What's Right In South Lane School District (Jan. 8, 2010)

Fall Book Club- January 8, 2010

Twenty eight teachers just finished Children's Literature Book Club for Fall Term. We read great graphic novels, non-fiction texts, and new novels. After much debate, here are the top recommendations for new picture books and young adult novels for Fall 2009:

Bat Loves the Night by Nicola Davies, Sarah-Fox-Davies - A perfect introduction to non-fiction for beginning readers, also a good cuddle up and read with a loved one book.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - Fast paced yet has depth, ethical dilemmas, and ties to contemporary society.

Found by Margaret Peterson Haddix - Guarantees interest from the beginning piece of mystery, "You are one of the missing."

Graveyard by Neil Gaiman - A clever, dynamic plot that makes the story accessible to low readers while offering a depth of subtlety for advanced readers.

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead - A mystery that sucks you in, tricks you and then surprises you. You'll finish it and want to immediately reread it or place it in your students' hands.

The Loud Silence of Francine Green by Karen Cushman - The story of how one girl-who has been trained to be quiet and obedient by her school, family, church and culture-learns to speak up for herself. The story is set in the 1950's in the shadow of McCarthyism and the beginnings of the Cold War.

So head to the library, grab a book and start reading!

"What's Right in South Lane School District . . ." is a district communication from the Superintendent's office that highlights great things that are happening throughout the district. If you have ideas to share with the district about the great things that are going on, please send your information in an e-mail to Julie at jdepauw@lane.k12.or.us