2012 CPS Tech Talk

Yesterday I attended the Chicago Public Schools Tech Talk Conference at Roosevelt High School.  This is a technology conference for teachers and technology coordinators.  This year, librarians contributed heavily by presenting sessions about Animoto, iPads, VoiceThread and KINECT in the library.  It was great to see my librarian colleagues and meet technology coordinators and teachers from across the district.  Moreover, what I learned at Tech Talk greatly contributed to my own professional development.

The LMC's New Addition:  Apple TV

I presented a session called, "The Art of Blogging."   My session started off a little shaky.  I accidentally left my notes at home and discovered the batteries in my presentation clicker had died.  What a start to a day right?  Thank goodness for the Roosevelt High School Tech Coordinator, Victor Herrera who saved the day and found the AAA batteries I needed.  You saved me Victor!

During my session I discussed how I use my blog as a space for educational thinking/dialogue  and extension of my personal learning network.  This was the first time my presentation was actually about my blog.  Normally, my presentations are about Street Lit, iPads or African-American literature.  It was really fun sharing my blog and some of my experiences with my session attendees.   My hope is that I inspired some of the attendees to start blogging themselves.  As I said during my session, we are educators and we have good stories to share about our students, schools and ourselves.

The Prize!

At the end of the conference day, I won one of the prizes in the raffle:  Apple TV!  Throughout the day today, I've been doing some research online about this system.  I also visited fellow CPS teacher Jennie Magiera's blog, to learn how I can effectively implement this resource in my library media center.   I suggest that you not only take a look at her recommendations but subscribe to her blog.  She is doing some innovative things at her school.

Kudos to John Connolly and his team for executing Tech Talk this year.  The conference was great and I hope to attend and present again next year.  That's all for now!

2012 ALA Book Awards...I'm Just Sayin'

Well, it's that time of year again...book award season.  The American Library Association will be announcing it's 2012 Youth Media Awards tomorrow and many are on the edge of their seats.  So far, one of my favorite books has won an award.  Vanessa I. Morris' "The Reader's Advisory Guide to Street Literature," has won RUSA's 2012 Zora Neal Hurston Award.  This award is given to librarians who demonstrate leadership in promoting African-American literature.  Below I inserted a really nice video that features Morris at her best, explaining what Street Lit. is and why it's a genre that should not be overlooked.     My hope this year is that more books by African-American writers are honored, in particular Street Lit books.

Last year, YALSA's Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers featured a healthy number of teen friendly Street Literature books.  This was definitely a welcomed surprise.  I'm wondering if there will be the same number of winners this year?  Will there be more?  Will authors like NiNi Simone, Nikki Carter and Earl Sewell who write teen friendly Street Lit books be honored outside of the 'reluctant reader' category?  I would like some of these authors to be considered for the major book awards like the Printz, Alex or Coretta Scott King Award.  I understand it's politics but, I'm just sayin'...hmm.

Thank goodness for The Street Lit Book Award Medal that honors Street Lit books.  I hope some of my favorite authors and stories will be recognized.  I'll be listening to the announcements tomorrow via streaming video, will you?

Oh, My Funny Student

*Please note:  To protect the privacy of my student in this article, she will be called Bianca.  

My Student *Bianca

Last year, my student *Bianca read Ni-Ni Simone's "Shortie Like Mine" in one day.  I believe her excitement about reading the book was peaked after hearing a book talk on some of the new books in the library. After reading the book, she came back to the library to check out "If I Were Your Girl".  Unfortunately the three copies including the fourth, my personal copy, were all checked out.  I thought about ordering another copy but couldn't because I had spent all of my fall book money.  Needless to say, she was frustrated. I placed the book on reserve for her and reassured her that the book would return soon.

Since placing the book on reserve, Bianca stopped by the library every day to see if the book had been returned.  Bianca would lean in the library door before school, during the lunch periods and after school and say, "Is it here?', with a smile and a gleam in her eyes.  I assured her that when the book was returned, I would bring the book to her classroom.   Believe me, I really understood her urgency to read the next book in the series.  When you are reading a really good book series, you want to finish one book and continue onto the next one without interruption.  The worst that can happen is when the book is checked out, one can feel frustrated because you have to wait to see what happened to the character(s). 

What I didnt' realize was how 'determined' Bianca could be.  Since the book had not been returned, she decided to take matters into her own hands.   The female students at my school place a book they are reading directly in the back of their clear book bags.  They do this to show off what they are reading to other students while walking down the hallways during passing periods.  When Bianca spotted the book in another students bag she told them to 'hurry up', because 'she' was ready to read the book. When she learned that one of the girls was almost done reading the book one morning, she begged her to return it before school ended. The young lady did and of course, Bianca returned after school to finally pick up her book.  Since that time, Bianca has read all five books in the Ni Ni Simone book series and is waiting for the author's spring 2012 release.  

