YA Literature 2023

Here are some titles from this year’s Scholastic Book Clubs Middle School Newsletter. A few books to be on the lookout for when the Book Fair comes to campus. You don’t have to wait for the Book Fair though as there are also libraries around town that may hold it. You can also request to see if our librarian can purchase these titles for checkout or look out for digital access on MackinVIA which students can access through EPISD Plaza.

Frizzy by Claribel Ortega & Rose Bousamra

First title I noticed is a graphic novel by Claribel Ortega with artist Rose Bousamra, titled Frizzy. On the newsletter it states, “Marlene’s mom thinks her hair needs to be straight- but Marlene wants her natural curls.” Claribel is a former reporter who writes middle-grade and young adult fantasy inspired by her Dominican heritage. Her website also shares that her middle grade novel Ghost Squad is being made into a feature film. She’s on social media as well @Claribel_Ortega on Twitter, Instagram, Tik Tok and on Twitch as Radbunnie. For more info visit claribelortega.com. Illustrator and cartoonist Rose Bousamra loves making work inspired by all things fantasy and flowery. Frizzy is Rose’s debut graphic novel. For more info and to take a peak at Rose’s incredible work visit rosemakesart.com. If you’re up for a library adventure you can currently find the title at the El Paso Community College library on 919 Hunter Drive and the University of Texas at El Paso library.

Nightmare King by Daka Hermon

Next on the list from the Chills & Thrills section is a fiction horror novel by Daka Hermon. The description in Scholastic’s newsletter says “Nothing is the same since Shane’s accident – when he falls asleep, he’s haunted by an evil king!” Learn more about Daka at her website dakahermon.com and next time you’re at the school or local library request that they carry the title. Daka graduated from Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia with a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature/Creative Writing. At her website it says even though she writes horror, she’s a big scaredy cat and can’t watch horror movies. Also she is a master of Connect Four.

School Trip by Jerry Craft

Another title to look for is the graphic novel by Jerry Craft titled School Trip, which is part of a series with two other companion novels by Craft titled New Kid and Class Act. Looking for a gift for the holidays? Here’s a set of books to gift to our young readers. Also Craft is up to some big things with the King himself LeBron James. In the newsletter it states, “A class trip to Paris takes an unexpected turn!” Learn more about Craft at jerrycraft.com and keep your eye out for box sets of the Craft’s graphic novels. I see School Trip is available in the circulation of our local library system including one at our neighborhood Richard Burges Branch Library on 9600 Dyer Street.

Maizy Chen’s Last Chance by Lisa Yee

The description for Lisa Yee’s book says “Maizy discovers her family’s Chinese restaurant is full of surprises and secrets!” What’s great about diving into Lisa Yee’s reads is that it’s an opportunity to discover a library of titles from an author with  over two dozen books to her name. Explore the world of Maizy Chen, cause if you haven’t read a Lisa Yee book, it’s only the beginning to a world of young adult literature. More information on Yee’s life and books can be found at lisayee.com. You can find Maizy Chen’s Last Chance at most of our local libraries including our neighborhood library in the NorthEast located on 9600 Dyer Street.

Starfish by Lisa Fipps

There’s some really beautiful things going on with poetry and novel genre. Here’s a title to check for by Lisa Fipps. The description in Scholastic’s Newsletter states “Ellie is tired of being fat-shamed and decides to do something about it.” In a Washington Post article titled ‘Starfish character is bullied about her weight. So was author Lisa Fipps click here to read, it states, “Through written words you might explore your own feelings – joy, fear, shame, love – as Fipps does with Ellie. You might even create your own personal story through poems”. There are some authors out there that really love you kids. Don’t forget that…and read.

We Are Family by LeBron James & Andrea Williams

As you’re watching the NBA season know you got a few big names out there involved in the literary world and education too. It’s great to see athletes cover more than just biographies about their own lives, but stories with messages that may inspire young readers on the come up. Big shout out to King James for his work through a number of initiatives especially in the literary world.

Just a few new recommendations this semester as we get closer to our first book fair date and as families start thinking about gifts for the holidays. Help our young readers build their libraries at home. Also, each book is the potential for an adventure out to our city’s amazing library system, not only public, but at our community college and university locations as well.

