Take SCL’s winter reading challenge

My latest video on YouTube: Whatever books you read or listen to between now and Jan. 31, 2021, be sure to log your minutes for Sonoma County Library’s winter reading challenge.

Free meals during winter break / Comidas gratis durante las vacaciones de invierno

(En inglés / In English)
Here is a message from Santa Rosa City Schools, about free meals during winter break.

‘Find books here!’ with bookmarked resources

SRCSA students, staff, and families: Explore this collection of bookmarked resources for finding and reading books (plus a collection of Google Slides for several of my read-alouds). To get started, navigate to the landing page for our school library catalog, via https://santarosacity.follettdestiny.com/

Video: Get to know ‘Destiny Discover’

I’ve created a series of video tutorials about our school’s online library catalog. My latest tutorial invites users to explore “Destiny Discover.”

Wimpy Kid series through ProQuest Ebook Central

Did you know we have access to eBooks through the ProQuest database? It’s available to everyone at Santa Rosa City Schools through the California State Library. Most notably, we have access to books 1 through 12, Diary of a Wimpy Kid. I’ve created a virtual library that links to books 1 through 12 of Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

To log in to ProQuest at home, use:
USERNAME: srcs
PASSWORD: 5antaRos@

Video trailers for books in our school library

With the TeachingBooks database, you can view video trailers for some of the books in our school library. The videos were created by publishers, or by other agencies, but with Teaching Books, you can access the videos through a single platform.

SRCSA library : ‘I Survived’ read-aloud available

Video: I’m recording a read-aloud of Lauren Tarshis’ I Survived the California Wildfires, 2018. I’ll post segments to my Google Classroom for read-alouds as they become available.

What I’m reading : Ramped-Up Read Aloud

During this time of pandemic, I’m reaching out to my school community through live and recorded read-alouds. I consider it a way to maintain connections, and to preserve comfortable routines, while providing additional educational resources for students, staff, and families.

To learn more about, and to adopt, best-practices for read-alouds, I’ve turned to The Ramped-Up Read Aloud. This book, by Maria Walther, offers a variety of resources for enhancing the read-aloud experience. But above all and always, I hope to infuse my readings with the SIMPLE JOY of sharing a book.

School library books due during materials distribution

In my latest video on YouTube: I’ve been checking out textbooks and other resources in preparation for our school’s materials distribution that takes place at the end of October. Here’s a friendly reminder that library books will be due during materials distribution; look for the big metal cart in our parking lot, with a sign saying, “Return Books Here.” And if anybody has textbooks or library books that are left over from last year, this upcoming distribution day will be a great time to return them as well.

Global Read Aloud 2020

For Global Read Aloud 2020, I’m recording read-alouds in the Middle-School / Intermediate and the “Picture Book Study” categories. School families, students, and staff, you can access those readings through my Google Classroom for read-alouds.

First-chapter Fridays in SRCSA library

Video: I’ve started posting read-alouds for opening chapters of books available in our school library. Look for readings to post at 7 a.m. in observance of “First-chapter Friday.”

SRCSA Library : Book check-out during social distancing

Our school is piloting check-out of books by our middle-schoolers during social distancing. Students will place holds, and renew their books, remotely through the online catalog. Books’ pick-up and return will coincide with drive-through distribution days for educational materials.

Read-alouds, exciting developments in SRCSA library

In my latest YouTube video: I’m looking forward to presenting read-alouds that are live, as well as recorded, during 2020-2021. Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you are enjoying my videos.

Read-alouds for 100 years of women’s suffrage

In my latest video on YouTube: Ratification of the 19th Amendment on Aug. 26, 1920, officially granted women the right to vote in the United States. I’ve recorded read-alouds to help commemorate 100 years of women’s right to vote.

New school year in SRCSA library

New video on YouTube : We’re getting ready for a new school year at Santa Rosa Charter School for the Arts. I know that there is some uncertainty as we begin the year in distance learning — but I hope that, through my read-aloud videos, I can help keep things as normal as possible for our SRCSA community.

