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Reading Style Guide

The Power of Love

11/28/2016

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Loving vs Virginia: 
A Documentary Novel of the Landmark Civil Rights Case
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by Patricia Hruby Powell ill by Shadra Strickland

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​Patricia Hruby Powell brilliantly examines events leading up to the groundbreaking civil rights case legalizing marriage between races. This account of two teenagers, Mildred Jeter (African American and Cherokee) and Richard Loving (white) who fell in love and married, defying Virginia law, offers a heartrending portrayal of this historic breakthrough.  The free verse format, using the alternating voices of Mildred and Richard effectively draws readers into understanding and appreciating this young couple’s struggle to overcome discrimination.

Events began in the early 1950’s in Central Point, Virginia. Mildred's family extended family was large but closely-knit. Although she attended a segregated school and church, the family lived in a section of Central Point that was considerably more inclusive. Included in the circle of her family friends was the Loving family.
Inevitably Mildred and Richard were attracted to each other, fell in love, and desired to marry. Since interracial marriage was illegal in the state of Virginia they traveled to Washington, D.C. to legally solemnize their vows. Then they returned home to start a life together as man and wife. What follows were years of constant harassment, arrests, and legal entanglements for the young couple. Eventually they determined to pursue legal recourse. Their case reached the U. S. Supreme Court which in 1967 unanimously overturned the earlier Virginia convictions.
Powell has framed her narrative within the timeline of civil right history with details which are poignant and personal.
The text is supported with copies of original documents, photographs, and quotations from key participants in the ongoing legal battle.
However it is the heartfelt and personal lives of two people which bring the story into focus. I was impressed with the strength and support of Mildred's and Richard’s families over the intervening years. The couple was able to endure years of persecution because of love: love for each other, love from extended family, and love for justice and equality.
Enriched with Shadra Strickland's illustrations and solid back matter, this sterling historical fiction will resonate with readers.

Companion Resources

A Case for Loving: The Fight for Interracial Marriage
​by Selina Alko ill by Sean Qualls& Selina Alko

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This picture book retelling makes an excellent introduction to the Loving's story for younger readers. The book's images can also enrich the story for older readers.

Loving (2016 film)

The story of the Lovings is now a feature film written and directed by Jeff Nichols. It had its world premiere at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival on May 16, 2016.
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The Art of Ed Emberley

11/20/2016

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Spare Parts by Rebecca Emberley and Ed Emberley

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​It all started with a thumbprint. Emberley's charming little volume, Ed Emberley's Great Thumbprint Drawing Book started a whole new line of drawing books for kids: cartoons and characters that everyone could create. The premise? With a thumbprint as the base and a few simple lines, anyone could draw. Over the years I kept this book handy, not only for myself, but for students. It was fun. It was easy. It was great for inspiring creativity with a minimal amount of risk.
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In the intervening years, Emberley's art has evolved. He has kept his creative flair, but enhanced it with bold ideas and images. Spare Parts with lively verse composed by Emberley's daughter Rebecca, introduces readers to Rhoobart.  This invented name cleverly embodies both the concepts and the sounds of the words robot, art, and part. Rhoobot's worries when it appears that he has no heart. The storyline follows his search for this essential body component.
Emberley ingeniously concocts Rhoobot from a variety of recognizable tools. Grey industrial gears serve as an excellent background to this heartwarming tale.
We're all spare parts.
We've got secondhand hearts,
It's true.
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Worcester Art Museum ​is currently celebrating the art and legacy of Emberley with KAHBAHBLOOOM: The Art and Storytelling of Ed Emberley. This comprehensive retrospective explores his work over the past sixty years and includes an area where visitors can create their own drawings using Emberley's techniques. The show runs through April 9, 2017.

Companion Books

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​One Wide River to Cross, with text adapted from an American folk song by wife Barbara, this picture book was awarded a 1967 Caldecott Honor Medal. This counting book is illustrated with silhouettes imposed on colorful backgrounds.
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​Drummer Hoff, a collaboration with wife Barbara was received the 1968 Caldecott Medal. This cumulative rhyming tale tells of seven soldiers who build a cannon. The conclusion features Drummer Hoff who ignites the cannon's charge, setting off a riot of color
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You've Got  Friend

11/14/2016

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Madeline Finn and the Library Dog by Lisa Papp

The miracle of a patient, nonjudgemental friend can make all the difference.
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​Meet Madeline, the girl who likes many things, but never, no never reading. The struggle to make sense of the marks on a page is difficult. It becomes especially agonizing when she is asked to read aloud.  Her frustration becomes unbearable until one Saturday morning when the public librarian introduces her to a new friend, Bonnie the dog who enjoys sitting and listening. As it turns out,  that is precisely what Madeline needs to succeed at reading.

