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.