Book Reviews: Raymie Nightingale and Waylon! One Awesome Thing

by Book Reviews and RecommendationsBooks

Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo

Reviewed by Jennie Fitzkee

When Raymie Clarke’s father runs off with a dental hygienist, she has a plan to get him back; but she will have to win the Little Miss Central Florida Tire competition to make this happen.

I was curious how the storyline would pull me in, and it did not disappoint. Ten-year-old Raymie must learn how to twirl a baton to win the competition and have her picture in the newspaper. Her father will see the picture and come back home. That’s her plan. Raymie befriends two girls at twirling lessons: brave and tough Beverly who can pick a lock and ever-cheerful Louisiana who lives with her grandmother and is prone to fainting.

The girls slowly band together as their diverse personalities emerge. As we learn about their lives and the innermost parts of their characters, particularly Raymie, a string of events occur. I could not put down the book because “what happens next” had me hooked.

The girls must solely depend on each other that summer. Louisiana dubs the trio The Three Rancheros.

The story is based in 1975. While the adults in Raymie’s life reflect a different generation, adding great flavor to the story, the three girls remain as true to today as yesteryear. The author writes for children and understands that growing up is timeless.

Kate DiCamillo has a way with words; she pulls the reader into her characters, and by the second chapter feelings of “That’s me!” have us locked in.

And what happens to the Little Miss Central Tire Florida competition? You’ll have to read the book to find out. It is well worth the read. Bravo to author Kate DiCamillo as she writes this book much in the style of Because of Winn-Dixie. If you enjoyed that book, you will certainly want to read Raymie Nightingale.

Jennie Fitzkee, a West Virginia native who lives in Massachusetts, has been teaching and reading to preschoolers for 30 years. Her blog, A Teacher’s Reflections, chronicles lessons that extend far beyond the classroom.

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Waylon! One Awesome Thing by Sara Pennypacker (author of the Clementine series)

Reviewed by Debra K. Sullivan

Filled with an array of nicely developed characters, Waylon! moves at a fairly brisk clip through the daily doings and mind wanderings of Waylon, the “scienciest boy” first appearing in Clementine’s third grade class. Now a fourth grader, Waylon grapples with shifts in his classmates (including Clementine who makes an appearance) along with changes in his 14-year-old sister and the resulting altered family dynamics. Helped along the way by his down-to-earth scientist mother, his creative-minded father, his tender-hearted but going-through-a-phase sister, an unexpected ally, and others, Waylon deals with aspirations, the “new rules” of fourth grade, school projects, friendship, and age-appropriate dilemmas.

Waylon’s scientific knowledge is extensive and peppers his conversations and inner musings as well as his remarks exclaimed excitedly in the classroom. Writing with a light and humorous touch, and making good use of whimsical drawings by Pennypacker’s go-to Clementine artist Marla Frazee, the author cleverly weaves scientific facts into the narrative, charmingly explained by Waylon in animated, simple terms.

Waylon’s moments of introspection and self-discovery ring true. The dialogue is authentic as are the doubts and quandaries Waylon confronts. Why do things have to change? How can he reconnect with his sister? Why are the fourth grade boys following one student’s lead and competing now instead of collaborating like they used to? Why do people act the way they do? Will his big dreams ever come true?

Waylon!  One Awesome Thing is the first in Pennypacker’s new series. By the end of the story, Waylon grows in an understanding of himself and others while at the same time coming to the realization that the best solutions often come from the most unexpected places and in the most unpredictable ways.

Suggested target audience: grades 2 – 4.

Debra K. Sullivan is a retired educator, member of the WV State Library Commission and the Kanawha County Public Library Board, an avid reader and proud grandmother of two children who are passionate about books.

Read Aloud’s Nancy Reed retires

by ChaptersNews

by Lesley McCullough McCallister

While August marked the start of school for many students in West Virginia, it also marked the end of an era for the Read Aloud West Virginia state office when Program Administrator Nancy Reed retired on August 31.