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​There is much about Madeline Finn and the Library Dog that is reassuring: soft realistic images with muted page background color are warm and inviting. Her sense of isolation is evident in placement of figures. The face of a classmate making fun of her intensifies her pain. Notice her defiant pose on the title page and her face registering discouragement when she attempts to read, 
However, it's the images of Madeline and Bonnie sharing a book that tug at one's heartstrings. Papp has captured the wonder on Madeline's face and the patient attention of Bonnie as they read together.
​A group of teens met Miracle, a dog who spends her days visiting with children in schools. They were enchanted with this charming canine and wanted to give back some of the love that she shares with youngsters. They decided to organize a used towel and blanket drive for animals at a local shelter. It was a joyous day when they showed up at the shelter, arms laden with towels and blankets.
Miracle, like Bonnie, makes miracles happen in the lives of young children. These teens enjoyed sharing in that miracle.
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Thanks LIsa Papp for introducing young readers to Bonnie. Thanks Miracle for your patience and gentleness.
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Put a Pin in It

11/11/2016

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KidLit Safety Pins
Original post: Jarrett Krosoczka
Contributors: amazing authors & illustrators of books for children

What does it feel like to be safe?  How can teachers, librarians, and others who work with kids help them to feel more secure?
What about using a safety pin as inspiration for children in schools throughout the country? 
​Author and illustrator Jarrett J Krosoczka based this safety pin idea on a Mo Willems drawing. 
He posted his suggestion on Twitter and almost immediately the responses came flying in.  These generous, caring, and very creative authors and illustrators have produced messages of hope for young people everywhere.
Thank your Jarrett. Thank you KidLit community for your open hearts.  Monday morning promises to be more hopeful for kids everywhere.
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Jarret Krosoczka
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Mo Willems
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Linda Sue Park & Salva Dut
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Dan Santayana
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Courtney Pippen-Mathur
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Matthew Cordell
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Cale Atkinson
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Danaye L Shiplett
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Ryan T Higgins
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Matt Tavares
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Brad Meltzer
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Jess Keating
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Stacy Barnett Mozer
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Deborah Freedman
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Elizabeth Rose Stanton
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Sara Varon
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Priscilla Alpaugh
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Faith Oray
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Sara Varon
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Fiona Robinson
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LeUyen Pham
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Jess Von I
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Jess Von I
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Amy Ignatow
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Karen Windness
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Michael Arndt
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Lori Richmond
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Tom Angleberger
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Dan Gemeinhart
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Giuseppe Castellano
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Mike Curto
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Jarrett Krosoczka
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Valarie Bean
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Lorian Dean
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Joel Cook
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Raina Telgemeier
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Lynnor Bontigao
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Raina Telgemeier
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Taylor Mobley
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Mark Hoffmann
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Megan Maynor
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Kelly Light
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Meridth M Gimbel
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Linda Urban
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Kean Soo
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Tony DiTerlizzi Holly Black
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Michael Slack
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Matthew Holm
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Joseph Kuelfer
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Michael Arndt
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Loren Long
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Kelly DiPucchio
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George O'Connor
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Salina Yoon
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Shannon Hale Le Uyen Pham
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Debbie Ridpath Ohi
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Kristine Lombardi
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Tom Angleberger
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Dee Garretson
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Abby Cooper
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Erica S Perl
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John David Anderson Shannon Tindle
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Erica S Perl
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Ashley Spires
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See Garretson
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Krista Heij-Barber
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Ursula Vernon
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Peter Reynolds
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A Terrific List

11/7/2016

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2017-2018 Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List

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One highlight of the annual Texas Book Festival is the announcement of the Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List for the upcoming school year. This list of suggested pleasure reading titles targets youngsters in grades 3-6. Students who read or listen to at least five of the titles may cast a vote for their favorite book at a participating school or library. Voting takes place in January and the award is presented at the annual Texas Library Association Conference in April.
The 2017-2018 master list offers a wealth of excellent reading choices for a wide variety of reading interests and abilities.  Congratulations to the authors and illustrators! Kudos to the committee on a stellar list of titles.
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One of my favorite features about the announcement of new titles:  The books are announced by young readers. I love the smiles and excitement on the faces of these young Texas readers as they look forward to exploring these books.
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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 
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