Winter 2016 Volume 39, Issue 2

The Reader
Advocating for literacy in the Omaha
Metropolitan Area

A local council of the And the

Nebraska State Reading
Association
Metropolitan Reading Council International Reading
Association
Omaha, Nebraska
 The Reader
Published since 1966
Metropolitan Reading Council #30400
Chartered in 1965 Winter 2016
http://www.metropolitanreadingcouncil.org

Metropolitan Reading Council

Executive Board 2015-2016
President Amy Coacher
Learning HQ

Past President Kate Alseth

President-Elect Abby Burke

University of NE Omaha

Vice President Kelli Vanwinkle

Brownell Talbot

Treasurer Linda Placzek

Executive Secretary Audrey McNamara

Information Manager Renee McArthur

Bellevue Public Schools
Volume 39, Issue 2
Publications/Social Media Elesha S. Harris
University of NE Omaha

MRC Website: http://www.metroreadingcouncil.org/

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/metroreadingcouncil/
and follow us on Twitter: @OmahaMRC

Volume 39, Issue 2 Page 2

 WINTER MRC BRING A
FRIEND MEMBER MIXER
Abby J. Burke, Ed. D--MRC President Elect
ajburke@unomaha.edu
MRCsponsoredaMemberMixeronFriday,January29,2016.Brazen
HeadIrishPubwastheperfectspotforthisevent.Whatafundiverse
groupofpeoplewerethereincludingaretiredprofessor,classroom
teachers,afirstyearteacherandevenafutureteacher.Thankyoutoallof
youwhoattended.PleasecheckourwebsiteforthenextMemberMixer.
Anddontforgettobringafriend.

TH
IS
BL OT TIS

OP EVE

MRC Writing Contest

IC HE

EN N
PU T EN

TO TIS
N V

PU
BL THE
PE E
IS

IC
TH
O

Morethantwiceasmanyessaysweresubmittedforthe20152016MRC
WritingContestthanlastyear.ThatmeantthatSaturday,January9was
abusyoneforMRC.MRCmembersmetatUNOsRoskensHalltoread
andscoreallofthestudentessays.Thewinnersofthewritingcontest
willbeannouncedattheMeettheAuthoreventonSaturday,March12at
UNOsStraussPerformingArtsBuildingat9:00am.Studentwritersfrom
acrossthemetropolitanareawillberecognizedfortheirwork.Young
AdultFiction,PoetryandNarrativeFictionwriter,LydiaKangwillbeour
guestspeakeratthisevent.

