We are very pleased and excited to announce that young adult author Susan Beth Pfeffer is coming here on April 15th for the 8th annual Read All Day! Read All Day is a celebration of books and reading aloud, as guest readers volunteer their time to read to classes. Ms. Pfeffer is the author of a very popular series here at AMS: the Last Survivors series. Life As We Knew It, The Dead and the Gone, and This World We Live In, are the books in her trilogy about one family coping with a series of natural disasters that may mean the end of life as we know it. As frightening as this premise can be, these books are also about hope. Ms. Pfeffer is a New York Times bestselling author whose books have won state awards and have received starred reviews.
Here is the book trailer for the Last Survivors series:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNZI1-hPGXE
You might also want to check out her blog at: http://susanbethpfeffer.blogspot.com/
After selling books at lunches, we have a very limited supply of paperback copies of book 1: Life As We Knew It, (for $5) and book 2: The Dead and the Gone, (for $7). We are offering a special deal: students can buy both books for $10! These books won't last, so students should come to the library with their money or checks made out to the Algonquin Parent Organization.
At AMS, we will also be selling book 3: This World We Live In, (for $9 through preorder), in paperback through Blackwood and Brouwer Booksellers in Kinderhook. Students can pick up preorder forms in the library. If there is enough interest, we may sell books 1-3 in hardcover on April 15th.
Ms. Pfeffer will be available to sign copies of books after school on April 15th until 4pm. There are no late buses, so students must have a ride home. The AMS Library also has a small number of copies to check out, but students will want to get on the waiting list asap.
We are very glad that we are able to offer this unique opportunity for our students. We are sure that you are also looking forward to her visit!
Friday, March 11, 2011
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
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 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?
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?
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
2010 Charlotte Book Award
The 2010 Charlotte Book Award
The Charlotte Book Award was named for that amazing spider in E. B. White's classic animal story, Charlotte's Web. Across New York State, students will be reading fast and furious to pick their winner for the Charlotte Book Award. It truly is a "kid's choice" award where kids pick the winner.
The books that are being considered for the award are listed below. Even if you're not in Ms. Reese's Charlotte Book Club, you may make comments about any of the books. Happy reading!
For more information, please go to: http://www.nysreading.org/Awards/charlotte/
2010 Charlotte Award Ballot Books
Beauty Shop for Rent by Laura Bowers
Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson
Dear Jo: The Story of Losing Leah and Searching for Hope by Christina Kilbourne
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
In Search of Mockingbird by Loretta Ellsworth
I,Q: Independence Hall by Roland Smith
Kimichi & Calamari by Rose Kent
Schooled by Gordon Korman
Skin Deep by E. M. Crane
Trouble by Gary D. Schmidt
The Charlotte Book Award was named for that amazing spider in E. B. White's classic animal story, Charlotte's Web. Across New York State, students will be reading fast and furious to pick their winner for the Charlotte Book Award. It truly is a "kid's choice" award where kids pick the winner.
The books that are being considered for the award are listed below. Even if you're not in Ms. Reese's Charlotte Book Club, you may make comments about any of the books. Happy reading!
For more information, please go to: http://www.nysreading.org/Awards/charlotte/
2010 Charlotte Award Ballot Books
Beauty Shop for Rent by Laura Bowers
Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson
Dear Jo: The Story of Losing Leah and Searching for Hope by Christina Kilbourne
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
In Search of Mockingbird by Loretta Ellsworth
I,Q: Independence Hall by Roland Smith
Kimichi & Calamari by Rose Kent
Schooled by Gordon Korman
Skin Deep by E. M. Crane
Trouble by Gary D. Schmidt
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
The Hunger Games Series
Perhaps you've heard of the book, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. You might know this author from her other series, The Underland Chronicles, book one being: Gregor the Overlander. Here at the AMS Library, The Hunger Games is an 8th grade book. This exciting first book in the series is beloved by many students and teachers as well. In this future world, the United States is no more. Instead, a country named Panem is divided into 12 "districts". We follow Katniss as she takes her younger sister's place and competes in the Hunger Games. The games are named such because the winner's district is blessed with food in a world in which resources are scarce. The games involve fierce fighting on a humongous fabricated field. The last two contestants standing are the victors and will make their districts famous. All of Pamen is required to view this televised event.
Collins' writing style keeps readers on the edge of their seat, hungry for more, (no pun intended). The chapters often end in the cliffhanger style. We have a few copies of The Hunger Games at AMS, but they are often checked out. You can fill out a green reserve slip to get on the list to read it next.
