Embedded Files
Join Ms. Shisko on selected Fridays
Join Ms. Shisko on selected Fridays
to listen to the first chapter of a book being read aloud
to listen to the first chapter of a book being read aloud
About the author
About the author
Joanne Levy’s love of books began at a very early age. Being the youngest and the only female among four children, she was often left to her own devices and could frequently be found sitting in a quiet corner with her nose in a book.
After some teenage misadventure, Joanne eventually graduated from university and managed to find gainful employment at a large Canadian bank as an Executive Assistant to a Vice-President. Eventually, Joanne left the bank and is now spending her non-writing time helping other authors with their administrative needs.
Joanne can usually be found at her computer, channeling her younger self into books and still lives in Ontario with her husband and kids of the furred and feathered variety.
In her non-writing time (ha!) Joanne enjoys working with wool to make felt creatures. Check out her Esty store to see some of her current items for sale.
Visit Joanne Levy's website to read her blog posts and her work fighting antisemitism through her writing.
Friday, May 12 - Period 4 (10:40)
Friday, May 12 - Period 4 (10:40)
Google Meet code name: firstchapter
Sorry for your loss
Sorry for your loss
By Joanne Levy
In recognition of Jewish Heritage Month
In recognition of Jewish Heritage Month
2023 Forest of Reading nominee (Red Maple)
Governor General's Award Finalist
2022 Canadian Jewish Literary Award winner
Summary
Summary
Evie Walman is not obsessed with death. She does think about it a lot, though, but only because her family runs a Jewish funeral home. At twelve, Evie already knows she’s going to be a funeral director when she grows up. So what if the kids at school call her “corpse girl” and say she smells like death? They’re just mean and don’t get how important it is to have someone take care of things when your world is falling apart. Evie loves dusting caskets, polishing pews, and vacuuming the chapel—and on funeral days, she dresses up and hands out tissues and offers her condolences to mourners. She doesn’t normally help her parents with the grieving families directly, until one day when they ask her to help with Oren, a boy who was in a horrific car accident that killed both his parents. Oren refuses to speak and Evie, who is nursing her own private grief, is determined to find a way to help him deal with his loss.
Take a look at this preview video with the author, Joanne Levy!
While we read...
While we read...
Write down what you are curious to learn about working in a funeral home
After we read...
After we read...
What do you think a bat mitzvah is? Why does it seem so important?
Why do you think the author, Joanne Levy, chose to include a prologue?
Where can I find this book?
Where can I find this book?
RTMS library
Destiny Discover (ebook)
Mississauga Library system
Resources to continue my learning...
Resources to continue my learning...
About the author
About the author
Alan Gratz is the bestselling author of nineteen novels and graphic novels for young readers. His 2017 novel Refugee has spent more than four years on the New York Times bestseller list, and is the winner of 14 state awards. Its other accolades include the Sydney Taylor Book Award, the National Jewish Book Award, the Cybils Middle Grade Fiction Award, a Charlotte Huck Award Honor, and a Malka Penn Award for Human Rights Honor. Refugee was also a Global Read Aloud Book for 2018. Learn more about him online at www.alangratz.com.
In recognition of Earth Week, we are reading a story about how young people are engaging in Climate Action
In recognition of Earth Week, we are reading a story about how young people are engaging in Climate Action
Summary
Summary
In the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, Akira and her horse struggle to escape a massive wildfire. In Churchill, Manitoba, Owen and George flee starving polar bears that have been stranded on land by melting sea ice. In Miami, Florida, Natalie fights to save her neighbor’s dog as her city drowns in a hurricane. Four different kids. Three different threats. Two degrees of temperature rise. One single cause: Climate change.
Check out the book trailer here!
While we read...
While we read...
How is the setting in The Sierra Nevada, California different and the same as Mississauga?
After we read...
After we read...
Why do you think Alan Gratz introduced a character who doesn't believe in Climate Change in the first chapters of the novel? Why doesn't Akira try to educate her dad about Climate Change?
What do you know (or even think you know) about wildfires?
Where can I find this book?
Where can I find this book?
Destiny Discover (audiobook only)
Mississauga Library system
Resources to continue my learning...
Resources to continue my learning...
About the author
About the author
Alex Gino loves glitter, ice cream, gardening, awe-ful puns, and stories that reflect the complexity of being alive.
Alex has been writing stories since before they knew the alphabet, dictating stories to their parents. They have always considered themself a writer, but it wasn’t until 2014, with the sale of MELISSA that they had any idea that authoring books would be how they make their way in the world. They are grateful for the ability to spend their time and energy on something so close to their heart.
Alex has been an activist and advocate for LGBTQIAP+ communities since 1997, when they became co-chair of what was then called the LGBA at the University of Pennsylvania.
