Sage Cohen donated her two poetry books, Writing the Life Poetic: An Invitation to Read and Write Poetry. (2009) and Like the Heart, the World(2007) to the Bridget Zinn Auction.  Writing the Life Poetic  provides readers with lots of activities and strategies for writing poetry.  According to Sage, “Poetry is as unique and personal as fingerprints.” 

I interviewed Sage for Poetry Friday today.

How long have you been writing/ illustrating?

I had a daily poetry practice starting at age 14. It was something I did without much self- consciousness…something I did to stay alive…like breathing.

Why Poetry?

Why not poetry?! We all have our chosen lenses for making sense of our lives and our worlds; mine has always been poetry. I suspect that more people would enjoy exploring their emotions and experiences through the lens of poems if they felt more comfortable there. My goal was that Writing the Life Poetic: An Invitation to Read and Write Poetry offer a friendly invitation into the adventure of poetry–so that anyone who reads it is assured that poetry is available to them.

When you aren’t illustrating/writing, what might we find you doing?

I am a new mother, so much of my non-writing time is spent nursing, adoring and marveling at the wonder of my son Theo. Every morning, I hike with him and the dogs in any number of lush parks and forests in Portland. And these days, I’m out maybe one night a week or so lecturing about Writing the Life Poetic or reading from it. It’s so much fun to celebrate poetry with other people who love it or want to know more about it.

Who influenced you as a writer/illustrator?

My mother honed my writing and editing skills. My father saw the spark and named the “writer” archetype in me. My teacher Albert Cwanger in sixth grade affirmed my intelligence and boosted my self-esteem. And my teacher Matthew Carr in high school was the matchmaker in my love affair with literature. From there, every poet and writer I’ve ever read has awakened some new possibility in me. I am grateful for the incredible wealth of genius available to all of us in books.

What books are on your nightstand?

The Darkened Templeby Mari L’Esperance, Kindleby Paulann Petersen, The Lettersby Fiona Robyn, the anthology of Portland women writers VoiceCatcher and a whole smorgasbord of books about baby development, sleep, food preparation, massage and yoga.

Where do you find inspiration?

In chapters 35 and 36 of Writing the Life Poetic, I propose that readers cultivate a writing ritual and that they also cultivate a writing anti-ritual. Both are important for me. I have my tried-and-true freewriting practice as a reliable way into writing. Also, any type of repetitive motion such as dishwashing or hiking seems to open the gates, allowing poetry to enter. I also like to experiment with location, timing, light and music stimuli and other such variables to shake things up a bit and see what might be possible in unfamiliar circumstances.

What can you tell about “Writing the Life Poetic Zine”?

The Writing the Life Poetic Zine is a free, monthly publication that just launched this week! Every month, ten fabulous poets and writers based in Portland, Oregon will help you get informed, get inspired–then get those poems on the page!

We’ll invite you to tune into the poetry of your life with writing prompts, interviews, publishing tips and markets, guidance in cultivating a poetry practice, wisdom about the poetic life, tips about cultivating poetic community and more.

You can sign up to receive the zine at www.writingthelifepoetic.typepad.com.

Favorite time of the day to work?

My creative writing really gets cooking from 4 p.m. to midnight or so.

Chocolate: white, dark, or milk?

I hope you’re sitting down; I don’t like chocolate!

Coffee or tea or —?

I am hopelessly addicted to chai tea lattes.

Dance: Funky chicken or the tango?

Yes! I love freeform as well as highly stylized dance. Contact improv is also of great interest to me-learning to communicate body-to-body about the exchange of weight and navigate together the possibilities of relatedness in space.

Thanks, Sage.  You can bid on her books here.  If you live in the Portland area, Sage will be speaking at Barnes and Noble in Vancouver, WA on June 10. 

 Poetry Friday is hosted by Susan today at Susan Taylor Brown.

Happy Reading

MsMac

 I have two stories in the realm of “Who’s Reading What Wednesday”.  This past weekend, I spend the afternoon/evening with my granddaughters.  I listened to the parallel play involving two characters, “Grody and Cookie”.  What I finally realized was that The one granddaughter was using her love of Grody’s Golden Rules by Nicole Rubel to drive the story line.  It was delightful to witness.

Second story:  The fifth grade girl  devouring  The Sisters Grimm series came to school Monday, proudly displaying the latest release, the seventh one.  That girl has been on the count down for the book and patiently waiting for the public library call.  Yesterday she arrived at school with a sad look,  “I finished. There are no more.”  You could just see how she was living the book.

Today’s interview is no other than Jennifer Holm, co-creator of Babymouse.  She donated a signed copy of Babymouse: The Musical and a chance to have your name in story for the Bridget Zinn Auction.

How long have you been writing/ illustrating?

A: I’ve been writing since my early twenties (eek!). Will be 41 in June!

When you aren’t illustrating/writing, what might we find you doing?

A: Chasing my kids around; collapsed in exhaustion from chasing my kids around.

Who influenced you as a writer/illustrator?

A: Lloyd Alexander, Bill Watterson, Hal Foster.

What is your current project?

A: BABYMOUSE: CUPCAKE TYCOON!

What books are on your nightstand?

A: The Little Orphan Annie cartoon strips.

Where do you find inspiration?

A: History, my perceived childhood traumas.

What was your favorite book as a child? As a teen?  As an adult? Any particular genre stand out?

A: Prince Valiant cartoon strips.

Favorite time of the day to work?

A: 10-3 (that’s when the kids are at school/daycare)

Chocolate:  white, dark, or milk?

A: Neither; I’m allergic.

Coffee or tea or —?

A: Coffee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dance: Funky chicken or the tango?

A: Waltz?

Thanks, Jennifer for sharing a bit about yourself.  Did you know that besides Babymouse, Jennifer has had two Newbery Honor books?  Our Only May Amelia (2000) and Penny From Heaven (2007).  Both are terrific reads and in one of my favorite genres, historical and period fiction.

