School Library Journal – Librarians Could Get a Break
SLJ reports on a new bill being proposed at a national level that would repay part of the student loan balance for school media specialists working in low income schools. Sweet!

Why books are back in fashion . . . thanks to television – The Herald
“In 1977, only 54% of Britons enjoyed a good book, while in 2002 the figure had risen to 65% for Britain and 67% for Scotland.” The article goes on to say that in Britain books and reading are considered sexy and that it is in part due to the national reading program, The Big Read, and partly to Harry Potter.

Welcome to Gennifer Choldenko
Official site for the author of Al Capone Does My Shirts and Notes from a Liar and Her Dog. The best stuff is in the writing section and For Kids Only. Enjoy the kids illustrations.

Suzy Kline’s webpage
Official site for this author of several very popular series: Horrible Harry, Herbie Jones and Song Lee.

NPR : Next Generation Radio
An NPR sponsored radio training project at the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association annual conference has a section by James Murdock on gay teens in books.

Coloring-Page.net
Yippee! Another coloring page website. I love to have a bunch of these on my Bookmarks list so that if I need a coloring sheet for storytime, I don’t have to search very long for it.

Nothing to Lose by Alex Flinn (0-06-051750-6)
This novel is being lauded as one of the top ones this year, and I can certainly see why. Through a series of flashbacks, readers discover Michael’s story, the story behind his stepfather’s murder. The flashbacks reveal the beatings his mother took, the helplessness Michael felt, and the reason why he ran away to work at a carnival. But now Michael is back in his home town where his mother is on trial for his stepfather’s murder. He has the choice to run again or to stay.
Michael is a very believable and vivid character. The abuse is portrayed through his eyes, and readers understand his powerlessness and fear. Very well done and real.
Recommend this one to teenage boys. They will enjoy that Michael is a football player who faces a lot more than quarterback issues.

BBC NEWS — Author reveals sixth Potter title
JK Rowling revealed today that the title of the 6th Harry Potter book is Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. In her announcement on her website, she took aim at those “hoaxers” who started the Storge rumor. She also tells fans that the Half Blood Prince in the title is neither Harry nor Voldemort!

Elementary School Blog
A blog from school librarian Norma Jean Smith that offers recommended websites and articles.