School Library Journal gave The Hunger Games a starred review. Their review says,"Collins' characters are completely realistic and sympathetic as they form alliances and friendships in the face of overwhelming odds; the plot is tense, dramatic, and engrossing. This book will definitely resonate with the generation raised on reality shows like "Survivor" and "American Gladiator."
The second book in the series, Catching Fire, was just released. The buzz is that it is just as exciting as the first! I am currently reading this exciting sequel. Collins plans to write a third book to make this trilogy complete.
We also have other dystopias in our library. What is a dystopia? It is a world in which things have gone wrong. There can be famine, crop failure, people may be enslaved and an all-powerful body has total control. The Giver by Lois Lowry, a book that grade 8 Reading students explore, is another example of a dystopia.
New books, (most are for 8th grade), that are also dystopias at the AMS Library:
Fearless by Tim Lott
Compound by S. A. Boden
Gone by Michael Grant
Gem X by Nicky Singer
Truesight by David Stahler Jr.
The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson (author of Scribbler of Dreams)
Zenith by Julie Bertagna (the sequel to Exodus)
Collins' writing style keeps readers on the edge of their seat, hungry for more, (no pun intended). The chapters often end in the cliffhanger style. We have a few copies of The Hunger Games at AMS, but they are often checked out. You can fill out a green reserve slip to get on the list to read it next.
School Library Journal gave The Hunger Games a starred review. Their review says,"Collins' characters are completely realistic and sympathetic as they form alliances and friendships in the face of overwhelming odds; the plot is tense, dramatic, and engrossing. This book will definitely resonate with the generation raised on reality shows like "Survivor" and "American Gladiator."
The second book in the series, Catching Fire, was just released. The buzz is that it is just as exciting as the first! I am currently reading this exciting sequel. Collins plans to write a third book to make this trilogy complete.
We also have other dystopias in our library. What is a dystopia? It is a world in which things have gone wrong. There can be famine, crop failure, people may be enslaved and an all-powerful body has total control. The Giver by Lois Lowry, a book that grade 8 Reading students explore, is another example of a dystopia.
New books, (most are for 8th grade), that are also dystopias at the AMS Library:
Fearless by Tim Lott
Compound by S. A. Boden
Gone by Michael Grant
Gem X by Nicky Singer
Truesight by David Stahler Jr.
The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson (author of Scribbler of Dreams)
Zenith by Julie Bertagna (the sequel to Exodus)
Monday, September 21, 2009
What have you been reading?
OK- now that the school year has begun to roll along, what are you reading?
Here's what I've been reading so far this school year:
1. Lily B. on the Brink of Cool by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel, grade 7, 8, realistic fiction
Funny, funny, funny! Girls will especially identify with Lily B! This book is the first in a series.
2. Ghost of Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen (sequel to Touching Spirit Bear), grade 7, 8 realistic fiction
If you loved Touching Spirit Bear, you will enjoy this sequel.
3. Inside Out by Terry Trueman, gr. 8, realistic fiction
A quick, intense story about making the right decisions.
4. A Traitor Among Us by Elizabeth Van Steenwyk, grade 6-8, historical fiction
Durng WWII, who is the traitor in Pieter's village?
5. Mudshark by Gary Paulsen, grade 6, realistic fiction
A brand new book that will leave you laughing and puzzling over the mysteries along with Mudshark.
6. Tiger, Tiger by Lynn Reid Banks, grade 6-8, historical fiction
Two tiger cub brothers are separated in ancient Rome. One leads the pampered life of the Emperor's daughter and the other must perform at the Coliseum. Will they ever be reunited?
7. The Not Just Anybody Family by Betsy Byars, grade 6, realistic fiction
The hijinks of the Blossom family are described here.
8. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins, grade 8, science fiction
The long-awaited sequel to The Hunger Games! Exciting and action-packed.
9. Kathryn, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman, grade 6-8, historical fiction
A teen's life in England in the year 1290 as she tries to avoid acting ladylike, sewing and possible suitors.
10. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days by Jeff Kinney, grade 6-8, realistic fiction
Greg Heffley is back in all his wimpy glory with a summer of hanging poolside trying to look cool, avoiding Fregley and having other laugh out loud adventures!
11. Season of Gifts by Richard Peck, grade 6-8, historical fiction
Grandma Dowdel is back and she is still packing heat at 90. Should her new neighbors be scared, or glad to have her next door?
