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Calling All 4th and 5th Graders
Book Bowl The Sakura Book Bowl is a competitive quiz game for Sakura Medal chapter book readers in Grades 4 and 5 who want to go the extra mile. A team of 10-12 students who qualify for the ASIJ Book Bowl will compete against other international schools for the title of All Japan Book Bowl Champions. The final will be held the last week in February. In order to qualify for the ASIJ Book Bowl Team, students in Grades 4 and 5 must read all of the books from one of the tracks below, complete their Book Bowl Study Guide, pass a final quiz for their track of books and attend one monthly discussion meeting (November – February). Ms. Pretz will book talk all books from the three tracks two times during lunch recess beginning October 15th. See the book talk dates for each track below.
Cruising – October 17th and 22nd
Flying – October 16th and 21st
Warp – October 15th and 20th
Sakura Medal 2015
What is the Sakura Medal? Since 2006, students in several international schools in Japan have read the Sakura Medal Contenders selected by the International Librarians of Japan committee. Each participating school casts their votes the last week in April. At the elementary level, a Sakura Medal is awarded for Best Picture Book, Best Chapter Book and Best Graphic Novel.
For more information go to: Sakura Medal 2015 (click to open)
Sakura Reading Goals – Students in Grades 1 – 5 can participate by setting their own reading goal.
1) Personal Goal – Read at least one or more Sakura Medal Contenders in any category.
2) Sakura Medal Judge – Read at least 5 picture books, 5 chapter books and/or 3 graphic novels and cast a vote at the Sakura Medal Voting Party that will be held in the ASIJ Elementary Library in April.
3) Sakura Book Bowl Team – Students in Grades 4-5 who read all of the books from one “chapter book track” and meet all of the requirements are eligible to qualify for the ASIJ Book Bowl Team which will compete against other international teams the last week in February. This year, Nishimachi International School will host the 2015 Book Bowl Competition.
When Will the Sakura Contenders be Released?
Book Bowl Competitors: October 27th
Sakura Medal Participants Grades 3-5: November 3rd
Sakura Medal Participants Grades 1-2: February 2nd
4K Book Talks – October 2, 2014
Biography
A brief biography of Serbian-American scientist Nikola Tesla, whose early fascination with electricity caused him to go on to invent alternating current and many devices that helped bring electricity to American households and, eventually, the rest of the world, at the turn of the twentieth century.
Fantasy
Authors put a modern spin on classic Greek Myths in this new series! Follow the ins and outs of divine social life on Mount Olympus Academy where the most privileged godboys and goddess girls in the Greek Pantheon hone their magical skills.
Mystery
A young boy named Egan sets out to prove that the strange sounds coming from the top of the Mammoth Mountains near his aunt and uncle’s home–which the villagers believe are the cries of a mysterious monster–have a reasonable explanation.
Realistic Fiction
Kevin Henkes introduces second-grader Billy Miller in this fast-paced and funny story about friendship, sibling rivalry, and elementary school. The Year of Billy Miller was named a 2014 Newbery Honor book. Perfect for fans of the Ramona books; Frindle, by Andrew Clements; and the Clementine series.
Historical Fiction
In this fast-paced, courageous, and inspiring story, readers adventure with Charley (Charlotte) Parkhurst, as she first finds work as a stable hand, becomes a famous stage-coach driver and fools everyone by her appearance. Posing as a man for most of her adult life, it wasn’t until after her death that anyone discovered Charley Parkhurst was a woman.
Fantasy
Twelve-year-old Princess Aurora has been cursed to prick her finger and sleep for one hundred years, but before her fate can come to pass, she and her sister Luna embark on a perilous journey to find the fairy who can break the curse.
4R Book Talks – October 2, 2014
Biography
Who was George E Ohr? What led him to create the twisting, intriguing, and unique ceramics from Mississippi mud? Why did his work remain unknown for decades? This award-winning biography looks at the life of potter George E. Ohr, known for his unique designs, whose work did not become widely successful until after his death.
Mystery
Twelve-year-old Steve Brixton, a fan of Bailey Brothers detective novels, is mistaken for a real detective and must elude librarians, police, and the mysterious Mr. E as he seeks a missing quilt containing coded information. Since when can librarians rappel from helicopters? Does Steve have any brothers or sisters? You will solve these mysteries and more by the time you finish book one of this four part series.
Historical Fiction
In 1935, when her mother gets a job housekeeping for a woman who does not like children, eleven-year-old Turtle is sent to stay with relatives she has never met in far away Key West, Florida. Key West is hot and strange, full of rag tag boy cousins, family secrets, scams, and even buried pirate treasure! Before Turtle knows what’s happened, she finds herself coming out of the shell she’s spent her life building, and as she does, her world opens up in the most unexpected ways. Filled with adventure, humor and heart and an unforgettable ending, that will surprise most readers.
