edCamp Fort Wayne: Are YOU registered yet?

When? Saturday, May 4th, 8am-3:30pm --Register Today at http://edcampfw.wordpress.com/registration/

Where? New Tech Academy @ Wayne HS, Fort Wayne

What is edCamp? IMHO, edCamp = awesome (free) PD time! Think "participant-driven" and "organic".  You won't find an "expert" presenter here that takes up the entire session with talk-talk-talk, leaving no time to ask questions and collaborate.  Don't see a session you are interested in?  Propose one!  More information, videos, etc.: http://edcamp.org/

Who are the presenters? You!! Let's face it. We have all attended a conference where experts were paid to present, and yet we felt like nothing was gained. Or maybe you attended a session where you were just dying to ask some clarifying questions yet time ran out, and you were shuffled on to the next session. At edCamp, someone comfortable with a topic volunteers to lead the conversation. Questions, comments, and shared experiences from everyone are encouraged!

Who should attend edCamp?? Any educator that wants to get real, find solutions, and get inspired! Spread the word, especially in your specialty area, because the more people that attend, the more experts we will have on hand.

What if I can't attend this edCamp? -or better yet- What if I love this edCamp so much I want to attend another?? Stay tuned for the 2nd annual edCamp Indy sponsored by AISLE this June!!!  Don't live close enough to join us in Indiana?  Check out http://edcamp.org/ to find out when an edCamp will be in your area!

Book Review: Splintered by A. G. Howard

Splintered by A.G. Howard

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


How do I express the amount of love I have for this book?!?

First of all, the cover is just plain awesome. How could I NOT pick up this book to read? Second, I will admit I am a sucker for books that reimagine fairy tales we all grew up with and loved. The idea of Alice leaving Wonderland forever altered (not in a good way) therefore cursing all her female descendants was too good to pass up.

Will I read the sequel? Yes, YES, and yes. Which reminds me...I hate reading really awesome books in a series before the series is complete. However, I recommend you DON'T WAIT! The book was satisfying to read as a solo novel. Unlike some books in series that leave you totally suspended to the point you are now angry you read the book before having the next book in hand...you will not regret reading this book now.

The best part of all, a student actually told me I HAD to read this. I love it when my high schoolers find me great books to read!



View all my reviews

Book Review: Confessions of a Murder Suspect by James Patterson

Confessions of a Murder Suspect by James Patterson

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I'm left wondering...did I love this book?

What I definitely liked: idea of all kids having some sort of super-human ability while not being truly supernatural; also liked her determination to solve the mystery of her parents murders, even if it ends up being her or her brothers as the guilty parties

What left me wanting: another "setup for the series" book, lots of story building without much action or excitement

Will I read the next book in the series? What can I say? I'm a sucker for a series, and my students LOVE James Patterson. I did find this to be intriguing and see the potential for excitement. Mysteries left unsolved. But considering how long I will have to wait until the next book, it is likely I'll pass it for the next new series.



View all my reviews

Digital Learning Day!!!

I am declaring it here....My high school library WILL participate in Digital Learning Day this year!


I'm excited! How about you? Are you an educator? student? parent? anyhow involved in young people and their education??? You can sign up, too! There are lots of great ideas ranging from tiny to heavily involved. Check it out: http://digitallearningday.org/

My first year as a librarian, I was at Paul Harding High School. I pulled in a smartboard during lunch time and showed students how to protect their Facebook information and other online information. I handed out bookmarks on Social Networking and other "be smart online" type items.  I did the whole "Be a Smarty (smarties candies), not a Dumb-Dumb (dum-dum suckers)". 

Last year I totally failed. My excuse: at previous library, I took over for a Library Media Specialist (shout out to Michelle Houser @mrshouser68) that had already spent 2 years whipping that sorry place into shape.  I inherited lunch-regulars and a willing staff.  Last year I switched to my current library, and, well...it was my turn to do some "whipping".  Time got away from me, I let myself use sorry excuses, and then I was left with nothing but regrets.  I mean, the beauty of Digital Learning Day is it doesn't have to be complicated!

So, this year, it is on!  What do I focus on? 

• social networking - keeping your private life private?
• iPads (1:1 in my district) - maybe an app-related event (Tap that App or Appy Hour...too controversial for a high school or just right to pull those teens in??)
• maker-stations - I have a green BRAND-SPANKIN-NEW green screen with lights...maybe create videos, ebooks, or...*insert awesome idea here*
• Wii tournament - pull them in with games while surrounding them with awesome "did you know" techie/digital footprint/iPad type facts
• Skype - with another library, school, author, cool person?  Of course, my kids can't have Skype on their iPads, so I'm sure that will bring up drama.  Hmm..maybe turn that into a "why some things are blocked and what we, as students, can do to regain access moment??

What do you think?  What are you doing?  Remember, there are lots of ideas on the website, Twitter (#DLDay2013), and Facebook!

Book Review: The Theory of Everything by J.J. Johnson

The Theory of Everything by J.J. Johnson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


You know that type of book that is really good, but when it comes time to be responsible and go to a bed at a decent time, you are able to put it down and come back to it later?

Yeah, this isn't that type of book, especially when you get about half-way to three-fourths of the way through it.

I didn't even skim-read as I usually do when a book is getting good. I needed to read and feel and experience what Sarah was going through as she continues to struggle with the horrific loss of her BFF.

The realness of this book, the deep-felt guilt, the desire to be ok yet not be able to pull yourself above water....all combined with boyfriend and parent complications made for a book that has jumped to my top big impact YA books.

In addition, this book is being added to my "unique feature" list. Each chapter starts with a visual representation of Sarah trying to make sense of her life through a series of graphs and diagrams.

Who should read it? Anyone wanting a book with a tough, real, sometimes heart-wrenching topic. Be warned that it doesn't end all tied up in a nice bow...which a book like this shouldn't, IMHO.



View all my reviews

Book Review: Dark Star by Bethany Frenette

Dark Star by Bethany Frenette

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I really did enjoy this book. I was pulled in, wanted to keep reading, couldn't wait to find out how the "mystery" of Leon's overly-concerned behavior towards her and what power was buried deep in Audrey. I quickly realized that this wasn't a superhero story at all, but the idea of the "kin" using their gifts to protect humans was very intriguing.

But then, the big moments came...and I was let down. It became obvious as to what this book is...a setup for the series.

Will I read the next book when it comes out? Absolutely! I still have high hopes, and by no means was the ending bad. One disappointing ending won't keep me away. Just hoping the author gives us a little more excitement and teenage agnst! LOL



View all my reviews