I recently read this awesome title and I must say that it has a lot of meaning for me both as a librarian and as a teacher. The story appears to be a simple yet funny story about a pair of brothers who humorously miss their chances at some awesome treasure. But as with many books, an important lesson lies beneath the story. What is that lesson? If I told you, you wouldn't get the chance to discover it for yourself. I would love to have some of my students read this awesome book and then come to me to talk about what they thought the lesson of the tale was. Read the book; You won't be disappointed!
One of the most challenging parts of my job is answering the question, "Mr. Jenkins, what book do you recommend for me?" Talk about a tough question! Just because I like to read a particular book does not mean that every reader will enjoy it. Usually I have to ask lots of questions to find out what types of books the reader really enjoys.
I have noticed many readers who stick to the same series of books over and over again. The Wimpy Kid series is our most popular series at Willow Springs. Other series such as Dork Diaries, Origami Yoda, Geronimo Stilton, and Magic Tree House remain quite popular with our readers. Yet we have many individual stories in our fiction section that are largely ignored. Some of the best books I have read in recent memory are not part of a series. For example, The Marvels, Serafina and the Black Cloak, The Graveyard Book, The Old Willis Place, and Crenshaw are all excellent stories that are single, stand-alone tales. It's OK to read a series of books you really enjoy. Goodness knows I re-read the Harry Potter series countless times. But it's always important to step beyond the series shelf to see what other stories might spark your interest. Take a walk among the stacks and see which books speak to you! I remember going to the Book Fair when I was in elementary school. My family didn't have a lot of money, so I worked for my grandpa on his farm to earn money to buy books, some for myself and some to give as gifts to my little brother and baby cousins. One year in particular stands out in my mind. I was in sixth grade. One of the third grade teachers at my school was over 80 years old! Her name was Mrs. White and she asked me each morning if I would help her with cleaning the blackboard and cleaning her art supply area. When the Book Fair came that fall, Mrs. White sent me to the library with a note to the librarian saying I was to pick a book from the Book Fair and she would stop by the library later that day and pay for it. I picked The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. It became my all-time favorite book and I still cherish it to this day.
It's also a great time of year because the North Carolina State Fair is now open! What a great way to spend time with your family! In fact, the ferris wheel Lego set is ready to be put on display starting on Monday. Stop by the media center this week to attend the Book Fair and to see my newest Lego creation. I can't wait to see you! |
AuthorMr. Jenkins has been the media specialist at Willow Springs Elementary School since January of 2015. A 1996 and 2014 graduate of Appalachian State University, Mr. Jenkins enjoys reading and sharing his love of books with his students. Archives
March 2016
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