Literacy Matters: News You Can Use
Happy New Year!
We at FOR-PD are very excited to begin a new year and new semester! If you are a new participant we want to send you a very special welcome. If you are a regular member of our listserv, we are sure you have recognized the new refreshing look of our literacy newsletter. Our other publications have similar new looks, so don’t miss them!
May the year ahead be prosperous and joyful for all of you!
Sincerely,
The FOR-PD Staff
2008 Book Award Announced
The American Library Association (ALA) have announced the winners for an array of 2008 book awards.
The John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature went to Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village, written by Laura Amy Schlitz.
The Randolph Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children was awareded to The Invention of Hugo Cabret, illustrated by Brian Selznick.
The Coretta Scott King Book Award recognizing an African American author and illustrator of outstanding books for children and young adults was awarded to Christopher Paul Curtis' Elijah of Buxton.
For further information and a full list of winners and honor books, read the ALA press release.
Looking Ahead: Black History Month
In celebration of Black History Month, Just Read, Florida! is highlighting African American literature for all ages. There are appropriate selections and resources for K-12 students, adults and educators. Visit http://www.justreadflorida.com/BHM.asp for appropriate age group to see the list of books for that age group.
For more information on this event, check out History.com for features to use in the classroom.
Library of Congress Appoints Jon Scieszka National Ambassador
Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has appointed children’s book author Jon Scieszka as the first National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. The position was created to raise national awareness of the importance of young people’s literature as it relates to lifelong literacy, education, and the development and betterment of the lives of young people. The National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature is named for a two-year term, based on recommendations from a selection committee representing many segments of the book community. The selection criteria include the candidate’s contribution to young people’s literature and ability to relate to children.
Jon Scieszka is the author of numerous and beloved children’s books such as The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales, and Math Curse. He is also the creator of the Guys Read website; a creative place young adult boys can learn about new books that would be of interest to them.
The Nineteenth Annual National African American Read-In
FROM NCTE: Schools, churches, libraries, bookstores, community and professional organizations, and interested citizens are urged to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month by hosting and coordinating Read-Ins in their communities. Hosting a Read-In can be as simple as bringing together friends to share a book, or as elaborate as arranging public readings and media presentations that feature professional African American writers.
To be counted as participants, simply:
- Select books authored by African Americans;
- Conduct your Read-In(s) on the days designated; and
- Report your results by submitting the 2008 African American Read-In Report Card.
The Read-In has been endorsed by the International Reading Association. Over a million readers of all ethnic groups from 49 states, the West Indies, and African countries have participated. The goal is to make the celebration of African American literacy a traditional part of Black History Month activities. Click here for a packet of informaiton for this project.
Table of Contents
About the Literacy Newsletter
FOR-PD's Literacy newsletter deals specifically with literacy and learning for K-12 teachers of Florida's public schools. As you read and review our newsletter you will find information on local, state, and federal literacy news, upcoming conferences, celebrations, sources of funding, resources on the World Wide Web, and resources you can use with your students. The participant section answers pertinent questions participants have about the course and provides helpful tips for successful completion. We hope that this newsletter will provide educators with useful information to support their literacy development and the work they do with Florida students.
We welcome your feedback on how we can better support you and help you grow professionally. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or comments.
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Last Updated:
January 28, 2008