Jay Asher: Thirteen Reasons Why

I attended the Washington Library Media Association conference last weekend and got to see author Jay Asher while I was there. He wrote the book, Thirteen Reasons Why, in 2007. This book has been translated in 31 languages and enjoyed worldwide. Jay shared many emotional emails from impacted teens that have read this special book. Many feel like the book saved or changed their lives. Be sure to visit the official website:  http://www.thirteenreasonswhy.com/ and read all the moving notes from people around the world. In addition, http://www.13rwproject.com is a place where fans of the books can share their thoughts and stories.  I bought another copy for our library and Jay Asher signed it with this inscription: "Everything affects everything". When I read the book, that's the message that impressed me and stuck with me over the years. I hope we all remember this as we share each day with our friends, family and classmates.

Books into movies: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Official Movie site for The Book Thief

I listened to The Book Thief as I drove back and forth to work a couple of years ago and really enjoyed listening to the story. The story, laced with many German word,s came through so clear and it took me back to a horrific time in history. My ladies book club is now reading it and I look forward to our discussion tonight. The movie comes out November 15, PLEASE try to read the book first so you can have your own images in your mind - that's part of the greatness of reading. I highly recommend this book, we have it in our CHS Library!

Lesson in Action: College Bound Video | Common Sense Media

As I observe many seniors getting ready to apply for colleges, think about scholarships, and ponder what the future holds, it makes me wonder how many students have thought about their digital footprint lately. Have you? Have you thought about the long term consequences of what you post online? This video asks that question to a group of high school students as they learn about their Digital Footprint.
Lesson in Action: College Bound Video | Common Sense Media
 

Library Readers - I can't get enough of Animoto!

Library Readers!
Here's another Animoto video. You really got to try it. Warning, it's easy to get obsessed.

What do I see @ CHS: a short Animoto video!

Have you even tried Animoto, the online movie maker website? If you need to make a little 30 second video, it's a great site to use for free. Longer videos require an upgrade, but as long as you keep it short and sweet, Animoto fits the bill. Here are a couple of examples that I have created. Give Animoto a try and I don't think you'll be disappointed.
What do I see @ CHS
one more from last year - Mrs. Swanson's class makes aprons!

Welcome Back!

Welcome back to CHS and a special welcome to the class of 2017! I hope you had a great summer break and you're ready for a very special school year. I know I'm excited to be here, it's my 19th year as your CHS librarian. I guess the best thing that happened over my summer break was the birth of my newest grandson, Angus Ryan Hightower Ryle. I hope you experienced something great over the summer also.

I'm excited about some new books we received for the new year including several copies of the Evergreen Young Adult Book Award nominees. These are always very popular and students enjoy reading them each year. If you want to know more about these books, go to the Evergreen YA Book Award website.

Be sure to drop by and check out these and other new books we received over the summer. One new book I read this summer was The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey. This sci-fi suspenseful page-turner will keep you on the edge of your seat. We have two copies, but I expect them to be checked out all the time.

Mrs. Swanson and I are excited about nineteen new health books that we have both in hardback and ebook formats. So all you ninth graders out there, look forward to hearing more about these titles. It is so awesome to know all of Mrs. Swanson's students could be reading the same book at the same time online. You can look at them through our Mackin VIA account, the link is on the CHS Library Homepage. See me for the log-on information. 

MORE SUMMER READING PROMOS: Book Domino Chain World Record

This is a fantastic video. I'm sorry about the blocking at school - watch it at home!