Mystery
Eleven-year-old Riley Mack and his friends, Briana, Mongo, Jake and Jamal outwit the school bully, solve the mystery of who stole the goldendoodle named Poodle, and get evidence to help the FBI catch bank robbers. If you’re looking for a page turner that is full of fast-paced adventure and dialogue, you’re going to love this new series with a hero you’ll never forget.
Fantasy
Twelve-year-old Princess Aurora has been cursed to prick her finger and sleep for one hundred years, but before her fate can come to pass, she and her sister Luna embark on a perilous journey to find the fairy who can break the curse. This fast-paced book is full of lush descriptions, fearsome beasts and raging storms. Will the sisters give up? Will they find their aunt, a fairy who may be able to break the spell? I recommend this book to fans of Gail Carson Levine and Shannon Hale.
Realistic Fiction
Fish Finelli and his friends set out to find Captain Kidd’s treasure, rumored to be buried on nearby Lyons Island, but it seems like the local library director is looking for it as well… finding the treasure may be the key to saving the island from developers. Will Fish and his friends win the bet with bully Bryce Billings and succeed in finding the treasure? The first book in a series that will inspire you to use your imagination and explore the universal theme of friendship and loyalty.
Source: Follett Summaries
4N Book Talks – September 22, 2014
Realistic Fiction/Humor
Charlie Bumpers is sure he does not stand a chance of getting along with his fourth grade teacher and despite his best efforts to be neat and well-behaved, he always seems to be in trouble until he discovers her secret. How will he survive a year under a teacher who is just waiting for him to make another stupid mistake?
Fantasy/Science Fiction
Zachary Night has been waiting his whole life for this moment. Like his family before him, he’s finally headed to Indigo 8, a top secret training center where future Starbounders learn the skills to protect the galaxy. Soon after learning warp glove basics something goes wrong and Zachary will have to get back to Earth on his own and fast—before there’s no Earth left to go back to.
Mystery
Middle-schooler Madeline’s hippy parents have been kidnapped from Hornby Island, Canada, by foxes and Madeline, upon discovering that she can understand animal languages, hires two rabbit detectives to find them. A cast of unforgettable characters: there’s Mr. and Mrs. Bunny, who drive a smart car, wear fedoras, and hate marmots; the Marmot, who loves garlic bread and is a brilliant translator; and many others.
Fantasy
Authors put a modern spin on classic Greek Myths in this new series! Follow the ins and outs of divine social life on Mount Olympus Academy where the most privileged godboys and goddess girls in the Greek Pantheon hone their magical skills.
Source: Follett Summaries
Meet Your Librarian – Ms. Pretz
I
‘m Ms. Pretz, and I will be your librarian this year. My husband, Mr. Mitrisin, is the new primary visual arts teacher. We have one daughter, Zoe, who will begin her first year of college this fall. I’ve been an international educator at four international schools and have taught every grade PK-8 at some capacity. I’ve even taught a few ASIJ students, past and present. Most recently, I was the elementary librarian at The American Embassy School in New Delhi, India. I am excited to be your librarian, and I’m looking forward to getting to know all of your reading needs and putting great books into your hands.
Happy National Poetry Month — Bead a Rook!
April is National Poetry Month
All poetry books can be found in the 811’s in the nonfiction section of the library.
Why read poetry?
Poetry makes excellent read aloud material for families. It is also an excellent genre to help with reading fluency, as well as volume and stamina.
Recommended Poetry Books
Jack Prelutsky
The New Kid on the Block
Something BIG Has Been Here
A Pizza the Size of the Sun
The Dragons Are Singing Tonight
The Baby Uggs Are Hatching
Shel Silverstein (also wrote bawdy adult material)
A Light in the Attic
Where the Sidewalk Ends
Falling Up
Judith Viorst (mostly writes fiction/nonfiction for children and adults)
If I Were In Charge of the World and Other Worries
Kali Dakos (Author), G. Brian Karas (Illustrator)poetry)
If You’re Not Here, Please Raise Your Hand: Poems About School
If you’re looking for some digital sites that have poetry, I recommend the following:
Listen to and read poems by theme or form.
Poetry is not meant to be something you read quietly to yourself, it is something to share and to hear out loud. Here, if you have RealAudio, you can hear the author of the book Old Elm Speaks read several seasonal poems from her book. In one poem it is spring and Old Elm’s leaf buds are just popping, in others his helicopter seeds are twirling, and in others still his leaves are free or many colored.
Animated poems and audio with Shel Silverstein’s reading some of his most famous poems.
Poetry Writing With Jack Prelutsky, Karla Kuskin, and Jean Marzollo
Judith Viorst – The Academy of American Poets
ASIJ ES LIBRARY 