|
Teen librarian Joanne Albano and Teen author Jen Calonita
|
|
Calendar
August 1 7:00 p.m. at Smithtown-Nesconset CLASC Book Forum
August 18 at Long Island Hilton Battle of the Books Regional Competition.
August 20 at Long Island Hilton Battle of the Books Final Competition.
September 10 Bare Bones Photoshop for Digital Projects online webinar.
September 20 9:30 a.m. at Harborfields YASD meeting.
October 4 9:30 a.m. at Commack Borders YA Librarians' Salon.
October 14-20 YALSA Teen Read Week
October 24 1:00 p.m. at SCLS Database Training
November 2 at Baldwin Childrens Literature Festival
|
|
Awards, Contests, & Grants
October 1 Constitution Day
|
Memorium
Cpl. Christopher Scherer
June 29, 1986
July 21, 2007
In our hearts a memory will always be kept,
of one we love,
and will never forget.
|
|
| Greetings!
The questions have been approved and finalized, medals and ribbons ordered, and the excitement is building for the Eleventh Annual Battle of the Books. We're in a new venue, the Hilton Long Island Huntington. This year, for the first time, a Coach's Award will be presented. This award will be determined by the judges and will be announced at the Regional Competitions on August 18.
On Thursday, October 4 the salon at Commack Borders will be a post-Battle discussion. What did you like? How can we make it better? Please come and share your ideas.
Note to the East End libraries: I will be happy to hold a similar meeting at Riverhead if there is interest. Please let me know if you would like a Riverhead meeting to discuss Battle of the Books.
See you on the 18th!
Barbara |
|
|
Battle of the Books
Congratulations to the Battle of the Books teams who have built a school/library connection. The assistant coach at Patchogue-Medford Library, Melissa McBride is a school librarian by day, teen librarian by night. Both Melissa and head coach, Brian Schwartz have developed a great group that come together for the fun and refreshments. Even teens who are not members of the official team come to the battle meetings. I attended a meeting and they are fun! We are pleased to welcome a new team to this year's competition: Floyd Memorial Library. Kudos to coach Joe Cortale, who visited the school to recruit not only players, but the school media specialist Kathy Richter as his assistant coach. Way to go Joe!
Tracy Van Dyne at Connetquot Public Library started with a "kick-off" meeting explaining the program and the point system she uses to determine the "final six" who will compete. Teens accumulate points by participating in training sessions, writing practice questions, and other team activities. The six teens with the most points go to the Regional Competition. Great idea Tracy!
Special thanks to our dedicated judges who have spent hours going over each individual question; Andrew Bollerman, who created the fantastic logo; and extravagant bouquets to Teri Hatred who has created all the spread sheets, question cards, programs, and every other document needed to make Battle of the Books a success. We couldn't do this without you!
|
|
Graphic Novel Symposium  This is your chance to hear from some of the leading people in the field of graphic novels! One presenter that you won't want to miss is Rich Johnson of Yen Press. I recently read a galley of the Yen Press title: With the Light: Raising an Autistic Child by Keiko Tobe. This is a ground-breaking book that shatters many traditional boundaries for graphic novels. It tells a beautifully illustrated and compelling story. In addition, it offers support and practical help for those whose lives have been touched by a disability. I think that with this title, graphic novels have taken a major step, from which there will be no turning back. I can't wait to hear what Rich has to say!
Seating is limited and seats are filling up fast. You don't want to miss this. Registration is required and is available online. For more information, check out the symposium website and wiki. |
|
| Examination Collection
Issues That Concern You is a Booklist 2007 Top 10 Youth Series Nonfiction pick. Obesity by Erin Dillon follows the format used by Opposing Viewpoints. The chapters are short and the print is large, with liberal use of photos, cartoons, and charts, which  makes this series very "user friendly" for teens who have reading difficulties. I especially liked the comparison chart of a "serving size" for typical foods such as hamburgers, sodas, even popcorn from 1954 to 2004. An index and extensive back matter are included. Another series that may be of interest is Writing the Critical Essay. Each title in the series presents an Opposing Viewpoints topic (for example: Illegal Immigration). The first section of the book offers six differing viewpoints on illegal immigration. The second section of the book teaches teens how to use the information to create a Five-Paragraph or Cause and Effect Essay. Helpful information on including sources of information, MLA style, and sample essay topics are included. It's a great resource for a "one stop shopping" essay.
Papercutz is a new graphic novel company for tweens. Board to  Death by Scott Lobdell and Paulo Henrique is a tongue-in-cheek Hardy Boys mystery set at a skate board competition. Like Ethan Hunt, the boys receive their assignment via a "multiplatform cartridge". From the suspects, it was easy to pick out the main culprit. However, one of the accomplices was a surprise. I always like a mystery that keeps me guessing. Papercutz will have some catalogs available at the symposium.
Oddly Normal: Family Reunion by Otis Frampton and Sergio  Quijada is the story of "a 10-year old girl with the most unfortunate name and the luck to go with it." Although the story is fun and easy to follow, the "insider" jokes had me in stitches! There are great send-ups to Shakespeare, the Bible, and worn-out cliches. Even comic books don't escape this author's wit. This is one comic everyone can enjoy!
If you want to catch up, you can read the first chapter of Volume One online.
Please consult the July Review Books Memo for a complete listing of all titles available for examination.
|
|
|
