It's Monday! What Are You Reading? July 29, 2013

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? From Picture Books to YA!

These memes were started by Teach Mentor Texts and Book Journeys, to inspire readers to share books they have read and will be reading. I have found many of my current reads by following bloggers participating in It’s Monday! What are you reading? Be sure to check out their sites for more information on what they are reading, and learn how to participate. 

                  



Last Week’s Favorites:

Title:  Counting By 7s
Author:  Holly Goldberg Sloan
Review:  This is a must read of 2013!  Willow Chance has always thought in a way unique to those around her.  When she is unsure of herself, in a social situation, she will count by 7s to ease her stress.  Her adoptive parents have been a supportive foundation, to her, from the beginning.  However, her entire life changes when her parents are killed in a tragic car accident.  Instantly, a group of unsuspecting people come together to help Willow find a sense of belonging within her own world again.  Despite the hardships that are faced, Willow also helps everyone around her find themselves during this process.  For me, this book ranks up there with The Real Boy, Paperboy, Eleanor and Park and Beholding Bee as a 2013 favorite!
 


Title:  Skin
Author:  Donna Jo Napoli
Review:  I was able to read this book before it's release date of August 6th, thanks to an advanced reader's copy from NetGalley.  Sixteen year old Sep wakes up one morning to find her lips are completely white.  She quickly discovers she has a skin disease called Vitiligo (same one Michael Jackson had), which makes her skin lose pigmentation in random spots and turn completely white.  This is another character that made me furious (I'm noticing a trend with fictional, female teenagers) because of her reaction to many of her friends.  However, I am more understanding of the way Sep treated those around her because of the final outcome of the story.  This would be a great young adult book to recommend to students, in terms of dealing with beauty only being skin deep. 





Title:   999 Frogs Wake Up
Author:  Ken Kimura
Illustrator:  Yasunari Murakami
Review:  It's springtime and time for all the animals to wake up.  The baby frog decide to help wake up all the hibernating animals around them, so that they don't miss spring.  Unfortunately, they wake up the wrong animal!  This would be a great springtime read aloud, especially when studying hibernation or the life cycle.  
 


Title:  Penguin on Vacation
Author:  Salina Yoon
Review: I loved Penguin and Pinecone, so when I saw this on the library shelf I knew I had to check it out!  The life-long, friendships penguin creates with those that are so different from him are such a refreshing read.  



Title:  Ball
Author/Illustrator:  Mary Sullivan
Review:  In the words of my two year old, "Doggy book!  I love that book!"  Ball is the only word in this entire book.  However, that is the only thing on the mind of this loveable doggy.  The persistence of this dog made me laugh, because he/she reminded me of my mom's Maltese Xena.  If you are a dog lover, I highly suggest you check out this book!

 

Title:  When You Reach Me
Author:  Rebecca Stead
Review:  My husband and boys were having a Back to the Future marathon this weekend, so I decided I needed to find a good book to avoid watching the movies that I have already watched over 50 times.  Knowing nothing about this book, aside from everyone telling me how great of a book it is, I picked it up to read during the movie marathon.  If you've read this book, you will find the irony in my book selection.  If you haven't read this book, go get it!  I loved the friendships, family and mystery within this book.

 

Title:  Don't Look Behind You
Author:  Lois Duncan
Review: April's family must be relocated by the Witness Protection Program because of her father's testimony in a high profile drug case.  I was excited to read this because I am intrigued by anything Witness Protection Program related.  However, April made me mad throughout the entire story because of her selfish decisions.  There were times I put the book down because I wanted to scream at this girl!  All in all, I did end up enjoying the story and the underlying theme of the importance of family. 

Reading Plans for this Week:


Title:  Twerp
Author: Mark Goldblatt

 

Title:  Turtle in Paradise
Author:  Jennifer L. Holm

 

Title:  Rogue
Author:  Lyn Miller-Lachmann




Title:  Mustache!
Author:  Mac Barnett and Kevin Cornell




Title:  Henry's Map
Author:  David Elliot


 
Title:  Bully
Author:  Laura Vaccaro Seeger



Title:  I'm Not Reading!
Author: Jonathan Allen





Title:  Pancakes, Pancakes!
Author:  Eric Carle

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? July 22, 2013

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? From Picture Books to YA!

