Showing posts with label Cybils. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cybils. Show all posts

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Happy New Year 2014! and Welcome Cybil Readers.

January 2, 2014

Dear Readers,

I have felt so honored to serve on a panel reviewing the latest recommendations for children easy readers and early chapter books.  Today, I am going to post one of my personal favorites from the list and one of the stories that my panel has shortlisted.  I realize more and more how important reading is to everything that we do in life.  I recently set up reading goal for 2014 which is 275 books (check out my latest postings on goodreads.com).  So far I have already read 3 books this year!

The Life of Ty: Penguin Problemsby: Lauren Myracle

Many children will relate to Ty's sense of adventure especially when seeing him on a class trip at the aquarium. Ty is likable and readers will be able to connect with how this seven year old views the world due to the changes that are occurring in his family.  A new baby sister changes the time that Ty’s mom can spend with him. This causes anxiety and frustration for Ty when his mother is tired with the demands of having a new baby in the family. His school routine changes because his older sister, Sandra has to drive him.  His best friend is currently in the hospital with cancer (Ty visits him once and gets his help.)  Although a change occurs when Ty finds the penguin exhibit on his class trip and a new plan emerges in his mind.  As you read this story about Ty and his family you'll see how Ty’s family comes together when he needs their help the most.  This is a great beginning chapter book at only 128 pages with illustrations that highlight Ty’s adventures and will have the reader asking for more.


Diana Pettis
www.findabookguidedreading.blogspot.com

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Welcome Cybils Fans!

December 15, 2013

Dear Readers,

I know it has been a while since I have posted on this blog.  I recently finished up reading several books for the Cybil Awards.  It has been a great honor for me to be on this panel with such wonderful literacy minded individuals. I will be posting my favorites from over 80 books that I have read in the last couple of months next week.  In January 2014, I have the honor of attending a workshop where Lucy Calkins is the guest speaker.  I am in the midst of reading "Pathways to the Common Core".  I hope to get her autograph when I attend this workshop.  Thank you to those who sent sympathy cards on the passing of my grandmother, Betty Kelley.  She always modeled to me the importance of reading and as I got older we would share stories with each other.  

Happy Holidays everyone.  Please be on the look out for my Cybil Award post.

Sincerely,
Diana Pettis