Book Discussion: Among the Hidden by Laurie Halse Anderson

The author doesn't specify the setting for Among the Hidden. Where do you think it takes place? When do you think it takes place?

In the book the population code came about because of a supposed food shortage. Can you think of any examples in our society where regulation this extreme might happen?

Why is access to information so important in the story?
Everyone needs information to make decisions, and the more information one has, the better one is able to think about all the consequences of one's choice. For this reason, the Government controls access to information and is able to control the decisions people will make. As Mr. Talbot puts it, "Totalitarian governments never like truth" (p. 135); by truth, he means more than one set of facts. For instance, the Garners are afraid for Luke because the Government gives it out that Thirds can be tracked in many different ways. The Government doesn't have that capability, but the Garners, without any other sources of information, don't know that. If the Garners had had more information, like Jen and her family do, they might have made a different decision and have let Luke use the computer or watch television. They also might not be so afraid of the Government.
Mr. Talbot explains that Luke has read propaganda from both sides -- but still doesn't have the whole picture (p. 134). Even the underground resistance is controlling information to convince people to agree with them. They emphasize some information and downplay or leave out other facts in order to make a point. But there are even more facts than the Government or the underground are publicizing. Luke and Jen's experiences themselves are information about the Population Law.

What does the story tell you about the power of fear? What constitutes courage or bravery in this book?

Where does Luke's bravery come from?

How does isolation affect the characters?

Mr. Talbot says, "People seem to work hardest when they are right on the edge of survival" (p. 136). What does the story say about the truth of that statement?

The last time Luke saw Jen, he told her, "It's people like you who change history. People like me - we just let things happen to us." What does this mean? Are you a person who makes things happen or are you a person who watches things happen?

How are the mothers in the story different from the fathers?

The characters show a wide variety of attitudes toward the laws. Jen says, "Government Leaders are the worst ones for breaking laws" (p. 72). Jen's mother conceived Jen with fertility tests; Jen went to a playgroup of Baron Third Children and some had pets (p. 102); Jen has junk food (p. 93). The Barons seem to regard laws as made to be broken. But almost the only examples of the Garners breaking the law are having Luke and eating the meat from the hogs, though eating meat is outlawed (p. 80). The Garners break some laws, but on the whole, they do not question them.
"Hope doesn't mean anything. Action's the only thing that counts." Jen (p. 113). Is Jen right?


Luke's family is terrified of the government. Why? What are some of the tactics the government employs to make ordinary families like his feel powerless?

Explore Luke's relationships with his brothers and his parents. How close are they? How trusting?
Does Luke have more in common with Jen than with his own family? Why or why not?

 How are the "barons" different from families like Luke's?

The Internet made it possible for Jen and Luke to connect with other hidden children. It helped them build a community of peers. Do you use the Internet to connect with people who share interests with you?

Why did Jen organize the march on the president's house? Do you think she knew she was going to die? Was she being noble? Was she being foolish? Luke decides not to follow her. What would you have done?

Jen is a third child, but her stepfather is a member of the Population Police, the brutal organization devoted to discovering people like her and bringing them to a harsh justice. Discuss his character. Is he a hero, a villain, or both?

Why do you think Jen's stepfather risks his life to help Luke?

What would happen to your family if third children and beyond were outlawed? Would you have been born?

Among the Hidden is fiction, but in China, there is a law that strictly limits family size. Why might a country do this? Do you agree or disagree with the policy?

You are the chief propaganda officer of the Population Police. Create a bumper sticker or billboard reminding ordinary citizens that third children are against the law.

Book Discussion: Lion Boy by Louisa Young

Charlie states "everyday these days he was allowed to do new things: new things that showed they realized he was growing up. Last christmas hed been allowed to sell the shiny fruits at the market by himself. Parents can you remember when you first had that taste of independance. P36

Although "Lion Boy" takes place not far in the future, the world has changed drastically from the one we live in today. What types of changes have taken place? Do you think these kinds of things could happen? How would your life be different if the world became more like Charlie's

Charlie's mom has recently shaved an Adrinka symbol of two crocodiles sharing one belly into Charlie's hair. They symbol is "...about how, though we all eat with different mouths, we have only one belly between us." What do you think this means? Do you think the symbol has significance to the story?

Charlie must pack quickly when Rafi comes to get him. He packs some practical things like extra socks and food, and he packs comforting things, like his stuffed tiger. What kind of things would you pack if you had to leave quickly on an unknown journey?

Charlie often wishes that he didn't have the responsibility of finding his parents or helping the lions but he continues to move forward with is plans. Have you ever had to do something that you didn't want to do? How did you keep yourself motivated to continue?
Why do you think the author chose to use cats as the animal that Charlie can speak to? How do you think the story would change if Charlie had the ability to speak to a different animal?

The future-world scientists in Lionboy are skillful. They are able to create hybrid animals like Primo,
the unusual lion, by using ancient DNA. What if they had used their knowledge to create the perfect plant? This type of vegetation would be a single, natural resource capable of providing many things to make a polluted world a healthier and happier place.
Directions: Use your imagination to create a plant that is capable of providing positive things for environment and all living things. Be prepared to share your ideas with the class.  Unintended consequences are the unexpected and unplanned results of a decision or action.
Think of at least five unintended consequences that might result when a “perfect plant” is introduced into the environment.
Have you reac any other books like this?
Charlies parents are rumored to have created a cure for asthma. There is some debated that charlies parents were kidnapped because the drug manufacurers dont want a vacine because it dips into their profits. Do you think this is right? Does this happen in our society?
Do you think pharmasutical companies should profit off people being sick? Can you think of an alternative?