If you want a signed copy of Babymouse the Musical and a chance to have your name in a future book, bid on it here.

Last fall I was privileged to read Seven Miles to Freedom: The Robert Smalls Story .  It was a CYBILS nominee in the Nonfiction Picture Book category.  Have you read it?  What a wonderful story of courage as a slave,  Robert Smalls escapes and becomes a Civil War hero. A great story about rising up from unbelievable odds.

Janet has graciously donated both this book and Little Skink’s Tale to the Bridget Zinn Auction.  I wanted to know more about her so I asked a few questions.

How long have you been writing/ illustrating?

I have been writing pretty much all of my life, but I have been a children’s book author for about ten years. Before I became a full-time children’s author, I was a daily newspaper reporter, the managing editor of a national children’s magazine called Country Kids, and a creator of coloring and activity books (Mickey Mouse, Lion King, Batman, etc.) for Golden Books. But being a children’s author had always been my dream, so I am delighted to be living that dream now!

When you aren’t illustrating/writing, what might we find you doing?

Two days a week, my husband and I have our 2-year-old and five-year-old grandsons, so those are busy, fun-filled days. I also enjoy working in my garden, exploring nature, visiting new places, and spending time with the rest of my family.

Who influenced you as a writer/illustrator?

One of my biggest influences is animals and nature. Most of my books are on these themes. I grew up on a farm in Michigan and spent many hours with my mother and dad in the fields, barn, and garden. My dad was what I call a “farmer’s farmer” and I think his love of animals and the land rubbed off on me.

What is your current project?

I am working on my tenth book for Soundprints, which publishes books on animals and nature in association with the Smithsonian Institution. My ninth book with them, Little Black Ant at Park Street, is coming out this summer. Good Night, Little Sea Otter will come out from Star Bright Books next spring and a second book from Sylvan Dell Publishing, the publishers of Little Skink’s Tail, will come out in 2010.

What books are on your nightstand?

Right now I am reading From Slavery to Freedom by John Hope Franklin. I also have a huge, ever-changing stack of children’s picture books in my living room that I share with my grandsons.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration all around me-in nature, in what people do and say, from my children and grandchildren, in events, in experiencing new places. Often research for one story leads to another.

What was your favorite book as a child? As a teen? As an adult? Any particular genre stand out?

I grew up in a home without many books, so my favorite story as a child was from one of my parents’ old schoolbooks: Rumpelstiltskin. As a teen I liked Little Women and Wuthering Heights. As an adult, two of my most memorable books have been The Negro in Our Historyby Carter G. Woodson and The Underground Railroad by William Still. From the time my children were young until the present, my favorite books have been children’s picture books.

Favorite time of the day to work?

Probably the afternoon, but I’m not really fussy.

Chocolate: white, dark, or milk?

Dark

Coffee or tea or —?

Herb tea once in a while, but mostly water or juice.

Dance: Funky chicken or the tango?

My husband and I square dance-great exercise and an activity where we meet some of the friendliest people in the world.

 Thank, Janet.  I see that you list on of my favorite teen books, Wuthering Heights. Love that story. Love dark chocolate as well.  You can bidd on either of the books that Janet has donated at the Bridget Zinn Auction.  If you have not read Seven Miles to Freedom: The Robert Smalls Story, put it on your short list to read.

Nonfiction Monday is being round-up at ACPL Mock Sibert.

Happy Reading.

MsMac

On her blog, Andi states that “cloudscome” is from a favorite haiku.  Andi graciously donated a handcrafted quilt for Bridget’s auction.  I enjoy reading Andi’s haiku.  For example, this one from April 11 (unfortunately I have maxed out the image capacity so you will have to visit her blog to see the fabulous forsythia photo):

evening light
lingers on the forsythia -
not finished dancing

-Andromeda Jazmon
Her photography blog inspires me (mine is desperately behind).  I recently interviewed her as part of learning about the auction donors.

When did you begin blogging? What is the focus of your blog?
I started blogging in 2005, jumping off discussion boards around adoption. I found it such a powerful way to connect and share our stories. I have been blogging about books at A Wrung Sponge http://awrungsponge.blogspot.com since 2006. I like to post poetry, especially haiku, and photographs. I’ve been participating in the “365 Project” for about three years, striving to take and post beautiful photos on a daily basis. My photo blog is http://sandycovetrail.blogspot.com.

When you aren’t blogging, what might we find you doing?
When I’m not blogging I am working in the library, teaching computer classes, playing with my kids, walking in the woods, in the garden, taking photographs, cooking, quilting, reading or sleeping.

How did you get involved with Kidlitosphere? I can’t quite remember the first kidlit blog I started reading, but it might have been Jen Robinson http://jkrbooks.typepad.com/blog/ or Kelly Harold http://kidslitinformation.blogspot.com/ . I saw Jo(e) posting Friday Poetry at http://writingasjoe.blogspot.com/, found other bloggers doing poetry, and got totally sucked in to that. I’ve participated with poetry almost every Friday since early 2006.

What books are on your nightstand? Ijust finished Zetta Elliot’s A Wish After Midnight, and started Gringolandia by Lyn Miller-Lachmann. Next up is The Boat by Nam Le and then A Lucky Child by Thomas Buergenthal. I’m also in the middle of New Seeds of Contemplation by Thomas Merton.
Where do you find inspiration? Reading thoughtful, beautiful, compelling books with a variety of ethnicities represented across cultures makes me happy and makes me want to share my thoughts with others through blogging. Reading clever, funny, brilliant blogs makes me really glad to be part of the kidlitosphere. Friday Poetry, 15 Words or Less Poetry Challenges and the Monday Poetry Stretch inspire me to write poetry and try new forms. Gratitude to God for the grace, love and life that surround us continually inspires me to strive to be the best person I can be. All things beautiful inspire me to reflect and express joy; especially my sons and all the children I’ve known.
What was your favorite book as a child? As a teen? As an adult? Any particular genre stand out? As a child I loved Winnie the Pooh, the Little House books, Edward Eager, the Hobbit and the Narnia books, all of which were read to me over and over by my parents. As a teen I loved everything by Ray Bradbury, Madeline L’Engle, Scott O’Dell, and Robert Heinlein. As an adult I enjoy realistic fiction, historical fiction and Young Adult fantasy. My main genre are science fiction and fantasy, with some realistic fiction. I have tried to focus on writers of color in the past twenty years because I find a variety of cultures and viewpoints to be stimulating and enriching. I think my early years and education (as an English Major) to be far too Waspish.
Favorite time of the day to work?  Early morning, before anyone else is awake.

