Fall 2011 NEWSLETTER
President’s Message
What is your recipe for success this school year? We
all spend the summer months thinking about the next school
year if only subconsciously at times. More often this
thinking is quite overt. Sometimes it is more than thinking
about our goals, as books and professional development
workshops are powerful agents of change as well. As
teachers, we all strive to be the most effective and dynamic
educators we can be.
Perhaps you attended PARC Best Practices series last
school year and decided to fine tune the procedures and
routines of the Daily Five or use the CAFÉ menu bulletin
board as you work with students to help them become more
accountable for their reading progress. Or you may have
decided that you need more frequent formative assessments
on target students. Perhaps you read The Book Whisperer
and combined it with your own ingredients to focus on
creating lifelong readers within your students.
As you begin to whip up your recipe for success, may I
encourage you to continue to fill up your own cup. Of course,
PARC has that secret ingredient! With so few opportunities
for professional development within our districts, and due to
overwhelming demand, PARC is again offering a series of
literacy- based professional development workshops titled
“Best Practices II”.
Based on the feedback from last year, we are going
deeper with “the Sisters”, Gail Boushay’s and Joan Moser’s,
Daily Five program. In addition, there will be much more on
the Sisters’ CAFÉ menu which complements the Daily Five as
it is the assessment and accountability piece. As per your
requests, we will have more classes with breakout sessions
by grade level. In addition to classes on primary and
intermediate literacy, we are offering classes on building a
writers’ clubhouse and instituting writer’s workshop in your
classroom as well as one class on teaching test taking as a
genre.
If you receive our newsletter, you should have received
an email with the flyer attached. If not refer to PARC’s
website at www.placerareadreadingcouncil.org. The first
class starts September 27th. Look at our “menu” of classes
and select them all or just a few. Best of all, the dessert is
no homework!
In addition, there is another opportunity on the horizon
for filling your cup with the ingredients for success.
California Reading Association is offering a professional
development institute on November 4th and 5th. Titled “Plug
into Content Literacy”, it is being held in Vacaville at the
Solano Community College with keynote speakers Barbara
Moss, Phd., Professor, San Diego State University and
children’s author, Helen Foster James opening on Friday
evening. This institute provides direct access to literacy
superstars such as Dr. John Shefelbine, Dr. Donald Bear and
Mary Ellen Vogt … not to mention PARC’s own superstars,
Debi Pitta, Joanne Devine, Jody Anderson and Judy Lynch.
Visit CRA’s website for registration forms and more
information.
www.californiareads.org
One last comment, don’t forget to share your recipes
for success. Workshops and Professional Learning
Communities provide that opportunity to hear about those
secret ingredients and to share yours as well.
Taffy Maurer
PARC President, 2011-2012
BOOKMARK OUR PARC WEB SITE
<www.placerareareadingcouncil.org>
Kevin Kurtz (Principal of Lincoln Crossing Elementary School)
is our webmaster. Look for membership forms, flyers, a list
of events, newsletters, and information for parents and
students. Thank you to Principal Kurtz for all your work in
maintaining our web presence again this school year!
PARC SUMMER READING PROGRAMS
… three to be awarded by Placer Area Reading Association
*** SIX HUNDRED DOLLAR TEACHER GRANTS ***
Pilot Programs June and July 2011
Placer Area Reading Council Board members created two
summer reading programs for area children in their quest to
prevent what has become known as the summer reading slide.
Both reading programs extended over several weeks during
June and July and involved credentialed teachers, high
school students from Del Oro and Granite Bay High Schools,
and volunteers from an area church, as well as the use of
space and/or staff from two elementary schools and a public
library. The series of sessions and the training of helpers
were planned and coordinated by PARC members, Jody
Anderson, Taffy Maurer, Joanne Devine, Kari Hazen, Betsy
Stenklyft, and Judy Lynch with help from, Joanne Ligamari,
Kathy Goodwin, Jenn Tverberg, and Amy Nash.
Camp Read A Lot was held at Cirby Elementary School in
Roseville and targeted thirty students going into first and
second grades who were given direct instruction in reading
and writing as well as access to leveled and trade books for
additional reading time. Students rotated through two
classrooms and participated in a variety of activities two
times a week. Volunteers included several credentialed
teachers from Cirby school, as well as others (high school
students and volunteers from Alliance Church) who had been
trained for the program. Another room was set aside and
overseen by a credentialed teacher with the help of trained
volunteers, enabling parents, siblings, and other children who
dropped by to read from high interest books and/or listen to
a reading of Mr. Popper’s Penguins. PARC Board member and
Cirby Camp Read A Lot coordinator, Joanne Devine, held a
celebration at the end with students gathering in tents and
on sleeping bags for book readings and treats!
