Inaugural Rooster Games

Thanks to all of the students who read RI Children's Book Award books and participated in the first annual Rooster Games, a test of their knowledge of plots, characters, settings, and illustrations. We had so many kids qualify, we had two teams! Thank you to Kristina Bachner and Jessica Mathias for serving as team managers and keeping the kids on track. 

Here are some photos of the night, and some students' reflections:

Teams rotated through 5 stations

Most of Team 1 - Harini S. read all of the books!

Alumni sibling sighting!

Team 2 - Payton M. read almost all of the books!

Team 1 matching up settings and characters

Team 2 matching up books and characters

Team 2 making a decision

Team 1 narrowing down their choices

Younger sibling sighting!

Older sibling sighting!

• "It was an amazing experience to be in the Rooster Games with my friends. The library had so many things to do, it was great." - J.R., 3rd grade
• "It was loud and fun." - W.M., 3rd grade
• "It was really fun when you challenged another team." - P.K., 3rd grade
• "I loved when everybody yelled, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1! for the countdown at the end of each round." - N.J., 3rd grade

• "It was very fun to go from station to station, and it helps you socialize and work together with other kids you might not know." - A.F., 5th grade
• "The game was fun, and I saw a lot of friends from other schools, [so] overall I'm not sad about losing." - J.L., 4th grade
• "My goal is to read all 20 books next year." - J.M., 3rd grade
• 
  

Whoosh!

source: chrisbarton.info

The annual Rhode Island Children’s Book Award (RICBA) goes to the book selected by students in grades 3-5 as their favorite from a list of 20 nominees.

Students who read 3 or more nominated books may vote in February, and students who read 5 or more qualify to participate in the Rooster Games (more info on that to come). To give everyone a head start, I'll be reading a few of the shorter nominees to each class. 

One of these shorter books is Whoosh! Lonnie Johnson's Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions. Most kids enjoyed the story; here are some reasons they gave: 

• It shows what kids can do.
• Lonnie followed his dreams.
• He always has new ideas in his mind.
• The sound effects ("whooooosh!") were cool.
• It has facts.
• It had good illustrations.
• It inspires kids to be imaginative and to invent new things.
• He worked with NASA.
• An accident can become the most popular toy in the U.S.
• He didn't mean to invent the Super Soaker.
• It explained the life of a genius, but also had a moral.
• I love reading about other people's lives.
• It's about an invention that I've used before.
• It told a story of hard work.
• I like Super Soakers.
• I like inventing stuff too.
• He had many problems and he solved them.
• I also like engineering.
• It was inspiring to never give up and believe in your dreams.

You can learn more on the author's blog.

Now Playing: Ada's Violin

The annual Rhode Island Children’s Book Award (RICBA) goes to the book selected by students in grades 3-5 as their favorite from a list of 20 nominees.

Students who read 3 or more nominated books may vote in February, and students who read 5 or more qualify to participate in the Rooster Games (more info on that to come). To give everyone a head start, I'll be reading a few of the shorter nominees to each class. 

We started with Ada's Violin, since it was on the November discussion list for the RICBA book club at the Cranston Public Library. It's a true story that was actually featured in a documentary; here's the trailer: 




Most kids enjoyed the story; here are some reasons they gave:

• They used recycled materials into something new.
• It happened in real life.
• They went through trash and made a violin and cello out of it.
• It was very inspiring how they got to play in other countries and they believed in themselves.
• It talks about music and I do music and I love music.
• She plays the violin just like me.
• It tells you that you can use trash and make it into something special.
• It was descriptive and showed imagination.
• It is about a girl who accomplished something special.
• Turning trash into violins is a smart thing to do.
• It tells a true, cool, and inspiring story!
• It is full of pride and shows that anything is possible.
• I like music.
• It was how a poor girl became famous.
• It is about recycling and happiness.
• It proves that if you can put your mid to it, you can do it!

