Interesting article about magic schools in fiction

Posted on November 4, 2021 by gladwind

This article from the publisher Tor’s website has an interesting perspective on how many of the ‘magic schools’ in fantasy novels reproduce the inequalities and systemic problems of real schools.

Beyond Dark Academia: The Real Horror in Magic School Is Systemic Inequality

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Welcome to Author David Robertson!

Posted on March 31, 2021 by cowleyj

This afternoon the BNS Library and the ReThink Program are pleased to welcome  David Robertson via Zoom.    Robertson is an award-winning author currently living in Winnipeg.  He is a member of Norway House Cree Nation.  He has fiction, non-fiction, and graphic novels for children to adults.  You can preview the books we have in the school collection here.  We look forward to hearing his stories, advice, and wisdom.

If you would like to attend, please contact your block 7 English teacher for links, or connect with Ms. Carey for access via ReThink.

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Afrofuturism

Posted on February 11, 2021 by gladwind

mage sourced from You may have seen the Afrofuturism display in the hall outside the library and wondered what it was all about. There is some information on the board, but here’s an interesting article about Afrofuturism and Africanfuturism – a term coined by author Nnedi Okorafor and explained in her blog post “Africanfuturism Defined“.

You can also find more resources in our Afrofuturism Collection in Destiny.

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Free Audiobooks Every Week for Teens

Posted on May 4, 2020 by cowleyj

SYNC is a free summer audiobook program for teens. Returning April 30, 2020, SYNC will give away two c

omplete audiobooks  a week – pairs of high interest titles, based on weekly themes. Register for SYNC and sign up for email or text alerts at  www.audiobooksync.com.    Listen to samples of all the titles on the Soundcloud playlist​​​​​​​.

 
Yes, in some parts of the world, it’s already summer and school is either already or almost over for the year.  The program runs from May-July (no books in August), so it will give you access to new books now. 
 
Check with your English teacher if you want to use any of the books for your Independent Reading Projects.
 
You can access the app for your computer here: https://soraapp.com/
The app is also available for your phone/device via the App Store and Google Play.

SYNC full schedule

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Speed Book Blitz Titles

Posted on March 11, 2020 by cowleyj

Thanks to all who participated in the Speed Book Blitz last month.  Our list of titles is below.  Come check them out for Spring Break.

TITLE AUTHOR PRESENTED BY
13 reasons why Jay Asher Angelica
21 lessons for the 21st century Yuval Harari Constantin
A Gentleman in Moscow Amar Towles Ms Nicolidakis
Alex Rider: Stormbreaker Anthony Horowitz Larry
All the light we cannot see Anthony Doerr Agnes 
Cinder Marissa Meyer Diana
Circe Madeline Miller Serena
City of bones Cassandra Clare Samantha
comics will break your heart Faith Erin Hicks Vera
Fablehaven Brandon Mull Eva 
Finding the Edge Karen Chen Carina
Flush Carl Hiassen Lynette 
Kitchen Confidential Anthony Bourdain Mr. Roberts
Love from A to Z S. K. Ali Ms Van Balkom
My Sister Rosa Justine Larbalestier Ms Mushens
Robinson Crusoe Daniel Defoe Radin
smile Raina Telgemeier carla
The art of racing in the rain Garth Stein Ms Hardjowasito
The child finder Rene Denfeld Vangeli 
The clothesline swing Ahmad Danny Ramadan Ms Smith
The Curve of Time M. Wylie Blanchet Mr. Williams
The house of god Samuel Shem Hriday
The humans Matt Haig Mr. Yarmie
The nightingale Krinstin Hannah Ms Lee
The story of a new name: youth Elena Ferrante Ms Mihic
The Warded Man Peter Brett Mr. Pepler
Tuesdays with Morrie Mitch Albom Cassandra 
Violent ends various Tania 
Where the crawdads sing Delia Owens Ms Stokes
Zhuan Falun Li Hongzhi Arshia 
     
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Valentine’s Day Card Workshop

Posted on February 10, 2020 by cowleyj

Flex Block Library Makerspace Workshop: Do you want to give someone a Valentine’s Day card but want something a little more personal than a store-bought card? Come join the card making workshop in the Library Makerspace during Flex Block on February 13th and 14th. We’ll provide the supplies, you bring your creative ideas. Make a card for your loved ones. Friends? Family? Your bus driver? Everyone likes getting a handmade card full of love and appreciation! Sign up by choosing Workshopmakerspace on the Flex Block signup site MAKE SURE TO WRITE ‘CARD WORKSHOP’ IN YOUR PLAN. WE WILL DELETE FROM THE LIST ANYONE WHO DOESN’T FILL IN THEIR PLAN.

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Book Brawl–Round 2 voting ends Feb. 10

Posted on February 5, 2020 by cowleyj

Vote online (log in with your O365 account) or on a bookmark ballot. 

Bookmark ballots are available now in the Library.  Round 2 Voting ends February 10, 2020.

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Speed Book Blitz is Back! Feb. 13 at Lunch

Posted on January 24, 2020 by cowleyj

North’s 14th annual book sharing event Speed Book Blitz takes place Thursday, February 13th, 2020 at lunch in the library.

Why should you be a Book Blitzer?

  • Book sharing with a partner is practices skills you need for…
    • School coursework
    • Speaking in public (you only talk to one person at a time)
    • Being a good listener
    • Meeting new people
    • Finding out about new books you might want to read
    • Building school community
    • Core Competency Chats
    • CLC Interviews
  • It’s fun!!!
  • Books are awesome!
  • You get to eat in the Library!
  • There might be prizes!
  • Books are awesome!

So what happens at Speed Book Blitz?  

Speed Book Blitz registration form image.

How to Register

  1. Get a sign-up form from the Library or your English teacher (red for students, lavender for staff) and fill it out. 
    1. You can choose any book you want to talk about, but it’s best to choose one you like (or really, really hate) so you’ll have lots to say.
  2. Return the form to the bucket on the counter in the Library OR to Ms Cowley in room 17.
  3. Wait excitedly for event day!

How to Prepare

  1. Think about what you’d like to say about your book…or not. 
    1. Some people are planners, but some like to just ‘wing it’ when they get here.  Do what works for you.
  2. If you told us you are bringing your own copy of the book, remember to bring it to school on event day.
  3. Come to the Library (with your lunch) as soon as the lunch bell rings.

How to Book Blitz

Speed Book Dating participants.

  1. When you arrive in the Library, place your bag and coat on a table and find your designated seat (your name and book will be placed there).
    1. Chairs will be arranged in two circles facing each other.  Your partner will sit facing you.
  2. Eat your lunch while waiting for everyone else to arrive.
  3. During your “book blitz” you can say what the book is about, why your partner should read it, and/or what you loved (or hated?) about it.
  4. Listen to what your partner says about their book. If it sounds good, write down the title or take a picture of the cover.  Most books are available in our library and we have a list of who presented what.
  5. One of the circles will rotate so everyone meets a new partner.
  6. Share again.
  7. Repeat 5-7 times.

One of the Teacher-Librarians will go over these instructions again so relax and enjoy.

Thank you for supporting this annual event!

Note: The library will be closed to all other patrons during lunch.

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