Ahhh, Summer Vacation!

Only a week has gone by since we got out for summer break and I've already finished two books on my to-read list. The classic Silas Marner by George Eliot (a woman writing under a man's name), was a bit of a challenge with its almost archaic language and writing style, but in the end turned out to be an enjoyable read. Similarly, La Línea by Ann Jaramillo was more modern, but presented its own share of language issues as well. The writer liberally sprinkles words and phrases en español throughout the text, which can be a little confusing if the reader isn't familiar with Spanish. Some sayings are translated in the accompanying text, but many are just dropped in for you to figure out on your own. I guess the point being that, if one finds reading a book with Spanish phrases difficult for an English speaking person, imagine how hard it must be for someone coming to this country speaking only native Spanish to adapt here. The title, La Línea, refers to the borderline separating Mexico and the U.S. Thousands of people, most of them children, try to cross it every year in pursuit of a better life. The author is a middle school ESL teacher in California who got the inspiration for this, her first book, from her students, many of whom are young people who left behind friends and family seeking opportunity and shelter with distant relatives in America. The fact-based novel will certainly give you some things to think about and just might change your opinion on the current administration's immigration policies. I like Jaramillo's use of the border metaphor to symbolize the various real and imaginary lines we all must cross in life. My only complaint with the writing is that the journey of the main characters is covered in such detail all the way through the book, only to suddenly leap forward ten years at the end. I wanted to know what happened to Miguel and Elena immediatly after they looked over the top of that last hill. That might be a good discussion question for a student reading group. Perhaps the author is planning a sequel to fill in the 10-year gap. Guess we'll all have to wait and see... This book is sure to be popular in Texas, and was a wise choice for the 2007-2008 Lone Star Reading List.

School's Out!

Frankie and I went to Scholastic's annual Warehouse sale last weekend and I was able to purchase almost every title on the 2007-2008 Texas Lone Star Reading List. After processing and putting them into the computer at school, I brought a big bag of books home to read over the next few weeks since I will have lots more time now that school is out. I've already started Shug, and Black Duck, in between bouts with Silas Marner (what can I say...I was in the mood for a classic), but there are other titles that look appealing as well. Looking forward to just chillin' with a book for a few days. Donna, my assistant, took a stack home too, so we can compare notes when we come back in August. When we left Scholastic, we stopped at a Half-Price Books in Mesquite and I was able to find several DK Eyewitness titles we didn't own for the middle school library. I am about 70% complete on my quest to have every title in that series for the kids. They really like the photos, captions, and use of white space in this wonderfully informative series.

Donna and I just finished probably the best inventory we have ever gone thru. We started a couple of days early, took our time, and made sure everything we looked at was correctly shelved, labeled, barcoded, etc. There were only a couple of books out of place, and only a fraction of the usual number of titles missing from the count. I keep thinking a security system would help in this respect, but where do you put it when there are five entrance doors into your library?

I'm a little sad, but nonetheless relieved I won't be in charge of the school yearbook next year. That should give me more time to concentrate on doing a better job as librarian. Already kicking around some ideas I compiled from the Texas Library Connection listserv a while back. I am still singing the praises of that weeding workshop we attended at TLA. We have made lots of room on the shelves for new materials, and on the last day of school, we gave away all the discarded books to students who wanted something to take home for summer reading.

No books to add to the "finished reading" list yet, but I'm working on it.