RICBA Trailers, Online Form, eBooks Available

I finally finished reading all of the Rhode Island Children's Book Award nominees ... kids, how many have you made it through? As a reminder, here's the list of books. (Titles in blue have book trailers available.) All you need to do is read 3 of them to vote in February. You'll have to read more than 3 to participate in the Rooster Games ... but more on that later (we're meeting with Miss Emily at the public library later this month to figure out how they'll work).

If you've read any this RICBA nominees this summer, you can submit your forms online - fill out a new one for each book.

If you'd like to read a RICBA nominee online, I JUST figured out how to set that up for you using Destiny Discover. Here's what you need to do (12 are currently available):

Via computer

1. Click on this link and then log in: 

• User Name: CGN and your lunch code (school ID number)

Example: CGN12345

• Password: Your birthday in 6 digits (MMDDYY)

Example: If you were born on May 5, 2009, your password would be 050209

2. Search for the book

3. When you find it, click on the "Checkout" button to claim it.

Via a device

To check out the e-book to a device like a phone or tablet, download the Destiny Discover app. Once installed and open, it will ask you to find your library and then have you log in.

NOTE: Any checkouts to your account will be available via all platforms.

Pedro! Pedro! Pedro!

We read the RICBA nominee Growing Up Pedro by Matt Tavares this week to coincide with the World Series. One illustration shows him taped to a pole by his teammates. The kids asked if it really happened. Here's the tape to prove it.

Most kids enjoyed the story; here are some reasons they gave:

• He keeps trying.
• It was the most inspiring story I have ever heard.
• It is about saying that dreams can come true.
• It was an encouraging story about never to give up.
• I think it is pretty cool that Pedro and his big brother got to play on the same team.
• I like to know about people before they were famous.
• A poor boy managed to make his way into the Hall of Fame.
• I liked it because I like watching the World Series.
• I like to hear nonfiction stories about people.
• I love the Red Sox!
• Pedro followed his dreams and became famous!
• I'm a big fan of baseball and I know what it feels like to be transferred to more than one team.
• I liked it because I like learning.
• It showed anyone can do what they believe.
• I like stories of players in history.
• For a biography, it was very entertaining.
• It inspired me to follow my dreams.
• Just because you are small doesn't not mean you can't do a thing.
• He could throw a baseball 97 miles per hour.
• He followed his dreams and they came true.
• Pedro loved throwing rocks at mango trees, and I love mangoes.
• I wish Pedro still played for the Red Sox.

The book ended with the 1999 American League championships, but Pedro's playing career continued for 10 more years. He was still on the Red Sox when they finally reversed the curse in 2004 and won their first World Series in 86 years. He then played for the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies before retiring in 2009.

Pedro was inducted into the Hall of Fame last year, and the Red Sox retired his number.

Trombone Shorty - RICBA Readaloud

We're gearing up for Election Day in a couple of weeks, but did you know that students get the chance to vote in February? The Rhode Island Children’s Book Award (RICBA) goes to the book selected by students in grades 3-6 as their favorite from a list of 20 nominees.

Students who read 3 or more nominated books may vote in February. They will receive extra credit for each RICBA ratings sheet they submit (either in person or online); it asks them to record what the book was about and how they felt about it. To give everyone a head start, I'll be reading two nominees to each class. 

I started with Trombone Shorty, written by Troy Andrews and illustrated by Bryan Collier. Here's the book trailer:

Most kids enjoyed the story; here are some reasons they gave:

• I was impressed how he was able to play a trombone when he was that small!
• I liked it because I like music because MY big brother inspired me.
• I liked it because it involves a trombone, which is like a trumpet, which I play.
• This book motivated me to take more pride in my music, and it had very good illustrations.
• I love to hear people's stories and how inspiring they are / can be.
• I liked how Trombone Shorty made his own band when he was young.
• It was an autobiography, nonfiction, which I love.
• I liked it because it had jazz in it and also it's a bit funky.
• You don't need an instrument to make music.
• I liked the story because it reminds me to never underestimate the power of tiny.
• It is nice when people motivate people.
• They were always giving him like an extra boost, helping him follow his dreams, and he became really good!
• For a small autobiography, it gives us enough detail to visualize the boy ... now that's a good story!
• I liked it because of how when he was like 4 years old, he knew how to play.

