Book Swap

The book swap is back!

I am hosting another book swap at the Valencia Library tomorrow, Sunday February 13, from 2-4 PM. Stop by with your old, used books and swap them out for different books. There will be all kinds of books, from children, to teen, to adult's books. Hope to see you there!

Thanks!
Jamie :)

Literacy & Arts Festival

Story Village Opens New Worlds for Children

On Saturday, December 4th, children of all ages explored Newhall Park during the Literacy & Arts Festival, hosted by the SCV Education Foundation. Story Village was only one of the many attractions offered in the festival, which consisted of several booths for different genres of books which included: Sci-Fi Fantasy, Adventure, Humor & Poetry, and All-Time Favorites.


Janet Squires, head of Story Village, was asked how the idea came to be. She replied, "We can read children different types of stories in a variety of situations. It sounded like a fun area to be in."

When Councilman Bob Kellar, who was one of the story readers, was asked why he believes reading is important, he responded, "Reading gives you the tools to be successful in life."

As Braddon Mendelson, author of Have You Seen the Tickle Bug?, concluded his story book reading, 6-year-old Donovan explained that he loved the story, had so much fun, and can't wait to come back next year!

While parents and children walked around with smiles of content glowing on their faces, it seemed as if one idea filled the air: Story Village was a success!

Email me at booksblogsbeyond@gmail.com with any book review suggestions or feedback. Thanks!
Jamie :)

Book Review Central

The Book Thief by Mark Zusak

Most stories are told by a main character, a minor character, or even a passive by-stander. The Book Thief, written by Mark Zusak, is narrated by Death. Yes, that's right: Death. It all started when nine-year-old Liesel Meminger's younger brother Werner died. Afterward, Liesel's mother sent her to live with Hans and Rosa Hubermann. As Liesel lives with the Hubermanns, whom she has come to love, in Germany just before and throughout World War II, the young girl realizes she longs for something more. That "something" would be books. However, the majority of the books Liesel ends up owning were stolen. This new-found hobby for Liesel is the only thing that gets her through the brutal situations she faces during WWII. Throughout the novel, Liesel encounters Death several times, without being captured by it. I highly recommend this book, as it is touching, suspenseful, and very intriguing. Enjoy the book!

Rating: 5 out of 5

Thanks and happy reading!
Jamie :)

Valencia Book Group

Attention!
If you are looking for a book club or book group to join, you will find what you need at the Valencia Public Library. The Valencia Book Group gathers in library's meeting room the first Thursday of every month from 7:00-9:00 PM. Newcomers are welcome! Enjoy!

Thanks!
Jamie :)
booksblogsbeyond@gmail.com

SCV Education Foundation Events

The annual Literacy & Arts Festival is on its way! The festival is on December 4, 2010 in Newhall Park. The event will take place from 10:00 AM-3:00 PM. There will be fun crafts, art, prizes to win, and much more!

There is also an art and writing contest going on right now! Here is the information:

• Topic (for both contests): Santa Clarita in the future.
• Writing Contest Due dates: must be submitted by your teacher by Tuesday, November 2nd OR can be dropped off at City Hall by 4:00 PM on Thursday, November 4th.
• Grade Divisions: K-3, 4-6, 7-8, 9-12
• Winners announced at Literacy & Art Festival on December 4th at 2:00 PM
• More info @: www.scveducationfoundation.org/contests

So start writing and drawing what you envision the Santa Clarita Valley to be like in the future! See you at the festival in December! Email me at booksblogsbeyond@gmail.com for book review suggestions, comment, concerns, or questions. Thanks!

Happy reading!
Jamie :)

Book Review Central

Imagine this: You are twelve years old. You are a super genius. You have a serious criminal record, but have never been caught. You have the most advance technology in the world. You are a billionaire. What do you do? Well, Artemis Fowl already has his big plans in motion and, as always, he's a step ahead of everyone else. Most of us would think up the normal response of living in a life of luxury, enjoying every second of it. Artemis Fowl (who fits into the description above quite well), has other plans. Take over fairies' gold. While at the peak of wealth, 12 year old Artemis wishes to become even richer by conning the fairies' out of their invaluable gold, and beating them at their own game. The author, Eoin Colfer, of Artemis Fowl wrote a complicated and intriguing recipe which consists of: a cup of fantasy, a tablespoon of adolescent mastermind and a sprinkle of humor. Read this book if you are interested in cooking up a concoction of your own as the imagination wheels start turning! Enjoy the book!
Rating: 4 out of 5

Thanks!
Jamie :)

Book Review Central

The Resistance, written by Gemma Malley, is an incredible sequel to The Declaration, both taking place in '40s. Not the 1940s. The 2040s. The main character, Peter Pincent begins work at his grandfather's company which produces the eternal-life Longevity drug, something Peter has fought and hated his whole life. It is here that Peter is torn in a thousand different directions as he has to decide which side to fight for, and whether or not he wants to live forever. I recommend this book because it follows Peter, as well as his best friend Anna, in a suspenseful adventure full of friendship, betrayal, loyalty, and most of all: rebellion.
Rating: 5 out of 5

Email me at booksblogsbeyond@gmail.com if you have read this book, or have a book recommendation.

Thanks!
Jamie :)