Steampunk!

Book Clubbers and those of you in study who don't tune me out when I drone on about my latest interest will have heard me talking about steampunk. I just received some great links to images in an anonymous comment under my Sarah Dessen post and thought I would devote a post to it.  It's a genre in books and film where (as I understand it) the idea is that the Victorian era had access to our technology, or that those advances took place at an earlier time. Sort of an alternate history where steam power would still be widely used. Now, any of you who are closet steampunkers may want to elaborate or correct me on my interpretation.

Is this stuff cool, or what?  The movies Wild Wild West and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen are considered to be examples of steampunk, as is the book Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld (which we have in our library.)  Saskatchewan author Arthur Slade has written The Hunchback Assignments, pictured here with the American cover (Canadian cover has a guy with goggles) which he describes as a  "a new Victorian-era, fantastical steampunk series."  Hopefully coming soon to our library - if you girls are interested.

For Fans of Sarah Dessen

I know many of you have been enjoying Sarah Dessen's books, so I thought I would share with those of you who don't come to Book Club meetings that we have another of her novels, The Truth About Forever This title was actually voted a Teen Top Ten book, so it is sure to be a good read for those of you who enjoy realistic fiction. Fans of the author may want to visit her website at www.sarahdessen.com for more insight into this writer and her novels.

Who likes fun?

So once again I've had my attention drawn to a really interesting video, which led me to look into the project itself, which REALLY intrigued me! So watch this clip and then I'll post the link so you can investigate further.


I think we should have all of the Rivier stairs refinished just like this! So cool! Anyway, the idea behind this project is to come up with fun, new, innovative ways of doing things in order to encourage positive behaviours in people. So what can we come up with, girls?
Check out the website - lots more videos of contest submissions to watch.
thefuntheory.com

It's Still National Poetry Month!

So what does Mrs. C do on her day off? Yes, I am kind of a nerd, because here I am on the internet looking at the PBS website, which led me to a link to a healing poetry site. I'm going to paste a quotation from them here, because their words are just so perfect - I truly could not say it better myself!

"Poems stir us, encourage us to wake, breathe deeply and experience life! Poems are alive. They hold energy. You can discover this life and energy in your words, in the cadence of your voice, and the feeling inside your body upon reading a poem. There are indeed hints inside of poems that become available to you as you write and hear them.

What poems offer relates not only to the present moment, but may come as messengers from the past and clues important for your future messages for you and for humanity. Poetry joins the personal with the universal.

Writing allows us to discover how vulnerabilities and strengths can co-exist, even thrive together. Poems can reveal deep insight and compassion. They can give voice to what is raw and wounded in your life and that honesty, creatively expressed and explored, can bolster and guide you through rough times. Your writing can transform you at profound levels."
You didn't think I'd make you read all that without a picture, did you? These are the totally awesome Miz Mooz boots I just received in the mail yesterday!! I drove home from the post office wearing one boot and one sandal:) It was, of course, too hot to wear both boots.

Okay, back on topic - I'm hoping the above quotation (or my boots) might inspire you to think about taking a few moments to either read a poem (call numbers start around 811 down from the pink flowers on the file cabinet) or write one of your own. Do it in your journal, or if you feel like sharing you know I am always SO happy to receive anything in my comments!!!

New Twilight Novella

So I just found out about this new Twilight novella called The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner: An Eclipse Novella. I guess the fact that I haven't had a lineup at my counter begging to be first when I get it tells me that the Twilight fever has died down somewhat! It's going to be released June 5, I think, and here is the product description from Amazon: "Fans of The Twilight Saga will be enthralled by this riveting story of Bree Tanner, a character first introduced in Eclipse, and the darker side of the newborn vampire world she inhabits. In another irresistible combination of danger, mystery, and romance, Stephenie Meyer tells the devastating story of Bree and the newborn army as they prepare to close in on Bella Swan and the Cullens, following their encounter to its unforgettable conclusion."

Only 192 pages, though, since it's a novella - a little disappointing. I know some of you say you are sick of Twilight, but this one doesn't sound all Edward-y, so we'll see.

Girls Rule And Boys, Quite Possibly, Drool

(Just kidding;}) You have to watch the cutest video ever of these grade one girls inspiring all girls to catch up with boys in the field of technology. Ain't gonna hold us back girls! Look at all of the stuff they are using IN GRADE ONE and then let's keep encouraging our fabulous school to continue incorporating more of these tools into your lessons!

Any Grade Elevens Out There??

