Read, Imagine, Discover and Learn - Mrs. Walkins' Blog

Last Lecture to the Class of 2012

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 18:17:15 EST

Every year, a member of the faculty is invited to speak to the graduating class on their final day of reflection. This year, Ms. Fraser asked me to speak to the Class of 2012. Here are my remarks I made on May 21, 2012.

Good morning.

At the end of the each school year, when May rolls around, I like to create a bulletin board display celebrating the graduating class. This year is no exception. For the past few weeks, I have combed through the files on my computer looking for photos of each and every one of you. I printed the pictures and arranged them into a collage of maroon, memories and moments. Moments I hope will never be forgotten by you, the Class of 2012.

During your four years here atMountSaint JosephAcademyyou have forged bonds and built friendships which I hope will last a lifetime. I still have friends I went to school with inConnecticut. In fact, I had a mini reunion with four of my best friends just a few months ago. We had a great time catching up and reminiscing! My oldest friend and I have known each other since kindergarten. She lives inWashingtonDCnow, and I've been down there to visit her many times. Keeping in touch with old friends is important. When I was in the Girl Scouts, we used to sing a song about friendship. "Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold." Your Sisterhood of the Maroon Sweaters should remain strong and continue to thrive even after you venture out into the world.

The photos on the library bulletin board are grouped around a lovely quote from Henry David Thoreau, who said, "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." This quote comes from Thoreau's most famous piece of writing Walden, or Life in the Woods. The nineteenth century philosopher and naturalist spent two years and two months living by himself in a cabin he built by Walden Pond. During that time, he read and wrote extensively. His dream was to write his first book.

Each one of you has her own dreams, I'm sure. Some of you may dream of writing a book like Thoreau. That was my dream! Others may want to find success in the business world or to seek fame inNew York CityorHollywood. Perhaps you dream of traveling the globe. There are so many fascinating countries, cities and impressive landscapes to visit and explore. Some of you may prefer to stay close to home and someday raise your own family in the town where you grew up.

Whatever you dream about, you all have so much to look forward to in the future. Who knows what you will accomplish? The possibilities are endless! Your graduation from high school marks the end of one chapter in your lives. As Natasha Bedingfield says, "The rest is still unwritten." In the fall, you will turn the page and begin a new chapter, taking the next step in the direction of your dreams.

Way back in 1981, when I graduated from high school, I was excited to begin my next chapter. I loved college from the very first day I arrived fromConnecticutto move into my freshman dorm at BostonCollege. I lived in Keyes North on the Newton Campus. At BC, I made some good friends, read many great books and wrote a lot of papers for my classes (I was an English major). I also ventured into downtownBostonon the T whenever I could and got to know mynew city. I liked it so much, I decided to stay. Whether you're going to college, into the military or directly into the workforce, I hope you'll make the most of whatever opportunities come your way.

The opportunity I'm most thankful for presented itself when I was getting my Master's degree at Simmons. I met a woman in one of my classes who used to be the librarian here at the Mount. She told me all about her school and how wonderful the girls were. Your predecessors. When I graduated and began to look for a job, I was delighted to learn of an opening at the very school she had described. My friend had moved on to find new employment in a public library. Luckily I got the job here!

My fourteen years presiding over our library have been a joy. What better way to spend my days than to be surrounded by books and to have the chance to teach and learn from the countless young women (including all of you girls in the Class of 2012) who have climbed all of those steps up to the fifth floor to read, imagine discover and learn in the MSJA library.

As you go confidently into the world, I hope you'll look back with fondness on these four years. You should be proud of yourselves for all you have accomplished. I've enjoyed getting to know you and wish you success and happiness in the future. Listen to Henry David Thoreau and do your best to "live the life you have imagined!"