These memes were started by Teach Mentor Texts and Book Journeys, to inspire readers to share books they have read and will be reading. I have found many of my current reads by following bloggers participating in It’s Monday! What are you reading? Be sure to check out their sites for more information on what they are reading, and learn how to participate. 

                  



Last Week’s Favorites:

Title:  Every Day After
Author:  Laura Golden
Review:  Lizzie Hawkins lives to make her father proud, by never giving up.  However, the Great Depression has brought hard times to the Hawkins family, and Lizzie's father leaves.  Lizzie must learn how to cope with him being gone, but most of all she must learn how to count on those around her to help her through a difficult situation.  This is a book I will be adding to my classroom library.  A story filled with strength, disappointments, determination and coming to know one's self.  



Title:  The Sasquatch Escape
Author:  Suzanne Selfors
Illustrator:  Dan Santat
Review:  I loved the imagination and friendship that was developed throughout this story.  Ben Silverstein is sent to the town of Buttonville, for the summer, so his parents can work out some issues.  Ben becomes friends with the town trouble maker, and is instantly immersed into a summer of adventure.  Together these two must work together to find an escaped Sasquatch, while also keeping this secret from the rest of the nosy town's people.  



Title:  Star Wars:  Jedi Academy
Author:  Jeffrey Brown
Review:  This is set to be released August 27th, and I have already ordered a copy for my classroom.  Check out the review I wrote, about this book, last week.  



Title:  The Hypnotists:  Book 1
Author:  Gordon Korman
Review: Thanks to an eARC from NetGalley, I was able to read this book before it's release date on July 30.  Be sure to check out my review.




Title:  Backstage Cat
Author:  Harriet Ziefert
Illustrator:  Jenni Desmond
Review:  Simon, the backstage cat, must stay backstage while his owner performs for the Opera.  However, one day he escapes and refuses to listen to anyone, no matter how desperate they try to plead with him.  This story is a new take on the typical cat in the tree story.  No matter how great of intentions the humans have, the cat keeps climbing higher and higher.  If you are a cat lover, this is a perfect book for you!  Not to mention the illustrations are beyond amazing! 



Title:  Snippet:  The Early Riser
Author:  Bethanie Deeney Murguia 
Review:  My kids LOVED this book!  If you have taken your kids to see Turbo (mine have only seen the previews), you need to read this book to them.  Snippet is an early riser, but his parents are not.  He tries to think of creative ways to help wake them up.  If you have young children, I'm sure you might appreciate this book more than they do.  ;-) 



Title:  Sea Monster and the Bossy Fish
Author:  Kate Messner
Illustrator:  Andy Rash 
Review:  Bullying can happen anywhere, even in a school of fish.  Sea monster is starting at a new school.  After being bossed around by a fish, he decides to start a club where everyone is invited.  This story is a great reminder that no one likes a bossy fish. 

 

Title:  Imagine
Author and Illustrator :  Bart Vivian
Review: Simple language and beautiful illustrations.  Readers are encouraged to imagine simple, everyday things becoming something more creative and beautiful.  I plan on reading this books with students to help encourage their creativity.

 

Title:  Savvy
Author: Ingrid Law
Review: Mississippi Beaumont is turning thirteen years old, and is anxiously awaiting to learn what her new savvy will be.  However, her father is in a horrible crash just days before her birthday, and things don't turn out as planned.  I couldn't put down this story full of hope and friendship.  As readers, we are reminded that people are not always what they seem on the outside.  Each of us have voices from past experiencing guiding who we are as people.  I would recommend reading A Tangle of Knots by Lisa Graff, if you enjoyed Savvy.


 

Title:  Fallout
Author:  Todd Strasser
Review:   I happened upon this book on NetGalley (to be released Sept. 10) and was hooked within the first chapter! What would have happened if the Cuban Missile Crisis hadn't been prevented? Not knowing much about this time period, I was intrigued by the angst felt within all households at this time. How do you prepare for the incomprehensible? Todd Strasser does a fantastic job describing what almost happened!

 

Title:  Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library
Author:  Chris Grabenstein
Review: I have heard nothing but amazing things about this story, from my Twitter friends. As always, their reviews did not let me down!  Twelve twelve year olds are selected stay at a lock-in to celebrate the opening of Alexandriaville's new library.  However, to escape the library they find a solve a series of clues.  Mr. Lemoncello's Library reaffirms what a love of reading can do for someone.  The language was similar to that of the Phantom Tollbooth, and the adventure reminded me of Willy Wonka (just replace the candy with books).  I can't wait to read this with my students!

