Reprinted from

The New York Times

 Do School Libraries Need Books?

Aaron Houston for the New York Times

Keeping traditional school libraries up to date is costly, with the constant need to acquire new books and to find space to store them. Yet for all that trouble, students roam the stacks less and less because they find it so much more efficient to work online. One school, Cushing Academy, made news last fall when it announced that it would give away most of its 20,000 books and transform its library into a digital center.

If you enjoy stories of freedom and of survival, then you’ll love
Kensuke’s Kingdom. The main character, ten-year-old Michael, has a
fairly normal life. He goes to school, plays soccer and hangs out with
his friends. All of that changes, however, when his parents both lose

Children's book author Elizabeth Rusch spoke to a group of teachers and librarians this week at Marylhurst University.  Ms. Rusch is an engaging speaker and shared with us many amazing ideas for teaching inquiring minds about volcanoes, the solar system and community service.  

 ALA announces literary award winners; Newbery, Caldecott winners on "Today Show"

BOSTON - The American Library Association (ALA) today announced the top books, audiobooks and video for children and young adults – including the Caldecott, King, Newbery and Printz awards – at its Midwinter Meeting in Boston.

See the Newbery and Caldecott winners on the "Today Show"

A list of all the 2010 literary award winners follows:

Martin Luther King Jr.: 'Life's Most Persistent And Urgent Question Is: What Are You Doing For Others?'

Fifth Graders: I had so much fun with all of you!  Thank you for lunching with me!  See the video I made of our lunch!

I am sweltering. The grass blades are towering above me. Oh no, here comes another foot. (Pause) I think I need a backup.

                            Dear Diary,

Today I am looking for Cymolis Solowski. I’m trying not to get stepped on. Being seen might be a problem too. He robbed a bank I wonder why? He seems to have good finances. The bank didn’t have a lot of money anyway. I’m searching for him with a search group 9 but they don’t know)

             John Coogan can’t stop crashing into people. He has been nicknamed Crash since he was 5 years old. Seven years ago when he was in first grade a kid named Penn Webb moved in down the street. Crash wouldn’t stop teasing, tricking and being mean to Penn, even after the Webbs invited Crash over for dinner.