During the summer months, many kids avoid books that have school or teachers in the title, unless it is on their school summer reading list. Now that school is back in session, these same children want to read stories that revolve around the world they are in and can relate to, therefore they gravitate to books that take place at school. Some of these books involve homework, pertain to a big test, include the wacky antics of some students or even centers on a holiday pageant.
In the world of children’s literature, many of the books have scenes that take place at school, including popular series such as Junie B. Jones and the Little House books. Here are a few titles available at Rowan Public Library that take place at school that might interest upper elementary school kids.
“Almost Late to School and More School Poems,” by Carol Diggory Shields: A collection of 22 school-related poems about various things such as giggle attacks, being late, detention, having to hold it and participating in fundraisers.
“Framed,” by Gordon Korman: Griffin Bing is known to his friends as “the man with the plan.” In fact his plans have gotten them into a bit of trouble in the past. Now they are starting middle school and the new principal, Mr. Egan, is already weary of Griffin and his friends. When the school’s treasured Super Bowl ring is replaced with Griffin’s retainer in the display case, Griffin finds that no one in authority will listen to him, and he sets out to prove his innocence, only his plans keep getting him into more and more trouble.
“Fourth-Grade Fuss,” by Johanna Hurwitz: Julio and his best friend, Lucas, find fourth grade to be a lot of fun but are worried about the big fourth-grade test. Their teacher told them not to worry about the test until after the holiday break, but now that the standardized test is drawing near, it is time to hunker down and get serious. As they plot and plan ways to succeed on the test, using a pencil that has never written a wrong answer or wearing their underpants inside out, they find there are some things in life you just can’t plan for.
“The Report Card” by Andrew Clements: Fifth-grader Nora Rowley is a genius. She is so smart that she has spent the last few years making sure she seemed average. After the fourth-grade standardized testing seemed to divide the students of her school, making those who scored high feel smarter and those who scored low feel like they were dumb, Nora knew she had do to something. By purposely getting all Ds on her report card, she will prove to everyone that grades do not matter, but will her secret be revealed in the process?
Computer classes: Genealogy Online – Working with the Census Records; Sept. 17, 7 p.m.; South, Sept. 18, 1 p.m.; East (registration required for East Branch only, call Paul at 704-216-7841; Sept. 20, 9:30 a.m., headquarters.
Census records are one of the most valuable tools you can use while researching your family history. We’ll explore these online records available to you from Rowan Public Library. Classes are free. Sessions are approximately 90 minutes long. Class size is limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis. Dates and times at all locations are subject to change without notice.
Children’s Storytime: Weekly Storytime is Monday-Nov. 29. For more information, call 704-216-8234.
Headquarters – Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m., Toddler Time (18- to 35-month-olds; Wednesdays, 11 a.m., Baby Time (6- to 23-month-olds); Thursdays, 10:30 a.m., Preschool Time (3- to 5-year-olds); 4 p.m., Noodlehead (4- to 8-year-olds).
South – Mondays, 4 p.m., Noodlehead (4- to 8-year-olds); Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m., Baby Time (6-23 months); 1:30 p.m., Preschool Time (3-5 years); Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m., Toddler Time (18-35 months).
East – Mondays, 9:30 a.m., Baby Time (6-23 months); Mondays, 11 a.m., Toddler Time (18-35 months); Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m., Preschool Time (3-5 years).
Teen and adult ‘Hunger Games’ events: Headquarters – Sept. 17, 6:30 p.m., “Hunger Games” book discussion; Sept. 18, 6 p.m., “Language of Film: How we are Manipulated by Media,” John Santa, presenter; Sept. 25, 5:30 p.m., “Hunger Games” teen program – an evening of “Hunger Games” crafts, books discussions, games and more.
South Rowan Regional – Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., “Hunger Games” teen program; Sept. 18, 6:30 p.m., “Hunger Games” book discussion; Sept. 25, 6:30 p.m., “Catching Fire” book discussion.
East branch – Sept. 24, 5:30 p.m., “Hunger Games” teen program.
Australian storyteller visits: Sept. 20, 7 p.m., Stanback Auditorium headquarters; Australian storyteller Paul Taylor will present a program for the whole family at RPL Headquarters. Taylor’s performance is part of the RPL’s 13th annual Stories by the Millstream Festival. All are welcome to this free event.
PAC Club at headquarters: Sept. 29, 11 a.m. Popular Activities and Crafts Club – Focusing on a different popular children’s book series each month. Call 704-216-8234 for more information.
Book Bites Club (South only): Sept. 25, 6:30 p.m., “Catching Fire” by Suzanne Collins. Book discussion groups for both adults and children are being held at South Rowan Regional Library and will meet the last Tuesday of each month. The group is open to the public and anyone is free to join at any time. There is a discussion of the book, as well as light refreshments at each meeting. For more information please call 704-216-8229.
Teen program: All 5:30-7 p.m. South, Sept. 11; East, Sept. 24; headquarters, Sept. 25. Middle and high school students come join “The Hunger Games” event.
Displays for September: Headquarters, Art Gang and DAR; South, pottery by Sandra Collins; East, art by Coleen Walton.
Literacy: Call the Rowan County Literacy Council at 704-216-8266 for more information on teaching or receiving literacy tutoring for English speakers or for those for whom English is a second language.