During checkout, I played part of a video from Trombone Shorty's web site.

Summer Reading: RICBA Books

Kids going into grades 3-5 will be eligible to vote for the Rhode Island Children's Book Award if they read 3 of the 20 nominees.

I'm making my way through the list and encourage students to do the same ... why not get started over the summer? If you read one of the RICBA books, add a comment below to tell other kids what you thought. Include your last year's room number and initials, but not your full name.

I just finished A Whole New Ballgame by Phil Bildner yesterday, and am waiting for Upside-Down Magic to get delivered to my Kindle (do you know about Overdrive??). So far, though, my favorite of the 14 I've read so far is probably Full Cicada Moon by Marilyn Hinton. Here's the cover and summary from Goodreads (where I gave it 5 stars):

Inside Out and Back Again meets One Crazy Summer and Brown Girl Dreaming in this novel-in-verse about fitting in and standing up for what’s right.

It's 1969, and the Apollo 11 mission is getting ready to go to the moon. But for half-black, half-Japanese Mimi, moving to a predominantly white Vermont town is enough to make her feel alien. Suddenly, Mimi's appearance is all anyone notices. 

She struggles to fit in with her classmates, even as she fights for her right to stand out by entering science competitions and joining Shop Class instead of Home Ec. And even though teachers and neighbors balk at her mixed-race family and her refusals to conform, Mimi’s dreams of becoming an astronaut never fade—no matter how many times she’s told no.

This historical middle-grade novel is told in poems from Mimi's perspective over the course of one year in her new town, and shows readers that positive change can start with just one person speaking up.

RICBA Book Trailers 3

And here are the rest that I could find trailers for ...

Athlete vs. Mathlete by WC Mack



The 14 Fibs of Gregory K. by Greg Pincus




The Mighty Miss Malone by Christopher Paul Curtis




Navigating Early by Claire Vanderpool

RICBA Book Trailers 2

Here are a few more trailers for the RI Children's Book Award nominees.

Spirit Animals by Brandon Mull




Rump by Liesl Shurtliff




The Blessing Cup by Patricia Polacco




Charlie Bumpers v. The Teacher of the Year by Bill Harley

RICBA Book Trailers 1

Room 10 went through the Rhode Island Children's Book Award list today and watched book trailers for several of the titles. We didn't have time to see all of them, but here's what we did get to:


Doll Bones by Holly Black



Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
click on title to access book trailer on SchoolTube


Gaby, Lost and Found by Angela Cervantes
click on title to access book trailer on Scholastic's site


Mountain Dog by Margarita Engle

RI Children's Book Award - Submit Your Reviews Online!

Have you started making your way through the RI Children's Book Award list yet? Did you lose your copy of the list? Look no further than the RICBA 2015 LibGuide (accessible from the Garden City RICAT home page).

The LibGuide includes summaries of each book and a link to the form where you can submit your review (I need to have 3 total on file - electronic or hard copy - by February for you to vote). There's also a link to the statewide blog where you can share your opinions with other students.

Not sure which one to start with? Charlie Bumpers v. the Teacher of the Year by Bill Harley is funny and QUICK.

Summer Reading: RICBA Books

Kids going into grades 3-6 will be eligible to vote for the Rhode Island Children's Book Award if they read 3 of the 20 nominees.

I'm making my way through the list and encourage students to do the same ... why not get started over the summer? If you read one of the RICBA books, add a comment below to tell other kids what you thought. Include your last year's room number and initials, but not your full name.

