Author Elaine Alphin Dies: San Francisco native Elaine Alphin, author of several young adult novels, died on Aug. 19, 2014 at age 58 after a long illness. Her first book, Ghost Cadet, was published by [continue reading]
August 2014
Review of the Week – Loot: How to Steal a Fortune
Watson, Jude. Loot: How to Steal a Fortune. Fiction. Scholastic, 2014. 272p. $16.99. 978-0-545-46802-2. OUTSTANDING. GRADES 5-8. Trained by his father, a notorious cat burglar who dies in the opening scene, 12-year-old March McQuin puzzles [continue reading]
Do-I-Yourself Programming: Women of Character, Courage, and Committment
Do-It-Yourself Programming with Children’s Books on Women of Character, Courage, and Commitment Hands-on crafts and games are a great way to celebrate women in history. Instead of sounding like a history lesson, this interactive format [continue reading]
Fortunately, the Milk Read-Alikes
New Short Tween Novels – Read-alikes for Neil Gaiman’s Fortunately, the Milk Alexander, Kwame. The Crossover. Houghton, 2014. Angleberger, Tom. The Qwikpick Papers: Poop Fountain! Amulet, 2014. Brown, Skila. Caminar. Candlewick, 2014. Creech, Sharon. Boy [continue reading]
Review of the Week – A Piece of Cake
Pham, LeUyen. A Piece of Cake. LeUyen Pham, Illus. Picture Book.Balzer & Bray, 2014. 40p. $16.99. 978-0-06-199264-3.OUTSTANDING. GRADES PRE-1. Whatever you do, don’t show this story to the pack rats in yourlife. Mouse, generous to [continue reading]
Oakland Library Garden Project, Jordan Middle School Helps Libraries in Africa
Oakland Library and ACL Recognized in Article on Library Gardens: School Library Journal has an article in their August 2014 issue about library gardens, where children can learn about growing vegetables and good nutrition. “Dig [continue reading]
Review of the Week –
Alexander, Kwame. The Crossover. Houghton, 2014. 237p. $16.99. 978-0-544-10771-7. OUTSTANDING. GRADES 5-10. Josh and Jordan Bell are kings of the court headed for the championship. Seventh grade twins, theyhave been taught the game by their [continue reading]
Author L.A. Meyer Dies, Nonfiction Recommendations
Author L.A. Meyer Dies: Louis A. Meyer, Jr., author of the “Bloody Jack” series of tween adventure novels, died on July 26, 2014 at age 71 from refractory Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Meyer’s “Bloody Jack” series is [continue reading]