Video review: ‘The Campaign,’ by Leila Sales

In my latest Book-Talk video : Seventh-grader Maddie Polansky is concerned that the woman running unopposed for mayor plans to eliminate funding for the arts in her city’s public schools. So Maddie persuades her babysitter, Janet, to enter the race for mayor. This book offers a good overview for young readers, in how elections work — but adults may wish to point out differences in the way that their own local schools are funded.

I received a digital copy of this book through NetGalley

SRCSA library : Book-set donation for Women’s Suffrage Centennial

Video: Our school library will receive a donation of three books to honor the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote in the United States.

School-year begins with remote learning on Aug. 17

This latest update from Dr. Diann Kitamura, superintendent of Santa Rosa City Schools​, has information about the upcoming school year, which begins for students with remote-learning on Aug. 17. Important to note are communications to watch for, from ParentSquare and Illuminate Education; as well as an online Conversation about Remote Learning next Thursday, July 30.

Book-Talk : ‘Like Vanessa’ by Tami Charles

In my latest Book-Talk video: While historical details in Tami Charles’ Like Vanessa place this story during the ’80s, it touches upon themes that remain vitally relevant today. This book deserves a wide readership among older Tweens and Young Adults.

Any read-aloud requests?

Hello, colleagues, as I begin recording more read-alouds to support you this coming school-year, are there any books in particular that you would like me to record myself reading? Please note, my ability to fulfill your requests will depend upon my obtaining the book, if it’s not already available, and will also depend upon permissions and terms-of-use by the holder-of-copyright. (Most often, that is the publisher.) Please pay attention to any deadlines imposed by the copyright-holder; I will not be able to offer access to that material, once the deadline has lapsed.

Distance-Education supports and resources

Good morning, educators! I just wanted to let you know that many of the permissions for read-aloud that I shared with you last school year, have been updated as several of the copyright-holders have extended their permissions into the upcoming school year. Here is my list of supports and resources with the most up-to-date deadlines.

Free or reduced meal sign-ups for 2020-2021

In my latest video on YouTube: Santa Rosa City Schools is asking all families to complete an online application for free or reduced meals before school begins this fall. Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you are enjoying my videos.

Video review : ‘The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel’

“Hello, everybody!” In my latest Book-Talk video, I review The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel, an adaptation by author Sheela Chari of what was originally a serial podcast for young people. Look for the book to be published in October by Walker Books US.

I received a copy of this book through LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers.

SRCS video outlines options for back-to-school

The governing board for Santa Rosa City Schools has approved its first draft of a plan for return-to-school in 2020-2021. In a video, posted to YouTube on Friday by SRCS, Superintendent Dr. Diann Kitamura expresses her appreciation to 220 teachers, parents, staff, and students who served on plan committees, as well as to “thousands” of people who completed a district survey in May.

Book-Talk : Three video reviews

In my latest Book-Talk, here are video reviews of Pet by Akwaeke Emezi, Things Seen from Above by Shelley Pearsall, and Don’t Stand So Close to Me by Eric Walters.

‘Don’t Stand So Close to Me’ by Eric Walters

A short read at about 125 pages, Don’t Stand So Close to Me offers young readers an entertaining and informative story about the COVID-19 pandemic.

It centers around 13-year-old Quinn and her friends, whose spring break is unexpectedly extended. Quinn and her classmates find themselves attending school via video conferencing — while they, their families, and their community adjust to the need for physical distancing.

Conceived as an idea on April 22, this book was a reality in digital format just 41 days later.

Six-foot distancing to be maintained at start of school-year

Six-feet of distancing will be maintained for at least the first month of back-to-school. That's according to a joint update issued this past week from the Sonoma County Office of Education and the Sonoma County Department of Health Services.

ALA Virtual 2020 : An Appreciation

ALA Virtual 2020 : Community Through Connection was my first ALA Conference. With this video, I thank numerous individuals and supporters who made this event possible.

Book-Talk : ‘Class Act’ by Jerry Craft

In my latest ‘Book-Talk’ video: Jerry Craft, author of the Newbery Medal-winning New Kid, will release a companion graphic novel this fall. Class Act will be published Oct. 6, 2020, by HarperCollins Publishers.

