January Issue
Welcome Back and Happy 2023!
We're back in school, Wildcats! We hope it is not yet too late to greet you with a Happy New Year! A lot of us may feel ambivalent about coming back to school, clawing our way to get out of bed. A lot of us may also feel pressured under the fusillade of school work knocking down our doors of relaxation. But fear not! There'll come a multitude of things to look forward to!
Check out your fellow peers' new year book recommendations, READBowl World Cup GAA standing (we placed 2nd in 2 consecutive weeks!) and get updated on the other latest news in the library!
Enjoy this month's issue!
- Janika Ramirez, Grade 11
readbowl World Cup
We got 2nd place during the 1st and 2nd week of the competition! woo-hoo!
Good job everyone!
2 more reading weeks to go!
Let’s continue reading and hit the goal! Log you reading minutes here:
(for individual reading)
new year book recommendations
Thaphoom Juemjarung, 9th Grade Student
"What If? 2" by Randall Munroe
I highly recommend "What If? 2" by Randall Munroe for anyone who is curious about the world and how it works. The book is a collection of thought-provoking and entertaining answers to some of the most bizarre and intriguing questions about science and technology. Munroe's writing is engaging and easy to understand, and he does an excellent job of breaking down complex concepts and making them accessible to a general audience. Whether you're a science buff or just looking for a fun and educational read, "What If? 2" is sure to satisfy your curiosity. Overall, it's a great book for people who want to learn and enjoy at the same time.
Mr. Shawn Courson, Teacher / 9th Grade History / DP1 Core, CAS Coordinator
"Bogle on Mutual Funds" by John C. Bogle
I recommend “Bogle on Mutual Funds” to anyone interested in personal finance and economics. John Bogle is the creator of index investing, one of the most effective long term investing strategies in existence. He writes with clarity and authority on a topic that impacts every one of us. The lessons learned from his writing stick with you for life.
Ms. Dyamund Berry, Highschool Science Teacher
"The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom" by Don Miguel Ruiz
At the moment I am re-reading the book, “The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom” I pick up this book every blue moon whenever I feel a need to pour back into myself due to feeling off balance for whatever reason. This book does an amazing job advocating freedom from self -limiting beliefs that may cause suffering and limitation in a person’s life.
I would reccomend this book because it offers practical and effective tools for personal growth and self-improvement. The book presents four agreements that the author believes are essential for living a fulfilling and authentic life
Raymond El Beyrouth, 12th Grade Student
"1001 Inventions : The Enduring Legacy of Muslim Civilizations"
1001 Inventions: The Enduring Legacy of Muslim Civilization is a book that explores the scientific, technological and cultural achievements of the Islamic Golden Age, which lasted from the 8th to the 14th century. It is a fascinating read that provides insight into the contributions of Muslim scholars and scientists to fields such as medicine, mathematics, astronomy, and engineering. It also highlights the cultural exchange between different civilizations during this period, and the ways in which their advancements have influenced our modern world. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to explore the cultural significant of a lot of things that we use today.
Aleezah Ahmad, 11th Grade Student
Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson (For IB students only)
A legendary street thief leading a mission, determined to prove herself. A dark secret that is a threat to the entire continent. When outlaw leader meets reformed thief, a cat-and-mouse game of false moves ensues, bringing them intimately together in a battle that may cost them their lives—and their hearts.
"My favorite book I recommend is a Dance of Thieves. Although it has a prequel, you don’t have to read it to be transported into the story within seconds of reading it. It has an engaging storyline and likable characters. The scenery and settings are described elegantly while keeping a focus on the plot."
Ms Soraya Kerioui, Highschool French teacher
Les Hauts de Hurle Vent (Wuthering Heights) by Emily Bronte
Recommended for Grades 11 and 12
A man becomes obsessed with vengeance when his soul mate marries another man. Heathcliff is Cathy Earnshaw's foster brother; more than that, he is her other half. When forces within and without tear them apart, Heathcliff wreaks vengeance on those he holds responsible, even into a second generation.
Lately in the Library...
Term 1 Super Readers were awarded!
Chevron Reader's Cup participants were awarded too!
It is the first time that secondary library hosted a "Books into Movies" event. We watched "The BFG", a fantasy adventure film based on the Roald Dahl's 1982 novel of the same name.
Middle School Rubik's Cube Club
Hooray to these students who completed the Winter Reading Challenge! All of them will be taken to Dubai to attend an Author session in February! Also, one winner was drawn for the book raffle and will get any book that she likes.
Ms. Sarah Kinderman's class visit to the library
The Secondary Library hosted a Book Tasting for the first time! The library was turned into a restaurant. Middle school English classes and some other high school students were able to "taste" the new book arrivals and rotated among tables to sample the books and rated them afterwards. Students were also able to check out the books they tasted. Aside from their book takeaways, students also received sweet treats for real dessert!
new book arrivals
Click here to suggest a book that you would like the library to have.
coming soon!
February 1st and 2nd - READ Aloud Day - CAS students read aloud with PYP students
February 6th - Dubai Field Trip Author Session (Grade 6 - 9)
February - Creative Reader Competition - details will be announced soon!
March - Book Fair, Book Week, Book Character Costume Day - details will be announced soon!
For queries and assistance, please contact the Librarian at a.parente_gaa@gemsedu.com
Click here to view the past library newsletters.
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