The Loomis Summer Reading Program was held weekly in a
room of the Loomis Public library and coordinated by PARC
Board member Kari Hazen who teaches at Loomis Elementary
School. Other staff members from Loomis, as well as PARC
members, high school volunteers, library clerks, and teacher
librarians provided services to children who dropped in on
Wednesday afternoons. They read stories aloud, helped
students find high interest books from the library, and gave
children one-on-one help with decoding, fluency, and writing.
Principal Rick Judd and school library clerk Jenn Mishler
were among the Loomis staff members who volunteered.
Students who attend Loomis Elementary were tracked and
received extra credit points from their teachers when they
returned to school … proving that they had worked and had
fun in their effort to avoid the summer reading slide.
Placer Area Reading Association is offering three teacher
grants in the amount of six hundred dollars each to teachers
who plan, develop, and implement projects and strategies in
reading and writing related to nonfiction/informational or
expository texts.
Each $600 grant will be awarded to a team of two teachers
who plan the unit. The award consists of the following:
1.) funds for materials which may include professional texts,
books, or other materials for students
2.) registration for CRA’s Professional Development
Institute (see information in this newsletter under Literacy
Events - PDI in Vacaville for November 5th - which will be
focusing on comprehension of informational texts)
3.) a PARC membership for each winner (or current PARC
members may apply $40 in funds to additional materials).
Grant winners will present and showcase their work to area
teachers at a PARC event in May of 2012. Download a
Teacher Grant Application from the PARC website if you
have not already received an e-mail with the teacher grant
documents attached. <www.placerareareadingcouncil.org>
Applications must be postmarked by September 16, 2011 and
winners will be notified by September 30, in time to plan for
the November 5, 2011 CRA Professional Development
Institute. Questions? [email protected]
GETTING STARTED ON YOUR GRANT APPLICATION
NEED IDEAS TO JUMPSTART THE CREATIVE JUICES?
Magazines for Young People
Find the magazines in your school or public library; some
issues might also be available at book stores.
Click (a science and discovery Smithsonian publication);
Cobblestone (American History); Dig (Archaeological
Institute of America); Faces (world cultures); Kids Discover
(informational topics); National Geographic Kids (geography);
Odyssey (physical and natural science; Time for Kids (news
and nonfiction); Zoobooks (facts about wildlife).
Informational Award-winning & Best Books for Children
Search on-line for current and past lists and winners.
Boston Globe/Horn Book Award – Nonfiction
Jane Addams Children’s Book Awards
(some titles are informational or based on facts)
Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children
Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award
Best Science Books for Children
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People
Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12
LITERACY EVENTS
OF INTEREST TO PARC MEMBERS
PARC BUSINESS MEETINGS
Meetings are monthly, from 4:30 – 6:00. All PARC members,
guests, supporters, and potential members are welcome.
These gatherings are held monthly and include planning for
PARC events, lively discussions about reading and teaching,
and local, state, and national literacy/reading issues. Check
with a board member to confirm meeting dates, times, and
locations: www.placerareareadingcouncil.org
SEPTEMBER IS LIBRARY SIGN-UP MONTH
http://www.ala.org/
Plan to publicize September as a month to assure that all
students have a public library card. Print and audio PSAs are
available; work with your public library to increase awareness
of public library services for children, and adults of all ages.
PARC BOOK CLUB
The Blue Notebook
by James A. Levine
Monday, September 12, 2011
6:00 at the home of Jeanne Nowlin
BANNED BOOKS WEEK
Celebrating the Freedom to Read
September 24 - October 1, 2011
www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/bannedbooksweek
From the web site: “Banned Books Week (BBW) is an annual
event celebrating the freedom to read and the importance
of the First Amendment. Held during the last week of
September, Banned Books Week highlights the benefits of
free and open access to information while drawing attention
to the harms of censorship by spotlighting actual or
attempted bannings of books across the United States.”
Download artwork, bookmarks, and posters, and find ideas
to help celebrate the freedom to read.