Reading Plans for this Week:  (Excuse the crazy formatting - no matter what I do, the font is HUGE!)





Title:  Counting By 7s
Author:  Holly Goldberg Sloan

 

Title:  Twerp
Author: Mark Goldblatt

 

Title:  Skin
Author:  Donna Jo Napoli

 

Title:   999 Frogs Wake Up
Author:  Ken Kimura
Illustrator:  Yasunari Murakami




Title:  Penguin on Vacation
Author:  Salina Yoon





Title:  Ball
Author/Illustrator:  Mary Sullivan

What Makes a Student Normal?

Many of you might know, I had the chance to meet with Ohio Governor's Office in November 2012 to discuss my thoughts on the Third Grade Reading Guarantee.  I met with Richard Ross (current State Superintendent of Public Instruction, but at the time Director of 21st Century Technology) and Sarah Dove (Teacher Liaison), in response to a letter I had written, the governor, about adding value to a student's life.  Just thinking about the disconnect I felt between the politicians and education, after leaving that meeting, still makes my blood boil.  Within the last couple of weeks, our local CBS station has done several pieces on the Third Grade Reading Guarantee.  These make my blood boil even more than I thought was possible!! 

Here's one quote, I particularly enjoy, and my response to it: 

“I think that score (390) represents what a normal, average student would be able to perform at the third-grade level,” said Richard Ross, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction." (http://www.10tv.com/content/stories/2013/07/01/columbus-central-ohio-third-graders-could-be-held-back-next-year-if-they-dont-meet-reading-standards.html)

My response:  "Normal, average" - really????  I would hate to be a parent, clueless to educational politics, and hear the State Superintendent say this about my child.  Well little Johnny, you scored below a 390 on your reading OAA, I guess you're not normal.  

Here's another video and article about a school that is already holding back students, solely based on their test scores: 
 
http://www.10tv.com/content/stories/2013/07/17/columbus-third-grader-reading-assessment-test.html

I don't even have a response to this, other than calling my dad and asking if I can borrow some of his high blood pressure medication!  

Instead of writing a thoughtful post on the research against retention and test scores, or ideas I have on how to improve accountability, I just want to vent.  The following are all rhetorical questions that I often think about.  I'm sure there are research based answers to most of these questions (actually, I know there are as I've read many of them).  However, I just need to put these questions out there, if hopes that will alleviate some of my pent up frustrations.

1.  How can we measure student growth in an objective way, which addresses the true learning style of each child? 

2.  Is it even possible to measure student growth in an objective way, since so much of their growth (especially in third grade) is based in the areas of creativity, inquiry and love of learning? 

3.  Who are we measuring growth for?  Ourselves, the students, parents, administration, tax payers or politicians?

4.  If we have transparency within our classrooms (to our administrators, parents, community, co-workers) won't student growth be evident?  Or will people take advance of that transparency and use it in a negative way (especially if you try something new and fail)?  

One a final note, here's one way I like to describe testing to measure student growth to parents.  I feel the OAA (Ohio Achievement Assessment)  is like an app.  For example, I have an iPhone and an iPad.  However, not all apps work on both devices.  They might both be apple products, and the app might eventually work on both devices, but right now it doesn't.  The Vine app works great on my iPhone, but when I try to look at Vine videos on my iPad, the picture just freezes.  However, that doesn't mean my iPad is less than "normal or average".  If just means that particular app isn't a great fit for my iPad.  Same with our students and this crazy testing phenomenon we are putting them through.  Some students are like iPhone and they do a great job taking tests, but others are like the iPad and they freeze.  They can do so many wonderful, creativity, inspiring things, but taking tests isn't one of them. Parents, and students, need to understand that testing does NOT determine their child's success in life.  Those numbers should be used to help teachers guide and adjust their instruction, not punish students (or make them feel less than average or normal). 