Congratulations to the Literary Journal Staff

Tue, 22 May 2012 14:20:10 EST

Each week, I look forward to Tuesday afternoon in the Library, when the members of the Literary Journal staff gather to write, share and laugh together. Our literary journalists spent many of our meetings this year writing about a character they created in the fall. They began by choosing a name from a baby name book and then filling out a detailed character profile sheet. They went on to place their characters in a variety of situations called for by each week's writing prompt. You will meet a few of these intriguing characters in the pages of the spring issue of Unspoken Words.

The girls also proposed the idea of challenging their classmates to enter a writing contest celebrating the Mount. They brainstormed, created posters to advertise the contest and encouraged their friends to enter. Contestants were asked to write a poem inspired by the word "Mount" or "Sisters" or to reflect upon their favorite Mount memory. Ms. Fraser generously donated a $25.00 i-tunes gift card for first prize. Second and third prize winners received coupons for a free lunch and/or free cookies from the MSJA cafeteria. I also provided a tin of home-baked cookies (my chocolate cake mix cookies with butterscotch chips—a favorite among MSJA Book Club members). Congratulations to our winners, Blessing, Hannah, Kiersten and Linda (who received an honorable mention commendation).

Traditionally, I include photographs of the art students' work displayed at our annual Arts Night in the spring issue of the literary journal. The new issue once again contains pictures scattered throughout its pages of the paintings, drawings, sculptures and origami figures created by MSJA's wonderful artists. The girls' artwork is eye-catching and beautiful.

I am very proud of the members of the Literary Journal club and of the newest issue of Unspoken Words. Please stop by the Library to pick up your copy today!

Read, imagine, discover and learn @ the MSJA Library!

Field Trips

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:42:36 EST

When I was in school, I always looked forward to class field trips. Whether we traveled to the Peabody Museum in New Haven, to Mystic Seaport or all the way to New York City to see a Broadway show, a grand time was had by all. I think even the teachers had fun. Today, I certainly enjoy accompanying our MSJA students on various cultural and educational excursions around Boston.

March has been replete with field trips. This month, I visited theIsabellaStewartGardnerMuseumwith the Art students and I took two of the clubs I moderate on field trips after school. The members of the Japanime Club had a movie field trip toDavis Squareand the girls in the choir walked down the street to St. Elizabeth's on a service field trip.

My favorite part of the Gardner Museum is the central courtyard garden. After an interesting tour with our guide, Francine, the students sketched in the garden. They focused on the architectural details or the plants and flowers around them. During the tour, we learned a lot of fascinating trivia about "Mrs. Jack" and her times. Did you know that Isabella was a Red Sox fan?

Three of our anime fans and I took the T to Davis Square to see Hayao Miyazaki's lovely film, The Secret World of Arrietty, which is based on the classic children's novel, The Borrowers by Mary Norton. The animation in the movie was breathtaking and the characters and plot were engaging. Now, I'd like to locate a copy of Mary Norton's book to find out how the movie compares to it. The Somerville Theater is an older cinema with lots of character and great popcorn!

The next day, the choir members and I attended the St. Elizabeth's St. Patrick's Day Senior Supper. Before diner, we performed two songs ("I'm Looking Over a Four-Leaf Clover" and "Do Re Mi!"). Much to our delight, the audience sang along with us. We then helped to serve the meal, and as the guests finished up with dessert, the girls joined S. Florence and S. Lois in an Irish sing-along. The event concluded with a heartfelt rendition of "Let There Be Peace on Earth."

At the end of this month, the Book Club has a movie field trip on the calendar. In the fall, we read and discussed the first novel in Suzanne Collins' popular dystopian series. Next week, we will see the new film, The Hunger Games. I'm curious to discover whether Katniss will be as compellingly clever and heroic on the silver screen as she was in my imagination. In any case, I'm glad to be rounding out March with one final field trip.

Tuesday Afternoons in the Library

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 13:38:44 EST

Yesterday, after the final bell of the day rang, the Library remained abuzz with laughter and creativity. Two extra-curricular clubs meet in the Library on Tuesday afternoons: the Literary Journal Club and the newly formed Origami Club.

