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.