Book Discussion: Witness by Karen Hesse

Why she wrote the book:

Karen Hesse was born and raised in Baltimore Maryland. She currenlty lives in Brattlebourough VT.
In 1997 while on a flight Karen Hesse was skimming an airline magazine. Contained therein was an article about the KKK in Vermont in the 1920's. she could not believe her eyes so when she went home she researched trying to disprove the article. In her research though she found out the article was in fact true. She read old newspapers from public libraries which inspired some of the details in the book.

When reading each townspersons narrative could you always tell which side they are on?

Which of the characters exhibits true bravery?

Why did the author choose to tell the story through the voices of so many character?

This novel is,written in a series of free verse poems. Was this style,effective. Why do you think so.

Could you relate to any of the characters in the story?

Other than racism and bravery what are some other themes?

Can you see any similarities between Witness and Maniac Magee?

Do you think events like this could happen now in this area?

Why do you think Esther talks so funny?
Each of the characters in the book experience or witness a slice of history that they played a part in. Do these witnesses represent particular value?

Throughout history hate groups gain popularity and then fade from view. Why do you suppose this is?

What hate groups do you hear about in the news? What do they stand for and why do you think people join them?

Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa has said " If,you are neutral in situations of injustice you have chosen the side of the oppressors." What does he mean by this. Can you think of a time you stayed neutral even though you felt an injustice was being done?

What does witness yeach us about predjudice and how it can be overcome?

Activities:
Create a town newspaper

Book Discussion: Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli

Studies show that between the ages of 9 and 11 children begin to lose interest in reading for fun. Research also shows that parents' own reading and involvement in their children's reading has a strong impact on their future reading habits. Together gives libraries an opportunity to address these trends by involving parents and kids in discussions about a variety of personal, public, and historical issues through the close reading of selected picture books and novels. Families read a book at home before each Together session. During the session, an open exchange of ideas between parents and children encourages family participation in learning while emphasizing the importance and pleasure of reading.

When you read the first two pages of the book called "about the story" what did you think?

Who is brave?

What are some of the themes in this book?

In what time period do you think this novel took place?

Who is the narrator?

What does running do for Maniac? What do you do when you are feeling upset, sad or lonely to help you deal?

What makes Maniac different from other kids?

What do you think happened in the year after Jeffery ran away but before he arrived in Two Mills.

In the book Grayson asks Maniac about the Beals at home, like for example if they have toothbrushes. Have you encountered people with misconceptions about others who are different? How do you think they got that way? Is there anything you can do to change them

Why didnt Jeffrey see any differences betweem himself and the east enders? P. 58

Can you think of a time when you aknowledged and accepted someone who differed from you?

P86. What does home mean to you?

In the book  maniac teaches Grayson to read.Why Do you really think he didnt know how to read?

What effect do you think Maniac had on the McNabb family?

Why did Maniac bring Mars Bars to the party at McNabbs?

Manic ran in and out of the lives of residents of the east and west end. What do you think he did for the town?

Why do you think the book was broken up into 3 parts?

What do you think will happen to the characters after the book is over?

Kids Book Club Facilitating

Information from the New York State Council for the Humanities Book Clubs for Kids Webinar

• Whom do you most want to reach? Why do you want them in the library? What age group do you want? What makes you want to bring these kids together? Is a book club a good fit for these kids?
• Keep the group limited to a specific age group (eg:8-11)
• Getting the word out: Talk to kids you know and have them invite their friends, post a flyer, advertise online, contact the local school principal, speak to teachers at staff meetings (flyers are not the best way to get the word to students), talk to school librarians, see if kids can get school credit, look for community organizations that work with your target age group: churches, clubs, youth center.
• Share 3-5 books that share one big idea. The things that brings kids back is the feeling of community
• Have a theme for your group. eg: happiness, tolerance, leadership, bullying,
• Big ideas or themes give discussions purpose, focus, and continuity. Exploring big ideas unites the group
• What is a successful discussion? Group feels comfortable disagreeing, there is a good vibe, conversation continues afterward, everyone participates by listening and talking, facilitator guides without taking sides or talking too much.
• What is a meaningful discussion? participants leave with a greater understanding of themselves and others, leave feeling connected, leave thinking about the conversation, different perspectives are encouraged and discussed.
• How do you choose the theme? What do you think kids want to talk about? What ideas will be important to them? What books do they want to read? What ideas do you hope kids will get from conversations about this idea?
• Consider books that: confront theme, keep attention even after you are finished, have different points of view, have compelling characters kids can relate to, have "snag points" moments of thinking or wondering, would be interesting to compare to each other. Mix it up, use picture books, graphic novels, chapter books.
• Check out the explore NY Booklist
• Choose a facilitator. Open, friendly, like working with kids, read a lot of books for that age group, love hearing what kids have to say, have time to prepare questions, believes in the importance of talking about books, shares enthusiasm for this kind of literature,
• Plan ahead. How will you begin the conversation? What kinds of topics and ideas do you want to explore?
• Set expectations. Let everyone have a chance to talk. Have everyone read the book beforehand. Silence is okay. Make sure everyone has nametags.
• Ask good questions. Write short open ended questions that allow kids to interpret in their own way. Explore plot, characters, and style. Connect books to other books you read in the theme. Make personal connections to characters. Ask questions that don't have a right or wrong answer. Don't assume everyone has read the text the same way. Focus on the places where opinions may differ.Take time to read a portion of the book aloud. Let's them hear a fluent reader which they may never hear.
• Break it up. Give kids a chance to talk to each other, use short activities that will generate conversation about the book. Don't do activities just for the sake of doing activities.
• Keeping the conversation going. Treat it like a conversation between friends, listen with genuine interest, ask questions that make sense for the conversation that is already happening. Look at the person and use their first name. Avoid answering your own questions, speak last and prioritize other voices over your own. Close the conversation with something that keeps them thinking of the topic or theme.
• Have everyone write a question and draw later in the discussion when there is a lull.
• Encourage kids to look at everyone, not just you when talking
• Together Parent Child Book Club
• Community Conversations for Kids
• Together Book Club

