Dixon Elementary Library

We read an amazing children’s picture book about this in library. It is called A Day for Rememberin. Another great one about soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice is Twenty-One Steps about the tomb of the unknown soldier. We also read this one in library.

This week in the library as part of Autism Awareness Month we are reading books about neurodiversity. It’s been great.
I do want to share that in a few classes I have shared that I was diagnosed with ADHD recently. When the kids ask what that means I explain it hat it is different for everyone but I am always going to have a hard time remembering where I put things and losing things that I put in “safe” places but I am really good at other things because of it. However if your kids come home and say Mrs Monty has a disease where she forgets things- it’s not Alzheimers. I know stuff gets lost in translations sometimes. lol
Here is what we are reading-
K - Just Ask. Covers all sorts of disabilities and that you can politely ask people how to help or what they need.
1- My whirling, twirling motor- it’s about ADHD as it typically appears in boys.
2- Aaron Slater, Illustrator- about Dyslexia and someone who reading does not come naturally.
3- A Walk in the Words- it covers Dyslexia and slow reading
4 - The girl who thought in pictures- a biography of Temple Grandin who has autism and does amazing work with animals
5 - Thank you, Mr Falker- the protagonist had problems with reading and math. This is a true story of author Patricia Polacco.

And for the love - one bookmark a week. I am not made of money…..

On today, World Bookmark Day, we would like to bring back this gentle reminder from the archives:

So this week in the library we have been talking about lunar new year. The kids have been fascinated by the Chinese zodiac. I have come to the sad realization that I am now so old-
My birth year no longer appears on the illustration I have of what animal goes with each year…lol

Also huge shoutout to Mr Johnson and Ms Eagan for the amazing experience they brought to Dixon with the ability center. It has been so much fun learning about wheelchair sports. The special schedule maybe totally upside down this week and I think I have like 9 classes tomorrow but so worth any inconvenience to see the learning and empathy that the kids experienced this week. Also and Eagan will take you out in Sharks vs Minnows- lol. I had the time of my life

Happy February and Black History Month! I love when we get to talk about real life hero’s in the library. My goal is always to teach your kids about a cool person you may not know about so they can be your teacher. Sorry. Not Sorry.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of a commemoration of Black History- pretty cool.
Here’s what we are reading in the library this week.
K - Mae Amoung the Stars - the story of Mae Jemison, the first black female astronaut
1st- Stokes- The Brief Career of the NBA’s First Black Superstar - the story of Maurice Stokes
2nd - Woosh- the story of Lonnie Johnson, the inventor of the super soaker
3rd- Claudette Colvin: I want freedom now - the story of Claudette Colvin who refused to give up her seat months before Rosa Parks
4th - Shirley Chisholm Dared- the story of Shriley Chisholm - the first black woman elected to Congress and the first black woman to run for President in the 70’s. 4th grade will also watch a video on a local hero - Vel Phillips
5th- Just as Good- the story of Larry Doby who was the first black player in the American League and the first black player to hit a home run in the World Series. 5th grade will also watch a video on a local history story- Joshua Glover and the fugitive slave act.

I fell off the wagon a bit on posting- sorry. But this week we are continuing to read Caldecott Medal winning books. Huge thanks to all my volunteers who helped me find them all and label them all. We’ve seen so many get checked out- it’s pretty amazing.
K is reading What Do You Do With A Tail Like That?
1st- A Sick Day for Amos McGee- first time illustrator for this book and it wins the Caldecott. Lol- talk about an instant success!
2nd- Trombine Shorty- makes me want to visit New Orleans again so bad.
3rd is reading Snowflake Bentley
4th- A Couple of Boys have the Beat Week Ever.
5th- Henry’s Freedom Box

Hopefully, we’ll know the winning books for this year next Monday. 🤞

Book Ideas for Holiday Giving!
These represent our most checked out books and a few that Mrs Monty loves. All would make great gifts.
Piggie and Gerald is our number one checked out series. All of their books are fun for both grownups to read and kids. You cannot go wrong.
Dog Man is a classic for a reason at this point. The kids love him. A new book Big Jim Believes came out in November.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid is such a great series and very popular. Partypooper is the newest one. This is a great series if you have kids struggling or not wanting to make the transition to “longer” books.
Creepy Pair of Underwear, Creepy Carrot and Creepy Crayon are more “Halloween” but the kids love them and they have made our top ten books list. Be aware that Jasper Rabbit’s Troubling Tonsils is also good but not a picture book.
Dragonborn - have yet to had a kid say they did not love it. Lots of twists and turns and my son is so mad I have not read it yet so we can talk about it. So many books. So little time.
Don’t Trust Fish is my favorite new picture book. It’s weird and funny in the best way.
Butt or Face is onto it’s 3rd book with I think 2 more to come in the upcoming year. If you have an animal liver or just a silly kid- highly recommend.
Non-fiction has been having a year in the library. The kiddos are digging on any type of “encyclopedia” or World Records book they can find. If you have a sports lover, a sports encyclopedia or book about their favorite team so a good gateway drug to reading.
Finally - Phillip Bunting- he writes hilarious, fact filled books about animals. I love these two the best and I learned about animals I had no idea existed but you can not go wrong with any of his.
Happy Book Shopping!