MotherReader

Thursday Three: Wearing Diversity

2012-05-24T13:26:00.000-04:00

Mama’s Saris
by Pooja Makhijani, illustrated by Elena Gomez
As a little girl turns seven, she watches her mother unpack saris to wear to her birthday party. While helping her mother choose just the right one for the special day, she pleads to wear a sari herself. Knowing that young girls like her aren’t old enough for the lovely garments, she reflects on their beauty. But sometimes birthday girls get special treats, and in this case it is getting to dress up like mama. A sweet book universal in a daughter’s desire to be like her mother —whether it's walking in her high heels or wearing her bindi. Reference is made to the mother’s every day working clothes, implying the that the story takes place outside of India. A helpful glossary makes the Hindi words accessible to all readers, while beautiful illustrations bring magic to the story.

What Can You Do with a Rebozo?
By Carmen Talfalla, illustrated by Amy Cordova
Bright, lively pictures show the many ways you can use a rebozo - a traditional Mexican woven shawl - from a cradle to a cape. It can be a place to cuddle with a grandma or wrap a sick puppy or hide a little brother. While on the surface it could be a tribute to a multipurpose item of clothing, it is really a view into a life with a multi-generational family. The ideas of using the rebozo are both practical and playful, combining the expected uses and the imaginative. The rhymes are a little labored, but the cultural portrayal is well-done and the feeling is fun. The book won the 2009 Pura Belpré Illustration Honor award.

Suki's Kimono
By Chieri Uegaki, illustrated by Stephane Jorisch
For the first day of school, Suki wants to wear the kimono that her grandmother gave her. It makes her feel special as she remembers their time together over the summer. Her older sisters disapprove of her decision, walking ahead of her. But Suki finds acceptance when she shares her memories of a Japanese festival, along with the dance, with her first grade class. Suki's independence shines through as a model of individuality with a touch of cultural and familial pride. The lovely illustrations in watercolor and ink bring life to this irrepressible girl.

Links to material on Amazon.com contained within this post may be affiliate links for the Amazon Associates program, for which this site may receive a referral fee.

Back to Work

2012-05-23T12:07:00.000-04:00

Last week I was speculating on going back to work in the public library system. Now with two work days behind me, I can say that it's all good.

My main worry had been not knowing what I didn't know. Having done the job for nine years, I was aware that subtle but significant changes can take place along over time. Different procedures, new databases, and branch particulars could influence the things I thought I knew. Then there are the things I've forgotten almost entirely, like trouble-shooting the Internet sign-ups and print jobs.

As it turns out, that wasn't as much a problem as I feared. The books, the library, the customer service are all coming back like riding a bicycle. If the other parts keep me a bit off-balance, then maybe it's like riding a unicycle. But either way, it's not stressful. My co-workers are nice, helpful, and understanding. The patrons have been patient, even when I lead them in the completely wrong direction in the library. (Oops.) There are definitely some things I need to learn or relearn, but I'm getting back in the game quickly.

In fact, I'll do my first book talking session in a week! I had been planning to do this as a volunteer anyway, so I did have some books planned. My Fair County puts together a list of books for the Summer Reading Program that used to consist of new titles, but now pulls from years of great books. The good thing for me is that they are titles I've used before, making the work that much easier. Of course, I never write these things down, so maybe not that much easier.

Since I'm starting with a kindergarten through third grade, my focus is on picture books today. Sharon Creech has written the perfect booktalk title with A Fine, Fine School about a principal who thinks school should go all the time because he's so proud of his students and teachers. Reading about keeping school going all year long is so much fun to do in a room full of kids days before summer break. I'm also looking at Bark, George as a read aloud, because it's first title I ever booktalked. Yup, really. I already have a stuffed rabbit to wear on my head to introduce A Boy and his Bunny, which I'll pitch as a beginning reader as well as a picture book. I'm also looking to the wonderful Steve Jenkins for Prehistoric Actual Size and the new Just a Second. Of course, it wouldn't be me if I didn't bring the magic of Mo Willems to my booktalk with the Elephant and Piggie series. I'm still pinning down my early chapter book selections, so I'll save them for next week. Stay tuned.

Links to material on Amazon.com contained within this post may be affiliate links for the Amazon Associates program, for which this site may receive a referral fee.

48 Hour Book Challenge FAQ's

2012-05-21T10:55:00.002-04:00

As we count down to reading as a marathon sport, let's go over a few points. More questions? Ask them in the comments.

Do I need to have a blog to participate?
Pretty much. But if you set one up just for this challenge, you wouldn’t be the first to do so. You might find that the 48HBC kicks off a new hobby for you.

How does this reading for charity thing work?
This year we will offer our support to Book People Unite by making 2012 a Readathon for RIF. Sponsor yourself for an hourly pledge to contribute directly to Reading Is Fundamental. No money will go through me and your donation is at your comfort level. You are welcome to seek sponsorship as well, but it is not required.

Why can't we read for our own charity, like before?
I have always been reluctant to assign a specific cause, thinking that people should do what moved them. However, with the introduction of Book People Unite, I wanted a way to make that pledge more concrete and to help my other Book People - that would be you, kidlitosphere - do the same. Using the 48HBC offers a chance to promote one cause that we all believe in - that Reading Is Fundamental

Can I count time reading to my child? Can my kids join in?
You can certainly count time reading aloud to your child. Kids can always play along for the fun of it, but no prizes are offered. However, that doesn't mean that you couldn't give your own prize to your kid. Why not?

Can I count hours spent writing reviews during the 48HBC even if I schedule them to post after the challenge? That is so adorably organized. Yes, feel free to write reviews that will post later, though you might note that in your final summary.

I can't read the whole time because I have a wedding/graduation/recital/monster-truck rally to attend. Is that okay?
Yes. Once you start your hours they are continuous, but that doesn't mean that you won't have breaks - maybe even truly significant breaks - in your time. Though I'd gently suggest that if it is your wedding, you might reassess your priorities.

Why does the 48 Hour Book Challenge actually takes place over more hours in the weekend?
See above. True, it would be easier to have two specific days. But with time zones, work schedules, and the general freedom of bloggers to participate or not, a broader window of opportunity seemed more appropriate for our community.