Another one of my semi-crazy ideas (often cooked up with Mrs. Bonneau!) If any of the Grade Eleven Travel Group happen to be following the blogs - because I know you're doing a great job of updating the travel one - how about some poems or haikus about your experience over there? Just add them to my comments section - you may remain anonymous if you prefer. Check out the comments under my previous posts to see what some of the other girls have submitted so far! I am looking forward to seeing all of you soon and hearing what I am sure will be some fascinating stories:)

P.S. If anyone has purchased any awesome shoes they would like to tell me about, feel free to add that to comments as well!

This week's student book recommendation

Good morning everyone! Cassidy just returned her book, Somebody Else's Kids, and told me it was, and I quote, "a darn good book!" Coincidentally, one of the sisters also just read it and donated a new copy to the library, so we have the updated version now. It was written by Torey L. Hayden and originally published in 1981 (she also wrote One Child.) Cassidy has also read A Child Called It and found this book even better because there are four children's stories to follow. So if you like these types of true stories, come and check it out!

Poetry Slam

Continuing with our poetry theme, I'm posting a link to a video of some students who are involved in writing and performing poetry - I think it's in New York. Anyway, gives you a sneak peak into a different school, some different lives, and a different way of experiencing poetry. Have a look!

Grand Slam: Performance Poetry Engages Students | Edutopia

Remember I'm still hoping that some of you will add your own poetry to my comments - I've received one haiku already!

National Poetry Month

I have just (better late than never) realized that April is national poetry month and that this week is, in fact, Youth Poetry Week. So, what should we do to celebrate? Well, I do have a link to the very cool poemflow site which you should definitely check out if you haven't already, and then you could look at this kind of funny random haiku generator I've added as a new link.
Also, I had this thought that possibly some of you who have that writer's spirit might maybe, maybe post a poem as a comment here on the blog. You could be anonymous,of course if you choose. It's just an idea - I thought it might be a fun way for you to share some of your writing in a different forum. Totally up to you girls whether you want to try it or not. If you do, feel safe in knowing that I check all comments before I allow them to be posted, so there will be no criticism of your writing!

Mrs. C's Haiku
boots or shoes? both tempt;
but today one must sadly
remain at the store

(Inspired by my latest shopping experience at Frontrunner Footwear)

Today's student book recommendation

So Megan D. has kindly reviewed yet another book for me. I think I may have mentioned this one in a previous post about new books - it's called "Just Another Girl" by Melody Carlson. Many of you will be familiar with her previous books, though this one seems a bit of a departure from her other series. The summary inside reads, "Sixteen-year old Aster, caught between a self-absorbed older sister and a mentally-disabled younger one, yearns for a normal life and, with her first boyfriend's encouragement and trust in God, she begins to make things better."

Melody Carlson has been a favorite author of many of you in the past, so this may be a good book to try. It's listed under the subjects of middle children, dating, and single-parent families. Megan's comments were, "Another amazing book. Really easy to relate to with very good wording. Very teenager approved."
So there you have it. Once again, look for it next to the lava lamp!

Book Review

For those of you interested in a bit of a moody read for these rainy days, I think I have a really great one for you. One of our students read "Ways to Live Forever" over the break and left me a note saying, and I quote, "This book is amazing. I loved it. I think lots of girls will love it - it's so touching and it really gives you something to think about."

So what is this wonderful book about? Well, here's how it starts:

My name is Sam.
I am eleven years old.
I collect stories and fantastic facts.
By the time you read this,
I will probably be dead.

As you may have guessed, Sam is sick - he is in the last stages of leukemia, and he wants to experience everything he possibly can and answer all of the questions nobody ever answers. The book is written as a collection of his journal entries, lists, questions, and pictures, so it's a quick read. And don't think it's all doom and gloom because it has funny moments too. So come give it a try - I'll keep it on special display by the lava lamp!

What I Did Over Easter Break.

Welcome back girls! I hope everyone had a nice break and hello to any grade elevens who may be following the blogs from Europe! I will not be at school Monday as I have a medical appointment in Saskatoon, but will be back in action Tuesday. I did buy some lovely new sandals last week and since it's too cold to wear them will have to share them here instead:)

My friend also indulged herself with a new pair and I am very tempted to buy the same ones! She was more adventurous and bought the green - very springy!


So that's the shopping part of this post, now on to the book part: Tuesday will see the re-launch of SENIOR BOOK CLUB! That's right, we will once again have both junior and senior book clubs, with senior meeting on Tuesday at 11:40 and juniors meeting on Thursdays. Remember, you can come to talk about books, movies, music, art, or just to keep me up to date on what's happening in the world of teenage girls! Come on down to the library - all the cool people will be there.