While the writers in the Literary Journal Club search for inspiration from the weekly writing prompt, the artists in the Origami Club create wonderful three-dimensional paper sculptures. Many of the Literary Journalists, lured by the challenge of constructing paper angels, flowers, fish and turtles, bounce from one table to the other, participating in both club activities.

One of the juniors established the Origami Club at the beginning of December and it continues to grow in popularity by leaps and bounds. With exacting standards, she teaches her friends and classmates how to construct delightful Origami figures using rolled strips of colorful paper and a glue gun. When the club members ask for her expert advice, she cheerfully helps them, always with a contagious smile on her face. Everyone has commented on how much fun the new club is. The girls plan to exhibit their adorable creations at this year's Art Fair.

In between working on their creative writing and paper sculpture, the members of the Literary Journal planned a Mount-themed writing contest for the spring issue of Unspoken Words. Students can submit an acrostic poem using the words MOUNT or SISTERS or a brief story about their favorite Mount memory. The entries will be evaluated by a panel of judges including myself and Ms. Kisling from the English Department. Winners may receive a $25.00 i-tunes gift card, a gift certificate for a free lunch from the cafeteria or a box of home-baked cookies. The winners and other outstanding entries will be published in the spring issue of the literary journal.

I look forward to reading the poems and stories submitted for the contest and to another fun-filled Tuesday afternoon in the MSJA Library.

Recommendations from the MSJA Book Club

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:25:34 EST

In December, the MSJA Book Club had a Free Choice meeting. Each member brought in one or two books to recommend to the group. Quite interestingly, each girl selected novels from a different genre. Gianna recommended science fiction. Abby told us about one of her favorite authors of romantic women's fiction, while Morgan talked about a popular page-turning thriller. Annapaula suggested several historical novels for young adults and Hannah advised us to read one of her favorite fantasy novels. In the spirit of the season, I brought in two wonderful holiday books to share with the club. I was intrigued by the eclectic set of themes, settings and viewpoints represented in the books we chose, as well as the fascinating casts of characters created by the various authors.

Please peruse the list below, and if you decide to read one of the featured titles, post a comment to let us know if you agree with the Club's recommendations.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams — A bizarre but entertaining science fiction novel about a hapless Englishman, Arthur Dent, who goes on an unexpected tour of the galaxy.

The Secrets of Sarah Revere by Ann Rinaldi — The daughter of famous patriot, Paul Revere struggles with a number of personal issues and questions as the colonists fight for independence.

Cleopatra's Moon by Vicky Alvear Shecter — The daughter of Cleopatra and Mark Antony must make a new life for herself in Rome after her world is turned upside down upon the military defeat of her famous parents.

The Bad Queen by Carolyn Meyer — Carolyn Meyer portrays Marie-Antoinette in a sympathetic light revealing the true character of the misunderstood queen for teen readers. Antoinette tells her own story until the final chapters when her daughter Marie-Therese picks up the narration.

The Prophecy of the Stones by Flavia Bujor — Jade, Opal and Amber set out on a quest to fulfill an ancient prophecy and save the enchanted land of Fairytale. In a parallel story, a young French girl dreams about the three fantastic heroines, as she fights for her life in a hospital bed.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson — A suspenseful page-turner about an unsolved murder in rural Sweden. Larsson has created a cast of complex and well-drawn characters.

The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks — A young widow becomes trapped in a terrifying nightmare of jealousy and deceit as she tries to move on with her life.

What Child is This by Caroline B. Cooney — A heart-warming story about a Christmas miracle. Well-meaning teens help to save a lost foster child on Christmas Eve.

The Handmaid and the Carpenter by Elizabeth Berg — In this touching holiday novel, Elizabeth Berg retells the story of the Nativity. As Mary and Joseph journey to Bethlehem, their love for each other and faith in God are tested.

Grace by Richard Paul Evans — In this bittersweet Christmas story, fourteen-year-old Eric tries to help a runaway girl and ends up falling in love. The book's message of forgiveness and grace will resonate with readers especially during the holiday season.

