WE ARE EAGLE AND WE ARE STILL READING!

Eastchester middle and high school students and staff have kept reading since COVID-19 closed our doors on March 13, 2020.

Check out what books they recommend and get some ideas for your next read!

https://youtu.be/oIgC6ii9Mpw

THE SORCERER'S STONE READ ALOUD BY DANIEL RADCLIFFE

Daniel Radcliffe reads chapter one from The Sorcerer's Stone, Book One in the much beloved Harry Potter series.

BRINGING HOGWARTS TO YOU!

EVERYWHERE BOOK FESTIVAL

The Everywhere Book Fest is a virtual celebration of authors, books, and readers that brings the book festival experience to everyone!

On May 1-2, the book festival will open its virtual doors and unveil two free full days of live and pre-recorded sessions with your favorite picture book, middle grade, and young adult authors.

WHAT ARE YOU READING NOW?

What are you reading now? Fill out this form and let  us know if you would recommend the book to others.  

Mrs. Schuster is reading a science fiction mystery, Under Their Skin by Margaret Peterson Haddix and a realistic fiction book, Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart. Very different books, but both good reads! Check out my reading journal to find out more information about these and more great books.

HOW TO GET A LIBRARY CARD & LIBBY INSTRUCTIONS

Click here for instructions on how to get a public library card online.

Libby Instructions

Libby is a streamlined app that lets you borrow, download, and use Ebooks and audiobooks on your phone or tablet.

AUDUBON BIRDS & NATURE FOR KIDS!

Audubon Birds & Nature for Kids

Including a North American Bird Guide

Bird FAQs

Fun @home activities for families

DOG MAN FANS!

For more information about all of Dav Pilkey's programs, go to the Library of Congress

NEW eBOOKS AVAILABLE IN LIBRARY

Check out our new ebooks! Here is a screencast of instructions on how to access. You may read them without checking them out.

You can find them in the library. Click on book catalog link.


Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix
 In a future where the Population Police enforce the law limiting a family to only two children, Luke has lived all his twelve years in isolation and fear on his family's farm, until another "third" convinces him that the government is wrong. (one copy per user)



AWESOME NONFICTION with Activities!

Beyond the Solar System: Exploring Galaxies, Black Holes, Alien Planets, and More by Mary Kay Carson
Pre-history-1600s : stargazers to scientists -- 1600s : telescopes and gravity -- 1700s-1915 : unveiling the stars -- 1900-1940 : space-time tricks, island universes, and the biggest bang -- 1930s-1970s : discovering the invisible : quasars, pulsars, and black holes -- 1980s-2010s : frothy galaxies, alien planets, and dark energy.;Description based on print version record. Looks at the history of astronomy from pre-history through the twenty-first century. (Unlimited Users per copy!)

Found by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Horn Book Guide (Fall 2008)
"Thirteen-year-old Jonah has always known he's adopted; Chip learns of his adoption when both friends start receiving threatening letters labeling them "the missing." Investigating, the two discover an inter-temporal child-smuggling conflict, both sides of which are out to get them. The fascinating premise of this series opener, buoyed by Haddix's usual likable characters and fast-paced writing, is loaded with possibilities."

The Last Book in the Universe by Rodman PhilbrickPublishers Weekly (March 18, 2002)
"Philbrick's latest misfit protagonist embarks on an adventure in a fantastic and often frightening alternative world," said PW. "The creation of a futuristic dialect, combined with striking descriptions of a postmodern civilization, will convincingly transport readers." Ages 10-14. (Mar.) Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information. (One copy per user)

Last Day on Mars by Kevin Emerson

Booklist starred (January 1, 2017 (Vol. 113, No. 9))
"Grades 5-8. Earth’s sun is steadily expanding, and by the year 2213, the little blue marble has already been charred to a crisp. Luckily, humans have found a temporary home on Mars, where they’re building massive ships and terraforming technology in preparation for a 150-year journey to a more habitable planet far away from the soon-to-supernova sun. Liam and Phoebe are the last kids left on the Red Planet, and they’re waiting for their parents to perfect one last project before they get in their starliner and begin their journey to the new world. But as the kids do one last round of exploring their Martian colony—the only home they’ve ever known—they’re waylaid by a huge obstacle: sabotage. As Liam and Phoebe try to catch up to their starliner and warn them before they’re left behind, they make an even bigger discovery: unbeknownst to humans, there are other beings in the universe. Emerson has clearly done his research and includes lots of actual Mars features and space science into the more imaginative sci-fi elements, such as a time-traveling watch salvaged from a mysterious alien ship, which helps Liam see the future of potential choices. With high-stakes tension, propulsive action, multidimensional characters, and vivid scenes, this well-wrought and thrilling series starter is perfect for middle-graders who prefer their sci-fi to be grounded in the realm of the possible."