12. A Company of Fools by Deborah Ellis, grade 6-8, historical fiction
The year is 1348 in France. Henri is not prepared for Micah's arrival, the orphan with the angelic voice. He's also not prepared for the plague that sweeps through Europe which brings death and destruction.
13. The Falconer's Knot by Mary Hoffman, grade 8, historical fiction
Chiara and Silvano, two teenagers sent away from home are drawn together and try to solve a string of murders before the murderer stikes again. This book takes place in Renaissance Italy.
14. The Humming of Numbers by Jodi Sensel, grade 8, historical fiction
Aiden is curious about the woman brought to the monastery, accused of witchcraft. Just exactly who is she?
15. Newes from the Dead by Mary Hooper, grade 8, historical fiction
Mary Hooper is hung for infanticide and survives!
16. Kidnapped, Book 1: Abduction by Gordan Korman, grade 6-8, realistic fiction
When Aiden's younger sister Meg is kidnapped, can he help assist the FBI to bring her home?
17. Incantation by Alice Hoffman, grade 8, historical fiction
What life was like during the Spanish Inquisition for one family who hid their Jewish heritage for fear of death.
18. The Dead and the Gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer, grade 8, dystopia
How the world falls apart when an asteroid knocks the moon out of place.
What book are you buried in and how are you enjoying it? I'm looking forward to hearing from you!
-Ms. Ekstrom
Here's what I've been reading so far this school year:
1. Lily B. on the Brink of Cool by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel, grade 7, 8, realistic fiction
Funny, funny, funny! Girls will especially identify with Lily B! This book is the first in a series.
2. Ghost of Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen (sequel to Touching Spirit Bear), grade 7, 8 realistic fiction
If you loved Touching Spirit Bear, you will enjoy this sequel.
3. Inside Out by Terry Trueman, gr. 8, realistic fiction
A quick, intense story about making the right decisions.
4. A Traitor Among Us by Elizabeth Van Steenwyk, grade 6-8, historical fiction
Durng WWII, who is the traitor in Pieter's village?
5. Mudshark by Gary Paulsen, grade 6, realistic fiction
A brand new book that will leave you laughing and puzzling over the mysteries along with Mudshark.
6. Tiger, Tiger by Lynn Reid Banks, grade 6-8, historical fiction
Two tiger cub brothers are separated in ancient Rome. One leads the pampered life of the Emperor's daughter and the other must perform at the Coliseum. Will they ever be reunited?
7. The Not Just Anybody Family by Betsy Byars, grade 6, realistic fiction
The hijinks of the Blossom family are described here.
8. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins, grade 8, science fiction
The long-awaited sequel to The Hunger Games! Exciting and action-packed.
9. Kathryn, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman, grade 6-8, historical fiction
A teen's life in England in the year 1290 as she tries to avoid acting ladylike, sewing and possible suitors.
10. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days by Jeff Kinney, grade 6-8, realistic fiction
Greg Heffley is back in all his wimpy glory with a summer of hanging poolside trying to look cool, avoiding Fregley and having other laugh out loud adventures!
11. Season of Gifts by Richard Peck, grade 6-8, historical fiction
Grandma Dowdel is back and she is still packing heat at 90. Should her new neighbors be scared, or glad to have her next door?
12. A Company of Fools by Deborah Ellis, grade 6-8, historical fiction
The year is 1348 in France. Henri is not prepared for Micah's arrival, the orphan with the angelic voice. He's also not prepared for the plague that sweeps through Europe which brings death and destruction.
13. The Falconer's Knot by Mary Hoffman, grade 8, historical fiction
Chiara and Silvano, two teenagers sent away from home are drawn together and try to solve a string of murders before the murderer stikes again. This book takes place in Renaissance Italy.
14. The Humming of Numbers by Jodi Sensel, grade 8, historical fiction
Aiden is curious about the woman brought to the monastery, accused of witchcraft. Just exactly who is she?
15. Newes from the Dead by Mary Hooper, grade 8, historical fiction
Mary Hooper is hung for infanticide and survives!
16. Kidnapped, Book 1: Abduction by Gordan Korman, grade 6-8, realistic fiction
When Aiden's younger sister Meg is kidnapped, can he help assist the FBI to bring her home?
17. Incantation by Alice Hoffman, grade 8, historical fiction
What life was like during the Spanish Inquisition for one family who hid their Jewish heritage for fear of death.
18. The Dead and the Gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer, grade 8, dystopia
How the world falls apart when an asteroid knocks the moon out of place.
What book are you buried in and how are you enjoying it? I'm looking forward to hearing from you!
-Ms. Ekstrom
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