#KidLit4BlackLives

I planned my whole evening around it.  Prepped for dinner in the afternoon. Ate much earlier than usual. We were ready to sit down by 7.

It is archived here: #KidLit4BlackLives.

I wanted to listen and not take notes but after awhile, I just couldn't help myself.

"Crawl toward judgement. Sprint to understanding."-Jason Reynolds

"Every little bit is a lot."-Jason Reynolds

"Joy is revolutionary."-Denene Milner

When he showed us his largest version of a drawing of "Black Lives Matter" Raul the Third reminded us that we need to "Shout it out."

Jacqueline Woodson was amazing as always. Derrick Barnes read this incredible poem that made me cry. Gene Luen Yang. Cornelius Minor. Paula Chase. Sarah Crossan. Karianne Holt spoke to me.  Linda Sue Park. Christopher Myers. Kwame Alexander. Renee Watson. Chanting with Elizabeth Acevedo.

"We are raising them not to be silent."-Sara Ahmed

 

I will be more conscious. I will not just say, but I will do. As Raul the Third told us "Read books. Watch films. Listen to music." I already stock my shelves with lots of black and brown writers and illustrators, but I can always do more and I will. I will keep talking with my daughter and son. My students and friends. My husband and mom. As we raise our children not to be silent, we are making noise ourselves. Shout. It. Out. I will be an antiracist. #BlackLivesMatter

STAMPED

I'm going to make this brief and to the point.

Everyone (young people, old people, parents, educators, administrators, stakeholders, everyone) needs to read this book. I mean, look what I wrote in my book journal after I listened to the it.  No notes. No quotes. No review, really. Believe me, I could have filled many pages with quotes but yet, just this:

Jason Reynolds was an amazing morning and luncheon keynote yesterday at the School Library Journal's Day of Dialog.  Jason with Ibram X. Kendi, the adult STAMPED author, kicked off the day inspiring us all.  "Words matter," Jason said. "Strive in each moment to be anti-racist," Kendi plead. Jason described racism as a virus. People can be asymptomatic and still pass it on.  STAMPED is the vaccine and we all need to ingest it. He said it. I say it. Everyone needs to read this book.

My 17 year old daughter sat with me for the lunch keynote and didn't move until Jason disappeared. All I wrote in my notes was, "AMAZING! IMPORTANT!" He became the topic of our dinner conversation that turned to the current events then anger and ultimately, tears. She wants to make a difference. She wants Jason's and #OwnVoices books to be a part of our curriculum. She feels so passionate about this that she wants to do the research and present to the BOE and I support her.  I just forwarded her this article from SLJ and this one.  

I can't speak to the print version of the book, but I will say, the audio of STAMPED is so powerful.  Odyssey and Grammy worthy for sure. Jason reads it and I felt like he was reading to me. I'm sure the print is just as good.  I'll let you know because we'll be getting a copy delivered to my house. I can safely say that my daughter doesn't read my blog so I can share that I ordered her a copy as a graduation gift. I may just slip in a few pages (or the whole book) myself sometime this summer before she embarks on her next chapter. I wouldn't be surprised if she packs STAMPED in among her toothpaste and extra long sheets.  It's that essential.

Running on Empty

This Saturday I was supposed to run my first half marathon in many years.  Right before we quarantined I ran seven miles. Then I stopped. Instead I have chosen to walk at least 10,000 steps a day. My mental, emotional and physical being needs it.

Now I am getting emails about how to run in this "virtual" race or that one.  Do I want the swag? Do I need the push? Maybe. No matter what, I think I will lace up those running shoes this weekend. It helps that I already have a good book queued up.

Jason Reynolds

PE Teacher and his book group Dec 2017

Since we're talking running and I am a librarian, I can't go without mentioning the Track Series by Jason Reynolds.  I know I have talked about them before. But did I ever say how good the audio is? I listened to them WHILE I was running and it was the perfect match.

Ahhh...Jason Reynolds...

