Banned Books Week

Did you know that this week, (9/26-10/3), is Banned Books Week?

What exactly is Banned Books Week? Well, simply stated, it is a week that we celebrate the freedom to read the books we'd like to.

"Think for yourself and let others do the same" is this year's tag line from the ALA, (American Library Association). This motto has been chosen to help us remember our First Amendment Right, which includes the freedom to read.

You might be surprised that Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling, Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee and Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank are books that have been challenged and banned in some states or other countries.

Come to the AMS Library and exercise your right to read a great book!

-Ms. Ekstrom

What have you been reading?

Now that the school year is moving right along, I'm wondering what you are reading for fun, for book reports or for Silent Reading?

I'm currently listening to The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits and a Very Interesting Boy by Jeanne Birdsall as I drive to work. Its a great book to read to try to hold onto summer, as we begin to welcome the fall. I'm also reading Witch Child by Celia Reese at home, which is a great historical fiction novel about a girl who is an orphan and bravely makes the journey to America in the year 1659.

So, what have you been reading and what do you think about it?

Summer 2010

Hi AMS students, faculty and staff,

I hope you're all enjoying your summer! It has been hot, hot, hot so far! I hope you've been able to stay inside where you might have AC or have headed to a shady spot to read a great book.

Has anyone read Rick Riordan's new book, The Red Pyramid, (Book 1 of the Kane Chronicles)? I have read two outstanding reviews. One APHS Summer School teacher told me that if you liked The Lightening Thief, you'll love this one. I'm anxious to get my hands on it to read and to add to our library collection.

There has been lots of Twilight series action this summer. The movie Eclipse was released and Stephanie Meyer's novella, (a short novel), The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner could be read for free online for one month.

Students AND teachers: don't forget that the third and final book in the Hunger Games series, Mockingjay, will be released on August 24th! I have to wonder if like Stephanie Meyer, Suzanne Collins will be writing another book in this series. What do you think?

Right now I am reading The Skin I'm In by Sharon Flake and The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton. The Skin I'm In is the story of 7th grader Maleeka as she tries to overcome bullies, deal with "mean girls" and a new teacher who is all in her business.

You may have already read The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton if you have completed grade 7. Mrs. Dowd and Mrs. Magill's Literacy classes read this gripping book chock full of characters who have to confront complicated situations. Both of these books can be found at our library.

I'm looking forward to heading to the ocean and I'm taking The Help by Kathryn Stockett, Picture Perfect by Jodi Picoult and Small Avalanches and Other Stories by Joyce Carol Oates. The last book is a book for "young adults" and the other two are for adults. This month, I had a chance to see Joyce Carol Oates read a short story and answer questions at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs. It was a great opportunity to understand how she gets her ideas for short stories and novels. The AMS Library owns two of her books, Big Mouth & Ugly Girl and Freaky Green Eyes. Both are excellent books about characters struggling with school and family drama.

So, what books are you reading/have you read this summer?

-Ms. Ekstrom