How can I contact you to donate prizes?
Write me at MotherReader AT gmail DOT com and let me know what you’d like to donate. I usually pull together a bunch of things — books, jewelry, notecards, T-shirts, etc. — to make prize packages for the winners. I also like to have a few authors who’d be willing to send a personalized, signed book to a blogger for a few randomly selected “door prizes.” I’ll also take critiques, illustrator art/sketches/doodles, an offer to name a character in a book after a winner, or an eReader. A girl can dream.

I love this idea! How can I help?
Blog it. Tweet it. Share it. Seek sponsors. Post the button. Tell friends. Tell frenemies. Most of all, sign up! Being part of this community event is helping.

Links to material on Amazon.com contained within this post may be affiliate links for the Amazon Associates program, for which this site may receive a referral fee.

Science & Stories Program: Growing Things

2012-05-18T11:29:00.000-04:00

STEM Friday focuses on books that promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Over the year I’ll be sharing the preschool program I created for the library and that I’m presenting once a month. The concept behind the program is to introduce science topics by combining fiction and nonfiction, songs and mini-experiments, action rhymes and hands-on times. As a preschool program the information conveyed is basic, and intended to encourage a questioning, observational approach to scientific topics. At the end, I leave up the mini-experiments for the kids to explore with me or a parent, and I explain that experiments should be done with a grown-up.

Growing Things
Book: Flip, Float, Fly: Seeds on the Move, by Joann Early Macken

Experiment: What’s a seed? Look at and identify different kinds of seeds like acorn, sunflower seeds, corn kernels, seeds in an apple core, maple tree seed pods, and whatever else can be found.

Book: Whose Garden is It?, by Mary Ann Hoberman

Experiment: What a Plant Needs What does a plant need to thrive? Show on paper or felt board with cutouts representing soil, sun, water, seeds, earthworms, flowers and bees. Or act it out!

Book: From Seed to Pumpkin, by Wendy Pfeffer

Experiment: How Plants Drink Take a stalk of celery and cut off a ½ inch off the bottom. Before the program, put it in a glass of water with food coloring. Wait one hour, and cut the celery lengthwise to see the colored water making its way up the stalk.

Book: The Curious Garden, by Peter Brown

Experiment: Plant Seeds Put a few seeds on a paper towel. Add two tablespoons or so of water. Put in a plastic bag with a little space for air. Take it home to see them sprout.

Links to material on Amazon.com contained within this post may be affiliate links for the Amazon Associates program, for which this site may receive a referral fee.

Thursday Three: Chapter Book Classics II

2012-05-17T10:20:00.001-04:00

Here in the midst of SLJ's Top 100 Children's Novels countdown - and by the way, do not miss it! - I'm waiting for some of mine to show up on the list. As I said in an earlier post of three of my selections, I was surprised how "classic" I went with my own suggestions. I've read so many fantastic books over the last ten years, and yet when faced with picking ten favorites, I go old school. In a way, it goes to show the problem with these lists when sentiment is so hard to overcome. Maybe we should start by having equal representations from different age groups so that their nostalgia will be, you know, current.

Winnie-the-Pooh
by A.A. Milne
It's obvious that the nostalgia factor is so high on this title, though perhaps the years of Disneyfication of Pooh may be taking a toll on this impeccable, imaginative classic. After years of making the characters preschool fodder, the original stories have all been lost in the shuffle. Kids who are finally old enough to appreciate the sophisticated language and nuance, have tossed aside Pooh as baby books. It's a crying shame. The only advice I have for new parents, is to own the classic set and ban any and all Disneyfied versions with a fierceness usually reserved for smoking near the baby. Do it for the children.

Alice in Wonderland
by Lewis Carroll
Here's a book that is entirely about imagination, and by that I mean one that gives the reader's imagination a complete workout as she visualizes the worlds and events of the story. It's one of the reasons that I see it as a perfect one to read aloud to a younger child who can freely imagine the scenes in this fantastic adventure without working through some of the harder text. ('Twas brillig, and the slithy toves...) There will be time later to come back and work through the annotated books to learn of the political implications of the verses and all that grown-up stuff. But for childhood, it's just fun to follow the white rabbit and see where he leads you.

The Bad Beginning
by Lemony Snicket
It is a stretch to put the Series of Unfortunate Events as a classic, but I think it's just a matter of time. This title is where the Baudelaire children first become orphans and are placed with Count Olaf, who will soon become the villain in their long tale of woe. The wit and wordplay in the books bring in the fans, along with the ever-more-complicated mysteries that grow deeper with each title. What I still find interesting about this book over ten years, is that it tends to get a love it or hate it reaction. While the Amazon ratings for The All-of-a-Kind Family were overwhelmingly five stars with a handful of low ratings, the ones for The Bad Beginning come in at about a 6:1 ratio for the book. Unusual for a book of this caliber.

Links to material on Amazon.com contained within this post may be affiliate links for the Amazon Associates program, for which this site may receive a referral fee.

Working MotherReader

2012-05-16T11:40:00.000-04:00

Last Wednesday, I covered a lot of good stuff happening in my family. My husband made a great movie for the 48 Hour Film Project. My teen daughter had three of her Cappies reviews published and was a beautiful lead in the school's Shakespeare scene for Text Alive. My also-teen daughter did a brilliant solo number in a musical revue and landed a part in a community theatre production of 13: The Musical. Seems like we're on an upswing... and...

I got my job back! The back is the key word here, because I can't find any other way to say it. While I was getting antsy at home, I wasn't looking for a job. I still kinda I wanted the job I had held for nine years before budget cuts took it away from me. And three years later, a position finally opens in a library branch near my home and the girls' school. I'm back, baby.

My new branch is excited to have me aboard, especially with summer just around the corner. In fact, I'll jump right in with school booktalking sessions in my third week. Like before, it's a part-time position in youth services, so I'll be working with the community and the books I love. Starting this Saturday.

There is a part of this change that is bittersweet. It is impossible to take this job without reflecting on the fact that I lost it in the first place, with much sadness. That I lost three years of salary. That the county considers me a "new employee" because of my unintended break in service. That colleagues hearing of my return respond with a sense of justice on my behalf. That I also have a sense of that justice too, even though I don't blame my Fair County for the staff cuts. I just got caught in the wrong position at the wrong time. But yeah, it still stings.

As I prepare to be a working mother (or MotherReader) again, I can't help but reflect on these last three years with some regret. I didn't publish a book or clear my household clutter or start a craft business. My blogging didn't bring a profit and Broadway didn't beckon for my daughter. I'm not really sure what I've been doing with my time.

