Week in Review: That’s a Wrap!

It’s been quiet in the library this past week. The Sophomores finished their papers and turned them in for grading, 6th graders finished their Scientists in the Field projects, and the high schoolers are preparing for finals next week.

We had a one-day storm on Thursday which made the perfect day for tea.

On Friday to celebrate the end of their Scientists in the Field projects, students were visited by scientist and author Dorothy Hinshaw Patent. Dr. Patent has written two Scientists in the Field books and is working on her third. She’s also written several other books on various topics, especially dogs (she’s a dog person). Dr. Patent discussed her extensive experience has a scientist traveling and observing different animals and then writing about them.

Bonus:

Two puppy visitors in one day! Look at this adorable and tiny puppy!

And look at this adorable and giant puppy visitor!

Author recommendations

Jordan Sonnenblick Skype Visit

On Friday, October 4th, we had a Skype visit with Jordan Sonnenblick, the author of Drums, Girls, & Dangerous Pie, which was this year’s required summer reading for middle school.

Jordan talked to us from his kitchen in Pennsylvania about the origins of Drums, Girls, & Dangerous Pie, and how he shaped a lot of the characters from people he knew in real life. He based Steven on himself and said Jeffrey was based on his son.

Many students asked Jordan some really great questions–about his writing process, how he deals with writer’s block (he said he would like “to jump off a cliff” sometimes), and how he manages to be a writer and a dad at the same time. He talked about being a musician and how that also inspires his writing. He had some great tips for all the writers in the audience (query letters, oh my!)

We enjoyed our Skype visit with Mr. Sonnenblick! His new book, Are You Experienced? was released on September 3rd–come on down to Matthew’s Library to check it out.

For Fans of The Fault in Our Stars

Favorite young adult author, John Green, will be answering questions about The Fault in Our Stars on Good Reads on January 23rd. You can submit a question on the discussion board or just follow the conversation. It is a great opportunity if you have a burning question about the book. If you have not read the book yet, you might want to avoid the page though, as there will be spoilers!

Also, John Green and his brother Hank had a show at Carnegie Hall on January 15th, which was streamed live on YouTube. Special guest stars include author Neil Gaiman and the band, The Mountain Goats. The show doesn’t start until about minute 35, so you can skip ahead a bit. Enjoy!

(Note: if you are logged in via the student network, you’ll need to log on through a network outside the school to access YouTube.)