PARC PRESENTS BEST PRACTICES PART II
#1 OF EIGHT SESSIONS
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
4:30 – 6:30
Rocklin School District Office Boardroom
Daily 5: A Management System for ALL Grade Levels
Check out the PARC web site for details and registration
forms; register for the whole series or for individual
classes:
www.placerareareadingcouncil.org
SACRAMENTO AREA LIBRARY ORGANIZATION
SALO PRESENTS …
LIBRARY HAPPENINGS
5:30 pm Thursday, September 22, 2011
Belle Cooledge Public Library
5600 South Land Park Drive,
Sacramento, CA 95822-3359
Guest speaker: Vicki Rondeau, Branch Supervisor, will speak:
“Sharing Resources – Public and School Libraries.” Updates
on job openings, new books, library news and activities;
no/charge; bring finger food to share; phone Penny Kastanis
at 916-455-5682 or email her at [email protected]
READ FOR THE RECORD
October 6, 2011
www.readfortherecord.org/
Join other teachers and educators as children around the
world set a record for reading the same book on the same
day. This year’s title is Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna
Dewdney. Don’t have the book? Check out the website for a
link to find the book online. READ FOR THE RECORD is
sponsored by The Pearson Foundation and Jumpstart.
PARC BOOK CLUB
Anna’s Book
by Barbara Vine (Ruth Rendell)
Monday, October 10, 2011
6:00 at the home of Joanne Ligamari
PARC PRESENTS BEST PRACTICES PART II
#3 OF EIGHT SESSIONS
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
4:30 – 6:30
Rocklin School District Office Boardroom
Building a Writer’s Clubhouse in Your Classroom
Check out the PARC web site for details and registration
forms; register for the whole series or for individual
classes:
www.placerareareadingcouncil.org
PARC PRESENTS BEST PRACTICES PART II
#2 OF EIGHT SESSIONS
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
4:30 – 6:30
Rocklin School District Office Boardroom
Dive Deeper into Daily 5 Strategies
Check out the PARC web site for details and registration
forms; register for the whole series or for individual
classes:
www.placerareareadingcouncil.org
California Reading Association’s
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE
Plug into Content Literacy
TEEN READ WEEK
October 16-22, 2011
http://www.ala.org/
KeyTeen Read Week into the Search Box
From the website: “This year’s theme is Picture It@your
library which encourages teens to read graphic novels
and other illustrated materials, seek out creative books, or
imagine the world through literature, just for the fun of it.”
NATIONAL FRIENDS OF LIBRARIES WEEK
October 16-22, 2011
http://www.ala.org
Key National Friends of Libraries into the Search Box
All over the country budgets of public libraries have been
reduced because of the economy. However, with people
unemployed, unable to afford the latest fast Internet
connections, taking classes etc., the USE of libraries has
increased. Consider volunteering at your local public library.
Fairfield and Vacaville
Solano Community College
400 Suison Valley Road, Fairfield, CA
November 4-5, 2011
www.californiareads.org
Keynote speakers include Barbara Moss, San Diego State
University and author, Helen Foster James. Sessions, will be
held on Saturday. The annual CYRM dinner will be held on
Saturday evening. Please support our California Reading
Association and join other PARC and SARA members who will
be traveling from Sacramento and Placer counties to
Vacaville to learn and to celebrate reading and literacy.
PARC PRESENTS BEST PRACTICES PART II
#4 OF EIGHT SESSIONS
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
4:30 – 6:30
Rocklin School District Office Boardroom
Cook Up Your Classroom!
CAFÉ – The Next Step in the Daily 5 Process
Check out the PARC web site for details and registration
forms; register for the whole series or for individual
classes:
www.placerareareadingcouncil.org
CALIFORNIA SCHOOL LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
CALIFORNIA LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND EXPOSITION
November 11 -13, 2011
Pasadena Convention Center
http://www.cla-csla.org/
For the second time the two California library organizations
are having their annual conferences together. Members,
friends, and supporters are welcome. Workshops, inspiring
speakers, book and publisher displays, sessions, authors, and
the latest in technology and literacy related topics.
PARC PRESENTS BEST PRACTICES PART II
# SEVEN OF EIGHT SESSIONS
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
4:30 – 6:30
Rocklin School District Office Boardroom
Test Talk
Check out the PARC web site for details and registration
forms; register for the whole series or for individual
classes:
www.placerareareadingcouncil.org
PARC PRESENTS BEST PRACTICES PART II
# EIGHT OF EIGHT SESSIONS
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
4:30 – 6:30
Rocklin School District Office Boardroom
PARC PRESENTS BEST PRACTICES PART II
#5 OF EIGHT SESSIONS
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
4:30 – 6:30
Rocklin School District Office Boardroom
Transforming Reluctant Writers
& Supporting Their Teachers
Check out the PARC web site for details and registration
forms; register for the whole series or for individual
classes:
www.placerareareadingcouncil.org
Cookies, Cocoa, & Café!
