Nubs; The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine & a Miracle by Major Brian Dennis, Kirby Larson and Mary Nethery was chosen by 396 students from around the State O' Maine as this year’s Maine Student Book Award winner."A dog living in the desert in Iraq adopts a Marine and travels alone, 70 miles through the cold with little to eat and drink to be with him. Peppered throughout this moving tale of love between man and beast are photos taken in Iraq and show the harsh condition the two endured."
On April 14, at the 22nd Reading Round Up of Children and YA (Young Adult) Literature Conference held in Augusta the new 2011-12 Maine Student Book Award List was unveiled. The announcement of the list, comprised this year of 38 titles is highly anticipated by students in grades 4 – 8 in those schools or public libraries where they promote the Maine Student Book Award (MSBA) program.
MSBA is a wonderful program that does encourage children to read, and to engage in a conversation about those books they have read. The draw for those children who have read through the list throughout the year can vote for their favorite book by April 1st. The idea is similar to other major book awards such as Newbery and Caldecott, only with MSBA the winner is chosen by the students, not adults.
We at Scarborough Public Library collaborate with Barbara Merritt, School Librarian K-8 and Nancy Coffin at Wentworth Middle School to promote MSBA. Marilyn Taylor, from our Youth Services Department attended the yearly MSBA party held April 29 at Wentworth.While students who participated in the voting experience enjoyed ice cream, Mrs. Taylor and Barbara Merritt tantalized them with talks about the books on the new list.
Come in to the Scarborough Public Library and pick up a copy of the current list. By using Minerva, our online catalog, it is a snap to request the titles your child would like to read. If you have any questions about the books ask us. The Youth Services staff LOVES offering book suggestions. See you at the Library!
