[LIT] Buying Books

[ReadersnRacers at aol.com]

In a message dated 4/13/07 12:55:15 PM, mrshannan6th at gmail.com writes:


> The questions:
> What good picture books would you all recommend for read alouds that might
> tie into the theme?
> Where do you get list or suggestions for books to buy for your classroom?
> Where are the cheapest books found (I do yard sales and eBay, but eBay
> hasn't had much higher level stuff lately)?
> How do you deal with kids checking out books for take home?
> 

Okay, some answers:   
Pink and Say by Patricia (spelling is probably wrong) Polaccio.   Hmmm, for 
more I'd have to either stop taking my cold medication or check in my picture 
book box at school - either way, it won't happen until Monday.   I do have some 
lovely picture books that deal with Ancient Egypt through modern Asia, just 
can't think of those titles off the top of my head.   :o)

I get suggestions for read alouds/pic books, etc. mostly through word of 
mouth and listserves.   I have a wonderful list compiled on my school server, but 
again...it's at school. I can check on Monday & see if I can run it down & 
send to you.

Oh man!   I am super fuzzy - I tend to use Amazon.com (used) or ??? (it's 
another online book sales, but the name is just eluding me).   It's harder to 
find some books at the 2nd site, but when I do find 'em, they are dirt cheap.   
For instance, I wanted a small set of 5 Wolf Rider books for Lit. Circles & was 
only able to get 2 through Amazon.com used.   I was able to get the other 3 
(even cheaper) at this other book seller.   I think the name is Biblio.com (but 
I'm not going to swear to that).   I find that after a semester, I can't tell 
the books that I purchased new from the gently used books, so I opt to save 
tons of money and go with used.

For the classroom library, it's been hit or miss this year.   I started out 
great with a card check in/return system.   It was maintained by my high school 
teacher's aid until she had an injury and wasn't able to walk over from the 
high school.   After that it's maintanence declined and I finally just gave up &
 told the kids we'd use the honor system.   I've used the honor system in 
years past & don't lose more than 20 books per year (sounds like tons, but I 
still have siblings bringing books back from 3-4 years ago).  I figure that it all 
balances out & it's a heck of a lot easier on my limited after school time.   
Now, if it's a lit circle book, a classroom set (where I have to maintain a 
specific # of books) or a loaner textbook, I go with the old tried & true list 
on the left side of my white board.   Name & book's title goes on board & 
stays until I see it returned. I do get all of those back (well, except when the 
kids move out of the school without notice).



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