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.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Sunday, November 20, 2011
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.
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.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
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.
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.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
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.
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.
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