TheReader
p.3
 Books + Time = New Library
By Wilma Kuhlman

Whats the prescription for a biblioholic* literacy professor who has a couple thousand
young peoples books, and shes retiring with limited space for more books at home? Besides
that, she wanted to see those books used in childrens hands when possible. For me, fate
seemed to work with me, and Im now the proud librarian of an updated and operational library
at Girls, Inc. Omaha at 45th and Maple. Timing was a huge factor in this effort.
Having worked with directors and young people at Girls, Inc. in the past, I was in touch
with Director of Programs, Emily Mwaja, as I was making decisions about the best way to share
my special books. Due to a generous grant to improve and add on to the aging elementary
school that has been their home for the past 35 years, a good-sized conference room became
available for their new library. The small, cramped space that had served as a book collection
space in the past would also be repurposed, and so my work was cut out for me. Not only
could I donate books to their new library, they needed a volunteer to set up the new space in a
user-friendly way. And I was seeking appropriate work for my newly available time. Voila!
The fit was obvious, and I eagerly began the work. Whats more fitting for a Metropolitan
Reading Council member and avid champion of reading and writing for everyone, but especially
for youth as they become informed as citizens and decision makers?
So how does a non-library-trained but avid proponent of literacy tackle the work of
setting up a library? I first had to learn to weed inappropriate,
outdated, and/or damaged books. Putting any book in a recycling
bin is not easy for us biblioholics, but I learned. And I started with
a pile of books, many valid, but many not useful for the new
library. Books at Girls, Inc. had all been donated, and sometimes
people are not very discerning when they choose which books to
give away. Maybe theyre like me, and have trouble discarding
any books. I was amused with how many copies of Black Beauty
were in the pile of books from the old library. There were at least a
dozen, so evidently people had reached the point where they didnt see a reason for that book in
their home collections; or maybe they thought the girls would really enjoy the book, since it was
one of their favorites. But horses tend to be scarce in inner cities, so those and dozens of other
horse books seemed inappropriate for shelf space. One copy of each is still available and others
are available for free, but I dont see them going out at least not yet.
Going through a few thousand books, one at a time, is time consuming, and it took all fall
to get them sorted, organized, entered into a data base, and ready to share. My biblioholism
came in handy there, as I had to/got to handle each book several times. The library is not
organized by Dewey Decimal numbers or precise categories as determined by publishers. I tried
to use my knowledge of youth and of books and arranged them roughly by age group interests,
with types of books together like animal stories separate from people stories and nonfiction
categorized by types of animals, etc. With a small donated library, some groups of books are
very small, and some are large. While I realize the arrangement doesnt differ a lot from
traditional libraries, I hope to keep this space flexible enough for the girls to suggest different
ideas that we can consider for future organization. I also had some suggestions from librarian
friends and colleagues, and I hope the space will work to the benefit of the girls at Girls, Inc.
Emily was able to find some furniture grant funds for more
library shelves and for amazing beanbag chairs comfortable for
reading time. Were still figuring out how to use those chairs
without too much noise and a lot of
flopping down on them out of pure
enjoyment. But the space is very
inviting and friendly.
My favorite day was
December 22, when I got to
introduce the space to several different age groups of girls. It
was a very busy day, but I was able to catch some girls utilizing
the library as any literacy teacher would love!
So now Im done with a lot of the more tedious parts of
being a volunteer librarian, and I get to be there a couple of times a week to keep the books fairly
well organized, talk with the girls about what they want to read or learn about, and be the literacy
pusher that Im most comfortable with. After wed visited about sharks and wondered about
their preference (or not) for human meat over other meat, two girls and I found some shark books
in the library. After getting some answers, the girls settled back to read their chosen books.
Maybe Ill also find the time to read aloud and do
other fun activities with books as time progresses.
Of course, well have to fit in some writing. I
think that summer and other breaks are going to be
even busier, and more interesting. What more fun
could a biblioholic MRC member have?

*http://www.columbia.edu/~fuat/biblioholic.com/
 Continued on p. 8
p. 7 The Reader
Childrens Literature for your classroom
By Wilma Kuhlman

