Willard Library Blog

Winter Food Drive

2011-12-03T17:31:00.000-08:00

Hungry? You aren't alone. Families throughout Berkeley often do not have enough food to adequately feed their children. One in six people in Alameda County rely on the Alameda Food Bank to help feed themselves. During this time of sharing, Willard Middle School wants to remember those in need and reach out to help them. To accomplish this we are staging our fourth annual "Willard Helping Willard" food drive.

We are asking that students and families bring in food to share with needy families in the Willard community. Starting Monday, bring in donations of non-perishable food items such as pasta, beans, canned soup, and cereal. Please remember that we cannot accept donations of food in glass jars, perishable food, frozen food, fresh produce, soda, and baby food or formula or non-food items. There will be bins for each grade level in the library. We will be collecting food everyday for the next two weeks, until Winter Break.

Also, if you are a family that requires food assistance please call Carolyn Ruiz at 644-6330 to let us know of your need. We will then distribute the food Willard collects as a result of the food drive to as many of the families requesting assistance as possible during the Winter Break. Each family will receive a large box and grocery bag of food. Any additional food will be donated to the Alameda County Community Food Bank.

Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Happy Halloween!

2011-11-01T23:01:00.000-07:00

I love seeing all the costumes inspired by literary characters. Some of the standouts this year at Willard included Gulliver (complete with Lego Lilliputians) and the Lady of the Lake from Arthurian legends.

My Frost Giant costume was inspired by Neil Gaiman's book Odd and the Frost Giants which draws heavily from Norse mythology. You can read more about these cruel and cold-hearted creatures in D'Aulaires' Book of Norse Myths. Perfect for these blustery days that are now upon us.

New Library Catalog

2011-10-17T13:46:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the new catalog? It has some fun features. My favorite part is the "Recommended" feature. Under the "What's New?" tab, you can find the books that I have recently recommended to a class. Click here to see the catalog and the new items that are featured. But be sure to check out the "recommended" button to see the titles I think are worth checking out.

Back-to-School Preparations

2011-08-15T09:54:00.000-07:00

Everyone should have one!

In that end of summer rush to prepare for school, make sure that you have one essential resource: your public library card! The Willard Library strives to provide materials for the variety of interests and academic needs of our students. However, our collection is not limitless. Students are encouraged to use the public library to supplement what is available here.

If you have lost your card, replacement cards can be purchased for only $2. Parents, make sure your child has a card. Students, let your parents know if you have lost your card. And if you have never had one, get one. The Berkeley Public Library is a phenomenal resource which is free to all residents of California! Applications and more information are available at the BPL website.

Watch the National Spelling Bee on TV

2011-05-31T20:36:00.000-07:00

Watch the 2011 Scripps National Spelling Bee live on television:

•    The Semifinals live on ESPN:
      Thursday, June 2: 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. PDT

•    The Championship Finals live on ESPN:
      Thursday, June 2: 5:30 to 7 p.m. PDT

All Library Materials Due May 31!

2011-05-28T17:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, it is that time of year. The school year is winding down. And all library books need to be returned to the library. Kids, please bring them back on your own. Don't make me call your family.

Any advisory class that returns all their books will receive homemade cookies. BE RESPONSIBLE!

Over the summer, make sure to keep reading. Visit your nearest public library. Buy books. Borrow them from friends. Download them from the Internet. Just keep reading!

Great Spring Day

2011-05-18T12:07:00.000-07:00

"Read or Die"

Thank you for another great Spring Day! We had so many wonderful volunteers on campus helping us make this day fun and safe for everyone. So much was going on. I spent most of the day in the Book Fair in the library, where we were serenaded all day long by those fabulous live bands on the outdoor stage.

At the Scholastic Book Fair, we sold over $1000 worth of books and school supplies. I hope that everyone who shopped for books found something interesting to read. We will do it again next year.

2011-04-16T14:40:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday, Gennifer Choldenko was gracious enough to visit Willard not once, but twice! We packed the Metal Shop Theater with 6th grade classes whose teachers had read her book, Al Capone Does My Shirts, to their students. She spoke on her books and her writing process which includes A LOT of research and revision.

Ms. Choldenko began with an introduction to her newest book, No Passengers Beyond This Point, explaining how she had woven bits of her own life with fantastical imagination to create this unusual tale. I found it interesting that she based some of the characters' relationships in the book on real people, but she emphasized that the characters themselves are not modeled after those people, just the way the two characters interact. This is a distinction I had never thought of before. She also read a chapter to us, complete with funny voices.

When she began talking about the history of Alcatraz Island and her experience researching it, you could feel the students leaning into her every word. She painted vivid pictures of life on the island, both inside and outside the walls of the prison. Tales of escape attempts, Al Capone and his silk underwear, laundry as a conduit for messages, and convict baseball will surely stay with these kids for years.

