Visions of Sugar Plums in the Library

Thanks to the German students at Station for making the library so festive and delicious-looking. We're decorated with the most wonderful, creative gingerbread houses.

I've been bitten by the Twilight bug

The buzz in the school is palpable as everyone prepares to stay up tonight to watch Twilight, the movie made from the blockbuster book by Stephenie Meyer. Like many others, when the books came out, I didn't get any other work done, dishes sat in the sink, beds didn't get made because I had to find out what happened next to Bella and Edward and my favorite, Jacob. I know, I know, your favorite is Edward. Oh well.

I'm sure we'll see a lot of sleepy eyed kids at school tomorrow who hit the midnight show. I know I'm excited. I can't wait to see the movie and talk it over with my avid Twilight fans.

Parents have asked me about Twilight and whether it's appropriate for middle schoolers. I tell them to read the books and share the excitement with them. How often can a book engage your child and you can get into the book as well? TwilightMoms, a website dedicated to Twilight talks about their opinion on the books and the phenomenon. Here's what they said (and I agree):

1. It's NOT a scary vampire tale with Satanic references.
   

   In fact, the author is a Mormon and she provides a non-traditional take on vampires. "The Cullens are vampires who choose to abstain from feeding on humans, value human life and protect it, and do not possess the typical vampire traits," says InnamorataDiTwilight. Juliek22 adds, "The characters are not evil, and the bad guys are not dark enough to cause nightmares."

2. There is no sex, drugs, or graphic violence, only some mild sensuality.

   Compared to other works targeted at kids in the tween-teen range, most consider Twilight to be quite mild. Comments ranged from "I think this is one of the cleanest series out there for young adults," by Katieb to "The violence in the series is far less graphic than the anything contained in the last three Harry Potter books," by Julie&Jasper. However, BeautifulDisaster cautions, "The books contain more mature themes as the book series progresses; the first book is suitable for a younger audience, while the last is, in my opinion, best read with a bit more life experience."

3. Twilight isn't just a chick thing.

   Along with appealing to a wide variety of ages, it crosses the gender barrier. "Plenty of guys are interested, including several of my male 7th grade students," says BeautifulDisaster. And Suelibevg describes the appeal this way, "Boys like the vampire aspect and the cars!! Girls like the romance."

4. Actions, choices, and their consequences are the series' primary themes.

   Says AZmomx2, "The thing that I think was my favorite is the idea of choices...that you can shape your future by the choices you make. As an adult, I know this. As a teenager, I often felt like I was on this 'ride of life' and had no control over things." And following on that, Raeniece says, "Even when a wrong has been righted or amends made, that doesn't mean the consequences from those previous choices can be avoided. They have to be dealt with."

5. Beware the "Twilight Zone."
   

   That's the phrase self-professed "Twilighters" have used to describe the obsession that leads them to re-read the books, spends hours each day on the dozens of fansites that have sprung up, and turn their rooms into Twilight boutiques. Lion<3lamb>

6. The series is an easy sell to "non-readers."
   

   As with the Harry Potter books, the Twilight saga appeals to kids who are resistant to reading. "Even my youngest daughter (12 yrs) who absolutely hates reading, gave in and started Twilight, says Mio Crepuscolo. "She would disappear for hours at a time to read." HELIKESBRUNETTES agrees and warns, "This book will really engage them, probably like nothing they've ever read before, so make sure they do their homework BEFORE reading daily, or it will probably never get done!"

7. Twilight promotes additional reading.
   

   The series is peppered with references to works of literature. "Twilight will have your children wanting to read works referenced within (Pride & Prejudice, Wuthering Heights, Romeo & Juliet, The Merchant of Venice)," says IsabellaCullen. And the movie's Bella and Edward even pose for an American Library Association poster.

8. There are far worse idols for your child to glom onto.
   

   "Bella does her homework AND cooks!" jokes Centaur1201. Chocoholic agrees, "The main character is a 'good girl.' She cares about people, she is obedient, does her homework, is kind to her friends, does not drink, smoke, or party, and is home by curfew. She is responsible and conscientious. What more could we ask for?"

9. Ultimately, the decision depends on your child.
   

   The movie has a PG-13 rating. The book advises 12 and up. Some of the TwilightMOMS have read the book to kids as young as five; other say they wouldn't let kids read it until at least seventh grade. All recommend basing the decision on the age and maturity of your child. "Some children are less mature than others to handle different issues," says TheMacPack5. "There are kids out there that simply would not 'get it' just yet. And by all means, wait until they are ready. But once they are, they will LOVE The Twilight Saga!!"

10. Allow yourself to be "bitten" by Twilight.
    

    As fans of the series, it's not too surprising that these moms would recommend them to adults. But their encouragement goes beyond that. Says Green Mountain Mom, "Read the books yourself! Chances are you will enjoy them, and certainly you'll have the opportunity for conversation on topics ranging from funny moments to intense emotional conflict." Bookbabe agrees, "Talk about the books you read together. This is an excellent way to discuss the values you want your child to take with them into adulthood."
    

Can't wait to talk with you about Twilight!

Meeting Jordan Sonnenblick

Jordan Sonnenblick: On writing Drums,, Girls and Dangerous Pie

I had the pleasure of hearing Jordan Sonnenblick speak at the Illinois State Library Media Specialist Association’s conference last Saturday as he accepted the Rebecca Caudill literature Award, and he told us the story of how he came to write Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie.

Jordan was an 8^th grade English teacher. At the beginning of the year, his class was as all classes are, chaotic, but made more so by Emily, a most chatty, smiling girl. Emily, stood out as the chattiest among the 8^th grade girls. That’s really a distinction, since most 8^th grade girls can hold non-stop conversations with many friends at the same time and not stand out in the crowd.