+ California Young Reader Medal Books
Check out the PARC web site for details and registration
forms; register for the whole series or for individual
classes:
www.placerareareadingcouncil.org
PARC PRESENTS BEST PRACTICES PART II
#6 OF EIGHT SESSIONS
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
4:30 – 6:30
Rocklin School District Office Boardroom
Bringing Words to Life
Check out the PARC web site for details and registration
forms; register for the whole series or for individual
classes:
www.placerareareadingcouncil.org
READ ACROSS AMERICA
Friday, March 2, 2012
www.nea.org/readacross
http://www.cta.org/
The NEA and CTA web sites do not yet have materials and
images for the 2012 celebration but check them out later in
the fall for bookmarks, activities, and other materials. Start
preparing for this annual celebration of Dr. Seuss’s birthday!
NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK
April 8 - 14, 2012
www.ala.org/
Key National Library Week 2012 into the Search Box
Tools for creating library events will be available by the end
of October: a Public Service Announcement for spreading
the word about your events; tips for organizing and
promoting National Library Week; and downloadable
material. Theme: You belong @ your library
NATIONAL DROP EVERYTHING AND READ DAY
D.E.A.R.
Thursday April 12, 2012
www.dropeverythingandread.com/
Look for book marks, activities, templates, and help from
“Ramona” to assure that everyone in your classroom, home,
and/or library drops everything and reads on April 12th!
California Young Reader Medal
The California Young Reader Medal program encourages
recreational reading of popular literature among the young
people of our state. By April 1st of each year, students have
read or listened to all the nominated books in an interest
level or grade level category and voted for their favorites.
More information and voting forms can be found online:
www.californiayoungreadermedal.org
CYRM NOMINATIONS – 2011/2012
PARC EVENT
SEEDS OF LITERACY BANQUET
March 5, 2012
Save the date for this event and celebrate area teachers
and organizations who make a difference in the lives of
children with their special and creative strategies to get
students reading! Watch for an e-mailed flyer with details.
CHILDREN’S BOOK WEEK
May 7 - 13, 2012
http://www.bookweekonline.com/
An event sponsored by Children’s Book Council; check out the
web site early in 2012 for bookmarks, ideas for celebrating,
a downloadable poster, and links to numerous web sites for
well-known children’s authors and illustrators.
PRIMARY CATEGORY
ON MEADOWVIEW STREET
Henry Cole
LET’S DO NOTHING
Tony Fucile
THE ODD EGG
Emily Gravett
PRINCESS HYACINTH
THE SURPRISING TALE OF THE GIRL WHO FLOATED
Florence Heide; illustrated by Lane Smith
I NEED MY MONSTER
Amanda Noll; illustrated by Howard McWilliam
INTERMEDIATE CATEGORY
VIOLET RAINES ALMOST GOT STRUCK BY LIGHTNING
Danette Heworth
ALVIN HO
ALLERGIC TO GIRLS, SCHOOL AND OTHER SCARY THINGS
Lenore Look
THE SMALL ADVENTURE OF POPEYE AND ELVIS
Barbara O’Connor
MIDDLE SCHOOL/JR. HIGH
REVOLUTION IS NOT A DINNER PARTY: A NOVEL
Ying Chang Compestine
WAITING FOR NORMAL
Leslie Conner
EVERY SOUL A STAR
Wendy Mass
YOUNG ADULT
GRACELING
Kristin Cashore
BEASTLY
Alex Flinn
IF I STAY
Gayle Forman
PICTURE BOOKS FOR OLDER READERS
GOAL!
Mina Javaherbin; illustrated by A. G. Ford
HENRY’S FREEDOM BOX
Ellen Levine; illustrated by Kadir Nelson
WABI SABI
Mark Reibstein; illustrated by Ed Young
PARC EVENT
YOUNG AUTHORS’ CELEBRATION
April 26, 2012
4:00 – 6:30
Lincoln Crossings Elementary – Lincoln, CA
Watch for an e-mailed flyer and encourage writing by
getting your students involved in this annual program to
honor young writers!!
911 Anniversary Lessons
U. S. Department of Education
Web Sites
of interest to educators
Note: The first few are ones almost always included in
this column because of their importance to California
teachers and members of CRA.
www.ed.gov/911anniversary
This web page offers materials for teachers related to 9/11
as the country remembers the event that happened ten
years ago. There are links to resources from across the web
as well as from educational organizations. There are also
lessons to connect with Constitution Day, September 17th on
which schools across the country are to teach lessons
related to our country’s beginnings.
California Reading Association
www.californiareads.org
Includes information about conferences, membership,
councils, forms for joining CRA and local councils.
ReadWriteThink
www.readwritethink.org
Administered by the IRA, NCATE, and the MarcoPolo
Education Foundation. Approximately 500 peer-reviewed K12 lesson plans. Check out the site for numerous ideas for
summer projects to keep students learning and reading.