World War II: Endless Literary Possibilities

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 12:36:34 EST

Seventy years ago, the United States entered World War II following the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Time and time again, this important era in history has been vividly recreated in literature. Whether the work is an enduring classic like Joseph Heller's Catch-22 or a book for young readers like The Island on Bird Street by Uri Orlev, each novel offers a fresh perspective on the world crisis. The possible settings, viewpoints, themes and conflicts arising from this turning-point in history are seemingly endless.

Over the years, I have read a number of books (reviewed below), all set during World War II. I enjoyed each one for different reasons, and each one deepened my understanding of the cultures and concerns that dominated this bygone time.

La's Orchestra Saves the World by Alexander McCall Smith

La Stone wants to find a way to contribute toEngland's war effort. In ruralSuffolk, she turns to music as a way to bring hope to and boost the morale of the skillfully drawn, quirky characters who inhabit her small village. The resolute widow is to be admired for her commitment to her cause. Her patriotism is tested when she befriends a Polish airman stationed in the area who is suspected of espionage. In his characteristic graceful prose, McCall-Smith addresses life on the British home front and the transformative power of music.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrows

This charming bestseller celebrates the joy of reading while also exploring the effects of World War II on a close-knit community. Told through a series of letters, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society chronicles the everyday heroism of Elizabeth McKenna an outspoken and unconventional young woman living on one of the Nazi-occupiedChannel Islands. In 1946, while researching an article about the "practical, moral and philosophical value of reading," Juliet Ashton strikes up a correspondence with a number of Guernsey residents who knew and lovedElizabeth. Although she never meetsElizabeth, Juliet soon becomes fascinated by her life. When she herself travels toGuernsey, Juliet makes some life-altering decisions. This quirky story introduces a cast of memorable characters who speak in individual voices through their correspondence. Anglophiles will enjoy this intimate look at the lives, loves and ambitions of Juliet and her new circle of friends.

Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay

A touching story set in occupiedFrance. In July 1942, French police deported thousands of innocent Jews sending them to internment camps outside the city and then toAuschwitz. This novel tells parallel stories set in the present and the past as a present-day journalist researches the horrifying round-up for a commemorative article and discovers a connection between her own family and a young Jewish girl deported with her parents sixty years earlier. I enjoyed the back and forth narration.

Five Quarters of the Orange by Joanne Harris

Joanne Harris writes about small French villages. Her novels are amazingly atmospheric, overflowing with the sounds, scents, colors and emotions of French country life. In Five Quarters of the Orange, nine-year old Framboise Simon is overwhelmed by a series of events leading inexorably to a wartime tragedy that changes the course of her life. Still dealing with the repercussions of those fateful events when she returns years later to the village where she grew up, she looks back upon her childhood in Nazi-occupiedFrance. As the story moves back and forth in time, she eventually comes to terms with the long-ago secrets that tore apart her family.

Primrose Day by Carolyn Haywood

A sweet story about Merry Primrose Ramsay who is sent to live with her aunt and uncle inAmericaduring WWII. She and her pet Scottie travel fromEnglandon a big ship with lots of other children. At first, she has trouble adjusting to her new school, but soon she makes friends and begins to have fun. At Christmas, she receives a wonderful surprise.

Dream When You're Feeling Blue by Elizabeth Berg

My favorite author, Elizabeth Berg, was inspired by the World War II era in her novel, Dream When You're Feeling Blue. She deftly portrays theU.S. home front through the eyes of the Heaney sisters, who stay behind inChicago while their beaux go off to war. During the day, the three women contribute to the local war efforts and at night they sit at the kitchen table writing letters to the men they love who are overseas. This heartwarming novel takes a nostalgic look at 1940sAmerica.