Video: Setting up user profile in school library catalog

My latest video on YouTube is about creating a user profile in the library catalog for Santa Rosa Charter School for the Arts. I know that with physical-site closures since March and school-year now at an end, many students were not able to return books that they had out from the library. Through setting up their profile, they can look up, and renew, any books that they have out from our library. Hopefully that will give them one less thing to worry about during the summer months. This video is intended to be first in a series about using the school library catalog.

Narwhal statue at SRCSA

Check out this Narwhal statue, created for Santa Rosa Charter School for the Arts by Patrick Amiot and Brigitte Laurent of Patrick Amiot Junk Art. Made from repurposed materials, the statue depicts a Narwhal (the school mascot) juggling various objects related to education and the arts. The title of the book being juggled by the narwhal, All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold, was the winner among several nominated titles that were put to a vote.

First Partner issues a ‘Summer Reading Challenge’

First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom has issued a five-week Summer Reading Challenge to encourage California families to “check-out” their community libraries. SRCSA families, your first task is to sign up for summer reading through Sonoma County Library. Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you are enjoying my videos.

Rick Riordan Presents, two upcoming titles

Here is an early look at two upcoming books under the Rick Riordan Presents imprint: Paola Santiago and the River of Tears by Tehlor Kay Mejia (August 4, 2020), and City of the Plague God by Sarwat Chadda (January 2021).

Read-aloud videos: Publishers extend permission

Good news for members of our SRCSA community if you’ve been enjoying my read-alouds: Some publishers have extended their permissions, which means that I can keep sharing those videos.

CDE releases guidebook for reopening of schools

Uncertainty has been the biggest challenge during this time of social distancing in response to COVID-19. A document released this week by the California Department of Education helps to address this uncertainty. It’s called “Stronger Together: A Guidebook for the Safer Opening of California’s Public Schools.”

Diversity in publishing : WNDB scholarships address barriers to entry

An effort by authors, readers, librarians, educators, and others to diversify publishing is a major issue affecting Library and Information Science. In its June 1 issue, Publishers Weekly reported that authors are taking matters “into their own hands” to address the lack of diversity in publishing (Maher 2020).

‘Don’t Stand So Close to Me,’ young readers’ book about COVID-19

Book-Talk video: Don’t Stand So Close to Me, by award-winning author Eric Walters, is a novel for young readers, ages 9 to 12, about the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently available in digital formats, it will be released in print this September. Additional resources at http://orcabook.com/orcabigreveal/

Free grab-and-go meals from Santa Rosa City Schools

Santa Rosa City Schools is offering free grab-and-go meals for children ages 0 to 18, June 1 through Aug. 7, during Summer 2020.

End-of-school-year, 2019-2020

This has been a school-year like no other. Congratulations to our departing eighth-graders, and best wishes for next school-year at Santa Rosa Charter School for the Arts.

21st Century Skills, videos highlights books in library

My latest project is a video series on YouTube, 21st Century Skills, books in SRCSA library. So far, three videos have been uploaded to YouTube, and a couple more are in production. I eventually want to highlight all 12 of the 21st Century Skills with applicable books that can be found in SRCSA library. Be  sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you are enjoying my videos.

Shelter-in-place amendment allows curbside library services

With a new amendment to the county’s order to shelter-in-place in effect as of 12:01 a.m. today, look for curbside service to soon begin at Sonoma County Library. According to a recent headline in the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, our public library was awaiting the county’s OK to offer limited curbside services. But in the meantime, be sure to access the library’s digital content, which remains accessible 24 hours per day.

California K-12 Online Content Project, essential during COVID-19 pandemic

In correspondence this week to members of the California Senate and Assembly, I expressed my concern that the proposed California budget eliminates funding for the California K-12 Online Content Project.* Via email, I asked that this $3-million line item be returned to the state budget.

Read-aloud videos to be disabled after May 29

May 29 is official end-of-school-year for Santa Rosa City Schools, so if you want to view my read-aloud videos, be sure to do so by then.

Six Flags Read to Succeed: certificates are here

Today, I notified families of my school community that students’ certificates for Six Flags Read to Succeed had posted in my Coordinator’s account. This year, 34 students at Santa Rosa Charter School for the Arts earned a free ticket to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom by completing six hours of reading for fun.