Chocolate: white, dark, or milk? Dark.

Coffee or tea or —? Coffee in the morning, tea the rest of the day - oolong, green or herbal. Iced suntea no sugar in summer.

Dance: Funky chicken or the tango? Definitely funky… as in 1970s Soul Train…

 I am looking forward to the day I get to purchase her book of poetry.  If you want to bid on the baby quilt, visit here. 

Poetry Friday is hosted by Kelly Polark at Kelly Polark  Have a great weekend.

Happy Reading.

MsMac

Gary donated a 9 volume set of his popular children’s series, The Adirondack Kids to the Bridget Zinn Auction.  I learned a little more about Gary when he answered a set of interview questions:

How long have you been writing/ illustrating?

I have been writing my entire adult life and for seven years co-owned a community newspaper. I began writing The Adirondack Kids® series with my son while in my mid-forties and did not know if I could make a solid jump from non-fiction to fiction. Happily, I found out those journalism skills not only kept me on task in terms of communicating essentials and keeping a story moving, but helped keep the fiction plausible.

When you aren’t illustrating/writing, what might we find you doing?

I am a full time pastor and on my “days off”, my wife has me speaking in public schools to young people about reading and writing. After that, it is hiking in the Adirondack high peaks wilderness area.

Who influenced you as a writer/illustrator?

A love to read was nurtured by parents - particularly by my mother. We were not a wealthy family by our society’s standards, but somehow there was always money for books. Once the books were in my hands, many authors took over.

What is your current project?

The ninth book in The Adirondack Kids® series was released less than two weeks ago. We are preparing now for our 10th Anniversary (2010) and hope to release a 10th Anniversary Edition of The Adironack Kids® #1 - as well as #10 in the series.

What books are on your nightstand?

On my dresser, the floor or my nightstand? Really, there are books everywhere. Directly on my nightstand at this moment are The River of Lost Footsteps - a Personal history of Burma; Up Old Forge Way (an regional history of the area our Adirondack Kids books are set); the dead and the gone - a YA novel by Susan Beth Pfeffer and Wordsmith by Dave Darrigo & Richard Taylor - an out of print graphic novel about a pulp fiction writer working in the 1930’s.
Where do you find inspiration?

Real life.

What was your favorite book as a child? As a teen? As an adult? Any particular genre stand out?

As child?Henry Huggins by Beverly Cleary.
As a teen? The Hobbit by Tolkien.
As an adult? The Writing Life by Annie Dillard.
Genre that stands out? When I am not reading for my full time job, I prefer to read children’s books. I find them generally to be more creative and pure.

Favorite time of the day to work?

To write? 11 p.m. and on into the morning. By then the phone has usually stopped ringing.

Chocolate: white, dark, or milk?

How about fruit? Tomatoes first. Then oranges & strawberries.

Coffee or tea or —?

Never had a sip of coffee in my life. Iced Tea I guess, and water.

Dance: Funky chicken or the tango?

The only dancing I do is around questions like these ; )

Thanks, Gary for taking the time to anser these questions.  I am hoping that the bidds will be frequent for your donation.

Happy Reading.

MsMac

I am happy to report that the Bridget Zinn Auction is in full bidding mode.  Do you need a manuscript read or a book promoted or perhaps a web design or some fabulous signed book?  Please visit the blog and bid away.

I feel like the miller’s daughter in Rumpelstiltskin because I cannot get all the auction items posted.  I think that  I have it covered and then more donations appear.  If I can turn the auction into a significant amount of “gold” I will be happy for both Bridget and Barrett.

That’s the thing.  I haven’t tallied the total amount of money lately and I don’t think I want to. My husband asks, “Have you checked today?”  I say, “No.”  It think its because I start translating what it will cover. The costs of her treatment is staggering.  Then on top, no income to cover the necessities: the rent, utilities, food, etc.  And I realize we have barely made a dent. 

Bridget said it best in an email to me recently, “We are rich in friends.”  And they certainly are.  I am so touched to see the outpouring of support for them both.

On May 29, there will be a local gathering to support Bridget at the Lucky Lab in Portland, OR.  Please plan to attend. Please plan to bid at the auction.  New items are listed every day.

Happy Reading.

MsMac

The opening line of The Blacker the Berry by Joyce Carol Thomas draws you in: “Colors without black, couldn’t sparkle quite so bright”.

It is no wonder this book won the Coretta Scott King Award. Each poem drips with juicy, delicious words and images. Floyd Cooper’s illustrations brings the text alive.

One of my favorite poems is  “Night Shade”
I feel as purple
As the night shade
of an eggplant
That great berry among berries
Smooth skinned

And stained and sweet
As my fingers
After rinsing boysenberries

And the last two lines of “Toast”
“I am so toasty
I make the sun smile”

This is going to be such a fabulous addition to the poetry collection of my school.

Poetry Friday is hosted by Anastasia Suen at http://6traits.wordpress.com/

Please visit the Bridget Zinn Fund auction.

Happy Reading and Happy Mother’s Day to all.

MsMac

I read two terrific books by Oregon authors this past week.  Both authors have graciously donated a visit to a school or library for the cost of a raffle ticket.  The funds will help local YA public librarian, Bridget Zinn, who is currently fighting Stage Four Colon Cancer.

