FanGirl trend: Divergent

I thought I was done with trilogies, series, sagas, or whatever you want to call them. You know the type of books that are milked until they have sucked all the energy, love, and money out of their fans. Harry Potter was the most rewarding (obviously), while Twilight left me disgusted with myself. Had I really invested my time in a series I decided that I didn't like anymore? (I left out the word "hate" because I'm trying to be more positive, but my distaste in Twilight leans more towards that word than any other in the English language).

Plus, I'm older now. Who has time for that? Midnight releases (so 11th grade), t-shirts, Hot Topic paraphernalia. Pish-posh. Though I think I'm too mature for series books, I still watch cartoons and read children's books. Go figure.

Regardless, dystopian literature is my thing. It has been since I was in middle school; my love for the unknown, an underdog defeating an evil power--ah, my heart sings when it's being wrenched, apparently.

I had heard about the Divergent series, and how a movie was being made of it. Having been burned by the entirety of the Hunger Games experience, I'd decided to read at least the first book before the movie comes out. At least.

Turns out I pretty much love this series. I'm not a true fan, I suppose, as I've not caught up with the series (a little under halfway through Insurgent at the moment) but I'm excited to see where Tris and Four wind up. Ahh! This goes to show that anyone can enjoy series books, especially if there's enough action, suspense, and a little bit of romance (just a teeny bit, for now).

I love getting to put myself in the characters shoes, especially when you first enter this world. It's all so foreign and militaristic, but that's just society in general. The whole selection process for leaving your faction, and in turn your family, is terrifying. I don't know if I could have done what Tris did!

With that being said, I don't believe I would be Dauntless or Abnegation. I think I lean more towards Amity myself. And that is perfectly fine with me.

Peggy Sharp's Book Extravaganza (or so it should be called)

My first year at Greenhill, I had no idea about professional development or what that really meant. It had never applied in any job I'd had before, but assumed it was long lectures, or classes and workshops that would enhance my position greatly. Each workshop I attend has some benefits, though some are not always evident the minute you walk out of the seminar.

That's not how Peggy Sharp is.

I was told last year that she was one of the most phenomenal, excited educators who still worked with children. She LOVED books, had various lessons to go with books for varying ages, and had great ideas for book promotions, apps, and all sorts of things.

Fortunately, I was able to see her this past Monday through Region 10 Education Service Center in Richardson, Texas. Not far from our school, I always appreciate and glean a lot from the sessions there. It's exciting to get to meet all kinds of teachers, librarians, and assistants (like me!). Terry Roper is basically the head honcho when it comes to the library gatherings, and she always does a great job of finding presenters.

Is it sad the thing I was most excited about was getting her fabulous book of the latest children's titles, coded, of course, for their appropriateness for different ages, grades, and if there is additional lesson content in the back of said book. If you haven't been to see her, or cannot, find someone who has and grab their book! She seems to go a million miles an hour at times, which is why a highlighter and a package of sticky notes is essential to a successful Peggy Sharp seminar.

This was her first stop on her yearly book tour; it is also her last year of doing this! It's sad, but exciting for her. She's a very hard worker and should get to enjoy her time in retirement if that's what she pleases.

One of the ideas I love (and Carrie and I even loved last year) is printing a color picture of the cover of a book, and creating a "review folder". Inside the folder, which is a colorful file folder, are a few reviews from different journals and publications, as well as what other students have said. There is also the blurb from the inside jacket of the book. The most compelling part is the back of the folder has a copy of the first page of the book. Authors know that's where you must suck your readers in; they have just a limited amount of time to grab their audience.

Overall, her presentations are sharp as ever; she likes to engage the educators like she would students in a classroom. It helps solidify ideas that she's given to us.

I'm sad to see Dr. Sharp go, becoming a birder and natural-trail hiking guide; I am thankful that I have been able to see her and utilize her booklists, teaching, and her encouraging spirit in our library.

Vaguely library related

Sometimes, I feel that it's necessary to update with things that are of personal interest and vaguely library related. Or at least that's what I'm telling myself this very moment, as I type this.

Someone on the AISL list serve sent out a link to a fabulous dress. It's way out of my price range, as far as dresses or anything I would wear go. But it's so cute and I'm going to stalk it until it is 60% off.

Say whaaat?

Though I do like clothes, I don't know how this dress would look on me. I also don't know how I feel about being that nerdy. It is cute, though!

Mwahaha--Halloween!

I'm super excited to be able to decorate the larger library space this year. Now that we are included in the entirety of the library, we can stretch out a little, maybe put a few pumpkins, and some spooky gravemarkers. Um, well, I already did that part.

My desk looks awesome! (Except I cannot hang garland very well.)

My dead flowers. 

One side of spooky.

The other side of spooky!

Not so spooky, but just cute and fall-y.

Sea of (mostly) orange books!

Our "Must Reads" shelf. This month is all about the creepy/spooky/insert-Halloween-adjective-here.

I think it looks pretty darn awesome. I'm sad that I won't be here on Halloween or the day after (well, I'm getting married two days after...), but I hope everyone enjoys these decorations. Oh, and remember, when the winter holidays come around...

You haven't seen nothing yet.