Everyday at 10:30 on some social media platform (Instagram Live this week) we have the opportunity to listen to some incredible writers read from their work. Kwame Alexander, Jacqueline Woodson, now Jason.  Jason is reading from Look Both Ways, but the most meaningful for all of these folks is the commentary.  Today, I took down some of his quotes.  He read the short story, "Five Things Easier To Do Than Simeon's and Kenzi's Handshake" and shared with us that the handshake in sign language means, "I can hear you even when the world can't."

And I can't remember the context before he said this but I wrote it down because it came from the bottom of his heart. This guy. "I love kids enough to pay attention to them."

Finally, Jason, as the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature has begun a new program through the Library of Congress, "Write. Right. Rite."  Here's the introduction video:



So every Tuesday and Thursday, Jason will post a new writing prompt. Tuesday it was make up your own award for yourself and today it was make up your own tattoo.  I personally like this one since I have been considering getting a tattoo (don't know what, don't know where) for a few years.  "What do you want to live with you and on you for the rest of your life?"  Interesting...It was a great conversation starter at dinner tonight.

Today Jason on his Instagram emphasized the importance of learning the rules of writing, of the English language, even if it means just so we can "bend and brake them." Maybe ELA teachers wouldn't be too keen in him saying this but I get it.  Oh, that, Jason Reynolds, he is truly special.

You should be able to find all of his Write. Right. Rite videos at this link from the Library of Congress.

Girl Running: Bobbi Gibb and the Boston Marathon

We're still talking about running, right?

Patriots Day is this coming Monday, the day of the Boston Marathon. Not this year.

Did you know women were not allowed to enter the race back in the day?  Bobbi Gibb was the first woman to run it and at first, illegally. She didn't even have the right shoes on her feet.

I love this book written by Annette Bay Pimentel and illustrated by Micha Archer. It was on my Sibert Smackdown list.  We made runners out of giant popsicle sticks and pipe cleaners. I shared it with many classes, across the grade levels. If Bobbi's perseverance doesn't get you running, I don't know what will.

Here are some discussion questions from the Unleashing Readers blog and some activities from Penguin Classroom.

I found this inspiring video of Bobbi Gibb.  What can you do to break the mold?



Looking forward to putting on some miles this weekend.
Just for the swag? Perhaps.

On the 8th Day of National Poetry Month

On the 8th Day of National Poetry Month My True Love Gave to Me

Woke

The book I am loving right now, at this exact moment, on the 8th day of National Poetry Month is  Woke: A Young Poet’s Guide to Justice. Written by Mahogany L. Browne with Elizabeth Acevedo and Olivia Gatwood; illustrated by Theodore Taylor III. I was asked to recommend a book for the NYSUT (our state Teacher's Union) magazine and I chose this one. I love every poem in it and you will, too.  You, a parent, a teacher, a grandparent, and students from K to college will find words, phrases, whole poems that will speak to you, spark discussions, forge conversations and more.  Anyone who reads this book will be moved to write to the publisher requesting to enlarge, print out and post every poem in the book. It doesn't hurt that the illustrations are moving, too.

Macmillan sort of knew that was coming when they made this poster downloadable but they have to know that one is not enough. Let's all let them know and when you do, be sure to tag them with #mackidspoetry. Tell them I sent you!

The Crossover + Brown Girl Dreaming=Reading Rainbows

It was so great to listen to Kwame Alexander read The Crossover  last week.  At 10:30 every day this week, Jackie Woodson is treating us to her, Brown Girl Dreaming. Ahhh....I loved (still love) both those books so much.  Don't tell Kwame, but I was pretty confident that Brown Girl Dreaming was going to win the Newbery award that year.  I can still hear the 5th grade ELA teacher at the time, Mr. Reischer saying, "Are you sure, Ms. Rattner?" 

Here's a little taste of Jackie's reading.  Maybe you can tune in on Facebook live and get this treat for the next three days.

I love how Jackie concludes each session with: 

Be kind.

Stay safe.

Don't be a racist.

Love each other up.