The Heart of a Shepard by Rosanne Parry

Rosanne Parry has written a very tender story about the importance of family and doing what is right. When 12 year old Brother’s father leaves for Iraq, it is up to him to step up to ranching duties in Eastern Oregon.  He is not sure he is capable of such responsibilities. He know he must help his grandparents with older brothers away at school.  Brother discovers he has the heart of a shepard in this coming of age book.  The pacing of the story made it impossible to put down.
I found myself thinking about my father who left his home in New Jersey at 17 to spend a year on a ranch in southeast Idaho.  He would have enjoyed hearing about this book.  It provides a slice of life glimpse of what it means to live in eastern Oregon.  It is a book with a lot of heart and Rosanne should be proud of her first novel.

Radiant Darkness by Emily Whitman

When you were a teen, did you fight with your mother? Were you interested in boys that perhaps were parents would not approve?

Radiant Darknesstakes us to the realm of the Greek gods and goddesses. The story of Persephone retold in a unique way with a twist, Whitman takes us to a world long forgotten.  I read the book on the way to the coast last weekend because I could not put it down.  YA readers will relate to the tussle between parents and wanting freedom.  I hope this book sees a huge readership.  Emily has written a terrific first novel.

If you would like to have one of these authors at you school (in the Portland area), then contact me for a raffle ticket.  Drawing will be held on May 29, 2009.  Tickets are $10.00 each.  Money goes to the Bridget Zinn Fund.

Happy Reading.

MsMac

Three weeks ago, I wrote about our district’s budget woes and its effect on the library program.  It was a horrible week not knowing the district’s budget plans.  So much of the budget is dependent on what our state legislature decides.  The session ended last week but a special session will be called in the next few weeks.  It could mean more cuts to education.

However, a group of library media specialists, the teacher’s union and district officials met recently to discuss cuts to the library program as well as how the library budget is managed.  You see, when the announcement was made that the library budget would be cut by 50% next year, it was also decided that the money would go directly to the building and the building would decide how much the library would get. I felt like the library had heart surgery(more like heart removal surgery).

Wow!  I have read what has happened in other districts in this scenario. It does not favor libraries and actually creates “library haves” and “library have-nots”.  This is clearly illustrated by the current way elementary libraries are budgeted any building money.  I, for example,  am given $75.00 per year of the building budget, another school in the district gets $300.00 and still others do not receive any funds from their building budget.    This is the way it has been for a neighboring district as well; money disseminated to the library based on what the administration deems important or the type of relationship a library media specialist may have the principal.  Should it really be that way?  Should libraries be funded on a whim?  I think not.

Our meeting with the district went well.  I think the group conveyed the importance of having a “baseline budget” that is consistent through out the district configured by a set amount times the number of students in the school.  As someone in the meeting pointed out, “how can you have books for one library and no books for another?”. 

It was an eye opener for me how complex my job is to an outsider. I was asked why library should get a baseline budget when the art department does not.  I found myself talking about how we support the core curriculum of the school: literacy, science, math, social studies and the arts.  We are not an entity that accumulates books and materials that are never used.  It is used by all. (At least if I am doing my job it is.)

In the end, it was decided that for this next year, the budget would be cut 50% but the library media specialist would still maintain the budget.  We will need to be vigilant that the budget continues to be maintained by us.  I think the district would very much like to move to have just one budget, the building budget.  It is our job to communicate our expertise in collection development and our passion to maintian equity throughout the school district.

We still are awaiting the fate of our assistants.  Hopefully, they will be maintained at a full time level and not be reduced to half time status.  It was disturbing to be asked at a school board meeting if I thought that volunteers could do my assistant’s job.  

The library is recuperating from heart surgery. It does need any post surgery complications.

Happy Reading.

MsMac

No, I have not mixed up the days.  I know this is Monday. I know this is the day reserved for nonfiction.  Thank goodness poetry is non-fiction. I must talk about the book of poetry I stumbled into over the weekend.

The first weekend in May is usually the “college girls” weekend, in which my friends from college have gotten together for about 18 years.  This year, however, it fell apart, things came up for just about everyone. That was the bad news.  The good news was that my husband and the pooches and I drove to Seaside, OR spending the weekend with our friends. 

So Saturday afternoon, my friend Barbara, my husband and I decided to hit the local bookstore, Beach Books.  We walked in just in time for  cheese, crackers, wine, and the poetry reading by Rosalee van Stelten, author of Pavlov’s Elephant.  Talk about serendipity! 

Rosalee’s poetry is visual, makes you laugh and think.  Even my poor husband( who thought we were just on a trip to the grocery store) was engaged. At one point I thought I might lose it when I looked over at him and he had his mouth covered.  Images of our teenage daughter and her first experience with melted brie flooded my brain. (She had no idea of its texture and about lost it at the table).  My husband, however, was worried that the crackers were too noisy in his mouth.

Pavlov’s Elephant is a great little addition to my personal poetry collection.  She has drawn on her own experiences to create the following categories for poems: “Knifing toward spring”, “Under the Same Small Sky”, “the petals against my flesh”, and “echoes”

I blurted out that I missed writing 30 poems in 30 days by one poem.  She shared the following in acknowledgement of my even attempting to write 30 in 30.

Begetting

Some believe
spiders hatch their eggs
by staring at them

I believe
by staring at this page
I will hatch a poem.

Oh yes, that is the way I feel some days.

The other favorite section of her are the “Echoes” poems, her own creation.  From each longer line, she uses the last word to “echo”

Cannon Beach, Oregon

before dawn                                                                                          dawn
bled into break of day, rain wrapped                                                     wrapped
the moonless beach                                                                               beach
in sheets of slate, while shorebirds                                                       shorebirds
like strewn boulders, hunched                                                               hunched
against the wailing wind,the thundering                                                thundering
surf, and cloud piled upon cloud                                                           cloud
turned all the world to grey                                                                    grey

midmorning                                                                                           midmorning
on the wet wash of a receding tide                                                        tide
a lone gull                                                                                             gull
reflecting                                                                                               reflecting

I love this. It reminds me of how I am playing with combining pantuom and haiku together.  Chicken Spaghetti is rounding up the books today.

