CHANGE - it never seems easy, and for most of us it is associated with a negative connotation. This school year has begun with changes, some that have been time consuming and difficult, but other changes have been refreshing and more evidently beneficial.

Two books I've recently read involve characters confronted with changes: Cinder, by Marissa Meyer, and Flying the Dragon, by Natalie Dias Lorenzi. Both involve young people who are faced with big changes to their circumstances, and they don't like it! But as all who go through changes learn, with difficulty comes growth and opportunity to better oneself. (By the way, Cinder is a current Lone Star book and Flying the Dragon is on this year's Bluebonnet nominee list).

Changes sometimes involve the unknown, so maybe that's one reason we don't (or do) like change! The theme of this year's Teen Read Week is "Seek the Unknown at Your Library!" I'd like to challenge students to read a genre of book they've never read before, exploring something new, even though it may be a change for them.

CHANGE - it can be good! Sometimes I handle it well, sometimes not so well, but it's common ground in the human experience. As the unknown continues to come, I want it to be a growth for good and an opportunity for positive experiences. I hope that's the same for you. Seek the unknown and see what unexpected and amazing things can happen!

Welcome back to the 2013-14 school year, FSMS students!

I hope that you can catch a dream this school year by reading and exploring many print and ebooks.

This summer, I've been reading through this year's Bluebonnet and Lone Star books. There's some great books in these two lists. One of my favorites is R.J. Palacio's, Wonder, which is a wonder of a book and encourages all of us to "choose kind."

What good books have you read this summer? I'd love to hear from you!

Summertime!! One of my goals is to read all the 2013-14 Lone Star Books. Right now I'm reading, Legend, by Marie Lu, which reminds me a great deal of The Hunger Games trilogy. It's set in dystopian Los Angeles, CA, and the United States is no more. The main protagonists are June and Day, one who works for the government and one who works opposing the government and it's policies against it's own people. Check it out at the Meadows Library this summer!

On April 25th and 26th, I was privileged to attend the Texas Library Association Convention held in Ft. Worth, Texas. Some of the highlights include:

Getting to hear five Lone Star authors (all ladies) speak about their books, their writing process, and why they like to write for teens and young adults. The five authors I heard speak were Ally Carter, Tera Lynn Childs, Marie Lu, Mary Pearson and Kiersten White. I got autographs from Ally Carter and Marie Lu. I also got an autograph from Jennifer Ziegler, another author whose book made it to a Texas Lone Star list.

Sitting in on a session with Buffy Hamilton, "The Unquiet Librarian."

Attending the Texas Bluebonnet Award Author Luncheon. The winner of the 2012-13 Texas Bluebonnet Award was Simms Taback for his book Postcards from Camp. Sadly, Mr. Taback died
on Christmas Day 2011. He knew his book had been nominated for the Texas Bluebonnet Award, but he didn't get to live to see it get voted as the favorite book of students in grades 3 through 7.  His editor accepted the award on his behalf and presented a very moving video tribute about his life, books and art. I learned an interesting fact about him, too. Taback designed the first McDonalds Happy Meal box in 1977 since not only was he an author, but a graphic designer!

I also enjoy the time I get to spend with my fellow Midlothian ISD library media specialists and librarians from all across the state of Texas and beyond!

I've taken a looooong break from blogging, and I think I'm ready to start again!

April is National Poetry Month! On Thursday, April 18th, you can participate in "Poem in Your Pocket Day!" The good folks at Poets.org explain, "The idea is simple: select a poem you love during National Poetry Month then carry it with you to share with co-workers, family, and friends. You can also share your poem selection on Twitter by using the hashtag #pocketpoem. Poems from pockets will be unfolded throughout the day with events in parks, libraries, schools, workplaces, and bookstores. Create your own Poem in Your Pocket Day event and let us know your plans, projects, and suggestions for Poem in Your Pocket Day by emailing npm@poets.org."

Shel Silverstein's poem, "Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout Would Not Take the Garbage Out," (and many others of his) have been favorite poems since I began teaching children many years ago. Robert Frost's  "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" reminds me of many childhood winters in Tennessee. His poem, "The Road Not Taken," is a favorite poem of my daughter. Of course, I can't leave out Dr. Seuss!!

What's your favorite poem? Celebrate National Poetry Month and Poem in Your Pocket Day with me!olat Poets.org explain, "The idea is simple: select a poem you love during National Poetry Month then carry it with you to share with co-workers, family, and friends. You can also share your poem selection on Twitter by using the hashtag #pocketpoem. Poems from pockets will be unfolded throughout the day with events in parks, libraries, schools, workplaces, and bookstores. Create your own Poem in Your Pocket Day event and let us know your plans, projects, and suggestions for Poem in Your Pocket Day by emailing npm@poets.org."

Shel Silverstein's poem, "Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout Would Not Take the Garbage Out," (and many others of his) have been favorite poems since I began teaching children many years ago. Robert Frost's  "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" reminds me of many childhood winters in Tennessee. His poem, "The Road Not Taken," is a favorite poem of my daughter. Of course, I can't leave out Dr. Seuss!!

What's your favorite poem? Celebrate National Poetry Month and Poem in Your Pocket Day with me!