Not a book in verse, but I believe Jason Reynolds will be reading Look Both Ways next week live. (This will be confirmed on Friday.) Something to look forward to for sure. Until then, Jackie announced today that at 6pm on Twitter tonight Levar Burton, of "Reading Rainbow" will be reading an excerpt from Look Both Ways.  Did you know he was reading aloud every M/W/F? Not verse books but LeVar reads so soothingly and poetically, that it almost could be:

Welcome, all! I’ll be reading “Amazing Grace” by Mary Hoffman & my own children’s book. Enjoy. https://t.co/643BPVC7s6

— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) April 6, 2020

When Jason was on with Kwame last week he said something that has stuck with me, "Have a little extra. Do a little extra." I hope everyone who is able can do a little extra. I'm trying...

When You Know What I Know

I am excited to read debut author, Sonja K. Solter's novel in verse, When You Know What I Know.  From the blurb, "A sensitive, harrowing, and ultimately hopeful novel in verse about one girl's journey in the aftermath of sexual abuse." It sounds like it is another important book to be paired with Kate Messner's Chirp and Kimberly Brubaker Bradley's painful but necessary book, Fighting Words. 

Closer to Nowhere

My friend, Alicia, loves Ellen Hopkins.  To be honest, I haven't read any of her books.  But that will change now. I just received her new verse novel (pubs in October) and can't wait to read it and join the Ellen Hopkins fan club.

BenBee and the Teacher Griefer

    

I am multitasking today and have two computers going--one for school work; one for the #MiddleGradeMagic event.  In one of the early sessions, K.A. Holt was a panelist talking about her new (pubs in September, we hope!) middle grade novel in verse, BenBee and the Teacher Griefer. I love her stuff. Plus, bonus--She's from Texas! 

Fun fact: The first time I test Skyped with Kwame back in December 2014, he recommended her book, Rhyme Schemer, to me. Next day it came in the mail.  Strange coincidence?

Kari Anne described the book as a funny book that "celebrates the divergent thinkers."  She said she and her editor keep thinking about the kids in the book and asked the other day, "What is [the character] Jordan doing in quarantine?" Not sure I'm going to get this quote right, but that she hopes readers will find ourselves in these kids. I can't wait to read it!

May your true love be good to you today and every day and you always find time for some poetry. 💗

Let's Talk SPORTS

If you have a child at home who was SO looking forward to March Madness (me!) or any other event, ESPN's Hardwood classics may not be cutting it.  Yesterday, our ears and eyes actually perked up when the news came in that Tom Brady may be signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I wonder what the many Patriots fans at Castleton Elementary School are thinking. It certainly was a mini distraction from all other news for a bit.

Here is Lisa Cline-Ransome reading her book, Game Changers: The Story of Venus and Serena Williams illustrated by James E. Ransome.  Maybe you can make your own tennis court in your backyard or just trying to see how many times you can bounce a ball on a tennis racket without dropping it.




Below, check out National Ambassador for Children's Literature, the incomparable Jason Reynolds, reads the first chapter from his middle grade novel, Ghost.  Note: There are some mature themes in the book, but it is so good.  Maybe you can find a copy on Overdrive and read it together with your child.  And afterwards, you just might be hooked and want to read all the other books in the "Track" series.


In this segment, Jason talks about World Records.  Thanks to author Kate Messner for the idea of going to the World Records page, here are some active ideas to try outside: https://kids.guinnessworldrecords.com/activities/try-this-at-home-backyard.

Here is a story from NPR from our friend, Kwame Alexander.  Although it is not sports related per se, he has written many books with sports themes and beyond (The Crossover, Booked, The Undefeated are just a few and they are all on Overdrive).

Take a listen below and then challenge yourself to write an ekphrastic poem.  (You'll have to listen to find out what that means lol!).


If you want to view the art referred to in the story, go to this link.

Kwame has a new book coming out in October written with James Patterson on Cassisus Clay (Muhammed Ali).  Here's a brief article about it with the cover reveal.

Research

Is there someone in the world of sports you would like to find more about? Check out our databases on the CES website.  We have Pebble Go, World Book, Britannica.  If you do learn something new, share it with me!

Movies

My family is going to start catching up on our sports related movies and series.  Last night was HOOSIERS.  Common Sense Media rates it for ages 9+ here. It's based on a true story about a small town in Indiana that works its way up to the state championship.  Tonight might be MIRACLE.

