March 7, 2016

​This week in the library all classes are hearing books in honor of Women's History Month. On display in the library are many, many books featuring strong female characters and recognizing the accomplishments of women. Of particular interest is Ada Byron Lovelace and the Thinking Machine--it is a nominee in the next contest we'll work on: the Cook Prize. Grades 3 and 4 will be participating in this one, which is among three "STEM" books (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math). By the way, there is an Ada Lovelace Day to honor the achievements women in technology. Voting for the Cook Prize will take place just before spring break.

Voting has just concluded at Pennekamp for the California Young Reader Medal. The winners here at our school were The Day the Crayons Quit, by Drew Daywalt (in the Primary category) and A Nation's Hope: The Story of Boxing Legend Joe Louis, by Matt de la Pena (in the Picture Books for Older Readers category). Our votes will be tallied along with those of other students throughout California, and a statewide winner will be announced on May 1, 2016.

Grades 3, 4, and 5 had a wonderful time with author D.J. MacHale on the past Thursday, March 3. He presented two exciting assemblies and had lunch with the 5th-grade book club. D.J.'s newest book, Project Alpha (first in the new Voyagers series) is in high demand at the library! Grades TK, K, 1, and 2 also enjoyed visits last week from members of the Manhattan Beach Rotary Club.

Credit for the Women's History Month comic goes to Self magazine. A poster of the comic can be purchased on Etsy.