Volume 4, Issue 9
September 2005
Search Tip of the Month
This Month's Features
Spreading the News
Road rage, bullies (children and adults), drive-by shootings in neighborhoods, children maimed by land mines, soldiers killed in war--we are bombarded with these stories and photographs each day. Are you feeling helpless? Well, then, it is time to remember that one person can make a difference and grassroots support is fundamental to change. The UN General Assembly has set September 21 as the permanent date for the International Day of Peace.
Its goals are lofty and worthy of our time--"to devote a specific time to concentrate the efforts of the United Nations and its Member States, as well as of the whole of mankind, to promoting the ideals of peace and to giving positive evidence of their commitment to peace in all viable ways… (The International Day of Peace) should be devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples."
Students can get involved in a civics project by writing to their mayors, governors and legislators to request a proclamation of peace. Schools can hold assemblies and public libraries can present programs on peace and justice in the classroom, school, community and globally. Invite a storyteller to share tales of peace.
For more information about the International Day of Peace, go to www.InternationalDayofPeace.org.
Use the Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD) to find award winning titles for discussion: The Jane Addams Award, The Mildred Batchelder Award and Notable Books for A Global Society (IRA) can offer a myriad of ways to approach the topic. Remember that searches for books on subjects such as "bullies" and "peace poetry" can also be limited by grade level and year of publication in the CLCD.
Does your collection need some new blood other than Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince? Consider using the CLCD Bookstore which provides our subscribers with an extra 5% discount over and above whatever price Barnes & Noble is listing for items that they are selling. This discount applies to anyone who clicks on the B&N Bookstore symbol from the CLCD database. It is not limited to children's books--the discount applies to any item that Barnes & Noble is selling.
For organizations that currently do spot buying, the savings can mount up, and your subscription can probably pay for itself. For students at colleges and universities, this program is also a great way to save some money and pass along a nice benefit. Public library patrons who are purchasing through CLCD also benefit from the program.
If you haven't already advised your library personnel, faculty, students or patrons, please let them know that the 5% savings is available on all their purchases if they use the CLCD/Barnes & Noble bookstore.
Are you looking for something new to entice young people to read? Be sure to look at the selections in our Back to School themed reviews section. Research shows that laughter is the best medicine. Fortify your young readers with Tall Tales. The special relationship between grandparents and grandchildren has been explored in many ways from picture books through teen novels, and our Grandparents' Day themed reviews offer the perfect titles for sharing with your readers. Many teachers find that "Cinderella" offers many lessons for their students, from the diversity of cultures to the fractured fairy tale. We present both in our section on Cinderella Stories.
Deborah Lee Rose, author of One Nighttime Sea, continues her look at marine life in Ocean Babies. We have also updated our features on Mary GrandPré, who is the illustrator of the Harry Potter series, and Steve Jenkins whose new picture book explores animal habitats.
Our monthly newsletter is now available to everyone within an organization, not just the primary contact. A new feature at www.childrenslit.com will provide you with a form allowing you to sign up for just the electronic newsletter. The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database, updated mid-month, is your most complete source of information about children's books. Indeed, it is the next best thing to having the book in hand, and the best tool for leading you to the best books. All at a most affordable price. To subscribe to the CLCD or contact us, go to www.childrenslit.com.
About the Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database
The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database is your most complete source of information about children's books, audio recordings, and films. Indeed, it is the next best thing to having the item in hand, and the best tool for leading you to the best materials. All at a most affordable price. To subscribe to the CLCD, go to www.childrenslit.com.