And...

Don't forget to look at Mr. Biehler's Twitter posts every day for tips to stay physically active.  Here's his tweet from yesterday:

Hey @CastletonES check out the @SchodackCSD website for some fantastic stuff from all of your teachers (specials included). Here is a fun activity the Biehlers played to break up the morning. pic.twitter.com/WPmVY46Rhm

— Eric Biehler (@coachbiehler) March 17, 2020

I'm trying to walk or run every day.  While out, I saw one second grader riding her scooter and one kindergartener riding his bike (without training wheels!).  Today is a beautiful day in Castleton. I hope the sun can brighten your day and outlook.

As always, stay happy, healthy and positive! xo Ms. Rattner

Quotable NErDCampMI 2019

Here's a VERY brief collection of quotes from Day 1.

Pen and trusty yellow legal pad in hand, I tried to get some good quotes.  Although, I have to admit, there were times when I inhaled for five, exhaled for ten and just listened deeply.

"No one else wants another silent female.  We have enough of those."-Pernille Ripp (and in my notes I put my daughter's initials with a ♡.  She is far from a silent female and makes me proud every day. Later Pernille said, "Nothing wrong with being angry if you do something about it...Embrace anger as a tool."

"What happens to one of us, happens to all of us."-Alicia Williams.  I was thrilled to listen to her and meet her later that day.  At least two people have recommended her book as a strong Newbery contender.

Ahhh...Cece Bell.  I love how she thought she visited my school.  I had to remind her that I was just an annoying, pushy librarian pre-Newbery 2015 and then we finally did get to Skype post-Newbery.

"We need to keep reading books so we can laugh together, discover ourselves and discover each other."

Cece has a new book out about underwear and feet. How could that NOT be funny?

Laurie.Halse.Anderson.  

I could listen to her SPEAK forever. A couple of times, I caught glimpses of her wandering but was too timid to say hello.  Here's my takeaway--I need to talk to my secondary librarian and MS ELA teachers. Chains has been part of the 7th grade curriculum forever.  Now let's make Speak part of 8th grade and Shout a HS and all district faculty book club.  Laurie referenced her January Time magazine essay.  Read it here.  My son will be 13 next month. He doesn't know it yet, but we have some uncomfortable, yet crucial, conversations ahead of us. And discussing Speak is at the top of that list.

Donalyn Miller.

Another idol of probably every camper and beyond.

"No matter who you signed a contract with, you made a contract to society and all its children."  Donalyn charged us all to "make good trouble" as we hold up our end of the contract.

Jason Reynolds.

"Jason Reynolds sits in your classroom every day unrecognized."

"Don't feel sad; feel angry."

"When that bell rings, everyone takes a different journey home." 

(about his forthcoming book, Look Both Ways, a collection of stories of ten kids during the 10 unsupervised minutes walking home.)

Want more? I'm sure when I was breathing, others were jotting. Check out the #NErDCampMI tweets for more inspiration...

Ghost Boys

I can't stop thinking about the poetic, thought provoking, new middle grade novel, Ghost Boys, by Jewell Parker Rhodes.  I guarantee it will stick with you well after you finish it, too.

This is not just the story of Jerome, our present day 12 year old protagonist from Chicago recently shot and killed by Officer Moore.  It is also 1955 Emmett Till's story who comes back as a "ghost boy" and all the other "ghost boys" who have followed.

Told from Jerome's first person point of view alive and as a ghost, this is the chilling account of the day he was murdered and what follows.  The sadness his Ma and Pa cannot shake.  The relationship "Ghost Boy" Jerome begins with Sarah, Officer Moore's 12 year old daughter. The guilt Carlos, Jerome's new friend, carries with him. Grandma and little sister, Kim, moving forward. We witness it all.

I'm struggling with who I will recommend read this.  The publisher is suggesting 10 and up.  Will I feel comfortable reading it with my fifth graders?  I think so?  It is such an important book that can serve as a precursor for readers of anything by Jason Reynolds and the newly multi-medal winning The Hate You Give. This can get a very important conversation started between teachers, librarians, students, parents, administrators.

