Introducing Our Student Guest Blogger!!

Exciting news today girls! Most of you will know Tristen from having seen her around the school over the last few years, and if you have read any of the comments under my posts you will have enjoyed some of her great book reviews also. So, I, in my GREAT wisdom (ha ha) have decided to hand over the blog to her every now and then to let her review some of the books she has read. So, here in her very first blog post, is TRISTEN (fanfare follows...)

In the story “The Blue Girl” by Charles de Lint, it is not only a story of new beginnings but also the start of magical happenings. Imogene Heap, the new girl at Redding High discovers that while she tries to leave her past behind she is also beginning to enter a completely new world of imaginary friends, ghosts, and fairies.
Charles de Lint is able to paint a new world of magic never seen before, with characters that will surely stay with you, and a new take on fairytales that will leave you craving more.
My reason for my intense love for this book is his play on words, and the description he gives for everything through various character's perspective. He is able to stretch this story from our personal history with bedtime stories to the reality of life we all experience.
I give this wonderful piece of literature a complete 5/5 stars.

Mrs. C speaking again with a big thanks to Tristen for a great review of a book which I am personally looking forward to reading. Charles de Lint is also a Canadian author, which I love, as well as winner of the World Fantasy Award. Definitely worth checking out - get the library humour? I have put a senior label on it, though, so it is for grades ten and up.

A touching little story...with shoes, too!

A good friend just sent me an email which included this little story.  I think it sort of ties into our "walking in the word" theme this year so I would like to share it with you girls.  The best I can find is "Author Unknown," so I can't credit anyone in particular for writing this:
An eye witness account from New York City , on a cold day in December, some years ago: A little boy,
about 10-years-old, was standing before a shoe store on the roadway, barefooted, peering through the window, and shivering with cold.
A lady approached the young boy and said,
"My, but you're in such deep thought staring in that window!"
"I was asking God to give me a pair of shoes," was the boy's reply.
The lady took him by the hand, went into the store, and asked the clerk to get half a dozen pairs of socks
for the boy. She then asked if he could give her a basin of water and a towel. He quickly brought them to her.
She took the little fellow to the back part of the store and, removing her gloves, knelt down, washed
his little feet, and dried them with the towel.
By this time, the clerk had returned with the socks.. Placing a pair upon the boy's feet, she purchased him
a pair of shoes..
She tied up the remaining pairs of socks and gave them to him.. She patted him on the head and said, "No
doubt, you will be more comfortable now."
As she turned to go, the astonished kid caught her by the hand, and looking up into her face, with tears
in his eyes, asked her,
"Are you God's wife?"

So my hope is that all of you, our Rivier girls, are becoming just like the woman in this story.  See how shoes are important in so many ways ? :)

Girl Power!

In light of some of the issues we've discussed in book club lately, and from what I've been hearing about Amnesty's discussions also, I thought this video might be of interest to some of you. Any of you who have read I Am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced or Sold will understand the reality of these girls' lives.

I'm also cataloguing a new book - Book Club girls already know about it - which discusses several different women's issues around the globe. Here's the cover:
If you can't read the subtitle, it's "Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide."   Let me know if you're interested in it.  Definitely more of a senior-level read, though.

Mamma Mia!

Okay, I am really going to miss coming along with all of you on the Mamma Mia road trip, but it IS Charlie's birthday and I just don't think it's right for a kid to come home to an empty house on his birthday. (Sigh.) So I've been sitting here watching a few old Abba videos and just had to post the original Mamma Mia song vid. Nothing says "I'm a super-hot pop star" like capri length white bib overalls, don't you think? I do like his shoes though.

It's going to be an Abba week in the library girls!

OHMMM....

