PPTs Dos And Donts

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PPTs Dos And Donts

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October - Scary Titles

Since it is October I would like for students (and teachers) to share any books that may send a chill down the spine. What immediately comes to mind is Darren Shan's Cirque du Freak series that follows a character who has been turned into a vampire. Also, very popular is the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. This best-selling series will soon come to the big screen in November. Be sure to read the books first to compare! Others I like include Jade Green by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, The Boy Who Couldn't Die and The Skeleton Man by Joseph Bruchac, and Beasties by William Sleator. I am also a big fan of Neal Shusterman's Full Tilt, a story that revolves around a spooky carnival in which the characters must complete all the rides or their minds will forever be trapped inside the fair. Shusterman also has a series of Dark Fusion books; my favorite being Red Rider's Hood. Let me know what your favorite scary book is and what makes it so spooky. If your response is posted, come by the media center for a prize!
Check you later, Mrs. Kicker

SC Junior Book Award Nominees

I'm really excited about this year's nominees, and I hope all you readers out there will share your views of the nominees and generate some enthusiasm for the program. I had a discussion about one of the nominees, Victory with a student Friday. I must admit that this book was not one of my favorites, but the student really enjoyed it. This list has something for all tastes: historical fiction, poetry, nonfiction, fantasy, science fiction, and realistic fiction. One of my favorites is Crossing the Wire by Will Hobbs. It tells the story of a 15 year old Mexican boy who dreams of making it to America by illegally crossing the Mexico/United States' border (wire). Whatever your views on "Illegals", this gives you insight into their realities and Victor's struggles to gain access to the US are very suspenseful. Let me know what you think of it.

We are expecting multiple copies of the nominees to be delivered this week so check back often. Remember they are located on the shelves to the right as you walk in so you can quickly see if the one you want is available.
Later, Mrs. Kicker

Read a Good Book Lately?

So often we learn of a great book when someone recommends one rather than happening upon one on the shelf. But, of course, that can happen too. Because "word of mouth" is the best advertising, I would like for students, teachers, parents to give their suggestions of "Must Reads". Blogging about books will probably be good for me because I tend to enjoy (or not) a book and then forget the details about it after I've started a new one. So, jotting down my thoughts right after I finish a book will be helpful. One great book I've read this school year is Alabama Moon by Watt Key.

"After the death of his father, ten-year-old Moon Blake is removed from the Alabama forest where he was raised and sent to a boy's home, where, for the first time, he has contact with the outside world and learns about friendship, love, and humanity."

Give it a try or let's hear your suggestions for really good reads. A new feature of our OPAC allows readers to write reviews of books. Check it out!!
Ms. Kicker

New Beginnings

I am excited to join the staff of Riverside Middle School. I really look forward to meeting and working with the students and the staff. Now that Riverside has grown to over 1000 students, I will be one of two media specialists. Having two media specialists gives us the opportunity to work closely and personally with students to provide reading guidance and to explore and implement new technologies.