has been edited for young readers. It is an engrossing historical saga. The struggles and sacrifices of each had to make to ensure the success of the space program were intense. “First in space means first, period. Second in space is second in everything.” statement from Lyndon Johnson.  In addition to encountering barriers faced by women, these brave young pioneers were also subjected to discrimination and racial prejudice.
“Even as a professional in an integrated world, I had been the only black woman in enough drawing rooms and boardrooms to have an inkling of the chutzpah it took for an African American woman in a segregated southern workplace to tell her bosses she was sure her calculations would put a man on the Moon.”
This audiobook edition makes for compelling listening. Bahni Turpin's excellent narration brilliantly brings the story of these remarkable women to life. 
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​Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World 
written and illustrated by Rachel Ignotofsky

Groundbreaking scientific achievements meet stunning graphic design
Who knew that an anthology of females worldwide who have made important contributions to science would make a stunning volume of bold graphic designs?  Rachel Ignofotsky knew. 
The book's content chronologically describes the contributions of women to the world of science beginning with Egyptian astronomer and mathematician Hypia in Ancient Alexandria and concludes in 2014 with brief bbiography of mathematician Iranian/America Scientist Mayam Mirzakani. Each of the 50 featured women has made significant advancements to the body of science, technology, engineering, and mathematic knowledge.
The succinct recap of each woman’s achievements is accompanied with stunning graphic portraits (the images are worthy pieces of art and can be purchased separately. See the postcard collection below.)
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Ignofotsky includes a glossary, as well as sources. Interspersed throughout the book are excellent infographics featuring a timeline, lab tools, statistics in STEM, and "More Women in Science."

Bonus: Companion Resources

Additional resources for the study of women of science.
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Ignotofyky's stunning graphic portraits are available as a set of postcards.
Hidden Figures is now a major motion picture. 
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Facing Fear

8/17/2017

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Come With Me by Holly M.McGhee ill Pascal Lamaître

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Holly M. McGhee has a way of revealing the heart of a story and connecting its essence with her audience. Come With Me is a picture book with a straightforward message that resonates with readers young and old: sometimes the world can be a scary place. When confronted with frightening news reports, one little girl feels powerless. Her parents respond with the gentle invitation "Come With Me.”
Each adult finds a way to introduce this child to her world and to help her to see the kindness, courage, and bravery that can be found in quiet everyday acts of understanding, respect, and courtesy.
McGhee chooses to set the story in a bustling metropolitan city. I love this. I love the premise that peace and a sense security can be found anywhere. Even, or perhaps especially, kindness can be discovered in a big city.
Thank you Holly and Pascal for this gift to children, families and communities. it's a gentle and comforting reassurance nestled within the warm embrace of two covers.

Come With Me: New York City

Several years ago I worked at a school in Manhattan's Lower East Side. I loved that neighborhood, filled with mamas and papas walking their little ones to school. I loved the rich diversity of cultures. I loved the strong family ethic. This is a community of people who live and work together. I loved the feeling of neighborhood and connection that I experienced whenever I stepped off the F Train at Delancey and Essex Streets.
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My memories of that place awakened in me a sense of nostalgia as I savored McGhee's simple text and Lamaître muted color palette. It's a story filled with warmth and compassion. Each page provides plenty of white space, allowing time to appreciate the softly rendered drawings. While my time in the Lower East Side enriched my appreciation for the story, this picture book also rekindled memories of my time with that community. I compared photos of New York City life with Lamaître's illustrations. Each representation, regardless of the medium, portrays a strong sense of home, community, and interconnection.
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"The girl and her papa were brave and kind, and that day they won a tiny battle over fear"
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"They rode the train through the tunnels underground"
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"They went to their grocery to buy some things for dinner -"
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"One step at a time, they understood what they could do to make the world a better place. They could go on."