And it will encourage anyone to dive into further research, just as I did.  I hopped onto Britannica because I was curious about how the elementary level would address Emmett Till.  I was pleased to find the entry for him was appropriate and verified much of what was included in Ghost Boys.

"Everyone needs their story heard."  Thank you, Jewell, for writing Jerome's story for young people. His words will help to bring up the past with hopes of making a difference in the future.

"Only the living can make change."  -JPR

I'm now ready to find out what these rising sixth graders (we are past the 100th day of school) think.  Stay tuned.

Another step to being Future Ready? Collaborate with PE...

I dedicate this post to Dr. Jen Cannell, for without her nudge I never would have considered attending a PE conference be beneficial.

This year I am mentoring a PE teacher.  Seemed odd at first and honestly, I wasn't sure I was the best fit.  Library and PE?  How and what could I ever do to mentor him?  And yet, 10 weeks down, I think we make a pretty good pair.

Jen Cannell, my partner in our fondness of Texas, is now the School Library System Director for Capital Region BOCES.  Talking with her this summer, she told me that she was going to charge the librarians in her new region to attend a conference outside of the library world.  Even though she is no longer my system director, I took that to heart .  What could Eric and I do as a mentor/mentee team?  Of course! Attend the NYS AHPERD (Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance) together! And last Thursday we did! If that isn't outside my discipline, I don't know what is!

The morning began with Dave Burgess, "Teach Like a Pirate."  Although he spoke faster than a leaping cheetah, I did get a few good ideas from him.

I walked in a tad late to my first workshop and nearly fainted.  One small group was talking about how they incorporate The Crossover in the health curriculum. Kwame is everywhere! But even though I have read that book many times, I never considered how it could be used outside of the library and ELA world.  Now my idea wheels are spinning almost as fast as Dave Burgess speaks!

The most beneficial workshop for me still has me thinking and brainstorming days afterwards.  It was called, "Research Partnerships in Physical Education: The Dos and Don'ts."  Although it was more about the research process, it got my gears going.  The presenters shared a study they conducted on integrating Common Core ELA Standards into a Middle School PE class. This is something teachers consider doing?! Although the results weren't earth shattering, the conversation is something we should all be thinking about as we move forward.  When Physical Education teachers integrate literacy in their class physical activity rates are impacted negatively.  I'm wasn't surprised so I spoke up.

"Hi! I'm a librarian." You could hear the gasps in the room.  Then I continued, "We don't want you to decrease your levels of physical activity at all.  I love that you want to integrate literacy with PE but it doesn't have to happen in the gym.  Have a conversation with your ELA teachers and librarians. Let's ALL collaborate!  If we read a book in the library and then you incorporate skills and themes from that book in your class, it's a win-win..." I went on and they agreed wholeheartedly. The next step is to make it happen!

Besides the aforementioned The Crossover, what else?  Ghost and Patina* by Jason Reynolds. Laura Shovan has a new book coming out in June called, Takedown, about wrestling. What about James Preller's Six Innings about a little league game? Last year, I loved Soar by Joan Bauer. Or any of the Matt Christopher, Tim Green and Dan Gutman books? Others?

Here's the question for "Future Ready Librarians"-- How do we convince our colleagues in Physical Education to collaborate?  And if you already are doing it, what's your secret to success?  Or if you are like me and on the cusp, let's support each other!  This could be the beginning of an incredibly worthwhile student-centered partnership.

*Without even knowing it, we're already in our infant stages of collaboration.  I asked my mentee, Eric, if he would be willing to lead one of our Mock Newbery book groups.  How could he say no to his mentor ;-)  so I gave him the perfect book. Patina.

What I read this week and beyond

Last week I finished three VERY different books. 

With book birthdays and surprises out of the way, I had some time to do one of things I really love. Read.