Mysteries for 4th Graders

I compiled this list for a local teacher and thought I would share.

Series:

• Brixton Brothers Series by Adam Rex
• The Secret Series (This Book is Not Good for You) by Pseudonymous Bosch
• The Sister's Grim by Michael Buckley
• Sammy Keyes by Wendelin Van Draanen
• Herculeah Jones series by Betsy Cromer Byars
• Benjamin Pratt and the Keepers of the School by Andrew Clements
• Chet Gecko by Bruce Hale
• Mr. Chickee by Christopher Paul Curtis
• Sherlock Files by Tracy Barrett

Stand Alone Titles:

• From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E Franweiler by E.L.Konigsburg
• Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliet
• Hoot by Carl Hiaasen
• Masterpiece by Elise Broach
• The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd
• Pie by Sarah Weeks
• The Great Cake Mystery by Alexander McCall Smith
• Vanishing Acts by Phillip Margolin
• Horton Halfpott, or, The fiendish mystery of Smugwick Manor, or, The loosening of M'Lady Luggertuck's corset by Tom Angleberger
• Scat by Carl Hiaasen

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

Over April break we are doing a parent-child book discussion of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. This is through funding from the New York State Council on the Humanities Together Grant.

I am having a hard time coming up with a hands-on project for the discussion. A couple weeks ago we read Skellig by David Almond and dissected Owl Pellets so hopes are high from the kids. I have go tot top that event!

I am having some success gleaning ideas from birthday party guides online. But if you have any suggestions I could use the help, comment below!

• Serve Turkish Delights (had to buy on Amazon.com, no local stores carried)
• Serve tea sandwiches and lemonade
• Dress as the White Witch
• Kinda lame but I was thinking of putting our coat rack on wheels in front of the entrance to the discussion and filling with coats and jackets so participants will have to squeeze through the coats to make it into the room.
• Decorate cupcakes to look like a lion (Aslan) face
• Narnia Paper craft

Questions

• When Lucy meets Mr. Tumnus in the woods she befriends him despite his appearance. Parents, have you ever been judged or judged someone by their appearance and your frist impression was wrong?
• What makes someone a hero? What about a villain? Which is Edmund?
• Lots of fairytales include some sort of a door from this world into another world. Can you think of any other stories like this? Have you ever imagined being able to step out of this world into another one?
• Why do you think there is a lampost near the wardrobe entrance in Narnia.
• Have you read any other books where one must pass through a magical portal to enter another world?
• Do you think Lucy's brothers and sister should have believed her story about the wardrobe? Would you believe Lucy's story?
• What would you ask for if the queen offered you your favorite food?
• Lewis says that “there’s nothing that spoils the taste of good ordinary food half so much as the memory of bad magic food.” Have you ever spoiled your taste for something by doing something you shouldn’t have done?
• What is the significance of the thaw and the coming of spring?
• When Edmund calls out to the Witch, begging her not to turn the little creatures into stone, Lewis tells us that “for the first time in this story” he “felt sorry for someone besides himself.” Do you know what it’s like to feel so sorry for yourself that you don’t notice anybody else?
• Have you ever tried to tell someone the truth but they didn't believe you? How did this make you feel?
• At the end of the story Lucy, Susan, and Peter forgive Edmund very quickly when they are reunited. Would you be so forgiving?
• The group decides not to tell Edmund about Azlan's sacrifice to free him. Was this the right decision? Would it have hurt or helped Edmund?

The Rainbow Project

The Rainbow Project is a booklist of recommended books for kids and teens revolving around the topics of GLBTQ (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, and Questioning.) It is the brainchild of the ALA GLBT Round Table and SRRT (Social Responsibilities Round Table.)

Check-out their website here

This is a booklist of just some of the recommended books from the August 2011 issue of VOYA magazine. (v 34, #3, page 226-227 by Lynn Evarts.) Check-out the article for the full listing.

• Will by Maria Boyd, 2010
• Unbearable Lightness by Portia de Rossi, 2010
• Of All the Stupid Things by Alexandra Diaz, 2009
• Out by Sandra Diersch, 2010
• Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green, 2010
• The Popularity Papers: Research for the Social Improvement and General Betterment of Lydia Goldblatt and Julie Graham-Change by Amy Ignatow, 2010
• Me by Ricky Martin, 2010
• Scars by Cheryle Rainfeld, 2010
• Kiss by Jacqueline Wilson, 2010

Recommended websites for LGBTQ teens:

• Avert.org An abundance of information for young people confused or concerned about sex. Has a small section on GLBTQ sexuality.
• Teenshealth.org Covers many topics on teen growth including sexual harassment and bullying.
• GoAskAlice Like a "Dear Sally" with issues teens are concerned about.
• PlannedParenthood Special section on how to come out to your family
  

Insanewiches

As the title of the book "Insanewiches: 101 ways to think outside the lunchbox" by Adrian Fiorino suggest this book is insane! I cannot wait to do a teen or kids program around this book. This book is 222 pages of sheer joy. From sandwiches that look like severed hands to painting pallets there is a sandwich for everyone in here. Similar to the book "Hello, Cupcake" many of these designs are not practical for everyday lunch boxes but boy oh boy will your kid be the coolest in school if he/she whips one of these out at lunchtime!

