Middle Ground: How the DCF List Process Works (and why I had 10 boxes of books in my living room)
You might not know how the list is selected and why my living room was so cluttered.
What’s New
CLiF is Hiring!
Are you an enthusiastic, organized professional with program planning experience and a love of literacy? CLiF seeks a part-time Programs Manager to coordinate some of CLiF’s literacy programs across Vermont and New Hampshire. CLiF has a small, committed staff and a 16-year history of substantial growth and results. This position manages CLiF’s At-Risk, Summer Readers, … Continued
If you’re a parent and…you need to do the dishes
Photo Credit My only child celebrated her 100th day of kindergarten in February. As a parent new to public school, I was surprised that this is a milestone…and reminded that I have a lot to learn! Being new to CLiF, I have even more appreciation for how inventive schools, teachers, and parents are in designing … Continued
CLiF Spotlight: Let’s All Read Across America
I started hearing Christmas music in October. No exaggeration – I was still shopping for the final touches of my son’s Halloween costume when the bells were jingling and the sleighs were dashing right there in my radio speakers. I love family traditions and glowing lights and – oh, wow – nothing compares to the … Continued
Feb. 28 Friday Links Library
Happy Friday! Here are some stories we liked this week: A review of Bookmooch, a book swap club, and impressive statistics on how members can donate their points to “school libraries, classroom libraries, public libraries, and prison libraries” so they can choose gently used books for their collections. Closing the literacy achievement gap by ‘re-gifting’ the love of … Continued
CLiF Spotlight: Lost and Found at Bethlehem Library
On January 29, 2014, Duncan got lost on his way to Bethlehem Public Library. You would think he’d know how to get there–CLiF has awarded Bethlehem a Rural Libraries sponsorship three times since 2003. But he walked into the building it shared with the town offices, and there it was… gone. Turns out this town … Continued
Feb. 21 Friday Links Library
Good morning! Here are some stories we liked this week: This thoughtful op-ed in Minnesota’s Star-Tribune. Literacy tutor Kris Potter muses on the power of learning to read with real books: “The tangible benefits of reading (real) books to kids” “Love cracks the code, creates curiosity, sustains attention and eventually lays knowledge at their feet … Continued
General / Book Recommendations
If you’re a parent and… your child has no use for logic
If you live with a toddler, you’ve probably seen the blog Reasons my Son is Crying. You may have even submitted to it. I know. A typical conversation in my house goes something like this: Him: “Mama, please I can have a samich?” Me: “Sure. Do you want strawberry or raspberry jam?” Him: (Whining) “I not … Continued
Feb. 14 Friday Links Library
Valentine’s Day/Nor’easter edition! Just got in from shoveling, so let’s start with a pick-me up: Those kids reading aloud to shelter cats that went viral this week. The Animal Rescue League of Berks County, PA started a Book Buddies program when their program coordinator noticed her son preferred reading to a feline audience. From their website: … Continued
Middle Ground: Shining a Light on Middle Grade and Young Adult Literature
I was one of those kids who secretly stayed up past her bedtime and read books under her blanket with a flashlight. Nearly twenty years later, not much has changed.
Feb. 7 Friday Links Library
Winter is in full swing here in northern Vermont. When life hands you snow, make a snowcone. Isn’t that what they say? Here are some links we liked this week: Cartoonist and CLiF presenter Marek Bennett has just returned from Nicaragua, where he documented the coffee harvest with help from some local kids. It’s worth … Continued
If you’re a parent and your toddler is a wild child…
If you’re a parent and your child is perpetually on the move, I can relate. My methodical, industrious two year old has snapped into a new state of existence defined by loud, energetic gross motor skills. Our afternoons, once spent quietly lining up Matchbox cars, are now full of jumping, running, soccer, roaring, and all-around … Continued
Jan. 31 Friday Links Library
The big news in children’s literature this week was the American Library Association Youth Media Awards (ALAYMA, or #alayma). Featured on the red carpet this year: a superhero squirrel, a locomotive, the Gaither sisters, and many more great books. We’re particularly proud of CLiF presenter Tanya Lee Stone, who netted a YALSA honor for Courage … Continued
CLiF Spotlight: Boys and Books
Every year CLiF works with thousands of low-income, at-risk, and rural children from birth to age 12. And every year, without fail, our most challenging clients are the oldest boys.
When Your Kids Read Books You Hate
I once read about a woman who banned her kids from reading picture books because she believed her kids were beyond them and should be reading chapter books exclusively. I have also heard, and I am sure you have too, about parents who forbid books like Captain Underpants, books that are slightly vulgar in a … Continued
Jan. 24 Friday Links Library
Trying something new here in the CLiF office. We’re tuned in to literacy news from near and far, and there are great stories every day out there about reading, writing, and books. So in the spirit of sharing resources, every week (mostly) we’ll post a mini library of links to stories we like. If you … Continued
General / Book Recommendations
The Next Great Book: 2014 Preview, Fiction
If you missed yesterday’s post on 2014 nonfiction books Jane’s excited about… click here. Moving on to fiction, it won’t take serious convincing to get any child to read Mo Willems’ latest Pigeon picture book, The Pigeon Needs a Bath. (“No. I do not.” says Pigeon.) However, it sounds like Pigeon is going … Continued
The Next Great Book: 2014 Preview, Nonfiction
For many of us in the book world, January is a strange mix. We’re looking forward to new spring titles. And we’re pondering our favorite books from the previous year with delicious hand-wringing in anticipation of the American Library Association’s award ceremonies, announced at the end of this month. There are several bookstores, libraries, and … Continued