Recently, book publishers got some good news. Researchers gave 852 disadvantaged students 12 books (of their own choosing) to take home at the end of the school year. They did this for three successive years.
Then the researchers, led by Richard Allington of the University of Tennessee, looked at those students’ test scores. They found that the students who brought the books home had significantly higher reading scores than other students. These students were less affected by the “summer slide” — the decline that especially afflicts lower-income students during the vacation months. In fact, just having those 12 books seemed to have as much positive effect as attending summer school.
You can pre-order this adorable book here
from Alison Croft
I love Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by JK Rowling for many reasons. There are a lot of little things that add up to make it a fantastic book but I’ll pick three big reasons.
Find out ALison's three reasons
Kids Book Review has published an interview with author Sandy Fussell.
Sandy has written a number of novels for children, including the popular Samurai Kids series.
The sensational CYA Later, Alligator (Children’s and Young Adult (CYA) Writers & Illustrators Conference) will be held in Brisbane on 4th September 2010 in partnership with the Brisbane Writers Festival.
For more .. http://bit.ly/boYIuB
Tomorrow, When the War Began (The Tomorrow Series #1)
by John Marsden
Australian teenager Ellie and six of her friends return from a winter break camping trip to find their homes burned or deserted, their families imprisoned, and their country occupied by a foreign military force in league with a band of disaffected Australians. As their shock wears off, the seven decide they must stick together if they are to survive. After a life-threatening skirmish with the occupiers, the teens retreat to their isolated campsite in the bush country and make plans to fight a guerilla war against the invaders. Writing in a distinct voice and showing rare intelligence and sensitivity, Ellie recounts their courageous battles against the Goliath in control of their land. She also records her feelings and observations about the romantic partnerships that develop within her small circle of friends, and shows how they mature and blossom during this time of crisis. Though readers are left wondering whether these heroes and heroines will survive (one is severely wounded at the end of the novel), Ellie's uncommonly honest and clear narration makes this coming-of-age adventure a story they won't forget. Fast-paced and provocative, it's a natural for book talking.
Jack Forman, Mesa College Library, San Diego
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
A gripping tale, told with Marsden's customary incisiveness.
The movie is due for release on September 2nd 2010
Teaching with Tomorrow when the war began
Introducing and teaching Tomorrow, When The War
Year 10 Context study: Close study of a novel and its author
Tomorrow When the War Began Booktalk
2007 Student Essays Tomorrow, When the War Began
This wiki is meant for childcare workers, librarians, teachers and parents interested in reading and sharing picture books where people of color are featured prominently. This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all people of color books. Rather, emphasis is placed on finding stories especially appropriate to share with groups of children, five years of age and younger, where people of color characters are shown in contemporary settings.
Barnes & Noble Launches Online Storytime
Parents of picture-book readers needn’t leave home to enjoy story time with their children. This week, Barnes & Noble.com debuted its Online Storytime program dedicated Web site, videos featuring pan-and-scan filming of picture books accompanied by readings by authors or celebrities. A new Online Storytime entry will be added to the site on the first Tuesday of each month. The inaugural offering features Jane O’Connor narrating her Fancy Nancy: Bonjour, Butterfly (HarperCollins) along with displays of Robin Preiss Glasser’s illustrations. more...
A 10-Year-Old’s Marching Orders for the Upcoming School Year
" ... kids function best when they're real clear about exactly what's expected of them ..."