Mountaineers,

We are all about Jason Reynolds these days and for good reason. Every time we come across him, we gain a deep appreciation for language, a stronger sense of ourselves, and a huge desire to share his message.

Take a listen ----

Your dream is the mole
behind your ear,
that chip in your
front tooth,
your freckles.

It's the thing that makes
you special,
but not the thing that makes
you great.

The courage in trying,
the passion in living,
and the acknowledgment
and appreciation of
the beauty happening around
you does that.”

― Jason Reynolds, For Every One

It's been said that we don't pick the time in which we live. Our only choice is how we live within those times. So here we are, with more virtual time on our hands and more decisions to make about what we do and how we stay connected. In this issue of Check It Out, you will find many ways to do just that. There are surveys to take, suggestions to make, and audio & "e" books just a few clicks away.

As part of our celebration of Transgender Awareness Week, we bring you the story of JP Grant (he/him), a non-binary trans man who fully embraces Jason Reynolds's invitation to find "the courage in trying, the passion in living" his trans story by play, by day.

We have combined Veterans Day with National Native American History Month by showcasing the PBS film "The Warrior Tradition' which reveals the untold stories of Native Americans who served in the United States Military.

The WOHS LMC is OPEN and you have access not just to all our digital resources (databases & ebooks), but to us as well. We are an email away!

Your trusty librarians,

Ms. Matz & Mrs. Tindall

You are just one click away from access to 900 current ebooks and audiobooks available through MackinVia. In addition, this platform also houses the WOHS online databases. To sign in first find West Orange High School (in NJ -- there is also a WOHS in Florida!), and sign in using your West Orange Schools Google email address.

Just click in the Google "waffle" to find SORA. Watch the video to find out how easy it is to sign in with Google, search for ebooks and audiobooks, and begin reading!

At BOOKS LIKE THIS ONE you will find personalized recommendations of books similar to popular titles. Whether you’re looking for fantasy, romance, classics, thrillers, or non-fiction – they’ve got you covered!

Not sure where to begin? Check out the genres page and look for the YA link.

Educators can join the Audiobook Listening Copy (ALC) program for complimentary audiobooks. You’ll get a mix of new and upcoming audiobook releases each month!

The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJ LAD) protects transgender students in NJ public schools. The New Jersey Division of Civil Rights provides clear information on this here. The law says that you cannot be discriminated against on the basis of gender identity or gender expression.

Want to know more? Go to Garden State Equality's FAQ:Transgender Student Rights in New Jersey

GLSEN is a national education organization working to ensure safe and inclusive schools for all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.

As part of GLSEN's #RespectEverywhere campaign, producer Rob Hardy (All American) directs the story of scholar, artist, athlete, aspiring educator, and bisexual, non-binary trans man, JP Grant (he/him), who charts his own course and is fiercely dedicated to educating others about LGBTQ+ issues. Take a look below.

The National Museum of the American Indian’s Native Cinema Showcase is an annual celebration of the best in Native film. For this year's 20th-anniversary showcase, the museum presents the full program online — streaming new films, fan-favorite classics, and conversations with filmmakers. The showcase provides a unique forum for engagement with Native filmmakers and stories from Indigenous communities throughout the Western Hemisphere and the Arctic.

PBS presents The Warrior Tradition, which tells the astonishing, heartbreaking, inspiring, and largely-untold story of Native Americans in the United States military. Why would Indian men and women put their lives on the line for the very government that took their homelands? The film relates the stories of Native American warriors from their own points of view – stories of service and pain, of courage and fear.

If you don't already have a WOPL card, fill out the form below and you will!

Come on in, sit down and take a look at the latest books selected by YALSA (Young Adult Library Services Association). You can click on the image above, or download the virtual display. Each book is linked to videos, interviews, and book trailers. Many of these books are available through Sora and MackinVIA.

Here is an easy way to encapsulate real leaves and plants without using resin to make leaf jewelry perfect as gifts for Thanksgiving or other Autumn Holidays.

You can also make a Transgender Pride Flag from craft/popsicle sticks to wear, share, or display