Library Card Sign Up Month

This month the El Paso Public Library celebrates National Library Card Sign Up Month. This celebration started in 1987. At the ALA website it states that it started “as a response to then Secretary of Education William Bennett, who stated, “Let’s have a campaign…Every child should obtain a library card and use it.” Library cards provide access to all kinds of free resources. In El Paso, libraries have been in operation for 150 years, a Sesquicentennial milestone that our library is also celebrating this year. It is one of if not the oldest running library system in the state of Texas.

This month the El Paso Public Library created a limited edition Lucha Libre library card. Five thousand were created for everyone that’s interested in obtaining their first library card, renewing or simply anyone interested in upgrading their card with the new design. With over a dozen branches located throughout the city, there are a number of services that a library card can give you access to. I encourage all of our students to visit your neighborhood library at 9600 Dyer Street, Richard Burges Branch Library to get a library card for you and everyone in your family.

I got mine!

#every1reads

#every1reads The Forgotten Girl

Title: The Forgotten Girl
Author: India Hill Brown indiahillbrown.com
Genre: Fiction
Amazon: click here

El Paso Public Library: click here
Available at the Jose Cisneros Cielo Vista Library and the Westside Library

Recognitions:

2020 ALSC Notable Children’s Book

NAACP Image Award Nominee for Outstanding Literary Work for Youth

Check out India Hill Brown’s fun facts at her website. She won best writer of her 4th grade class!

Pizza Hut Foundation Programs

“In the United States there are more than 900,000 college-bound students who qualify for financial assistance each year. Yet almost 90% of these students don’t receive adequate guidance or support, leaving hundreds of thousands of students’ needs unmet.”

Funder: The Pizza Hut Foundation & Kaleidoscope

Purpose: The Pizza Hut Foundation will award scholarships for education to students who are financially disadvantaged and who prove leadership and community involvement in and around Pizza Hut communities.

Eligibility: For students enrolled in or on track to apply to two or four year colleges or universities, vocational technical schools and trade schools. Students must be legal residents of the United States, Guam or D.C., be at least age 17 and no older than 26. Additionally, they must be eligible for federal financial aid at the college or school they plan to attend.

Application Period: July 10th, 2023-August 31st, 2023 11:59PM (Central Time). This looks like an annual opportunity so if you’re not ready for this year, figure out your footprints in the community and get ready for the next year!

Application Link (see Apply Now button): pizzahutfoundation.org/programs/

I love the lil’ personal pan Pizza Hut pizzas. Takes me back to my Book It! days, which still exists by the way. Sign up if you teach Pre-K through 6th! bookitprogram.com

For a steady stream of updates on Scholarships and other opportunities, follow Ms. Susy Ruiz click here

Cobra Chess Spirit Store

Canyon Hills Middle School (CHMS)
Online Spirit Wear Store

CHMS Cobra Chess Club

Cobra Chess families, you can now place online orders to support Cobra Chess Club. Merchandise includes sweatshirts, hoodies,
t-shirts, long sleeve tees, draw-string bags, and caps:

How to order…

Visit link:

https://epiccustomtees.com/collections/chms-clubs
Little Link:
https://bit.ly/3JxFEex

You can now purchase any of the following items to support Cobra Chess Club. Merchandise includes sweatshirts, hoodies, club t-shirts, club long sleeve t-shirts, draw-string bags and club caps.

The sweatshirts, hoodies, and shirts are included in your choice of either maroon or black.

You may also choose between the featured King or Queen piece in the logo design.

Sizes include youth to adult sizes.

A discount code for members of the Cobra Chess Club is available and will be texted to families and those that request it.

Purchases that are made without the discount code will allow the Cobra Chess Club to receive a donation from purchases. Passing the link to others to support and purchase merchandise would help the Cobra Chess Club raise funds for club activities!

For orders made by students, faculty or staff please select Free Delivery to Canyon Hills Middle School (CHMS). This will save you money and allow you to receive your order at school. If your purchase is not for a student or staff member at CHMS and you can’t pick up the order from our campus, you can select a delivery option to your family’s address.