School library reopening during COVID-19 : my thoughts

My thoughts turned this week to pondering how operations could resume at SRCSA library. This proposal that I’ve compiled incorporates social distancing and also addresses decontamination of resources due to COVID-19. Keep in mind, this report consists of my own thoughts, based upon information and best-practices gained through reading and viewing webinars. (Bibliography appears below.) This report should not be treated as authoritative or actionable; rather, I consider it to be a starting-point for dialogue about reopening my school library.

Six Flags Read to Succeed : Wrap-up video

Here is a short video wrap-up for Six Flags Read to Succeed at Santa Rosa Charter School for the Arts. I counted 28 students who have earned a free ticket to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, by logging six hours of reading for fun. Be  sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you are enjoying my videos.

Science fiction and fantasy can help young readers cope

Here’s an interesting article, via The Conversation, which suggests that reading science fiction and fantasy can help young readers cope and make sense of the world, “especially with the stress and anxiety of living through the COVID-19 pandemic.” As a long-time reader of science fiction and fantasy, I appreciate this perspective by writer, Esther Jones, that “Rather than limiting readers’ capacity to deal with reality, exposure to outside-the-box creative stories may expand their ability to engage reality based on science.”

California Young Reader Medal : Digital resources for nominees

For my latest video: I’ve sourced nominees in the INTERMEDIATE, MIDDLE SCHOOL / JUNIOR HIGH, and YOUNG ADULT categories, California Young Reader Medal. Many are available as eBooks and/or Audiobooks through Sonoma County Library’s OverDrive. Students can use their Student OneCard to access these digital resources.

Book-Talk: Cover reveal for Lauren Tarshis’s latest book

Lauren Tarshis shared the cover-reveal this week, for the newest book in her popular “I Survived” series: I Survived the California Wildfires, 2018. Here’s the first “Book-Talk” in what I hope will be an ongoing series of videos.

‘Cancel culture’ and diversity in children’s and Young Adult publishing

Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Created by David Huyck and Sarah Park Dahlen. See full citation in Bibliography.

This semester, for SOC 2 at Santa Rosa Junior College, I compiled a Literature Review that examines: How does “cancel culture” affect efforts toward greater diversity in children’s and Young Adult publishing?

California Young Reader Medal, 2019-2020 : Picture-book nominees

Would any of our students like to cast their vote for the California Young Reader Medal? I’ve created a video to explain the program, and will soon post read-alouds of those picture-book nominees that I have access to. Students can vote in any category for which they’ve experienced all of the books in that category. Please cast your vote by May 20.

SRCS to serve meals on Mondays and Wednesdays

Effective Wednesday, April 15, Santa Rosa City Schools (SRCS) will serve meals on Mondays and Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m at all nine meal distribution sites. A total of five breakfasts and five lunches will be served each week with fewer pickups. “Fewer pickups with more meals keeps families and staff safer. See you soon!”

SRCS servirán comidas los lunes y los miércoles

A partir del miércoles 15 de abril, las escuelas de la ciudad de Santa Rosa (SRCS) servirán comidas los lunes y los miércoles de las 11:30 a.m. a la 1 p.m. a los 9 sitios de distribución de comidas. Se servirá un total de 5 desayunos y 5 almuerzos cada semana con monos recogidas. “Menos recogidas con más comidas mantendrá a las familias y empleados más seguros. ¡Hasta luego!”

Keeping busy during shelter-in-place

American Libraries Magazine is inviting library workers to “Show us how you’re working” during shelter-in-place in response to COVID-19.

April is School Library Month

Physical libraries may be closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but school library workers offer resources and support to school staff and families while we all shelter-in-place.

Face masks for COVID-19 pandemic

I dipped into my fabric stash to create face-masks for Jonathan and me. I worked from instructions shared by The Turban Project​.

Happy birthday, Starfire!

Our beautiful Starfire is 11 years old! She was born April 6, 2009. We’ve always considered her such a wonderful blessing, so vital to our morale — and so much more so during the time that we’ve had to shelter in place because of COVID-19. Whether “cat-bombing” my video recordings for “virtual” library story-time, or just simply stretching out on an available lap: Starfire brings so much joy and delight into an uncertain time.

‘Funny, You Don’t Look Autistic’

When I borrowed this book via Libby / Overdrive through my public library, it was the featured selection for “Big Library Read,” March 23 to April 13, 2020.

