What's Happening at the BSS Library?

The  A to Z Reading Challenge  is an optional reading incentive program that encourages all students to read a book for every letter of the alphabet! The letters can come from the first word of the title, author name, character name, series name, or setting.  The challenge begins now and ends May 5th. View my A-Z Reading page link in the sidebar, or ask Mrs. Ferguson for more information.   Download the A to Z Reading packet.

 I've been trying to find books that fit into our peace theme this year, and thought these two selections would be fitting choices to read to 6th graders. Although the book is called The Enemy and has a soldier on the cover, the author takes on some big questions, particularly whether or not war is necessary. The story is narrated by one soldier, who spends his days waiting and hiding in one hole while his enemy is waiting and hiding in another hole.  The narrator is afraid to leave the hole or even make a fire to cook because the other soldier will see him. The first day of the war, the soldier was given a manual which describes the enemy as "a wild beast" who does not know mercy and he is instructed to kill the enemy before he is killed by him. The soldier goes on to say that he's not sure why he is fighting, and that he thinks the war is pointless and must stop.  He admits that if the enemy wanted to end the war he would agree to it, but he doesn't fee

Peace is our schoolwide theme this year, and there many wonderful books I plan on sharing with students that demonstrate the meaning of peace. I read Paulie Pastrami Achieves World Peace by James Proimos to 3rd graders, and it was a big hit. Although Paulie's kind actions may not have quite touched everyone in the world, he was off to a good start by showing kindness to his sister, his classmates, and other people living in his town.  Just imagine the world if everyone made this effort in their own towns!

It's that time of year again! Signups for Battle of the Books is going on now through October 5th.  Visit the Battle of the Books page  to download a form and check out this year's book lists. Congratulations to 5th Grader Flora Cahill for designing this year's logo!