Thanks for indulging me with my poetry book round-up today. It just could not wait until Friday.
Please visit the blog to support Bridget Zinn.
Happy Reading.

MsMac

Third graders have been writing some color poems for the last two weeks. These are from some of the boys in Ms SIms class:

White is the color of snow
It smells like fresh snow
It tastes like ice cubes
It feels like cotton candy
Ti sounds like powder from flower
It looks white and fresh
White is the color of snow.
–Camrin, 3rd grade

Green is the color of a tree in the summer time
Green smells like an apple in the tree, yum, yum.
It tastes like an apple in an apple tree.
It feels like my green blanket that puts me to sleep at night.
It sounds like wind going through my hair
It looks like a flower that a bee will attack
Green is the color of my shirt.
–Robby, 3rd grade

Blue is the color of my dreams
It smells like the wind blowing through my hair
It tastes like blueberry minty milkshakes
It feels like being in the warm air
It sounds like the waves in the ocean
It looks like the blue world
Blue is the color of my dreams.
–Jaden, 3rd grade

Red is the color of angry eyes that are mad
It smells like love and peace in the air
It tastes like cherries, apples, and a juicy watermelon
It feels like silk and leather that were just made
It sounds like birds chirping, kittens meowing, and dogs barking
It looks like the hot, burning sun in the summer sunny sky
Red is the color of angry eyes that are mad
–Josiah, 3rd grade

White is the color of the clouds that are fluffy
It smells like a white fur coat
It tastes like cotton candy that’s crunchy
It feels like a marshmallow melted
It sounds like something crashing and exploding
It looks like fire burning wood
White is the color of the clouds that are fluffy.
–Quobe, 3rd grade

 Please visit the Bridget Zinn Auction blog (we are not auctioning off Bridget but some rather terrific things to help with her medical expenses)

Poetry FRiday round-up is at Allegro. Thanks, Maya!

Happy Reading.

MsMac

I modeled the following list poem for students.

Library Books

Whisper to students
“pick me, pick me”
Light up with anticipation
To be the selected one
The one checked out
Library books
Shake the dust off
Each night
Limber spines bend
as they play limbo,
Dance the title tango, or
Trick the
Librarian by
Switching places with
Notable nonfiction
Library books
Recite favorite passages
Written by
favorite author, the
One who brought
then to life first
Library books
Standing still
In the quiet

Happy Reading.

MsMac

I love the poem “This is Just to Say” by William Carlos Williams.  I was thrilled to receive a copy of his biography, River of Words by Jan Bryant, last fall during the CYBILS  judging. 

River of Wordsis a wonderful read.  It is written in a style accessible to students of all ages.  My first and second graders loved listening to it last week.  What surprised me was the close proximity of Williams hometown to my father’s hometown, Lodi, NJ. 

This book is on my list as an excellent example of a book with a strong metaphor.  Blending the Passiac River with the volume of ideas, thoughs, and words flowing from Willaims’ mind is brilliant.

I asked my aunt about it and she said, “Yes, I know who he was.  But we didn’t know much about him when we were growing up.  Sometimes the locals don’t know much about the home town folks.” 

I love the artwork by Melissa Sweet.  Her illustrator’s note at the end of the book tells a personal story how she was introduced to this great poet.  Her collage and art medium variety complements the text. Readers will want to linger awhile on each page.

I love Bryant’s message that a person can have a day joy, a career and yet find time to write poetry.  The time line at the end of the book is an asset. More to think about. The quote at teh book’s beginning should be one for all of us:

“When I was younger, it was plain to me, I must make something of myself.”– William Carlos Williams, “Pastoral”.

Anastasia is hosting Nonfiction Monday today. Thanks.

Happy Reading.

MsMac

Miss Huddle’s fourth grade class has been writing fibonacci poems about school and other things.  Sometimes the poem form morphs. There are more class poems on Miss Huddle’s page.

Reading
Quiet
Sensational
Amazing, bright
Magical and silent
Peaceful reading in the night
And when you finish a book you’re speechless.
—-Ashley , 4th grade

Chopper
Fast
He runs
Runs in rain
He never gets too cute
My dog runs faster than every race car
–Devon, 4th grade

Soccer
Athletic
Hard work
Sweating, bruises, scratches
Slipping, running, kicking, head it
Aggressive, eager to win, score goal we win.
~ ~ ~ Karsyn, 4th grade

School
Pencils
So pointy
Breaking when writing
The sound of pencils sharpening
The sound of pencils rolling down the desk
~~Ryan, 4th grade

Played the guitar.
And made bets drumming
making music
Making a band practice all day
Going around the world
singing songs.
~~Anthony, 4th

 Lisa at Under the Covers is hosting the Poetry Friday event today. 

Sending positive thoughts to Bridget today as she begins the first round of chemotherapy.

Happy Reading.

MsMac

This marks my 251 post on the blog! Hooray!

Today my morning begins with a meeting at the district office to discuss the library budget for the coming year. It will not be pretty, The one thing I know now is that the majority of the building administrators are supportive of the need for libraries to be funded. The majority are not interested in using the library money for anything but library books and materials.

Been writing poetry as examples for students.  Last week it was to write list poem about school.  Here is mine:

library books
sit on shelves
speak to
one another
when kids, staff leave
at day’s end
“She dog eared my pages! can you believe that?”
“He cried at the end.”
“I have not been checked out in a long, long, while.”
“I heard that if you sit on the shelf too long, you get discarded.”
“Is it true? Did Charlie really get stolen?”
library books
gossipers in the
night.

Happy Reading.