First, concerning the book itself, I found it entertaining. Michael McCreary pokes fun, in an engaging way, at himself and his own foibles — including the notion of whether he, in his early 20s, has accumulated enough life experience to be able to write a memoir.

The book is geared toward a young readership and I found it a quick and easy read, with more “technical” information presented in easy-to-digest formats.

‘Rick’ by Alex Gino

Middle-school is such an important time, when a person is trying to figure out who they are.

Add too, the incredible importance that peers play in a person’s life.

Rick by Alex Gino is especially valuable because, not only does it address the issues of gender and sexuality, but it also illustrates a protagonist having to cope with having a toxic “best friend.”

Not all relationships are healthy, but it isn’t always easy to identify.

This book takes place after Gino’s earlier novel, George, but I feel it can be read on its own.

SRCS : Distance learning will continue through end of school year

This just in from Diann Kitamura, superintendent of Santa Rosa City Schools: Distance learning will continue through the end of the school year; SRCS students and staff WILL NOT return to school campuses this year.

SRCS : Latest update about COVID 19

Here is the latest update from Diann Kitamura, Superintendent, Santa Rosa City Schools, at https://www.srcschools.org/COVID-19.

SRCS : última actualización sobre COVID 19

Aquí está la última actualización de Diann Kitamura, Superintendente de Santa Rosa City Schools, a https://www.srcschools.org/COVID-19.

Work-at-home, covering books for library

Plenty of essential library-work to do while Santa Rosa City Schools continues its shelter-in-place. I brought home some supplies, and a stack of books that needed dust-jacket coverings. This fold-up fabric cutting board makes a great work-station, and easily folds away again when it’s not in use. The books and supplies I’ve brought home, of course, will be subject to any quarantine best-practices when I can bring them back to the library.

Story-time videos during shelter-in-place

To support my site’s families while Santa Rosa City Schools​ observes a shelter-in-place, I’m recording story-time videos. Here’s my introductory video about the read-alouds.

Learning from home extended to May 1, 2020

I’ve been compiling various resources that support distance education, and have been sharing them with colleagues. The latest word from Santa Rosa City Schools is that learning from home has been extended to May 1, 2020, “unless circumstances change regarding COVID-19.” In her message today, Superintendent Diann Kitamura said that staff and families will receive more information about distance learning procedures, Chromebook distribution, state assessments, and other pertinent information. “Please know that ‘Grab and Go’ lunches and mental health supports continue to be provided.” Watch for updates at https://www.srcschools.org/COVID-19.

Student OneCard with Sonoma County Library

(En inglés / In English)
Your Student ID number is also a Sonoma County Library account! Use your Santa Rosa City Schools student I.D. number (srcsXXXXXX) and PIN (four digits of birth year). With a Sonoma County Library Student OneCard, SRCS students can access electronic resources 24/7 via the SCL website. More information is available at https://sonomalibrary.org/student-onecard.


(En español / In Spanish)
¡Su número de identificación de estudiante es una cuenta de la biblioteca del Sonoma County Library. Use su número de identificación de estudiante de Santa Rosa City Schools (srcsXXXXXX) y PIN (quatro dígitos del año de nacimiento). Con Student OneCard de la Biblioteca del Condado de Sonoma, los estudiantes de SRCS pueden tener acceso a los recursos electrónicos de la SCL 24/7 a través del sitio web. Hay más información está disponible en https://sonomalibrary.org/student-onecard.

I voted in ALA’s annual election

Now in my 10th year of continuous membership in the American Library Association​, this morning I cast my vote in the ALA’s 2020 election. Polls close on Wednesday, April 1 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time. Information: http://www.ala.org/aboutala/governance/alaelection.

SOC 2: ‘Cancel culture’ in children’s and Young Adult publishing

At Santa Rosa Junior College, for Spring 2020, I am taking Sociology 2, Modern Social Problems. For this class, I am exploring the question: How does “cancel culture” affect efforts toward greater diversity in children’s and Young Adult publishing? Today, I submitted an annotated bibliography.