Library Amazing Race Program

So I adore planning big events where I get loads of kids to come and explore the library..... they are kinda my thing. This summer the SRP manual had a great program idea called Dewey's Amazing Race based on the premise of the TV show "The Amazing Race." I thought it sounded right up our alley and would be a good way to keep a large group of kids entertained for about an hour and learn about the library!

Basically it works like this; there are 10 activity stations throughout the building and outside. I will break the kids into teams of 3 or 4 (dependent on how many kids show up). They will get a map of the grounds and where each of the activities are. At each station is a stamp and a stamp pad. Each team stamps their map when the station is complete. Each team who completes all 10 stations gets a prize (temporary tattoo) I have teen volunteers at the stations that are more involved to help out. They are also coming early to help do all the set-up.

Rather than make the teams finish each station in order let them jump around to alleviate congestion.

Station 1, 000: World Record Plunge Based on the Guinness Book of World Records students will replicate a feat from the book. One of the coldest inhabited places is Resolute, Canada, with an average temperature of -16 degrees Celsius. Participants plunge their hands into a bucket of ice water to retrieve a small toy at the bottom. Volunteer present
Station 2, 100: Spooky Treats Participants create an edible ghost by wrapping a lollipop in tissue, tying a piece of yarn around the neck, and using a black marker to make a face.
Station 3, 200: Goddess Golf Teams use crochet mallet to put the ball through arches labeled with the names of gods and goddesses. Each player must hit through 2 arches to move on. Volunteer present
Station 4, 300: Endangered Eggs Egg and Spoon. Players carry a picture of an endangered species that is taped to a wooden egg with a spoon and place them in a bucket labeled "Safe Place."
Station 5, 400: Guten Tag Participants match words for hello from different countries to the proper countries. They must get them all right to move on. Volunteer present
Station 6, 500: Under the Sea Participants will explore sea shells and petrified sea creatures using microscopes. Volunteer present
Station 7, 600: Fruit Kebabs Fruit Kebab from the Middle East. Cut up bananas, strawberries, apples, and other fruit using plastic knives. Place the pieces on toothpicks and eat carefully. Have kids finish eating before they move on to the next station. Volunteer present
Station 8, 700: Take off and Landing Participants make paper airplanes to be flown into buckets labeled with a foreign city. City suggestions: Tokyo, Rio, Rome, Paris. Volunteer present
Station 9, 800: Mad Words Have teams complete a Mad Lib
Station 10, 900: Where in the World? Hang up a large map of the world, give them a list of 4 countries they must find to advance. Volunteer present

Final station, have their map checked and get reward!

Endangered Animals for Station 4

Funny Books for Boys

This is a list of great books that will make your boy patrons LOL!

Series:
Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket
Lunch Lady series by Jarrett J Krosoczka (graphic novel)
Far Side Comics by Gary Larson (graphic novel)
Weenies series by David Lubar
Time Warp Trio by Jon Sciezka
Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
Shredderman by Wendelin Van Draanen
Double Fudge by Beverly Cleary
Guys Read edited by Jon Sciezka
Mr. Chickee by Christopher Paul Curtis
Bunnicula by Jame Howe
My Weird School by Dan Gutman
Fly Guy by Tedd Arnold (easy reader)
Walter the Farting Dog by William Kotzwinkle (picture book)


Stand Alone Titles:
6th Grade Nickname Game by Gordon Korman
Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
Frankenstein Make a Sandwich by Adam Rex (picture book)
Frankenstein Takes the Cake by Adam Rex (picture book)
Knucklehead by Jon Scieska (biography)
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
My Rotten Life by David Lubar
Doctor Proctor's Fart Powder by Jo Nesbo
The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales by Jon Sciezka (picture book)
The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Sciezka(picture book)
A Pig Parade is a Terrible Idea by Michael Ian Black (picture book)
A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever by Marla Frazee (easy reader)
Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein (picture book)



-Some content from guysread.com

Program Ideas as Seen on Library SRP Program Schedules

I enjoy seeing what other fun program ideas other libraries come up with. This is a list of programs compiled in summer of 2011.