Writing is an Acquired Taste

During my first year of teaching, one of the first things I observed were teachers and their need for coffee.  I wanted to develop that addiction.  I loved the smell of coffee, the fancy travel mugs and the hope it seemed to provide my colleagues.  I started slow...I bought a new fancy travel mug and filled it with orange juice.  I was scared to take the next step of actually drinking real coffee.  I wasn't ready to spend $5 on a cup of coffee, just to hate the taste.  Besides, it's almost like you have to learn a new language to be a true, social coffee drinker.  I had to study what my colleagues were drinking.  I watched them order their fifteen word (in Italian) fancy coffee drink, and stood back in awe.  Seriously, how are these people able to order so fast, in a different language, without coffee helping their brains to function?  Eventually, the peer pressure was too much and I ordered my first White Chocolate Mocha at a fancy nationwide coffee chain.  I drank that same coffee for almost two years, and will still order it if my colleagues or friends are with me.  I am not comfortable trying a new fancy coffee drink, if there are people I know listening to me order.  I have learned to trust my local barista (we've recently moved...must find new local, helpful barista) when it comes to branching out and trying new drinks.  I am not yet ready to dive into the world of non-fancy coffee.  After only being a coffee drinker for a quick, two years I am still acquiring the taste of actual coffee.  However, I can now proudly state I have a coffee addiction, carry around my travel mug and cry when I forget my morning coffee. 

My new found coffee addiction is very similar to the journey I am on within developing myself as a writer.  I read my colleagues and twitter friends blogs everyday.  I am constantly left in awe after reading about their students, teaching practices and reflections as learners.  I am determined to make myself a better writer.  This is something I have struggled with, and lacked confidence about for years.  I want to become a writer for my students, because they have ideas, stories and lives within their brains that need to be released.  If I am a writer, I can become a mentor to help teach, encourage and support them through that process.  I have dabbled in writing.  In a box, in my basement, you will find about fifteen writer's notebooks with about 3/4 the pages blank.  I gave up.  I was trying to make my notebook look like Penny Kittle, Carl Anderson or Ralph Fletcher's notebooks.  It just wasn't working for me.  Something I have learned, and finally accepted, as I've been on the journey to acquire a taste  for writing, is that I need to make my writing my own. 

What I know about myself as a writer:

1. I'm a novice.  I will make mistakes in grammar, word choice and ideas.  Failure is okay, as long as I learn from it.

2.  I get excited about it.  Sometimes a little too excited, and my ideas aren't completely developed.  

3.  I have low self-confidence about my writing.  This is something I am working on, and will only take time and practice to fix.

4.  Writing makes me grouchy!  There needs to be absolute silence when I'm writing (pretty much impossible when raising three kids under six years old).  

5.  I fizzle at the end.  I am still trying to figure out how to end a piece of writing without it being dull and boring. 

Who I want to be as a writer: 

1.  I want to be confident.  I still want to feel confident about my ideas and reflections, even if no one provides me feedback on them.  

2.  I want my thoughts to be well developed.  

3.  I want my reading to be engaging for readers.

4.  I want to be a mentor for developing writers (students and adults).

5.  I always want to be growing and reflective.

6.  I want to use my writer's notebook daily - even if it means using it for my grocery list!

I have to admit, it's been a fun summer trying to acquire my taste for writing!  My goal is to keep this momentum throughout the school year, and to openly share my journey with my new students.

Passions Vs. Perseverations: Reading and Writing with Autism

I've sat in multiple workshops and read multiple text, this summer, which encourage teachers to get students to know their writing territories or reading passions.  This just makes sense to me - if the students have a choice about that which they are reading and writing, their reading and writing will become more authentic and meaningful.  In response to this, I've participated in multiple discussions full of suggestion on how to encourage students to find their passions.  There are some amazing ideas out there!!  However, if you change the word passion to perseveration, the conversation seems to shift.  How can we get students, typically those on the autitic spectrum, to branch out from their perseveration and read more diverse literature or write about different topics?  Okay, now I'm really confused....we want students to find their passions, but don't be too passionate because it might turn into a perseveration?!?   I will be the first one to admit, I am guilty of using the word perseveration, when referring to a student's passion, if they are on the autistic spectrum. I think as educators, we need to change this mindset that neurotypical students are passionate, but autistic students perseverate. 

I believe that students on the autistic spectrum, whom are passionate about a particular topic, are this way because it feels safe and they understand the hidden rules of that passion.  Please note, just because a person has autism doesn't mean they have a particular passion. If you know one person with autism, all that means is that you know one person with autism. As educators, we need to tap into these passions and encourage students to explore within them.  If you are doing a unit study on writing non-fiction, have the student write a non-fiction piece about their passion.  If you are studying a particular genre, help the student find books within that genre pertaining to the passion.  These suggestions may not work every time, or with every students.  However, I think they are a place to start, in terms of thinking about creative ideas to empower students within their passions.