At the same time, I have to look at the gifts of that space. I was free to organize a conference, help with my mother's stroke, and run two Girl Scout troops. Without always being busy, rushing from job to home to activities, I became more patient and calm. When my younger daughter was having trouble with school, I was able to help her with homework without mentally running through the things I needed to do. Maybe most important of all, I understood how much I need the interaction and activity of working outside the home to be energized. I even have hopes it will bring me new vitality online as the books I read because more relevant to other aspects of my life.

While I expect some challenges to being a working mother again, I'm looking forward to the opportunity to be working in the library again. Let's see where this next journey goes.

48 Hour Book Challenge Update

2012-05-14T12:31:00.000-04:00

All right, I may have put up the challenge and then disappeared. It's been a bit crazy and I've never been good at managing more than one big thing at a time. It's why I'll never be president. Well,that and the incident in Reno.

But with three weeks to go until the Seventh Annual 48 Hour Book Challenge, it is time to get serious. Certainly, Carol Rasco is setting the tone. Excited that the 48HBC will contribute as a readathon for Reading Is Fundamental, she's throwing in a wonderful prize:

Three Multicultural Book Collections for the winners in each of the three Challenge categories (or however you wish to use) to be donated to a school or non-profit of the recipients choice; the collection for this year titled Celebrations in honor of RIF's 45th Anniversary is made up of 45 books and activities for each to be used by Teachers, Parents, and Community members. I'll recruit some RIF cheerleaders, some of those Book People, you know! Thanks again for the support!

What a great way to coordinate the campaign for Book People Unite with our own love of reading lots of books in an artificially compacted time limit. Please sign up in the comments, post about the challenge, seek sponsorship and/or sponsor yourself. Don't worry if you can't read for an impressive number of hours. Participate because it's one way, one time, one weekend where we can be a community with a shared goal. All on the same page, as it were. Let's go team!

Debriefing of a Weekend

2012-05-09T10:14:00.001-04:00

See the exciting update at the bottom of this post!

I try to save my personal news and stories for Wednesdays, but so much has been going on that I haven’t been able to share — and now have too much to share. I’m going to work backwards with this past weekend, which I mentioned would be a bit insane.

First of all, Tohubohu was participating in the 48 Hour Film Project. On Friday night, we got our random genre: drama. The required elements for Washington, D.C., didn't give us much to go on either: a prop of keys, a character that was a recruiter named Denny or Denise Murray, and the line of dialogue, “I have just one question.” Fortunately, our writer and YA author Robin Brande had a fast and brilliant idea. Then Bill and I debated storyline, available actors, settings, and other logistics and made some changes. We had the script done at 10:00 p.m. — for a new Tohubohu record. Only foreseeable problem being that it was only four pages. Would it be enough to tell a story?

Well, I think so. I didn’t do much with filming but observe and chat. But I did learn how to hit a person with a car for the movies, so there’s that. The trailer is ready now and the film will screen at the AFI Silver Theatre on Friday, May 11th at 7:00 p.m.

Meanwhile, since Teen is a student critic for a theatre program, the Cappies, she had plays to see both Friday and Saturday nights. Her reviews were so well crafted that both were chosen for publication in local newspapers! Very proud of TeenReader! Her theatre class was also part of Text Alive, a D.C.-based program to bring Shakespeare to life for teens. Using one Shakespeare play, each school performed one scene with the setting of their choosing varying from post-modern to wild west to hip-hop club. Teen was the lead in her scene, and knocked it out of the park!

At the same time, Also-Teen was performing in a musical showcase on Friday and Saturday nights, with a Saturday matinee. The family split up our attendance so she always had some support. She probably didn’t need our accolades, because people came up to her afterwards to tell her how much they had liked her performance. She sang “The Lamest Place in the World” from the musical 13, and had a boy from the cast with her to make it like a real scene from the show. She was so professional that even when her microphone went out, she didn’t miss a beat. Then it was an audition on Sunday for that exact musical. She was fantastic, but there were a lot of talented teens there, so it isn’t a certainty. Still a great experience!

That’s enough for one debriefing, but stay tuned for updates!

UPDATE: Also-teen was just cast as Cassie in the 13 musical!

Thursday Three: Moms

2012-05-03T10:08:00.001-04:00

The past two weeks have been crazy, and it's not over yet. Teen finished her high school production of Arabian Nights, but isn't done with a dozen other obligations. Also-teen is in the middle of her community theatre production, which involves a lot of driving on my part, and is getting ready for her next audition. And tomorrow it all comes together in the perfect storm when we add in the 48 Hour Film Project. When I come up for air, I'll be back with news and announcements and perhaps a debriefing or two. For now here is repost of books about mommies to find for Mother's Day.

Before You Were Here, Mi Amor
by Samantha R. Vamos, illustrated by Santiago Cohen
An Hispanic mother talks to her baby about all the loving thoughts, wishes, and preparations in the time before he or she was born. Filled with Spanish words that flow seamlessly within the text, the book brings a fresh take to the mommy-love category of picture books. The illustrations make the translations clear, though a glossary is included at the end. For example, the picture of the little girl with her ear on mommy's tummy with "Before you were here, tu hermana placed her face against mi barriguita and whispered, "¡Hola, bebe!" Oh, and before we drift too far from illustrations - or fresh takes for that matter - the artwork with its bright colors and bold lines is a nice change from the usual pastels that tend to dominate these books about a mother's love. Definitely a keeper.

Just Like Mama
by Leslea Newman, illustrated by Julia Gorton
As a mommy and daughter share a regular day, the little girl recounts all the wonderful things a great mom can do. The glowing testimony to a mother's love starts in the morning, "with a whirl and twirl across the fuzzy purple rug, she swoops down on my bed and scoops me up into a hug. Nobody wakes me up just like mama." At the end, it becomes a love letter right back, "Nobody loves mama just like me!" This sweet book will remind you of all the little things that us moms do right. Things that are sometimes perfect in their very ordinary nature - like brushing hair - or ordinary things that can be made special with an extra touch - like whipped cream in the cocoa. Simply delightful for young readers.