If you have questions you can reach Mr. Lee at mrleebooks@gmail.com or ltrhyane@episd.org

Cobra Creative Media Spirit Store

Canyon Hills Middle School (CHMS)
Online Spirit Wear Store

CHMS Cobra Creative Media Club

Cobras, you can now place online orders to support Cobra Creative Media Club which includes Cobra Beats, Cobra Photography & Cobra Films. Merchandise includes sweatshirts, hoodies, t-shirts, long sleeve tees, draw-string bags, and caps:

How to order…

Visit link:

https://epiccustomtees.com/collections/chms-clubs
Little Link:
https://bit.ly/3JxFEex

You can now purchase any of the following items to support CCMedia’s Cobra Beats Club. Merchandise includes sweatshirts, hoodies, club t-shirts, club long sleeve t-shirts, draw-string bags and club caps.

The sweatshirts, hoodies, and shirts are included in your choice of either maroon or black. A special Cobra Sweet Beats Edition for long sleeve t’s in yellow (Cobra Gold) is also available. This is of Cobra Beats first design inspired by Sweet Beats Queen, an original Cobra Beats Club member.

Sizes include youth to adult sizes.

A discount code for members of the Cobra Beats Club is available and will be texted to families and those that request it.

Purchases that are made without the discount code will allow the Cobra Creative Media Club to receive a donation from purchases. Passing the link to others to support and purchase merchandise would help the Cobra Creative Media Club raise funds for club activities!

For orders made by students, faculty, or staff please select Free Delivery to Canyon Hills Middle School (CHMS). This will save you money and allow you to receive your order at school. If your purchase is not for a student or staff member at CHMS and you can’t pick up the order from our campus, you can select a delivery option to your family’s address.

If you have questions you can reach Mr. Lee at mrleebooks@gmail.com or ltrhyane@episd.org

Bonding Through Music

In the American Educator journal for last Fall, a pieced was published titled ‘Bonding Through Music’ by Patricia Shehan Campbell. Here are a few quotes from the article about how all teachers can use music to help students express emotions and to add joy to the classroom.

“Music is an invaluable facet of everyday human life. Whether we are the music makers or someone else is “musicking” for us (in person or through our earbuds), we are drawn to it, touched by it, engaged in it, and often captivated by it.”

I think about much of my time in high school and even college living & learning through my headphones. A lot of great memories.

“Teachers of all subjects can educate children in and through music.”

Speaks to all contents.

“…music is at the heart of our humanity. Music is a vehicle for expressing ourselves, for knowing others, and for growing relationships.”

The power of creative expression.

“All teachers can draw from the music in their lives, families, and communities and find ways to share music with their students.”

I think of Hip Hop and its generational impact. Especially with us coming up on year 50!

“Because they were once children, teachers may recall how music enveloped them in their early years and enticed them to engage as listeners, singers, players, and dancers. Many will remember music’s meaningful role in their developing years and feel the hold of particular musical moments or songs on them even today.”

Thinking about our audiobiographies…

“Music also helps increase empathy; in making music together, children learn to regulate emotions and become more aware of other people’s feelings.”

“…the sharing and exchange of songs and musical experiences that are meaningful to children and their families can help build classroom community.”

Article highlights a great idea of creating a listening center in the classroom. A space designated for students who need time away from the overwhelming regimen of academic study. A space to unwind or complete activities with questions that guide a search on the lives of musicians and artist students may know. The way we have independent reading, thinking about independent listening.

“Music helps children focus their attention, think creatively and expressively, retain information, and make transitions from one task, concept, or subject to the next. Music cues activities and behaviors as it enriches individual learning in classroom music centers, makes holiday celebrations more communal and genuine, and enhances schoolwide assemblies.”

“Soothing music can work well at the end of a test or particularly stressful time…”

During state testing season, which seems like all year, thinking about some ideas for the interludes of our days.

“Breaks between subjects or assignments are a necessary relief to a period of intensive focus, and these breaks can be musical mood modulators.”

The article notes, “musical excerpts”.

“In all, music is not an inherited trait so much as a practiced behavior; there is little evidence that expert musicians are uniquely hardwired at birth.”

In a section of the article titled ‘All of Us Have Musical Gifts’.

