Back Room Kids-Meeting Nov. 17

This week the kids took advantage of some of the amazing drawing books we have at Crossfield Public Library. Following snacks and drink they settled in and drew...and drew...and drew!

Here are the results that show these kids have talent:

Back Room Kids-Meeting Nov. 3

It was a meeting filled with imagination! We gathered together, drank chocolate milk, ate carrots and tacos and...wrote, illustrated and shared.

Our starting off point was a "what if".

WHAT IF....You were snowed in at school.

As you can see in the above photo the kids were right into it! The results were hilarious. Stories, illustrations and comic strips emerged. Some were happy about being snowed in, some were deeply saddened (okay, depressed). Some went on an adventure, rescuing fellow snowed in students. In one case it was actually snowing IN the school and animals were hibernating there. The 45 minutes we had flew by in no time, with many still talking out ideas  and sharing their stories even as they left the library.

Back Room Kids-Meeting October 27, 2011.

The meeting was SPOOKTACULAR! Started off by decorating ghost and pumpkin cookies and gathering in book reviews (stay tuned for those). There was gnashing and gnawing as the decortating carried one with every making use of the brains, eyeballs, fingers and skulls provided to make the cookied truly horrific. Can you say...zombies in the house? I had no idea.

That took up most of the meeting and we had just a bit of time left to build our spooky story.

Started off the story with some inspiration from Alvin Schwartz’s book SCARY STORIES TO TELL IN THE DARK. It has a really short ghost story that goes something like this:

One night a girl was taking a short cut through the cemetery. She caught up with another girl and said, “Can I walk with you? Graveyards scare me.” “Of course!” replied the other girl. “They use to scare me, too, when I was alive.”

(Eek! In the ten minutes we had left for the meeting we decided to carry it on from there with every one sharing possible directions to send the story in. This is what we came up with and remember this is a first draft, some kids have taken this home and are working on revising! )

The girl asked “What do you mean you’re not alive?” Then she screamed so hard she died.


Actually people just thought she had died, but had just fainted.


When she woke up and found herself in a coffin underground.


The first thing she saw in the coffin was the other girl and who said, “I’m sorry.”


Banging on the coffin door the girl tried to make it budge, no luck it wasn’t going to open.


She thinks, after failing to open the coffin door, wait it’s underground how can I breathe? Gasping for air, the girl was slowly losing time.


She could hear chanting from above, she thought it was the girl from the graveyard. She slipped off into the darkness. She had officially died. She was officially a ghost.


She awoke, her white snowy eyes opened and she lifted out from the coffin. It was 500 years into the future. By then the girl was very old and frail…and dead. A ghost, walking in the graveyard…waiting for the next girl to come along.

Stay tuned for further revisions and illustrations from some of the talented artists in the group!

Next week we the entire meeting will be all about writing, illustrating and sharing. We will be featuring the book SPILLING INK.

In the meantime we invite you to check out the Spilling Ink blog...it is inspiring, fun and filled with great ideas for young writers.

And finally, I ran out of time to let the kids know that our book club discussion book for December (want to give everyone enough time to read and re-read in some cases) will be SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS, The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket.  

It was one of the top two choices of all the kids present at the initial meeting and discussion. We are ordering extra copies. Looking forward to lively meeting of talk and activities related to the book. Will also include a book to movie discussion related to this particular series.

Back Room Kids-Meeting October 20, 2011.

Beginning with the same old same old-snack and drinks. But really, that never gets old! Donuts, bananas and apple juice were in the house.

As the kids arrived they were invited to pick from a pile of new books (some in our library collection and yet to be signed out, some from Deb's personal library). They each took a form to write up a mini-review (or should we say mini-view?) of the title chosen. Stay tuned for those next week.

Once we were all settled work began on recording some video reviews of recent reads with everyone sharing a book, why they liked it and why they think you will like it, too. We brainstormed how to do it-decided on puppets and also decided to call it PUPPET PRESS. Now, the technical difficulties are entirely mine...heads cut off, backwards titles etc. But, the kids did so, so well we really wanted to share our first try at doing this. Next time look for music, credits, fade ins, fade outs!





Next week it's all about dressing it up Halloween style and having a spooky good time! Until then, happy reading!

Back Room Kids Meeting-Thursday October 13, 2011

A lively 45 minute meeting was held with 9 kids aged 9-14. While we snacked on apple juice and granola bars one member shared her visit to Calgary Wordfest and the opportunity to hear authors John Marsden and Cathy Ostlere. We have John Marsden's books and have now requested KARMA.