In Our Mothers' House
by Patricia Polacco
A grown-up daughter tells the story of her and her siblings' years in their mothers' house. And note that apostrophe, because this is a book about two mothers and their adopted kids. The topic is handled in a nonchalant manner, except for occasional reference to a neighbor who "just plain didn't like us." Okay, and one page where the neighbor spits out her hatred of the two moms. But after that, it's back to the block party, and making dresses and growing up. Regular life. Polocco's illustrations are always special, and here they capture the love of this beautiful family. The amount of text and meandering story would make it a better choice for older picture book readers or younger ones with longer attention spans. Overall, a wonderful view into family, love, and acceptance.

Links to material on Amazon.com contained within this post may be affiliate links for the Amazon Associates program, for which this site may receive a referral fee.

Seventh Annual 48 Hour Book Challenge

2012-04-30T10:15:00.001-04:00

Here we go with the official announcement of the Seventh Annual 48 Hour Book Challenge — that weekend readathon of legend. Sign up in the comments today, and talk it up. It’s go time!

The weekend is June 8–10, 2012. Read and blog for any 48-hour period within the Friday-to-Monday-morning window. Start no sooner than 7:00 a.m. on Friday the eighth and end no later than 7:00 a.m. Monday the eleventh. So, go from 7:00 p.m. Friday to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday... or maybe 7:00 a.m. Saturday to 7:00 a.m. Monday works better for you. But once begun, the 48 hours do need to be in a row. That said, during that 48-hour period you may still have gaps of time in which you can’t read, and that’s fine.
The books should be middle-grade, young adult, or adult books. If you are generally a picture book blogger, consider this a good time to get caught up on all those wonderful books you’ve been hearing about. Graphic novels can be included in the reading. One audiobook can also be included in your time and book total — helpful if you have somewhere to drive to or need to prepare dinner, etc.
New this year, three winners will be chosen at random from each of three levels of reading commitment - 12 to 23 hours, 24 to 35 hours, and 36 to 48 hours. Since each level will progressively have less participants, the more you read the better your chances. Also it makes it necessary to track your time carefully. Top readers will still win individual prizes. International winners may be given gift cards instead of books due to mailing costs, unless a U.S. address is provided.
It’s your call as to how much you want to put into it. If you want to skip sleep and showers to do this — and some people do — go for it. If you want to be a bit more laid back, fine. But you have to put something into it or it’s not a challenge. Twelve hours is the benchmark for winning prizes.
The length of the reviews or notes written in your blog are not an issue. You can write a sentence, a paragraph, or a full-length review. Up to you. The time spent reviewing counts in your total time.
You can include some amount of time reading other participant’s blogs, commenting on participating blogs and Facebook pages, and Twittering about your progress (remember the #48hbc tag!). For every five hours, you can add one hour of networking. This time counts in your total time.
On your blog, state when you are starting the challenge with a specific entry on that day and leave the link to that post at the Starting Line post at MotherReader on June 8th. And please link to the contest on your post.
When you finish, write a final summary that clearly indicates hours — including partial hours — you spent reading/reviewing/networking, the number of books read, and any other comments you want to make on the experience. It needs to be posted no later than noon EST on Monday, June 11th. Also, check in at the Finish Line post on MotherReader that will be posted Sunday and please link to that post from your final summary post.

New this year, we'll be making ourselves a real readathon with a dedicated beneficiary. For the last few years we've been able to connect the 48HBC to charitable causes, while not officially being a fundraiser readathon. I would like to do so now with a pledge to Book People Unite and collect money for Reading is Fundamental. All participants should sponsor themselves with a pledge for the number of hours spent in the 48HBC and donate that amount directly through Reading is Fundamental This donation is on your honor and at your financial comfort level. You many also look for additional sponsors in your online and "real" life, which if nothing else, promotes the ideas of us book people, you know, uniting. While there are many great libraries and literary causes that need help in these difficult times, I think the timing of the Book People Unite is perfect for us to join forces for the greater good.

I’m always looking for donations for winners’ prize packages and other “door prizes” to be awarded to participants selected at random. Past prizes have included original sketches from Mo Willems and Matthew Holm, signed and sketched books from Adam Rex, loads of signed books, t-shirts from Threadless, artistic blank journals, jewelry, gift cards, notecards, and more. Good stuff. If you’d like to contribute to the prizes this year, shoot me an email at MotherReader AT gmail DOT com.

Sign up now in the comments and block of the dates on your calendar. Questions can also go in the comments, and I will respond in the comments and add to FAQ if needed. Which means, you might check there first. Talk this up, people! Let's have some fun!

Thursday Three: Books for Ballou

2012-04-26T16:24:00.000-04:00

"Books for Ballou" is not a hot new title for the preschool set, but instead a book drive for Ballou High School in Washington DC. The book fair is run through Guys Lit Wire with all the info available there, but basically the project has a wish list of books at Powells to be purchased for the far-too-empty library shelves at the high school. Also, while this project is not a chance to get rid of your leftovers, if you have new copies of books on the list, contact guyslitwire (at) gmail (dot) com to see if you can send those along. Here are three titles I am sending, with publisher copy since I haven't read them:

Under the Mesquite
by Guadalupe Garcia McCall
"Lupita, a budding actor and poet in a close-knit Mexican American immigrant family, comes of age as she struggles with adult responsibilities during her mother's battle with cancer in this young adult novel in verse. Told with honest emotion in evocative free verse, Lupita's journey toward hope is captured in moments that are alternately warm and poignant. Under the Mesquite is an empowering story about testing family bonds and the strength of a young woman navigating pain and hardship with surprising resilience."

My Name is Mina
by David Almond
"A blank notebook lies on the table. It has been there for what seems like forever. Mina has proclaimed in the past that she will use it as a journal, and one night, at last, she begins to do just that. As she writes, Mina makes discoveries both trivial and profound about herself and her world, her thoughts and her dreams. Award-winning author David Almond reintroduces readers to the perceptive, sensitive Mina before the events of Skellig in this lyrical and fantastical work. My Name is Mina is not only a pleasure to read, it is an intimate and enlightening look at a character whose open mind and heart have much to teach us about life, love, and the mysteries that surround us."

Paper Covers Rock
by Jenny Hubbard
"At the beginning of his junior year at a boys' boarding school, 16-year-old Alex is devastated when he fails to save a drowning friend. When questioned, Alex and his friend Glenn, who was also at the river, begin weaving their web of lies. Plagued by guilt, Alex takes refuge in the library, telling his tale in a journal he hides behind Moby-Dick. Caught in the web with Alex and Glenn is their English teacher, Miss Dovecott, fresh out of Princeton, who suspects there's more to what happened at the river when she perceives guilt in Alex's writing for class."

