Summer book recommendations from Kate DiCamillo

A wonderful list of books for 8-13 years olds suggested by Newberry Award winning author, Kate DiCamillo.

http://www.npr.org/2014/05/23/315250144/kate-dicamillos-picks-for-summer-tree-house-reading?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=npr&utm_term=nprnews&utm_content=20140525

Little or no money for books?

Don't have much money to spend on books? Here are some tips:

1. Go to a public library.

Portland is lucky to have one of the best public library systems in the country. The books are free to check out and they have so many other helpful services. Free wifi, computers, audio books, CD's and DVD's, eBooks. Every type of book you can imagine. You can easily put books on hold at the library or online and they are sent to your local branch. They also have classes, story times and events for kids and teens. If you are a student in PPS, you are automatically enrolled in the summer reading program. Read over the summer and win prizes! 

www.multcolib.org

2. Titlewave Bookstore

This bookstore is run by Multnomah County Library and is where they sell library books that are no longer needed. The books are still in great shape and most are very current. I have found some amazing books for $1.00! Most are hardbacks, so a dollar is a deal! They range in price up to a few dollars. 

216 NE Knott St, Portland, OR 97212

3. Goodwill

Each location has a slightly different selection of books but I have always been impressed. I consistently find great books ranging in price from $0.49 to $2. They have nice hardbacks, chapter books and early readers. You never know what treasure you might find. My son loves to go to Goodwill and buy a bunch of books for $5! The Goodwill super centers have larger book selections. 

I now use books as rewards. We pick out a bunch from Titlewave or Goodwill and I save them in a bag. Then when my son does his chores or something else that we are working on he earns a book. It's a cheap prize and it is good for him! He loves it and he has a huge collection of books. I read to him daily and he also chooses to spend quiet time in his room "reading" them to himself. 

Quote of the day - summer reading inspired

This came from Patricia Pollaco's Facebook page.

It is an excellent quote and reminder as we get close to summer vacation. One of the most important things you can do to help your child is read to him or her! Read picture books, chapter books, non-fiction, biographies, magazines, comic books, graphic novels, magazines, newspapers, blogs, fairy tales, humor, mysteries, award winners, classics and those cheesy summer time fun books! Anything and everything. 

Just READ! 

Multnomah County Libraries Teen Author Assembly with Sharon Draper

Today I was fortunate to be able to attend an assembly with my 8th grade students. We participated in the Teen Author Assembly put on by the Multnomah County Library. We heard Sharon Draper speak. Prior to the assembly we received class sets of one of her books, Battle of Jericho. We all read the book which made the assembly much more meaningful.

Sharon was a great speaker, engaging, funny and truth telling. She told a bit of her life story, as a teacher and how she became a writer. She talked about her first books, her inspiration, why she writes realistic fiction (primarily), she read aloud to us, gave us some tips and entertained us! The kids laughed and listened and hopefully were inspired! 

I was impressed by the 8th graders behavior and proud of them for reading her book and taking advantage of this wonderful opportunity to hear from a respected author.

Today was one of those days that makes me love my job. It's all about kids and books! Now time to put down my device and read a new book! Night all.

Fairy tales

There are so many fairy tales to share! The classics of course but recently there has been an increase in fairy tale variations. These fall into two categories: the traditional story with very different illustrations or a humorous change in the characters with the same plot line. Here are some examples of each: (All of these are available at the Astor Library!)

Classic fairy tales set in Africa by Rachel Isadora. Wonderful multicultural stories with beautiful collage illustrations.

Rapunzel

The Princess and the Pea

Hansel and Gretel

The Twelve Dancing Princesses

The Ugly Duckling

Variations that are humorous with a change to the characters:

Little Red Hot by Eric Kimmel

Jack and the Giant Barbecue by Eric Kimmel

The Three Little Tamales by Eric Kimmel

Jack and the Baked Beanstalk by Colin Stimpson

The Three Little Cajun Pigs by Mike Artell

The Three Ninja Pigs by Corey Rosen Schwartz

Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs by Mo Willems

Goldilocks and the Three Hares by Margie Palatini

Cindy Ellen: a wild western Cinderella by Susan Lowell

There are many many more of these available in our library! Ask me about them and I'd be happy to share them all with you!

May the 4th be with you!

Favorite read alouds?

Reading to or with your child daily is so important and it is fun! Some of my favorite books to read to my son are:

Duck on a bike by David Shannon

How I became a pirate by Melinda Long

Where's my t-r-u-c-k? by David Catrow

Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schaccner

Mice and Beans by Pam Munoz Ryan

Henry & Mudge by Cynthia Rylant

Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey

Oh man, there are so many! I need to gather them together and take some photos.

What are your favorite books to read aloud with your children? 

Quote of the day!

I have been working on a large book order and it is so much fun! I wish I could spend all day tracking down the best books. I can't wait to have them all in the library! 

Quote of the day

Book Review - Flora & Ulysses

I just read the Newbery award winner for this year, Flora and Ulysses. It is by Kate DiCamillo, one of my favorite authors. 

I enjoyed this funny, fantastical tale of Flora and a very special squirrel, Ulysses. There is an unforgettable scene at the beginning of the book where a squirrel is accidentally vacuumed by a powerful outdoor vacuum. Then strange and amazing things happen. It includes short sections of illustrations in graphic novel format, Flora's favorite book to read is a comic. If you like superheroes, humor and adventure then you must read this book!!