A request to see if the second  book in TROUBLE TWISTERS by Garth Nix  and Sean Williams was on the way. Not yet, but keeping you posted. In the mean time here is a fun video of the authors reading the prologue! Trouble Twisters has also been requested for the library collection.


Other discussions included the highly recommending the fourth in the Amulet series and a love of the whole series. An agreement that a fantastic book choice for everyone to read is A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS or ORIGAMI YODA or TALES OF A FOURTH GRADE NOTHING. Because we are quite an age range we are also considering having a teen read for the older kids and a middle grade read for the youngers. Two of our teens are interested in facilitating a reading group for the younger set (6-8) as part of our Thursdays, as well. Kids are also interested in devoting one of our meetings per month  to writing and illustrating workshopping and sharing. We have quite a few aspiring writers and illustrators!

Halloween Party on October 27 is a must, complete with spooky stories and creepy cupcake snakes. Plans are in the works.

We wrapped everything up with a trip out to the library to find a book or two to take to a deserted island. It was pointed out that there might not be time to read as concerns would be on how to get off the island. We decided that the rest of us could read while the two who (rightly!) pointed this out could work on getting us off. Seems fair? Choices included:

Eclipse by Stephanine Myer
The Bone Books by Jeff Smith
Deltora Quest by Emily Rodda
The Warriors by Erin Hunter


Next week we will be video taping some book reviews for you! To keep the privacy we will be recording voices, you will only see the back of heads, maybe feet, possibly reviewers in masks...we shall see what we come up with. Until next time...happy reading!

NEXT MEETINGS:

THURS. OCT 20-Video Book Reviews
THURS. OCT 27-Halloween Party-Let's Dress Up!

The Resisters by Eric Nylund

Reviewer-Tia
Do we have this in our library-No, Tia read the ARC
Rated 3 out of 5 Donuts

From Amazon-

Twelve-year-old Ethan Blackwood has always known exactly what he wanted—to win the state soccer championship, get into the best high school, and become an astronaut. Then he meets Madison and Felix, who tell him something . . . insane. They claim that 50 years ago, aliens took over the earth, and everyone past puberty is under their mind control. Ethan doesn't believe it. But then he sees for himself the aliens' monster bug robots and the incredible way that Madison and Felix have learned to fight them. So Ethan Blackwood has a choice: he can go back to his normal, suburban, protected lie of a life—or he can become a Resister. 

The review-
The first line is, Ethan Blackwood prepared for battle. I liked what the story was based on, like an adventure. There wasn't one part that was my favorite, but I thought, overall, it was a pretty good book.

The Archaeolojesters: Pillars of Time by Andreas Oertel

Reviewer-Tia
Do we have this in our library? No, the publisher provided us with an ARC
Rated 5 out of 5 Donuts

From Amazon:

In their last adventure, the archaeolojesters – Cody, Eric, and Rachel – were clever enough to fool the people in their town and expert archaeologists with a homemade "ancient Egyptian" tablet. Their exploits brought some much-needed tourism to Sultana, Manitoba, and earned them a trip to Cairo to see some real Egyptian artifacts. But trouble seems to follow these kids wherever they go! Instead of exploring a foreign country, they find themselves on a rescue mission in a world beyond their imagination. Will their quick thinking and knack for history be enough to get them home? Modern-day adventure and ancient civilizations meet in Book 2 of "The Archaolojesters" series. 

The review-


Here is the first line! Man, it was hot. Sure I had expected it to be hotter in Egypt than in Manitoba, Canada, but it still hit me like a hammer. I really liked the plot of this book and what the story was based on. My favorite part of the book was when Rachel vanished. Another favorite part was when, Eric, Rachel and Cody were taken by two guys who think the three kids can help find one of the guy's daughter.

Happy Birthday Bad Kitty by Nick Bruel

 Reviewer-Kassidy
Do we have this in the library? Yes
Rated 5 out of 5 Donuts

From Good Reads:

It's Bad Kitty's birthday, and you're invited! Bad Kitty's second illustrated novel is packed with deadpan humor, rich tidbits of cat information -- and even some suspense! Who took Kitty's presents? Why are Kitty's friends so bizzare? Readers will laugh out loud at Kitty's feline mood swings, and they'll be touched by the heartwarming visit from a surprise guest. 