Come With Me: South Texas Coast

Now I live on the coast in South Texas, an environment that is both different and the same when compared to the neighborhoods I knew in Manhattan.  The temperatures and coastal waters are much warmer. There are many more open and undeveloped land areas as well as some very distinctive types of vegetation. But in both New York and South Texas I can experience everyday encounters with kindness and courage.
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​ ​No matter where children live, adults can find ways to help them feel safe and secure. A follow-up activity for this book could be to create a personal version of Come With Me. Using photographs and/or simple drawings, children can create a journal of images depicting moments when they have experienced insight and understanding. 
A Come With Me journal may not only invite a child to take the next step, but may serve as an invitation for other youngsters to join in.
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Companion Books

Discover life in the city with these books.
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Little Elliot, Big City
​by Mike Curto
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Nana in the City by Lauren Castillo
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Last Stop on Market Street
by Matt de la Peña  ill by Christian Robinson
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A Lover of Books

8/9/2017

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A Tribute to My Mother

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Happy Book Lover Day to all those whose shelves are spilling over with volumes and whose library hold list is longer than the grocery list. This is the day for those who can remember characters and scenes from books as if they were a part of real life because for this reader at least, they are a part of real life.
I owe the origin of my ongoing love of books to my mother. Books were an integral part of my childhood. In our home the bedtime ritual consisted of bath time, tooth brushing, donning snugly pajamas (with footies), and then curling up close to mother as she read us a story. Eventually mother would close the book. We'd beg for more. But mother remained firm. The next chapter would be waiting for us tomorrow night. She would tuck each of us in, kiss us goodnight. I would sigh and close my eyes, wondering what would happen next in the Hundred Acre Wood, if Jim Hawkins would escape Captain Long John Silver, and what magical place Mary Poppins would next take her charges to visit. It was the stuff of dreams. The perfect way to end each day.
Mother planned weekly summer outings to the public library. We would pack up our monstrous load of books and walk to the library. Once we stepped through the doors of our little branch library, we were free to roam. Mother never specified that a book was "only for grownups." If I found a book in any section of the library, it was mine to read. Mother always brought a big quilt with her. We would stop at a nearby park, sit under the shady trees, and open up our treasures. After an hour of reading, we would pack up and stop at a shop which featured delicious custom-made popsicles with unique flavors.
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​Ah, summer days with new books to read, a shady spot in the park and popsicles. Could there be anything better?

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A doll created by my grandmother keeps company with a few of my childhood favorites. The pages are old and worn, the bindings are loose. In the case of my well-loved and well-used fairy tale collection, I covered the broken binding with strong adhesive tape because I refused to give up the book. These were my stories. I loved rereading them multiple times. Eventually I loved the cover completely off the book. 
Such books are some of my dearest and truest childhood friends. These books have shaped my life.

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​Mother always made sure that we each received a gift-wrapped book for every holiday and special occasion. She took great care to select a book that she thought each of her children would enjoy and was immensely pleased when her selection became one of our favorites.
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I continue the tradition with my own family.  However now I also use spreads from picture book galleys as gift wrap. Here I used pages from Blizzard by John Rocco.
​Thanks, mom for loving books and for sharing this love with your children.
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Art of the Game

8/7/2017

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Masterpiece Mix by Roxie Munro

I first met Roxie Munro in 2014 when she presented her forthcoming book Market Maze to a group of librarians. In her introductory remarks she used a term that was unfamiliar to me: gamification. The word intrigued me. I hastily scribbled it down on in my notes, determined to learn more about the concept: "the application of game-design elements and game principles in non-game contexts." *
​The genius of Munro's work lies in her ability to create a story, add a game element, and then take the book one step farther, creating layers of visual complexity within a picture book format. 
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On the surface, Masterpiece Mix consists of a simple narrative: an artist facing a blank canvas seeks inspiration for her next creation. Seems fairly straightforward. There follows a series of explorations of various types of paintings: landscape, portrait, still life, as well as other artistic expressions found in images curate by the National Gallery of Art. So that's fun: comparing various subjects and styles of painting.
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Munro wants to paint what she loves: her neighborhood. So she moves beyond the walls of the National Gallery and sets this book in her own community. ​With the accomplished strokes of the artist's brush, she brings this masterpiece into her own environment. That's where the gamification commences. Her neighborhood becomes a repository for these masterpiece images. Readers will enjoy locating the art reproductions, referring back to the pages on which each is introduced and then, observing the clever placement of each classic showpiece within the neighborhood. For example, Cassatt's sketch of mother and child is located at the Day Care Center, The Degas sculpture of a ballerina is found in front of the Dance Studio. 
A map key with corresponding images and descriptions of the art is located on the back pages.
It's art. It's educational. It invites discovery and exploration. It encourages creation. It's gamification. It's brilliant!​