Good Morning Girls!
For those of you poor souls who get stuck in study with me day after day,  you know we have been talking quite a bit lately about how to combat that horrible feeling of being overwhelmed by schoolwork, activities, jobs, and all of the other demands in life.  My good friend emailed me a link to a Zen blog a long time ago, and I thought that one of his posts might have a few pertinent tips for young women too.   I know some of you are also struggling with discerning what path to take after Grade 12 is over - think of his advice in that light also.  His post is called Zen Habits: 52 tips for happiness and productivity.
Just a little something to think about.  Have fun at the pep rally and rock those glow sticks!

Something kind of fun!

Well, maybe only if you're a librarian...
There's this site where you can browse through old catalogues, which I find kind of fun and interesting - but then I am kind of old, and also a librarian. Anyway, take a look at the Canadian Museum of Civilization display "Before e-commerce" to have a look at some old Eaton's catalogues and the like.  I also thought this might be useful when you do some of your assignments - I'm not sure which ones, but we will use this website at some point - I can feel it!
On to books - The Bard Academy Series is rocking my world!  Thanks to H.T. from Senior Book Club for letting me totally steal her summer reading list and order her picks for the library.   So this series is set at a boarding school (da da DAH) for bad kids (uh oh) and the teachers are a little strange - but you have to read the books to find out why.  Not one, but two pretty hunky guys, plus the required nerdy friend and crazy roommate - add a spooky twist and these books have it all!  Then there's also a little tweak that's going to have you wanting to read or re-read the classics.  Perfection.

Lies is not the last book!!!

Well, I am sooo disappointed. Now I know how Tristen feels because I am apparently tied into a series that may or may not go on into infinity. I absolutely MUST know what happens to the characters in the Gone series but it is not a trilogy: it is a series of who knows how many books. (I suppose I should do a little research and find out.) I still highly recommend these books - all of you are much younger than me - you have more time to stick it out with these characters.
For those of you wondering exactly what's so exciting about these books, take a look at this trailer from HarperTeen Books:

Librarians Can Rock! Sort of...

Hi Girls! So I'm just enjoying my day off, surfing the net and what do I stumble across but a group of librarians who have adapted "Poker Face" to incorporate their library information. Now I, of course, would have jazzed up the wardrobe a little, but still very cool. Way to go University of Washington librarians!

I am reading the last book in the Gone series and as I told some of you yesterday OMG!!! I cannot believe what is transpiring in this book! But then the title is Lies, so can I believe what I am reading? I just don't know! I don't think I'm going to get anything accomplished today until I just sit down and finish the darn thing. All of you have a great weekend.
P.S. Check Mr. C's blog for an announcement about his new homework help group.

We're living on the edge!

I am just so intrigued by the whole idea of banned and challenged books so I'm going to continue with the same theme today.  I've been on the American Library Association website and I am very surprised at some of the titles which have been challenged in various schools and libraries throughout the United States.  This means that for some reason or another, somebody has attempted to have that book removed from the library shelves.  I'm posting a link to the website, and if you scroll to the bottom of the page you can snoop by year to see which books were on the hotlist.  Just a few that surprised me (and that we have been reading) are Unwind, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, The Kiterunner,  Kaffir Boy, My Sister's Keeper  - I could go on and on.  Many of these are highly acclaimed books.  You'll have to take a look and see why the people were opposed to their presence in the schools/libraries.  Interesting issues to think about!  See you tomorrow.  Junior Bookclub at 12:00.  Maybe 12:02 - depends on what's in my lunch :)

American Library Association Banned Books Week

How do YOU feel about banned books?

Author Ellen Hopkins has written a powerful statement for banned books week (she has a new book for those of you who enjoy her writing. The title is Fallout.) As we have discussed at book club and over the counter, the language in her books is realistic, but a bit too much for the Rivier Library, so as much as I like her writing you'll have to continue to get her books from the Cuelenaere Library. However, I do think she makes a valuable contribution to YA literature.
Here she is speaking out against the banning of books:

Go Guardians!