Links to material on Amazon.com contained within this post may be affiliate links for the Amazon Associates program, for which this site may receive a referral fee.

Seventh Annual 48 Hour Book Challenge: Pre-Announcement

2012-04-23T11:10:00.000-04:00

There are a few things I need to work out, but let's call this the pre-annoucement for the Seventh Annual 48 Hour Book Challenge and set the date for the weekend of June 8rd–10th. It isn't the first weekend in June, but it is after Book Expo America where I tend to get prizes, so it makes sense. I will put up the official sign-up post with rules on Monday, April 30th, but feel free to start spreading the word. For a refresher on the rules, check out my 48 Hour Book Challenge standard information. If you can donate signed books, crafty ventures, illustrator sketches, reading paraphernalia, and other prizes, I’d really appreciate it. Email me with those at MotherReader AT gmail DOT com.

I have a couple of changes I'm looking at. In the efforts to open up the challenge to more levels of commitment, I want to give out a prize package to a random winner within each of three levels - 12 to 23 hours, 24 to 35 hours, and 36 to 48 hours. I would give signed books as individual prizes to those who hit 48 hours. I have the greatest respect and more than a little awe for our 48 Hour Readers, but I want to give more folks a chance to win.

Also, while I've encouraged the idea of reading for a greater good, I haven't pushed one particular benefactor. I would like to do so now with my pledge to Book People Unite and collect money for Reading is Fundamental. I'd like all participants to sponsor themselves with a pledge for the number of hours participating in the challenge and donate that amount directly through Reading is Fundamental. You many also look for additional sponsors in your online and "real" life, which if nothing else, promotes the ideas of us book people, you know, uniting. While there are many great libraries and literary causes that need help in these difficult times, I think the timing of the Book People Unite campaign is perfect for us to join forces for the greater good. So mark your calendars and watch this space for more info!

Thursday Three: Chapter Book Classics

2012-04-19T14:37:00.000-04:00

Along with my top ten picture books, I submitted my top ten chapter books for the SLJ's Top Children's Novels poll. Since I have some write-ups, I thought I'd share a few of my selections today. Again, I was surprised that I wasn't finding the love for newer titles, but was going back to my own childhood books as favorites. I think I have some attachment issues to work out.

All-of-a-Kind-Family
by Sydney Taylor
A classic about a poor, immigrant, Jewish family living in New York City in the early 1900's. The book is about the everyday - chores, market trips, make-believe games - mixed with a helpful and healthy dose of Jewish traditions. It's historical fiction at its finest, putting the reader in the world while celebrating the time period. As for why love this book, well, it's because the joy that the girls had in choosing what to spend a nickel on outweighs most of the excitement I could imagine then or now. It made me crave a dill pickle from the barrel, which is just crazy.

Little House on the Prairie
by Laura Ingalls Wilders
While this title is not actually the first book in the series - that would be Little House in the Big Woods - this is the one that really kicks it off, letting the reader get to know Laura, Mary, Ma and Pa as they travel and set up a homestead on the prairie through difficult times. When I was a kid I loved the first books in the series, finding the other ones boring, but as an adult, I think that the later books are better written, with stronger characterization and plotting. The early books have extensive descriptions of scenery, food, and house-building, which makes for some slow reading.

A Little Princess
by Francis Hodgson Burnett
Here's a book about triumphing in the face of adversity, and keeping a positive spirit and nature throughout tough times. When I was young, I read it, lost it, didn't remember what it was called, and for some reason didn't seem to ask anybody, but kept looking for the book for years. I remember the joy of finding it again, on the shelves of a bookstore, and going home to read it again and again. Sigh. I loved this book as a kid, but reading it again as an adult I couldn't capture that same feeling. That's okay though, because my childhood memories of the tale completely trump my adult sensibilities and it still feels a little bit magic to me.

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Falling Into Place

2012-04-18T20:32:00.000-04:00

Recently things have been falling into place. So of course, I'm very nervous. It seems about time to find out that my attic is infested with bats or that Ted Nugent is my half-brother.

First, a friend told me about a local theatre doing Tween's new favorite musical, 13: The Musical, with auditions starting right after she finishes her musical revue show. It's a very exciting possibility for a summer program, so wish her luck. Also, she's no longer Tween but also-Teen. We'll see if it sticks.

Teen and I went to a driving information session together, and I left feeling pretty good. I saw that I have a conscientious, careful, and intelligent girl I'm sending out on the roads. I also kept my head down and doodled through all of the scary, crash videos, because I don't need that. Though the music video at a crash site was quite something. Teen deadpanned a comment to me about the new trend of musicians showing up at accidents, to which I added, "Like flash mobs, but much smaller. And really, really sad."

But other than our obvious bonding time, I realized that Teen will be driving soon. As in driving herself and her sister to places. As in I will not always be the one driving Teen and also-Teen around the greater Northern Virginia area. Which leads me to my next breakthrough: a working mom schedule is now a pretty workable thing.

Actually, it was another friend who helped me realize that I was being overanxious and rigid about my responsibilities and what I can do. While I have commitments to the needs of my daughters, my mom, and my Girl Scouts, I also have a desire to work and a need to earn some money. I mean, Columbia isn't going to pay for itself. (Actually, according to their financial aid calculator, it kind of is going to pay for itself, at least in part. So besides the whole "getting in" thing, we could do this.)

If I were going to make a toast - and let's say I'm doing that with a bottle of Funky Llama I picked up at Safeway - I'd have to raise a glass to friends, to perspective, and to falling into place. And what the hell, to Ted Nugent. Cheers.

Top 100 Picture Books

2012-04-17T10:51:00.000-04:00

This post would have been sooooo much better if it had been in time for voting in the SLJ's Top 100 Picture Books, but I barely got in my list myself... and then found out that there was an extension. At this point it's all over but the shouting. You know, with the exception of the tons of work it's going to be to go through all those votes and crank the numbers and do the write-ups and... wow, do I ever admire Betsy Bird.

So, here are the books I put forth. I really went my favorites, as opposed to systematically analyzing the Iconic Picture Books of Children's Literature. Given how much time I've spent in the company of picture books in the public library and as organizer/panelist of that Cybils category, I was surprised how few new books made my list. When it came down to choosing, as much as I have loved some books in the last ten years, my heart went out for those I read to my own kids - especially if I read them myself as a child. The list also didn't change much from when I did it for Fuse #8's first list.