Comidas para recoger y llevar durante la suspensión de clases

Santa Rosa City Schools está trabajando con otras entidades comunitarias con el apoyo del estado, para proporcionar comidas a los estudiantes durante esta crisis sin precedente. Los siguientes sitios proporcionarán almuerzos para todos los niños menores de 18 años, un servicio de almuerzo para se puede recoger y llevar en su carro de las 11:30 a.m. a la 1:00 p.m. de lunes a viernes, a partir del lunes 23 de marzo (después de las vacaciones de primavera).

Grab and go meals during suspension of classes

Santa Rosa City Schools is working with community partners, under the guidance of the state, to provide meals to students during this unprecedented crisis. The following sites will provide, for all children under the age of 18, a drive-thru/carry-out lunch service from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Monday through Friday, beginning Monday, March 23 (after Spring Break).

SRCS to suspend site-based learning through April 5

(En inglés / In English)
Here is an important update from Santa Rosa City Schools:

To mitigate the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) through social distancing:
• Santa Rosa City Schools will suspend site-based learning at all schools beginning at Spring Break, from March 16 - April 5, 2020
• All after-school activities, child care, and field trips will also be canceled from March 16 - April 5, 2020
More information regarding school work to be completed at home and school meals is available on our website: srcschools.org/COVID-19

(En español / In Spanish)
Aquí hay una actualización importante de Santa Rosa City Schools:

Con el fin de reducir la propagación de COVID-19 (coronavirus) por medio del distanciamiento social:
• Todas las escuelas del distrito escolar Santa Rosa City Schools suspenderán los estudios dentro de las escuelas a partir de las vacaciones de primavera del 16 de marzo al 5 de abril de 2020
• Se cancelarán todas las actividades después de clases, cuidado de niños y paseos Hay más información sobre las tareas que los alumnos deben completar en casa y comidas escolares disponible sobre nuestro sitio en: srcschools.org/COVID-19

‘Sal and Gabi Fix the Universe’ by Carlos Hernandez

Sal and Gabi Fix the Universe, while an entertaining sequel, also has a lot to recommend in its own right as a story.

‘Educational care packages’ for SRCSA students

My top priority during the past couple of days was helping to assemble what I like to think of as “educational care packages” for SRCSA students. I pulled sets of books out of storage and made them available for educators to send home with students along with work-packets that they can complete if necessary.

Library display: ALA Youth Media Award winners

A definite highlight is the announcement each year of the Youth Media Awards, presented by the American Library Association during its midwinter meeting. To commemorate the latest celebration in “the best” among children’s literature, I looked for Medal winners and Honor books that were already present in our library, and I arranged them on a counter-top display. More books, having recently been ordered, are currently in processing. Throughout the library, I also put out books that were honored during previous years.

‘Race to the Sun’ by Rebecca Roanhorse

Race to the Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse is a recent addition to Rick Riordan Presents, an imprint that features stories about characters from world mythologies, written by authors who are inspired by the mythology and the folklore of their heritage.

In his introduction for Race to the Sun, Rick Riordan shares that the character of Piper McLean from his Heroes of Olympus series was “inspired by conversations I had with Native kids” during his visits to schools.

“They asked me repeatedly whether I could add a Native hero to Percy Jackson’s world. They wanted to see themselves reflected at Camp Half-Blood, because they simply never saw themselves in popular kids’ books. Piper was my way of saying, ‘Absolutely! I see you. I value you. You can be part of my world anytime!’”

Piper, who was half-Cherokee, was part of an ensemble that populated Heroes of Olympus. But Riordan believed that a story centered around a Native protagonist, inspired by Indigenous mythologies, needed to come from a Native writer.

Race to the Sun features a protagonist who is Navajo, or Diné. The author, Rebecca Roanhorse, identifies her ethnic heritage as Ohkay Owineh and African American. She is married to a Navajo man and, “for the last twelve [years], I have been the mother to a smart, funny, and beautiful Navajo daughter.”

The book centers around the adventures of Nizhoni Begay, a seventh-grader who is able to see monsters - specifically, a monster who is able to change shapes but to everyone else around her, simply looks like “Mr. Charles,” the man who’s offering her father a new job.

