Monday, July 30, 2012

Glory Be: Glorious Historical Fiction!


Let your reading imagination take you to a different time and place....  In 1964 Mississippi, Gloriana faces her twelfth birthday and experiences changing relationships with her older sister and with her best friend, Frankie.  At the same time, tempers flare in her hometown as debate heats up over a segregated public swimming pool.   

Drawing on real-life experiences, first-time author-- and former librarian at the Library of the Chathams-- Augusta Scattergood shares a memorable story about family, friendship, and important life choices. 

Ms. Scattergood will read from Glory Be and talk about The Writer’s Journey at the Library of the Chathams on Wednesday, August 1, 2012, from 4:00 to 5:00 pm.  The program is designed for grades two-and-up... come prepared to listen, to be entertained, to be inspired.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Best Books from LAF Beach Bums

Here are a few favorites from our own book beachers at LAF.  Thanks to all our former 5th graders for creating these commercials!





Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Dead End in Norvelt - 2012 Newberry Winner


Did you notice the book the Lafayette Cougar was reading? Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos is a wildy funny, fictionalized "memoir" of the summer of 1962 when (12 year-old) Jack (the author) is grounded for accidentally shooting his father's WWII rifle. Part of Jack's punishment is to help an elderly neighbor write obituaries for the dieing residents of Novelt, PA. Jack has no idea that his writing and detective skills will be put to the test.  This is one of Mrs. Cifrodella's top picks, this summer. (grades 4-6) Check out this Youtube video to learn more...

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Book Beach USA - A Parody

The Beach Boys "Surfin' USA" came ashore in 1963, but little did they know their first US hit would inspire book readers across the globe. While surfing is great exercise and fun to try on the 127 miles of NJ ocean coastline, nothing relaxes the mind and soul like a good book.  Check out the latest video by our LAF Book Beachers entitled, "Book Beach USA", a parody written by the LAF bookworm Barb Massam.  Stay tuned for our video book commericals starting in just a few days!