MsMac

Just yesterday, I checked in the hardcover copy of Blackbringer. It has seen great circulation.  Was it just yesterday that I met Laini? Planned a book party for her?  No,two years ago! Time flies.  Now on May 14, Blackbringer arrives as a paperback in stores.  Yippee!! Here is a re-post of my review:

Faeries of Dreamdark: Blackbringerby Laini Taylor

One word: WOW!! Laini Taylor has delivered a knock out punch with her first novel.

I am a historical fiction type girl. I always want to know about the spark, the event that led the author down the path to write the story.

This is funny because I was all about the faeries, fairy tales, and make believe worlds as a child. I read and re-read Tolkien. Then I switched to a more eclectic approach in my book choices and fantasy got left behind for the most part.

Faeries of Dreamdark: Blackbringerbrings me back to the world of fantasy. I thought that I would read it lickity-split (and I wonder if Laini has been thinking, why is she taking so long to read it). It is a book to savor. And that is exactly what I did. Savor. I didn’t allow myself to rush my reading.

Magpie Windwitch, the faerie, chases after devils that “mannies”or humans have released from bottles. She travels with crows who are both funny and protective of their Magpie. The troop heads to the forest of Dreamdarkwhen the fiercest of the devils, the Blackbringer, must be caught. He really is creepy. I have to tell you, I was at the edge of my seat as I finished the book this afternoon.

Laini’s writing is tight, flowing, and the language rich. From the prologue, when baby Magpie, is blessed by the animals to the end as she and her family of crows and other friends head to the next adventure (can’t wait for the sequel), you, the reader, are mesmerized.  Jim Di Bartolo’s art work and cover conveys a faerie you just don’t want to mess with.

If I hear students saying “flummox me”, “jacksmoke” or “skived”, I won’t be alarmed. I will know they have pick up some great vocabulary from this book.  

Happy Reading.

MsMac

In honor of National Poetry Month and the fabulous Fibonacci form, introduced by Greg, here are Fibonacci poems by a kindergarten class.  The teacher saw the instructions in the library and decided to try it.  These poems use words rather than syllaybles.  But how great that the kinders are playing with the form.

Chihuahua
Play
In backyard
She likes treats
I like to walk her.
She likes to sit on my lap a lot.

By Toatai, K

Dog
Listens
Plays catch
To on walks
Likes to sleep with me
Likes to go in the car with us.

By Michael, K

I
Like
Candy because
It tastes good.
Cherry suckers are my favorite
I would eat candy everyday if I could.

By Savannah, K

Rainbows
Red
Orange yellow
Green, blue, purple
Rainbows are fun to see
I like them because they are very pretty.

By Brooklyn, K

 Polar
Bears
Dig in
The snow to
Find food, they eat fish
Polar bears go in the water to bathe.

By Robert, K

Me
And
Dad are
At Amos’ riding
Our quads on dirt ramps.
One time oil was leaking from the quad.

By Joseph, K

I
Saw
A zebra,
Tiger, mountain goat
At the zoo one time
With my mom, dad, sisters and my brothers.

By Tasha, K

Roxy
Likes
To play
With my mom
She is a little Chihuahua
She has to sleep in the garage alone.

By Breanna, K

Bears
They
Sleep in
The snow sometimes
They sleep in the winter
They eat meat and fish, but not people.

By Kelsey, K

 I mailed ten poem postcards this week.  More will go out next week.  Becky at Becky’s Book Review is rounding up the poetry.

 Happy Reading.

MsMac

We are into the state assessment period and the halls are quiet except for the scritchy-scratch of pencils.  I recently read two books to classes that were sent to me by publishers.

The first is a follow-up to Library Mouse by Daniel Kirk.  In Library Mouse A Friend’s Tale, Sam the library mouse gets to secretly pair up with Tom, left over student.  All the kids have partner’s to write a story and illustrate it except Tom.  Mrs. Forrester, the librarian, suggests to Tom that they work together but them a mystery unfolds.  Sam accidentally leaves his notebook on the librarian’s desk and when he goes back to get it, he leaves tracks to his little home in the reference section.  What happens when Tom follows the track? Will he reveal the library mouse secret?  What kind of story does Mrs. Forrester and Sam write or do they?  You will have to read and find out your self. 

Kids love these two book by Daniel Kirk.  Library Mouse came in second in the Washington state Children’s Picture Book Award.  The perspectives that Kirk uses in the illustrations engage students.  It will not be on the shelf long.

The second book, Hee-Haw-Dini and the Great Zambini by Kim Kennedy has kids laughing out loud.  This is a new author for me.  It is a fun tale about the power of practice, practice, practice.  Hee-Haw the donkey and Chester the mouse practice their magic tricks all day long.  But none of the other farm animals want to see the tricks because after all, they are just farm animals.

When the Circus train comes through and a mysterious trunk belonging to the Great Zambini is left along the countryside, Chester and Hee-Haw decide its time to pull the ultimate trick. The ending has a fun trick of its own. I did not expect the ending. Students were quite engaged in this book, too. Doug Kennedy’s acrylic paintings match the vivid text.

This brother-sister team rely on family stories about magic to tell a magical story about the power of believing in your self.

I am listening to Savvy by Ingrid Law. Wow what a great story. The Beaumont family each get their special “savvy” on their 13th birthday. Mibs’s 13th birthday is no exception and the events of that day lead her, her family, and a colorful cast of characters on a wild chase.

I keep thinking about how the characters of Savvy might like the characters Spinelli’s Star Girl.  There have been a couple times where I pull into the driveway at home and have to wait until the chapter is finished. On her blog, Law invites readers to share their savvy, their special know-how.  I think my savvy just might be the my diplomaticway with people.

Overheard, Alyssa D., 5th grader, “May 1, do you know what that date means?”  That’s when the seventh book of the Sisters Grim series by Michael Buckley comes out.

What are you reading?

Happy Reading.

