[CALIBK12] Author event - PJ Haarsma

[David Burt]

Thanks to Peggy for posting the information about P.J. Sharma.  If you look at Mr. Sharma's website, you'll find a link to an interesting article from the New York Times.  It is not only about the Softwire books but the roll gaming plays in literacy development.  While it covers a lot of information already discussed in library classes and listservs it will make a good article to share with skeptical stakeholders.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/06/books/06games.html?_r=3&oref=slogin&oref=slogin


Dave Burt

David J. Burt
Teacher Librarian
Southwest High School
El Centro, CA
dburt at cuhsd.net<mailto:dburt at cuhsd.net>
http://library.eaglesnet.net
"No use going to class if you don't go to the library" --Ray Bradbury
________________________________
From: calibk12-bounces at lists.sjsu.edu [mailto:calibk12-bounces at lists.sjsu.edu] On Behalf Of Peggy Hodge
Sent: Monday, March 09, 2009 9:08 PM
To: calibk12 at listproc.sjsu.edu
Subject: [CALIBK12] Author event - PJ Haarsma

Hi CALIBers,

Good news in the Carlsbad district (North county San Diego). There are to be NO lay-offs, so far! You may or may not remember, that for the past two years, libraries have been on the chopping block, but each time recovered. It looks like this time our services will continue! And our advocacy has worked again!

On another topic: I have recently had the great pleasure to meet a local science fiction writer of a series called "The Softwire." He presently has three books in this series and plans a fourth. Actually, the third book comes out in April. He is writing for the reluctant reader in 4th - 8th grade. He does a very dynamic presentation for schools which includes  a lot of science and literature, lasts about 50-60 min. You can look at his website, www.pjhaarsma.com<http://www.pjhaarsma.com> and click on schools to get an idea of what the content is like. The books are well written, fast moving, and the science is peppered throughout the book, but does not weigh down the action. He has also created a free online game that is played after reading the books, giving the player the opportunity to take on the identity of one of the characters. Our students loved the game idea and i know it will foster reading the book, hence the series. His honorarium is reasonable, usually free, but he does expect to sell his books. It would be great if several schools in a geographic area wanted to take share of this dynamic author for a day.  PJ said to include his email and his phone #:  email (pj at thesoftwire.com<mailto:pj at thesoftwire.com>) and number 760-602-8278.

Feel free to email me off list, if you have more questions about PJ.

Peggy Hodge
Teacher Librarian
Aviara Oaks Middle School
Carlsbad USD
760-331-6189


"Libraries will get you through times of no money, better than money will get you through times of no libraries."  Anne Herbert
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