Hello, Again!
I hope everyone is doing well. This issue of the weekly newsletter has several articles you may be interested in reading.
First, an online reading program, Epic is featured. Epic is geared towards younger readers (ages 12 and below). However, there are some popular series included and it may be worth a look for older students, as well.
Second, I reviewed a wonderful book called Merci Suarez Changes Gears, by Meg Medina for our middle grades readers. For our older readers, I reviewed a forthcoming book called Parachutes, by Kelly Yang.
Finally, I included a digital escape room called Escape From Wonderland Digital Escape Room. This escape room was created by Erin Honeycutt, Children's Librarian at Moultrie-Colquitt County Library System in Moultrie, Georgia. If you are familiar with Alice's Adventures in Wonderland give it a try!
I hope everyone has an enjoyable week!
Take Care,
Mrs. Amanda Tagmire (atagmire@htsd.us)
For Our Younger Readers
There is normally a fee for parents wishing to access Epic at home. Until June 30, 2020, Epic at Home is FREE to all families who sign up for access to the service. To participate, simply fill out the form below. Mrs. Tagmire will set up access for families who respond. Families with elementary-aged children who have not received access via their elementary schools are welcome to sign up here, too. Fill out one form per child. Questions? Email Mrs. Tagmire at atagmire@htsd.us.
Mercy Suarez Changes Gears, by Meg Medina
Winner of the 2019 Newbery Medal, Merci Suarez Changes Gears, by Meg Medina, is a thoughtful and funny book sure to delight readers!
Merci suspected sixth grade would be more difficult than elementary school and she was right. Unlike the wealthier students at her private school, Merci and her brother, Roli, are scholarship students. She's always gotten along fairly well with her classmates, until a cute new boy is assigned to be her Sunshine Buddy. Then, she becomes the target of popular Edna Santos' jealousy. Trouble at school is complicated by her grandfather's odd behavior. Lately, he has been forgetful, getting lost and calling family members by incorrect names. Will Merci successfully navigate this unfamiliar territory?
Told with wisdom and wit, Merci Suarez Changes Gears is a tribute to families and the bonds that connect them, as well as a clear portrayal of the difficulties of growing up.
Parachutes, by Kelly Yang
Young Adult, grades 9 and up
Seventeen year old Claire Wang lives in China with her extremely wealthy parents. She is struggling with her father's affair and trying to stand out in a competitive country. When Claire's parents decide to enroll her in a school in California she finds herself living with a host family---one without the maids, cooks and money she is used to having at her disposal.
Seventeen year old Dani De La Cruz and her mother are Claire's host family; they need to $2,000 a month rent Claire's parents are paying. Dani and Claire attend the same high school but they run in entirely different social circles. Unbeknownst to each other, they both admire qualities of the other girl but struggle to connect.
When both girls are victims of the same crime, it takes a lot of investigating, overcoming miscommunication and establishing trust before they can unite. Inspired in part by the author's experiences at Harvard Law School, Parachutes is a book that will hook you in and will be difficult to put down. It is appropriate for older readers.
Like this review? Be the first person (9th graders and older only, sorry!) to email me and I will mail you my copy of Parachutes! You can read it before it's on sale! UPDATE: Congratulations to our winner, Macie Troncone! Look for another giveaway next week!
Paul F. Gilligan III Media Center
Email: atagmire@htsd.us
Website: www.haddontwpschools.com
Location: 406 Memorial Avenue, Haddon Township, NJ, USA
Phone: 856-869-7750
Twitter: @HaddonTwpLMC