TownOnline.com – Wayland Town Crier – Opinion & Letters
Gary Burton, the Superintendent of Wayland Public Schools, has written an opinion piece stating that reading is the number one skill children learn in school. In his argument, he has several wonderful things to say about what reading brings to children’s lives.

LeGuin returns to young adult fiction with ‘Gifts’
One of the greatest fantasy writers for young adults returns with Gifts. The new novel has gotten good reviews and serves as the first book in a new series.

Runny Babbit; A Billy Sook; Poems and Drawings by Shel Silverstein
“HarperCollins Children’s Books announced today the March 2005 publication of Runny Babbit, an exciting new book by the incomparable Shel Silverstein. Completed before his death in 1999, this collection of poems and drawings was a work in progress for over 20 years and is as ground-breaking, insightful, witty, and wondrous as Shel Silverstein’s imagination. Runny Babbit is destined to be a classic for readers of all ages.”
Woo hoo!

DesMoinesRegister.com has a nice article on Tamora Pierce, author of the new Trickster’s Queen. Pierce speaks about why she writes for young adults and why she primarily writes female heroes.

Getting teens to read
A nice glimpse into programs being offered during Teen Read Week at libraries, including raffles, candy, and movies.

Maud Newton: Blog has a piece about Bill O’Reilly’s new children’s book and the many awful reviews it has received so far that include excerpts from the book that are strange and frightening.

No Child Left – Committed to Repeal of NCLB/Helter-Skelter
This site is committed to repealing or overturning No Child Left Behind. It offers news, articles, and cartoons supporting its cause.

Scholastic Unveils Study on Effective School Libraries
Scholastic Library Publishing has released studies that prove that school libraries have a positive effect on student achievement levels. No duh!

BostonHerald.com – the Edge: Tricky treats: Celebrate Halloween with spook-tacular stories and crafts
A short list of Halloween books plus some crafts to do with kids.