Farewell to Manzanar by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston

As indicated in the subtitle of this World War II memoir, Farewell to Manzanar is "a true story of the Japanese American experience during and after the World War II internment," told through the eyes of the youngest daughter of the Wakatsuki family. In 1942, Jeanne was seven years old, when she and her family were taken from their home in California to spend three years behind barbed wire at the Manzanar internment camp. The author describes her experiences and emotions during the years of her detention, as well as the long-reaching effect living in Manzanar had on her life. She relates her story in a calm, reflective voice, which quietly but forcefully illustrates the injustices suffered by the Japanese Americans. She ends the memoir with a compelling scene in which she revisits the camp with her husband and children. Farewell to Manzanar is an engaging and informative story.

Atonement by Ian McEwan

As a young fanciful girl, Briony wrongfully accuses Paul of a heinous crime against her cousin, Lola. Briony's older sister, Cecelia, in love with Paul, refuses to believe her sister and forsakes her family in favor of her lover. When war descends upon England, each of the three main characters participates in the war effort. While Briony struggles to come to terms with what she has done, her sister and Paul vow to be together despite all adversity and cling to tattered memories of their love in the hope of a triumphant reunion when the war ends. In addition to being a compelling romance set against the backdrop of World War II, Atonement is also the psychological journey of an aspiring writer. The author unfolds the story in three distinct and finely detailed sections, uniting all the strands of the plot in a bittersweet, but satisfying final chapter.

Summer Reading

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 20:56:48 EST

One of the best things about having the summer off is being blessed with so many leisurely hours to read. While the sun shone, the temperatures rose and the days grew longer, I brought a book with me everywhere, reading on the T, reading out on our balcony and reading in the car on the way toNew Jersey. Between mid-June and the end of August, I finished 14 books. Emily Dickinson said, "There is no frigate like a book to take us lands away." During my time off, I traveled to many lands.

Two of the authors who entertained me with their fanciful prose were J.K. Rowling and Marion Zimmer Bradley. I spent much of July and August immersed in the magical worlds of Hogwarts and Avalon. In preparation for the release of the final film of the Harry Potter series, I re-read The Deathly Hallows. Once again, I accompanied Harry, Ron and Hermione on their quest to find and destroy Voldemort's horcruxes. Although the book is always better, I did enjoy the movie quite a bit. After the intrepid Mr. Potter vanquished his arch enemy, I lost myself in the pages of The Mists of Avalon, where I met fairies, druids, kings and knights.

In August, I fell into a sea of nostalgia, my mind filled with memories of my wonderful trip the previous summer to the U.K., so I decided to embark on a literary journey to my favorite city, Edinburgh. Alexander McCall Smith, a prolific Scottish author, swept me away with his witty and erudite recounting of the domestic misadventures of the denizens of 44 Scotland Street. The series consists of five volumes, 44 Scotland Street, Espresso Tales, Love Over Scotland, The World According to Bertie and The Unbearable Lightness of Scones. He began writing the novels in serial format, publishing short daily episodes in The Scotsman newspaper. What a cool idea! I thoroughly enjoyed walking the streets of Edinburgh with his quirky characters, Bruce the narcissist, Pat his enamored roommate and Domenica, a Bohemian anthropologist. My favorite character was Bertie, a precocious five-year-old boy, burdened with a neurotic and difficult mother. Each chapter provided an amusing slice of life and portrayed the city in a different light. I laughed out loud more than once. By far, McCall Smith's books were my favorite reads of the summer.

Now that autumn has arrived, I will not have as much free time, but I will still carry a book with me wherever I go, allowing it to take me "lands away."

Jane Austen and the Joy of Reading

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 13:25:40 EST

Just yesterday, I overheard a marvelous expression to describe reading for the fun of it. One of the rising seniors asked her friend if the book she had in her bag was for "joy reading." What a wonderful phrase! The word joy is one of my favorites. The Concise Oxford English Dictionary offers this definition, "a feeling of great pleasure and happiness."

