When author Toni Buzzeo was looking for someone to create a video to go along with her book The Library Doors, I knew that was something our kids would love to do. I enlisted the help of our talented music teacher, Kim Keller and her choir. I then contacted our ITV department and Susan Carlson was excited to help. Everyone did a great job in making this project come to fruition and Toni put it up on her website just in time for National Library Week.
The Cabinet of Wonders by Marie Rutkoski was one of those books that while your reading it you say to yourself, “this would make a great movie.” Lucky for me I made a book trailer, and it won this year’s School Library Journal Book Trailee Award! Winning in the librarian created category two years in a row is amazing, but it couldn’t have happened without the support of my colleagues, teachers, friends, relatives, and of course my students. To hear it from Ramiro in 4th grade though, it couldn’t have happened had it not been for him. This is how the conversation went down.
“Ramiro, I won the Book Trailee Award!”
“I know.”
“How did you know?”
“I only voted for you ten times a day.”
As soon as the music in the book trailer starts the tension begins to build. The eerie images and choice words allude to something dark and sinister. The music coupled with the images help create the edge-of-your seat atmosphere. The track builds until the end with a foreboding CRASH, making The Cabinet of Wonders a must read. But never mind all that. To hear it told, it is Ramiro to whom I owe a debt of gratitude for winning this year’s Trailee Award. You gotta love him. What am I going to do when he moves on to middle school? Where am I going to get my votes? I’m going to have to friend him on Facebook.
Click here to view all the winners for 2012!
The voting is open for the School Library Journal’s Book Trailee Award. Once again I feel fortunate to have a book trailer up for nomination! This year The Cabinet of Wonders by Marie Rutkoski has been nominated for the Book Trailer created by Educator/Librarian category. If you recall it was one of the titles on the Texas Bluebonnet nominees last year.
Click on the icon to check out all the great book trailers and VOTE for Ms. Johnson!
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I think author Katie Davis and I were on the same wavelength. I have had so many requests for the codes. So I have posted the jpeg here.
I have to thank my daughter Callan for figuring out how to get them all on the same page for me to send out. It was a time-consuming project but nothing that a 2.0 teen can’t figure out. If you would like a copy of them just e-mail me and I will send it your way.
Okay kiddos even though we can’t use cell phones at school. It’s still important to be exposed to new technology. QR Codes, which stands for Quick Response, isn’t really a new technology because they have been used in Japan for years, but they are fairly new in the United States. So if you have a smart phone you can get the free app for NeoReader which reads the code (the black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background) on the spine of these books. It will take you quickly to a book trailer. Pretty cool, right?
Master metal artisan Mikhal Kronos had been commissioned by Prince Rodolfo to build a magnificent one-of-a-kind astronomical clock. When he returns home, his twelve-year old daughter Petra learns that his eyes have been gouged out by the prince so that he will never be able to build another clock. But she soon finds out that the prince has more sinister plans. He plans to wear the eyes and use their magical powers to control the weather and perhaps rule the world. With a little help from friends and a little enchantment, follow Petra’s journey when she vows to steal them back.
I haven’t read a fantasy book that was so much fun to read since Harry Potter. What makes it even more appealing is that Rutkoski has coupled the perfect marriage of history and magic. It is sure to become a favorite and have you eagerly awaiting the sequel. (Texas Bluebonnet nominee for 2010-2011)
Check out the book trailer!
I love this book and the trailer. I especially love the way the publisher uses technology to promote the book. You can’t see the book trailer without being in front of a computer. After you see the trailer you may decide to embed it into your blog like I have, or leave a comment about it, maybe even e-mail or text your friends to see it, like I did. I wonder if you kids will find it as ironic and funny as adults do.
14 Cows for America, by Carmen Agra Deedy, is the true story of selflessness and profound generosity. Nine months after September 11th, the Maasai people of Kenya bestow upon the United States a gift so sacred it will move you to tears.
Kids, you are probably to young to remember where you were on September 11th or what happened. You may not have even been born yet, but this book preserves the story for all of us so that we will never forget.
You can watch both trailers and if you would like to read more about the subject visit the site: http://14cowsforamerica.com/
Of all the books you read this year, you must put this one on your list. Have you ever heard someone tell you not to judge a book by its cover. Well, it means that when you look at a person or a book, you shouldn’t form an opinion about the person, or in this case the book, until you have actually read it. The cover maybe not seem enticing to you. It doesn’t have bright colors or show funny characters, and it may look like it would be a sad book. It is actually, and it’s also funny. But what I love about this book, is that it’s REAL. It’s so real and it’s happening right now. And if you want to know what is happening ‘right now’ then you need to read it!
2010 SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL BOOK TRAILEE NOMINEE
Check out the trailer
