What I’m reading : Foundations of Library and Information Science

Foundations of Library and Information Science, by Richard E. and Rachel G. Rubin, is a book that I will reach for again and again as I advance in my studies, and in my professional development, for Library and Information Science. I am reading the fifth edition of this book (published in 2020), and am finding it timely and relevant. The book includes discussion of the COVID-19 pandemic and how the shutdown of physical libraries affected delivery of services. The subject of library outreach during COVID was “still being written” at the time of publication, and this book does an excellent job encapsulating a situation that continues to evolve.

Book-Talk : Solimar, by Pam Muñoz Ryan

If you like adventure stories that feature resourceful princesses, Solimar, by Pam Muñoz Ryan, is a book you’ll want to read. For my video book review, I dressed up as a princess to honor the protagonist, who is the princess of a fictional kingdom: San Gregorio, in Mexico. Princess Solimar’s kingdom is home to a forest that’s a migration stop for Monarch butterflies. Wanting to sit with the butterflies when they arrive in the forest, Solimar is caught up in a magical experience: she has been chosen to be protector of young and weak butterflies that cannot survive on her own, and, while she serves as protector to the young butterflies, Solimar will be able to predict the near future.

Book-Talk : The Okay Witch and the Hungry Shadow

I recently received a mystery box from Simon & Schuster featuring middle-grade graphic novels. Among promotional copies included in the box was The Okay Witch and the Hungry Shadow, by Emma Steinkellner (July 2021). I heartily recommend this graphic novel, which features compelling characters, a strong plot, a valuable lesson about being able to accept yourself, and being able to promote positive changes within your community.

Book-Talk : Dragons in a Bag

If you haven’t yet listened to my read-aloud of Dragons in a Bag by Zetta Elliott, now is an excellent time to do so. Dragons in a Bag is the selection for younger readers in this year’s Global Read Aloud. I am now recording a read-aloud for The Dragon Thief, second book in the series, and the story will continue in The Witch’s Apprentice, which is expected to be published in January 2022.

What I’m reading : The Dragon Thief

Introducing … my latest read-aloud recording, The Dragon Thief by Zetta Elliott. It is a sequel to Dragons in a Bag, so be sure to read it, or listen to my read-aloud, before listening to The Dragon Thief.

Jaxon had just one job -- to return three baby dragons to the realm of magic. But when he got there, only two dragons were left in the bag. His best friend’s sister, Kavita, is a dragon thief!

Kavita only wanted what was best for the baby dragon. But now every time she feeds it, the dragon grows and grows! How can she possibly keep it secret? This story is in alternating first-person accounts by Jaxon and Kavita.

First-chapter Friday : A Wish in the Dark

Each Friday I share the link to a read-aloud preview of a book from our school library, with the SRCSA community. The “First-chapter Friday” selection for Nov. 12, 2021 is A Wish in the Dark, by Christina Soontornvat.