Kids had tons of questions about writing and Alcatraz. They were impressed by this tenacious, little lady who worked five years on a book without knowing if it would even get published. One question remains unanswered: What will happen in the 3rd Al Capone book?

Thank you so much for visiting Willard! And thank you to Mrs. Dalloway's Bookstore on College Ave. for sponsoring this event.

Gennifer Choldenko to visit Willard

2011-04-11T18:24:00.000-07:00

(Patricia Leeds Photography)

Wednesday, award-winning author Gennifer Choldenko will be speaking to selected classes in Willard's Metal Shop Theater. Teachers have been reading her book Al Capone Does My Shirts with their classes to prepare them for the visit. This amusing book, set on Alcatraz Island during the 1930s tells the story of Moose and his family who live on the island with other prison staff families. Combining coming of age with gangsters, baseball, scheming teenagers and an autistic sister, this book is both fun and thought-provoking.

Ms. Choldenko is coming to Willard as part of her tour to promote her newest novel, No Passengers Beyond This Point. Both timely and completely out of time, this fantasy brings readers into a world unlike any they have ever experienced. Her visit is sponsored by Mrs. Dalloway's Bookstore on College Ave.

We are lucky to have her!

Comix Club On-line Comics

2011-03-22T10:05:00.000-07:00

Click through a few of the following links. See which one you want to read. Read it. Then come back here and leave a comment about which on-line comics you liked the most and why they were so ninja or awesome or boss. If you think a comic is ghetto, don't read it, and don't comment on it.
Enjoy!
http://www.boltcity.com/copper/ (Kibuishi!)

http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/

http://nedroid.com/

http://drmcninja.com/

http://goraina.com/webcomics.html (Raina Telgemeir stuff online!)

http://ratfist.com/

http://stixandbones.com/

http://www.gunnerkrigg.com/index2.php

http://www.andyrunton.com/owly/

http://araknidkid.sugaryserials.com/2008/08/13/2008-08-13_araknidkid-a1/

http://www.donteatanybugs.net/

Author Mac Barnett Visited 6th Grade Book Club

2011-02-11T11:25:00.000-08:00

Yesterday the 6th grade book club welcomed a special guest: Mac Barnett! The author of The Case of the Case of the Mistaken Identity came to Willard to talk with students who had read his book. This intimate talk was a great treat for the students. Mac seemed to enjoy their thoughtful questions almost as much as the delicious school lunch we provided him.

Mac told us, while daintily picking at his salad, that he had grown up in the East Bay and worked as a counselor at the Cal Summer Camps. It was there that he began telling stories to little kids and first thought of becoming a children's author. Perhaps some of our current students were his wee campers.

We learned that he has read piles of mystery novels in preparation for writing his own. While the Hardy Boys were his favorite growing up, he espoused the better plotting in the Nancy Drew books while enjoying the chow mein. For those of you wondering, he did not slurp his noodles.

Most of his books were illustrated by Adam Rex, author of The True Meaning of Smekday and Fat Vampire. Mac described the collaborative process in creating a picture book. But he emphasized, while gesticulating with an egg roll, that the writer does more of the work while having to share the royalties equally.

Join the lunchtime book club for more exciting conversations! Our next book will be Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis. See Ms. Lee to get a copy and join the discussion.

Author Mac Barnett to visit Willard Library Book Club

2011-02-01T16:24:00.000-08:00

Thursday, February 10, Mac Barnett will be visiting the Willard Library. The 6th grade book club is reading The Brixton Brothers: The Case of the Case of the Mistaken Identity. We can't wait to ask him all sorts of thoughtful questions about this book, like, "Why did you choose librarians as the evil antagonists in the novel?" And "If he doesn't have a brother, why did you name your series 'The Brixton Brothers'?" And, "Do you actually make money writing this stuff?" It promises to be an entertaining book club meeting. If you have read the book, grab your lunch and join us during 6th grade lunch.

We have a few copies left. If you would like to meet Mac, please ask Ms. Lee for a copy and make sure to read it all before the 10th of February.

Favorite Reads of 2010

2011-01-06T12:08:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! Reflecting on readings from the past year, I realized there were two books that stood out for me as favorites of all that I read.

The Lost Conspiracy by Frances Hardinge

I really appreciated the complexity of this book. Very reminiscent of Terry Prachett's Nation, but also unique. At times problematic and unexpectedly violent, this probably is not for everyone. The combination of fantasy, history, politics and imagination made this book stand out for me. The story follows a girl who may or may not be one of the "Lost" who can send their senses outside of their bodies. Issues of colonization, genocide, identity and politics weave throughout this fanciful tale of psychic abilities.

