From the Desk of Laura Glaab...
At the beginning of the year when I set out to name 2017-2018 as "The Year of the Book," I started a count of each book I read. I think Angie’s class was my inspiration. They kept track of their books similar to the students in Donalyn Miller's novel, The Book Whisperer. With great intentions, I lost track sometime in January. Sorry about that. In place of my original count, I compiled a small list of books that meant a lot to me this year. ENJOY - Happy Summer Reading!
Children’s Books
XO, Ox by Adam Rex - In February, I read this to every K-2 class at Izzi B. The teachers laughed more than the students, but who wouldn’t love an ox writing love letters to a gazelle!
This is not a Valentine by Carter Higgins - Suzi Tonini, Izzi B’s previous librarian, actually sent this my way in early May. It’s funny and heart-warming, even if it’s May, not February.
Goldilocks and The Three Dinosaurs by Mo Willems - It’s well-known in the Izzi B Office if you're having a bad day, I will read a children’s book to you to cheer you up! This is one of my favorite cheer-up books!
Chapter Books
The Ethan I was Before by Ali Standish - A completely heartbreaking novel, but all the good ones are. Fifth Graders told me to read it and their recommendation was spot-on.
Love that Dog and Hate that Cat by Sharon Creech - Old favorites of mine I got to enjoy again this year with Second Graders. You will laugh; you will cry; you will love poetry by the end.
Refugee by Alan Gratz - This book is the telling of four children who escape their war-torn country in different places and time periods. One is leaving Syria, another from Cuba and one flees the Holocaust in Europe. It’s a beautiful and terrifying reminder of how similar all children are.
Young Adult Books
Phantom Limbs by Paula Garner - Part humor and part heartbreak for an aspiring Olympic swimmer and his one-armed best friend and swim coach.
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds - An inside look at the torture it takes to be a teen in an inner-city neighborhood run by gangs. Written in prose, it’s a tough but beautiful read.
The Crossover by Kwame Alexander - Kwame Alexander is one of the greatest novelist of all time. If you don’t know about him, you should.
Adult Books
In the Midst of Winter by Isabel Allende - If the political climate has you thinking about our world, this is the book to fill your heart. It weaves together the lives of four people from around the world who meet in New York and tell the tales of their connection.
Mindset by Dr. Carol Dweck - Parents, teachers, students, everyone needs this book. The vignettes include everyone from athletes to Einstein. The Izzi B staff all received a copy last week for summer reading.
Exit West by Mohsin Hamid - A little science-fiction meets realistic fiction as refugees escape war-torn countries through portals. It’s as good as the reviews say.
For questions or conversation, reach out to Laura Glaab via email or phone 720-423-9900.
Take Action...
ARTS Week
ARTS Week begins Tuesday! We need your help to make the week's events as successful as possible. Please review the sign up sheet and contribute if you're able to. Arts Week sign ups are located at the end of the signup. We appreciate you all and your support. For questions, contact Tabetha Ross, Izzi B office manager.
What's Going on With...
Clothes to Kids of Denver
Need school-appropriate clothing for your kids? Clothes to Kids of Denver (CTKD) can help! The non-profit organization provides new and quality used clothing in a store-like setting to students from low-income or in-crisis families in the Denver Metro area. To be eligible, students must: be 3-21-years-old and enrolled in preschool-12th grade, or working toward a GED; live in the 10-county Denver Metro Area; and be considered in need of assistance. Eligible students receive five pairs of new underwear, five pairs of new socks, five tops, four bottoms (pants, shorts, skirts or dresses), one jacket, and one pair of shoes. Ready to shop? Watch this quick video to see how CTKD works, or visit us online at www.clothestokidsdenver.org. Call 720-379-4630 with questions.
Save the Date...
Last Day of School
The last day of school is Thursday, May 31. It is a full day of school. Join us for an all-school picnic from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Students may stay at school the entire day or leave with their families after the picnic. For questions, contact School Secretary, Alexis Walker.
Mark Your Calendar...
Monday, May 28, All day - No school (Memorial Day)
Tuesday, May 29-Wednesday, May 30 - ARTS Week
Wednesday, May 30, 6 p.m. - Fifth Grade Continuation
Thursday, May 31, All day - Last Day of School
Comments