The Oceans Between Stars

Booklist (January 1, 2018 (Online))
Grades 5-8. After narrowly escaping the supernova that consumed Mars, Liam and Phoebe are desperately trying to catch up to the starliner that’s supposed to take them to their new home planet on the other side of the galaxy. Their ship is fast enough, but unbeknownst to Liam, Phoebe—not a human at all, but part of an alien race intent on stealthily sabotaging the colonists—has been subtly throwing them off course to delay their rendezvous with the ship. Meanwhile, Liam experiments with the alien time-travel watch and discovers far more than he bargained for. With the same enthralling, cinematic pacing he used in Last Day on Mars (2017), Emerson unspools nail-biting suspense in this sequel, all while employing a solid grasp of real science and paying homage to classic sci-fi stories. Through all the engrossing sci-fi action, however, Emerson keeps the plot solidly grounded in the characters, who are vivid and complex. A cliff-hanger ending promises deepening adventures in forthcoming volumes, which middle-grade sci-fi fans will be eager to get their hands on. (one copy per user)

Seventh Grade vs. The Galaxy

From the Publisher
PSS 118 is just your typical schoolexcept that it's a rickety old spaceship orbiting Jupiter. When the school is mysteriously attacked, thirteen-year-old Jack receives a cryptic message from his father (the school's recently-fired-for-tinkering-with-the-ship science teacher). Amidst the chaos, Jack discovers that his dad has built humanity's first light-speed engineand given Jack control of it. To save the ship, Jack catapults it hundreds of light-years away and right into the clutches of the first aliens humans have ever seen. School hasn't just gotten out: it's gone clear across the galaxy. And now it's up to Jack and his friends to get everyone home. (unlimited multi-user copies)

Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly

A favorite!

From Follett
Title proper from title frame. Twelve-year-old Iris and her grandmother, both deaf, drive from Texas to Alaska armed with Iris's plan to help Blue-55, a whale unable to communicate with other whales.From the Publisher
Lynne Kelly has always loved reading, but while working as a special education teacher, she fell in love with children's literature all over again. She lives in Houston, Texas, and works as a sign language interpreter while writing books for kids. Her first book, Chained, was a South Asia Book Award Honor and Crystal Kite Award winner. Song for a Whale is her second novel. Find her online at http://lynnekellybooks.com/wordpress and on Twitter at @LynneKelly. (one copy per user)

CONTESTS TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE

Learning from home may challenge the structure that students have become used to in their education, but a project-based approach provides a ready-made solution that keeps students proactively engaged while facilitating continuous learning. Discovery Education’s Corporate & Community Partnership programs are motivating students to take part in a variety of dynamic student challenges, contests, and sweepstakes, that are all easy-to-enter and rewarding for students and their communities. From financial literacy to STEM innovation to human rights advocacy, students can choose from a variety of valuable resources to explore hands-on, self-guided learning.

Contest 2020 3M Young Scientist ChallengeTo enter, students need to submit a 1-2 minute video in which they describe a new invention or solution that could solve or impact an everyday problem that directly affects them, their families, their communities, and/or the global population. $25,000 1st Prize

Contest Ignite My Future ChallengeHow can we improve the world? The TCS’ Ignite Innovation Student Challenge wants to inspire students in 6th-8th grade and at least 10 years old to answer this question by sharing an idea for a digital solution, like a mobile app, website, robot, or wearable tech. Educational Resources

CHECK OUT MORE CONTESTS BELOW!

Cha-Ching Money Smart Kids Contest

Description: Are you committed to teaching your elementary students to earn, save, spend, and donate?  Educators, parents and community members can enter DAILY for a chance to earn $10,000 for your school and donate $1,000 to the charity of your school's choice! Grades: K – 6 Deadline: 6/25/20 Prizes: $10,000 in prizing for your school, $1,000 to donate to charity, and a fun financial literacy event at your school!

Enter Here

Siemens Possibility Grant Sweepstakes

Description: The Possibility Grant Sweepstakes is your chance to win STEM resources for your school! “Fab” your lab with the latest and greatest gadgets, or purchase top-tier technology and supplies for STEM students.   Grades: K – 12 Title 1 Educators Deadline: 4/28/20   Prizes: $10,000 dedicated to STEM resources at your school

Enter Here

TCS Ignite Innovation Student Challenge

Description: How can we improve the world? Encourage your students to develop an idea for a digital innovation like a mobile app, website, or wearable tech using computational thinking strategies for a chance to win a $10K scholarship!   Grades: 6 – 8   Deadline: 4/9/20  Prizes: 1st place: a $10,000 scholarship and virtual mentorship with a TCS employee. Top Pillar Prize: $7,500 scholarship for top entries in Health, Our Planet and Education. Winner’s Circle: 6 students will win a $1,000 scholarship.

Enter Here

3M Young Scientist Challenge

Description: To enter, students need to submit a 1-2 minute video in which they describe a new invention or solution that could solve or impact an everyday problem that directly affects them, their families, their communities, and/or the global population. Grades: 5 – 8   Deadline EXTENDED: 5/7/20 Prizes: 1st place: $25,000; Top ten finalists will each receive $10,000 and an exclusive 3M mentorship and trip to 3M headquarters

Enter Here

USC Shoah Foundation Stronger Than Hate Challenge

Description: The Stronger Than Hate Challenge invites students to create a video, write a poem, song, or blog, or produce a painting or piece of artwork that demonstrates the chosen medium’s potential to create a community that is stronger than hate. Grades: 6 – 12 Deadline: 6/2/20 Prizes: 1st place: $6,000 and a trip to USC Shoah Foundation headquarters; 2nd place: $3,000; 3rd place: $1,000

Enter Here

HOGWARTS DIGITAL ESCAPE ROOM

Have some fun with the Hogwarts Digital Escape Room. No need for extensive wizard and muggle knowledge, but you will learn a few fun facts.
Hello and welcome to our Harry Potter themed Digital Escape Room!

