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Book VerdictShelf Life
Shelf Life
May 02, 2013
Take a Peek at the New SLJ Series Nonfiction Titles for Summer
Written By Jeanette Rivard
New titles have just been selected for our SLJ Series Nonfiction Levels for grades K-8. We choose the best books from the best series and send them to you each month when you purchase our SLJ levels. And new to our lineup which includes history, science and social studies is the SLJ Series Nonfiction Level, How-to for grades 3-5.
Shelf Life
April 02, 2013
The Father of Japanese American Baseball
Written By Deborah B. Ford
Known as the "Father of Japanese American Baseball," Kenichi Zenimura was born in Japan in 1900, but moved to California with his family. In 1941, Zenimura and his family were sent by the American government to an internment camp for Japanese Americans in Gila River, Arizona.
Tags: biographies, nonfiction, Picture books, resources.
Shelf Life
March 20, 2013
Old Bags & Swag
Written By Susan Marston
Roger Sutton once made fun of me for coming to a board meeting with my possessions in a backpack. "What are you, like, fourteen?" he asked.
Shelf Life
March 14, 2013
Oh for the Spirit of Henry
Written By Deborah B. Ford
Another picture book for older readers that we have this spring is about a Revolutionary War hero: Henry Knox. Knox was 25 years old when he volunteered to drag 59 cannons 300 miles over snow-covered mountains to Boston. He had been a bookseller who learned how to be a soldier from reading the books that he sold. (a librarian in disguise!) "In spite of a plump shape that suggested a man who preferred a good meal to a good fight, he was an eager Patriot who was sure he could bring the cannons to Boston." It was the dead of winter.
Tags: nonfiction, Picture books, resources.
Shelf Life
March 13, 2013
Resources to Knit Your Bit
Written By Deborah B. Ford
In this week's On the Radar (in SLJ Extra Helping), I wrote about historical fiction in picture books for older readers. In our blog, Shelf Life, I'll elaborate on the titles and provide resources for using them with your students.
Tags: Picture books, resources.
Shelf Life
March 07, 2013
The JLG Selection Wall
Written By Deborah B. Ford
Ever wondered about what it's like in the JLG offices? From time to time, I'll fill you in on the inside workings behind the scenes of Junior Library Guild. For example, what happens after the editorial department (which is in NYC) chooses new selections for the upcoming span?
Tags: book selections, JLG.
Shelf Life
March 06, 2013
Pixelated Genius- Enter the QR Code
Written By Deborah B. Ford
While preparing a new workshop on booktalking, Book Buzz: Tips and Tricks for Youth Services, I got a "blinding flash of brilliance," as Aunt Betty would say. I literally stopped working on the presentation to tell you about it. This works especially well in a technology-rich community. Enter the QR code.
Tags: marketing, technology.
Shelf Life
March 01, 2013
She Used to Have a Whole Room!
Written By Susan Marston
Eleanor Roosevelt was once a member of JLG's editorial board. At some point, having found a photo in our files, we dubbed the conference area in our last office the "Eleanor Roosevelt Room."
Tags: JLG.
Shelf Life
February 27, 2013
Shhh! The librarians are here!
Written By Leslie Bermel
Just after I finished packing the last box from our exhibit at the ALA Midwinter conference in Seattle a few weeks ago, I visited Pike Place Market. This picture was taken at the fishmonger stall; they had decorated for the conference!
Tags: conferences.
Shelf Life
February 19, 2013
Between the Pages
Written By Deborah B. Ford
Last week I received my local public library's newsletter, Between the Pages. It's a double-sided trifold color document, full of interesting options for patrons of all ages. Since some of our best ideas come from each other, you might like to know what the Westerville Public Library is up to.
Tags: marketing, programming, public library.