CARTOONING & CARICATURES Here is a workshop for the aspiring comic book
and cartoon illustrators out there! Cartoonist Nick Biales will teach us some basics of cartooning and caricature that you will be able to improve on.-Saratoga Springs Library Teen Program BAG O’ BONES: FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY Mr. Joe Biss is back and he has brought a friend. There is a bunch of bones on a table and it will be your job to reassemble “Fred” back into a complete skeleton. Don’t worry, the bones aren’t real, but you will learn some of the techniques used by law enforcement personnel and anthropologists to
identify a person from skeletal.-Saratoga Springs Library Teen Program
Magic by Scott Jameson - Summer Reading Kick Off Event! Magician, Scott Jameson presents classic magic and juggling routines with a fresh new look choreographed to a broad selection of music styles for audiences of all ages. Join us as we kick off our summer series of programs with this engaging performance. -Saratoga Springs
Beyond Harry Potter's Hedwig-Trish Marki, a Wildlife Rehabilitator with North Country Wildcare will bring an assortment of live owls. Marki will describe the owl's lifestyle, habitat, and explain how she works to rescue and take care of injured owls.-Saratoga Springs Kids Program
Animal Tracks Tees a George Steele Program -Learn about mammals and the tracks and traces they leave in their habitats. Make an animal track tshirt using track stencils and fabric makers. Please bring a plain light colored tee shirt or you can use a bandanna provided at a cost of $2 per handkerchief. Grades K-5. -Burnt Hills Library
Hello Kitty Creative Club- Hello Kitty was first introduced to the United States in 1976; celebrate the 35th anniversary with this cute character from Japan! We’ll share stories and crafts, create fashion accessories and more. Geared to ages 3-12, but younger children are welcome with a parent. -Galway Library
In celebration of Culinary Arts month, join us for a "Cook Book Swap". This is a fun and inexpensive way to recycle and get some new recipes !! Bring a book:take a book ! Additional books will be available to purchase at a nominal charge. -Round Lake Library

Travel to China

As part of the One World Many Stories summer reading theme this program will bring kids to China through crafts, cooking, and folktales.

The recipe we will make:

Cold Sesame Noodles (p.14 from the book Recipe and Craft Guide to China by Joanne Mattern)

1 pound thin spaghetti or lo mein noodles
3 tablespoons sesame oil
1/2 cup tahini (can use peanut butter but why not spend an extra few dollars and give kids and authentic experience)
1/2 cup vegetable broth
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 cup chopped peanuts or chopped green onions

1. Fill saucepan with water and bring to a boil. Cook noodles about 8-10 minutes or until just soft. Drain and add 1 tablespoon sesame oil, mix and set aside to refrigerate for 1 hour.
2. Place Tahiti, broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugr in a jar with a lid. Cover and shake well. Place in fridge about 1 hour.
3. Place the cold noodles on a serving dish. Top with Tahini mixture and mix well.
4. Garnish with chopped peanuts or chopped green onions if you want to. Serves 4 people.

Bubble Tea

Ingredients:

1/2 cup chilled, cooked large tapioca pearls (if substituting smaller tapioca, use 1/3 cup, can be purchased in Asian food market)*
1 cup crushed ice
1 cup very strong chilled black tea (or orange pekoe tea or Lichee tea, try and go for decaf for kids sake!)
1 cup milk, or to taste
Honey or sugar to taste

Directions:
Place the pearls in a large clear glass. Combine all remaining ingredients in a cocktail shaker (or cans with lids so the kids can help out), and shake vigorously until the mixture is frothy.
Pour into the glass, and serve with extra-thick straws.

How To Cook Tapioca Pearls:

6 to 8 cups water (the ration is a minimum 7:1 water to tapioca pearls)
1 cup tapioca pearls
In a large pot (Make sure the pot is big enough so boiling tapioca water will not spill over) over high heat, add water and bring to a boil.
Slowly stir in the tapioca pearls so that they do not stick together (after 1 minute, the tapioca pearls should float). Reduce heat to medium and let boil, covered, for approximately 15 minutes; turn the heat off and let the tapioca pearls site, covered, for an additional 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove from heat, rinse the tapioca pearls in cold water, and drain.

NOTE: The cooking time above is a general guideline. If you shorten the cooking time, you will get chewier tapioca balls. Cook longer and you will get less elastic tapioca balls.


Crafts:

Paper Cutouts (p.37 from the book Recipe and Craft Guide to China by Joanne Mattern)
Chinese people often use paper cutouts to decorate their homes. They cut out pictures of animals, flowers, or decorative designs and tape them to windows or doors.

Materials
-Construction paper in 2 different contrasting colors
-Pencil
-Scissors
-Glue

Trace template and cut out. Glue the cutout design to a darker piece of construction paper.

Paper Tangrams

Book:
Tiki Tiki Tembo by Arlene Mosel

Cinderella Around the World Program

This is a program I am doing for grades 3-5 as part of the "One World, Many Stories" summer reading theme. I will read a couple Cinderella tales from around the world. The group will help me make a list of common elements that make these Cinderella stories. Class will be broken up into groups of three or four and will compose their own 1 page Cinderella story to read in fron of the class. Sillyness is encouraged! I will have Volunteens going around and helping each group.

* Post program note: Only had 3 of the kids show up! So instead of writing our own Cinderella story on our own we went around a circle and each told one line of the story. The end result was pretty hilarious and the kids and myself had a ball!

