Ramona and Beezus at the Movies

I always cringe when a story I have loved shows up on the big screen. Will the movie get it right? I know that the film can't be the same as a the book but... if the story is well told with characters that are true to their print selves, then I am fine.

So, what's the verdict for our favorite Beverly Cleary characters? According to reviewer Kent Turner, we are in for a treat. Ramon and Beezus opens ... now and I hope to see it soon. Read the review here: Ramona and Beezus.

Let me know what you think...

Great Books for listening and reading -- Free downloads!!

Here's some good news! Each week, from now until September 1st, you can download two totally FREE audiobooks through SYNC at http://audiobooksync.com/.

Each week, two new titles will be available for download. One is a current teen favorite; the other is a classic on the same theme. Check out this week's choices below. It's summer time and the listenin' is easy and FREE -- with SYNC.

Anyone may participate! There's no sign-up or personal information required. The titles are in MP3 format, compatible with any digital player or computer and the choices are top titles from the best audiobook producers --how much better could it get!

There's an entire community of listeners, readers, authors, narrators and audiobook producers -- all interacting at SYNC. Listeners -- age 13+ -- are invited to join the conversation about the featured books.

Enjoy!

Over the End Line by Alfred C. Martino
The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay

Teaching with and about books

Three great email based newsletters keep you abreast of new titles of interest to students and their teachers. Find suggestions for independent reading, thematic lists of titles, website recommendations, author websites, discussion guides, and so much more. Sign up is free and easy. These newsletters are made available to you by School Library Journal and TeachingBooks.net. Access the sign up at https://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/subscribe.asp?screen=pi8

SLJ Extra Helping (Weekly)

You'll find Hot Picks, our latest reviews: Remarkable Reads, with read-alikes and other book suggestions: Librarian's Internet, Gail Junion-Metz's selection of a site not to be missed:TechTrends, to keep you ahead of the curve.

Curriculum Connections (Monthly)

What are the best resources to use in your classroom? Curriculum Connections reviews the latest books and other materials for children and young adults, links them to the curriculum, and offers expert advice on activities and programs to keep your students reading and learning.

SLJTeen (Twice a month)

This newsletter provides young adult librarians in public libraries, high school librarians, and high school teachers with the latest information about content for teens (books, graphic novels, anime, films, and games), technology (handheld hardware, social networking and other software), and teen consumer information.