MsMac

 Yesterday was a terrible day for me. More bad news about budget: library budget cut in half and then to find out that on top of all the state cuts to teacher’s salaries, the bonus for being a national board certified teacher may be on the chopping block.  I am working on this article to submit to the local paper to raise awareness about the library program:

Shh! Quiet! As The District Cuts the Heart of the School Out: The Library Program

This is my thirty-fifth year of teaching. For years, I have listened to friends and colleagues discussing the budget woes in the neighboring state to the south. Perhaps I was a bit smug to think budget woes would not be in my vocabulary. I was wrong.
My district declares that all students should be able to be “world competitive upon graduation.” Yet, during this economic crisis, the district wants to cut back on the library media program. Research has shown libraries to be integral programs for students to become world competitive.
However, this district is about to cut the heart out of the school, the library program, by making cuts in the number hours support staff works and by slashing funding for books, programs and materials.
It’s a quiet proposal, not one that many patrons would think about until the impact of the cuts realized. It undermines two of the four pillars of a great library media program: staffing, budget, facilities, and student learning goals.
On paper, it might make sense. The library media program looks healthy and strong. Every school building has a minimum of one fulltime certified library media specialist and a fulltime library assistant. Cutting assistant time in half saves a potential six hundred thousand dollars for the district.
Any cut means cuts to kids. Currently, the elementary library media specialist provides a thirty-minute planning time for each classroom teacher. At middle and high school level, classes sign-up to work on research projects, get questions answered and find resources for assignments. It is possible for over 150 students to visit the library on a daily basis.
While classes are in session, other students use the library for book check out, research, a place to go for recess, and a quiet place to read. Staff members come to the library to get resources for upcoming units of study. The assistant locates and checks out the books for them. If classroom audio visual or computer equipment fails, either the assistant or the library media specialist leaves the library to troubleshoot. Reduction in staff means staff and students will have to wait.
Today, the services offered in the library have grown with technology demands. Technology has both simplified and complicated teaching in the library. Students are required to be productive users of technology, as well as academic users of technology. This requires that the library media specialist collaborate closely with staff to engage students in thinking strategies for the 21st century. The ability to do this will be extremely limited if the library media specialist must take on the duties of library materials processing and data entry, jobs of the library assistant.
Currently, the library budget is an average of $11.50 per student for books, programs, and materials. The average cost of library books is $20.00 per book. The district is preparing to reduce the budget by half. The library media program supports the core curriculum: literacy, math, science, and social studies. Will I be forced to rely on book fair sales to raise money for library books? Selection of materials to support the core needs is part of my training as a library media specialist.
I wonder how I will support the needs of staff and students when the budget cut in half. The average age of my collection is twenty years old How will I ensure that the collection does not fall behind any further in currency? Teachers used the titles in the collection more than ever as mentor texts for students.
In addition, district administration wants every child to have the opportunity to check out book whether their book is overdue or they have a book fines. As of last fall, approximately $38,000 dollars in outstanding school fines owed to the district. I admit there are some circumstances in which the child should not be held hostage because the library book is missing. Where is the fiscal responsibility in allowing students to have books when they have unpaid fines?
My district needs to consider options that will save money in ways aside from reducing important services to students and staff every day. Options could include being very selective with information databases, limiting assistant hours to student attendance days and hours, and developing a plan to curtail the rising dollars in lost or overdue materials.
Study after study has shown a clear correlation to student achievement and fully funded library programs, which includes a full-time staff assistant. The district, known for its strong library program, is dangerously coming close to stepping backward. Why take a step backward? How disheartening to hear about potential cuts to the program because of its strengths. Let’s continue to strive to be world-competitive upon graduation and keep the heart of the school in place. A fully funded library media program enables students to compete in a 21st century world.

Kepp reading. Keep using the library.

MsMac

We are back in the swing of things after spring break.   Fifth Grade worked on some poems styled after the William Carlos Williams’ poem “This is Just to Say”

This  is just
to say
I have eaten the
box of pizza
that was in
the refrigerator today
And which you were
probably saving for
my sister’s birthday
Forgive me…
can we get another one another day?
–Courtney, 5th grade

This is just
to say
I am sorry
I ran into some
trouble at school
One day I
couldn’t forget it.
It was like a bubble
pushing and pulling me
some way
I guess  I will take my
punishment
Oh brother,
what can I say?
–Kimberly, 5th grade

This is Just to Say
I have eaten all
the maple bars

and which you
were probably saving
for dessert

Forgive me, they
were irresistibly
delicious and warm
–Marcus, 5th grade

This is Just to Say
I have picked your pencil up
from the ground
I sharpened it
and chewed it
just like I do any
other pencil
I knew it was yours because
in bold letters your
name was written on the side.
I really shouldn’t of
used it
said not to you probably
wanted to use it
without teethmarks and slobber
Forgive me.
But is was so pretty with the blue polka dots
On yellow cover with a
few green stripes.
It had an “A” on it
my name starts with “A”
I might of thought it was mine
I will give it back
If you REALLY want it.
–Alyssa, 5th grade

Head over to Carol’s Corner for more great poetry. Do you want a poem postcard by a student? Contact me to participate in “Poem Postcard Project”.

Happy Reading.
MsMac

City I Love by Lee Bennett Hopkins is a delightful collection of poems about city life.  A great read as I prepare to start my spring break next week.  San Francisco, London, Rio, Tokyo and Cairo are all featured.  A hydrant, taxi, hot dog vendor, and the zoo, everyday things one might see in the city, and Hopkins has a poem for each.

What I like is how the poems are shaped on the page.  One of my favorites is the poem about the subway. Amazing placement of text.  This is a great mentor text to show students how to shape their poems. And Marcellus Hall’s  illustrations are colorful and playful  in brush and ink and water color.  The traveling dog with backpack is an added whimsical kick. (He looks like my Rusty dog)

Here is a taste:
Sparrow
Lucky to be born
on this balcony, sparrow
awaits city flights.

 Bridge
Even
the strongest
men
in the world

cannot
hoild
as much
steel
as you
can
at
one
time.