Literature awards for 2016 were announced in mid-January, and due to time constraints,
Ill only be sharing some winners and some recommendations from other sources. I find all
sources to contain some interesting and engaging choices.
Typically, the Newbery winner would be a chapter book, but the big surprise is that the
2016 winner is the picture book Last Stop on Market Street written by
Matt De La Pea and illustrated by Christian Robinson. Robinson also
received a Coretta Scott King honor and an honor in Caldecott for Last
Stop on Market Street. If you look at the book on Amazon, youll see a
long list of awards. So what makes this book so special and so unusual?
I would say that its a delightful book, but I am unclear what brings it into
the Newbery realm. Illustrations do certainly get my applause.
The story is of young CJ and his Nana, who get on the bus like
they do every Sunday after church. Readers dont know where theyre
going at first, but its clear that CJ is not particularly enthused about their
travel, at least not today. Miguel and Colby never have to go nowhere
is answered with Nanas I feel sorry for those boys. When they arrive at the soup kitchen and
CJ sees the familiar faces of people they serve each week, CJ is glad they came. The lyrical
writing carries readers through the book with comfort and ease and has an important lesson that I
think De La Pea tells best in an interview: "You can feel like you have been slighted if you are
growing up without, if you have less money, or you can see the beauty in that. And I feel like the
most important thing that's ever happened to me is growing up without money. It's one of the
things I'm most proud of." Id venture that people rarely are proud of growing up without money
or at least thats not the typical American attitude. This book can invite comfort to some,
invitation to share with some, and lots of discussion. And seeing lack of money as fortunate can
bring discussion for all ages.
The Caldecott winner for 2016 is Finding Winnie: The true story of the worlds most
famous bear, written by Lindsay Mattick and illustrated by Sophie Blackall. Since the award
came for the illustrations, Ill note first those delightful parts of the book. Blackwell has
illustrated many of the books I enjoy, even though I dont always note that. At her blog, she tells
how exciting and overwhelming it was to get the call about winning the Caldecott. Finding
Winnie is set during WWI, and the dress and features of people fit that
timeframe. Soldiers clothing is as weve seen in photos (a few copies
of photos are also included).
The true story is the authors veterinarian great-grandfather
Harrys story of the bear, Winnie, that became his rescued pet and
actually served as a mascot for the Second Canadian Infantry Brigade.
Harry named the bear Winnipeg to take a part of home with him to
Europe with the regiment of soldiers. Her name was shortened to
Winnie, and many soldiers helped feed and care for her. When it was
time for that regiment to actually go into battle, and Winnie was getting pretty big, Harry took
her to the London Zoo, where she lived out the rest of her life happily, according to the book.
The second part of the story is about the little boy, Christopher Robin Milne. He visited
the zoo with his father, and named his teddy bear Winnie-the-Pooh after Winnie, the real bear.
Christopher was even allowed to go inside the bears enclosure to play and snuggle with Winnie.
That part is hard to imagine today, but that was a hundred years ago.
 This book is a natural fit with the Winnie the Pooh books, and the album of real photos at
the end shows the real Winnie with the soldiers and with Harry, the former veterinarian who
bought and loved a baby bear. It could be an introduction to WWI and a comparison with current
soldiers work.
Fish in a Tree is a novel written by Lynda Mullaly Hunt which won the 2016 Schneider
Family Book Award for books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience for
middle school. I also saw this book on an on-line list of recommended books for children, and I
really like the idea of an award for these types of books. After Palacios Wonder, Im pleased to
see others come along. Author Lynda Hunt is dyslexic as is Ally, the books protagonist. Also
true to the authors life is sixth-grade Allys constant angst about her inability to read and her
desire to fit in. Its also the story of bullying and the cost to people who dont really fit the
supposed mold. I like the book; however, I do think it actually fits teachers a little more than
young people. Allys first teacher (as is implied of all her previous teachers) essentially nags
Ally for not working hard enough. We learn of Allys ruses for getting away during stressful
writing and reading assignments. When Mr. Daniels becomes the substitute for the regular
teacher during her pregnancy and new-baby leave, he begins to recognize Allys issues and
becomes her tutor and support. It all works out very nicely with two good new friends, who also
dont fit in very well, and Ally ultimately becomes popular. She is very bright and artistic, so
her talents also help a lot. Again, its a great story; it feels like its great for teachers, but it might
not be encouraging for young people who dont have the extra talents of Ally, and it would be a
long read for struggling readers. Worth a look, though, and again, Im pleased to see this award.
Being aware of bullying and the need for kindness brings me to the
last two picture books Ill review. Both are also 2015 publications and were
recommended in Dragon Lode, ILAs journal for the childrens literature
SIG (special interest group). Red by Jan De Kinder doesnt show up on the
popular sites, but its a realistic look at the feelings and face color during a
childs (Tommys) embarrassing times. Red refers to the color of his
cheeks when other children giggle and taunt him. Paul is especially loud
and unkind and our female protagonist doesnt like that. We learn, though,
that she is afraid of Paul, who does more than just laugh at Tommy. BUT,
when the teacher once asks what happened to upset Tommy, her hand goes up without her
permission. Good piece to accompany talks about bystanders or how we each respond to
teasing.
Kadir Nelson has won several Coretta Scott King awards
for his illustrations and once for authorship as well as a Seibert
Award for nonfiction, and Ive always been a fan of his
illustrations. His recent picture book is entitled, If you plant a seed,
and as you can see from the cover, rather than his usual outstanding
people illustrations, the actors are animals for this book. The
simple story tells about a rabbit and a mouse each planting one
seed - tomato, carrot and cabbage seeds and tending those seeds
while they grow. The question is, will they share the crop with the
hungry birds who come to eat? Outstanding and entertaining
illustrations show what happens if they dont share and what happens if they do share. The
message is valuable, but the illustrations are the best. Nelson comes through again, in the
picture-storybook genre.
 Continued on p. 10
p. 9 The Reader

