Medicine, History, and Magic

Mauser reviews The Poisoner's Handbook, which chronicles the beginnings of forensic medicine and a history of poisons. Hauser shares The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, and the wealth of discussion topics that arise from reading it. McElroy reviews Waiting for the Magic, the story of a suddenly single mom, her children, and the animals they adopt, and the communication between the animals and children.
The technology segment looks at the ipad app, Flipboard, as a great aggregator for things of interest.

Toys, Elements, and Certification

McElroy leads off the book reviews segment with the book,  Toys Come Home: Being the Early Experiences of an Intelligent Stingray, a Brave Buffalo, and a Brand-New Someone Called Plastic.  This book is not only a great read aloud, but is also a wonderful story of toys and the lives they lead while we're not watching.
Mauser reviews The Disappearing Spoon, which gives the reader a history of the world through various elements from the periodic table.  
Hauser reviews National Board Certification in Library Media: A Candidate's Journal.  This book gives advice for candidates and tips for successful completion of National Board Certification.  This review leads to the discussion of National Board Certification for Librarians, including the four portfolio entries, and the emphasis on reflective practice. 

Literacy, History, and the World

In this episode we finally had a break in the heat enabling an outdoor recording. Mauser begins the book reviews by sharing a professional book, Literature and the Web: Reading and Responding with New Technologies, which is an easy to use handbook for using online resources in responding to literature.
Hauser shares a YA nonfiction book, Sugar Changed the World: A Story of Magic, Spice, Slavery, Freedom, and Science, which examines the role of sugar in changing the course of world history.  
McElroy, finishes the book segment with a review of Will in the World: How Shakespeare Became Shakespeare as a set up for a future review.  This biography, is an approachable read that shows Shakespeare as a real person and the circumstances that enabled him to write as he did.

In the technology segment we review the site http://www.ifitweremyhome.com/.  This site provides quick and easy country comparisons.  The default is to compare the US to other countries, but can also compare any two countries.  It focuses on demographic information drawn from the CIA world factbook. 

Teaching teachers

This week's episode includes reviews of professional and recreational reading and a brief discussion of Austin Public Library's new overdrive ebook checkout.
Mauser begins book reviews by discussing Night Circus, a novel in which Celia and Marco, two illusionists find love among competition with each other, in performances in the night circus.
Hauser completes the book reviews segment with Focus, a professional book.  The author of Focus, proposes that the key to successful schools is a focus on authentic literacy including reading and writing in all subject levels and a drastic reduction of standards.
McElroy shares I am the Book, in which the author and illustrator share poems about books and libraries.

In the second segment, the trio discusses the role of librarian as a teacher of teachers, particularly when sharing technology.  When discussing technology with teachers, knowing what they need and when they need it really helps to get them integrating technology into their classes.

Marketing Books

Mauser begins the reviews with the first in the Hungry City Chronicles, Mortal Engines, by Philip Reeve, which sparks a conversation about cities, travel, and "municipal Darwinism."  At a time in the future, cities have become mobile and regularly consume smaller towns as they seek to become larger.  This sci-fi series is a great adventure that may appeal to students who liked the Hunger Games series.
Hauser reviews an adult novel by Meg Cabot, Insatiable, which tells the story of Meena Harper, a soap opera writer.  Meena has the ability to tell when people will die, but when she meets Lucian she doesn't see his death at all, because as a vampire he is already dead.  This book involves mystery, fantasy and romance.
McElroy shares A Long Walk to Water, a dual narrative of a lost boy of Sudan walks to seek freedom, and a young Sudanese woman who walks to seek water.  It is a great book for teaching voice in writing.  Based on the true story, Salva, the male protagonist, has established a foundation to dig wells in Sudan.

In the second segment we discuss ways to market books to students, including having a dedicated display place for books, or "prime real estate," making books available as soon as possible to students, and creating thematic nonfiction displays that help students find books of interest. 

Books and covers

How have I never read The Princess Bride before now? That's the question Hauser asked herself when she finally got around to it. In this review, she discusses some of the differences between the book and the movie and what makes it a great read. Mauser reviews a new dystopian novel, Divergent, in which the main character must choose between her true self and staying with her family. The discussion that follows explains how readers can connect to the character's dilemma.
McElroy reviews an older elementary and middle school series, Vet Volunteers, in which a group of preteens volunteer in a vet's clinic. Well written and realistic, these books help readers see they can overcome obstacles in their lives and build on their strengths.
In the second segment, we discuss the role of a book's cover on student choice. It's true, books are judged by their covers, but we can help readers see past the cover to the great book inside.

Books for all ages and podcast tools

In this episode recorded at Opa! we review books for adults, kids, and all ages in between. Mauser begins with a review of What It Is by Lynda Barry, which shows readers how to keep a writing journal. Part journal, part collage, part art, this book presents a different way to keep your thoughts on a page. McElroy reviews Except If, by Jim Averback, a great read aloud for Pre-K and Kinder that examines the possibilities of "except if". Hauser reviews the recently published Domestic Violets, by Matthew Norman. This debut novel for adults is a great escape for those who need to read something just for fun.

In the technology segment, we discuss the podcast tool, cinch. It is the platform we have been using for our podcast that is easy to use and with both web and mobile apps, it can be used almost anywhere.

Screen cast tools, and books for all levels

In another episode recorded at Opa! in South Austin, Mauser, Hauser, and McElroy discuss the wonders of spinach pie in addition to books and
Mauser starts the reviews segment with the book Wednesday Comics, which begins discussion of the history of Wednesday comics and American style and Manga comics.

