Uxbridge High School Library Newsletter October 2014 Volume 5, Issue 2
uxbridgehighschoollibrary.blogspot.com
Are you ready for NaNoWriMo? November is National Novel Writing Month. Every year, the Office of Letters and Light promotes writing through NaNoWriMo, a challenge to every writer who needs to get in the habit of writing every day and get started on their novel. The goal of NaNoWriMo is to write a 50,000 word novel in one month. As a student, you can choose your own goal through the Young Writers Program if you know that 50,000 words on top of school is going to be too much, but still want to participate. Writing can be a solitary activity, but you don’t have to go it alone. On Tuesday, 10/28, come to the library after school for the Kick Off and Planning Party, where we’ll register, answer any questions about NaNoWriMo, start planning novels, and kick off NaNoWriMo with some writing games.
Library Hours: 7:15 am - 2:45 pm Librarian: Ms. Emily Charpentier Email:
[email protected] Phone: 508 278 8633 x 2101 Twitter: @uhslibrary Pinterest: uhslibrary1
What are you reading? Have awesome books you want to share with everyone? You can submit your book reviews or recommendations to bit.ly/uhslreviews to see your reviews online and your recs marked with a special sticker on the shelves. Meanwhile, check out these books recommended by Book Club members. • Sea of Trolls by Nancy Farmer • The Ranger’s Apprentice series by John Flanagan • Tunnels by Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams • Dark Inside by Jeyn Roberts • The Alchemyst by Michael Scott • Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
During November, come to the library for Write Ins after school on Tuesday 11/4, Wednesday 11/12, Tuesday 11/18, and Tuesday 11/25. Write Ins are a chance to schedule time for writing, as well as talk with other writers about your work. Have questions about NaNoWriMo that can’t wait until the Kick Off Party? Check out nanowrimo.org or talk to Ms. Charpentier.
On Display: Dear Bully, More Like The Boy in the Striped Pajamas October began with Bullying Prevention Month; books about dealing with bullies are now on display in the library. Every month after Book Club meets, check out a new display of books like the one Book Club read. Right now, come in for more books like The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne.
UHS Book Club
Spotlight on iPad Apps and Websites Are you ready for NaNoWriMo? Get ready with these apps and websites!
SimpleMind+ This mind mapping app is simple and clear, plus you’ll never run out of space.
A Novel Idea Need help planning out the plot, scenes, characters, and everything else? This app provides you with profiles to fill out for all aspects of your novel to help you keep track of everything and plan thoroughly.
Writing Journal For each project, you can set up a target word count (useful for NaNoWriMo!). The app helps you keep track of the time you spend writing and your progress towards your word count goal, as well as other stats.
Werdsmith This word processor checks in on you to make sure you keep writing, and lets you set daily word goals to keep you on track.
WriteChain Set your daily word goal and tell the app how many days in a row you’ll allow yourself to skip so it can help you keep yourself writing consistently.
Write or Die Pick your settings, then let this app startle you if it notices that you’re not on target! (There’s a paid download, but it’s free in the browser.)
Written? Kitten! If you’d rather be surprised with a reward for being on track, this site presents you with a kitten for meeting word goals.
Scrivener (Trial) Normally, this comprehensive writing program is $45, but for NaNoWriMo, the free trial of the Mac/Windows desktop version lasts from now until 12/7 so that WriMos can try it for their novels.
Quote of the Day
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Book Club has met once so far this year. If you are interested in joining, the books we’ll be discussing during first semester are: • Thursday, November 13: My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George • Thursday, December 11: The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien • Thursday January 8: The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor
Is there a quote that really resonates with you? Suggest it as the quote of the day to see it displayed in the library for a day. There’s a link to the suggestion form on the UHSL blog, or go to bit.ly/uhsl-qotd.
The next book we’ll be discussing is My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George, about a boy who is unhappy with city life and runs away to live in the wilderness for a year. All are welcome; Book Club meets in the library after school. Speak with Ms. Charpentier if you have any questions about Book Club, need a copy of next month’s book, or have suggestions for next semester’s Book Club Picks.
Fun and Games
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If you need something to do while you wait for your ride or practice after school, stop by the library. In addition to chess, Chess Empire, checkers, mancala, and peg board games, we now have Scrabble, Monopoly, and puzzles. (Or you could start your homework or do some research. Just a thought.) Image credit: “Daddy & daughter bonding time!!” by peddhapati, CC BY 2.0; flic.kr/p/ iACTVC.