Indeed, reading provides great pleasure and happiness to many people. I always carry a book with me, and one author who tops my joy reading list is Jane Austen. I love Jane. In college, I took an entire course devoted to her life and literary works and I even joined the Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA). Every so often, I feel compelled to revisit one of her genteel early nineteenth century villages and immerse myself in the romantic adventures of her heroines. My most beloved Austen novels are Northanger Abbey and Persuasion. Catherine Morland, with her good-natured innocence and wild imagination, is utterly endearing and Anne Elliot's Captain Wentworth is the ideal suitor.

Not only are Jane Austen's timeless novels still popular today, they have also inspired many contemporary novelists to write imaginary sequels to her works or even stories featuring Jane herself. Stephanie Barron has authored a series of Jane Austen Mysteries. Can you imagine Jane as a Regency era Nancy Drew? If you search Amazon.com or GoodReads, doubtless you'll come up with a long list of Austen-inspired titles. Here are my thoughts on some of the Austen-related books I have read:

Old Friends and New Fancies by Sybil G. Brinton

Written in 1913, this delightful imaginary sequel" to Jane Austen's novels weaves the characters from all six books together. They interact, befriend each other and fall in love in Bath, in London and at Pemberley. The first of its kind, this novel successfully unites all six of Austen's original works into a seamless tale of new friendships and unexpected romantic attachments.

I Was Jane Austen's Best Friend by Cora Harrison

This young adult novel opens with Jane and her cousin Jenny Cooper languishing away at a horrible boarding school. Jane has fallen seriously ill and Jenny makes a dangerous nighttime trip into the streets of the city to dispatch a letter to Jane's mother. Thus begins a series of events that brings the girls back to Steventon and results in a fortuitous romantic attachment for one of the characters. Cora Harrison's characterization of a teenaged Jane, Mrs. Austen and Jane's older sister Cassandra is both realistic and entertaining. Cousin Jenny is also an appealing character. When I finished the book, I was curious to learn more about Jane's real-life cousin upon whom Jenny Cooper is based.

Pemberley by Emma Tennant

Emma Tennant, who is the half sister of a descendent of the Austen family, successfully imitates Austen's writing style and revisits many of the same issues raised in Pride and Prejudice in this sequel. In the first year of their marriage, Elizabeth has had to adjust to her role as the mistress of Darcy's imposing estate. She is also plagued by worries that they will never have a child. If they do not have a son, the estate may be entailed to a male cousin. Elizabeth and her sister Jane, now Mrs. Bingley, remain close confidantes. The widowed Mrs. Bennett is still in search of a suitable husband, this time for herself, and the Bennett family's lack of social sophistication remains a point of contention. When their relations converge upon their peaceful home at Christmastime, Elizabeth and her beloved husband once again struggle against the forces of pride and prejudice as rumors and gossip lead to misunderstanding. Every devoted Jane Austen fan will enjoy reading this charming sequel to her most popular book.

The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen by Syrie James

In this fictional memoir, Jane Austen reflects on her secret romance with the genteel Mr. Ashford. Many of the scenes are reminiscent of events in Austen's novels. The character of Jane is well-drawn and appealing, as is Cassandra. Syrie James also portrays the dire financial circumstances of the Austen mother and daughters upon the death of Mr. Austen in a poignant manner. This is my favorite Austen-inspired contemporary novel to date.

I wonder if the romantic comedies of today's popular authors like Sophie Kinsella, Katie Fforde and Jennifer Weiner will stand the test of time and appear on joy reading lists two hundred years from now.

Great YA Literature Recommendation

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 12:13:25 EST

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

My library assistant, Mary Frances, told me about a great book by a new YA author the other day. She spoke enthusiastically of the enviable setting, the great characters and the poignant relationship dilemmas in Anna and the French Kiss, giving the novel a five-star rating. Mary Fran, a fan of some of my favorite classic reads like Anne of Green Gables and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, wouldn't steer me wrong. I perused some equally glowing reviews posted on Goodreads and then rushed out to buy a copy of the novel for our library.