International Reading Association
www.reading.org
A wealth of information; links for ordering materials,
research articles, conferences, state, and local councils.
California Recommended Literature: K-12
www.cde.ca.gov/ci/rl/ll/index.asp
Produced by CDE: “… a collection of outstanding literature
for children and adolescents.” Although the database has
not been recently updated, a new feature is that the link for
an explanation for “Award” books contains several URLs to
sites for particular awards (for example: Newbery,
Caldecott, Printz, and National Book Awards) which allows
access to more recent recommended titles.
Media in Education
http://guide.sacbee.com/146
N.I.E. (Newspapers in Education) is now M.I.E. (Media in
Education). The M.I.E. program provides e-Edition newspaper
subscriptions, special projects based on important themes,
lesson plans, and innovative activities relevant to students
and teachers in Sacramento and throughout California.
M.I.E. is the Sacramento Bee's online classroom and there
are sections for Teachers, Kids, and Teens.
CSLA and PTA
“PARTNERS IN SAFETY”
California School Library Association is
offering free cyber safety team
leadership training to PTA district
and/or site leadership members. Check
these web sites for more information:
http://www.csla.net/
http://tiny.cc/CSLA
DOODLE 4 GOOGLE
www.google.com/doodle4google/index.html
From the web site: “Doodle 4 Google is a competition where
we invite K-12 students to reinvent Google's homepage logo.”
The illustration above is the 2011 student winner … a sevenyear-old boy from San Francisco! Check out the web site in
January for the launch of the 2012 competition. Entries
must be postmarked by a March, 2012 date, TBA.
Nancy Keane’s Children’s Literature Webpage
Image created by Aliki
California children’s book illustrators
donate artwork to save libraries!
www.cafepress.com/csla
Check out the web site above and browse the artwork and
items for sale related to reading, books, and libraries.
Illustrations were created and donated by illustrators as a
public relations and fund-raising program run by CSLA.
Artists include Caroline Arnold (see above), Aliki, Marla
Frazee, Brian Selznick, Marianne Wallace and many others.
Carol Hurst’s Literature Site
www.carolhurst.com/
This is an excellent site for parents and teachers to use
with children as there are hundreds and hundreds of choices
and they can be sorted and searched by Title, Author, and
Grade (Interest) level. Annotations for each book includes a
picture of the cover (covers do count in interesting potential
readers!) and a review which can help students find the
perfect "next" book or series to read.
Read Kiddo Read
www.readkiddoread.com/home
Author James Patterson’s web site is aimed at parents,
teachers, and librarians who are interested in connecting
young people with books that will keep them reading;
includes lesson plans, reviews, and interviews. Patterson
recommendations include an excellent combination of new
and current reads and old favorites. Selections include
fiction and nonfiction titles for reluctant readers.
Book Adventure: Read, Click And Win
www.bookadventure.com/
This free site was created and maintained by Sylvan
Learning Centers (a tutoring business). Its partners include
The Center for the Book; Reading is Fundamental (RIF); and
The International Reading Association (IRA). The site has
over 7000 books in its various book lists which can be
searched by title, author, reading level, and/or category.
Quizzes are available online and are free; registration and a
password are required to take quizzes. There is a Prize
Library available for students who have acquired points. The
site may be used for the book lists or for reading and taking
the quizzes.
www.nancykeane.com/
Over 5,000 ready-to-use book talks; recommended lists of
books on almost any topic one can imagine. The variety of
suggested titles means even reluctant readers should be
able to find the perfect books for summer reading!
Launching Young Readers
Reading Rockets
www.readingrockets.org/
From the web site: “Teaching kids to read and helping those
who struggle.” A well-established and highly recommended
web site which is an educational initiative of the
Washington, D.C. public television and radio stations
(WETA). The site includes links to book lists by theme
(PARC Grant!), webcasts, podcasts, a RR Mobile app, videos,
interviews with authors, strategies for teaching reading, and
literacy calendars. There are sections for parents, teachers,
principals, and librarians and sections in Spanish.
Teacher Files
www.teacherfiles.com/clip_art.htm
Check out the various forms of clip art offered at this site.
There are some advertisements but they seem non-intrusive.
Topics include format for parent letters, back to school
signs, and a simple to use “word art creator” (see above).
Other sections of the teacher files web site provide lesson
plans, resources, and teacher links.