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
Funny, clever, and the perfect read-aloud, this is the book that started my Mo obsession.
Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale, by Mo Willems
and this is the book that sealed that obsession evermore. Mo-tastic.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, by Bill Martin
If you watch the video, you'll never get the tune out of your head when you read the book aloud. I'm still not sure if that is a good or bad thing.
Guess How Much I Love You, by Sam McBratney
A wonderful reflection of the love and relationship between parent and child.
On the Day You Were Born, by Debra Frasier
I never get through this book without tearing up. It’s a great baby shower gift.
The Grouchy Ladybug, by Eric Carle
It's hard to pick just one Carle book, but I reading with the grouchy voice.
Bark George, by Jules Feiffer
So fun to read!
Corduroy, by Don Freeman
A story of the one special toy for one special girl hit my heart as a kid and as a mom.
Bread and Jam for Frances, by Russell Hoban
I loved all the Frances books and can only choose this as a favorite by a slight margin.
The Monster At The End Of This Book
I remember this book from my childhood more than any other. And now it's an app.

I know that I've seen the contributions of 100 Scope Notes and Book Nut. Anyone else sharing their list?

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Science & Stories Program: When the Wind Blows

2012-04-13T10:35:00.000-04:00

There’s a new meme in town. STEM Friday focuses on books that promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. And the round-up of posts is hosted at, well, STEM Friday.

Over the year I’ll be sharing the preschool program I created for the library and that I’m presenting once a month. The concept behind the program is to introduce science topics by combining fiction and nonfiction, songs and mini-experiments, action rhymes and hands-on times. As a preschool program the information conveyed is basic, and intended to encourage a questioning, observational approach to scientific topics. At the end, I leave up the mini-experiments for the kids to explore with me or a parent, and I explain that experiments should be done with a grown-up.

Wind and Air
Early Arrival Book: One Windy Wednesday, by Phyllis Root

Book: Flora’s Very Windy Day, by Jeanne Birdsall

Experiment: Catch the Wind
Open a large plastic bag. Make sure there are no holes in it. Spin around so it puffs up. Twist it closed to trap the air you caught. Explain how air takes up the space in the bag.

Book: The Windy Day, by G. Brian Karas

Experiment: The Wind Blows
Create your own wind with an electric or paper fan. Which items will move more from your wind? Try things like light things like leaves, feathers, cotton balls, tissue paper. Compare with heavier objects, like marbles, cardboard, pencils.

Book: I Face the Wind, by Vicki Cobb

Experiment: Wind on the Water
Fill a tray with water. Blow air across the water’s surface. Blow gently then harder. Waves form on top of the water. The energy from the moving air is transferred to the surface of the water. Now blow the boats across the water. Can you do it? You are the wind force pushing the boats.

Action Story: The Sun and the Wind
Tell the fable of the wind and sun who tried to remove a person's coat having the children blow for the part of the wind and make sun's rays with this arms for the sun. The storyteller is the person with the coat.

Experiment: Make the Wind
Make your own paper fan by folding a piece of paper over and over and stapling the end. Try out your fan on you and things around you.

Alternate Craft: Wind Sock
A wind sock lets you “see” the wind blow. Take a piece of construction paper and glue on five or six streamers. Curve into a tube and staple the ends together. Staple a handle on top. Hold it up outside and watch it move with the force of the air.

Links to material on Amazon.com contained within this post may be affiliate links for the Amazon Associates program, for which this site may receive a referral fee.

Thursday Three: Rock the Drop!

2012-04-12T12:47:00.000-04:00

Wow, I almost forgot about Rock the Drop! Fortunately, my social media connections tuned me in, answering the eternal question "What has Twitter done for me lately?" So I went to my bookshelves - okay, book piles - to find something special to share with teen readers. Unfortunately, I had recently done a purge which made my search a little more difficult. But digging deeper, I am parting with some Bloomsbury ARC's so they can find new homes with a new readers.

The Fool's Girl
by Celia Rees

The book boosts of "a lush, epic historical novel with an added Shakespearean twist." Well, if that doesn't bring in the readers I don't know what will. In today's market it would be a better sell to add "and zombies" to the end of any description. But it would be unfair to dismiss this smart book for smart readers. Set in Shakespearean times - with actual Shakepeare included - the story follows the royal Violetta and her fool on a mission to find a holy relic and restore a kingdom. Spun from Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, the historic details are well-balanced with adventure, intrigue, romance, and suspense.

Going Underground
by Susan Vaught

I'm in a tagline mood so... "When does falling in love become a crime?" With that question and the intriguing cover, the reader is pulled into the story of a good kid on the wrong end of a bad law created for the right reasons. Del is seventeen and digging graves without prospects for college or love because of something that happened three years ago that made him a social outcast - and a felon. Through flashbacks, the reader learns about his past and comes away with a timely cautionary tale. An interesting story based on real-life sexting cases, this is a book to open discussions and open minds about complicated issues.

Fallen Grace
by Mary Hooper

Continuing the trend, a bit from the jacketflap: "Mary Hooper's latest offers Dickensian social commentary, as well as malicious fraud, mysterious secrets, and a riveting read." Following my earlier note, let's add "and zombies" to this description and move some books. The Grace of the title is - along with her sister - penniless and struggling to survive in Victorian London. Giving birth to a stillborn baby conceived through terrible circumstances, sets Grace into a series of connections and let's say great expectations. (Dickens reference for the win!) A detailed historical setting, strong characters and plot twists make for a fun read.

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Star Volunteer

2012-04-11T13:57:00.001-04:00

My home library branch has recognized me as a star volunteer to my Fair County. I feel very honored and also a little bit guilty. After all, I spend maybe three hours a month on the Science & Stories program and an hour doing it. Now granted, when I do a children's program I am flippin' on fire, but I'm not sure about Star Volunteer. Meteorite Volunteer seems closer.

It is a well timed distinction for my service to the library system as I am thinking of going back to it. Not that it has been a choice in the last few years, because it hasn't. The system was still in the process of layoffs or the few random openings were too far from my home. But things may be changing in the near future, and I can only hope that my years of experience, my work in children's literature, my obvious passion, and hey, even my Star Volunteer recognition can trump some adjustments I might need in scheduling.