The Books:


Glass Slipper, Gold Sandal by Paul Fleischman

(Blend of worldwide tales)

The Rough-Faced Girl by Rafe Martin

(Algonquin Indian) * Read aloud

The Gift of the Crocodile by Judy Sierra (Indonesia)

Domitila adapted by Jewell Reinhart Coburn
(Mexico)




The Korean Cinderella by Shirley Climo
(Korea)



Fair, Brown & Trembling by Jude Daly
(Ireland)

The Egyptian Cinderella by Shirley Climo
(Egypt)




Kongi and Potgi by Oki Han
(Korea)

Cendrillon by Robert D. San Souci
(Caribbean)

Sootface by Robert D. San Souci
(Ojibwa Indian)




Smoky Mountain Rose by Alan Schroeder
(Appalachia)
*possible read aloud





Yeh-Shen by Ai-Ling Louie
(China)





Adelita by Tomie dePaola
(Mexico)





Little Gold Star by Robert D. San Souci
(Spanish)




Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters by John Steptoe
(Africa)




Revolting Rhymes by Roald Dahl (Cinderella section)

Graphic Novel Promo School Visit

A week before the kids are out on their April Break from school I visited every fourth and fifth grade class to promote our new collection of comics for kids. We have had a teen graphic novel collection for a few years but our younger patrons always felt a little left out with many of the titles not being age appropriate for them. To date I have about 100 books in the collection and it is circulating really well. I think that come summer the kids comic display will be empty from all our summer readers.

Here are the books I took with me to show off to the students and get them excited:


Babymouse: Rock Star by Jennifer L Holm and Matthew Holm
Move over Mozart! Babymouse has music in her soul...but sadly, not in her flute. Will Babymouse ever hit the right note? Will she be the star of the school concert, or is her musical career all washed up before it's even started?- Novelist Plus

Fashion Kitty by Charise Mericle Harper
After a stack of fashion magazines falls on Kiki Kitty's head while she is blowing out the candles on her birthday cake, Kiki turns into Fashion Kitty, a feline superhero who saves other kitties from fashion disaster.- Novelist Plus


The Lightening Thief by Rick Riordan, Adopted by Robert Venditti

After learning that he is the son of a mortal woman and Poseidon, god of the sea, twelve-year-old Percy is sent to a summer camp for demigods like himself, and joins his new friends on a quest to prevent a war between the gods. Will Percy find Zeus's lightening bolt and return it in time, or will his failure cause a war among the gods.
To find out read Percy Jackson and the Olympians The Lightning Thief. - Novelst Plus

Zeus: King of the Gods by George O'Connor
If you are a fan of Percy Jackson the Olympian series this series will help round out your knowledge of Greek mythology.
Retells in graphic novel format stories from Greek mythology about the exploits of the young Zeus and how he rallied an army and overthrew his father, Kronos, to become king of the gods. - Novelist Plus

Pokemon Adventures by Hildenori Kusaka
Manga for young readers.



To Dance: A Ballerina's Graphic Novel by Siena Cherson Siegel
Siena was six years old when she first dreamed of dancing. She was diagnosed with flat feet and was not likely to have a dance career. But her dreams kept skipping and leaping, circling and spinning, from airy runs along a beach near her home in Puerto Rico, to dance class in Boston, to her debut performance on stage with the New York City Ballet.

Meanwhile: Pick Any Path. 3,856 Story Possibilities by Jason Shiga
Chocolate or Vanilla? This simple choice is all it takes to get started with Meanwhile. Jimmy, whose every move is under your control, finds himself in a mad scientist’s lab, where he’s given a choice between three amazing objects: a mind-reading device, a time-travel machine, or the Killitron 3000. Down each of these paths there are puzzles, mysterious clues, and shocking revelations. It’s up to the reader to lead Jimmy to success or disaster. Create your own adventure and seal the fate of Jimmy with Meanwhile. -Some content from Goodreads.com

Other Titles to bring:
Transformers Animated, The Muppet Show Comic Book by Frank Langridge, Amulet by Kazu Kibuishi, G-Man: Learning to Fly by Chris Giarrusso, and Baby-Sitter's Club by Raina Telgemeier.

High Interest Historical Fiction Chapter Books

Historical Fiction is a huge genre in children's literature. The list below is historical fiction read-a-likes inspired by the Lois Lowry book Number the Stars.

The Entertainer and the Dybbuk by Sid Fleischman

"In 1948 Europe, former American bomber pilot Freddie Birch is making a precarious living as a ventriloquist when he encounters young Avrom Amos. The boy is a dybbuk, the spirit of a Jewish youth murdered by the Nazis. He was one of the resistance fighters who helped Freddie escape from a POW camp. The ghost has "unfinished business" with the SS colonel who killed him, and he needs a living body—Freddie's—to accomplish it.Fleischman explores the sensitive topic of anti-Semitism—not just the overt evil of the Nazi system, but also the casual, pervasive bigotry of the period. Even Freddie has to deal with his own deep-seated prejudice. There is a strong emphasis on friendship and justice, and an ultimate affirmation of life and hope." --Elaine E. Knight (Reviewed August 1, 2007) (School Library Journal, vol 53, issue 8, p116)

Good Night, Maman by Norma Fox Mazer

Aimed at readers who have already encountered Anne Frank, this riveting historical novel from Mazer (Missing Pieces, 1995, etc.) is based on a little-known chapter of WWII history. Karin Levi's story begins in a tiny attic room in Paris in the 1940s, where she is hidden away with her brother, Marc, and their mother, practicing the art of quiet. German soldiers are conducting house-to-house searches, rounding up Jews, and the small family is soon on the run, depending on strangers for scraps of food and shelter. When Maman falls ill, Karin and Marc head for Naples without her; the children board the Henry Gibbons, a ship full of European refugees bound for Fort Ontario in Oswego, New York. Upon their arrival in America, their story turns from one of flight and danger to the happiness and sorrow associated with adjusting to a new language, customs, and schooling, and making new friends. Although it is a shock to Karin, it comes as no surprise to readers when Marc reveals that Maman is dead. Mazer skillfully paints Karin as brave and independent, yet depicts her devotion to Maman throughout, writing unsent letters and never losing sight of her belief that one day they will be reunited. Rather than relying on events and facts of the war and its atrocities to create sympathy, the author paints her central character's thoughts and feelings, her moments of weakness and her strength, so that the story is stirringly understated. (Kirkus Reviews, October 15, 1999)