Reed has been one of three staff members tasked with guiding and assisting local Read Aloud chapters during her five-year tenure with RAWV. When asked to describe Nancy, it was clear everyone agreed she was meticulously organized, unequivocally reliable, extremely compassionate and has been a tremendous asset.

“Nancy has given us a friendly, consistent voice to the public and our volunteers,” RAWV Executive Director Mary Kay Bond said. “She is the consummate professional and cares about our program to her core. She has such a way with people, and her concern for accuracy makes me confident we can supply our chapters with the information they need in a timely manner.”

Berkeley County Read Aloud President Marsha Dodson recalled a time when she called to request some information and Nancy was leaving the office to go on vacation. When Reed realized Dodson needed the information right away, she stayed at the office to accommodate the request.

“Nancy’s contribution and dedication made a significant impact on this program,” Raleigh County Volunteer Reader Coordinator Patty Farley said. “It is evident by her hard work that she truly believes in the benefits of Read Aloud to children of West Virginia. I will certainly miss her and the support and dedication she has given to this program.”

Greenbrier County Chapter President Sally Parker echoed the others’ sentiments saying, “I knew Read Aloud was in good hands with Nancy in the main office, and I really don’t know how they will replace her.”

When asked what she will miss most, Reed said, “The people!” Then she added, “From all over this beautiful state to locally here in Charleston there are so many wonderful, helpful, creative people involved with Read Aloud, and Mary Kay and [Communications and Development Director] Lynn lead the way.”

Reed added that her favorite thing about working at RAWV has been witnessing the tremendous growth in the program and its impact on counties, communities and families, “from the number of readers who attend an orientation to the number of schools and counties that enroll,” Reed explained. “It is so wonderful to be a part of an organization that is encouraging and motivating children, our future, to read!”

While Reed is looking forward to spending more time with her family, especially new grandson Cooper who was born in June, she still plans to be involved with RAWV in retirement. Reed agreed to be the volunteer chairperson for the newly created Kanawha County Read Aloud Board, which will begin later this fall.

Lesley McCallister is a Read Aloud supporter, volunteer and newsletter contributor and a freelance journalist.

Read Aloud West Virginia receives national book grant

by Book DistributionBooksDonorsNewsPartners

By Lesley McCullough McCallister

Read Aloud West Virginia was recently selected by the Coughlan Companies Communities Fund in partnership with GreaterGood.org (GGO) to receive a National Book grant valued at nearly $200,000 that includes 30,000 books that will  directly benefit West Virginia children and families.

This generous donation to Read Aloud is part of larger 250,000-book distribution campaign throughout the country to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Capstone, Coughlan’s children’s media publishing company, which creates content in a variety of print and digital formats for school libraries, classrooms and at-home learning. Read Aloud was chosen specifically by Coughlan and GGO, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving the well-being of people, pets and the planet.

“At Coughlan, we are passionate about improving the lives of all children through our partnerships, innovative outreach programs, and in-kind book donations,” said Christie Skilbred, Coughlan Companies corporate giving representative. “We are thrilled to partner with GreaterGood.org to provide children in West Virginia with the tools they need for success.”

Read Aloud West Virginia Executive Director Mary Kay Bond noted that these books will be distributed later this fall to students in Read Aloud schools. Those who were hit hardest by the floods that ravaged West Virginia at the end of June will be given first priority.

“At Read Aloud, we know that access to books is a critical piece of the literary puzzle,” said Bond. “The books provided by generous organizations like Coughlan and GGO will help us to instill a love of reading in children living in literacy-poor regions.”

For additional information about Coughlan Companies and GGO, please visit www.coughlancompanies.com and www.GreaterGood.org.

Lesley McCallister is a Read Aloud supporter, volunteer and newsletter contributor and a freelance journalist.

 

Back-to-school flood relief drive exceeds expectations

by NewsPartners

By Nikki Moses

How can we help?

That was the burning question asked by compassionate people in West Virginia and beyond after devastating flooding hit the Mountain State in June.