Better Off UnDead

James Preller's newest middle grade novel, Better Off UnDead will be released to the world appropriately on Halloween. Right before 7th grade, Adrian was in an accident that, by some miracle, brings him back to life as a zombie. He and his group of friends ("We were an unusual group of misfits but it felt ok. We didn't belong anywhere except with each other.") end up fighting the Bork twins (hmm...sounds a little like some other brothers we know. Koch, perhaps?) who are out to get Adrian's secret to living. One part environmental message, one part "big brother is watching you" and a whole lot of figuring out middle school ("It was like there was a new book for kids my age, but no one had a copy of it.  We all had to make it up as we limped along.").  Fans of mystery, zombie humor, and just middle school friendships and relationships will all love this book. I can't wait to share it with my students!

Patina

At the same time I listened to Patina, Track 2 in Jason Reynolds's middle grade series about runners. Ghost left us off at a race and Patina picked up right after that. How could anyone not love Patty? This is her story racing to the finish line. She has a lot to run through but she is strong.  Along the way she realizes who she is, what family means, what it's like to fit in and not fit in and what identity means. Just as Ghost left us hanging at the end, so does Patina...Blah! But it's so good and I am already looking forward to Track 3.

BTW--Make sure you check out the October 30 issue of People Magazine!  Jason Reynolds is in it!

Dear Martin

I switched my whole workout routine for Dear Martin, the important debut YA novel by Nic Stone. This book just came out on Tuesday.  I had a netgalley copy and then I purchased the hardcover on Wednesday.  I can't read and run on the treadmill at the same time so there I was, two nights in a row, on the stationary bike. I worked up a sweat but I don't think as much as if I had been running.  But it was worth it.  A car with the windows down with music blaring pulled up to me at a light this afternoon and I couldn't help but think of Justyce and Manny.  There is some heavy duty stuff in this book but it is another "must read" that ties in Martin Luther King, Jr. with today.  What would Martin think of everything that is going on the world today? What would he say? Could he help us cope?

ps-Local folks:  Nic is coming to Albany on December 7 through the Writer's Institute. I'll be there for sure!

What am I reading this week?

Finally, after weeks and weeks--All exaggerations aside, I put this book on hold in July--I finally hit #1 on the audiobook for Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson. Woah.

When an infant is killed back while in the care of 9 year old Mary and her mother, Mary is convicted of the crime. Allegedly. This is her story now as a teenager. My heart is racing just thinking about the book and I'm only on Chapter 3.  I imagine this will be one of those weeks that my runs will be long, my bathroom will sparkle, my kitchen floors will shine, my laundry will be folded very precisely and, as just happened right now, I will drive under the speed limit and not pass at the broken line because I can't concentrate on anything else but Mary's words.

I am also planning on reading and finishing The First Rule of Punk by Celia Perez.  I'm attending the Bank Street Book Fest on Saturday (can't wait!) and will be participating in a small group discussion, "Noisy Roosters and Hungry Chupacabras: What’s New in Latinx Kid Lit" in which this book is one of them.

Here's a great interview from last month on NPR:

So now I am off to do my chores.  Please don't bother me, I'm listening...

2017 Newbery Consensus Club

Check it out.  Fourteen kids read at least 10 books in 10 weeks so they could get an invite to this closed door meeting.  One went running around to local libraries last night so he could squeeze in the final book. Another one spent over three hours after school reading a whole book from start to finish. Someone else had five chapters left and was going home to read them with his Mom.  Another one had her Mom bake special "book related" cookies from her favorite book just for our meeting. This is what you call passion about reading and boy is it contagious.

There was buzzing about books for weeks and this was the place you wanted to be at 2:30 if you were in fifth grade at Castleton Elementary School.

Consensus Club Committee Members with their Top Choices

The HOUR OF THE BEES cookies!

We definitely had lots of nourishment!  Notice the Starbucks hot cocoa?  That's my little homage to the real Newbery Committee.  What's a Newbery Committee without Starbucks?  So I go out and get a box that I fill with hot water, add Trader Joe's hot cocoa and presto--"Starbucks!"

First Step

We looked at all of our books and started eliminating ones that just may not be the most distinguished.  Even this first step was tough. We also went around and talked about our favorite books, why we loved them so much and why it deserves a Newbery medal.

There's Mr. Reischer, our fearless leader!

