Category Archives: Texas Bluebonnet Nominees
Clever Jack Takes the Cake by Candace Fleming
Sometimes the best gifts aren’t those that are store bought, but those given where there is a little bit of sacrifice involved. Add sacrifice to resourcefulness and Jack ends up with the best gift for the princess’s tenth birthday party.
Too poor to buy a gift, Jack decides he will make her a cake and take it to the party, but by the time he arrives to the princess’s party he no longer has the cake, which to the delight of the princess ends up to be the best gift of all.
Find out what happens to Jack and the cake along the way to the princess’s party, and why his gift literally ‘takes the cake’.
WINNER 2010 Parents’ Choice Recommended
WINNER 2010 Booklist Children’s Editors’ Choice
WINNER 2010 School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
WINNER 2010 Kirkus Reviews Best Children’s Books
WINNER 2010 New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing
WINNER ALA Notable Children’s Book
NOMINEE Texas Bluebonnet Master List
Texas Library Media Awards
Congratulations goes out to Mrs. Castaneda and Centeno’s gifted students who took home 1st place at this year’s Texas Library Media Awards held in Austin Texas on April 13th during the Texas Library Association conference. These kiddos rocked with their video production of Lady Liberty: a biography by Doreen Rapparport.
It was a great learning experience not only for our students but for us as well. In the process we all learned about videotaping, camera angles, microphones, green screens, and chroma key technology. It was such a great way to bring a book to life.
Click on the player to view the incredible job they did.
Texas Bluebonnet Results 2011
The results are in, and for the 6th year in a row the Centeno Bucks have voted for and picked the winner!
The Uglified Ducky written and performed by Willy Claflin and illustrated by James Stimson was the overwhelming winner.
You “demember” the story of “The Ugly Duckling” don’t you? Well, chances are you don’t “demember” it like this.
A baby moose loses his way and ends up in a nest with a “fambly” of baby ducks. In this “fambly” he can’t seem to do anything right. He can’t quack, waddle, or swim, and mother duck thinks he’s a tad ugly. All ends well though, when he meets up with real moose. Of course all Mother Moose tales have a moral to the story, and this was is no different: If you don’t fit into your “fambly…that does not mean you are uglified…. It just means you have not found out what you really are yet.”
The majority of our kids found it great fun, but I thought it was touching that some kids said the story was sad. They empathized with the baby moose, the criticism he had to endure and his struggle to fit in.
The Cabinet of Wonders by Marie Rutkoski
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!
14 COWS FOR AMERICA by Carmen Agra Deedy
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/
Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate
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
Savvy by Ingrid Law
Ahhh…another Texas Bluebonnet nominee for 2009-2010, you won’t want to miss reading. Not only is it on the list of nominees, but it is also a Newbery Honor Book, which is a BIG DEAL kiddos!
If you like a touch of magic coupled with a sense of urgency and sprinkled with a little wackiness, then this is the book for you. Law’s writing is imaginative and mesmerizing. You can’t help but drool smiles over her use of words. Make sure you get your teacher read this one.
If you would like to learn more about Ingrid Law visit-
http://web.mac.com/ingridlaw/Site/Home.html
Loads of fun at the official Savvy website-
http://us.penguingroup.com/static/packages/us/yreaders/savvy/index.html
Check out the book trailer I created-
Find more videos like this on ReadKiddoRead
Surprises According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney
The Surprises According to Humphrey is also on the Texas Bluebonnet nominee list for 2009-2010. Check out the book trailer. If you like this book, there are 5 other books about Humphrey you might like to read – check them out at your library today.
You can also visit the Betty G. Birney’s website and send a Humphrey postcard to a friend!
http://www.bettybirney.com/humphreyville.html
Enjoy the book trailer!
SOMEONE NAMED EVA by Joan M. Wolf
Texas Bluebonnet Award nominee for 2010
Joan M. Wolf’s novel, Someone Named Eva is a startling look at events that took place during WWII that very few people know about. It’s a perfect tie-in to the study of Anne Frank and the Holocaust.
Can Milada find her way home before all her memories slip away and her identity is lost to her forever?