Back to School - Books to Get You Inspired

It's hard to let go of summer (and all that free time!) but school is almost here.  To help you get excited for the start of another school year, check out one of these terrific books:

Wonder by R. J. Palacio

Ten-year-old Auggie Pullman, who was born with extreme facial abnormalities and was not expected to survive, goes from being home-schooled to entering fifth grade at a private middle school in Manhattan, which entails enduring the taunting and fear of his classmates as he struggles to be seen as just another student.

Middle School, the Worst Years of My Life by James Patterson

When Rafe Kane enters middle school, he teams up with his best friend, "Leo the Silent," to create a game to make school more fun by trying to break every rule in the school's code of conduct.

Kelsey Green, Reading Queen by Claudia Mills

Kelsey is the best reader in her third grade class, and she is determined to lead her class to victory in the all-school reading contest.

Book Buddies Returns!

The Book Buddies Book Club returns for another terrific year of reading in September.  I have a lot of ideas for books I'd like to read this year, but I also welcome your input.  What would you like to read this year? 

Comment on this post and let me know what you'd like to read and discuss with your peers.  Keep in mind that books should be written for children in grades 3 - 5 and that one of the goals of book club is to read as widely as possible.  Each year I try and select books that are as varied as possible: historical fiction, fantasy, sports, mystery, humor, non-fiction, graphic, novels in verse, girl main characters, boy main characters, etc.

Send in your recommendations and we might read one of your picks this year!

Favorite Books of Summer

It's hard to believe summer is winding down and the new school year is almost upon us.  Before we get into the swing of September, I want to know: What was your favorite book this summer?  Did you read something that you loved?  Something that inspired you?  Made you laugh or cry?  Which books will you recommend to your friends and classmates this Fall?

What was the best book of summer 2013??

I'll start things off with a book I read a few weeks ago and really enjoyed.  It's one I plan to recommend to kids at the library and one I'm sure we'll wind up reading in Book Buddies at some point!
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Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein

Kyle Keeley is the class clown, popular with most kids, (if not the teachers), and an ardent fan of all games: board games, word games, and particularly video games. His hero, Luigi Lemoncello, the most notorious and creative gamemaker in the world, just so happens to be the genius behind the building of the new town library. Lucky Kyle wins a coveted spot to be one of the first 12 kids in the library for an overnight of fun, food, and lots and lots of games. But when morning comes, the doors remain locked. Kyle and the other winners must solve every clue and every secret puzzle to find the hidden escape route. And the stakes are very high.

I've heard this one described as a cross between Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Night at the Museum and I'd say that's pretty accurate!  Escape is a fun, madcap adventure, full of riddles and puzzles.  The descriptions of the library are incredible - this is definitely a place I would love to visit! I really enjoyed following Kyle and his friends as they worked together to find the secret escape route out of the library. 

Comment on this post and tell me, what was your favorite book of summer 2013?

Tween Ice Cream Party

Thanks to all the Tweens who attended the Friday activities and read and recorded their summer reading!  16 of you attended our ice cream party last Thursday, August 15th and we thank you for coming. Ms. Barbara and I had a great time and hope you enjoyed your delicious ice cream sundaes, free chapter book and Dig Into Reading library card holder.

A special THANK YOU to Ben & Jerry's on Thames Street for donating the vanilla ice cream for our party. Best ice cream ever!

Diary of a Wimpy Kid #8: Hard Luck

The 8th adventure of Greg Heffley debuts on November 5th!  Check out the book trailer and download wallpaper for your computer!

Tween Ice Cream Party

Tweens, ages 9 – 12, who attended at least 1 Friday morning activity this summer AND read and recorded at least 3 books in their summer reading logs (at the Children’s Desk or online) are eligible to attend our Tween ice cream party on Thursday, August 15th @ 3:00pm.  Come celebrate summer reading and receive a free book and party favor.  No registration is required.  Held in the John Clarke Children’s Program Room.

August Featured Author of the Month

Ann M. Martin (birthday August 12) is the featured author of the month! Ms. Martin has written many books for children including A Dog's Life, A Corner of the Universe, and The Doll People as well as the Babysitter's Club series and the Main Street series.  She lives in upstate New York.

Watch video interviews from Scholastic, read a Q&A with her at Time for Kids and visit the library today to check out her amazing books!

Which Gnome is Digging Up Mischief in the Library?

Summer Reading is almost over and it's time to get your gnome guesses in!  Which gnome has been digging up mischief in the library this summer?  Was it Rosetta?  Woody?  Elvis Parsley?  Let us know which one you think it is by filling out the ballot at the children's desk. 

If you need a reminder of all the gnome-mischief, visit the Gnomes in the Library webpage for all things Gnome.

If you submit a guess and are correct AND you also made a time capsule and completed your summer reading, you will be in the running for the brand new Nook!  This very special random prize drawing will take place at the Outdoor Fair on Wednesday, August 14th.

Start thinking and decide...do you gnome which one?

Log Your Summer Reading!

The end of summer reading is only 1 week away!

Don't forget to write down the titles of the books you have been reading this summer!  We need you to write down at least 6 titles in your reading log at the library or in your online log by Wednesday, August 14th. 

Readers who read and record their 6 books will receive:

• A personalized certificate
• A free book
• A toy prize
• 1 free ticket to a PawSox game

Prizes will be awarded beginning on Wednesday, August 14th at the Outdoor Fair.  If you are unable to attend the fair, you can pick up your prizes at the Children's Desk through the end of August.

Grand prize winners and the winner of the Nook will also be revealed at the Outdoor Fair.

Keep reading and remember to get those titles recorded as soon as you can!

Dig Into Ancient Rome

Tweens, ages 9 - 12, are invited to Dig Into Ancient Rome on Friday, August 9th at 11:00am.  Make a roman-inspired mosaic coaster using multi-colored beans.  No registration is required however Tweens should be signed up for summer reading to attend.  Held in the John Clarke Children's Program Room.

Tween Movie Votes

Thanks to all the Tweens who voted for the Tween movie!  We received 121 votes online and at the Children's Desk.  Here's how the numbers ended up:

National Treasure = 16 votes

The Borrowers = 22 votes

Journey to the Center of the Earth = 38 votes

Gnomeo & Juliet = 45 votes

The winning movie was shown yesterday at 10:30am.  Hope you all enjoyed the the show!

Tween Movie

The votes are in and the winning movie with is.....Gnomeo & Juliet!

Come inside and watch Gnomeo & Juliet with us TODAY at 10:30am in the lower level program room.  Open to Tweens ages 9 - 12 years old.