What's Happening in Library 

Welcome to the Library!

Librarian – Mrs. Mary Ann Overbeck

Welcome to Good Counsel’s Library and to the wonderful world of reading! 

In January we had a very special visitor in the library.  Brielle Wilson, aspiring young artist and author from Moore College of Art in Philadelphia, spoke to the third and fourth graders about her love of art and shared with them some of her work.  Her primary work is her Senior Project, a children's book about the two shelties that her family has rescued.  Her beautiful illustrations amazed us, and we can't wait until her book, Forever Home, is published. You can view the photos here.

All students enjoy the opportunity to browse through the library collection and check out books for their reading pleasure.  In addition .  .  .

First graders have been enjoying wonderful books of magic and wishing like Sylvester and the Magic Pebble, Milo's Hat, and Don't Ever Wish for a Seven-Foot Bear.

Second graders have begun a study in fairy tales, reading the classic tales as well as funny versions like The Little Red Hen Makes a Pizza, and the laugh-out-loud stories in The Stinky Cheese Man.

Third graders are learning about the magical stories and wonderful artwork of the author-illustrator, Chris Van Allsburg.  His most famous book is the classic Christmas story, The Polar Express, but his other books are just as fascinating. It's fun to find the little dog Fritz in all of his books.  Visit his website for more fun -- www.chrisvanallsburg.com

Fourth graders are beginning to learn about libraries and how the books are arranged on the shelves.  They are being introduced to the Dewey Decimal System, and soon they will be searching for books using the library computers. They will even be able to reserve books for themselves!

Fifth graders began the year with the classic book, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis and have presented their original projects to their classmates.

Sixth grade students have read and discussed the Newbery Medal book, Number the Stars by Lois Lowry, an historical fiction story set in Denmark during World War II.  Now they are exploring some other Holocaust literature as well as viewing the DVD, The Paperclips, about a group of students and their very special Holocaust project.

 Seventh graders are reading classic short stories in coordination with Mr. Pizzi's ILA classes.  They especially enjoyed O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi." The latest story is the suspenseful tale, "The Most Dangerous Game."

William Shakespeare is the subject of the year for the eighth grade students.  They completed an introduction to William Shakespeare, his life and dramatic style.  Now they facing the challenge of reading their first Shakespearean tragedy – Romeo and Juliet.

The seventh and eighth graders also have the opportunity to visit the library during their study hall time at the end of the school day to find books for reading pleasure and for research.  Many seventh graders have been looking up their favorite saints in preparation for Confirmation.

The following books are required titles for upcoming library classes:

For Grade 5 -- Love That Dog by Sharon Creech

For Grade 6 -- Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli

For Grade 7 -- Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

Library Assignments for Upper Grades

Grade 5

Grade 6 -- Students need to have a copy of Maniac Magee, by Friday, February 19, to begin our study of the novel.  They need to bring their copy of the book each week to the library.

Grade 7

Grade 8 -- Read Act IV of Romeo and Juliet and complete corresponding study guide questions for Tuesday, March 9.

Battle of Books Meetings

Our 7th & 8th grade team has been selected, and the team members are reading and preparing for the upcoming competition.  Click here to visit the Battle of the Books web page.

7th and 8th grade team will meet after school from 3:00 to 4:00 in the library on the following dates:

February. 11, 16, & 23.

March 4 & 11

Competition will take place on Tuesday, March 16!