Speed of Light by Sybil Rosen
Audrey Ina Stern, a Jewish girl living in Blue Gap, VA, in the 1950s, must come to terms with racism and anti-Semitism when her father, a city councilman, champions a black man for an opening in the local police department. Councilman Stern''s action triggers a sequence of events including phone threats, hostility from neighbors, and, ultimately, having his family''s home firebombed. For Tante, a distant relative who lives with the Sterns, these events rekindle haunting memories from her childhood, including imprisonment at Auschwitz and the loss of her family. Through the Sterns'' efforts, along with those of the courageous Mr. Cardwell, the black police candidate, and Miss Farley, an eccentric librarian, progress toward a more equal and just community is made. Tim Rausch, Crescent View Middle School, Sandy, UT Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information. 

Witness by Karen Hesse

The author of Out of the Dust again turns language into music in her second quietly moving novel written entirely in verse. Here, 11 narrative voices chronicle actual events occurring in a sleepy Vermont town after the arrival of the Ku Klux Klan in 1924. Those victimized by the Klan include the families of Leanora Sutter, a 12-year-old African-American girl, and Esther Hirsh, the six-year-old daughter of a Jewish shoe salesman. Rounding out the portrait of the town are community leaders (an enlightened physician, a newspaper editor who moves from neutral to anti-Klan) as well as less prominent folk—shopkeepers, a Protestant minister—who are swayed into joining the white supremacist group. Staff (Reviewed August 20, 2001) (Publishers Weekly, vol 248, issue 34, p80) 

 The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg

After his older brother Harold is forced to join the Union Army, Homer runs away from their wicked uncle’s farm to save him. His southward journey divides easily into episodic adventures: outwitting two slave-hunting scoundrels with the help of a wealthy abolitionist; traveling south with an easily duped young clergyman; joining a medicine show led by a mysterious man; fleeing in a hot-air balloon with a disastrous flaw; and arriving at Gettysburg in time for the battle. If these adventures seem a little too colorful to be quite believable, first-person narrator Homer begins his tale by saying, the truth don’t come easy to me. The narrator’s humor and folksy charm bubbles to the surface from time to time, despite a streak of cruelty that runs straight through the story, from the farm to the battlefield. Notes on the period and a glossary are appended. This eventful, episodic novel is accessible to a younger audience than many others set during the Civil War. -- Phelan, Carolyn (Reviewed 01-01-2009) (Booklist, vol 105, number 9, p84)

 

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Program

Kids at my library really seem to respond to book themed parties and programs.  In the past we held a very successful Fancy Nancy Tea Party and Fashion Show and a Twilight Party.   I am planing on doing this program during kids February break from school as this seems to be a time when we get high attendance for programs.

Since these books are most popular with grade 5-about 7 or 8 this should be geared towards older Elementary kids and middle school students.  Most likely some younger kids will be interested in participating as well.


Some General ideas:

• Trivia Game with teams where the winning team gets a prize.  Some trivia questions can be found in this Event Kit.
• The Cheese touch game
• Book read-a-likes
• Discussion of favorite moments
• Have kids decorate a small notebook cover
• Kids fill in and create their own comic strip on their own
• Play Make Your Own Comic
• Personality Game
• Give a copy of one of the books away as a door prize

Read-a-likes:

1. Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh
Eleven-year-old Harriet keeps notes on her classmates and neighbors in a secret notebook, but when some of the students read the notebook, they seek revenge.
2. Dork Diaries (Series) by Rachel Renee Russell
Follows eight grader Nikki Maxwell who chronicles through text and sketches her move to a snooty new school.
3. Dear Dumb Diary (Series) by Jim Benton

Make Your Own Comic
Get kids into groups of 5 (can vary dependent on how many cells you have in your blank comic).  Beforehand create a generic sheet of paper with 5 text boxes made to look like blank comic strips.  Give each child a pencil and here are the directions.  Each person gets a sheet and they have 30 (or 60 to start) seconds to draw something in the first square.  Encourage them to write word bubbles not just pictures if they choose.  Then pass it to the person on your left.  You now have 30 seconds to draw the next box in your neighbors story.  Continue like this until you get your own back then go around the room and see what people wrote.  These are usually hilarious and kids and t(w)eens get a huge kick out of them.  If you have an especially active group invite some of them up front to act out their comic (so long as it's not too violent!)

• Here are two blank comic pages I  created #1 and #2 

The Cheese Touch Game (From DWK Event Kit):

What you’ll need: A small piece of paper or Post-it Note for everyone who wants to play, and a hat or bowl.

Setting up: Draw a small piece of Swiss cheese on a single slip of paper. Fold all of the little slips of paper in half.

Group size: Best for a group of ten to twenty. If you have more than that many kids at the event, it might be best to break them up into smaller groups.

