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Book Review: Big Plans

Travis Jonker, May 13, 2008 | *Best New Books*, Reviews



Big Plans By Bob Shea Illustrated by Lane Smith Hyperion ISBN: 9781423111009 $17.99 Grades K-2 In Stores *Best New Books* I got in trouble as a kid. It didn’t happen too often, but it happened. “Mocked” the guitar player during the assembly (sincerest form of flattery, I say), got a bit too rough playing Ninja […]

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Unveiled: ‘City of Ember’ Movie Poster

Travis Jonker, May 13, 2008 | Reviews



As you may know from the fat red X’ed calendar in my kitchen, “The City of Ember” film will be released on October 10, 2008. Take a first look at the official poster – not to be confused with the movie “banner” – comin’ to a lobby near you soon. (Click on the image to […]

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Book Review: Sergio Makes a Splash

Travis Jonker, May 12, 2008 | *Best New Books*, Reviews



Sergio Makes a Splash By Edel Rodriguez Little, Brown and Company ISBN: 9780316066167 $15.99 Grades K-2 In Stores *Best New Books* Last summer, I learned how to dive underwater without plugging my nose. I’m 26, almost 27 years old. This bit of late bloomer-ism has resulted in me catching my fair share of grief from […]

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I’m With the Banned

Travis Jonker, May 11, 2008 | Link Du Jour



The American Library Association recently released its list of the 10 Most Challenged Books of 2007. There are some old standbys on the list like “The Chocolate War”, but there are also some younger bucks making waves. “And Tango Makes Three” holds onto the top spot for the second straight year, and the controversy surrounding […]

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Wimpy Kid Covers Across the Globe

Travis Jonker, May 9, 2008 | Articles



Is anyone else intrigued by foreign edition book covers? Not only do they sometimes switch up the design, but there is the added bonus of the awkwardly translated, umlaut festooned title. Can I get a translation on “Dagbok för alla mina fans – Gregs Bravader” please? Mishaps and Adventures just posted a gallery of various […]

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Book Review: Snakehead

Travis Jonker, May 9, 2008 | *Best New Books*, Reviews



Snakehead By Anthony Horowitz Philomel Books ISBN: 9780399241611 $17.99 Grades 6-8 In Stores *Recommended* I work with students from kindergarten all the way up to 6th grade, and sometimes a particular series falls through the cracks. This is the way it was with Alex Rider. I knew it was there, I knew it was popular, […]

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The Library Gets Wild

Travis Jonker, May 7, 2008 | Articles



I run into the problem regularly. Students have a hard time remembering where they pulled a book from if they decide they don’t want to check it out. This seems to happen more in the non-fiction section, where Dewey Decimal rules. We do our best, but the fact that it’s a challenge means more can […]

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Special Report: 1st Graders Enjoy “Green Eggs and Ham”

Travis Jonker, May 6, 2008 | Articles



I open up my morning paper and what’s there on the front page? The results of a report done by Renaissance Learning laying out the “most read books” at each grade level. How do they know? Renaissance Learning makes a software program called Accelerated Reader that is used in thousands of schools nationwide. The software […]

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Book Review: Smitten

Travis Jonker, May 6, 2008 | Reviews



Smitten By David Gordon Atheneum ISBN: 9781416924401 $15.99 Grades K-2 In Stores Sometimes you come across a book where everything seems to be in place at first glance. Nice illustrations, appealing characters, catchy title. It’s the kind of book you would expect kids to be drawn to. Upon reading, however, there’s just something missing. “Smitten” […]

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Hollywood Inside Report: Prince Caspian Trailer

Travis Jonker, May 6, 2008 | Reviews



“The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” fell into the rather large category of kids books turned movies where I thought, “I might be disappointed, so I’ll pass for now”. *cough* Golden Compass *cough*. Well, I’ve got some catching up to do. The next installment in the series is making its way to silver screens […]

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