Two people called state Board of Education member Beverly Kingery. She was on vacation, but she said, “Give me a day or two…”

Matt Browning, communications director at West Virginia State University, contacted Read Aloud: “Can we work together to help?”

Many more followed. As momentum built, it became clear that a coordinated effort was needed. Bev Kingery, along with husband Phil, took the lead in the project that has put 9,875 backpacks filled with school supplies in the hands of West Virginia students in time for the new school year!

Donations worth more than $200,000 began flowing in. Businesses, religious organizations, civic and professional groups, educators and individuals and the media dove in.

What could have been logistical chaos (10,000 packs of paper, 30,000 spiral notebooks, pencils galore…) was a smooth operation under Kingery’s guidance. The former school teacher, principal and superintendent procured warehouse space at an 84 Lumber facility Logan. With the help of many community leaders and volunteers the sorting and packing and transporting began. Logan County’s Commission, Board of Education and Sheriff were key players. Deliveries to students began Aug. 5.

In Kanawha County, Bridget Foster led collection efforts with the help of Read Aloud and WVSU Extension Service. WOWK-TV asked viewers to fill a school bus in their Quarrier Street Parking lot, while Capitol Market, Charleston Town Center Mall, Courtyard Marriott, South Charleston Public Library, Wal-Mart in South Charleston and WVSU all served as drop-off locations to provide ease of access for donors.

Counties across the state saw communities come together to help. “This was a case of many hands making light work,” Mary Kay Bond said. “Everyone worked together.”

Nikki Moses is the former editor of the Read Aloud newsletter and a board member. She is an active volunteer in the Charleston community.

Read Aloud Boone County goes LIVE!

by BooksChaptersParents and FamiliesReadingResourcesSocial MediaVideos

By Sara Busse

Unbeknownst to him, WOWK weatherman Spencer Adkins inspired a new delivery system for Read Aloud of Boone County. By embracing technology, Chapter President Jennifer Griffith is spreading Read Aloud throughout the county with enthusiasm and passion.

“I was on Facebook and saw Spencer Adkins go live with an update about a storm.” She joined the conversation. “When I did, I saw the interaction between me, him and others… people typing in, asking questions… he would read them and say their names with a reply. I thought, ‘How neat is that?!’ I sent a question to see if the storm would hit Madison. He said, ‘Jennifer, it looks like it will hit in about ten minutes down the Boone line.’ From that day on, I would see journalists and others ‘go live’ and thought, ‘How could I incorporate that into my Read Aloud?’”

Griffith went live on Facebook, reading children’s favorite books. She promoted the Tuesday night Facebook readings to parents and children. Authors joined in live discussions. And it was a hit!

Griffith knew that most homes have a computer, iPad or iPhone, all of which have links to social media.

“My goal was to get parents involved as well as the kids. Having it at night, I hoped to draw a larger crowd, that parents and grandparents would sit with their child, watch and engage, just as I did with Spencer!”

The story time ran through June and July. Parents would comment as the story progressed. Griffith’s expressive delivery guaranteed many responses from parents. They would message her, saying how excited their child was when Griffith called him or her by name.

“I would give a ‘shout out’ to the kids when I saw their posts. ‘Hey Bobby, are you ready for Storytime? We have a great book to read tonight.’

Griffith said one great thing about Facebook Live is that it stays on the Facebook page and those who missed it can view at a later time.

Griffith, a former teacher in the Boone County school system and current piano teacher who now works with WVU Physicians, has been encouraging reading in her community for many years. She created a program called “Skyhawk Read Aloud” that involved high school football players reading to elementary students. Book drives at football games, Read to My Pet Day and other initiatives have helped promote reading in the county, as well.

Visit Read Aloud WV-Boone County on Facebook to see Griffith’s videos and to stay updated on the exciting events in the county.