Students Evaluate Young Adult Literature

Lynn ThurberMRC Membership Chair
Beadle Middle School
lthurber@mpsomaha.org
I ponder each grading period, How am I going to hold my students accountable for their
independent reading? How can I get them to get past the usual cutesy book project that doesnt really
test the depth of knowledge gleaned from their reading? As I read Chapter 3 from Pam Coles text,
Young Adult Literature in the 21st Century, it occurred to me that students could use the same criteria
as adults to evaluate independent novels and judge whether they
were reading quality young adult literature or not. Students could
use the standards that Cole suggested and apply them to novels that
they were reading and share concrete examples from their books
and use these as the basis for their evaluation.
What follows are the rudimentary notes of criteria with
examples and a final evaluation of a Golden Sower nominated book
for 2016-2017 entitled Grand Master (2014), a father-son chess
tournament filled with dramatic twists and turns. The following
points are areas that might be included depending on the age and
ability of students. Students take notes as they read, including
citations so they can go back and elaborate on their basic findings
later.
Multithemed Story (many deep issues)-Mental health issues and familial love are featured.
Tension versus Shock Effect (Is this book a page-turner)-I could not put it down.
Memorable Characters (neither all good nor all bad)-The father and the son are well-rounded
characters, the father with some scary flaws counterbalanced with a very droll sense of humor.
Accurate Facts and Details-Game description, lingo, and game rules are spot on.
No Unlikely Coincidences (one is allowed) His fathers greatest nemesis is plays at the tournament.
No Critic Pandering (I would probably leave this out for my eight graders)
Original Idea (The book wasnt written to ride a trend) Father/son chess tournament fosters mental
health breakdown has to be an original idea.
Memorable Voice and Authentic Dialogue (A good novel captures the language of the characters) See
Chapter 14 for clear dialogue between father and son that defines the relationship as it is and what it
could become. (p. 92-99)
Effective, Clear Writing Style (well-constructed sentences) Students can explore sentence fluency and
complexity.
Sense of Humor-The main characters father delivers humorous sarcasm after he has been bullied by
the wealthier fathers during the tournament.
Lyrical/Poetic Language (no wasted words slow down the reader)
No Superfluous Characters or Wasted Scenes (Everything has purpose. Events or minor characters are
not left hanging.) A Karaoke party that advances very little could have been left out, but even it
advances the subplots of the foil characters.
Widespread Appeal -Teens will readily connect with the family and social issues in this book.
Openings- I was grabbed by the end of the first page when high powered upper classmen bully the
main character, ridiculing his name.
Closings (Sometimes endings wrap up too quickly) The resolution is satisfying with even dash of
romance.

David Klass creates extreme suspense from a father/son chess championship-a highly unexpected
synergy in his novel Grandmaster. Well-constructed dialogue carries
this page-turning novel from beginning until the end. Mental health
issues fuel the plotline as freshman Daniel Pratzer discovers secrets
of his fathers past. As Daniel struggles with the game itself, the
reader gets an inside view of the pressures that chess places on top
players as well as insights into chess itself. Teen and adult bullying
flare but are humorously dispatched as a counterpoint to more serious
considerations for a most satisfying young adult novel.