More Amazing Mazes

Munro has published a variety of picture books that employ a gamification element.  This is just a sampling of her books. 
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Maze Ways A to Z
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Market Maze
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Amazement Park:
​12 Wild Mazes
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...with great power

8/1/2017

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Miles Morales by Jason Reynolds

If only life weren't such a strangely complicated pattern,
every person in the world, a single fly stuck to the web,
​And fear is the spider waiting for the right moment to feast."
"Yeah, well let me ask you something, Super Hero...Who's gonna save you?"
...and in today's "strange but true" turn of events: Yesterday I set Miles Morales down on the table. When I returned to retrieve the book, a case for a new keypad was beside it. The shock of seeing these two items together creeped me out. Seriously. I spent the entire day looking over my shoulder.
Read Reynolds's book and you will understand just how freaky this is. I won't give away an important plot point. However, if anyone has an unexplained encounter relating to this book, please share your experience in the comments section.
Maybe it's just me. 
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Full disclosure: I knew nothing about Miles Morales prior to reading this book.  After picking up the novel, I stopped after the first couple of chapters and did some research, learning more about this Super Hero. I found his back story fascinating. Biracial, his mother is from the Puerto Rico and his father is African American, Miles inherits the burden of a family history of crime.

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​​"Because no matter what you say, you're just like me."
​Reynolds takes this character and adds complexity and depth to the thirteen-year-old who is wrestling to find the balance between his teen life and his super powers (in addition to wall- crawling and unlike Peter Parker, he has the ability to camouflage himself). He's a Brooklyn boy attending an upscale academy where he is besieged by racial harassment. Miles also struggles with  issues such as deciding whether or not to pursue the poetry-loving girl in class. He also grapples with the constant pressure to succeed in school.
"How am I supposed to work to keep some of the weight off my folks, and do stuff like extra credit? It's hard to do extra anything,  y'know?"
​In addition to vividly portaying Miles' inner struggles, Reynolds does a brilliant job of capturing the flavor and charm of the Brooklyn community. I especially enjoyed the dialog overheard when stopping by the barbershop, visiting the bodega, and hanging around the card table.
Reynolds shows his writing chops not only with character development but with a knockout action scene near the book's conclusion. He delivers the goods with heart-pounding intensity. That action left me breathless.
You've done it again, Mr. Reynolds. Another stellar novel to add to your expanding constellation of Middle Grade and YA hits.

Companion Interviews with Jason Reynolds

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Recrafting a Legend with Jason Reynolds
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Author Jason Reynolds Drops by Marvel LIVE! 
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Jason Reynolds: Why Books are Time Capsules
"Do we have a choice?" Alicia asked, snarky.
​"You always have a choice." Ms. Blaufuss winked.
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    Barbara Moon

    I like talking about books and  interesting ideas. I like thinking about how books affect my life. Not particularly interested in giving out stars or in rating books. 

    Audio Publishers Association
    2013, - present  Audies judge 
    American Library Association Book Awards and Lists 
    ​2017 YALSA Award Nominating Committee
    2016 Excellence in Nonfiction 
    2014 Margaret Edwards Award
    2012 Odyssey Awards.  
    2009, 2010, 2011 Great Graphic Novels for Teens.

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