World Book Night 2014

WOOHOO!  Happy World Book Night Day!  Go spread the love of reading!  

 

This year, I'm giving away 20 copies of HOOT by Karl Hiassen to 20 lucky 5th graders at my school!  I asked each teacher to nominate 4 students who might need a little boost or encouragement to read, and I'll be announcing the winners on the morning announcements.  

I also made these Hoot-inspired bookmarks to go with the book! 

I'm also extremely happy to announce that I'm talking about my World Book Night experiences in more detail on Kirby Larson's blog!  Check it out!

Follow @alesbuzzybees on twitter to see more pics!  

WORLD BOOK NIGHT!!!!!!

 

This year, I have the pleasure of giving out MIDDLE SCHOOL: THE WORST YEARS OF MY LIFE by James Patterson.

I chose to give my books away at the school I work at.  We have 5 fifth grade teachers, and I asked each one to nominate 4 students who are reluctant readers (not necessarily those you see in the library every morning or walking down the hall reading).

I went on the morning announcements today, spoke a little about what World Book Night was and what the organization did, that if they weren't chosen that there were copies in the library for check out, and then announced the nominated students.  I asked them to meet me at my room when announcements were over, but by the time I got to my room, there were 19 kids (one was sick) looking like they were going to riot if they didn't get their book soon!

They were so excited!  I had printed out bookmarks for them and the letter page for them to write the World Book Night people when they were finished---I hope some get sent!

About 11:40 this morning, I passed one of the girls I gave a book to and she told me she loved it and was already on chapter 6.  The boy sitting next to her goes, "I wish I had gotten chosen."

After lunch, another group passed me, their teacher told me they were reading it during reading group time, that she loved the characterization, and one of the boys in the group yelled out that he "LOVED IT!"

I love elementary school students and their enthusiasm.  I hope I get chosen again as a giver next year, and can hand out books at my school again.  

Be a giver...

Last year, if you remember, I was a book giver for World Book Night.  I gave away 30 copies of The Hunger Games at my local high school.  I'm applying to do it again this year, and *fingers crossed* will be able to pass out books at the elementary school where I work.

So what is World Book Night?
Basically, its a day (night) to spread the love of reading.  It is held on April 23 annually (the birthday of both Miguel Cervantes and William Shakespeare).  All you have to do is apply, tell them your top 3 choices of books (from the list provided) and they will send you books to pass out to people!  You pay NOTHING!  It is a way to promote reading to those who don't always like to read.

Like I said, last year, I passed books out at the high school.  I saw that people stood on street corners, left copies on park benches, stood on college campuses, gave them out on the subway.  You can pass them out just about anywhere you'd like (though I wouldn't recommend a pool or waterpark...the books, and you, might get wet!)

That sounds pretty stinkin' awesome!  How do I apply?  Click here , check out the list of books, plan where you'd like to pass them out, and be ready to answer some pretty easy questions on the sign-up form.

Armchair BEA, Day 3: Networking

So today's suggested topic is about networking, or just sharing a positive book experience that you've had.

I'm glad we could also write about a positive book experience, because I don't think I'm that great at networking---but I'm working on it!  But hey, drop me a line on twitter (@maestra_amanda) or on pinterest (maestra_amanda), I'd love to chat with you!

Anyway, one of my best reading experiences this year happened in April.  I was chosen to be a book giver for World Book Night (read my wrap up post, with pics! here)   Not only was I humbled to be chosen, but I got to give out The Hunger Games (which I adored).  I went to the high school that my elementary school feeds into and passed out books!  It was great!  I loved being able to share, not only a book that I loved, but just the joy of reading a great book!  (which is probably why most of us got into blogging)  I know that I'm going to do it again next year (and I really hope that there are more elementary book selections so I can pass out at my school!)

World Book Night Wrap Up / Bookography

I was so proud to be chosen to participate in World Book Night this year.  My first thought was, "Oh my gosh!  I'm going to give books out at my school!"  Well, I was close---I actually got my second choice book (The Hunger Games)---which I gave out at Stonewall Jackson High School (Quicksburg, VA).

You're probably thinking, "Ok, everyone has read The Hunger Games.  The movie is HUGE right now."  You're right, it is.  But, I live in a rural area.  The elementary school that I teach at (that feeds into SJHS) is a Title 1 school, which means that we have over 50% of our students on free and reduced lunch.  For many families, there isn't money left over for extras, like books.  A lot of students don't have any books in their home.  I wanted to give our students, especially those that are "reluctant readers", the opportunity to own their own copy of such a wonderful book.  

But, here is a picture of the school Monday morning (note the horrible, gray sky!  It was 43 degrees and rainy!)

Here's me, sporting my button (why yes, I do have an "I Love Lucy" vitameatavegamin poster in my classroom...BEST. EPISODE. EVER)

As you can see, I have not yet mastered the fine art of taking a picture of myself without it looking like I have 5 chins.  Believe it or not, this was the best....

Pictures of the books :)

I went back over on Thursday during my planning and was able to hand out books to a class of students (many of whom I remember from their elementary school days!)  Here are some pictures Mrs. Bates was awesome enough to send me!   

I just want to thank Mr. Dorman (the SJHS principal), Mrs. Bates (the SJHS librarian), Mrs. Swab (whose class I invaded) and the World Book Night organization for allowing me to take part in this.  I hope to be able to participate again next year.

(Bookography is a post hosted by Kristina @ Kristina's World of Books)

Who is helping to give out half a million free books

...all across America on one day?  I am.  And I'm so happy to be doing it!

WHO: From Kodiak, Alaska, to Key West, Florida, in 6,000 towns and cities across America, 25,000 volunteers will give away half a million free books on one day: April 23, 2012.

WHAT: World Book Night U.S. is an ambitious campaign to personally give out thousands of free, specially printed books across America. Volunteer book lovers like myself will help promote reading by going into our communities and handing out free copies of a book we love to new or light readers, reaching them especially in underserved places – and even some fun spots. Volunteers will be picking up the books at a local bookstore or library in order to go out and share them in locations as diverse as VA hospitals, nursing homes, ballparks, mass transit, diners, and more.

I am very proud to be a part of the first World Book Night in the U.S., following the impressive launch of this campaign in the UK and Ireland last year.

On April 23, 2012 with 20 copies of The Hunger Games (!), I will be handing books out at Stonewall Jackson High School!  

I'm hoping to have pictures and a write up for you on Wednesday.   

 For more information about World Book Night, please go to http://www.worldbooknight.org/

World Book Night

World Book Night (or day) is celebrated April 23 (the death dates of both Shakespeare and Cervantes). It's a chance for avid readers to share some wonderful books with light or non readers.

I signed up to share (and by share, I mean GIVE AWAY!!!) books locally. I really hope I get chosen!

There is still time to sign up to participate. Just go to World Book Night (I'm on my iPad, so if the link isn't there, it's us.worldbooknight.org) and fill out the easy form.