Nizhoni and her brother, Marcus, are “practically twins” since only 10 months separate their ages. Marcus has a special power of his own and Mr. Charles hopes to make use of it as soon as Marcus’s power manifests. To defeat Mr. Charles, Nizhoni must embrace her legacy as a slayer of monsters.

In an afterword, Roanhorse shares that she drew inspiration from the Hero Twins of traditional Navajo stories.

I enjoyed the story, which features Nizhoni’s first-person narrative throughout. Given the appeal of Riordan’s own series, as well as other stories from Rick Riordan Presents, I believe that Roanhorse’s Race to the Sun will similarly be received by young readers who enjoy mythology-based adventure.

I received a digital ARC of this book from NetGalley

‘Gargantis’ by Thomas Taylor

Gargantis, written by Thomas Taylor and illustrated by Tom Booth, is an entertaining adventure. While written as sequel to an earlier book, I believe that it can also work as stand-alone. It centers around Herbert Lemon, official Lost-and-Founder in the town of Eerie-on-Sea. It’s Herbert’s job to reunite lost objects with their proper owners - and sometimes to arbitrate who “owns” an item when more than one person lay claim to it. In this fantasy adventure, Herbert and his friend Violet must solve the mystery of a treasure that was stolen from an underwater creature. “Gargantis sleeps, Eerie keeps; Gargantis wakes, Eerie quakes ...” and thus the adventure begins.

I received a copy of this book through LibraryThing Early Reviewers

Scholastic Book Fair needs volunteers

The banners are up, promoting Scholastic Book Fair and Literacy Week, Feb. 21 to 28 at Santa Rosa Charter School for the Arts! Parents, if you're looking for ways to volunteer, this is a great time to do it. Set-up, tear-down, book fair shifts, raffle support, and more! Look for the SignUpGenius link in the parents' community group on Facebook.

‘Currently reading’ flyers promote reading among school staff

Along with the book-review “Recommendations” display inside SRCSA library, I’ve created flyers that can showcase a staff-member’s reading. The idea is that our students — many of whom are asked to read a certain number of hours and to complete reading logs — will see these flyers and learn this about school staff: that we read, we value reading, and we make reading a part of our lives. I got the idea from a Twitter-chat among school-library personnel, and I used the Canva graphic-design app to create the flyer. My personal flyer includes my name (being the designer had its perks) but I also created a generic version that other staff who want to, can attach their own names to.

Scholastic Book Fair coming in February

Officially on the calendar at Santa Rosa Charter School for the Arts, the Scholastic Book Fair will take place during the last week in February. The planning box arrived this week and I brought it to the library.

Scholastic Book Fair is especially exciting because it’s part of Literacy Week, a week-long celebration of the written word. Appreciation to all of the tireless volunteers who make this event possible.

Workroom shelf for library technical services

An old shelf, left by the side of the road, has new purpose in SRCSA library. It’s the perfect size to hold my supplies for processing and repairing books. I’m glad that I happened upon this shelf and that I was able to repurpose it.

‘The Pants Project’ by Cat Clarke

Middle-school student Liv challenges a uniform policy that requires girls to wear skirts while allowing boys to wear pants. 

 Having to wear a skirt and itchy stockings goes beyond discomfort or inconvenience — because, as Liv relates, “I may seem like a girl, but on the inside, I’m a boy.” 

Part of the plot concerns Liv wrestling with how to disclose his identity to his parents, “Mom” and “Momma.” 

Liv also has to deal with bullying by a mean-girl classmate who behaves with bigoted disgust toward Liv having same-sex parents. 

SRCSA library: Book ‘Recommendations’ display

Looking for “Recommendations” about books in SRCSA library? Or do you have a book that you’ve checked out from our library, which you’d recommend to others? Check out this display, which features book reviews, and please consider submitting one.

What I’m reading : Cataloging Correctly for Kids

To enhance my skills in Library Science, I regularly read books like this one : Cataloging Correctly for Kids, An Introduction to the Tools.

I took a course in cataloging when I was going to school -- and, while it offered a good foundation for my going to work in a library, I felt that there would always be more to learn.

Add my wish to learn cataloging practices that are especially helpful to children, and it was clear to me that reading this book was essential to my professional development.

I keep the book handy on my professional shelf, to look up best-practices in cataloging.