Leaving my program today, I felt so energized. Completing a great session is such a rush for me. I remember talking to colleagues who were ready to take a nap afterwards, but I always felt charged after storytimes. It's something I've really missed about my job. Honestly, I had more energy at home when I was working than I do now and I was also forced to budget my time better.

Anyway, I don't know what will happen or when, but for today I feel a little bit like a star. How about you? What's making your day?

Thursday Three: Poetry Month

2012-04-05T13:01:00.000-04:00

I was going to give three bunny books to read if you missed the Easter selection at your local library, but then I looked up such books in my own library's catalog and found over three hundred picture book titles. Clearly, you don't need my suggestions as you would be much better off planting yourself in front of any picture book shelf and pulling out books at random - though as a hint, you'd have an easy time in front of the Rick Walton, Rosemary Wells, or Beatrix Potter books.

Now is the first week of National Poetry Month and there is so much going on, much of it listed at KidLitosphere Celebration of Poetry Month. Since this is the Thursday Three, I'll share three sample sites to start you off.

1. Irene Latham introduces a fantastic new activity in the KidLitosphere Progressive Poem. Watch a poem grow day-by-day as it travels across the KidLitosphere. If you lose track of the process, you can check the schedule for the next participant.

2. Greg Pincus brings back 30 Poets/30 Days with previously unpublished poems by favorite children’s authors. Some great poetry happens here, so don't miss it!

3. Author Amok offers a series 30 Habits of Highly Effective Poets with guest poets sharing their writing rituals. There will also be features on famous poets, writing prompts, and poetry.

It's coming to a close just as Poetry Month starts, but let me give a shout-out to Ed at Think Kid, Think! for leading us into the month with a spectacular Poetry Madness Tournament! Pitting poet against poet tournament style was certainly competitive, but it was at the same time a community building experience. And it was absolutely brilliant!

Finding the Track

2012-04-04T11:24:00.002-04:00

I am so ready to get back on track, if only I could find the track itself. I wouldn't have thought that when I wrote about taking a bit of a blogging break that I would be writing it from a high point of my search.

Then I felt like I was being pulled back into the working world, not altogether reluctantly. Yet didn't know which form that work would take. Well, last month was a tsunami of stay-at-home mom responsibilities that gave me pause. Teen needed glasses for the first time and started driving lessons. Tween had organizational issues with homework and you know, not turning it in, that needed addressing. Also Tween was cast in a community theatre musical revue, which is fantastic, but does require someone to drive her there a few times a week. (Pssst! Guess who that would be.) My husband hurt his back, and is still struggling with pain and stiffness. Meanwhile, I was both leading and managing cookie sales for two Girl Scout troops because my co-leader for each troop were having their own issues.

I came into this Spring Break week like I was sliding into home base - exhausted, relieved, and elated to have made it. All through this I was struggling with writing. Like, anything. I was getting writer's block on review summaries and Facebook updates. Even now, with most of the problems past, I feel clumsy on the keyboard. I'm not finding the flow I've always counted on. (Well, except for my Grow-Up post which I'll count as one of my new favorites.)

So today's post is one part explanation and one part inquiry asking this:

In terms of writing, how do you get back on track?

I'd love to hear from my writing friends, which is to say any or all of you.

Nonfiction Monday: How Many Jelly Beans?

2012-04-02T14:31:00.000-04:00

With Easter on the horizon, I've been buying candy for our annual egg hunt. It started off years ago in our old neighborhood, but the girls came to expect it as another facet of the whole Easter bunny thing. Then just as we could have given it up by handing each girl a gift card to Aeropostle, my niece came along and the tradition continued. So the night before Easter you'll find me loading up a ridiculous amount of plastic eggs with candy fun packs, Hershey's kisses, and jelly beans. Oh, so many jelly beans. I would have estimated a million jelly beans, but with this book I now know better.

How Many Jelly Beans? A Giant Book of Giant Numbers
by Andrea Menotti, illustrated by Yancey Labat
Chronicle 2012, review copy sent by publishers
The first thing you notice about the book is the size. It's a large book, perhaps to emphasize the enormity of the mathematical concepts and certainly to accommodate the pull-out page in the back where one million jelly beans are represented. But at the beginning, we start with Emma and a reasonable number of sweets. But as her brother requests more, they continue to top each other with the number of jelly beans they would want up to a million. (Which Aiden has to admit is a bit much.) Very large amounts are conveyed with simple, bright graphics that make the numbers more real and understandable. It would be a particularly fun choice for a preschool or early education classroom. It would also be great in an Easter basket, but to fit you're going to need a bigger basket.

For more nonfiction selections, visit our Nonfiction Monday host, Rasco from RIF

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Grow Up

2012-04-01T10:47:00.001-04:00

I remember when I could be sliced to the core by the words, "Grow up." Delivered with an offhand, disdainful superiority that only a teenager can perfectly master, it was a phrase from my past. But not anymore.

After reading the NYT opinion piece on how adults should read adult books, the phrase jumped into my mind as clearly as if the author Joel Stein was sneering it over his shoulder in the high school cafeteria. Grow up. And I heard it like the wake-up call it was. Yes, it is time to grow up.

It's time to give up children's books. And I'm doing it.

Seriously, I'm not even sure what I've been doing all this time with apparently three thousand years of adult literature just waiting for me. Kidlit and YA can't give me the adult things that an adult needs in reading. For instance, sometimes there aren't enough big words. You know, like pretentious. And while there might be some sex in teen books, it's always played down and rarely described with "throbbing" or the naughty words for our... parts. Okay, so maybe that's not the literary argument, but it is adult.

How is it I've been straying from the subtle shades of literature that only an adult book can employ? I remember this book where the empty chairs in the room so clearly stood for the existential loneliness that lies at the core of each one of us, and yet that isn't revealed in the brightness of day but only in darkness. Though come to think of it, that may be from Goodnight, Moon.

Really the point is in the type of book that can lead us to discover our existential loneliness. Or even that can make us want to use the word existential in a write-up. Oh, and the ennui! How I have missed the ennui. Certainly we can all admit that a teen's struggle to define himself along the expectations of society, parents, and peers all while trying to tune in to his own ever-shifting internal compass is trivial when compared to that sad, bored woman who eats, prays and loves.

So I'm making a pledge with a few others, that as an adult I'll only be reading adult books starting today, April Fools Day.

Thursday Three: Easter

2012-03-29T10:53:00.000-04:00

I'm approaching today's post on Easter books like a wedding tradition - with something old, something new, something borrowed, and something out-of-the-blue.