Smile by Raina Telgemeier

A simple slip with catastrophic results, Raina's two front teeth were knocked out of her mouth after tripping on the way to her front door. This autobiographical graphic novel follows years of orthodontia and dental surgeries. Surprisingly funny and heartfelt with occasionally cringe-inducing descriptions of medical procedures, this is a great introduction to the format for people who don't often read comics. And it is just a fun fast read which will make everyone want to smile.

What was your favorite book that you read last year? Post it here.

Winter Break News

2010-12-23T10:30:00.000-08:00

Just before school ended before winter break, I received a box full of Ashes. Malinda Lo, the author of Ash, had sent out free copies of her novel to a number of schools and libraries around the country. This retelling of Cinderella, where the protagonist falls in love with a huntress rather than a prince, delves into old tales with modern sensibilities. Ms. Lo would like to share her story, particularly with gay youth, and thus her giveaway. After my request, she sent me 6 copies to share with Willard's Gay-Straight Alliance, a club that meets after school on Fridays. I loaned a copy to Ms. James, Ms. Ruiz and Ms. Arthur to read over the break before we share the book with the student members. I think they will enjoy this novel of romance, grief, mystery and magic.

In other news: We collected 565 cans, boxes, jars, and bags of food to share with 11 Willard families. Each family received about three shopping bags full of food. The Alameda County Food Bank will be collecting the surplus cans in January.

I hope you are all enjoying your break and reading extensively. See you in 2011!

Willard Helping Willard Food Drive

2010-12-10T13:24:00.000-08:00

Hungry? You aren't alone. Families throughout Berkeley often do not have enough food to adequately feed their children. One in six people in Alameda County rely on the Alameda Food Bank to help feed themselves. During this time of sharing, Willard Middle School wants to remember those in need and reach out to help them. To accomplish this we are staging our third annual "Willard Helping Willard" food drive.

We are asking that students and families bring in food to share with needy families in the Willard community. Starting Monday, bring in donations of non-perishable food items such as pasta, beans, canned soup, and cereal. Please remember that we cannot accept donations of food in glass jars, perishable food, frozen food, fresh produce, soda, and baby food or formula or non-food items. There will be bins for each grade level in the library. We will be collecting food everyday for the next two weeks, until Winter Break.

Also, if you are a family that requires food assistance please call Carolyn Ruiz at 644-6330 to let us know of your need. We will then distribute the food Willard collects as a result of the food drive to as many of the families requesting assistance as possible during the Winter Break.

Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Food Drive coordinators Aaron Jorgensen, Michael Williams and Jessica Lee

Fundraiser for Willard Nov. 13 - 14 at Mrs. Dalloway's Bookstore

2010-11-12T11:28:00.000-08:00

MRS. DALLOWAY'S SCHOOL BENEFIT WEEKEND
Saturday, November 13th, 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
&
Sunday, November 14th, 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm

2904 College Avenue, Berkeley
One Block North of Ashby
510 704-822

For every purchase you make at Mrs. Dalloway's this weekend, the store will reimburse Willard for 20% of your total purchase. Please make sure you keep your receipts and turn them in to Jessica Lee by November 30th. This is a great opportunity to stock up on holiday gift items, such as children's books, cookbooks, adult fiction, gardening books, and gift certificates for teachers. It's also a great way to support Willard!

6th Grade Book Club!

2010-11-12T10:35:00.000-08:00

Starting this Thursday, November 18th, join our book discussion group. Bring your lunch to the library and chat with Ms. Arthur and Ms. Lee about some great and popular books. Vote on your favorite books. Meet local authors. Enjoy scintillating conversations. Make new friends. And read! There is room for 15 students so sign-up soon!

Rebecca Stead Comes to Willard!

2010-03-17T15:03:00.000-07:00

by guest author Thafir Elzofri, 7th grader

On Wednesday, February 3, 2010, a famous author named Rebecca Stead came to Willard at the Metal Shop Theater from 12:30 to about 1:30. She talked about lots of things about her book and how she came up with one of her two books, When You Reached Me. Her other book is called First Light. She talked about what When You Reach Me was about to be callled and her experience with the story.

One thing she talked about was the title. She said picking the title is the hardest and took about one month. She came up with You Are Here, but sadly she found out that another book was coming that was called You Are Here. It took about 2 weeks to come up with that title then another to come up with When You Reach Me.

Another thing she talked about was the writing process. To explain she used a slideshow showing a picture of lightning which represented a the flash of idea or inspiration. Another thing she showed was a picture of a chair which represented the hard work. She kept doing those steps over and over.

