MSMS Library

The library is overflowing with a new order of fantastic books.  Come by and check them out! Here are just a few: The Great Trouble: A Mystery of London, the blue death, and a boy called Eel by Deborah Hopkinson Imagine a sickness that strikes, and kills, for no known reason.  You have no way to avoid it and keep yourself safe.  This was the reality when Cholera hit London in 1854.  In this historical novel, young Eel works with Dr. Snow to get to the bottom of this devastating disease before his entire neighborhood is empty. Serafina's Promise by Ann E. Burg Another great book by the author of All the Broken Pieces .  Serafina's Promise is also written in free verse (poetry).  Serafina is eleven years old, living in rural Haiti and dreams of being a doctor.  Her family struggles to survive on a daily basis, but when the earthquake hits, Serafina must risk everything to find her father and the medicine her baby brother needs. Golden Boy By Tara Sullivan

For all of those wimpy kid fans waiting for the next installment (releasing on November 5th), you might try one of these books in the meantime: The Strange Case of Origami Yoda  Sixth-grader Tommy and his friends describe their interactions with a paper finger puppet of Yoda , worn by their weird classmate Dwight, as they try to figure out whether or not the puppet can really predict the future. Agnes Parker - Girl in Progress As she starts in the sixth grade, Agnes faces challenges with her old best friend, a longtime bully, a wonderful new classmate and neighbor, and herself.  Joey Pigza Series To the constant disappointment of his mother and his teachers, Joey has trouble paying attention or controlling his mood swings when his prescription meds wear off and he starts getting worked up and acting wired. Dork Diaries Fourteen-year-old Nikki Maxwell writes and sketches in her diary about her struggle to be popular at her exclusive new private school, and about

Over the weekend I went to a free, author event at one of our local bookstores.  Tanya Lee Stone was the guest speaker.  Stone is the author of many wonderful non-fiction books including Almost Astronauts , The Good, The Bad and The Barbie and her newest, Courage Has No Color .  Stone shared the advice about writing she gives to students (and anyone who writes).  First, write about what you are passionate about.  Second, revisions are crucial.  Stone said, "Stop worrying about whether your writing is good."  First drafts are never "good" but they are important to get your ideas down.  Finally, if you are writing non-fiction, you need great research to support your story. For the teacher readers, you can earn 1 1/2 hours of professional development credit for attending these workshops.  The next one is October 26 and you can read about it here .

Come by the library and check out the book of the week.  If it's something you're interested in, let us know and we'll put a hold on it for you.  It will start circulating at the end of the week. Promise the Night by Michaela MacColl From the publisher: Immediately compelling and action-packed, this carefully researched work of historical fiction introduces young readers to the childhood of the famous yet elusive Beryl Markham, the first person to fly solo from England to North America.  MacColl propels readers into a multilayered story with an unforgettable heroine and evocative language that brings the backdrop of colonial British East Africa to life. A fascinating read for anyone with a thirst for adventure. From your librarian: I picked this up on Sunday morning and finished it Sunday evening.  It was engaging from the start.  I love a good adventure story and this was very satisfying.  The majority of this book is a fictionalized account of Markham&#

Bear Pond Books is hosting a series of events geared towards educators.  The events feature wonderful authors, great discussions and coffee and snacks.  Consider attending one of these upcoming events.  Ask me (Lauren) for more information.  I went to a fabulous event in the fall featuring the amazing local authors Kate Messner and Jo Knowles.