The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes
by Dubose Heyward, illustrated by Marjorie Flack
A little girl bunny defies the odds to become an Easter Bunny, even though she isn't high-born or well, male. Her good upbringing, hard work, and perseverance take her beyond what others think a country bunny can do. You go, girl! I loved this book as a child, and it was one of very few books about Easter at the time. Of course, this was before every cartoon book and TV character got their own holiday story. Does this older tale still win over the young readers? With a wink, I have to say that it doesn't really matter. We parents have to reserve the right to share a few books just because they spoke to us as children, and I'll put this one top of my list for its great story, lovely illustrations, and classic classicness.

The Easter Egg
by Jan Brett
Seriously, I have to wonder what took Jan Brett so long to tackle an Easter story because this is a natural subject for her amazing artwork. Look at the possibilities in decorated eggs! And so she did, with this new book where a bunny finds that his real talent isn't in egg-decorating, but in something else altogether. It's a sweet story, and of course beautifully illustrated. If you like some behind-the-scenes, check out the short video where Jan Brett talks about her process - while holding a chicken. She also has a coloring pages and more fun at her website.

Junie B. First Grader: Dumb Bunny
by Barbara Park, illustrated by Denise Brunkus
Here's both the something borrowed (from a previous post) and out-of-the-blue (if you were expecting another picture book). Junie B. and her class are invited to an egg hunt at richie Lucille's house. There's a special prize if you find the golden egg, and that lovely prize is a playdate with Lucille in her indoor pool and everyone wants to swim in that fancy, hot water pool. But things take an unfortunate turn for Junie B. - as they often do - putting the poor girl in a pink bunny suit. A fun book for Easter, or really any time you need a laugh. As a little bonus today, I'll share my favorite passage:

"I just don't get it," Lucille grouched. "How could anyone forget the Easter Bunny? The Easter Bunny brings candy right to your door."
Lennie did a frown at her.
"He doesn't bring candy to my door, Lucille," he said. "The Easter Bunny is a different religion than me. I'm Jewish."
Shirley nodded.
"I'm Jewish, too, Lucille," she said. "I've never even been to an Easter-egg hunt before. What do you wear to something like that, anyway?"
Lucille stood up and fluffed herself.
"Well -- since the Easter Bunny and I are the same religion -- I'm going to wear a fancy Easter dress, Shirley," she said.
Shirley though for a minute. Then she nodded.
"Hmm. Then I guess I will wear a fancy Jewish dress," she said.
Lennie's eyes lighted up.
"Really, Shirley? You mean we have our own clothing line?" he asked.
He smiled.
"Then I think I will wear some fancy Jewish pants," he said.

Jewish pants. Love it.

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Thursday Three: Toddler Books

2012-03-22T11:10:00.000-04:00

Trying to catch up on some stuff this week, so pulling a post from the files.

Higher, Higher
by Leslie Patricelli
Bright colors suck the reader into the world of a little girl and her dad, and carry through into the world of her imagination. As dad pushes the swing, she indeed goes Higher, Higher passing the head of a giraffe, the top of a building, and the summit of a mountain. With a special extraterrestrial high five, she slows down and returns home again without ever leaving the swing. With very few words, it's more like a wordless picture book, where the story is contained in the illustrations. Even then, it's a simple story of bright and lively imagination, making it a great book for younger tots.

Hello Baby!
by Mem Fox, illustrated by Steve Jenkins
It would be hard to beat the combination of these two powerhouses in writing and illustration. Mem Fox gives us the simple, rhyming story of looking for baby and finding animals. Steve Jenkins lends his amazing artwork to each creature, making the porcupine prickly and the elephant wrinkly all with cut paper. Don't miss the deep and varied greens captured in the crocodile, with a glorious reptilian eye peering out. The word baby in the title should tip you off that this is indeed a book for the baby and toddler set. Older preschoolers would appreciate the artwork more, but they'll be ready for the many, many Steve Jenkins books for their age group. As a baby/toddler book though, it's way above average.

My Goldfish
by Barroux
If you're looking for something a little different for your youngster - simple yet interesting - then turn to the French. While the cover shows the bright colors and hints at the simple text inside, it can't prepare you for the first page where the goldfish is holding up the bowl with the text reading, "My goldfish is the strongest goldfish in the world." While keeping the same simple artistic features of the goldfish, we see the little guy in a Halloween costume, coming back from vacation sunburned, and even falling in love. There's even allusion to the day that the goldfish will leave the bowl and "finally swim with the great white fish." It's meaningful and imaginative, silly and strange, and in the world of very safe books for the littlest kids - absolutely exceptional.

Links to material on Amazon.com contained within this post may be affiliate links for the Amazon Associates program, for which this site may receive a referral fee.

Science & Stories Program: Rocks Rock

2012-03-16T14:12:00.001-04:00

There’s a new meme in town. STEM Friday focuses on books that promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. The round-up this week is hosted at, well, STEM Friday.

Over the year I’ll be sharing the preschool program I created for the library and that I’m presenting once a month. The concept behind the program is to introduce science topics by combining fiction and nonfiction, songs and mini-experiments, action rhymes and hands-on times. As a preschool program the information conveyed is basic, and intended to encourage a questioning, observational approach to scientific topics.
Rocks
Book: Rocks in His Head, by Carol Hurst

Hands-on "Rock Show"
Examine different kinds of rocks: from the garden, the ocean, caves, polished, carved, etc. Maybe kids can bring their own rocks.

Book: Rocks, Rocks Big and Small, by Joanne Barkan

Experiment: "Rock Layers"
Layer modeling clay lightly in sheets and press together to show how rocks can press made in the compression of layers.

Book: Let's Go Rock Collecting, by Roma Gans

Experiment: "How Does Solid Rock Melt?"
Fill a cup with warm tap water. Put a spoon in the cup of water. After 30 seconds remove the spoon, and put a chocolate chip in the spoon and see it melt. Though rocks are also solid, when they reach they’re melting point they become magma.

Book: If You Find a Rock, by Peggy Christian

Hands-on: "Rock Collector"
Look at different kinds of rocks. How would you put them in categores? By color? By size?
By name? Test rocks for hardness by scraping with a penny and piece of quartz. Scrape the rock across a surface to see if it makes a mark.

Links to material on Amazon.com contained within this post may be affiliate links for the Amazon Associates program, for which this site may receive a referral fee.