Who is this cat?

Cleaning out my room at my parents' house this summer, I found several "certificates of appreciation" (a third appeared in a different box) from the Baltimore County Public Library system. Perhaps I was destined to be a librarian from a young age since I was commended for my volunteer work with the summer reading program.

Remember this cat? 

Hello, Sneaks! 

Summer reading at Saint Stephen's is coming to a close over the next few weeks. First up is the faculty books this Tuesday. I've read 4 of the 5, Bringing Innovation to Schools, Why are all the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria, The Mindful Child, and Out of our Minds. Innovation was a surprise favorite because it included practical tips that I can implement this year. Ironically, the book that I'm most looking forward to reading, Quiet, is the one I'm still waiting on. I think all will foster good conversations, and I'm looking forward to that. 

Next Monday, all Upper School students and teachers will be discussing The Hobbit.  In addition to general literary questions, I have some fun advisory games and questions that we can use. 

Seth reads The Hobbit (for the umteenth time) from our porch in Washington. Great reading perch.

The sponsored book discussions will occur right after Labor Day. I've heard excellent feedback from students so far about the books they chose, and it's not the shortest books that are receiving the highest commendations. (Do I need to even state that there's no reason to expect a correlation?) :) We'll have at least one author skyping in, with possible interaction from others. How cool is technology?

Alright, back to reading...still have 5 to go. 

Any favorites among the summer reading choices?