Mary Boyd and Science Teacher Rocket Boys

Rocket Boys to take flight in Elkins

by Uncategorized

Read Aloud Randolph County announces book, movie event

Article by Beth Broschart courtesy for The Inter-Mountain (original publication date July 18, 2016)

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ELKINS – Summertime offers the opportunity to enjoy many activities including sunning by the pool, quiet evenings on the porch or deck and travels to many fun places. And what better way to pass the time than reading a book? With that in mind, Read Aloud Randolph County has announced plans for another book/movie event for the summer.

The group is encouraging the community to read “Rocket Boys” by Homer Hickam Jr., Read Aloud Randolph County President Mary Boyd said. Read Aloud wanted to get the word out about the upcoming event to give people the opportunity to get a copy of the book and read it before the showing of the movie, she said.

“We are sponsoring a community showing of the movie ‘October Sky’ at sundown Sept. 2 as part of the Elkins Main Street First Friday events,” Boyd said. “Elkins Main Street will get the licensing to show the movie, and Davis & Elkins College is loaning the projector and screen for the movie. The showing will be outside in downtown Elkins.”

Boyd said copies of the book “Rocket Boys” are available for loan at the Elkins Sewing Center. An online scan of the Randolph County Libraries shows there are copies of “Rocket Boys” available at the Helvetia Public Library, the Valley Head Public Library, the Russell Memorial Public Library in Mill Creek, the Pioneer Memorial Public Library in Harman and the Elkins Randolph County Public Library.

“The book is a wonderful story about growing up in a small coal mining town, and is about how a teacher can inspire her students,” she said. “It shows how science discoveries are made and how to face failure, overcome adversity and become a success.”

Hickam is from Coalwood and is an author, Vietnam veteran and former NASA engineer. While at NASA, he worked on spacecraft design and astronaut training. His book was a New York Times bestseller and has been studied in many schools.

Josh Revels, a science instructor at Elkins High School, is the adviser for the rocket club. He said he had about 10 members of his club that participated in the Teen America Rocketry Club challenge.

“We had the 10 members who built this rocket at NASA with the supplies the West Virginia Rocketry Association chipped in with,” Revels said. “The students also designed this engine mount with a 3-D printer there, so the students were learning about engineering like in the book. They also discovered the first time isn’t always what they expect it takes more than one try.”

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Mary Boyd and Science Teacher Rocket Boys
The Inter-Mountain photo by Beth Christian Broschart   Elkins High School science instructor Josh Revels, left, shows a rocket constructed by students in the rocketry club at the school, similar to the ones constructed by the ‘Rocket Boys’ from Coalwood. Mary Boyd, president of Read Aloud Randolph County said the group is sponsoring a book/movie event and encourages people to read ‘Rocket Boys’ before the Sept. 2 public viewing of the movie ‘October Sky.’ The event is in conjunction with the Elkins Main Street First Friday events, and copies of the book are available to borrow at local libraries and the Elkins Sewing Center.

 

Revel and his EHS Rocket Club will be assisting during the Sept. 2 showing of “October Sky.”

Last year, Read Aloud Randolph County gathered folks to read “To Kill a Mockingbird,” written by Harper Lee. They sponsored a discussion about the book, sponsored a public showing of the movie and coordinated an essay writing contest for teens.

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Read Aloud Summit 2016

by ChaptersDonorsEventsNewsSupporters

Representatives from local Read Aloud chapters across West Virginia met at Stonewall Resort July 25 and 26 to connect and share ideas and inspiration for the coming school year. This marked the third year for the Summit, which has proven to be an invaluable gathering for the organization and its local groups.

The conference addressed best practices for administering Read Aloud’s programs, which fall into four major categories: Volunteer Readers, Book Distribution, Classroom Enrichment and Parent Education. The needs and expectations of local chapters were addressed through presentations as well as group discussion.

Read Aloud staff and board members have been encouraged each year by the commitment of the organization’s volunteers and the impact the conference has had on local chapters. Here are some of the comments received from attendees after the conference this year:

“The conference was exceptional this year. It was well planned and all went smoothly. So much great information was shared by all. I can’t begin to say enough good things about the conference.”
“Excellent conference! Every moment was well invested. The Charleston team is outstanding!”
“A very pleasant experience that energized me for the coming year! Thank you for a conference well planned.”
“Enjoyed it very much. Enjoyed meeting other Read Aloud volunteers. Received a lot of good, useful information.”

