Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Miss Dorothy and her Bookmobile

Miss Dorothy and her Bookmobile
Written by Gloria Houston and Illustrated by Susan Condie Lamb
Published in 2011 by Harper, ISBN 978-0-06-029155-6
All Ages
Review
I developed my love of reading because a bookmobile came out to the country every week and I was able to pick out books.    I fell in love with this book just from the cover because it resonated with my childhood walks to the bookmobile to get my treasures.

Young Dorothy dreams of becoming a librarian in charge of a “fine brick library.” She pursues this dream, obtaining the education that she needs. When marriage takes her to the Blue Ridge Mountains where resources are scarce, Dorothy advocates for the construction of a local library and finds like-minded book-lovers who instead raise funds for a bookmobile. Through rain, snow, and even floods, Miss Dorothy travels the countryside bringing books to readers of all ages. Eventually, Dorothy gets her library, a donated country farmhouse, and the community members all pitch in to set up the collection. Beautiful landscapes in soft pastels with careful details provide a strong sense of this rural area and the people who inhabit it. In an author’s note, Houston informs readers that Dorothy Thomas was her childhood librarian who touched the lives of many people by sharing her love of books and reading. Houston’s historical fiction picture book with its lyrical text is fitting tribute to the woman that she describes as her hero.

Curriculum Links
The Bookmobile
Wisconsin Library Heritage Center: Bookmobiles
Michigan Lighthouse Conservancy: Traveling Libraries
Pack Horse Librarians: Photo Gallery
History of Books and Printing

Friday, October 12, 2012

Photo Book

Click here to view this photo book larger

Start your own Shutterfly Photo Book today.

150th Anniversary Vicksburg Campaign Reenactment

National 150th Anniversary
Vicksburg Campaign Reenactment

DATE: 10/19/2012 - 10/21/2012 

CITY: Vicksburg, MS
 LOCATION: Vicksburg, Raymond, Edwards
CONTACT: Friends of Raymond, Inc., or Vicksburg CVB 
PHONE: 601-636-9421 



The reenactment of several military actions of the Vicksburg Campaign will feature up to 5,000 reenactors and participants. The reenactment of the 1863 Vicksburg Campaign will be presented as part of the commemoration of the sesquicentennial of the American Civil War. Event will feature educational field programs for schools, reenacted battles - including the Battle of Champion Hill, which was the largest Civil War battle in Mississippi and was one of the most decisive of the Civil War; and the commemoration of a portion of the ill-fated assault by Union forces on the works of Vicksburg. It was after this unsuccessful assault that Grant decided to take the city by siege. Included will be Civilian reenactors, garrison troops, and period merchants, or sutlers, demonstrations and lectures will be conducted for the public between the battles on Saturday, to include cooking, sewing, and refugee impressions. 

 For tourist info or tickets contact:
Friends of Raymond, Inc.
Vicksburg Campaign 
P. O. Box 1000
Raymond, MS 39154
e-mail: info@friendsofraymond.org


Friday 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM Saturday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Special demonstrations for participating local schools Courthouse: Medical & Specialty displays: Band at noon
Battle of Raymond on the original site on Hwy 18 south of Raymond
Saturday 11:00 - 3 PM The Vicksburg Campaign - lecture on campaign by well known tour guide and preservationist Brigadier General Parker Hills (Ret). Civilian and refugee demonstrations, and sutlers open to the public.
Saturday 3:00 – 4:00 PM Saturday 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Saturday 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Sunday 9:00 AM – NOON
Sunday NOON
Sunday 2:00 – 3:00 PM
Battle of Champion Hill on Hwy 18 south of Raymond
Soldier Camps & Sutlers Open to Public after Battle
Camp Dance near Sutlers for participants
Soldier Camps / Sutlers / Church Service Open to Public
Memorial Service at Raymond Confederate Cemetery
Assault on Vicksburg on Hwy 18 south of Raymond  

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Book Review: The Notorious Benedict Arnold


The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism, and Treachery
By Stephen Sheinkin

Flashpoint/Roaring Brook Press, 2010
ISBN: 978-1-59643-4686-8

Grades 6 and Up

Review
If you are of a certain generation, you remember when Peter Brady was assigned the role of Benedict Arnold, dashing his hopes of playing George Washington. In American culture, Benedict Arnold is synonymous with words such as villain or traitor. He was the first American leader to profoundly disappoint the American population. But readers of this cradle-to-grave biography may be surprised at how many times the Continental Army lived to see another day because of Arnold’s actions, approved or otherwise. In short chapters that keep the pace moving, Sheinkin provides readers with the unique opportunity to explore Arnold’s “backstory,” including his successes and failures prior to the start of the American Revolution, the various roles he played in the Continental Army, and in particular, just how close he was to George Washington, and what a personal and public devastation Arnold’s treachery was to the Commander. Without Arnold, the American Revolution could have ended much earlier, in favor of the British. With Arnold, it almost ended earlier, in favor of the British. Ideal for exploration in small groups and literature circles, this engaging biography allows readers to examine maneuvers and morals, alliances and ambition. 

Curriculum Links

Benedict Arnold’s Papers at Harvard University’s Houghton Library

Library of Congress: Benedict Arnold’s October 20, 1780 Proclamation

Benedict Arnold in London, England

Benedict Arnold in New London, Connecticut

Fort Clinton, Fort Arnold @ West Point, now the United States Military Academy

Fort Ticonderoga

Saratoga National Historic Park

George Washington’s Papers at the Library of Congress: Timeline of the American Revolution

Mt. Pleasant, Benedict Arnold’s Home in Philadelphia

John Andre’s Monument in Westminster Abbey, London

John Andre in Art, Courtesy of the Worcester Art Museum, Worcester, MA

Benedict Arnold’s Letters and Portraits in the New York Public Library Digital Gallery

Brady Bunch Episode: “Not Everyone can be George Washington”

Monday, October 1, 2012

Pumpkin Challenge

We are studying geography.   It is also October and we always decorate pumpkins during this month.    SO.... I am combining the two into one project. 

PUMPKIN GLOBES



I am challenging the boys to decorate a pumpkin like a globe.   I have found several examples to show them what I am looking for...







We would like to invite YOU to join us for the challenge:

1.   Use a pumpkin to create your globe.  The size is your choice.   Real or fake is also your choice.
2.   You must include all the continents, major oceans, equator, and prime meridian.   
3.   You can use whatever supplies you want:  paint, construction paper, markers, play-doh, craft foam, etc....  
4.   Have your pumpkin globe finished by October 17th
5.   Post a picture of your finished pumpkin globe to the Facebook page by October 17th.