This week we are reading books that are fairly short and easy, to make sure the students have ample time to choose good books for the winter break. Grade 5 is finishing up the California Young Reader Medal nominees, either voting this week (Mr. Ahrens's and Mr. Warner's classes) or hearing the final nominee, The Worst of Friends, in Mrs. Curry's class. Grades TK, K, and 1 will begin hearing CYRM nominees when school resumes in January. With grades 2, 3, and 4 I am planning to try a different contest this year--one or both of those run by the Bank Street School in New York. I have been impressed in the past with the nominees for its two contests, one of which focuses on children's literature in general, the other specifically involving "STEM" books (on science, technology, engineering, and math).

Students in the upper grades (3, 4, 5) will be permitted to take an extra book over the winter holidays, so third grade may have four books; fourth grade may have five; fifth grade may have six. I hope that gets the students even more excited about reading over the break!

The fifth-grade book club had a wonderful first meeting on Monday, December 16. What a great group of committed, thoughtful readers. I'm going to have to be "on my game" to keep up with them! Our first book is Jinx, by Sage Blackwood. Copies are available at the Manhattan Beach public library, which now operates from its "express library" bookmobile at the old library site. The hours are Tuesday through Friday from 2 to 6, Saturday from 10 to 2. I suggest you call first to make sure they have copies, as they are being brought in from various branches to meet our need. The number is 310-545-8595. Thanks to our awesome children's librarian, Melissa Messner, for helping me arrange this.

I wish the whole Pennekamp family a joyous and restful winter break. 

Below please find the consent form for participation in the Pennekamp library's book club for 5th-grade students. For more information, please take a look at the blog post below (December 4, 2013). All 5th-grade Dragons are invited to participate, but space is limited, so please 1) return your consent form soon, and 2) make a sincere commitment if you choose to join. Book club is a completely optional, social activity for students who enjoy reading and talking about books.

Two great events are being offered by the Manhattan Beach branch of the Los Angeles County Public Library.

On Thursday, December 12, at the Joslyn Community Center, Jim Gamble Puppet Productions will present a Nutcracker Marionette Show. The time is 4:00 p.m., the event is recommended for children ages 4 and above, and reservations are not required.

At 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 13, there will be a Winter Wonderland Pajarama at Pages: A Bookstore, located at 904 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach. Children's librarian Melissa Messner will read stories and lead a sparkly winter craft! No reservations are required, and the event is for children ages 4 and above.

Below please find the 5th-grade book club consent form.

Book club is a social activity for students who enjoy reading and talking about books.  Participation is completely optional.

Book club begins with an introductory meeting on Monday, December 16, in the library at lunch recess. Interested students should bring their lunch that day and plan to eat in the library.

In general, students will help select the books we are to going to read in club this year. At our introductory meeting I hope to talk about book possibilities!

Depending on what we choose, the books may be accepted by the 5th-grade teachers for the assigned book reports, but since we will be choosing as we go, that really can't be guaranteed. It will be up to the teachers to decide. 

The consent form (below) should be returned as soon as possible. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions.

The library will be closed several days this week to allow me to deal with a family matter. I apologize for any inconvenience.

Please visit the book fair this week, and don't miss family night, which is Thursday, December 5, from 5:30 to 7:30. 

Due to the minimum-day schedule, classes do not visit the library this week. Classes do, however, visit book fair.