A generous contribution from Read Aloud supporters Katharine and W. Marston Becker helped make the 2016 Read Aloud Summit possible. The organization is grateful to the Beckers for their support, to the staff of Stonewall Resort for their excellent hospitality and to its chapter leaders and volunteers for their incredible dedication to raising a state full of readers.

See more photos from the conference on our Facebook page.

BB&T West Virginia Foundation continues to support Read Aloud Book Distribution programs

by Book DistributionDonorsNewsPartners

By Melody Simpson

The BB&T West Virginia Foundation has awarded Read Aloud a $2,500 grant to support book distribution programs throughout the state. BB&T has provided similar financial support for several years now, and we are grateful for the role they continue to play in helping Read Aloud maintain and expand its book distribution programs.

While West Virginia’s eighth grade reading scores still lag behind the national average, in 2015 they were the only state scores in the country to show a significant improvement, according to data released by the U.S. Department of Education in October 2015. However, too many West Virginia children lack access to the tools they need to succeed in school and in life, and books are one of the most important tools required for raising a generation of learners.

Read Aloud has several book distribution programs designed to address this need, including Snuggle and Read (preschool children and families), Reading Round-ups (kindergarten enrollment), Food for Thought (elementary schools), a summer reading pilot program, and even prison workshops and book clubs (to encourage adult inmates to develop reading habits and read to their children).

Thank you, BB&T, for supporting these programs and helping us put books into the hands, and homes, of West Virginia children!

Kanawha County Participates In Back-to-School Supply Drive for Flood Victims

by Book DistributionChaptersEventsNews

The West Virginia Department of Education is leading a multi-county effort to help schools affected by the June flooding in West Virginia to replenish their lost supplies and provide needed materials for students. A Back-to-School Supply Drive will take place July 17-30 with collection sites operating throughout Kanawha County.

“Thousands of our children experienced the devastation of the recent catastrophic floods in our beloved state,” said State Board of Education member Beverly Kingery. “These children will soon return to school and many will return with few belongings and still much uncertainty in their lives.”

The goal of the drive is to provide each individual student in the severely affected flood areas with a book bag of school supplies. Organizers have set a goal of collecting 8,000 book bags with supplies such as pencils, ink pens and rulers.

A list of needed school supplies, grouped by grade level, is available on the West Virginia Department of Education website.

Collection sites in Kanawha County include the following locations during business hours:

After items are collected, they will be packaged by volunteers and distributed to affected schools as the new academic year begins.

More than 20 people died and thousands of homes, schools and businesses were damaged as a result of flash flooding that struck multiple counties in West Virginia in June. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has made federal disaster declarations for a number of counties.

The West Virginia Department of Education is partnering with Read Aloud West Virginia and West Virginia State University Extension Service to collect donations in Kanawha County.

For further details and a statewide list of collection sites, visit the West Virginia Department of Education website.

Turn summer slide into a springboard for family reading and bonding; key element? YOU!

by Parents and FamiliesReading

By Nikki Moses

Summer slide, summer setback, dumber in the summer. Ask any educator, and you will find that a loss of reading skills among students can be as much a part of summer as baseball and ice cream cones; but, it doesn’t have to be!

Many children lose more than two months of reading achievement over the summer, according to the Campaign for Grade Level Reading. Some children do not.

Summer can be a time for reading adventures, trying new genres, family read-a-thons, camp outs with flashlights for reading, reading under the old apple tree, trips to the library followed by stops for ice cream…and reading skills can be maintained or increased.

What (or who) is the catalyst? YOU!

Take advantage of the summer break. Skills and drills, necessary to the educational process, can be left at school. Have fun. Be creative. Bond. Pick up a book that you have been meaning to read!