Newbery award-winning author, Sharon Creech, recently donated several of her books to the Walls Elementary Library.  We have a special connection to the author, as she is related to our new Walls Elementary library aide, Mrs. Marty Creech.

Students have been enjoying reading Creech’s novels, including The Wanderer, Walk Two Moons, Love that Dog, Pleasing the Ghost, Hate that Cat, Absolute Normal Chaos, Chasing Redbird, Heartbeat, Ruby Holler, The Unfinished Angel, Granny Torrelli Makes Soup, Replay, Who’s that Baby, and Fishing in the Air.

To link to the Kidspace on the Internet Public Library, click here.

In this virtual library, you can click on the “Reading Zone” to find links to online stories and learn more about your favorite authors and illustrators.   Other categories include:  Art & Music, Sports & Recreation, Math & Science, Computers & Internet, and Fun Stuff!

Kent Free Library Upcoming Events

Free program!  No registration required!

Kent State athletes will be presenting special story times in the Kent Free Library Story Time Room at 2:00 p.m. on the following Saturdays:

October 24th:  The Little Engine that Could by Watty Piper

November 28th:  The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

For more information contact the Kent Free Library’s Children’s Department at 330-673-4414.

Between September 1 and November 10, 2009, children in Ohio can cast a ballot for the Buckeye Children’s Book Award.  Last spring young readers submitted their nominations for favorite books.  Five books from each category were chosen based on the number of votes each received.  The categories are grades K-2, 3-5, & 6-8.  Click on the link above to view the five nominees from each category as well as other information about the award.  Winners will be announced on December 1st.  Be sure to read these books and vote for your favorite.

The State of Ohio provides Infohio, a free set of information resources to all Ohio students, teachers, school librarians and parents.  They can be accessed from any Internet connected computer.  You can connect immediately from schools and libraries, however, from home you will need a login and password.  These can be obtained from the school librarian.

One of my favorite features is called Homework Now. This resource will provide assistance from your local library via email for questions about homework assignments.  You can submit questions 24/7 and between the hours of 2:00 PM and midnight tutors are available to answer questions.  Under the Parent Tab, Homework Now also gives suggestions on how to help with various assignments ranging from creating posters and presentations to taking great pictures or writing eloquent essays.  Next time you’re looking for information on the Internet or struggling with a homework assignment, give Infohio a try.

Newbery Award 2009 - The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Hear this tragic tale: a sleeping family, a talented murderer, and an adventurous toddler—orphaned, but not assassinated. Small and alone, by accident and luck he escapes the scene of the crime and climbs a grassy hill to safety. At the top of the hill the boy finds a fence, and on the other side, a dark, quiet place.

Caldecott Award 2009 - The House in the Night written by Susan Marie Swanson and illustrated by Beth Krommes

A timeless good-night book for the very young, inspired by the pattern of the traditional poem, “This is the key of the kingdom”.
Pre-K to Grade 1.

Geisel Award 2009 - Are You Ready to Play Outside?

written and illustrated by Mo Willems Piggie can’t wait to go play in the sunshine. But will a rainy day ruin all the fun?

Caldecott Honor 2009

A Couple of Boys have the Best Week Ever written and illustrated by Maria Frazee.

Caldecott Honor 2009 - River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams. Written by Jen Bryant and illustrated by Melissa Sweet.