We are celebrating International Transgender Day of Visibility
We are celebrating International Transgender Day of Visibility
Summary
Summary
When people look at George, they think they see a boy. But she knows she's not a boy. She knows she's a girl.
George thinks she'll have to keep this a secret forever. Then her teacher announces that their class play is going to be Charlotte's Web. George really, really, REALLY wants to play Charlotte. But the teacher says she can't even try out for the part . . . because she's a boy.
With the help of her best friend, Kelly, George comes up with a plan. Not just so she can be Charlotte -- but so everyone can know who she is, once and for all.
After we read...
After we read...
Have you ever been called by the wrong name? Or is there a nickname/pet name you've been called in the past that doesn't feel like you anymore? How did it feel?
If you spoke up and corrected the person who called you by the wrong/outdated name, how did it feel when they respected your wishes
OR
How did it feel if they didn't respect your wishes?
The book originally titled, "George" is now titled, "Melissa" to (in Alex Gino's words), "respect Melissa and all trans people."
The author's publisher, Scholastic, agreed and is publishing a new edition of the book with the new title. The publisher says, "What we call people matters and we all deserve to be addressed in ways that feel good to us. Once you see a mistake, you can always change it."
Talk about a time when you've made a mistake and had the opportunity to change things or 'make it right'. How does that connect with Melissa?
For more information, here is an article about the title being changed.
Here is Alex Gino's blog post about #SharpieActivism (scroll down to "Melissa's Story and Sharpie Activism), where he gives readers permission to change original edition's cover names from "George" to "Melissa".
What other injustices or awareness topics could benefit from #SharpieActivism?
About the author
About the author
Becoming an author has been a lifelong dream. I’ve been telling stories and imagining “what if …” since I was two or three-years old. Thank you for allowing me to share my stories.
Life growing up in Michigan was full of lighthouses, love and family. I had two brothers and two sisters, and our family didn’t have a lot of money. Still, every birthday we got presents and cakes made especially for us. Our mom was a fabulous cook. My favorite cake was banana—it still is. My favorite gifts were writing papers, sketch pads, crayons, colored markers and comic books.
Michigan life included lots of trips to the beach, exploring the many lakes our region had to offer. My mom used to like going to the beach at night. Sometimes I can still hear the lush sound of the waves breaking against the shore in the dark.
After high school, I traveled from our small West Michigan town to E. Lansing, Mich., where I studied journalism at Michigan State University. Since then I’ve gone on to work at numerous newspapers spanning states from Michigan to Florida. I’ve now lived in Florida longer than Michigan, but I’m still a Great Lakes Girl through and through.
I have one daughter, two dogs, three cats. Well, not all by myself. I share a house with my baby sister and her son. I spend my mornings at my desk in the front of the house, facing the large window that opens to a world of stories… and possibilities.
Friday, February 3rd
Friday, February 3rd
Google Meet code name: firstchapter
Lotus Bloom and the Afro Revolution
Lotus Bloom and the Afro Revolution
Lotus Bloom just wants to express herself--with her violin, her retro style, and her peaceful vibe, not to mention her fabulous hair.
This school year, Lotus is taking her talent and spirit to the seventh grade at a new school of the arts. The one where she just might get to play under the famous maestro, a violin virtuoso and conductor of the orchestra. But Lotus's best friend, Rebel, thinks Lotus should stay at their school. Why should this fancy new school get all the funding and pull the brightest kids out? Rebel wants Lotus to help her protest, but Lotus isn't sure. If she's going to be in the spotlight, she'd rather it be for her music.
Then, when boys throw paper wads and airplanes into Lotus's afro, Lotus finds herself in trouble for a dress code violation. Lotus must choose--should she stay quiet and risk her beloved hair, or put aside her peaceful vibe and risk everything to fight back?
Inspired by real stories of Black girls fighting dress codes that discriminate against their hair and culture, beloved author Sherri Winston introduces a memorable character who finds her way to speak up for what's right, no matter what it takes.
While we read...
While we read...
Create a mind map with Lotus's name in the middle of your page. Create two other bubbles attached to "Lotus" and label them "Inside" and "Outside". Attach words to those bubbles that describe what Lotus is feeling inside and what her personality is like on the outside. There are lots of story clues in this chapter!
After we read...
After we read...
How are Lotus and Rebel alike? How are they different?
Why is Rebel upset Lotus is going to a different school? Do you think Rebel is justified to feel that way? Why or why not?
We learn in the description of the book that Lotus gets in trouble for a "dress code violation" later on in the story. What do you think a "Dress Code" is? Does RTMS have an official dress code? Do you think dress codes are a good idea? Explain your thinking.
About the author
This is where I'm supposed to say I'm a #1 New York Times bestselling sci-fi & fantasy author and YouTuber with hundreds of thousands of subscribers, but we both know I'm still that cringy meme-loving weeb on the inside. I'm in a cow suit because I made a promise to my friends 7 years ago that if I actually get published, this is what I'll take my author photo in. Follow me on Twitter @XiranJayZhao for posts about Chinese history, Instagram for cosplays and very Extra outfits, TikTok for fun short videos, and YouTube for videos about Chinese history and culture. About the author
Check out Xiran's website!
Friday, January 13th
Friday, January 13th
Google Meet code name: firstchapter
Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor
Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor
This is a Silver Birch fiction book in this year's Forest of Reading nominees!
Zachary Ying never had many opportunities to learn about his Chinese heritage. His single mom was busy enough making sure they got by, and his schools never taught anything except Western history and myths. So Zack is woefully unprepared when he discovers he was born to host the spirit of the First Emperor of China for a vital mission: sealing the leaking portal to the Chinese underworld before the upcoming Ghost Month blows it wide open.
The mission takes an immediate wrong turn when the First Emperor botches his attempt to possess Zack’s body and binds to Zack’s AR gaming headset instead, leading to a battle where Zack’s mom’s soul gets taken by demons. Now, with one of history’s most infamous tyrants yapping in his headset, Zack must journey across China to heist magical artifacts and defeat figures from history and myth, all while learning to wield the emperor’s incredible water dragon powers.
And if Zack can’t finish the mission in time, the spirits of the underworld will flood into the mortal realm, and he could lose his mom forever.
While we read...
While we read...
On paper, create 4 columns with the following headings: Zachary, Simon, Aiden, Trevor.
Write down point form notes that describe the characters personality and looks. There is evidence in the text. You will have more information for some characters.
After we read...
After we read...
Compare and contrast the four characters we met in this chapter (Zochary, Simon, Aiden & Trevor). Who would you most like to be friends with and why?
What do you already know about Chinese history and mythology? What do you wonder or want to learn more about after reading this section of the book?
At one point, Trevor calls UCLA (University California Los Angeles) "University Caucasian Lost Among Asians". When Aiden tells Trevor he "can't say that", Trevor replies, "We're friends with Zack! We get a pass, right?". What "pass" do you think Trevor is talking about? Does this pass exist? Make a connection to our continued whole-school conversations about Anti-Oppression and Anti-Racism.
Some question whether this poem was actually written by Henry Livingston Jr.
Read this article...what do you think?
Thursday, December 22nd
Thursday, December 22nd
Google Meet code name: firstchapter
Ms. Shisko forgot to hit "record"! So sorry.
Ms. Shisko forgot to hit "record"! So sorry.
Teachers, drop by the LLC if you want to borrow the book to read with your class in your room.
The Night Before Christmas
The Night Before Christmas
By Clement Clarke Moore...or was it Henry Livingston Jr.?
Pop-up book by Robert Sabuda
A dramatic reading, featuring some RTMS Library Leaders and a pop-up book!
While we watch...
While we watch...
What are some special holiday traditions you take part in with your friends, family and community (i.e. during Kwanzaa, Diwali, Hanukkah, etc.)?
How are other holidays similar and/or different than the Christian holiday of Christmas?
Discuss the meaning of Christmas from your POV.
While we watch...
While we watch...
Consider writing down titles your might be interested in exploring more.
Roshani Chokshi is the award-winning author of the New York Times bestselling series The Star-Touched Queen, The Gilded Wolves and Aru Shah and The End of Time, which Time Magazine named one of the Top 100 Fantasy Books of All Time. Her novels have been translated into more than two dozen languages and often draw upon world mythology and folklore. Chokshi is a member of the National Leadership Board for the Michael C. Carlos Museum and lives in Georgia with her husband and their cat whose diabolical plans must regularly be thwarted.
To learn more: Roshani Chokshi's website.
"Warning! This book contains mind-bending myths, dreadful demons, and more swashbuckling high adventure than can possibly be good for you. Oh, and one of the sassiest heroines ever to walk into an elephant’s mouth. I loved it. I think you will, too."
Jonathan Stroud, author of the New York Times bestselling Bartimaeus Trilogy
Friday, November 18th @ 10:40 (P4)
Friday, November 18th @ 10:40 (P4)
Google Meet code name: firstchapter
Aru Shah and the End of Time
Aru Shah and the End of Time
By Roshani Chokshi
To acknowledge and celebrate Hindu Heritage month, we are reading the first chapter of this fantasy novel that features Hindu mythology.
Twelve-year-old Aru Shah has a tendency to stretch the truth in order to fit in at school. While her classmates are jetting off to family vacations in exotic locales, she’ll be spending her autumn break at home, in the Museum of Ancient Indian Art and Culture, waiting for her mom to return from her latest archeological trip. Is it any wonder that Aru makes up stories about being royalty, traveling to Paris, and having a chauffeur?
One day, three schoolmates show up at Aru’s doorstep to catch her in a lie. They don’t believe her claim that the museum’s Lamp of Bharata is cursed, and they dare Aru to prove it. Just a quick light, Aru thinks. Then she can get herself out of this mess and never ever fib again.
But lighting the lamp has dire consequences. She unwittingly frees the Sleeper, an ancient demon whose duty it is to awaken the God of Destruction. Her classmates and beloved mother are frozen in time, and it’s up to Aru to save them.
The only way to stop the demon is to find the reincarnations of the five legendary Pandava brothers, protagonists of the Hindu epic poem, the Mahabharata, and journey through the Kingdom of Death. But how is one girl in Spider-Man pajamas supposed to do all that?
While we read...
While we read...
Consider doing some sketchnoting on this template. Sketchnoting helps you visualize and consolidate what you hear. Don't consider yourself an artist? No problem! There is no right or wrong in sketchnotes.
Where to get the book...
Where to get the book...
Lawrence Hill is the son of American immigrants — a black father and a white mother — who came to Canada the day after they married in 1953 in Washington, D.C. Growing up in the predominantly white suburb of Don Mills, Ontario in the sixties, Hill was greatly influenced by his parents’ work in the human rights movement. Much of Hill’s writing touches on issues of identity and belonging.
Hill is the author of eleven books including the novels Beatrice and Croc Harry, The Book of Negroes and The Illegal and the memoir Black Berry Sweet Juice: On Being Black and White in Canada.
To learn more: Lawrence Hill's website.
Click here to watch the official book trailer.
Friday, November 11th @ 12:25 pm
Friday, November 11th @ 12:25 pm
Google Meet code name: firstchapter
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FOLD literary festival recording - to access you must have registered for FOLD
Join us for a fantastic conversation with award-winning author Lawrence Hill as he discusses his first kids book, Beatrice and Croc Harry, with teen Bookstagrammer Ainara Alleyne. Whether you're a reader or a budding writer, you won't want to miss this discussion on imagining new worlds and tackling big issues in writing.
FOLD registration instructions for teachers in the LLC/Tech Update
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Beatrice and Croc Harry
Beatrice and Croc Harry
By Lawrence Hill
Beatrice and Croc Harry is a novel for children and adults about a young girl who awakens alone with amnesia in a massive forest, where every conceivable fish, bird, mammal and reptile coexist. She has no idea who she is. She doesn’t even know her last name, or that she is Black.
Beatrice forms a tempestuous friendship with a natural predator — a 700-pound, fast-talking crocodile named Harry. Perhaps he can help assemble her lost identity. Together, they embark on a journey that they hope will lead Beatrice home, even though she doesn’t know what or where home is.
While we read...
While we read...
Consider doing some sketchnoting on this template. Sketchnoting helps you visualize and consolidate what you hear. Don't consider yourself an artist? No problem! There is no right or wrong in sketchnotes. What is the most interesting word Croc Harry introduces to Beatrice?
Where to get the book...
Where to get the book...
RTMS LLC - fiction shelves...check availability here
Destiny Discover ebook...check availability here
Destiny Discover audiobook...check availability here
Mississauga Public Libraries...check availability here
Teachers! There is an online event with Lawrence Hill discussing Beatrice and Croc Harry as part of the FOLD festival on Tuesday, November 8th from 9-9:45 am. There will be a recording available until the new year for registered FOLD participants.
Registration information for FOLD is on the LLC/Tech update.
A recording of this Google Meet will be posted for teachers only soon after the event
A recording of this Google Meet will be posted for teachers only soon after the event
Friday, October 21st @ 10:40 am
Friday, October 21st @ 10:40 am
Google Meet link: firstchapter
The Great Bear
The Great Bear
By David A. Robertson
Of course we are starting with this book! The follow-up book to The Barren Grounds, The Great Bear follows Eli and Morgan as they journey back to Misewa and back in time.
Don't worry if you haven't read The Barren Grounds! All readers will be able to get to know the characters and their backgrounds.
David A. Robertson is a Canadian author who is part of Norway House Cree Nation and lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He has written both fiction and non-fiction books; titles include On the Trapline, When We Were Alone. Robertson has been nominated for a number of awards.
To learn more: David Robertson's website.
While we read...
While we read...
Consider doing some sketchnoting on this template. Sketchnoting helps you visualize what you hear. Don't consider yourself an artist? No problem! There is no right or wrong in sketchnotes.
Where to get the book...
Where to get the book...
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