Discussing the Books

The passion. The energy. The enthusiasm.  I wish you could have been in the room where it happened.  We had a deep discussion about Ghost by Jason Reynolds. Afterwards, the three kids who were totally into it, got up and just high fived each other.  Kids debated whether Sharon Creech's Moo had a slow start or not. The many themes in The Wild Robot by Peter Brown and how they were addressed made for another meaningful discussion. We could have talked books for hours.

And the winners are...

After serious debating and voting, fingers crossing and screaming, we came to a decision.  Drum roll please:

Gold Medal

The Inquisitor's Tale: Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog 

by Adam Gidwitz

Honor

Ghost 

by Jason Reynolds

Honor

Hour of the Bees 

by Lindsay Eager

Kids were happy that their book won something.  Others were disappointed that their book didn't win the gold. All of the books are winners in my mind.  In the words of The Inquisitor's Tale "each book is a lot of lives. Dozens and dozens of them....And each life a whole world." All of these books, works of art with their many lives, touch the lives of the dozens and dozens of our students, get them excited about reading and for that I am grateful.

Now the waiting begins...

Three more days!  If you haven't bookmarked the live webcast yet, here it is:

ALA YOUTH MEDIA AWARDS

ps-Lucky us! We Skyped with two of the three of our winners.  Exciting!

Our gold medal winner, Adam Gidwitz

Lindsay Eager with her biggest fans!

Ghost by Jason Reynolds

"I got a lot of scream inside," explains Castle "Ghost".  And boy does he.  He's still trying to let the scream out from three years ago when his father nearly killed Ghost and his mother.  Now Dad is in jail and Ghost and his mom are managing on their own.  Still, altercation after altercation at school, life is a challenge.  But suddenly things start to matter once Ghost joins a track team and gets a new mentor and role model in his life, Coach.

Now there is no going back.  Nothing like being part of a team, especially when you get to eat duck with the newbies. Of course, Ghost still has a lot of learning and it doesn't come easy.  How badly does he want the silver bullet sneakers?  I really hope not badly enough.  What about that feeling when putting on a brand new team jersey for the first time?  Ahhh...if that doesn't help get the scream out, I don't know what will.

"Don't ever let someone call your life, your dreams, little." says Mr. Charles, the corner store owner where Ghost is a regular. Such sage advice. I have big dreams for this book and although there is some mature content I know my students are not going to want to put it down.  I have dreams of finding my former students who loved The Crossover and Booked and immediately putting Ghost in their hands.

Here's a debate Ghost and Coach had: Lebron or Jordan?  Know who you would pick?  I'm a Jordan and Magic gal myself (Ghost is Lebron and Coach, you can imagine, is Jordan) but when it comes to an author to recommend to boys and girls alike in upper elementary/middle school, hands down, I pick Jason Reynolds. So break out the sunflower seeds, your running shoes, "get on the line" and make like Usain Bolt and Ghost to the library for a copy today!  Then come to me and tell me what you thought about the ending...

The Boy in the Black Suit

Ok...by now you must realize that I have a teeny tiny obsession with Jason Reynolds.  I just think his voice is so real and important.  I have one more book to read and then I will patiently wait for the next one.

In the meantime, I just baked a batch of pretty darn good homemade chocolate chip cookies (everyone likes chocolate chip cookies, right?) and can't stop thinking about this book.  After Matt's mother passes away, he begins working for Mr. Ray in the funeral home.  This turns out to be more therapeutic for Matt than anything else.  At each funeral he attends, he looks on in the back to seek out the most hurting person in attendance.  Watching them helps him deal with his own hurt of losing his mother. Almost like relief, like he isn't the only one out there hurting.  

Through no fault of his own, Matt is living alone for awhile.  Well, Mr. Ray is looking out for him and then there's Lovey. She was the one most hurting at her grandmother's funeral.  And leave it to Lovey to help Matt grieve, give him some hope about life and maybe even get him to smile.  

Lace up your dress shoes, put on your suit jacket, grab some Cluck Bucket chicken, throw Bob Marley on the stereo and get ready for another can't-put-it-down ride by Jason Reynolds.

I had to take this picture--This Ray's Funeral Home is right up my street.
Every time I pass it now I will think of the Mr. Ray from this book.