The review-

This was a fun read that kept me reading until the end! It was especially funny when Bad Kitty fell back to sleep. I would recommend this book to 7 to 12 year olds.

Dead Bird Through the Cat Door by Jan Markley

Reviewer-Tia
Do we have this in our library? Yes
Rated 4 out of 5 Donuts

From Good Reads-

Dead birds? Stolen cats? Things get personal when Cyd and Jane's cat, Yin, gets kidnapped. They turn to technology and Shakespeare to help solve the mystery. Written with charm and wit that will appeal to both young and old, Dead Bird Through the Cat Door is a well-crafted mystery story that shares an important environmental message.






The review-


The first line! In a flash of feathers and fur, Yin bolted through the cat door with a dead baby robin in her jaws. I loved the mystery in this book, because I love mysteries, mostly ones that make me laugh. My favorite part of the book was the beginning.

Dead Frog on the Porch by Jan Markley

Reviewer-Tia
Do we have this in our library? Yes
Rated 5 out of 5 Donuts


From Good Reads

Kids can change the world - even if it is one frog at a time. Sisters Cyd and Jane are propelled into an international plot involving evil scientists and giant, genetically stretched frogs. Will the twins win this hilarious race to save the frog kingdom? Written with charm and wit that will appeal to both young and old, Dead Frog on the Porch is a well-crafted mystery story that shares an important environmental message. Special Features This book includes a Book Club discussion guide. Praise for Dead Frog on the Porch "Shady scientists, fraudulent frogs, and two terrific twins add up to a delightful mystery. Cynthia and Jane are fearless in their quest to end `crimes against amphibians.' This story is full of outsized characters, outrageous creatures and a sweet goofy humor that propels each page. Tons of fun!" -Teresa Toten, Governor General Awards nominee 2001; Governor General Awards finalist 2006 "Readers who enjoy a good laugh and a good mystery will devour this uproarious, fast-paced story in which the feisty twin sisters Cyd and Jane take a megabyte out of crime! It is Nancy Drew for the iPod generation! Markley's debut novel, filled with suspense and zany humour and told with pizzazz, ushers in a new voice in the mystery genre. A sure winner!" -Shenaaz Nanji, Governor General Award Finalist 2008

The review-
  
Here is the first line! If I'd known killing my sister's frong would lead to such a train of events, I would have been more careful.

I like mysteries so I kept reading this until the end. It was so hilarious! Plus, it's a REAL page turner. My favorite part was when Jane and Cyd began on the real mystery.

Song of the Sword by Edward Willet

Reviewer-Tanner
In Our Library? No, but will be ordered. The publisher provided us with an ARC.
Rated 5 out of 5 Donuts!

From Amazon:

Before the Lady called her, Ariane's life was a mess. Two years ago, her mother disappeared. She bounced around different foster homes until her aunt finally took her in. The meanest clique at her new high school has decided to make Ariane their prime target. And to top it all off, she is having frightening premonitions, and they are becoming more intense. The moment water touches her skin, she sees visions of a lake, a lady, and a sword. When a staircase opens up in the middle of Wascana Lake and the water begins singing to her, she has no choice but to answer the call.

Ariane learns that she descends from the Lady of the Lake, and soon the stories she thought were legend become a real life nightmare. She and her unexpected companion, Wally Knight, are charged with finding the scattered shards of Excalibur before Merlin can get his hands on them. The infamous magician, known in this world as software tycoon Rex Major, is trying to recover the pieces of Arthur's sword so he can reforge it and restore his limitless power. Suddenly, Ariane's life seems to have a purpose and a clear direction – but how can a troubled teen and her brainy sidekick outwit the ancient, ruthless sorcerer? 

The Review-


This is a book I read right until the end because I loved how the author encorporated Medieval legend into a modern world book. My favorite part was when Ariane slammed a wall of water into Flish and her friends and when Ariane trashed Flish's room.

Revealers by Amanda Marrone

 Reviewer: Autumn
Do we have this book in our library? No (Deb will order it!). Deb provided her personal copy for reading.
Rating-5 out of 5 Donuts

From Good Reads:

Jules has a rebellious streak, a massive crush on Connor, and the abilities of a Revealer witch. By day, she and her coven friends seem like typical high school seniors. By night, they have the power to make werewolves, vampires, and ghosts reveal themselves, so they can destroy them. It's not exactly cheerleading, but at least the girls know they're doing the world some good.