I had the great pleasure of watching our senior girls play volleyball yesterday and wow,  just wow!  Not only did they win the gold at this weekend's tournament, but they got me thinking about a few things.  As you may have noticed, I tend to think too much.  As I watched the games, I noticed how supportive our girls were of one another; how they gathered together constantly for little pep talks during play to encourage one another.  It wasn't about talking strategy - it was about lifting their teammates up after a minor error or if they'd lost a point.  It truly showed the difference between being on a team and BEING a team.  Way to go girls.  You make us really proud to say, "Yeah, I know those girls.  That's my team."

Whether or not you win those games you are representing Rivier SO well and I just want to say a big thank  you!  Now let's all try to get out and cheer them on!

Found a shirt as crazy as the ones you made!

Taking a break from reading...

Hi girls!
Just taking a break from reading "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian," as recommended to me by Tristen last week, and thoroughly enjoying it. It has me thinking about how we all sometimes feel we don't fit in, which for some reason had me thinking of Lady Gaga (probably because I'm always fascinated by her shoes.) Anyway, there is a person who goes out of her way NOT to fit in and it obviously works for her. Then I thought of the couple of times I've watched her on "Ellen" and she is not as weird as you'd think - really respects her Mom and Dad and just likes hanging out with them and seems to live a kind of low-key life in reality.
So I googled a little and found a couple of quotes from her like these:

"Peace. it does not mean to be in a place where there is no trouble, noise, or hard work. it means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart."
— Lady Gaga

"As a performer I’m outrageous and wild, but as a person I have a very strong moral code. To this day I feel guilt about what I put my parents through when I was younger. I’ll call my mother out of the blue and say, ‘Mom, I’m so sorry about what I did.’ They’re very proud of me today, but I wouldn’t have their pride if I hadn’t listened to them and told them I was sorry. It’s as important to acknowledge your mistakes as it is to get credit for your victories."
-Lady Gaga

She also uses some un-ladylike language on occasion, but I do find her to be a very surprising and interesting person, particularly for a Sunday night internet browse. I'm going to try posting an interview from the Ellen show, and then I'm going to try to finish this really great book which ties in a little with what Lady Gaga is talking about in this clip.

See you tomorrow everyone!

A Volvo is a Car...

And that's all we're going to say on the matter.  Right, Thursday 4th period study girls?  We had a strange day in the library today.  Some of us, in fact, were left totally flabbergasted as evidenced in this photo...

Sometimes you just need your purple blankie.  And a good book of course.  Which leads me to the point of my post, which is to let you know there are lots of great books coming in to the library right now.  If the "new book" shelf looks a little bare it may just be that there's been a lot of people signing stuff out so check with me if you're looking for a certain book so I can put your name on the waiting list.  A few more titles available for checkout this week:



Smile pretty for pictures tomorrow - try to be upright (unlike my model above) - and have a great weekend!

Dipstick Visits the Library

Those of you fortunate enough to have spent a study period in the library this afternoon will have enjoyed some cuddles from Michelle's very lucky little kitten pictured here:

Dipstick went to great lengths to get to school today, so was exhausted by this afternoon - as you can see from this photo.  His determination to get to school at great risk to his own health and safety should serve as an example to all of you (Hailey.)  His presence in the library was certainly a treat for all of us aside from one unfortunate incident, of which we will not speak:)

Something To Think About

This video was linked to one of the blogs I follow and I found it very interesting. I am a big fan of "Teach Paperless" which promotes lots of exciting new innovations in schools so I would like to hear what you girls think of the following piece:


Now don't you feel lucky some of you are even getting to use facebook for your school projects? Yes, you do have a really cool principal.

Happy Tuesday!

Hi to all of you lounging around on your day off. I am going cross-eyed from cataloguing so decided to take a quick break to post a video of one of my favourite authors, Louis Sachar. I just processed his new book "The Cardturner" and can't wait to read it! If you have never read "Holes" READ IT IMMEDIATELY! It is the best book for all ages - I promise you will enjoy it. Anyway, he is the nicest guy and gives some great tips about writing for all of you aspiring writers out there:

Crazy Awesome Boots

Just found this little video about a really cool blue-haired shoemaker. So which one of you is going to grow up to be an awesome shoe designer who always fondly remembers their old school librarian? And sends her each season's new shoes to test out, of course!

