On March 10th, Students from Swift River, Leverett, Shutesbury and Erving, who had read five Massachusetts Children's Book Award Nominees gathered together to celebrate the culmination of the program with a night of fun and games called...

Books in Action

The librarians from the four schools created activities based on the books and set them up at different stations throughout Erving Elementary School. Students traveled in teams from station to station.

Games were played...



Students pulled a life raft inspired by Storm-blast, tried to catch Molly Moon's Money as it was blown around by fans, and relayed to add ingredients to Granny Torelli's Soup.

Toast was eaten...

	Stuart's Toast Party inspired by Stuart's Cape by Sara Pennypacker "What is that marvelous smell?"

"Everyone brought something to put on the toast...There was jam and jelly, of course. There was applesauce and cheddar cheese. There was strawberry yogurt and peanut butter... Someone brought hot fudge..." -Stuart's Cape
Stuart lists what he likes about toast:
	This fellow also likes toast.

And fun was had by all!



Teachers and students alike enjoyed the festivities.

We can't wait to do it again next year!

Stay tuned for the new nominees...

Attention all 4th, 5th and 6th graders!

Massachusetts Children's Book Award
The MCBA was created in 1975 by educators at Salem State College. The purpose of the award is to promote reading for enjoyment in the 4th, 5th and 6th grades. Each year, students, teachers and librarians across the state nominate books and 25 are chosen as the nominees based on their literary quality and appeal. Each student who reads a minimum of 5 books is eligible to vote. Voting for the best book will take place during the last week of February.

What are this year's nominated books?

This year's nominees cover a wide range of genres, and reading levels. Many of the books are award winners, or written by Newbery Medal winning authors. Whether you like fantasy, historical fiction, realism, or just want a good laugh, you will find a book in this list to your liking. For a complete list of this year’s nominees, please visit http://www.salemstate.edu/education/mcba/MCBA-award_list_2006.php.

What activities are planned for the program?
Any 4th, 5th, or 6th grader who reads at least five books from the MCBA list before February, 2006 will be eligible to vote for his or her favorite book and to participate in the Union 28 celebration in March, 2006. This has been a spectacular gathering in past years; and there's plenty of time to read some of these specially chosen books if you start now.

Books in Action. This year's Union-28 wide party is at Erving Elementary School. There will be lots of fun, food and a chance to meet readers from other schools. The evening's activities will all be tied to the nominated books. This party is by invitation only! You must read 5 of the books to receive an invitation.

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Principal: : Sheila Hunter
Swift River School
201 Wendell Rd.
New Salem, MA 01355
978.544.6926 (voice)
978.544.2253 (fax)

Web Site: Christine