Sharing in the chats and laughter was Emily’s best friend, Brittany. Jordan pulled Brittany out in the hallway, scolded her and told her that she would have to be quiet or her seat would be changed. After 2 weeks the giggling hadn’t stopped, so Jordan switched Brittany with Hannah, the quietest girl in the class. He felt sure that this would squelch Emily’s glee, and order would be restored in the class. But rather than stop Emily’s exuberance, Hannah soon joined in the chats and the class was disrupted with twice the laughter. Sonnenblick had another conversation in the hallway to no avail and moved Hannah. He poked his face through the window in the doorway trying to find a suitable seatmate for Emily and lit upon Andrew.

Andrew, an Emo boy, dressed all in black, wearing his studded dog collar seemed like a mostly likely candidate. Jordan wagered within the week, Emily would be reciting dismal poetry and at last he would have order. Instead, within the week, Andrew was sporting a powder blue shirt and had rosy cheeks much like Raggedy Andy. That afternoon, Jordan entered the office and stared at the counter. Have you ever walked past something day after day and never registered what it said? A monument in town, perhaps? That day Jordan’s eyes lit on a candy display. One which he visited and deposited money in with great regularity. The candy proceeds went to a pediatric cancer charity in honor of Emily’s little brother, Jonathan. Jordan stood stunned as he was amazed by Emily’s good humor in light of the serious illness in the family.

The next week was parent conferences and Jordan noted how well Emily was handling Jonathan’s illness. Emily’s mom responded, “Emily isn’t handling the illness, she’s hiding it.” Jordan asked if she thought it would help if Emily had a book to read about a sibling dealing with a younger brother’s cancer. Emily’s mom thought that would be wonderful. Jordan started hunting for a book dealing with siblings’ problems and found nothing.

Jordan returned home from a trip to the library and the local bookstore determined to write the book Emily needed. He started doing the research he needed about pediatric cancer, interviewing families dealing with cancer, doctors dealing with families and pediatric cancer survivors. 4 months later, each night after tucking his 2 children into bed, Jordan sat down and wrote through the night.

He submitted it to an agent who thought it was great. He submitted it for bidding and soon it came down to 2 publishers. One large publisher (named for a flightless water fowl) and a small independent. The large publisher wanted him to tone down the sarcasm of the main character and rewrite one of the chapters. The independent wanted the book as is. After much struggling, Jordan went with the independent because he couldn't change the voice of the main character. He said, "If you want me to tone it down, you don't know 8th graders".

The first book-signing was in his hometown. About 150 people stood in line to get the book signed, and as Jordan looked down the line, he noticed Emily and her mom in line. Emily had graduated and gone on to high school and was still smiling. After he had signed copies for them, his stomach clutched. What if he hadn’t gotten it right? What if he hurt Emily instead of helping her? His anxiety increased as the days went by and he didn’t hear from them. Sunday morning as the family bustled preparing breakfast, the phone rang. When Jordan answered, his knees gave out as he heard Emily’s mother’s voice. She was trying to speak, her voice choked with emotion. He heard her whisper, “You got it right.”

Jordan got it right with us too. He made us laugh; he made us cry. He's a gift to us all.

A Day with David Lubar - Energizing!

“How do you come up with your ideas?” “What made you think of having kids with hidden talents, like finding lost objects, reading people’s thoughts?” “What do you think of this story idea?” “How do you remember all these little brainstorms?”

Station, you made me proud as you peppered David Lubar, author of Hidden Talents and True Talents, as well as the best selling short-story series, Weenies, and Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie with questions about his inspiration, aspirations and frustrations.

To prepare for Mr. Lubar’s visit , all of you had listened to Hidden Talents and read True Talents over the summer. Our PTO generously purchased a copy of the author’s book True Talents for all of us as well as provided the funds for Mr. Lubar to visit us.

Yesterday when Mr. Lubar arrived for 3 assemblies, we sure weren’t disappointed. Lubar engaged us in writing exercises to fire our brains, inspiring us to brainstorm words, engage in word play and develop “what if. . .” ideas and write them down to capture our imagination. Mr. Lubar told us stories and developed short stories with us from these brainstorming sessions. Students shared their ideas at the mike. Mr. Lubar’s love of words gave us insight into his unique brand of humor on topics from robotic lawn-mowing neighbors to things that go bump in the night.

We were treated not only to the assembly, but a day of activities relating to Mr. Lubar’s work. The staff had us do short story writing exercises, prepare art pieces with symbolism for the characters, and play games answering questions about the characters. We wrote our opinions, impressions and illustrations on graffiti walls in each wing of the building. Mr. Lubar spent the rest of the day eating lunch with selected students, working with small groups and dropping in and out of classes to listen to students’ works and discussions.

All in all, it was a most exciting and fulfilling day. Personally, I felt like I was trying to keep up with the Energizer Bunny because Mr. Lubar had so much energy. It was a joyful day for me.

Welcome Back!

We're back at school at raring to go. I've read a lot of great books this summer and am anxious to share them with you. The Rebecca Caudill nominees for 2009 are wonderful books, with lots of variety and different stories. I had several favorites, Heat, Life as We Knew It and Green Glass Sea at the top of the list. Come in and visit us and look at what's new in the library.

I know a lot of you ran to the book store like I did on August 2nd to pick up Breaking Dawn, the 4th book in the Twilight series. I fought with my daughter to read it first. I lost the coin toss, so I had to wait until she was done to read it (twice). Come and say hi and fill me in on what you thought as we wait for the movie to come out.