Enjoy Your Day Off!

Have a restful Tuesday off everyone! Just wanted to let you know a few new books are in. Tristen is the first to preview "I Am Number Four," and she let me know that there are a few trailers out for the book and movie as well, so here we go:



I'll be spending my Tuesday cataloguing furiously to prepare all of these great books for you. Of course I'll miss you. Sure I will;)

Looking Forward to a Great Year!

Now that we've had a couple of weeks to settle in, I thought I'd post a bit of what's coming up in the next little while.  Sorry for the silence the last week - but I had cake on the brain as I prepared for the dessert auction.  Now that it's over for another year I have cleared my head to think about our library again!
Both Senior and Junior Book Clubs started up last week, Seniors will meet on Tuesdays at 11:40 and Juniors on Thursdays at 12:00.  I'm still thinking about how we're going to fit Green Club in there, so Junior Book Club may be sharing that Thursday lunch hour.
Some books just ordered and on their way:




As usual, there should be a little something for everyone - no matter what your interests are.  Lots more books coming in gradually throughout the year and as you know I am always open to your suggestions too!  Also keep your eyes open for Sr. Zelie's book orders and if you just can't afford the books you want, check with me to see if we can get them for the school (or there's a good chance we might already have them!)

Finally, here's a cute little video I came across - very short and amusing.

Welcome back girls!  I hope everyone had a great summer - though after browsing Miss Campbell's blog I can see that I definitely had the middle-aged version of summer holidays.  Lounge chairs and porch swings for me and my most exciting trip was to see the Crooked Bush in Hafford.   Very spooky, though.  Possible alien involvement, I think.   Life is just full of thrills when you're married to Mr. C.

Also visited the giant moose in Moose Jaw (anatomically correct, btw, to the fascination of my three-year-old nephew) which was also very thrilling.  Did enjoy some great coconut curry chicken fingers at this great diner there.  Those random people are my sister, nephew and parents.  You might recognize Quinn and Charlie.  I guess I could have done a bungee jump off of the moose antlers now that I look at it.  Maybe next year.

Anyway, I did read some great books and am looking forward to chatting about them at book club, or with anyone who sidles up to the counter down in the library!  I'm thinking we'll leave our book club days the same as last year, but let me know your feelings on that over the next few days.

I saw on another blog that there is a new book called "Romeo and Juliet and Vampires" and I'm going to try to be as fancy as my nemesis and insert a HarperCollins widget to allow you to browse inside the book here:

Browse Inside this book Get this for your site

I'm not sure if it will work but will test it later to see if it's actually functional!  Yay it is!!

I know we are "walking in the word" this year and I shouldn't be starting off with a zombie recommendation, but I am just finishing up "Never Slow Dance With A Zombie" and as strange as it sounds, it has some awesome messages in it about the true meaning of friendship, the false promises of popularity, and how to sort out your values as a teenager (all while coping with a zombie infestation of course.) A surprisingly good read.

In the non-fiction genre I LOVED "Med Head" by James Patterson. We talked about it at book club, but I actually read it in its entirety this summer. Wow, what a survival story with a great message for anyone who has struggled with fitting in at school. The young man in the book spent all of elementary and high school coping with both OCD and Tourettes and the horrible side effects of all of the medications he was prescribed for his conditions. I know a few of you would REALLY enjoy this book.

That's all for now - see you tomorrow!

Happy Summer Holidays!

Look at the beautiful cupcake Lauren T. gave me last week!  Thank goodness I snapped a photo before
Mr. C. thoughtlessly ate a petal.  (No appreciation for the hours of work that go into projects like this.)