Out of the 12 I've read so far, this is the one I'd be voting for if I could:

Doll Bones by Holly Black Zach, Alice, and Poppy, friends from a Pennsylvania middle school who have long enjoyed acting out imaginary adventures with dolls and action figures, embark on a real-life quest to Ohio to bury a doll made from the ashes of a dead girl.

Summer Reading: RICBA Books

Kids going into grades 3-6 will be eligible to vote for the Rhode Island Children's Book Award if they read 3 of the 20 nominees.

I've read all of them and encourage students to do the same ... why not get started over the summer? If you read one of the RICBA books, add a comment below to tell other kids what you thought. Include your last year's room number and initials if you would like, but not your full name.

Here are a few that I would have a hard time deciding between if I were allowed to vote:

Applegate, Katherine. The One and Only Ivan Inspired by the true story of a gorilla who spent 30 years alone in a cage at an indoor zoo in a mall, this beautifully written book is told from the point of view of Ivan, the Gorilla. Follow his struggle to free himself and a baby elephant from his down and out “domain.”

Graff, Lisa. Double Dog Dare Fourth grade students Francine and Kansas are in a double dare contest to win the morning announcer spot for their school. These dares are out of control until the two enemies discover their common secret.

Nielsen, Jennifer. The False Prince When Sage is taken from his orphanage by a nobleman, his life completely changes. He soon discovers that he is part of a plot to impersonate the long lost prince of the kingdom. Since only one boy will be chosen, defiant Sage has to be the one ... or it could mean his death.

Palacio, R.J. Wonder August Pullman was born with a craniofacial abnormality—a genetic defect that caused his facial features to be severely deformed. Told from multiple perspectives, this is the tale of August’s transition from home school to private middle school. Will he make friends? Will he decide to stay at the school? And can the people around him learn to see past his appearance? 

Turnage, Sheila. Three Times Lucky Eleven years ago during a hurricane, “Mo” was rescued by the Colonel, and her “Upstream Mother” has yet to claim her! Now a neighbor has been murdered, her best friend Dale’s family is in turmoil, the Colonel is missing, and another hurricane is beginning to blow!

Weiner, Ellis. The Templeton Twins Have an Idea This hilarious adventure features genius inventors, nefarious kidnappers, and a pair of very clever 12-year-old twins. The narrator makes you laugh out loud with his snarky comments.

Balloons Over Broadway

I am reading at least one RI Children's Book Award nominee to all of the students in grades 3-6. We started with Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet, which is about Tony Sarg, the inventor of the huge balloons that float through the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. Then we worked on different activities with the different grades.

See some of the balloons through the decades.

• Grade 4: This packet of activities includes a maze and a template for drawing your own balloon.

• Grade 5: Talking about Tony's invention(s) led to a short invention research unit. Tony's apprentice was Bil Baird, who did the Lonely Goatherd marionnettes for "The Sound of Music." Bil's apprentice was none other than Jim Henson, inventor of the Muppets!

• Grade 6: When I asked students what they noticed about today's balloons v. ones from the past, they totally picked up on the fact that modern parades use them as advertising. So many of the characters floating down the streets are corporate mascots ... how many mascots do YOU recognize? We explored persuasive tactics in the following weeks.

RICBA Gives Kids the Vote

We're gearing up for Election Day in November, but did you know that students get the chance to vote in February? The Rhode Island Children’s Book Award (RICBA) goes to the book selected by students in grades 3-6 as their favorite from a list of 20 nominees.

Students who read 3 or more nominated books may vote in February. They will receive extra credit for each RICBA ratings sheet they submit; it asks them to record what the book was about and how they felt about it. They can also share their opinions on the official RICBA blog.

So far, after students had a chance to preview the nominees, “When Life Gives You O.J.” (which has a fantastic book trailer), “My Life as a Stuntboy,” and “Sidekicks” have had the most holds placed. It will be interesting to see if one of them ends up winning!

To give everyone a head start, I'll be reading at least one nominee to each class. More to come in separate posts.