This year, Bianca is a Senior and has read just about all of my popular YA Fiction in my library.   To keep her interested and reading, I've introduced her to adult Street Lit. books written by Ashley & JaQuavis.  Ashley & JaQuavis style of writing is fast paced, suspenseful and keeps you on the edge of your seat.  I felt that their books would surely interest Bianca.  She checked out "The Cartel - Part I" along with four other titles to keep her reading over the three week Christmas vacation.  When school resumed Bianca was back in the library again.  She expressed how much she enjoyed the book and we exchanged opinions about some of the characters.  

The Cartel Series by Ashley & JaQuavis

When Bianca learned that "The Cartel - Part II" was still checked out, I assured her that it would return soon.  She asked me who had the book and my reply was, "We are not going to go down that path again, you can't harass people to finish the book early for your convenience."  I assured her that I would reserve the book for her and suggested that she check out another book while she waited.   I also mentioned that the book would return a day or so because one of the teachers, who is a avid Street Lit. reader, had checked it out.   With that, Bianca left the library and I thought all was well.  Well it wasn't, during our conversation I made a big mistake.  While assuring Bianca that the book would return soon, I accidentally said the name of the teacher who had the book, Mrs. Bates. 

The next day, Mrs. Bates returned the book.  When I thanked her for bringing the book back early because a student had requested the book, she knew about the student.  She said Bianca came to her classroom three times looking for the book.   I also learned that she accidentally went to another teacher's class in error looking the book as well.   Upon the third time coming to the classroom and interrupting class, Mrs. Bates finally asked Bianca, "Who are you?"  (I just wish you could have heard how Mrs. Bates asked that question, you would be laughing too!)  She was just as surprised as I was in Bianca's boldness and determination to check out, The Cartel - Part II".  Needless to say, I checked the book out to Bianca and delivered it to her while she was attending her British Literature class.    In true Bianca style, she read the book under a 24 hour period.  While she is waiting for "The Cartel - Part III", to return, she is reading a book by another popular Street Lit. author.

I share this story with all of you to say this is why I'm committed to providing good cautionary stories for African-American pre-teens and teens.  Street Lit books in particular are stories that my students have deep affinity to.  These stories take place in neighborhoods that are similar to their own, describe a experience that they can relate to and makes them think about the choices that affect their lives.  

My Library Media Center

While many of my librarian colleagues shy away from circulating these books, I don't.   I am very fortunate to have a supportive administrative team at my school that is supportive of my efforts to get students reading.  I am also able to circulate these adult Street Lit titles in accordance to the library collection development policy.   The emotional and social needs of my students is quite unique from other library programs throughout the district, city and state.  This is why I continue to identify books that 'speak' to my students.   I often wonder who was the person(s) that said African-American children don't read?  They need to visit my library and other libraries across the country where Street Lit. circulation statistics are higher than other genres.  Maybe, just maybe they will rethink that statement.  

The Perfect Pair: Hip Hop and Street Literature

Over the Christmas break, I was able to catch up with some friends.  As always, the conversation eventually leads to discussions about new books and music.  After one particular call, I thought heavily about how hip hop music and Street Literature compliment each other.  I am a product of the 80's generation which was the 'golden age' of rap music.   The baselines of early hip hop music are classic and remain embedded in one's memory.  These masterpieces are nothing like today's music that often times lacks a turn table and message.  A DJ Kool Herc/Grandmaster Flash/Jam-Master Jay tape, old school boom box and a recreation center was all teens needed during that time to have fun.

My Favorite Hip Hop Painting

This attitude toward hip hop has spilled over into my job as a school librarian.  I am not your traditional librarian that plays classical music behind the circulation counter and shushes the students.  Some days I'm playing ole school rap (yes the kids sing along to it), some modern hip hop, dancehall reggae, house, steppers and gospel music.  The kids never know what to expect once they enter my library.   Sometimes the discussions about who made the song first are quite hysterical to the casual onlooker.  It's all good because they are thinking out of the box and practicing the classic art of debate.

Hip Hop and Street Lit is such a natural pairing because it makes the overall work 'real'.  Some authors have cleverly inserted hip hop music into their tales of the street.  NiNi Simone is a popular young adult Street Lit. author that does this very well.  At the beginning of each chapter of her books, she includes the lyrics of the song and artist.  For example, in her book 'Upgrade You' Simone starts off the chapter with the lyrical quote, "You used to love me...." - Faith Evans.  These simple lyrics describe the pain Seven will experience when she discovers her boyfriend Josiah has another girlfriend, Tori.  The songs set the tone for each chapter and gives the reader a preview of what will happen.