References
Klass, David. Grandmaster. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2014.
"Trends and Issues in Young Adult Literature." Cole, Pam. Young Adult Literature in the 21st
Century / Edition 1. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2008. 720.
 International Literacy Day Celebration

Linda Placzek--MRC Treasurer

laplaczek@cox.net

Our Metropolitan Reading Council partnered with Omaha Golden K Kiwanis and
Conestoga Elementary School, 2115 Burdette St. in Omaha to celebrate
International Literacy Day on
September 9th. Members of
MRC and members of the
Kiwanis Club joined together to
have a special book giveaway
for all Kindergarten students. To
help the students with their
book selections, three
members of Golden K Kiwanis,
who read with the three
classrooms of students each
week joined in the fun. Over 60
children selected their first new
book for the school year. MRC member, Linda Placzek, coordinated this celebration
of International Literacy Day with the school staff and principal, Vanita Jarmon,
while the Kiwanis Club provided the books.
 What: Spring Leadership Night 2016
Join us as the Metropolitan
Reading Council Celebrates When: April 28, 2016
5-7:30 PM
50 Years of Advocating for
Excellence in Literacy! Where: Nebraska Brewing
Company
Watch for registration information.
6946 S. 108th St.
***As someone who has been part of MRC, LaVista, NE
do you have any memorabilia that shows
MRC's influencepast, present, OR future??
Contact Lynn Thurber with your interesting
items!lthurber@mpsomaha.org
p. 13 Continued on p. 14
The Reader

Metropolitan Reading Council

Educators Leadership Awards
2015-2016

Nomination Form

Please circle the award for which you are nominating

Award criteria are located on the following page

Celebrate Literacy Award Friend of Reading Award

Linda Gehrig Educational Leadership Award

Nominees/OrganizationName:______________________________________________________________________________
(Please include title if appropriate)

Position:___________________________________________________________________________________

Address/City/Zip: ____________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone number/Contact Information: ________________________________________________________________________

Nominator: ________________________________________________________________________________

Position: __________________________________________________________________________________

Address/City/Zip: ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Email: ____________________________________________________________________________________

Phone Number: ____________________________________________________________________________

Is your nominee a member of the International Reading Association? (Circle One) Yes No Unsure

**Please write a narrative supporting this nomination; give as much specific information as possible. Attach the narrative to this form.
 Descriptions of MRC Literacy Awards
Nominations due by March 31, 2016

Celebrate Literacy Award

The purpose of the Celebrate Literacy Award is to recognize a local individual, agency or institution which has made
significant contributions to literacy in the Omaha area. Candidates who have shown exemplary accomplishments in any
of the following areas may be submitted for consideration of this award:
*Direct teaching at any level
*Organizing local literacy programs
*Promoting support from the public (relative to enhancing literacy)
*Conducting research in fields related to literacy
*Conducting special surveys of importance for literacy planning
*Conducting informational educational activities of a social, cultural, economic or political nature in which
literacy activities are included

Friends of Reading
Volunteer(s) and/or Professional(s)
The purpose of the Friends of Reading Award is to recognize an individual or group who advances reading and promotes
literacy in our schools and community. Candidates who have shown exemplary accomplishments in any of the following
areas may be submitted for consideration of this award:
*Organizing local literacy programs
*Promoting support from the public (relative to enhancing literacy)
*Providing young people the opportunities to help in literacy activities
*Conducting informational educational activities of social, cultural, economic or political nature in which literacy
activities are included

Linda Gehrig Educational Leadership Award Administrator

The purpose of the Educational Leadership Award is to recognize an administrator who demonstrates
outstanding concern for the advancement and promotion of reading above and beyond the norm.

If your administrator (principal, supervisor, director, etc.) is deserving of recognition for the efforts made in the
advancement of literacy, please take a few moments to complete and mail this nomination form. When
nominating someone, please indicate contributions the nominee has made in the following areas:
*Enthusiasm and energy *Impact on students
*Impact on teachers *Innovation and creativity
*Community involvement *Knowledge of reading research

PLEASE SEND ENTRIES TO:

Via email to
metroreadingcouncil@gmail.com
Or Audrey McNamara
11904 South 49th Street
Papillion, NE 68133

Thank you for supporting literacy by participating in this years

Metropolitan Reading Council Educators Leadership Awards!