Who wouldn't want to spend her senior year in Paris, the most romantic city in the world? Anna Oliphant, that's who. She would rather stay home in Atlanta with her best friend Bridgette, her amazing job at the multiplex cinema and Toph, the cute boy from the movie theater. Against her will, her father, a best-selling author, ships Anna off to an elite boarding school in the City of Light. Never mind the fact that Anna has studied Spanish throughout high school and only knows a couple of words in French. Life as Anna knows it has been ruined. Or has it? Slowly, Anna makes friends and begins to explore the magical city. Her growing fascination with the intriguing but unavailable Etienne St. Clair complicates matters and by the end of the school year Anna comes to accept a new definition of home. Home can be a person not just a place.

In her debut novel, Stephanie Perkins has created a cast of quirky and likeable characters and she does a wonderful job of showcasing the novel's sophisticated setting. Although the plot is a bit predictable, I enjoyed watching Anna grow and change as she struggles to fit in at her new school and rediscovers herself during her senior year abroad. Stephanie Perkins may wind up being one of my favorite YA authors, along with Sarah Dessen and Caroline B. Cooney.

ALA Award Winners

Sun, 16 Jan 2011 10:31:03 EST

Last January I attended the American Library Association Mid-Winter Meeting in Boston. I toured the exhibit hall, listened to short author interviews at the Junior Library Guild booth and went to an author tea featuring six newly published novelists. One of the highlights of the conference was attending the early morning award ceremony at which the ALA announced the winners of its various awards honoring the best books, videos and audiobooks for children and young adults. I felt important and in-the-know being one of the first to hear that Rebecca Stead won the Newbery Medal for When You Reach Me, Jerry Pinkney received the Caldecott Medal for The Lion & the Mouse and Libba Bray won the Printz award for Going Bovine. I had just read Libba Bray's enchanting A Great and Terrible Beauty, so I was especially happy for her.

This year, the Mid-Winter Meeting was held in San Diego – too far for me to travel – so I had to read about the award-winning books and media on the ALA Web site. Some of the honored titles that caught my interest are listed below.

John Newbery Medal
("most outstanding contribution to children's literature")

Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool

Randolph Caldecott Medal
("most distinguished American picture book for children")

A Sick Day for Amos McGee illustrated by Erin E. Stead

Michael L. Printz Award
("excellence in literature written for young adults")

Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi

Coretta Scott King Author Award
("recognizing an African American author of outstanding books for children and young adults")

One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia

William C. Morris Award
("for a debut book published by a first-time author writing for teens")

The Freak Observer by Blythe Woolston

For a complete list of the award-winning titles, visit the American Library Association online.

Read, Imagine, Discover and Learn

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 09:21:27 EST

Hello and welcome to the Mount Saint Joseph Academy Library!

The other day, a student showed me the brand new Nook she found under her Christmas tree. The e-reader was encased in a leather cover embossed with an inspiring literary quote from Marie de Sevigne. "When I step into this library, I cannot understand why I ever step out of it."

This reflection by the seventeenth-century French noblewoman and accomplished letter writer struck a chord with me. From the first day I walked through the door, I have loved the MSJA Library. The large space on the fifth floor is bright and cheerful. In the late afternoon, the sun floods through the west-facing windows, filling the room with a golden light. Sometimes, I feel like God is peeking in to say "hello." I find it charming that in the olden days when the Mount was still a boarding school, the wing where the library now lives was used as the dormitory. Rows of curtained beds once filled the area now lined with book shelves. The older Mount yearbooks contain some nostalgic photos of those long-gone days.

Presiding over the library and managing its collection has been a challenge and a joy over the past twelve years. So many young women have climbed the endless staircase and stepped through the doors of the library to use our computers, do their homework, find resources for a research project, log-in to their Virtual High School classes, look for a good book to read or attend a club meeting. I hope they have all felt welcomed and enriched during their time here. A good library is a treasure for all who step inside. Information, whether it is printed in a book or digitally broadcast, is a valuable key to open whole new worlds for our students. I look forward to providing the opportunity for many future classes of Mount girls to read, imagine, discover and learn at the MSJA Library.