Review: Dash

Title: Dash
Author: Kirby Larson
Genre: Historical Fiction


Review (via Goodreads): New from Newbery Honor author Kirby Larson, the moving story of a Japanese-American girl who is separated from her dog upon being sent to an incarceration camp during WWII.

Although Mitsi Kashino and her family are swept up in the wave of anti-Japanese sentiment following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Mitsi never expects to lose her home -- or her beloved dog, Dash. But, as World War II rages and people of Japanese descent are forced into incarceration camps, Mitsi is separated from Dash, her classmates, and life as she knows it. The camp is a crowded and unfamiliar place, whose dusty floors, seemingly endless lines, and barbed wire fences begin to unravel the strong Kashino family ties. With the help of a friendly neighbor back home, Mitsi remains connected to Dash in spite of the hard times, holding on to the hope that the war will end soon and life will return to normal. Though they've lost their home, will the Kashino family also lose their sense of family? And will Mitsi and Dash ever be reunited?

My review: As a fan of Larson's other books, as well as a fan of historical fiction, I couldn't wait to read this book.  While there are many books on WWII, few are written from the perspective of Japanese American families and what they endured during the war.  It was a fresh viewpoint on history while also including themes that contemporary readers can relate to--changing friendships, bullying, moving, and the love of a family pet.  I know that students will love Dash and the friendship that Mitsi has with her dog.  The fact that this book is based on a true story is icing on the cake!

*ARC provided by NetGalley

Review: Stay Where You Are And Then Leave

Title: Stay Where You Are And Then Leave
Author: John Boyne
Genre: Historical Fiction
Ages: 10-14 years

Summary from Goodreads:

The day the First World War broke out, Alfie Summerfield's father promised he wouldn't go away to fight - but he broke that promise the following day. Four years later, Alfie doesn't know where his father might be, other than that he's away on a special, secret mission.

Then, while shining shoes at King's Cross Station, Alfie unexpectedly sees his father's name - on a sheaf of papers belonging to a military doctor. Bewildered and confused, Alfie realises his father is in a hospital close by - a hospital treating soldiers with an unusual condition. Alfie is determined to rescue his father from this strange, unnerving place . . .

My Review:

 I loved the perspective that this book is written in.  As a reader you understand 5 year old Alfie's confusion about what the war means and are able to see 9 year old Alfie's maturity as he better understands the effects of the war and the responsibility that he takes on as a result.  However, the story did not fully engage me until the second half.  While I enjoyed the book, especially the action once Alfie pieces together the information about his father,  I feel that some students will lose interest before reaching that part int he book.  Altogether, it was a good book, but not one of my favorites.  

Ninja Librarians

In library school we covered the values of librarianship many times.  We discussed making sure that our personal viewpoints did not influence our book purchases in order for a wide variety of viewpoints to be found in our libraries.  We went over the idea that every book has a reader and every reader a book.  We even practiced writing letters of defense for having a controversial book in our collection.  However, these grand values get forgotten about in the daily duties.  This book reminded me what an awesome responsibility it is to be a librarian--protecting the freedom of speech, making ideas known, and finding every book its reader.




Title: The Ninja Librarians: the Accidental Keyhand
Author: Jen Swann Downey
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
Ages: 10-13

Goodreads Description:

Just a little story about your average sword-swinging, karate-chopping, crime-fighting ninja librarians

Dorrie Barnes had no idea an overdue library book would change her life. When Dorrie and her brother Marcus chase her pet mongoose into the janitor's closet of their local library, they accidentally fall through a passage into Petrarch's Library -the headquarters of a secret society of ninja librarians who have an important mission: protect those whose words have gotten them into trouble. Anywhere in the world and at any time in history.

Dorrie would love nothing more than to join the society. But when a traitor surfaces, she and her friends are the prime suspects. Can they clear their names before the only passage back to the twenty-first century closes forever?

Review: 

This book was packed with fun and adventure.  Full of secret libraries, time traveling, ninja-like librarians, crime fighting, and adventure.  Downey has created a magical fun world--almost reminiscent of Hogwarts-- at the Petrarch Library where food and animals can be read into life, automatic translating happens, and time traveling is possible.  All the while, the importance of the freedom of speech and access to differing viewpoints is emphasized.  This fast paced, adventurous book will be a perfect fit for many middle grade students.

Review: How to Outrun an Alligator With Your Shoes Untied

Title: How to Outrun a Crocodile When Your Shoes are Untied
Author: Jess Keating
Ages: 8-12 years
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Goodreads Description: What would middle school be like if you lived in a zoo?

Ana didn't ask to be named after an anaconda. She didn't ask for zoologist parents who look like safari guides. And she definitely didn't ask for a twin brother whose life goal seems to be terrorizing her with his pet reptiles. Now, to make matters worse, her parents have decided to move the whole family INTO the zoo! All of which gives the Sneerers (the clan of carnivorous female predators in her class) more ammunition to make her life miserable-and squash any hope of class tennis stud, Zack, falling in love with her. Ana tries to channel her inner chameleon and fade into the background, but things are changing too quickly for her to keep up.
My Review:
I love a book with an underdog you can root for, and this book does not disappoint.  Maybe because an underdog is so relate-able and we can relate plenty to Ana in this book as she struggles with her best friend moving, taunts from the popular girls, an unrequited crush, an annoying brother, embarrassing parents, and stage fright that she cannot shake.  However, it is the quirks that Ana faces that makes this book comical and cute.  For example, Ana lives at the zoo and has a famous Grandfather with a TV show that will soon be featuring Ana and her family.  Overall, a cute and comical read that I would highly recommend,. especially for fans of Hiassan's Hoot and Chomp.  This would also be great for a "Wild About Reading" or Earth Day display.



*ARC provided by Netgalley

Review: The Truth About Alice

Title: The Truth About Alice
Author: Jennifer Mathieu
Genre: Young Adult, Realistic Fiction
Age: 15+



Summary via Goodreads: Everyone has a lot to say about Alice Franklin, and it’s stopped mattering whether it’s true. The rumors started at a party when Alice supposedly had sex with two guys in one night. When school starts everyone almost forgets about Alice until one of those guys, super-popular Brandon, dies in a car wreck that was allegedly all Alice’s fault. Now the only friend she has is a boy who may be the only other person who knows the truth, but is too afraid to admit it. Told from the perspectives of popular girl Elaine, football star Josh, former outcast Kelsie, and shy genius Kurt, we see how everyone has a motive to bring – and keep – Alice down.

Review: From the moment I read the description I was intrigued.  The author does a fantastic job of realistically portraying society and the harsh effect that rumors and gossip can have.  I also love the way she wove into her story the point that it is easy to think that we ourselves would never do "horrible thing x", but when we are gradually dehumanize someone the majority of people will fail to do the right thing.  The separate viewpoints keeps the story interesting and is well done.  However, I felt that there could have been more to the story.  It felt unfinished to me.  I felt that some of the characters needed to add more to their story or their secret.  So while the story has value and was good, I have to hold back from saying it was great.  

*ARC provided by Netgalley

little thoughts

"The children that are the hardest to love are the ones that need it the most."

How true this Pinterest quote is! It is such a good reminder to me to have extra patience and kindness with the students that might get on my nerves.  The student who won't stay in his seat.  The student that has fifty stories for every lesson.  The student who constantly needs the directions repeated because she was too busy talking to a neighbor to hear them the first time.  I do not know what is happening at home when those students leave the school.  I do not know which student ate by himself at lunch.  I do not know when something as simple as a compliment about their work or an encouraging word will have an impact on a student.  As a teacher I want my students to learn skills that they will carry with them into their future, but I also want them to carry with them the message that they have value.  So, yes a certain student may be hard to love, but it's worth showing them that love anyways.

Review: Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy

Title: Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy
Author: Karen Foxlee
Genre: Children, Middle, Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
Ages: 10-14 years

Goodreads Description:
A modern-day fairy tale set in a mysterious museum that is perfect for readers of Roald Dahl and Blue Balliett.

Unlikely heroine Ophelia Jane Worthington-Whittard doesn't believe in anything that can't be proven by science. She and her sister Alice are still grieving for their dead mother when their father takes a job in a strange museum in a city where it always snows. On her very first day in the museum Ophelia discovers a boy locked away in a long forgotten room. He is a prisoner of Her Majesty the Snow Queen. And he has been waiting for Ophelia's help.

As Ophelia embarks on an incredible journey to rescue the boy everything that she believes will be tested. Along the way she learns more and more about the boy's own remarkable journey to reach her and save the world.

A story within a story, this a modern day fairy tale is about the power of friendship, courage and love, and never ever giving up.

Review:
I found this book to be a fun twist on a fairy tale.  Although marketed for middle grades, I would hand this book to an upper elementary student depending on their tolerance for a scary book (although many students love scary books).  The setting is perfect, as the museum gives a natural air of being a little creepy, especially when the exhibits start to come to life.  The main characters are slightly mysterious, especially the marvelous boy and Miss Kaminenski.  I loved Ophelia.  She is a strong, smart young girl who finds that she is capable of more than she would have thought.  The short yet eventful chapters would lend themselves well to a readaloud.  Overall, a fast-paced, exciting, delightful story!

*ARC provided by NetGalley.

Review: When Audrey Met Alice

Title: When Audrey Met Alice
Author: Rebecca Behrens
Genre: Realistic Fiction, Historical Fiction
Ages: 11-15

Goodreads Description:
First Daughter Audrey Rhodes is convinced that living in the White House is like being permanently grounded. Except with better security. What good is having your own bowling alley if you don’t have anyone to play with?

After the Secret Service cancels the party she'd spent forever planning, Audrey is ready to give up and spend the next four years totally friendless--until she discovers Alice Roosevelt’s hidden diary. Alice was a White House wild child, and her diary tells all about her outrageous turn-of-the-century exploits, like shocking State visitors with her pet snake and racking up speeding tickets in her runabout. Audrey starts asking herself: What Would Alice Do? The former First Daughter’s outrageous antics give Audrey a ton of ideas for having fun . . . and get her into more trouble than she can handle!

My Review:
I loved this book! Audrey is living the life as a First Daughter is the White House.  Through the book we get a glimpse into life at the White House, but while there are perks to living at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, there are also many challenges.  Audrey struggles to get the adults around her to recognize that she not a baby any longer and to allow her to gain some freedoms.  This is well written as I felt myself getting annoyed at Audrey's circumstances and cheering her on as she tries to live her own life.  Additionally, Audrey finds Alice Roosevelt's diary, which adds another fascinating character to the story.  It was interesting to compare her life in the White House to security today, as well as to learn a little about this spunky Roosevelt.  While the diary is fiction it included some real events and managed to capture Alice's sass.  The resources that the author includes are a wonderful addition to the book as after finishing the story, I was interested in learning more about the Roosevelt's as well as life for the residents of 1600.

*ARC provided by NetGalley

December reading

Sorry it's been so quiet around here lately! Here's a quick look at what I've been reading this past month.

The Tragedy Paper by Elizabeth LaBan

  

Duncan gets the opportunity to hear the full version of last year's tragic events from last year's senior Tim.  A story of unlikely love and trying to fit into the social dynamics of high school.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbra Robinson

What happens when the worst kids in the history of the world decide to join the church's Christmas pageant? Hilarity and a thought provoking look at the story of the nativity.

The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman

The story of a lighthouse keeper and his wife as they deal with the unforeseen consequences of their actions when they decide not to report boat that washes ashore with a dead man and baby.  Despite all the great recommendations I was given, I struggled to get to the end of this book.  The plot was a little too slow for my liking.

The Last Holiday Concert by Andrew Clements

Getting hit by a rubber band is the last straw for the choir director.  As a result the students are in charge of their own holiday concert and the most popular student, Hart, is elected to be in charge.  Hart most learn to balance popularity with leadership while trying to produce an original holiday concert.  A good book by a great author.

Spotlight on Elizabeth Wein

Recently, I read two amazing books.  I started by picking up Code Name Verity at the local library (I love historical fiction).  When I found out that Elizabeth Wein was coming out with another book in the series I had to get my hands on a copy of it (thank you Netgalley!).  It was well worth it.  Strong female characters, glimpses into history, intriguing story lines, what more could you want? 

Code Name Verity

Author: Elizabeth Wein
Ages: 15-18 years old
Genre: YA, Historical Fiction, Thriller

  

Summary via Goodreads:

I have two weeks. You’ll shoot me at the end no matter what I do.

That’s what you do to enemy agents. It’s what we do to enemy agents. But I look at all the dark and twisted roads ahead and cooperation is the easy way out. Possibly the only way out for a girl caught red-handed doing dirty work like mine — and I will do anything, anything, to avoid SS-Hauptsturmführer von Linden interrogating me again.

He has said that I can have as much paper as I need. All I have to do is cough up everything I can remember about the British War Effort. And I’m going to. But the story of how I came to be here starts with my friend Maddie. She is the pilot who flew me into France — an Allied Invasion of Two.

We are a sensational team.

Review: 

Through the writings of Maddie and Julia the reader the story unfolds of these two strong girls and their involvement in the war.  To be honest, I was bored through the first part of the book.  There was a lot of details about flying planes and the role of the ATA in the war.  Interesting facts, but they don't make much of a book.  BUT, then it happens--the twist in the story line, and just as you are about to give up on the book you suddenly cannot read it fast enough and it is ending too soon.  I was so glad I kept reading though this book because the rest of the book is worth it.  Maddie and Julia make for strong characters who give the reader an idea of what it was like to be involved in World War II.  I appreciated that it presented a different viewpoint of the war than the typical one of concentration camps and hiding from the Nazis.  Although those stories are important to history, presenting a different side of the story might help to capture a reader who does not typically read historical fiction.

Rose Under Fire

Author: Elizabeth Wein
Ages: 15-18 years
Genre: YA, Historical Fiction

Summary via Goodreads:

While flying an Allied fighter plane from Paris to England, American ATA pilot and amateur poet, Rose Justice, is captured by the Nazis and sent to Ravensbrück, the notorious women's concentration camp. Trapped in horrific circumstances, Rose finds hope in the impossible through the loyalty, bravery and friendship of her fellow prisoners. But will that be enough to endure the fate that’s in store for her?

Elizabeth Wein, author of the critically-acclaimed and best-selling Code Name Verity, delivers another stunning WWII thriller. The unforgettable story of Rose Justice is forged from heart-wrenching courage, resolve, and the slim, bright chance of survival.

Review:

I was unsure what to expect from this book. I was pleasantly surprised to have Maddie reappear in this book in a minor role.  However, this book was very different from Verity.  While Verity was about the involvement in war, this was the typical book on the horrors of Nazi concentration camps while prisoners cling to hope and fight to survive.  The characters in the book are strong, yet honest and portray raw emotions based on what they are forced to go through.  I have always been horrified, yet felt the need to be aware of what took place.  While the book is based on fictional characters, the book in a way tells the story of people who once were real and had to endure the atrocities that the book depicts.  It is the mix of fact and fiction, combined with hope that moves the story forward so that you cannot put the book down until you hear Rose's story.

Book Review: 45 Pounds (More or Less)

Title: 45 Pounds (More or Less)
Author: K.A. Baron
Genre: Realistic Fiction, YA
Ages: 13 to 17 years

Goodreads Summary:
She is 16.
And a size 17.
Her perfect mother is a size 6.
Her Aunt Jackie is getting married in 10 weeks, and wants Ann to be her bridesmaid.
So Ann makes up her mind: Time to lose 45 pounds (more or less) in 2 1/2 months.

Welcome to the world of informercial diet plans, wedding dance lessons, embarrassing run-ins with the cutest guy Ann’s ever seen—-and some surprises about her NOT-so-perfect mother. 

And there’s one more thing. It’s all about feeling comfortable in your own skin-—no matter how you add it up!

Review:
The best part of this book? It's realistic main character.  Ann struggles to deal with a self-consciousness that comes with her weight, along with a complicated family situation, friendship struggles, and the new, unsure feelings that comes with a new crush.  Baron tackles overeating as well as anorexia in order to demonstrate the balance that is truly healthy eating.  In the end, Ann is able to discover and appreciate a balanced healthy lifestyle thanks to her family's help.  She is able to recognize the people in her life for who they are.  Most importantly, she learns who she is as a person, and that the number on the scale is only a small reflection of that person.



*ARC provided by NetGalley

Review: The Rules for Disappearing

Title: The Rules for Disappearing
Author: Ashley Elston
Genre: Suspense, thriller, realistic fiction, YA
Ages: 15-18 years

Goodreads Description:
She’s been six different people in six different places: Madeline in Ohio, Isabelle in Missouri, Olivia in Kentucky . . . But now that she’s been transplanted to rural Louisiana, she has decided that this fake identity will be her last.

Witness Protection has taken nearly everything from her. But for now, they’ve given her a new name, Megan Rose Jones, and a horrible hair color. For the past eight months, Meg has begged her father to answer one question: What on earth did he do – or see – that landed them in this god-awful mess? Meg has just about had it with all the Suits’ rules — and her dad’s silence. If he won’t help, it’s time she got some answers for herself.

But Meg isn’t counting on Ethan Landry, an adorable Louisiana farm boy who’s too smart for his own good. He knows Meg is hiding something big. And it just might get both of them killed. As they embark on a perilous journey to free her family once and for all, Meg discovers that there’s only one rule that really matters — survival.

My Review:

This book had something for everyone--suspense, action, romance.  The idea of being in the Witness Protection program is an interesting one, especially surviving the process while also dealing with the normal struggles of being a teenager.  The main character is mature and strong, dealing with many issues including surviving the witness protection program, an alcoholic mother, and taking care of her younger sister.  However, readers relate to her as she also deals with figuring out who she is, avoiding drama caused by the popular mean girl, and having a crush on a cute boy.  The book was well written and filled with suspense and action that make it easy to keep the pages turning.


*ARC provided by NetGalley.

Book Review: Twerp

Twerp by Mark Goldblatt
Ages: 12-15 years old

Description according to Goodreads:
Julian Twerski isn't a bully. He's just made a big mistake. So when he returns to school after a week long suspension, his English teacher offers him a deal: if he keeps a journal and writes about the terrible incident that got him and his friends suspended, he can get out of writing a report on Shakespeare. Julian jumps at the chance. And so begins his account of life in sixth grade--blowing up homemade fireworks, writing a love letter for his best friend (with disastrous results), and worrying whether he's still the fastest kid in school. Lurking in the background, though, is the one story he can't bring himself to tell, the one story his teacher most wants to hear.

My Review:
This book quickly pulled me in, with its numerous short stories and antics of the main character, Julian, and his friends.  There is a lot of material for tweens to connect to such as friendships, crushes, first dates, and sports.  However, the author does a great job of tackling a very serious subject matter, bullying, and how a "prank" or "joke" can escalate and turn out to be less funny and more hurtful than intended.  The author hints at this ugly incident throughout the book, but allows the reader to get to know the characters and their world before revealing what happened in its entirety--a smart moves that lends itself to a well-wrapped up ending.



*ARC provided by NetGalley.

Book Review: Dash & Lily's Book of Dares

Title: Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares
Author: Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
Genre: YA, Realistic Fiction, Novel
Summary: Lily is bored with her life and wants to meet a boy, so with the help of her brother she starts plants a notebook in a bookstore.  Dash stumbles upon this notebook and is intrigued; he decides to up the ante by creating dares of his own for Lily to complete.  Soon the two are communicating in the notebook while using the dares to live life outside of the notebook at the same time. 
Evaluation: This was a simple, fun read.  I liked that the concept of a book, of using a notebook to get to know someone.  The authors did a nice job of expanding that plot and allowing the notebook to help the characters to learn more about themselves while finding a life outside of the book.  There was some swearing in the book, but not too much.  Fans of romance, realistic fiction, or someone looking for a holiday read would enjoy this book.

*This book was provided by NetGalley. 

Book Review: Bridge to Terabithia

Title: Bridge to Terabithia

Author: Katherine Paterson

Awards Won: Newbery Medal

Recommended Age Span and Why: This book is recommended for children ages 11 to 14 partly due to the writing style, but mainly because of the more mature subject matter of the death of one of the main characters.  

Genre: Realistic Fiction, Novel

Brief Summary: When a new girl moves in next door, Jess is apathetic until he finds himself becoming friends with her and having adventures until a tragic accident occurs.

Evaluation & Use with Children:  This was a very enjoyable read.  A personal favorite part of the book is when the characters create an imaginary kingdom, especially since that kingdom is based on another book.  Hopefully, it encourages children to create their own imaginary lands and adventures.  Moreover, the book deals with the issue of death.  The author handles the topic in such a way as to make it appropriate for children.  The various stages of grieving are also covered through the main character.  Readers who have lost a loved one can empathize with the characters in the book, while those who have not had that experience may have understanding for their peers going through the situation.  The author weaves in a good message about the importance of finding balance between having a healthy fear and living life courageously, which is an especially appropriate message considering the tragic accident that occurs.

There are a few ways that the book could be used when working with children.  The book could be used as a way to discuss death and grieving.  Also, the book could be used with art to inspire children to illustrate their own imaginary kingdoms.  The book could be read along with The Chronicles of Narnia and then activities dealing with comparison could be done with the two books.  Compare and contrast activities could also be done between city life and country life since Jess and Leslie were from these very different places.

inspire

Currently I am taking a course called Resources and Services for Young Adults. A class I feel that I am going to come to love! After finishing my most recent assigned readings, I walked away feeling inspired. In our role, librarians have an incredible opportunity to impact the teenagers we work with. Teenagers have come to have a bad reputation and can be looked down upon in our society, but why? We were all teenagers once we should be able to relate to them and more importantly RESPECT them. As corny as it may sound, these individuals are the future. They have the potential to do great and amazing things. More powerfully, we have the opportunity to get to know these young adults, to help them find books that will help them to grow into themselves, and to be the adult they can turn to that will give them respect. What role do you want to play in the lives of the young adults around you?

online learning

This semester 3 of my 4 classes were online.  I had never taken a class in an online format and was a little apprehensive.  However, I feel that the online format while very different from a traditional format suited me.  At times I missed the in-class discussions, and the general socializing between classmates.  However, I enjoyed the flexibility and the opportunity to fully form my thoughts before joining in the dialogue.  I found that these factors meant that I was able to take then time to really integrate the lessons into my knowledge base, something that I discovered when I was able to take knowledge and apply it into other areas—other classes, practicum experiences, and discussions with my friends.  Learning should be lifelong, especially in this field, and online conferences and webinars will be useful for keeping up to date professionally.  Overall, my online learning experience was good and worked for me, which is good since I am signed up for 2 more online classes next semester!

