“Reading for Stress Relief.” Taking Charge of Your Health & Wellbeing, University of Minnesota, 2023, www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/reading-stress-relief#:~:text=Simply%20by%20opening%20a%20book,stress%20by%20up%20to%2068%25.
SSHS Library
Friday, August 25, 2023
Read. Relax. Chill.
Saturday, April 29, 2023
A List of Books That Made Me a Reader
A List of Books That Made Me a Reader
I was at a conference recently surrounded by my favorite people, librarians. We listened to motivational speakers from the likes of Danyelle Musselman, veritable Razorback Royalty, to librarians who are in the trenches of the culture war on books. With the passage of SB 81, librarians have been stressed out, and our motivations and our professionalism questioned by legislators. Even amidst immense criticism, we continue with our job--connecting kids with books.
One particular speaker, 2023 AASL Intellectual Freedom Award winner Amanda Jones, invited us to try something that might reenergize and reignite our joy. She suggested that we make a list of books that changed us. The thought immediately sparked nostalgia for books from my school years and the wonderful, kind humans who connected me to them. For that reason, I decided that I would take her up on that practice and share some of the books from my formative years that made me a reader.
Amy Byrd, age 5 |
1. Jillian Jiggs by Pheobe Gilman
This is a magical book that my mom introduced me to. The illustrations were nothing short of AMAZING. It had such lively rhymes that I quickly memorized them all. Besides, Jillian was imaginative and quite a mess--not unlike a young Amy Bess Byrd. And when the sequel came out, The Wonderful Pigs of Jillian Jiggs, you could not wipe the smile off my face, "Jillian, Jillian, Jillian Jiggs, it looks like your room has been lived in by pigs!!!!" You see, I didn't come by the nickname "Besser the Messer" by accident. I saw myself in this character, and I was instantly connected to her. That, my friends, is a powerful thing for a young reader.
2. Just Me and My Babysitter by Mercer Mayer
One day many moons ago (I must have been 5-6), I was sick enough to have to stay home from school. This NEVER happened. Most things were cured with a dose of acetaminophen and a Luden's cough drop. One did not miss school. But this particular day, my mom went to the store to get some 7-UP because you get to drink actual soda when you are sick, for the sake of hydration and all. Not only did I get to drink soda, but she also brought me a little treat home in the form of my first Mercer Mayer book. This little critter cracked me up. You might sense a theme here. Messy Marvins seemed to be my jam. All the messes! And that babysitter just let it happen! I was delighted to learn that this little critter had many more adventures available at the local library.
3. The Berenstain Bears Get the Gimmies by Stan and Jan Berenstain
I simply cannot boil it down to one particular book in this series that I loved more than another. I think the earliest one I read was the one about strangers. I remember it really caught my attention while at the same time addressing a very serious topic in an accessible format for children. Brother Bear and Sister Bear were always learning valuable lessons and being parented by the most kind, gentle Momma and Poppa Bear. For kids without that steady home life (my own childhood had some rocky patches as my parents eventually divorced), the Berenstain Bears can be a comfort read.
4. Unnamed Florence Nightingale book
I was probably 6 or 7 and somewhere, somehow I had gotten my hands on a short chapter book, a biography of Florence Nightingale. I sat down and devoured it in one sitting. She had a fascinating life, and it captivated me. It was the first "chapter" book I ever read, and I was so impressed with myself that I read it again, and again, and again. If only I could find a copy of that book today.
5. Babysitter's Club series by Ann M. Martin
This series is the one I credit for really making me a reader. There were over 200 books published in this series, and I guarantee that I read them all. Kristy and the gang were close friends, and the Super Specials and Super Mysteries were a real treat. I remember when I outgrew these books and my mom finally convinced me to donate my massive collection to the library. I might have shed a tear or two. I could have included Nancy Drew books here, as I devoured them as well at this time in my life. These are the first series that I could not put down.6. The Cay by Theodore Taylor
7. Don't Die My Love by Lurlene McDaniels
8. James Dean: The Biography by Val Holley
Marfa, Texas, March 2023 |
9. The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
Sunday, August 14, 2022
Adventure Awaits at SSHS Library
Summer has quickly come to a close. Sunburns will be ceasing and sleeping late will soon be a thing of the past. As for me, I am grateful for a summer that was balanced with rest and adventure. I had the opportunity to co-host our first annual Summer Camp for South Side students. From the Loco Ropes to Silver Dollar City, we had an absolute blast. Then, I accompanied Senior Beta students to Nashville where we stayed at the incredible Gaylord Opryland Resort and had several national winners and even got to visit the Country Music Hall of Fame.
My husband and I spent our 20th anniversary in Mexico, where I am positive I found the perfect reading spot. In addition, we spent a lot of family time at the pool that was installed last Spring. While my summer was a blast, around the end of July every year, I get really excited about the upcoming year. I begin to bring together all the plans, dreams, and ideas that have been swirling around in my mind and start to make them a reality.
As I reflect on beginning my 20th year in education, I am overwhelmed with emotions. So many aspects (both good and bad) of education have changed since I started this journey at South Side all those years ago. Many teachers have come and gone; some of my friends have retired. I am now officially teaching kids of former students. Even if it makes me feel really old, there is just something special about teaching in a small school community and getting to watch your students grow into adults, and then to get to know them all over again as parents. On top of all that, it is also my daughter's senior year. Nothing prepares you for that.This year, more than ever, the library is committed to being a vital and contributing part of the educational community at our school. Our theme is "Adventure Awaits - READ - EXPLORE - GROW." Whether a student (or teacher) is looking for something to read for fun, or for resources for a project, they will be able to find support at the library. Our mission continues to be our guiding force:
The SSHS Library exists to assist students in the learning process, to support the educational needs of our faculty, to ensure all patrons have access to appropriate resources, to provide good books for the enjoyment of all, to offer engaging programming activities, and to provide community and safe haven to those who might seek it.
There is something for everyone at SSHS Library.
It has been a while since I last blogged, but one of my goals this year is to pick it back up again, so stay tuned.
Until next time,
Mrs. Hutto