http://mrskozaka.edublogs.org A place to share thoughts, ideas and questions about our library experiences. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:43:32 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en       During the months of November and December, all schools in South Portland are participating in a community read of Greg Mortenson’s Three Cups of Tea. This inspiring story is available in three versions: adult, young reader’s edition, and the picture book Listen to the Wind. Three Cups of Tea tells ... http://mrskozaka.edublogs.org/2009/11/18/three-cups-of-tea-and-listen-to-the-wind/ Summer is certainly a time to relax and enjoy the great outdoors, but it is also a great time to read.  In fact, students who read during their summer vacation are much less likely to experience the dreaded "summer slide."  This happens when students, who have worked hard all school ... http://mrskozaka.edublogs.org/2009/06/12/super-charge-your-summer-with-books/ http://mrskozaka.edublogs.org/2009/06/04/last-mainely-girls-book-club-of-the-year/ On Tuesday, January 27th, thirteen 5th grade girls met with me in the Small school library to kick off the start of our Girls' Point of View book club.  This club, sponsored by the the nonprofit group Mainely Girls, encourages girls of all ages and abilities to read and discuss ... http://mrskozaka.edublogs.org/2009/02/03/a-girls%e2%80%99-point-of-view-book-club/ Books are excellent gifts, but are often difficult to select.  To make this process a little easier, here is a list of online resources to help you find the perfect books for young family members and friends. The ALA's 2008 Notable Children's Books on Booklist Online The New York Times Best Illustrated ... http://mrskozaka.edublogs.org/2008/12/03/holiday-gift-ideas/   While we are still on the topic of voting, let me introduce the Maine Student Book Award!  Each year Maine students in 4th - 8th grade have the opportunity to participate in a state-wide vote for their favorite book published in the previous year.  A list of 41 popular ... http://mrskozaka.edublogs.org/2008/11/24/maine-student-book-awards/ Thank you to everyone who participated in our Vote for Books election. The votes are in, and to all of our amazement, The Giant of Seville by Dan Andreasen won in all three schools!  At Dyer 82 of the 231 votes collected were for The Giant of Seville; at Kaler, ... http://mrskozaka.edublogs.org/2008/11/14/election-results/ Which of the four book candidates are you likely to vote for on election day? ( surveys) http://mrskozaka.edublogs.org/2008/10/28/book-poll-2/ For the month of October the elementary school students in South Portland are learning about elections.  Many schools are holding student council elections and many classrooms are discussing the process of campaigning and voting.  In the library we are voting for books!  Each week the students listen to a "book candidate" ... http://mrskozaka.edublogs.org/2008/10/21/vote-for-books/ During our first library class last week I read "Blueberries for Sal" by Robert McCloskey to the third graders.  I described it as a classic story because it was written sixty years ago and is still fun to read.  "Blueberries for Sal" also represents a great Maine tradition - picking ... http://mrskozaka.edublogs.org/2008/09/19/reading-%e2%80%9cclassic%e2%80%9d-stories/