Each poem is chock full of words that create strong sensory images for the reader.  Poems that students can enjoy and relate to as they read.  Be sure to put City I Love on your must have list.Title: City I Love
Author: Lee Bennett Hopkins
Date Published: 2009
Pages: unpaged
Reading Level:  All ages
Publisher: Abrams Books
ISBN: 978-0-8109-8327-4
Source of Book: Sent by publisher.

Next week is spring break for me. Are you ready for National Poetry Month?   Students will be immersed in poetry for the month.  My goal: 30 poems in 30 days.  Students will be invited to “Write a Poem Send a Postcard”  Do you want to have a poem postcard delivered in your mailbox?  Let me know.

Poetry Friday is rounded up at The Drift Record by Julie Larios.  It is her first time to host.  I have an original haiku and pantuom at Deowriter this week as well.

Happy Reading.

MsMac

Voting for the Washington Children’s Choice Picture Book Award (WCCPBA) is happening fast and furiously.  There are twenty contenders which I divide between primary teachers and myself.

The Contenders:
Bud and Gabby. Davis, Anne
Cha Cha Chimps. Durango, Julia
Cheese, The. Palatini, Margie
Chester. Watt, Melanie
Chickens to the rescue. Himmelman, John
End, The. LaRochelle, David
Ham the Astrochimp. Hillard, Richard
Help! A story of friendship. Keller, Holly
Ivan the terrier. Catalanotto, Peter
Killer whale’s world, A. Arnold, Caroline
Larry gets lost in Seattle. Skewes, John
Library Mouse. Kirk, Daniel
Louder Lili. Chodenko, Gennifer
Oh, Theodore! Guinea pig poems. Katz, Susan
Peanut. Alsenas, Linis
Velma Gratch and the way cool butterfly. Madison, Alan
When a monster is born. Taylor, Sean
Wolf’s coming.Kulka, Joe
Would I ever lie to you? Buehner, Carolyn
Younger brother’s survival guide. Kopelke, Lisa

Early lead is going to Chester by Melanie Watt, author of the Scaredy Squirrel series.  Voting will continue through out the week.  Results will be sent to the state and a winner announced in early April.

A fifth grader handed me the best note yesterday.  This is in response to talking about experience of listening to The Underneath by Kathi Appelt.

“Dear Mrs. Mac,
I was wondering if you would hold the NEW Book, that you love so much.  I think the way yourecommended the book made me want to red it.  Also I think that the way you said that the person who reads the book to you, read it so smooth.  I hope that you would hold the book for me.  Thank you.

Mikayla, 5th
I, of course, cannot wait for the book order to come in and will have to buy it before spring break is over.

Am enjoying listening to The Graveyard Book and really, thank goodness, it is not as intense as The Underneath.  I find myself thinking about Harry Potter. Wonder if he and Bod could have been friends.

Bringing The Summer Guest on spring break.  It’s our book club choice.  Last night, I picked up Three Cups of Tea and started to get into that book.  Have you seen both the picture book and the middle grade book about the Pakistani schools project?

Reminder if you would like a Poem Postcard.  Let me know.

Happy Reading.

MsMac

National Poetry Month is a week away. Here’s a sneak peak at what I will be doing as well as some great happenings in the kidlit world for National Poetry Month.

April is our state testing month so it is a great time for me to immerse students in poetry.  I will be sharing a variety of poems throughout the month, encouraging students to carry a poem in their pocket, and having them write, write, write.

Last year I tried a “Poetry Postcard Project“. Lots of fun.  I am holding the second annual “Write a Poem-Send a Postcard” event with my students.  Students will send off an original poem to people who would like to receive a poem. And we may just drop random poems around the school.  If you wish to receive a poetry postcard, contact me. 

I am committed to “30 Days=30 Poems”  This is my third year of setting this goal for myself.

Other Poetry News:

Tricia at The Miss Rumphius Effect has planned a poetry extravaganza. I hope I can keep up.  She is interview thirty plus poets over the month. Incredible!

Greg at Gotta Book is posting a previously unpublished poem from a variety of poets during the month.

Anastasia has created a blog for student poems about school.  You can find that at Pencil Talk.  Hopefully some of my students will write a poem about school so I can share it with Anastasia.

Sylvia at Poetry for Children will be talking up lots of poetry books throughout April.

It is going to be a grand month!

Happy Reading.

MsMac

 A big box of books arrived on my doorstep a couple of weeks ago.  Among a new poetry book by Lee Bennett Hopkins, the sequel to The Library Mouse, and others was a new nonfiction book on dinosaurs.  What is it about dinosuars that children love the subject so?

Dinosaurs in Your Backyard The Coolest, Scariest Creatures Ever Found in the USA is written by Hugh Brewster and illustrated by Alan Barnard. The book is chock full of interesting facts about dinosaurs only found on the North American continent.

Did you know that more than 85 different kinds of dinosaurs have been found in North America? Do you know what New England state has fossilized footprints called Eubrontes? (Connecticut) Have you heard of the Gorgosaurus? This dinosaur matched the viciousness of T.rex.   The book details many dinosaurs from  the sea monster types to the  bird types.

The book has a nice combination of text, illustrations, charts, and photos.  Bernard’s illustrations draws the reader along with the photos of the fossils and skeletons from a variety of Canadian museums.

The book includes a timeline, a pronunciation guide (I need that), glossary and index.  A bonus is a listing of where readers can visit to see dinosaurs.  Plan your summer trip now.  Dinosaur books never sit on the shelves for any length of time.  They do not collect dust.  Neither will this one.

Title: Dinosaurs in Your Backyard The Coolest, Scariest Creatures Ever Found in the USA
Author: Hugh Brewster
Date Published: 2009
Pages: 32
Reading Level: Dinosaur lovers of all ages
Publisher: Abrams Books
ISBN: 978-0-8109-7099-1
Source of Book: Sent by publisher.

Pam at Mother Reader is rounding up the nonfiction today.
Happy Reading.

MsMac