 I think a great analogy for only wanting to read or write about the same passion is a roundabout.  Some drivers instantly know what to do without any directions, they are not scared of the unknown and willingly embrace it. Some drivers panic because the traffic won't slow down and they end up going around the circle multiple times, but with some quick observations they figure it out. Then there are people like Chevy Chase in National Lampoons European vacation, no matter how hard they might try to get off the roundabout, it's almost easier just to stay on and observe the sites (Look kids! Big Ben, Parliament!).  Students with intense passions are those people like Chevy Chase (see clip below).  As educators we need to support them, within their passions, and remember never to force them outside of their passion.  Imagine if Chevy Chase's wife would have taken the wheel and forced him to turn left.  That would have been dangerous for everyone involved. 

 

As a whole, I think educator do a great job of autism awareness.  However, we need to move from just being aware to being accepting.  These students aren't purposely trying to break rules (whether it be a school rule or expectations around an academic assignment).  If anything, they are trying to navigate their life in a way that fits the hidden social rules of everyone around them.  One way we can empower them, within their learning, is to differentiate assignments within their passions.  I encourage you to give it a try.  Does it make a difference to that student?  If so, than I believe it is worth it!

A great resource, for more ideas on positive ways to support student's passion is Just Give Him the Whale by Paula Kluth. 

Coming to a Bookstore (or Library) Near You!

I had the opportunity to read three, soon to be released, books over the course of the past couple of weeks.  NetGalley provided me with all of the titles that I will be reviewing today.  (BTW...if you're a teacher, this site is FREE to join!  Free eARCs, which do "magically" disappeared off your device after the book's archive date.)

 

Title:  Living With Jackie Chan
Author:  Jo Knowles
Release Date:  September 10, 2013
Review:  I pretty much loved this book!  For his senior year, Josh has moved in with his karate loving uncle.  Josh is leaving a past filled with bad decisions, and parental turmoil, to establish a fresh start before college.  What Josh didn't realize is that he would still be haunted by his past, and eventually lean on his uncle for much needed support.  This is the follow up to Jumping Off Swings, which I have yet to read.  Without the background knowledge, from Jumping Off Swings, I was still able to understand the deep emotions that ran deep, throughout this story. 

Title:  Star Wars:  Jedi Academy
Author:  Jeffrey Brown
Release Date:  August 27, 2013
Review:  Roan, a recent middle school student, has dreamed of attending Pilot Academy his entire life.  However, that dream is just not meant to be.  Instead, he will be attending Jedi Academy, a place most students have attended since they were toddlers (not middle school students).  This book, written in a graphic novel format, is full of laughs and typical middle school drama.  I can't wait to share this one with students! 

Title:  Hypnotize Me (The Hypnotists Book 1)
Author:  Gordon Korman
Release Date:  July 30, 2013
Review:  This is another book I can't wait to share with students!  According to Jackson Opus's best friend, Tommy, he has always been persuasive and able to get his way.  What Jackson doesn't realize is that he is a descendent of one of the most powerful hypnotist families in the world.  Jackson has been recruited to work for the Sentia Institute, in order to make the world a better place using his abilities.  However, things start to go very, very wrong and Jackson almost loses everything. This book was a roller coaster ride of action and unexpected twists.  I would recommend this book to students who enjoyed the Shadow Children series by Margaret Peterson Haddix.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? July 15, 2013

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? From Picture Books to YA!

These memes were started by Teach Mentor Texts and Book Journeys, to inspire readers to share books they have read and will be reading. I have found many of my current reads by following bloggers participating in It’s Monday! What are you reading? Be sure to check out their sites for more information on what they are reading, and learn how to participate. 

                  



Last Week’s Favorites:

Title:  The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom
Author:  Christopher Healy
Illustrator:  Todd Harris
Review: HIlarious!  What really happened in all those fairy tales we read as children?  Christopher Healy tells the "real" story of each Prince Charming and how they came to save their kingdoms.  The humor within this story had me laughing out loud, in many parts.  If you're a fan of the humor, in the movie Airplane, then I promise you will love this story! 