California School Library Standards
www.cde.ca.gov/ci/cr/lb/schlibrarystds.asp
In July the Model School Library Standards for California
Public Schools was published. Information about and
resources to support these standards may be found at the
web site above. Copies may be purchased from the CDE for
$15.95 plus $5.95 postage. (item # 001710) See below:
www.cde.ca.gov/re/pn/rc/
Bumble-Ardy
Too good
To miss …
Note: Annotations are by Kathy Goodwin. Library of Congress
CIP notes (which are found on the verso of the title page) are
used in some of the descriptions. Thanks also to www.permabound.com (Perma-Bound) and www.titlewave.com (Follett) for
cover art and information from their web sites.
by Maurice Sendak (2011)
Who can resist a new book by master writer/illustrator
Maurice Sendak. The first eight years of piglet BumbleArdy's birthdays go unnoticed until his eighth brings about
some mischievous fun. Bumble’s family “frowned on fun” but
when he turned eight, his parents “got ate.” And thus his
ninth birthday is hosted by his divine Aunt Adeline. The fun
is not only in the story but also in the details of Sendak’s
lavish illustrations – references to his other works and the
number nine in many languages.
PRIMARY
Grandpa Green
A Butterfly is Patient
by Dianna Hutts Aston; illustrated by Sylvia Long (2011)
This beautifully written and illustrated informational book
introduces young readers to the life cycle, characteristics,
and behaviors of butterflies. By the team that created An
Egg is Quiet and A Seed is Sleepy.
Big Chickens Fly the Coop!
by Leslie Helakoski (2010)
When four farmyard chickens begin to feel like they need to
spread their wings a bit, they decide to go to the big
farmhouse to check things out, but after crashing into a
doghouse and banging into a tractor, the four flappers get
frustrated with their search until a helpful friend finally
points out the obvious and overlooked. The birds from Big
Chicken (2008) are back and still wild and crazy!
by Lane Smith (2011)
A child explores the ordinary life of his extraordinary
great-grandfather, as expressed in his topiary garden. The
young boy wanders through the garden which displays the
life of his great-grandfather. In the end, in a splendid twopage spread, we see the whole garden and the old man in his
gardening clothes. He’s now forgetful but, as the small boy
points out, “ … the important stuff, the garden remembers
for him."
The Astonishing Secret of Awesome Man
By Michael Chabon; illustrated by Jake Parker (2011)
A young superhero describes his awesome powers, which he
then demonstrates as various foes arrive on the scene. The
story is witty and full of words (some of them made-up) that
call for a read-aloud as Awesome Man fights villains as well
as his own temper. Ask students to listen and watch
carefully for hints about the true identity of Awesome Man
… to be revealed on the closing pages!
MIDDLE/UPPER GRADES
Three Days
Trapped
How the World Rescued
33 Miners from Beneath the Chilean Desert
By Marc Aronson (2011)
A middle grade nonfiction title about thirty-three miners
trapped in a copper-gold mine in San Jose, Chile and how
experts from around the world, from drillers, to astronauts,
to submarine specialists, came together to make their
by Donna Jo Napoli (2001) (2003)
Eleven-year-old Jackie finds herself in a dangerous situation
when she picked up by two men after her father dies
suddenly of heart attack, leaving her alone on an Italian
highway. School Library Journal: “A riveting read, filled with
complex characters and nonstop action.” Grades 4+
remarkable rescue possible. Aronson takes the reader back
into the geological history of the earth … 40 million years
ago … to set the stage for this disaster. Starred reviews.
Inside Out and Back Again
by Thanhha Lai (2010)
I reviewed this one in the spring newsletter but I’m
including it again as it’s a possible Newbery:
Wonderstruck
by Brian Selznick (2011)
Relates the stories of twelve-year-old Ben, who loses his
mother and his hearing in a short time frame and decides to
leave his Minnesota home in 1977 to seek the father he has
never known in New York City; and Rose, who lives with her
father but feels compelled to search for what is missing in
her life. Ben's story is told in words; Rose's in pictures.
Selznick continues with the innovative technique he created
in The Invention of Hugo Cabret. Again, a possible Newbery
or Caldecott for this author/illustrator!
Written as a novel in verse, a young girl chronicles the lifechanging year when she, her mother, and her brothers leave
Vietnam and resettle in Alabama. Parts of the story are also
the experiences of the author whose poetical voice is one we
almost certainly will read again. The difficulties of letting go
of hope for her father, adjusting to life in a strange
country, and dealing with a school where she is the bullied
are all softened with glimpses of Lai’s humor. Gr. 4+
Wolf Brother
Babymouse: Mad Scientist
by Jennifer Holm; illustrated by Matthew Holm (2011)
While working on a school science fair project, Babymouse
discovers Squish, a new species of amoeba that talks and
eats cupcakes. Volume 14 in this graphic novel series about a
middle school mouse with drama, humor, and imagination. And
always a bit of a message. Gr. 3 through middle school.