One by one, Jules's friends turn eighteen and are initiated into the coven's inner circle. And one by one, they are getting completely freaked out. Jules is the youngest, and though her friends are too scared tell her what's going on, something's clearly not right. As her birthday approaches, Jules realizes she's got to find out what's behind the shadows of her coven before it's too late to save her friends...and herself. But what she discovers may be too powerful for even the toughest witches to defeat.

The review:

Loved the content and settings within the book. Characters were interesting between werewolves and vampires to witches. A surprising ending! I kept reading until the end because it hooked me in so fast I finished it in one day. Never knew what was going to happen next. How could the parents do that to their own children? I loved how it ended, but have to keep that a secret, so read the book! 

Goldfish Don't Take Bubble Baths by Trina Wiebbe Illus. by Meredith Johnson

From Good Reads :

Abby is crazy about animals, but her apartment building won't allow pets. So when Abby gets the chance to look after Mrs. Wilson's two goldfish, Speedy and Slowpoke, she jumps at it. Now she can show her parents that she's responsible enough to have her own pet-sitting business. What could possible go wrong? For starters, there's Abby's little sister Tess, who's always tagging along. But what really bugs Abby is the way Tess acts like a dog. When Tess gets them both into trouble, Abby has to think fast. Maybe pet-sitting isn't going to be a s easy as she thought.

The Review :

I think this book should be called The Best Book Ever! I like how Abby found the keys. I like how Tess pretends to be a dog. I like how the fish are saved. I like Abby and Tess....I like EVERYTHING about the book.

The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan

What would happen if you discovered that your family was the most powerful in human history? What would happen if the power was hidden all around the world...in the form of 39 clues? If you are Dan and Amy Cahill you'll begin the race...a dangerous race...and choose not to walk away with a million dollars.

From the opening of the book:

Five minutes before she died, Grace Cahill changed her will. Her lawyer brought out the alternate version, which had been her most guarded secret for seven years.

I really liked the challenge to find the 39 clues. It was so interesting!  My favorite part is at Grace Cahill's funeral;when Dan and Amy found out about the challenge.

School of Fear by Gitty Daneshvari

From Good Reads:

Everyone is afraid of something...

Madeleine Masterson is deathly afraid of bugs, especially spiders.

Theodore Bartholomew is petrified of dying.

Lulu Punchalower is scared of confined spaces.

Garrison Feldman is terrified of deep water.

With very few options left, the parents of these four twelve year-olds send them to the highly elusive and exclusive School of Fear to help them overcome their phobias. But when their peculiar teacher, Mrs. Wellington, and her unconventional teaching methods turn out to be more frightening than even their fears, the foursome realize that this just may be the scariest summer of their lives.

The Review:

I like the fact that it could be based on real life. The things that happen in the book could happen in real life. Also, I loved how the author made Ms. Wellington a beauty freak. I kept reading until the end because there were new surprises on each page. You never knew what was going to happen next! Favorite part is a spoiler so I can't tell you what it is.

I gave this 5 out of 5 donuts.

Not part of our library collection...yet!

School of Fear: Class is Not Dismissed by Gitty Daneshvari

From Good Reads:

In this hilarious follow-up to School of Fear, eccentric headmaster Mrs. Wellington demands requests the presence of Madeleine, Theo, Lulu, and Garrison for a mandatory summer of retraining after discovering that each of her former students has secretly regressed. Facing their fears was terrifying enough, but when the foursome learns they'll be joined by a fifth student, things start to get even scarier.

To make matters worse, the students quickly find themselves tasked with saving their school. And because failing means spending the rest of their lives with unresolved phobias, this is one test they all plan to ace.

The review:

Loved that Hy Hy was new and how she used fer fear to "dis" people. Hilarious to read. I really connected with Lolu in this book.  I felt like Lulu and I could be twin sisters. Loved the settings, problmes and solutions. Also, this book is very down to earth.


Can't tell you my favorite part because it is a HUGE spoiler.


Not part of our library collection...yet!

Pokemon Ultimate Handbook

 From Amazon :

Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh. Ash's Pokemon journey has taken him through some incredible regions, and now they're all in one book! This deluxe handbook includes facts & figures for every Pokemon ever. That's over 480 entries--packed with inside info and special tips. It's truly the ultimate guide for every Pokemon fan. 

The Review :

This is a really good hand book with cool pics. I give it a 5 out of 5 donuts.

This is part of our library collection.

Previous Reviews

Before moving to our new Book Review Home, we posted some reviews on our website!

 You can find those reviews right here.