 

Title:  Whoever You Are
Author:  Mem Fox
Illustrator:  Leslie Staub
Review: Wonderful book to share with children about how diverse, yet similar we all are.  We may all be different on the outside, but on the inside we all cry, love and laugh the same.

 


Title:  Skin Again
Author:  bell hooks
Illustrator:  Chris Raschka
Review: I'm going to use this as one of my first read alouds of the school year! This is definitely a small text with HUGE ideas.  Our skin is just a covering, but if we really want to get to know each other we must look inside and learn everyone's history and past.  The simple language encourages us to get to know those around us, even if they look different than us.  We never know someone, but just looking at them from the outside in.

 


Title:  We Share One World
Author:  Jane E. Hoffelt
Illustrator:  Marty Husted
Review: I love the global theme within this book.  We all share the same basic needs and experiences (water, sun, moon, music, etc), but each of us do it in different ways.  The illustrations describe how each of these experiences are lived, within different parts of the world.




Title:  All the Colors of the Earth
Author:  Sheila Hamanaka
Review: Another wonderful book to use with students when talking about diversity.  We all come from the colors of the earth, and each of our experiences defines who we are.  The illustration do a wonderful job showing how everyone comes from the colors of the Earth.




Title:  Same, Same but Different
Author:  Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw
Review:  Two boys write to each other about the world they live in, and compare the similarities and differences.  The illustrations beautifully describe the visual differences of each world, but the words describe the similarities of each world.  This would be the perfect book to read when starting a Sister Classroom!




Title:  The Real Boy
Author:  Anne Ursu
Review: I don't even know where to begin with this review, except for saying LOVE!  I loved everything about this story.  However, I loved Oscar, the main character, more than I have ever loved a character.  His honesty and learning the social thinking of everyone around him was pure and authentic.  Callie, his best friend, was the perfect friend.  She was patient, understanding and honest.  Anne Ursu does an indescribable job with using underlying themes and making real life become fantasy. This is definitely my favorite book of the year (Newbery 2014 anyone??). 



Title:  Nugget and Fang
Author:  Tammi Sauer
Illustrator:  Michael Black
Review:   A fun story about friendship!  Nugget and Fang are best friends, until Nugget goes to school and learns Fang is actually supposed to eat her.  She starts to avoid him, in fear becoming his next meal.  However, Fang is distraught and has no intentions of making Nugget his dinner.  He becomes depressed, until one day Nugget and her friends are in grave danger.  This was a fun story to my children, and to help teach them about true friends.

 

Title:  Wake Up Missing
Author:  Kate Messner
Review:  This book will be released on September 10, 2013, but I was lucky enough to receive of copy of this ARC from Kate Messner at All-Write.  This is, by far, my favorite book my Kate Messner.  She intricately weaves non-fiction into this story, in a way that doesn't make the story seem overwhelmed with non-fiction.  After suffering concussions, six teenagers have been sent to a clinic in the Everglades to receive treatment, to help cure them of their symptoms.  However, they soon find out the doctors in charge actually want to implant DNA for dead scientists into their brains.  This story is full of suspense and continuous action! If you are a science teacher, this would be the perfect read aloud for your classroom! 








Title:  Zebra Forest
Author:  Adina Rishe Gewirtz
Review:  Eleven year old Annie lives with her little brother, Rew, and her Gran.  She has grown up learning how to lie to her social worker and deal with Gran's incredible mood swings.  Annie's mother ran away, and her father was killed when she was just a toddler.  One day, an inmate escapes from the local prison and turns their life completely upside down.  I appreciated the focus on mental illness, within this story.  It has a strong influence on the way Annie and Rew live, but it is never officially named or diagnosed.  This would be a great read for anyone middle grade or above. 

Reading Plans for this Week: 




Title:  Every Day After
Author:  Laura Golden



Title:  The Sasquatch Escape
Author:  Suzanne Selfors
Illustrator:  Dan Santat



Title:  Star Wars:  Jedi Academy
Author:  Jeffrey Brown



Title:  The Hypnotists:  Book 1
Author:  Gordon Korman



Title:  Backstage Cat
Author:  Harriet Ziefert
Illustrator:  Jenni Desmond



Title:  Snippet:  The Early Riser
Author:  Bethanie Deeney Murguia



Title:  Sea Monster and the Bossy Fish
Author:  Kate Messner
Illustrator:  Andy Rash

 

Title:  Imagine
Author and Illustrator :  Bart Vivian