by Michelle Paver (2004) (2006)
6,000 years in the past, twelve-year-old Tarak and his guide,
a wolf cub, set out on a dangerous journey to fulfill an oath
the boy made to his dying father--to travel to the Mountain
of the World Spirit seeking a way to destroy a demonpossessed bear that threatens all the clans. This is the first
in a series of six books; high interest fantasy by a British
author whose research on primitive man helps create a
realistic atmosphere. Will appeal to reluctant readers. Gr. 4+
PICTURE BOOKS
SOME FOR ALL AGES … OTHERS FOR OLDER READERS
One Crazy Summer
by Rita Williams-Garcia (2010)
In 1968, Delphine and her two younger sisters travel to
Oakland, California, to spend a month with the mother they
barely know, and discover that she resents their presence in
her life and she has them attend a nearby Black Panther
summer camp. Delphine’s voice is strong and memorable, and
the story is compelling; a book to be kept and shared. 2011
Newbery Honor Award; 2011 CSK Author Award.
Johnny Appleseed: The Legend and the Truth
by Jane Yolen; illustrated by Jim Burke (2008)
Tells the whole story of Johnny Appleseed, who forever
changed the landscape of America. The author uses a format
that tells a good story but also makes clear what is known to
be fact. A picture book biography for all ages.
In Her Hands
Unwind
by Neal Shusterman (2007) (2009)
In a future world where those between the ages of thirteen
and eighteen can have their lives "unwound" and their body
parts harvested for use by others, three teens go to
extreme lengths to uphold their beliefs--and, perhaps, save
their own lives. Adventure, friendship, and lots of material
for discussion. For Grades 7+
Tom Thumb: A Grimm Graphic Novel
by Scott Sonneborn
Graphic novel adaptation of the fairy tale of a incredibly
small boy. One of twenty five titles in a series of 32-page
illustrated high interest adapted Grimm stories. Although
they can be read and enjoyed by younger children, Grimm’s
stories are more appropriate for middle grade students.
These could be appreciated by those reluctant middle
schoolers who will appreciate the British author’s weaving of
contemporary language and themes into the stories.
The Story of Sculptor Augusta Savage
by Alan Schroeder; illustrated by JaeMe Bereal (2009)
A biography of African American sculptor Augusta Savage,
who overcame many obstacles as a young woman to become a
premier female sculptor of the Harlem Renaissance. A wellreviewed picture book biography written by a Northern
California author whose most recent book (Ben Franklin: His
Wit and Wisdom from A to Z) is featured in Scholastic Book
Orders. Alan was a speaker last May at our PARC Young
Author’s celebration.
All About Korea
Stories, Songs, Crafts, and More …
By Ann Martin Bowler; illustrated by Soosoonam Barg
Includes bibliographical references (p. 63) and index.
Contains stories, lyrics for songs, instructions for crafts,
and other resources for learning about the culture of Korea.
Written by an area author who has presented at a PARC
event and, in June, was the lead author for Roseville Public
Library’s summer reading program.
2011 American Library Association Award Winners
Newbery Award (outstanding writing for children)
MOON OVER MANIFEST by Clare Vanderpool
Newbery Honor Books
TURTLE IN PARADISE by Jennifer L. Holm
HEART OF A SAMURAI by Margi Preus
DARK EMPEROR AND OTHER POEMS OF THE NIGHT by Joyce Sidman
ONE CRAZY SUMMER by Rita Williams-Garcia
Caldecott Award (outstanding illustrating for children)
A SICK DAY FOR AMOS MCGEE, illustrated by Erin E. Stead and written by Philip E. Stead
Caldecott Honor Books
DAVE THE POTTER: ARTIST POET, SLAVE, illustrated by Bryan Collier and written by Laban Carrick Hill
INTERRUPTING CHICKEN written and illustrated by David Ezra Stein
Coretta Scott King Author Award (honoring African American authors)
ONE CRAZY SUMMER by Rita Williams-Garcia
Coretta Scott King Author Honor Books
LOCKDOWN by Walter Dean Myers
NINTH WARD by Jewell Parker Rhodes
YUMMY: THE LAST DAYS OF A SOUTHSIDE SHORTY by G. Neri, illustrated by Randy DuBurke
Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award (honoring African American illustrators)
DAVE THE POTTER: ARTIST POET, SLAVE, illustrated by Bryan Collier and written by Laban Carrick Hill
Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Books