Rebecca said that the book included stuff that happened to her in real life. For example, she said that the "Laughing Man" was what she called a man when she used to go to school and see a man that would always laugh. Also in the book the girl named Miranda loved a book called A Wrinkle in Time, and Rebecca also loved that book. The last thing I can remember she said was her mom was actually on the $20,000 Pyramid.

I'm not the only one who liked the book, so she won a Newbery Award in 2010. In conclusion she was a great speaker as well as a great writer. If I was you, I would read the book. Over all I would like to recommend When You Reach Me to you, SO READ IT!!!!

Book Club Designing T-Shirts

2010-01-06T09:42:00.000-08:00

DigitaLit, the Tuesday afterschool book club, is designing our very own t-shirts. Here are a few of our proposed designs.

Make custom t-shirts at CustomInk.com

Think you can do better? Come to the Student Center next Tuesday at 3:00. We will also be reading the beginning of "When You Reach Me" by Rebecca Stead, Ms. Lee's favorite read of 2009.

Fundraiser Nov. 21 at Mrs. Dalloway's Bookstore

2009-11-13T10:58:00.000-08:00

Mrs. Dalloway’s
School Benefit Day
Saturday, November 21, 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
2904 College Ave (between Russell and Ashby)

Mrs. Dalloway’s will reimburse Willard School for 20% of the total purchases made by your school community on Saturday, November 21. What a great way to support your school, and at the same time stock up on holiday gift items, such as children’s books, cookbooks, adult fiction, gardening books, and gift certificates for teachers!
All you need to do is keep your receipts from your purchases and turn them in to Jessica Lee, Teacher Librarian at Willard Middle School, by November 24.

In case you haven’t heard, Mrs. Dalloway’s has expanded. We now share the old Elmwood Pharmacy space with One Love Café. Come check out our new kid’s section!
Come shop with us and support Willard Middle School!

Note: There is a wishlist of titles you can purchase at Mrs. Dalloway's and donate directly to the Willard Library.

DigitaLit

2009-09-21T15:53:00.000-07:00

Join us Tuesdays for a book club with a technological twist. Or you can think of it as a computer club for the literati. Students will select the books. Then we will post on-line reviews through GoodReads. Then the fun begins. Will we record a podcast, create a video, manipulate some images, or play with a website? The choices are limitless.

If you like to read, play on computers, hang out with librarians, and eat snacks, then join us for DigitaLit on Tuesdays in the Willard Student Center.

Sharon Draper Author Visit

2009-05-22T14:24:00.000-07:00

The kids shuffled into the auditorium one overcast morning. They sat politely in metal folding chairs, waiting for their classmates to settle in. Then a woman in a brilliant orange jacket with an equally bright smile lit up the stage. Sharon Draper had come to Willard. For an hour she kept 300 of our students entertained and engaged as she talked about her life as a writer and the books she has written. Some of them were shocked to learn that even though she is a New York Times Bestselling author and has won the Coretta Scott King Award five times, she does not own a private jet or even consider herself wealthy.
Ms. Draper finds the life of a writer rewarding. But she emphasized the hard work it takes to be successful in her field or in any field the students choose.
I was most impressed with how her stories captured the students’ attention. Her books are extremely popular, even with reluctant readers. And in real life she is just as engaging. Kids described the event as “inspiring” “funny” and “cool”. They raved about meeting a “real author” and are begging for more of her books. The kids glowed as they left Willard’s cafetorium.

Thank you to the Berkeley Public Education Foundation and the Willard PTA for helping fund her visit and purchasing extra copies of her books. And thanks to all the students who helped me set up and welcome her.

New Audiobooks!

2009-03-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

Listen to a story. Audiobooks have just arrived. Check the New Books Cart for the latest Playaways. These were purchased by the Berkeley Public Education Foundation.

NEW BOOKS!!!

2009-03-09T13:58:00.001-07:00

We have just received a shipment of new books. We are unpacking the boxes as quickly as we can. Check them out!

Some of our new and exciting titles:

They are going fast. Put a hold on any titles you really want to read.

Where was I last Thursday?

2009-02-28T09:43:00.000-08:00

I am always surprised and touched by the number of students and staff who ask about me after my absences. And I was somewhere really cool. So let me tell you about it. I was at a workshop for librarians given by Nancy Pearl, model for the librarian action figure and librarian-extraordinaire. She talked about connecting kids and books. The day was inspirational.

I was asked to be one of the three model book talkers at the session. It was quite an honor to share a podium with Nancy. I chose Persepolis:The Story of a Childhood by Marjane Satrapi to talk about. It is a phenomenal story of growing up in a war-torn country and adolescent rebellion under a repressive government. That will be our next book for the Tuesday Comix discussion group. I can't wait to hear what you have to say about it.