It seems that education is changing, as can be seen with the number of students involved in distance education and flipped classrooms.  Having experience with online classes can be valuable, as a future school librarian.  While I am still occasionally on campus for class, I can still relate to how valuable online resources are.  As we enter the field it is important to be creative in coming up with services that suit the needs of the students we are serving.  Distance learning students may be unable to come to the school library—what tools will they need? If a student in a flipped classroom is having a difficult time learning a particular concept will we as the librarian be able to help them locate a resource that will help them understand?  Our goal should be serving the community, regardless of whether they are standing in front of the reference desk with a question or sitting on their couch at home needing information.  Being able to relate to the needs of the students is critical in order to find ways to serve them.

Tackling Technology

This past semester has truly opened my eyes to how technology is changing our world.  While some of it can be scary, it is also exciting to think of all the new opportunities that are also opening up with these changes.  It is a thrilling time to begin a career as a school librarian.  There is a need for teachers, and especially teacher librarians, to step up and lead the way into the future.

As I’ve learned from experience these past weeks, some of the new technologies take effort to learn.   However, it was well worth it.  I am grateful that the course made me take the time to explore some Web 2.0 tools, some of which had been on my list to learn for a while.  Others, such as Diigo, I was not aware of yet now that I have started using it I have discovered just how valuable of a tool it is.  Recently, I noticed that I have been much more eager and willing to investigate new Web 2.0 tools and ideas of how to incorporate them into the classroom quickly follows.

The thought of learning new programs might be intimidating, but the time and effort it takes is well worth it.  They are especially valuable if we are able to bring them into the classroom so that our students can learn to effectively, wisely, and safely navigate the digital world.  There are numerous creative ways to use Web 2.0 tools.  Our education system is changing and must change if we are to provide our students with the skills they will need to be successful.

Educating Teachers and Students

Many would agree, that in order to encourage learning there are several guidelines to follow.  These include, meeting the student where they are, providing purpose, engaging students in the subject, and providing resources for learning.  The article in Tech&Learning (http://www.techlearning.com/article/right-to-copy/43232) reminded me that these same guidelines will apply when keeping others aware of copyright laws.  The article gave quite a few practical tips and guidelines for promoting copyright awareness in the school.  It was especially nice that tips were given for educating teachers on the subject, but also ways to help motivate teachers to pass on their new knowledge about copyright onto their students.

Just as collaboration between the SLMS and the teacher can result in engaging lessons, the pairing on the SLMS and teacher can result in making all students more conscientious of their use of information because teachers will be informed and can reinforce the importance of obeying copyright laws.  The SLMS has an important task when it comes to educating both students and teachers on copyright and how they can use information and technology while still obeying the law.

encouraging change

One of my favorite things about this class has been the way that my eyes have been opened to the use of technology in the classroom.  I am inspired every time I read Will Richardson’s book.  Technology creates a number of creative ways for students to learn and be engaged.  I understand the pressure teachers are under and that they do not always have the time needed to explore the possibilities of bringing technology in the classroom.  However, this makes me more determined that the role of the school librarians should be to assist in bringing web 2.0 tools into the school and helping students learn necessary 21^st century skills.

Looking at Google Earth this week was really interesting.  Although I had heard of Google Earth, I had never taken the time to really explore it.  Now that I am more aware of all that it has to offer, the number of possibilities it has for education is amazing.  It also fit really well with my professional development project theme of virtual field trips.  Part of my reason for choosing the topic was to help busy teachers realize one way that they can incorporate technology into their own classrooms.  I would hope that virtual field trips would be a starting entry into encouraging teachers to build more lessons involving technology and for them to realize how many possibilities there are out there.  Hopefully, teachers are also open to the idea of collaboration with the school librarian.  I feel that collaborative lessons are a good opportunity to involve new technology tools and 21^st century skills.  There are so many new ways for students to learn.  When I am a SLMS, I hope to help integrate and technology and new ways of learning into the school.