How to play: Players sit in a circle, facing one another. Each player takes a slip of paper out of the hat or bowl. Everyone unfolds their piece of paper and looks at it privately. The player who gets the picture of the Cheese has the Cheese Touch, but this must be kept a secret. The object of the game is for the person with the Cheese Touch to pass it along to as many other people as possible. The person with the Cheese Touch does this by winking at a victim. When a victim is winked at, they have to silently count to five, and then announce to the group that they have the Cheese Touch. That person is now out of the game.The other players are trying to catch the person who has the Cheese Touch in the act of winking. If a player catches the person who has the Cheese Touch, the game is over. Tally up the number of “victims” the person with the Cheese Touch successfully knocked out.When the game is over, the slips of paper are collected again and putmback in the hat or bowl, and players draw again. This game should be played in three or four rounds. The winner can be either the person who passed the Cheese Touch to the greatest number of people, or the person who caught more than one “winker” in the act.


Trivia:
Q. In the book Dog Days what was the name of Greg and Rowley's lawn care service?
A. V.I.P Lawn Service

Q. Who is Rowley's favorite singer?
A. Joshie


Q. What is the name of Greg's least favorite comic?
A. Lil Cutie


Q. What is Rowley's last name?
A. Jefferson


Q. Who does Greg have a crush on in The Last Straw?
A. Holly Hills

Q. What word does Fregly use to let people know he has to pee?
A. Juice


Q. What is Manny's nickname for Greg?
A. Bubby


Q. What does Manny call his blanket?
A. Tingy


Q. What would Greg rather do instead of swim team?
A. Water Jazz


Q. What did Marty Porter have in the second grade?
A. Head lice


Q. Who wins the talent show?
A. Leland


Q. Who's idea was it that Greg start a diary?
A. Mom


Q. What role did Greg play in the Wizard of Oz?
A. A tree


Q. What position on the student government did Greg want to win?
A. treasurer 


Q. What did Uncle Charlie give Greg for Christmas?
A. A Picture of Uncle Charlie


Day of the event schedule:
1. Book discussion about our favorite moments from the book
2. Make Your Own Comics activity
3. Cheese Touch Game
4. Personality Game
5. Trivia
6. Read-a-likes
7. Decorate notebooks
8. Cash in mom bucks

Links:

Event Kit
Blog
Children's Programming Blog

Kids Cook A Book Program

This is a great program to get kids to interact with stories they know and love.  So often we use books to inspire craft projects, why not cooking projects.  I got this idea form a summer reading program in NY that took place in the nineties when I was a kid.  I remember going to the library and cooking recipes the librarians created from picture books.  When the summer was over I got a little cookbook of the recipes we made which I still have!  I would love to know if anyone knows the official name of that summer reading program or if they have any of the materials left from that summer.  A far stretch I know.

Some other great books you can cook from are:
Goldilocks and the Three Bears - Porridge
Pinkalicious- Cupcake decorating
Wemberly's Ice Cream Star- Ice Cream Soup
Stone Soup-Soup with a few nice stones in it
Dirty Harry- Dog Biscuits
The Very Hungary Caterpillar- Fruit Salad
The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry and the Hungry Bear-Strawberry Shortcake
The Pumpkin- No bake Pumpkin Pie
The Carrot Seed- Carrot Seed Dip
Hello Pizza Man!- English Muffin Pizzas
Seven Silly Eaters- Silly Surprise
The Latke Who Couldn't Stop Screaming by Lemony Snicket- Latkes or Potato Pancakes

Read the short story "Cookies" from the book Frog and Toad Together by Arnold Lobel When you have finished reading work with children to prepare the No Bake Cookie Recipe.

No Bake Cookies

2 c. sugar
1/2 c. milk
1/4 c. cocoa
1/2 c. butter
Dash of salt
3 c. quick oats
1/2 c. peanut butter
1 tsp. vanilla
Mix first 5 ingredients together in heavy saucepan. Boil for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Add oatmeal, peanut butter, and vanilla. Drop quickly onto slightly greased cookie sheet or waxed paper. Cool.

Have the child write their name with Sharpie Marker on a piece of wax paper and place the cookies they formed on it.  Place wax paper squares on cookie sheet trays and place in fridge or freezer (dependent on time) for about 30 minutes.  While they are cooling and firming up into cookies now you can do another story.

The Bun by Marcia Brown.  In this folk tale from Russia a crafty bun escapes all sorts of characters in the woods until he meets up with the even craftier Fox.

Baking Powder Biscuits
From the Fannie Farmer Junior Cookbook by Joan Scobey, 1993
Makes 12-15 2 inch biscuits
2 c flour
4 t baking powder
1 t salt
4 T (1/2 stick) butter
3/4 c milk

1. Preheat oven to 450.
2. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt into the mixing bowl.
3. Add the butter and cut it into the flour with the pastry blender or 2 dull knives until the granules are about the size of peas.
4. Add the milk a little at a time, mixing with the fork until the dough is soft but not sticky and forms a ball. You may not need all the milk.
5. Sprinkle the pastry board lightly with flour and turn the ball of dough out in the center of it.  Lightly flour the rolling pin and roll the dough out in short quick strokes in every direction, taking care not to press down heavily, until it's about 1/2 inch thick all over.
6. With the 2 inch cookie cutter or the glass cut out rounds from the dough and place them on the cookie sheets.  Press scraps of dough together, roll out again, and cut out more biscuits as before.
7. Bake about 12 to 15 minutes, or until tops are golden.
8. Wearing oven mitts, remove the biscuits from the oven, serve immediately.

A quicker easier recipe for biscuits is to use the recipe on the side of a Bisquick box.  Kids can then use pieces of dried fruit to make a face on their bun before it goes in the oven.  Quick, cute, delicious and easy!