Hauser reviews Jumping Off Swings, a book for young adults that depicts the consequences of an unplanned pregnancy, told from multiple perspectives.

McElroy wraps up the books segment with Seasons, a French publication that is useful for teaching visual literacy, vocabulary, and themes, in addition to seasons.

In the technology segment we discuss our favorite screen capture tools. Whether you are taking pictures of your screen, or creating a demonstration video, these tools are easy to use and free.

Comics, Trilogies, and QR codes

In this episode recorded at Thunderbird Coffee in East Austin, Hauser, Mauser, and McElroy discuss comics for all grade levels and the publishing trend of YA series.
McElroy shares Little Lit, a large comic collection, which sparks discussion of having a "coffee table book" area in the library.
Mauser expands on the comic discussion by sharing Making Comics. The ensuing discussion includes using free online comic generators, and understanding how to craft a story in comic form.
Hauser reviews the Wolves of Mercy Falls trilogy, leading to a discussion of why we all appreciate the trilogy instead of a longer series.

In the technology segment, we discuss different ways to use QR codes in the school library, including concerns about cell phone policies, and target audience at the elementary level.
Recorded on a busy Saturday morning, the background noise of an active coffee shop gives the listener a sense of being there.

All technology

In this episode, Hauser, Mauser, and McElroy discuss technology and Mauser reviews a "tech" book, The Extreme Searcher's Internet Handbook: A Guide for the Serious Searcher by Randolph Hock. In addition to the print book, a wealth of online resources accompany the text.
In the technology segment, we discuss the different ways to use social media personally, professionally, and for your library.
In a true experience with technology fashion, the technology failed us and the last 5 minutes were lost during the upload, so it does seem to end abruptly.

Trauma, Mystery, and History

In this episode, the librarians review books by Lauren Myracle, Kevin Brooks, and Phyllis Reynolds Naylor.
In the technology segment, we discuss the Mid-Continent Public Library's website and vast resources for readers.

This episode was recorded at Opa! on South Lamar in Austin, TX.

Clarity and Classics

After a week off, we are back with Episode 7.  McElroy reviews Nancy Drew graphic novels which brings to light the trend of creating graphic interpretations.  Hauser shares a fun first novel, Spanking Shakespeare by Jake Wizner, and Mauser reviews Clarity by Kim Harrington.

In the second segment we reflect on the question, "Why did you become a librarian?"

Being yourself, using numbers, and learning to love mysteries

In this Episode recorded at Bouldin Creek Cafe, McElroy reviews a great read aloud book Blue Chameleon by Emily Gravett.  For Pre-K and K, this book helps open discussions of being yourself, shapes and colors.  Hauser reviews the book Easy as Pi: The Countless Ways We Use Numbers Everyday by Jamie Buchan. This quick read is an accessible way to engage students in numbers through trivia.  Mauser reviews The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King

In the technology segment, McElroy presents a free iphone and ipad app called Kids Book App by 1776 Productions. This app provides hundreds of reviews of books for kids, tweens, and teens.

Austin Teen Book Festival!

In this episode, Hauser, Mauser, and McElroy interview Heather Schubert, librarian extraordinaire, and founder of the Austin Teen Book Festival (ATBF). Heather reviews the book Stupid Fast, by Geoff Herbach and Mauser reviews the steampunk novel, Leviathan, by Scott Westerfeld, keynote speaker at ATBF. McElroy reviews Word After Word After Word, by Patricia MacLachlan and sticking with the steampunk vein, Hauser discusses The Girl in the Steel Corset and it's prequel novella, The Strange Case of Finley Jayne, by Kady Cross.
This year's ATBF is at the Palmer Events Center, Saturday, October, 1, from 10-5. Best of all It's FREE!
In the technology segment, Heather shares things she learned at the recent ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) conference, including appointment slots in Google calendar and issue.com.

Episode 4--Death, Pestilence, and Standardized Testing

Recorded at Spiderhouse, Mauser reviews, Bloody Jack: Being an Account of the Curious Adventures of Mary "Jacky" Faber, Ship's Boy.  Hauser reviews An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793.  McElroy reviews Harry and Hopper.
In the technology segment we discuss the upcoming STAAR test including implications for libraries, design of the test, and resources to prepare teachers and students including lead4ward.com.

Episode 3--Dogs, Eating Disorders, and Outer Space

In this episode recorded at Spiderhouse, McElroy reviews Saving Audie: A Pit Bull Puppy Gets a Second Chance, Hauser reviews Hunger, and Mauser reviews Packing for Mars.
Hauser suggested It Came From Outer Space: Everyday Products and Ideas from the Space Program as a companion the Packing for Mars.
McElroy suggested Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine & a Miracle as a companion to Saving Audie.

One correction: Hauser referred to the book Perfect as written by Natalie Friend, the correct name of the author is Natasha Friend. (Sorry, Natasha!)
In the technology segment we discuss NetGalley.com, a resource for review galleys online.

Episode 2--Books, Technology, and...Squirrels?

In this episode recorded at Spiderhouse, in Austin, TX, Mauser and McElroy discuss The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate, and Hauser reviews Please Ignore Vera Dietz.  In the technology segment we discuss the many ways to follow Free Technology for Teachers through Facebook, Twitter, and the blog.
One correction: Please Ignore Vera Dietz is a Michael A. Printz Honor book.

Episode 1--New Beginnings

In this first podcast from Out of the Stacks, McElroy reviews the book At the Sea Floor Cafe, by Leslie Bulion, and Hauser and Mauser discuss Libba Bray's latest, Beauty Queens.  In our technology segment, we share livebinders and present various uses for using this tool in the library and to foster collaboration.