“Music also plays a key role in providing a safe place for venting emotions, developing empathy, and stimulating the creative imagination.”

“Live and recorded music permeate life, and they also slide smoothly into the nooks and crannies of language arts, social studies, math, and science, potentially making learning more compelling and enduring.”

“Sometimes, silent reading can be complemented by soft, tranquil music wafting through the room…”

I like this idea for thinking about what the soundtracks are for some of our reading materials.

“Poetry and music combine in songs, and as literary forms, songs convey inspiration, celebration, history, myth, and cultural comment – building a bridge to social studies…And the poetry of Hip Hop like Blackalicious’s ((First in Flight)) can empower and uplift students and help them explore issues impacting their communities.”

Gil Scott-Heron just crossed my mind. Whattup Gil!

“Going deeper into social studies, children can develop meaningful insights into the study of history, culture, relationships, and social responsibilities through experiences that take them over time and across worlds in songs and instrumental music.”

Especially on a global scale through world geography & history. Look up Radiooo, the musical time machine. The article references the Smithsonian Folkways Recordings and the Star Songs and Constellations Curriculum at the Global Jukebox.

“From Afghanistan to Zimbabwe and nearly everywhere in between, these rich resources help students develop cultural understanding of the common and distinctive features of the human condition across time and place.”

There’s also a great section here on Music, Math and Science.

“Musical experiences can make learning more colorful, lively, and fun.”

“Never let it be said that music belongs only to the prodigies. Music lives in all of us: in our voices, our bodies, and the various human inventions – musical instruments – that function as extensions of our artistic, social-emotional, personal and communal expression. As we have the capacity to receive music, respond to music, perform music and create music, we share music as a characteristic of our humanity. Music brings smiles and tears, energy and stillness, agitation and peace, joy and wonder. It need not be compartmentalized in schools, nor should it be perceived as inaccessible and unattainable, relegated only to the artist-musician.”

Love this entire paragraph. There’s an even stronger closing to this article. Read the complete article at aft.org/ae/fall2022/campbell

Posted while listening to the Black Market record by Weather Report.

Are You Ready for 2ndary?

Here’s an article that covers valuable skills for students entering middle school. It is titled “Are Your 5th Graders Ready for Middle School?” by Yonina Lermer click here

One of those skills is the importance of staying organized.  Reading the article, I also thought about the distractions that come with navigating a middle school environment for the first time. The article also discusses time management tips, and the art that note taking can become. Digital age communication skills is another area to reflect on. There are number of really cool lessons provided through Common Sense Media that can help develop how a student prioritizes and maintains their digital footprints. One of the biggest tests is accountability and helping students develop a sense of consistency as it relates to a 2ndary life style.

Families, what do you think about this article? Students, how do you feel about your strengths and challenges in these kinds of skills? For those of you that have moved on into high school and higher ed what tips would you have for 5th graders entering middle school for the first time?

Rocky Galarza Scholarship 2022

For our juniors and seniors out there preparing for college. Check out this scholarship opportunity with the Basketball in the Barrio organization. It’s the Rocky Galarza Scholarship Award. This is the form and the contact information is included at the numbers above. I’ll be glad to forward your application as well email mrleebooks@gmail.com. The application requires a response to the question “What does giving back to the community mean to me?” In the future, I hope to share more scholarship fund highlights on this blog as well. This is my sixth year coming up teaching in the public school system, which means as a middle school teacher, those 6th graders we had are either already there or a few steps closer to college plans. If this one’s too soon for your plans, no worries, I plan on sharing more in the future. Also see a previous post about Ms. Susy’s scholarship Instagram page. Make sure to follow!

Summer Reading 2022 @ El Paso Public Library

Check it out! This one’s to motivate our participants to make time for reading. Also extending the opportunity to any of our incoming 6th graders and other Canyon Hills Middle School Cobras. During the first week of school, for students that submit their certificate of completion for their reading goals we’ll have a prize raffle with your name in it. Don’t let the summer pass you by without making some time for reading. Here’s an active link include in the flier to elpasolibrary.beanstack.com. You can also register in-person at branch libraries.

We’ll have copies of this flier available at our Community Chess Connection meetings at the Richard Burges Branch Library up until July 14th.