JIMI SOUNDS LIKE A RAINBOW: A STORY OF THE YOUNG JIMI HENDRIX byJavaka Steptoe, written by Gary Golio
Coretta Scott King New Talent Award (author and illustrator)
ZORA AND ME by Victoria Bond and T.R. Simon and SEEDS OF CHANGE, illustrated by Sonia Lynn Sadler
Michael L. Printz Award (honoring young adult authors)
SHIP BREAKER by Paolo Bacigalupi
Michael L. Printz Honor Books
STOLEN by Lucy Christopher
PLEASE IGNORE VERA DIETZ by A.S. King
REVOLVER by Marcus Sedgwick
NOTHING by Janne Teller
Robert F. Sibert Award (honoring authors of informational books)
KAKAPO RESCUE: SAVING THE WORLD’S STRANGEST PARROT by Sy Montgomery and photographs by Nic Bishop
Sibert Honor Books
BALLET FOR MARTHA: MAKING APPALACHIAN SPRING written by J. Greenberg & S. Jordan; illus. by Brian Floca
LAFAYETTE AND THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION by Russell Freedman
Schneider Family Book Award (books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience)
THE PIRATE OF KINDERGARTEN by George Ella Lyon, illustrated by Lynne Avril (ages 0 – 10))
AFTER EVER AFTER by Jordan Sonnenblick (ages 11 – 13)
FIVE FLAVORS OF DUMB by Antony John (ages 13 - 18)
Theodor Seuss Geisel Award (honoring authors and illustrators of beginning reader books)
BINK AND GOLLIE by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee; illustrated by Tony Fucile
Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Books
LING & TING: NOT EXACTLY THE SAME by Grace Lin
WE ARE IN A BOOK! by Mo Willems
Pura Belpre Award (honoring Latino authors)
Pam Munoz Ryan, author of THE DREAMER (illustrated by Peter Sis)
Pura Belpre Award (honoring Latino illustrators)
Eric Valesquez, author and illustrator of GRANDMA’S GIFT
Pura Belpre Honor Books: Illustrator: FIESTA BABIES (Amy Cordova) written by Carmen Tafolla; ME, FRIDA (David
Diaz) written by Amy Novesky; DEAR PRIMO: A LETTER TO MY COUSIN (Abrams) Author: OLE! FLAMENCO (George
Ancona) illustrated by Ancona; THE FIREFLY LETTERS: A SUFFRAGETTE’S JOURNEY TO CUBA (Margarita Engle); 90
MILES TO HAVANA (Enrique Flores-Galbis)
PARC BOARD MEMBERS
2011 - 2012
Members are always welcome at our board meetings! Watch in August for the annual PARC
Brochure for a list of events for next school year and the dates and places of board meetings.
Pass on the membership form below to friends and co-workers!
Taffy Maurer
Jody Anderson
Jenn Tverberg
Kari Hazen
Debra Schumann
Joanne Ligamari
Muriel Secker
Tanya Cain
Kathy Goodwin
President
916-208-2537 [email protected]
Past President
916-660-9656 [email protected]
President Elect
916-276-7493 [email protected]
Vice President
916-652-1824 [email protected]
Recording Secretary
916-622-9686 [email protected]
Treasurer
916-652-4177 [email protected]
Corresponding Secretary
916-663-3307 [email protected]
Historian
916-543-3465 [email protected]
Newsletter/Book Club
916-791-1396 [email protected]
Aliso DeLeo
Site Representative Chair
916-768-0835 [email protected]
Amy Nash
Technology
916-652-1824
Joanne Devine
Legislative Advocate/2011-2012 CRA Area 2 Director
916-768-7251 [email protected]
Membership
916-784-9294 [email protected]
Hospitality
916-566-1900 [email protected]
916-772-6308 [email protected]
Debi Pitta
Frances Bigler/
Katherine Beilby
Kevin Kurtz
[email protected]
Web Site
Principal: Lincoln Crossing www.placerareareadingcouncil.org
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Placer Area Reading Council
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
Please tear off this portion and mail with your appropriate membership dues (payable to CRA):
PARC C/O Debi Pitta, 1768 Stone Canyon Drive, Roseville, CA 95661
Becoming a PARC member automatically makes you a member of CRA. Both memberships are valid for
12 months from the date of the application:
$40.00 per year regular individual membership
$20.00 per year full-time student,
BTSA teacher, or retired individual
Name (First) _____________________ (Last) _____________________ Grade Level _______
Home Address ________________________________ City ______________ Zip __________
School ___________________________________ email ______________________________
Position _________________ Home Phone ________________ Work Phone _______________
I can help by being a site rep (five minutes a month)
Photos from Lerato Educational Centre
… near Johannesburg South Africa
– PARC members have
been donating funds for
their school/community
library for several
years.