                                                                                     Jay-Z and Beyonce's "Bonnie and Clyde '03"

Now I took you down the hip hop memory lane because I recently re-read "Ride Wit' Me" by Deja King.   The story is about Mercedes and Dalvin, Chicago teens and children of drug kingpens.  (I also loved this story because it took place in the Chi)  Their fathers give these kids everything materialistic they could ever want.  Never did the two rivals believe their kids would fall in love with each other...but it did happen.  As much as Mercedes father tried to break up the relationship, both teens were determined to stay together.  Jealously, teen bullying and peer pressure are common themes present in the story as seen in other popular young adult literature.   This book is also very popular in my library; so much that I have to physically go to the students class to remind the student to return the book.  Does this sound familiar to you fellow librarians?  I've also heard that some librarians circulate this book instead of Sista Souljah's, "The Coldest Winter Ever" because of the positive starred review from School Library Journal.

                          DJ Tribute to Jam-Master Jay

King has written a moving modern day Romeo and Juliet story centered in the hood.  I appreciate the reserved coolness of Dalvin and his bravely.  When Mercedes father told him not to see his daughter anymore he said, "No disrespect Mr. Clinton, but you can't forbid me to do anything."  I just wanted to stand up and cheer for this young man.  Most teen boys would not have had the courage to stand up for themselves in the manner that Dalvin did.  "Ride Wit Me," is a fast read and kids today can still relate to this story that was first told in 2006.  I remembered when I first read this story, I immediately thought of Jay-Z and Beyonce's, "Bonnie and Clyde '03."  As described in the story, Dalvin needed a 'ride or die' chick just like Jay-Z.

Hip hop music and Street Literature are tales of the streets.   These are stories that are fast paced, funny and sometimes violent.  They give us advice, describe a stress that most couldn't endure and empower us to change.   A world without both would be unthinkable.

Walter Dean Myers

National Ambassador for Young People's
Literature, Walter Dean Myers

As I started my pot of coffee this morning, I ran across a email that just brought joy to my heart.  Author Walter Dean Myers has been named the new National Ambassador for Young People's Literature.  Myers who happens to be one of the most prolific young adult authors of our time is a five time winner of the Coretta Scott King Award and has received two Newberry Honors nods.  The National ambassador for Young People's Literature is named by the Librarian of Congress for a two-year term based on recommendations from a selection committee representing many segments of the book community.  Myers has selected the platform, "Reading is Not Optional" during his term.  

2011 Coretta Scott King Awards Breakfast

Myers is deserving of this honor.  He's my 'go to' author in my library.  When that bewildered student that normally avoids the library, reading books and me is sent to the library to select a book for SSR time.  I encourage them to try a Myers book, heck it's the largest collection of books by one author.  Once they read one, they always come back.   Myers books include a catalog of fiction, poetry, non-fiction and some picture books for children.   His core audience are mainly teen/young adult and include stories that describe the forgotten teen that lives in inner city America.   I describe him as a brave man.  One that will not shy away from the tough subjects that teens are experiencing today.  I am especially happy that he is an author that has penned some Street Lit books is finally recognized on a national level.      My favorites, "Monster" "Lockdown" and of recent "Dope Sick" are Street Lit. novels (some of you didn't realize that you were reading Street Lit, right?).  

2011 Coretta Scott King Awards Breakfast

As a librarian, what also draws me to Myers is his view of educating young people.  I met Myers at a book signing during one of the ALA Conventions of year's past.  After learning that I was from Chicago, he quizzed me heavily about what I knew about the Pullman Porters .  He found it interesting that my great-uncle served on the Chicago/New Orleans line.  I distinctly felt that he was working on another book that would tell a great story and cleverly educate young people about American history at the same time.   This is why he's such a great storyteller.

His views of the African-American community are also quite thought provoking as well.  In a recent New York Times interview, Myers said that more has to be done to emphasize the importance of reading affecting one's life.  This is why his platform of "Reading is Not an Option" is so important for today's children.    He also said, "You take a black man who doesn't have a job, but you say to him,  'Look, you can make a difference in your children's life, just by reading to him for 30 minutes a day."   Words well spoken and very true.   This is a honor for Myers that is well deserved.  Finally, I must commend the committee for the nomination.  This nomination recognizes that the library patrons are culturally diverse and represent different life experiences.  

The National Ambassador for Young People's Literature inauguration ceremony will be held on January 10, 2012 at the Library of Congress.

References
Children's Book Envoy Defines His Mission by Julie Bosman, January 2012
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/03/books/walter-dean-myers-ambassador-for-young-peoples-literature.html?_r=2&scp=2&sq=Myers&st=cse