Looks Like a Reader to Me

Meet Oliver, our new labradoodle. Named after the poet Mary Oliver, he joins Oscar (as in Oscar Wilde) and Conway (after Jill Kerr Conway, author and first female president of Smith College).

Conversations

A few years ago a mom came to me and said she was disappointed that one of the books her third grade daughter had borrowed from the public library dealt with inappropriate topics. For the life of me I can't remember what the topics were but I was relieved to find out her daughter hadn't borrowed the book from the school library. Well, we actually had five copies of the same book - it was a Nutmeg nominee. What this mom was dealing with is what a lot of parents deal with - children who are capable of reading books far above their maturity level.

Authors today are dealing with serious subjects. Good authors treat these subjects with care and sensitivity. They create characters who you want to root for and want to be friends with, characters who make you laugh and may make you cry. This is the reality of the 21st century.

I think the two toughest things to be these days is a kid or a parent. I am not an expert on either (although I am a pretty good aunt) but cannot emphasize enough the importance of keeping open the lines of communication. As I spoke with the parent I mentioned earlier, I realized that her daughter had come to her with questions about the book and as it turns out a wonderful dialogue ensued - how great a gift is that? Whether we are parents or teachers (or aunts) we need to be open to the gifts of conversation.

Ian and Y2C2 Were Right

When Ms. Lau visited to talk about Young Young Critics to our 3rd and 4th grade she mentioned that I, Lorelei by Yeardly Smith was voted top pick by Perrot's book group. According to Ian, one of our 4th (now 5th graders), "Don't pay attention to the cover; it's not just for girls and if you liked Diary of a Wimpy Kid you'll really like this."

To be honest, I'm not a big fan of any DOAWK but Ian's sales pitch was intriguing. I just finished I, Lorelei and have to say - it is a lovely read. Lorelei at 11 is experiencing both highs and lows: she made the school play but her parents are not getting along; Bo, one of the most popular boys in her class has asked her to study but her best friend Jenny is not being particularly nice. When your mom isn't always available, who to turn to? Lorelei starts a diary and each entry starts with, "Dear Mud..." Mud, as we find out early on, is Lorelei's cat who died. All the things she might have said to Mud were he alive, she writes to him. And it is through writing Lorelei learns that life isn't perfect and that she, along with her brothers, can make it together.

Welcome News

When Kathy and Kate from Perrot Library died in a terrible car crash back in January, it was a quite a loss. The outreach they did with the school communities in Riverside and Old Greenwich was wonderful. I knew anytime I picked up the phone they would say yes - no matter my request. I am happy to announce that our good friend and Riverside resident, Kathy Jarombek has been hired as Director of Youth Services at Perrot. Kathy spent the last few years as a media specialist with New Lebanon School but prior to that made quite a mark in local public libraries. She is one of my favorite people and while I will miss her good humor and insight at our meetings, I'm looking forward to working with her in a different capacity. She starts officially August 24th but I hear she'll be in and out. Stop by and say hello - I bet you'll like her as much as I do.

Books and Dogs

With the Internet at our fingertips, it's easy to find book suggestions from reputable sources, independent book stores among the best. Checkout The Voracious Reader website; located in my hometown of Larchmont NY, I think I'll drive down for a visit this summer (and then stop for a hot dog at Walters).

A Reading Diet

One of things I spoke with the kids about last week was having a balanced reading diet. Much as I would like (and I have tried) I cannot live on diet Coke and chocolate chip cookies - it just doesn't work nutritionally and I don't feel well at the end of the day. So it goes with picking the kinds of books we read. Picture books, chapter books, non-fiction, biography - all are part of a balanced diet (no matter the grade level of the child). For some kids, non-fiction may be like eating asparagus, but a little every so often is needed (and there are so many great non-fiction books these days).

One of my favorite non-fiction books is Interrupted Journey by Kathryn Lasky











And for those kids who are just exploring the world of chapter books and may be reluctant, the My Weird School series by Dan Gutman is delightful.

That Book Woman

I read a lot of reviews every year and sometimes when Sue unpacks our order I read a book and wonder what I was thinking. Other times I'll read a book and be so thoroughly engaged in the story that I have to share it immediately with whatever class is coming in. That Book Woman by Heather Henson was one of those books. Based on the Pack Horse Librarians of Appalachia, it tells the story of Cal, a reluctant reader and the devoted woman who traveled miles by horse to bring books to his family. How much did I enjoy the story? I'll be giving a copy of the book to my nephew this afternoon.

Favorite (Recent) Adult Reads

Red Leather Diary by Lily Koppel
Lily Koppel, a writer for the NY Times, discovers a diary from the late 1920s when the storage room of her Manhattan brownstone is cleaned out. Not only does she track down the diarist (who now splits her time between Westport and Florida) but she gets her to share her story. A fascinating look into the life of a young woman from that time period. You can be sure if someone were to discover the diary I kept from 14 to 19, it wouldn't read like this.

The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O'Farrell

What would you do if one day you received a call concerning an aunt you didn't know existed? Further, what would you do if this aunt was being discharged from a psychiatric facility after 60 years and you were her next of kin? A great read.

Seeking Peace by Mary Pipher
One of the best memoirs I've read, by the author of Reviving Ophelia,I can't wait to reread it. Favorite quote? "Once processed
all memory is fiction."

Summer Reading for Kids

At the top of my list for the Summer are the Nutmeg nominees. Every year the children of Connecticut can vote for their favorite book. I've posted this year's nominees below but you can checkout http://www.nutmegaward.org/ for more info. And if you're in 5th grade at North Mianus you have special incentive as the annual Nutmeg Book Bowl will take place in November.