You can complete this escape room as a group or as individual. You can compete against friends and try it multiple times. Just make sure you have fun!

If you are accessing this through a social media app, we recommend opening this escape room in a separate web browser so you don't lose progress when clicking on necessary links.

This escape experience was created by Sydney Krawiec, Youth Services Librarian at Peters Township Public Library in McMurray, PA. www.ptlibrary.org
Sydney Krawiec can be contacted via email at skrawiec@ptlibrary.org

If you would like to learn more about some awesome stuff that happens at PT Library, find us on Facebook!
Peters Township Public Library Page | www.facebook.com/peterstownshippubliclibrary
PTPL Teens Page | www.facebook.com/ptplteens

Here are the credits for the images you will see:
Train photo at top of page: Photo by K B on Unsplash
Fake text: Made on ifaketextmessages.com
Wand Motions: The Scrap Shoppe Blog https://www.thescrapshoppeblog.com/harry-potter-wand-shop-free-printable/
All other images: Found through Google Forms Image Search or made by Sydney
Wizarding World Inspiration: Thank you JK Rowling!

If you're ready, click here!

GOOD NEWS

https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/13-year-old-sews-bowties-to-help-pets-get-adopted/

Here are some uplifting news sites that will remind you of good things in life and how you can help others.

https://newsforkids.net/

https://www.cbc.ca/kidsnews/

https://www.dogonews.com/

RESOURCES TO SUPPORT THE LOVE OF READING AT HOME by PNWBOCES

Fantastic list of online reading resources for teachers and parents. Some resources, like Benchmark, require a login by teacher or parent.

https://sites.google.com/view/readingresourcespnwboces/home

eBOOKS IN THE SCHOOL LIBRARY CATALOG

Please listen to this screencast explaining how to read our school library ebooks.

How to access ebooks

FREE ONLINE MIDDLE SCHOOL BOOKS

Free online middle school book sites.

These are books that do not require kids to sign in or give any personal information.



Classicly.com
https://www.classicly.com/young-readers

DigiLibraries
https://digilibraries.com/category/juvenile-fiction/science-fiction-fantasy-and-magic

FeedBooks
http://www.feedbooks.com/books/top?category=FBJUV000000&lang=en&page=1&range=week

Gutenberg
http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/search/?query=science+fiction

ManyBooks
https://manybooks.net/categories/CHI

MagicKeys
http://www.magickeys.com/books/#ya

Read.gov
http://read.gov/teens/

SCHOOL LIBRARY eBOOKS

Free Follett Lightbox

Follett Free Lightbox/ebooks

Gorgeous! Use your school email address.

Screencast instructions

FACT CITE ONLINE!

FactCite Lincoln Library Online supports student research at school or from anywhere! Here is information about accessing award-winning FactCite: Lincoln Library Online, a collection of research databases from Lincoln Library Press!

Go to http://www.factcite.com

Username: hsmslibrary

Password: usual database password (ask one of your classmates or email me if you forget)

Expiration: 05/31/2020

Usernames and passwords are case sensitive. Researchers can access FactCite from anywhere, anytime, on any device. Please share the username and password with teachers AND students!

FactCite includes the databases listed below. All have audio read-along (icon in the upper left corner), add to Google classroom (icon in the upper right corner), and NoodleTools and MLA 8 citations (bottom of every entry).

     -FactCite 123 - for primary grades and striving readers

     -Biography for Beginners - grades 3+

     -Sports Champions - grades 4+

     -Shapers of Society - grades 5+

     -U.S. and World Biography - grades 4+

     -Mythology - grades 3+

     -American History - grades 4+

     -Science - grades 4+

     -Essential Information - grades 7+

     -Countries and Cultures - grades 4+

     -Defining Moments in American History - grades 5+

     -NEW! FactCite 123 LINGO  (Spanish translation in an engaging interface - if you're interested in this new database, let us know and we'll add it to your preview and send you 'getting started' instructions)

Visit FactCite's YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCApDWtfSeIEN_qI9v4JqyWw/videos) to watch short introductory videos on each database. 

A BOOK LIST JUST FOR YOU

Looking for something new to read? A page turner? Well then, just fill out this form and I will create a customized reading list just for you!

READING FORM

WELCOME TO EASTCHESTER MIDDLE SCHOOL LIBRARY DISTANCE LEARNING RESOURCES BLOG!

Hello,

This is Mrs. Schuster, the middle school librarian. I am thinking about all of our students each day and hoping that you and your families are healthy.

I will do my best to send out resources to keep you engaged, reading, and inspired to learn about the world in every subject.

Please email me if you have any questions!

Fill out this form for a personalized list of books you may like to read!