Week 5 Assignment 3

Lillian's Right to Vote: A Celebration for the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by Jonah Winter


Twenty-fifteen is the fiftieth anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and there is a new generation of children who are not familiar with what African-Americans had to endure many, many years ago. This book is told through the eyes of 100-year old Lillian and what generations of her family had to endure over their lifetime in regards to voting and civil rights. According Booklist, this book is told on a level that is simple enough for young children to grasps, and a great starting book for introducing civil rights and the voting process for African-Americans for many years. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was initially signed on August 6, 1965, the release of these books are perfect timing to gently push a little history on younger children.




Since many young children know nothing about segregation during the early days, I would also recommend the following two children's books: White Water by Michael S. Bandy and Seeds of Freedom: The Peaceful Integration of Huntsville, Alabama by Hester Bass. White Water tells a child's perspective of dealing with segregation in the deep south when he encounters a water fountain that is labeled "White Only". The author tells what he endured as a child growing up in the deep south during the 1950s. Through vivid pictures and written through the eyes of a young child, today's children can get an idea on what Michael feels and how he deals with knowing he is unable to drink from the fountain because the color of his skin. Seeds of Freedom: The Peaceful Intergration of Huntsville, Alabama speaks on a small town working as one to integrate schools without all the violence and hate they we are accustomed to hearing about. This book concentrated on how children deal with racial discrimination, bullying, but also peace and love. All books are recommended for children from kindergarten through fourth or fifth grade; however, I believe these titles are best suited for first through third graders.

Week 5 Assignment 2

Essex is all over the place in regards to what our customers like. Hence why I love my branch so, so much. One day, I can get a senior citizen looking for the newest James Patterson book, the next day I assist a child who needs a "good book", but doesn't like to read, and/or I could have a young family looking for "awesome movies" the whole family can enjoy. I like the diversity of the customers and it keeps me on my toes. I am still adjusting to EarlyWord, but I intend to use it more because it is a grand asset to know and use. As mentioned in my previous post, I like the EarlyWord for kids page. Even though my children are 7 and 15, I don't read as many children's books as I would like. (Well, OF COURSE I have to read any Diary of a Wimpy Kid that comes out. I mean, how could I not? That series is THE BEST!) The biggest challenge I have had as a librarian is recommendations for boy readers. Since I have two girls, I don't have a lot to go on, so I normally looked to NoveList or asking the kids what they like to watch on TV and find a book that fits that taste. I am hoping that, through more exploration, I can expand on my "What Boys Would Like" category.


In regards to continuing to use EarlyWord, HECK TO THE YEAH! Personally, I think ALL librarians need to familiarize themselves with EarlyWord and use it as an additional resource to what we already use in regards to Reader's Advisory. You can never have too many places to look to assist you with becoming a better librarian. Right?

Week 5 Assignment 1

locusmags.com
What I have I learned from viewing this website? I have to be honest; this website did not personally grasp my attention because, albeit I am attempting to delve into the world of Sci-Fi, (I am reading Game of Thrones), this genre does not grab me. Nonetheless, I did enjoy the section of new releases and new to paperback. I don't know why, but when I assist customer with Sci-Fi books, there are many requests for paperback instead of hardback. My hypothesis is paperbacks are preferred because this genre of book seems to be extremely detailed-oriented and thick, so I assume paperback is preferred because they aren't as heavy to lug around.


earlyword.com
I LOVE EarlyWord.com. Plain and simple. I wasn't always able to hop on the website when I wanted, but the newsletters are fantastic and they give me brief, concise information of the hot titles for that given week. When I was able to sit down and peruse the website, I found a section that was EarlyWord for kids. Talk about keeping you covered on all bases! This websites is the book version of ComingSoon.net (Tells you when movies are released in theaters). A necessary resource for librarians and book-enthusiasts alike.

Week 4 Assignment 1

I was a fan of Shelfari for years before I was introduced to Goodreads. Finding out Goodreads had an app and I was able to scan the barcodes of items instead of typing them individually. (Lazy, yes!) But I find this quite helpful when I am in a book store and want to save titles to place on hold. (Buying books?! Absolutely not!) I also love being able to input the page number I am on and see the percentage I am through the book. It is fantastic! In regards to recommendations, they differ between the phone app and the website. I was able to receive better recommendations from the computer than the actual app. Being able to create shelves come in handy when I find books that I can see myself recommending to customers or for story times as needed.




Recommendation #1:
Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of Lusitania by Eric Larson


It appears you like books that are nonfictional in nature, but give concise information. I would recommend reading The Wright Brothers by David McCullough. While many of us have heard of the Wright Brothers, not much is told about their past and how they got to the point of flying. Pulling from diaries, scrapbooks, and notes, Mr. McCullough weaves the back story to these two well-known brothers.




Recommendation #2:
Girl on a Train by Paula Hawkins


You like books that have twist and turns and leave you with suspense and not really knowing where the story might go. I would recommend Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. Like Girl on a Train, this book is written from multiple viewpoints and you never truly know what's going on. A great mixture of suspense and mystery.