Sunday, April 27, 2014

Reading Lists

If you're looking for the next book to recommend to your child, why not choose one from lists of children's book award nominees,winners and other compiled lists?

The Beverly Cleary Choice Awards (BCCA): Nominations include books targeted to the reading ability of 2nd and 3rd graders or transitional readers. Check out the nominees in addition to the winners.

Oregon Readers Choice Awards (ORCA): Put together by the Oregon Library Association, books are nominated by Oregon students, educators and librarians, then slotted for the ballot depending on various qualities including "literary quality, creativity, reading enjoyment, reading level, and regional interest" (from the ORCA homepage).  Check out the nominees in addition to the winners.

 Oregon Battle of the Books: Even if you child is not participating in the challenge, you're sure to find a winning book. Books are selected for their quality in writing and diversity of topics.  From the OBOB website: "The mission is to encourage and recognize students who enjoy reading, to broaden reading interests, to increase reading comprehension, [and to] promote academic excellence..."

Our library has been able to offer several copies of these Battle Books, so there's nearly no excuse to not read them! They even have their own section in the children's room.

American Library Association Summer Reading Lists, Divided into grade categories K-8th.


 8 Class Pets + 1 Squirel / 1 Dog = Chaos by Vivian Vande Velde 
2014 Winner of the Beverly Cleary Choice Awards


Pie by Sarah Weeks
2014 Winner of the Oregon Reader's Choice Award








Kizzy Ann Stamps by Jeri Watts
One of several titles for the Grades 3 - 5 Division of Oregon Battle of the Books

Saturday, April 5, 2014

Poetry Month

April is National Poetry month! Honor it with your child by encouraging writing anything under the guise of poems.

Plums Still life by VaheArt on Etsy
Read William Carlos Williams' famous poem, "This Is Just To Say," and write your own apology.

And then check out this book based on "This Is Just To Say"

Forgive me, I meant to do it : false apology poems by Gail Carson Levine


The Friends of the Library are hosting another writing contest-- this time for Poetry! First through Sixth graders are welcome to submit their entry under the theme "The Best Part of Me."  Deadline is April 25th. Check out the Children's Website to learn more about the contest. Children's Contests