I hope you all have a wonderful, fun-filled summer holiday and return rested and rejuvenated in the fall!  
Enjoy your summer reading - I just finished The Reckoning by Kelley Arnstrong (Book 3) in the Darkest Powers trilogy and loved it!  An amazing series,  if you enjoy a bit of the spooky stuff, which I have since I learned to read.  Her adult novels are excellent also, but definitely content for grades eleven and up.  Those you would have to get from the public library.  They don't have the same characters as her young adult trilogy, but there is a bit of overlap.
Today, saying goodbye to Pauline and Sayaka, and having said my farewells to Ayumi earlier I've been thinking what an amazing time you girls are growing up in  - when you will be able to keep in touch with these new friends, no matter how far away, on facebook or other social networking sites in ways I couldn't have imagined when I was in high school back in the late '70s and early 80's.  SO COOL!!  There is so much out there for you, and I, for one am so excited and hopeful for your futures.
But first, let's all have a wickedly awesome summer:)
And remember your sunscreen - melanoma is not cool.

Keep bringing in those books...and some mushy stuff

Yes, I will be nagging all of you about returning your books from now until I see the back of your backpacks leaving through the hedges for the last time this year.  PLEASE bring my babies back to me.  They want to come home to their cosy shelves for the summer and they will be waiting for you again in the fall.  I promise.  That's how libraries work if we all co-operate.  To the young reprobate who made off with the B volume of the World Book Encyclopedia last fall:  now would be an awesome time to discreetly return it to the shelf, or even just leave it lying around your classroom where it can be found and turned in.

Now, on to the kind of mushy stuff.  I came across one of those books published by Blue Mountain Arts, called Required Reading for All Teenagers it's written by Douglas Pagels and full of  kind of inspirational blurbs.  So one of them in particular seemed appropriate for this time of year as we approach Grad, goodbyes for some friends and new beginnings.  Here is what the author wrote (and what I as a Mom and your librarian totally agree with):

Words to Help You Be Strong Along the Path of Life:

I  can barely begin to tell you of all my wishes for you.  There are so many of them, and I want them all to come true.  I want you to use your heart as a compass as you grow and find your way in the world, but I want you to always have an appreciation for the direction of home.  I want you to have self-esteem and self-confidence and to be self-sufficient, but also to be safe and smart and cautious.  I want you to be wise beyond your years.  I don't want you to grow up too fast.  I want you to come to me with your fears.  I want the people who share your days to realize that they are in the presence of a very special someone.  You are a wonderful, rare person with no comparison.  I want you to know that opportunities will come, and you'll have many goals to achieve.  The more that obstacles get in the way of your dreams, the more you'll need to believe.  Get your feet wet with new experiences, but be sure you never get in over your head.  I want you to realize how capable you are and that your possibilites are unlimited.  I hope you never lose your childlike wonder, your delight and appreciation in interesting things.  I know you'll keep responding in a positive way to the challenges life always brings.  I want you to set the stage for living in a way that reflects good choices and a great attitude.  I want you to honor.. the wonder of you.

Keep looking for all those library books please!

Another rainy day today made me think, why God, why? Which made me think of that really great book we have, "God's Blogs," so I thought I'd check out the author's website (not actually God) and he had posted this really cool stop-motion video.

Which kind of cheered me up, so I thought I'd post a more cheerful rainy day quotation:
"I'll walk down the lane with a happy refrain
And singin', just singin' in the rain." Arthur Freed
Of course, I haven't been outside at track all day ;)

I can see summer from here!

Can you believe it's June 1?  The year always seems to drag a little right after Christmas and then, boom: here we are looking at the end of another school season.  So, once again, time to start looking under beds, car seats, in lockers, desks and backpacks for all of those books (signed out and "borrowed") you've been enjoying this year.  June 10 is the date I'd like them all  back and after that I will be after you like an old-school librarian.
Now, some fun stuff for my girls who love play-doh time in the library: a few new ideas for you to think about next time you're in a creative mood.

No, I'm not making you all of those colors.
Here's an easier one on how to make a nice play-doh rose: