Literacy Now

by Jen Donovan

The Investing in Innovation Fund, also called i3 Fund, provides eligible local education agencies and non-profit education organizations with the funding they need to continue their successful work with students. The i3 competitive grant, which consists of $150 million to be shared among different awards, has been of high interest among education agencies from all regions of the US. This year the plan is to broaden the range of applicants and award the newer promising programs with the funds required to enhance the resources and abilities and continue improving student results.

3.) Development, which awards individual grants of up to $3 million to projects working on new and high potential practices that merit further exploration and research

The US Department of Education has added a preliminary application for those interested in the i3 grant competition this year. This year special focus will be placed on programs and practices that apply for the $3 million Development grant which involves investing in untested, yet promising programs that display true innovation in education. With the shorter pre-application, smaller districts and organizations will have the chance to participate in the i3 competition. This new application will be more concise and require fewer documents than previous years, allowing a variety of institutions to apply.

The Department of Education is interesting in investing in all levels of educational potential, but the competitive edge is given to those applicants who focus on improving early learning outcomes, increasing college access and success, addressing the unique needs of students with disabilities and those with limited English proficiency, improving productivity, and the use of technology. 

Through the Development grant competition, the Department will include a special priority of improving parent and family engagement in the process. According to Jim Shelton, assistant deputy secretary for the Office of Innovation and Improvement, “Parent and family engagement is a critical component of student success, but there are too few models with evidence of effectiveness. By using i3 to shine a spotlight on this need and on promising approaches, we hope to identify new solutions of national importance.”

The 2012 Investing in Innovation Development grant aims to support successful overall student outcomes, especially within underdeveloped schools and rural areas. The competition is already under way with April 9 as the deadline for all pre-applications.  

Visit the website for the i3 Funds for the new Development application and more information.

by Judith Hayn

Levine, K.  (2012). The lions of Little Rock.  New York, NY: Putnam.

In 1958 Little Rock, Arkansas, the high schools have been closed rather than integrate following the crisis the year before when nine students attended Central High School. Twelve-year-old Marlee Nisbett finds it hard to connect with people, but she and her sister Judy are close. When Judy has to go to a neighboring town to finish school, Marlee protects herself by continuing to recite mathematical calculations in her head rather than talking.  Then Elizabeth Fullerton arrives, and Marlee finds a friend when she surprisingly opens her mouth and invites Liz to eat at her lunch table. Their friendship is extraordinary as both gain from knowing each other, but one day Liz just disappears. She has been “passing” on her parents’ orders, and others have discovered her secret. Marlee and Liz arrange to meet each other secretly, but lives are at stake when their families and neighbors discover them; the two are caught up in the violence. Their friendship and loyalty is intertwined with the realities of a school district and a city trying to survive the turmoil of the aftermath of the Little Rock Nine. Standing up for your beliefs isn't easy, and for Marlee whose shyness is legendary, it requires genuine courage. Levine has created a character whose small voice speaks for the confusion of the times and brings a new understanding to the issues.

Dr. Judith A. Hayn is an Associate Professor at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

This article is part of a series from the Special Interest Group Network on Adolescent Literature (SIGNAL).

by Terry S. Atkinson

With the upcoming advent of the Common Core State Standards, professional organizations such as NCTE encourage literacy professionals to share their opinions and expertise as CCSS implementation rolls out in schools across the US. While one might conclude that such collaboration results in literacy professionals helping content area teachers come to new understandings about reading, writing, speaking, listening, language, and vocabulary, the opposite may be true as content area teachers take the lead, especially when technology serves as an instructional tool. One such model content area teacher/student technology collaboration recently took place at North Carolina State University.

Fletcher Arritt teaches NCSU Food Preservation and Food Microbiology courses in the Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences. During a recent semester, a Food Preservation student converted one of Arritt’s exam study guides into a Google Doc, sent the link to his course colleagues, and asked for their input. When Arritt arrived at an after hours study session, the student-created Google Doc was projected on the room’s LCD screen. While Arritt had heard student “buzz” about the document, his first encounter with the tool morphed into a collaborative exam study session that built on student understandings and led to further clarification and elaboration. Pleased with the outcomes of this initial Google Docs encounter, Arritt now suggests the study practice within his current courses and finds that students inevitably take his suggestion to create and share Google Docs study guides. He receives kudos for this practice from his students who note, not only, increased content understandings, but also additional engagement in the study process through virtual collaboration with peers. 

Marc Prensky makes a strong case for teachers learning with and from their students. Particularly when learning to integrate technology into instruction, Prensky questions the notion that Professional Development-PD- traditionally takes place without student involvement…“Let’s talk about how to teach our students our students better, but be sure that none of them are around to participate.” He further adds that few teachers like Arritt have the courage to learn from students who fill K-16 classrooms. Regardless of the subject or the grade level at hand, teachers who learn more about the power of technology from their students have the potential to create classroom spaces that move above and beyond the Digital Native/Digital Immigrant divide.  

Terry S. Atkinson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC.

This article is part of a series from the Technology in Literacy Education Special Interest Group (TILE-SIG).

Rumor has it that dogs are human’s best friends, but that’s only rumor, and no one listens to what those yappy wooly creatures have to say anyway. And even it’s true, who cares about being popular and appealing to the common masses? I’d much rather be a feline with selective tastes and a standoffish personality than some dog that rolls over on its belly or begs attention from every passerby. Cats are so much more discerning, so much more selective with their affections and so much more interesting as these reviews written by members of the International Reading Association's Children’s Literature and Reading Special Interest Group attest. Take that, you annoying barkers. We prefer the soft murmur of a meow or a purr shared with our favorite purr-sons. 

GRADES K-2

Chall, Marsha Wilson. (2012). A secret keeps. Illus. by Heather M. Solomon. Minneapolis: Carolrhoda Books/Lerner Publishing Group. 

In this story in rhyme Grandpa has invited his grandson for a visit to his farm to discover a secret. The plot revolves around his finding the secret amid slowly-building suspense. The mixed paint and collage illustrations show the grandson exploring and searching around the farm for the secret. That night, dressed in pajamas and playing pirate, the young boy wanders out to the barn to discover a litter of young and playful kittens. He claims “finders keepers” (unpaginated), his grandfather’s intention planned all along. As the story ends, the boy and kitten nestle in bed together. This beautifully illustrated and gentle story reminds readers about the delights of sharing secrets with others.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Feldman, Thea. (2011). Harry Cat and Tucker Mouse: Starring Harry. Illus. by Olga and Aleksey Ivanov. New York: Square Fish/Macmillan. 

This simple book for beginning readers is based on the novel The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden and Garth Williams. Harry Cat and Tucker Mouse live in a cozy drainpipe in the Times Square subway station. Harry loves the theater and goes out each night to watch plays and musicals, leaving Tucker at home. One night in the middle of a play, Harry grabs a fish from a plate and runs across the stage, causing the crowd to laugh, clap, and cheer. Because of the audience reaction to the stunt, the director asks Harry to steal a fish every night. Unfortunately, this new role keeps Harry out late and sleeping in every morning, which jeopardizes his friendship with Tucker. When Tucker attends the play and sees Harry’s star quality, he realizes that he can’t stand in the way of Harry’s career. Perhaps he needs to let go of the friendship. A surprise ending discusses the true meaning of friendship. If children want more Harry Cat and Tucker Mouse books there are more in the series: Tucker’s Beetle Band (2011) and Harry to the Rescue! (2011). 

- Deanna Day, Washington State University Vancouver

Friend, Catherine. (2007). The perfect nest. Illus. by John Manders. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press. 

Jack, a hungry, wily feline, comes up with a sure fire way to fill his tummy. He can almost taste a yummy omelet, and all he needs are eggs. In order to entice some feathery volunteers, he prepares a comfortable nest. His plans are successful, and a Spanish-speaking chicken, a French-speaking duck, and a goose all roost among the straw and cushy nest, and lay eggs of different sizes. But Jack can’t reach the eggs since the three simply won’t leave the nest. Playing to their greed, he tells them that there is a much better nest just down the road. Ready for his long-anticipated meal, he prepares to crack the eggs, but one by one, they hatch, leaving the bewildered Jack to serve as surrogate parent for the three. Although he tries to shirk his new parental responsibilities, the babies chase after him and bring him back to the nest, perfect for this strange family and its feline father, after all. The gouache illustrations and funny expressions on Jack's face and the determination of the newborns make this title great fun to share with young readers. Underneath his fur and appetite for an omelet, Jack turns out to have a nurturing nature. 

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Knudsen, Michelle.  (2006). The library lion. Illus. by Kevin Hawkes. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press. 

Happening upon a library one day, a lion quickly makes himself at home and becomes an important part of the place. There are no rules prohibiting lions in the library, after all, and he learns to control his roar. Before he knows it, this lion has become an essential part of the library, taking on important jobs such as dusting the encyclopedias, serving as a backrest for the children during story hour, and using his enormous tongue to lick envelopes for overdue notices. When the head librarian, Miss Merriweather, falls while reaching for a book, he races through the library for help. Because Mr. McBee (not his biggest fan) is unable to understand what's happening, the lion roars at him, and then leaves the building since he has broken the "no roaring" rule. Nothing is the same, and the spirit of the library has disappeared along with its lion. The acrylic and pencil illustrations and this sentimental tribute to librarians and their patrons depicts the library as a book-filled place where all are welcome--even a lion. Sometimes even a well-trained lion must break rules for the right reasons. Bibliophiles and cat lovers will surely enjoy this one. 

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Krasnesky, Todd. (2010). That cat can’t stay. Illus. by David Parkins. Brooklyn, NY: Flashlight Press. 

In rhyming text, the story follows a savvy mother who somehow manages to persuade her cat-hating husband to tolerate first one, then two, then three, and finally, four cats. Although on the surface, he might seem heartless, she cannily appeals to his kind nature, and plucks at his heart strings about what fate might befall those cats if left to their own devices in the dangerous outside world. Young readers will laugh at the cartoon illustrations that show the personalities of the cats and the children in the family as well as the man who would prefer not to share his home with felines. As the number of cats somehow keeps increasing despite his resistance, it’s clear that he has lost control of his home. Has the house gone to the dogs, er, cats, despite his best efforts, after all? There’s only one choice left to this father if he’s going to survive the ever-increasingly number of cats. The author uses clever words and repetitive phrases to add to the enjoyment of this tale. 

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Lindbergh, Reeve. (2011). Homer the library cat. Illus. by Anne Wilsdorf. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press. 

Like many older cats content with their quiet daily routine, Homer happens to find an open window and cautiously begins to explore the great world outside his home. But adventures sometimes mean lots of noise, and this cat simply wants to find a quiet place to settle for his adventure. Every time he thinks he’s found just the right spot, it proves to be too noisy for a nap. Eventually, Homer finds just the right quiet place—the library where the woman with whom he lives works. Homer has a great time, snoozing during story hour and enjoying the snacks and the attention of the library patrons. Fans of cats and libraries will enjoy this sweetly appealing story told in rhyming text as well as its playful illustrations created in collage and watercolor. Too bad all bookstores and libraries don’t have their own felines to watch over their book collections.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Martin, Jr.  Bill, & Sampson, Michael. (2011). Kitty Cat, Kitty Cat, are you going to sleep? Illus. by Laura J. Bryant. Tarrytown, NY: Marshall Cavendish Children. 

In rhyming text, a mother cat tries to persuade her wide-awake Kitty Cat that it is time for bed. But the curious kitten makes all sorts of excuses to put off bedtime. After spying the sun, bathing, hearing a story and a lullaby, and even hiding beneath her mother’s chair, Kitty Cat finally succumbs to slumber, but even in her dreams, she’s on the go, stuffed animal in tow. The watercolor paint and colored pencil illustrations contain lovely colors and vividly depict the always-moving Kitty Cat as she finally starts to slow down, much to her patient mother’s relief. 

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

Schoonmaker, Elizabeth. (2011). Square cat. New York: Aladdin/Simon & Schuster. 

Things haven’t been easy for Eula whose misery makes her no longer able to purr. While her other feline friends are round, she’s a square cat, which presents considerable problems; for instance, it’s not easy to get up once she has tipped over. Her generous friends, Patsy and Maude, try to make her feel better by adding round objects like a hat, earrings and rouge to her outfit, but still, she remains a square cat. When none of their ideas work, they climb into boxes and show her some of the advantages of her square nature. Content at last with her own view of the world, Eula finds her purr again. The watercolor illustrations add personality to the cats in this picture book and will make readers smile as Eula and her friends frolic across its pages. 

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University

Tillman, Nancy. (2011). Tumford: The terrible. New York: Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan.

From the creator of On the Night You Were Born comes a book about the importance of saying, “I am sorry.” With golden eyes and black and white fur, Tumford looks like a realistic cat in the beautiful illustrations. On the first pages readers immediately recognize Tumford for the trouble-maker he is. He pulls a tablecloth to reach pancakes, chases birds through the garden, and walks in paint. Tumford is a stubborn kitty and refuses to apologize for his misdeeds. To avoid apologizing, he hides in a sack, hides among some plants, and even hides on a shelf amid a dozen stuffed bears. His mother and father talk to him about the importance of owning up to mistakes, but sadly, the next time he causes trouble he forgets and hides once again. After reading aloud this book, children may want to talk about admitting when they’ve done wrong and offering a sincere apology.  

- Deanna Day, Washington State University Vancouver

GRADES 3-5

Franco, Betsy. (2009). A curious collection of cats: Concrete poems. Illus. by Michael Wertz. Berkeley, CA: Tricycle Press/Ten Speed Press. 

Thirty-two delightful poems written in haiku, free verse, and limerick pay tribute to the finicky nature of felines. The concrete poems in this collection and their accompanying illustrations mimic the essential characteristics of cats, purring in contentment, grooming themselves almost constantly, and often causing havoc in the house. From Kabob’s perfect balance, even when he falls, to Tabitha’s tail which seems to behave separately from Tabitha, the poems reveal the poet’s attention to detail from time spent observing felines. Readers will laugh at the poems and images of cats drinking from toilet bowls, settling down for a nap right on top of freshly laundered clothing, and even landing on a human’s head to avoid a pesky dog.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman 

LeGall, Frank. (2012). Freedom! (Miss Annie, Book #1) Art by Flore Balthazar. Minneapolis: Learner Publishing Group/ Graphic Universe.

Translated from the French, this graphic novel brings to life the playful antics of a four-month-old kitty, Miss Annie, who is just starting to be slightly independent. As she prowls around the house, always getting into household mischief, she wonders what it would be like to play outside. During her adventures inside the house, Annie meets a timid little mouse that has recently moved into the house, and they begin an unusual friendship. Annie names her Keshia, the name she overheard her owners’ daughter call her best friend. As would many felines, Annie seizes the chance to explore the great outdoors when a window is left open.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

Wardlaw, Lee.  (2011). Won Ton: A cat tale told in haiku. Illus. by Eugene Yelchin. New York: Henry Holt.

is the story of a shelter cat and his new home. Told with real cat-itude from the feline’s point of view, the poems follow this sassy cat from its cage in the animal shelter along the journey home, all the way through the adjustment period. In an opening note, the author, a cat lover herself, explains that the poetry is written in the senryu form, which focuses on personality and behavior rather than the nature concepts typical of haiku. The illustrator’s graphite-and-gouache pictures lend the feel of Japanese woodblock prints to the book’s pages. This is a beautifully designed book to which cat lovers will have an affinity since they’ll likely relate to the bond that develops between a young boy and his cat. The author has created a teacher’s guide, a recipe for kitty litter cake and provides other useful ideas at her website at http://www.leewardlaw.com/won-ton-images/.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant