Milpitas High School Library

2012-01-24T06:22:00.000-08:00

Monday Morning Book Review--I Want My MTV

2012-01-23T07:17:00.000-08:00

I Want My MTV: the Uncensored Story of the Music Video Revolution by Craig Marks. Before there was Jersey Shore, Teen Mom and the Real World, MTV was about music and music videos. MTV launched in 1981. This book looks at MTV through interviews with those who where there at the beginning through the beginning of the reality shows that began in the early 90's. If you want a sense of a small piece of music history this is a book to read.

2012-01-19T15:51:00.000-08:00

Mr Waugh's Links for Chicken Hatching

Monday Morning Book Review---Why We Can't Wait

2012-01-16T08:11:00.000-08:00

Why We Can't Wait by Martin Luther King, Jr. In honor of the Martin Luther King holiday consider reading Dr. King's own words. Focused on Birmingham Alabama, his words give insight into the struggle for civil rights and what needed to happen to change the course of history.

2012-01-10T07:29:00.001-08:00

Finals week & New Semester library hours:

Tuesday Jan. 10--7:30a.m-4p.m.
Wednesday Jan. 11--7:30a.m.-2p.m. (Detention 1pm-3pm early check in ok)
Thursday Jan. 12--7:30a.m.-3p.m. (Detention 1pm-3pm early check in ok)
Friday Jan. 13--7:30a.m.-3p.m. (Detention 1pm-3pm early check in ok)
Monday Jan. 16--No School
Tuesday Jan. 17--10 a.m.-4p.m. Library closed until Break for late schedule distribution.

Monday Morning Book Review--Tangled

2012-01-09T06:32:00.000-08:00

Tangled by Carolyn Mackler--Four teenagers lives intertwine as they meet in Paradise over spring break. The overlapping of their lives leads each one to examine their own existence and the decisions they make. Jena, Dakota, Skye and Owen each take a turn narrating their part of the story that starts in April and ends in July.

Monday Morning Book Review--The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt

2012-01-02T06:44:00.000-08:00

The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt by Caroline Preston--Before there was blogging and Facebook, journals and scrapbooks were the mode for keeping memories. Frankie Pratt receives a scrapbook for her 1920 high school graduation and uses it to chronicle her entry into adulthood. Follow Frankie from first love, to college, to her first job, Paris and home again as she takes you on a visual journey of her life. Great ephemera and realistic portrayal of the 1920's.

2011-12-15T15:11:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year and have a great vacation.

2011-12-13T06:19:00.000-08:00

Creative Commons from Flickr.com

Two weeks of vacation, what will you do if the weather turns bad and the electricity goes out? What if you’re stuck in the car with a dead cell phone? Catching a plane and have hours to kill in an airport? A BOOK is the answer to your dilemma. Stop by the library this week to checkout some good reads for vacation.

Monday Morning Book Review--The Future of Us

2011-12-12T07:33:00.000-08:00

The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler--It's 1996, Emma's dad gave her a computer and her friend Josh gave her an AOL CD to get the internet. On Emma's computer it's 2011 and Facebook shows her future self...what if you could see who you will become? What would you change? Who will still be your friends?

Monday Morning Book Review--The Scorpio Races

2011-12-05T07:47:00.000-08:00

The Scorpio Races by Stiefvater--Every November the capaill uisce come out of the sea looking for flesh. These flesh-eating horses are dangerous, yet the island of Thisby capitalizes on this event by holding the Scorpio Races. Puck and Sean both need to win the race for the money to hold onto their dreams. They both can't win...Part romance and part adventure, this almost pushes Hunger Games off the top of my best read list.

2011-12-01T07:36:00.000-08:00

World Aids Day

Monday Morning Book Review--All These Things I've Done

2011-11-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin. Chocolate is no longer a legal substance but Anya's family were one of the major dealers in chocolate. How is a normal sixteen-year-old supposed to deal with the death of her crime boss father, the challenges of her brother who was injured in a shooting, a genius younger sister, the grandmother who's kept alive by machines and the new boy at school who just happens to be the son of the DA?

Monday Morning Book Review--The Best of Me

2011-11-21T06:55:00.000-08:00

The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks reunites high school sweethearts Amanda and Dawson, twenty-five years later. Sparks' fans will enjoy the journey of both characters as they reconnect and explore what brought them together and tore them apart.

Library Amnesty

2011-11-18T06:36:00.000-08:00

Do you owe library fines? For every 10 ounces of food brought in to the library November 21-23, you may have $1 of your fines forgiven up to a maximum of $10. This is for LIBRARY only, not textbooks. Drop off cans before school, break or lunch. Cannot be combined with other food drive contests.

Blood Drive is Coming Up

2011-11-17T07:56:00.000-08:00

Blood Drive is November 28th--Sign up with a National Honor Society member or in Ms. Schwartz's room--E2.

Trojan Access Cards

2011-11-15T07:28:00.000-08:00

Card pickup will take place November 17 & 18 after school in the satellite kitchen. Need your permission slip? Click Here. If you are printing in the library make sure you print only the first page. The second page is blank and will waste a sheet of paper. There are two permission slips on the page, so share with a friend!

Monday Morning Book Review--Wonderstruck

2011-11-14T06:47:00.000-08:00

Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick transforms the reading experience with two intertwining stories. One told completely in pictures and the other told in words, together they bring to life a beautiful story that captures the reader from the very beginning. Don't be thrown off by the 600+ pages, the book reads quickly and takes the reader on a journey to the 1920's and the 1970's. Follow Ben and Rose on a unique journey to New York and the American Museum of Natural History.

2011-11-08T06:16:00.000-08:00

Ms. Byler's & Ms. Corral's Classes
Plagiarism Tutorial
Noodle Bib
TurnItIn.com

Monday Morning Book Review--Always On

2011-11-07T07:01:00.000-08:00

Always On: How the iPhone Unlocked the Anything-Anytime-Anywhere Future and Locked Us In--Brian X. Chen. A timely look at our connected world and how Apple's market share has changed the world in which we live. If you like computers, cellphone technology and anything else geeky...you'll enjoy this book that looks at how our connected world has changed us. (Note: Chinese Language Teacher, Ms. Kang donated the book to MHS because her son is the author)

Plagiarism--How to Avioid It

2011-11-03T07:36:00.000-07:00

Photo: Creative Commons License from Flickr

MHS is testing out a new service for submitting papers named TurnItIn.com. One of the reasons for using this service is to reduce plagiarism and make you a better writer of your own work. Do you know when you're plagiarizing?

SJSU has a plagiarism tutorial that will help you understand more.

2011-11-01T07:36:00.001-07:00

Professional Development Links for Inservice Day

Monday Morning Book Review--Happy Face

2011-10-31T06:40:00.000-07:00

Happy Face by Stephen Emond reads like the journal of a teenage boy. The HappyFace nickname sticks when he arrives at a new school and makes new friends. Everyone thinks he's happy all the time, but underneath there is much more going on his life. Emond's story is part journal, part sketchbook and part teenage angst that reads the up/down journey of adolescence with a realistic tone. Read it!

2011-10-26T09:17:00.000-07:00

Atomic Learning Training

Monday Morning Book Review--Perfectly Invisible

2011-10-24T06:17:00.000-07:00

Perfectly Invisible by Kristin Billerbeck--Daisy Crispin is back, the main character in Perfectly Dateless now has to navigate the rest of her senior year. Will she survive the trials and tribulations of the last few months of her senior year? Will she figure out which boy to trust? Can she convince her parents that she should get to go to the school of her dreams? Will her best friend still be her best friend?

APA Style

2011-10-19T06:46:00.000-07:00

If you need additional help with the APA style the Online Writing Lab(OWL) at Purdue University has an online APA Style Guide. There is a link to OWL in the useful websites section of the library page.

ReachOut.com

2011-10-18T06:38:00.000-07:00

We all need help sometimes, and this website is a resource.
"ReachOut is an information and support service...to help teens and young adults facing tough times and struggling with mental health issues. All content is written by teens and young adults, for teens and young adults, to meet them where they are, and help them recognize their own strengths and use those strengths to overcome their difficulties and/or seek help if necessary." (Reachout.com/FAQ)

Monday Morning Book Review--Robopocalypse

2011-10-17T06:51:00.000-07:00

Robopocalypse by Daniel H. Wilson--the machines have taken over the world. Archos, an artificial intelligence, now controls them and a war has begun. A fantastical world which borders on the possible...how are your machines controlling your life?

Monday Morning Book Review--Sisterhood Everlasting

2011-10-09T06:48:00.000-07:00

Sisterhood Everlasting by Ann Brashares catches up with the girls from the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series ten years later. The women have moved on in their lives and their friendship has changed over the years. Still their ties remain strong and this story reflects life's realities on life-long friendships and the changes that come with adulthood. If you read the originals (which are great books), you'll enjoy this look at ten years later.

Are you respecting Copyright?

2011-10-05T09:51:00.000-07:00

Are you respecting copyright when you search for images to use for school projects? Consider using the Creative Commons portal for searching images that you can use. Also, protect your own creative works and decide how you want others to use your photos or drawings. The Creative Commons Licenses page can help you.

Monday Morning Book Review--Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet

2011-10-02T06:42:00.000-07:00

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford takes place during World War II and 1980's in Seattle. Henry Lee witnesses the display of WWII artifacts from Japanese internees found in and old hotel. The discovery sparks Henry's memories of his friend and the story unfolds between memory and Henry's present life. Part romance, part history lesson the title sums up the story it is both bitter and sweet.

Monday Morning Book Review--Ape House

2011-09-26T06:33:00.000-07:00

Ape House by Sara Gruen The Great Ape Language Lab houses bonobos who reason and communicate with American Sign Language. When the lab is attacked, the apes appear on Ape House a reality show featuring them. Isabel Duncan the scientist that raised them and John Thigpen a journalist go to great lengths to rescue the apes, can they succeed? An interesting story that sheds light on animal experimentation and exploitation.

2011-09-20T07:05:00.001-07:00

Business Letter Formatting Tips for Mr. Anderson's AVID class.

Monday Morning Book Review--Beauty Queens

2011-09-19T06:50:00.000-07:00

Beauty Queens by Libba Bray--Once again Libba Bray has taken a story on a wild twisted journey. When a plane with beauty contestants crashes on a "deserted" island, the girls have to figure out how to survive. But nothing on this island is quite what it seems...this is Lost meets Survivor meets MTV reality shows. You have to read it for yourself to follow Bray's intriguing story. Anyone who likes a complicated story that takes interesting twists will enjoy Beauty Queens.

Constitution Day

2011-09-16T06:33:00.000-07:00

What do you know about the US Constitution...Try the Constitution Quiz.

Monday Morning Book Review--Efrain's Secret

2011-09-12T06:44:00.000-07:00

Efrain's Secret by Sofia Quintero--Efrain has a goal, Harvard. The problem is he doesn't have the money to pay for a Harvard education. Will his choices ruin his chances at a college education? Each chapter title is an SAT vocabulary word that represents what takes place in the chapter ahead. Efrain is any student that has to make choices in life...family, girlfriend, friends, and finances all play a part in Efrain's secret.

Thinking about College Costs?

2011-09-07T20:05:00.000-07:00

It's never too soon to start looking into financial aid information. The US Government has a Student Aid Portal full of resources to help.

Monday Morning Book Review(on Tuesday)--I Am Nujood

2011-09-06T07:23:00.000-07:00

I Am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced by Nujood Ali with Delphine Monoui--Nujood's father arranged her marriage to a man in his 30's when she was only a child. This true story of her experience and fight for a divorce in Yemen opens the eyes to a world far beyond our own.

2011-08-31T13:07:00.000-07:00

Ms. Samy's Crucible Research: Click Here

Monday Morning Book Review--Chain Reaction

2011-08-29T07:13:00.000-07:00

Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles wraps up the story of the Fuentes brothers that began with Perfect Chemistry. Little brother Luis is now in high school and he too encounters the girl that isn't impressed with all of his swagger. For those that loved Alex and Carlos, Luis' story will capture your imagination. It's a good light read to kick off the school year

Welcome Back!

2011-08-25T07:13:00.000-07:00

The library will reopen for the 2011-2012 school year at Break on Monday August 29. Regular library hours will begin on Tuesday August 30th. The new circulation system is up and running and the Destiny link is on all the computers. There are new books to review, so stop by and say hello!

SYNC YA Literature into Your Earphones

2011-06-08T06:12:00.000-07:00

2 Free Audiobook Downloads Each Week

June 23 - August 17, 2011

Teens and other readers of Young Adult Literature will have the opportunity to listen to bestselling titles and required reading classics this summer. Each week from June 23 - August 17, 2011, SYNC will offer two free audiobook downloads.

The audiobook pairings will include a popular YA title and a classic that connects with the YA title's theme and is likely to show up on a student's summer reading lists. For example, Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver, the first book in a popular series with strong allusions to Romeo & Juliet, will be paired with Shakespeare's classic.

To find out when you can download titles to listen to on the run this summer, visit www.AudiobookSync.com or text syncya to 25827

SYNC Titles

Summer 2011

6/23/11 - 6/29/11 Shiver By Maggie Stiefvater Romeo & Juliet by William Shakespeare	6/30/11-7/6/11 Little Brother by Cory Doctorow The Trial by Franz Kafka
7/7/11-7/13/11 Where the Streets Had a Name by Randa Abdel-Fattah A Passage to India by E. M. Forster	7/14/11-7/20/11 The Last Apprentice: Revenge of the Witch by Joseph Delaney Beowulf by Francis B. Gummere [Trans.]
7/21/11-7/27/11 Chanda's Secrets by Allan Stratton Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy	7/28/11-8/3/11 Ashes, Ashes by Jo Treggiari Rescue: Stories of Survival From Land and Sea by Dorcas S. Miller [Ed.]
8/4/11-8/10/11 Immortal by Gillian Shields Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë	8/11/11-8/17/11 Storm Runners by Roland Smith The Cay by Theodore Taylor

Monday Morning Book Review--The Summer I Turned Pretty

2011-06-06T07:59:00.000-07:00

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han is the perfect light read heading into summer. Belly spends every summer at the beach with her mom and brother and her mom's best friend and two boys. But the summer she turns sixteen, is the summer that things change...her brother doesn't stay the whole summer, Conrad and Jeremiah are no longer treating her like a pesky younger sister.

Monday Morning Book Review (on Tuesday)--Breathless

2011-05-31T09:51:00.000-07:00

Breathless by Lurlene McDaniel explores the right to die through the point of view of 4 teens. Travis' life changes with a cancer diagnosis. Darla, his girlfriend stands by him when many expect her to leave. Emily, his sister can't walk away from family. Cooper, his best friend must fight the anger and rage to support his friend. This short novel will challenge you to consider how you might face this same dilemma...Read it!

End of the Year Schedule Changes

2011-05-19T10:36:00.000-07:00

The end of school is fast approaching and while testing ends 5/20. There are still some disruptions to the library schedule.

Monday 5/23--Closed After School (Staff training on new circulation system)
Thursday 5/26--Closed After School (If Sharks are playing because Ms. M is going to the game)
Monday 5/30--Closed for Memorial Day Holiday
Thursday 6/2--Closed @ Lunch for Staff Luncheon & Closed After School for district technology meeting
Friday 6/4--ALL LIBRARY BOOKS ARE DUE
Monday 6/6--Closed for Blood Drive
Tuesday 6/7--Possible closure after school for School Leadership Team Meeting
Thursday 6/9--Closed After School (Ms. M. leaving for personal business)
Tuesday 6/14--Final Exams 1st & 2nd --After School Sat. School Makeups 1p.m.-3p.m.
Wednesday 6/15--Final Exams 3rd & 4th--After School Sat. School Makeups 1p.m.-3p.m.
Thursday 6/16--Final Exams 5th & 6th--After School Sat. School Makeups 1 p.m.-3p.m.

Monday Morning Book Review--Room

2011-05-16T06:37:00.000-07:00

Room by Emma Donoghue--Five year old Jack only knows one room. It's where he was born. It's where he and mom have an established routine for eating, sleeping and playing. To Jack the room is home, but to his mother it's a prison...READ this book! It's horrifying and exciting at the same time. Jack's five-year-old perspective brings a unique point of view to a tragic set of circumstances.

Monday Morning Book Review--Leviathan

2011-05-09T06:10:00.000-07:00

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld is a steam punk novel. It takes real events from pre-World War I and merges them with technology and alternative history. When the Archduke is killed, his son is moved to safer territory. Meanwhile, the British have an airship, Leviathan, that crosses paths with the son. For those who like fantasy, adventure, and alternative history this first book in Westerfeld's newest series. Book 2, Behemouth, has already been released.

2011-05-05T07:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Cinco de Mayo--What is it? Learn more here.

It's time to vote...

2011-05-04T10:59:00.001-07:00

The Google Doodle contest finalists have been selected. Vote for your favorite.

Monday Morning Book Review--Heaven is for Real

2011-05-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

Heaven is for real: A little boy's astounding story of his trip to heaven and back by Todd Burpo--Colton Burpo had an emergency appendectomy when he was four years old. After his surgery, he told his parents about leaving his body during surgery and taking a trip to heaven. His details and encounters with family members he never met made his parents pause and wonder about what really happened. Read about Colton's experience and decide for yourself if heaven is for real.

Monday Morning Book Review--The Cardturner

2011-04-25T06:23:00.000-07:00

The Cardturner by Louis Sachar is a book about Bridge. Alton's great uncle needs someone to turn the cards and help him in his bridge tournaments since Uncle Lester can no longer see. Along the way, Alton discovers that Bridge may have appeared boring and undecipherable, but it's really challenging and he enjoys the challenge. Sachar wrote the book Holes which many students read in middle school. If you liked that book, you might enjoy this one, too.

Library Closures for April & May

2011-04-18T14:35:00.000-07:00

April showers may bring May flowers for some, but April and May are testing season at MHS and brings on some closure of the library. This means printing will not be available during break, lunch or before school. The J15 and L22 labs are open most days after school but check with Ms. Saxena and Ms. Dimmick for availability.

Tuesday April 19--Closed @ Lunch for DBA
Tuesday April 26--Closed STAR Testing
Wednesday April 27--Closed STAR Testing
Thursday April 28--Closed STAR Testing
Tuesday May 3--Closed STAR Testing
Wednesday May 4--Closed STAR Testing
Thursday May 4--Closed 4th & Lunch for staff meeting
Tuesday May 10--Closed CAHSEE Makeup for English
Wednesday May 11--Closed CAHSEE Makeup for Math
Tuesday May 17--Closed 1st-4th for Travel & Tourism Senior Portfolios
Wednesday May 18--Closed for STAR Makeups
Thursday May 19--Closed for STAR Makeups
Friday May 20--Closed for STAR Makeups
June 2--Closed @ Lunch for staff luncheon

Monday Morning Book Review--It Gets Better

2011-04-18T06:43:00.000-07:00

It Gets Better is a series of essays based on You Tube videos that were uploaded beginning in the fall of 2010 to combat bullying of gay teens that led to a rash of suicides. President Obama, Hillary Clinton, Ellen deGeneres, David Sedaris and Tim Gunn are some of the celebrity contributors to the book. Included are essays from young and old that have survived the bullying and put down of being an LGBT youth.

Would you rather

2011-04-07T10:23:00.000-07:00

Would you rather go to the circus or a hockey game?

Wednesday Website--Circus History

2011-04-06T10:04:00.000-07:00

Photo: Feld Entertainment, Inc. "RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY ®; RINGLING BROS. ® BARNUM & BAILEY; SELLS-FLOTO; HAGENBECK-WALLACE; AND THE GREATES SHOW ON EARTH

Since this week's book profile was about the circus, I decided a look at the history of the circus might be in order. The circus first came to America in 1793.

Monday Morning Book Review--Water for Elephants

2011-04-04T06:35:00.000-07:00

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen--Set in the Great Depression with the backdrop of the circus, this novel takes the reader into the backstage world of the circus. Jacob Jancowski is in his nineties and he knows that Joseph McGuinty is lying about carrying water for elephants when he was a young man. Jacob knows because he really worked the circus. Told through Jacob's voice reflecting back on an earlier time this story takes the reader on a wonderful journey into the circus world as well as a look at growing old with dignity.

Note: The movie version of this story starring Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon opens April 22.

Cesar Chavez Day

2011-03-31T07:19:00.000-07:00

The end of all education should surely be service to others. - César Chávez

A State Holiday

California has established an official state holiday to honor Latino labor leader Cesar Chavez. Cesar Chavez Day is intended to promote service to the community in honor of Chavez's life and work. This day will be celebrated on March 31st, in honor of Chavez's birthday, or the appropriate Monday or Friday nearest that date.

2011-03-29T12:44:00.000-07:00

Photo from Taiko Website

If you missed the Taiko Drummers at lunch on Tuesday, check out their webpage http://www.taiko.org/.
They donated their time to MHS to fundraise for Tsunami relief for the American Red Cross. So far MHS has raised almost $1000. Make an Origami Swan at the tables around campus this week and contribute to the cause.

Monday Morning Book Review--Perfectly Dateless

2011-03-28T07:23:00.000-07:00

Perfectly Dateless by Kristin Billerbeck. Daisy has a goal for her senior year of high school--find a date to the prom. She's got the list of possible candidates. There's just one problem--her parents won't let her date. So she's got to start working on this project before school ever begins. Follow Daisy on her journey to the prom.

Would you rather

2011-03-24T09:25:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Squirmelia

Would you rather get poked in the eye with a sharp stick or have your hand nibbled by a cannibal?

Monday Morning Book Review--A Billion Reasons Why

2011-03-21T06:14:00.000-07:00

A Billion Reasons Why by Kristin Billerbeck--Katie is going to marry her boyfriend Dexter, but she wants her grandmother's engagement ring for him to propose. The problem is the ring is in New Orlean's where she used to live but left after a very public breakup. Luc DeForges played a part in her leaving Louisiana and now he wants to play a part in getting her back. His brother's wedding is the perfect excuse...will Katie end up with Dexter or will Luc win?

MHS thanks Kristin Billerbeck, a friend of Ms. Harke's, for donating two copies of this book to our library.

Would you rather...

2011-03-18T08:13:00.000-07:00

Would you rather be captured by a ghost or an alien?

Wednesday Website--History of Saint Patrick's Day

2011-03-16T08:06:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day--remember the green and check out this website for the history of St. Patrick's Day.

2011-03-14T07:34:00.001-07:00

Mr. Cox's Project Links

Monday Morning Book Review--Revolution

2011-03-14T06:08:00.000-07:00

Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly. Andi's life is out of control. She's in danger of failing school, her mother has disengaged from the world and her dad hasn't been around for months. Her dad decides to take her to Paris for winter break so she can work on her senior project and get her act together. Once there, Andi discovers a French Revolution diary that ties her life, her thesis and the revolution together. This is a GREAT READ! Andi's discovery takes the reader on a glorious adventure through coming to terms with life's challenges as well as the French Revolution.

2011-03-11T07:35:00.000-08:00

Ms. Cacao's Philanthrophy Project Links

Library Photo Contest Winners

2011-03-07T14:29:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Everyone who entered the first Library Photo Contest.

The winners are:

Tiffany Law for Most Exotic Location

Czarina Benitez for Most Creative Location

Molly Ho for Interesting People

Laura Herzberg for Wild Card

Mr. Masuda for the staff entry

View the photos on our Facebook page, School Loop page or click on the slide show on the right.

Library Schedule Changes

2011-03-04T07:16:00.000-08:00

CAHSEE testing is Tuesday March 8 and Wednesday March 9. The library will be closed all day for both of those dates. There may be a need to close early on Monday March 7 for set up.

2011-03-03T07:53:00.000-08:00

CIA World Factbook for Mr. Anderson's project
You can search your country in Global Issues in Context for up-to-date news information.

Wednesday Website: Good Search

2011-03-02T08:52:00.000-08:00

Good Search.com is a Yahoo powered search that earns MHS 1 cent every time you use it. Type in Milpitas High School as your charity. Like any search engine, you need to evaluate the results and make a wise selection of sources. Top of the list doesn't mean it's the best for your academic purposes.

Monday Morning Book Review--The Year of Fog

2011-02-28T09:32:00.000-08:00

The Year of Fog by Michelle Richmond is the Silicon Valley Reads selection for 2011. Abby Mason's life changes dramatically on a foggy day on a San Francisco beach. As Abby struggles with her role in the disappearance of her fiance's daughter and the search for the child, the reader embarks upon a journey with Abby as she experiences the turmoil of a life forever changed by one moment.

Would you rather...

2011-02-18T06:56:00.000-08:00

avoid challenge or seek it out?

LIBRARY PHOTO CONTEST

2011-02-16T06:04:00.000-08:00

The MHS Library is holding a photo contest. Take a picture of yourself reading during the winter break and submit it for a chance to win in one of five categories. Details are available here.

Monday Morning Book Review--A Tale of Two Cities

2011-02-14T09:47:00.000-08:00

Are you ready to take on Oprah's last book club pick? A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens is classic literature that covers the French Revolution. Meet the characters, travel between London and Paris and follow the intrigue that is Dickens' tale. The language can be tricky to navigate, but an explorer will enjoy the travels back in time to a great book.

Why I need a library video contest

2011-02-11T07:15:00.000-08:00

Why do you need your school library? Make a video and MHS library could win $$$$. Contest details are available here.

2011-02-10T06:36:00.000-08:00

Mr. Cox's Project Links

Internet Safety Day

2011-02-08T08:28:00.000-08:00

February 8 is Internet Safety Day. Take time to think about what you do online and how to be safe. Check your digital footprint, by googling yourself (put your name in quotes). Check yourself on other sites like http://www.123people.com/ Are you safe?

Monday Morning Book Review--Watership Down

2011-02-07T08:04:00.000-08:00

Watership Down by Richard Adams--In rearranging the library shelves this week to make room for some of our newer titles, I came across mulitple copies of this book. Adams' tale of a group of rabbits who leave the comforts of home to establish a new community transcend the test of time. How will the survive? Will their differences be overcome so that they can work together?

Would you rather...

2011-02-03T06:01:00.000-08:00

hit the winning run in the World Series or score a touchdown in the Superbowl?

Wednesday Website: Are you ready for some football?

2011-02-02T07:25:00.000-08:00

Better yet, are you ready for some Super Bowl Half-time Shows? Shmoop makes their picks for the 10 most (in)famous half-time shows, complete with video highlights.

Tuesday Tip (on Monday)--Evaluating Books and Articles for Academic Use #5

2011-01-31T06:52:00.000-08:00

The library will be closed 2/1 & 2/2 for CAHSEE testing.

Currency:

When was the information published?
What is the publication date?
If material is presented in graphs and/or charts, is it clearly stated when the data was gathered?

If the information is not current, it may still be okay to use it, but it depends on your topic. For
example, a current date is not required for most literary topics such as John Steinbeck and The
Joy Luck Club, or for historical topics such as World War II or the 2000 U.S. presidential
campaign.

Source: Mission College Evaluating Books and Articles for Academic Use

Would you rather...

2011-01-27T06:37:00.000-08:00

climb a mountain or read a good novel?

2011-01-26T06:17:00.000-08:00

Rubric Resource Links for Research Professional Development

2011-01-25T07:20:00.000-08:00

Mr Cox's Consumer Math Project Links

Tuesday Tip--Evaluating Books and Articles for Academic Use #4

2011-01-25T06:49:00.000-08:00

Purpose/Objectivity:

Can you determine the purpose and objectivity of the book or article?
Is there an obvious purpose or audience?
Is there a slant, or bias?
Does the site try to sell a point of view or product?

If the book or article is not objective, it may still be okay to use it; it will depend on the purpose

Source: Mission College Evaluating Books and Articles for Academic Use

Monday Morning Book Review--True Grit

2011-01-24T06:22:00.000-08:00

True Grit by Charles Portis was originally published in 1968 and the MHS Library copy dates back to that time (no movie cover on our copy). Portis' story stands the test of time for fans of the Western genre. A "bad guy" being chased by the "good guy" but accompanied by the fourteen-year-old Maggie who's hired him to hunt down her father's killer. What follows is classic western fare. The current movie is based upon this book rather than the original movie. If you've seen the movie, check out the book.

Google Doodle Contest

2011-01-20T08:28:00.000-08:00

The annual Doodle 4 Google contest is underway. This is a contest for K-12 students to design their own Google Doodle. This year's theme "What I’d like to do someday…" Grand prize is a $15,000 scholarship.

Wednesday Website--Statistical Abstract of the US

2011-01-19T06:49:00.000-08:00

Did you know that 27,000 Egyptians visited the U.S. in 2008? Or that fast food restaurants had $164,836,000,000 in sales in 2010? Or that the average American ate 13.9 pounds of ice cream in 2008? Where did I find all of these fun facts? In the 2011 Statistical Abstract, the US Census Bureau provides data on a variety of key facts.

Tuesday Tip--Evaluating Books and Articles for Academic Use #3

2011-01-18T06:43:00.000-08:00

Coverage:

Does the source adequately address your topic?
Will the information in the book be helpful for your research ?
Does it include any new or useful information?

If the source does not cover your topic or provide new or useful information, then you should not use it.

Source: Mission College Evaluating Books and Articles for Academic Use

Tuesday Tip--Evaluating Books and Articles for Academic Use #2

2011-01-11T06:36:00.000-08:00

Accuracy:

Is the information correct?
Is there a bibliography or list of citations available?
Is it clear who has responsibility for the information? Do they have expertise?

If there is no method for you to determine if the source is accurate or that the author/publisher has expertise in the subject, then you should not use it.

Source: Mission College Evaluating Books and Articles for Academic Use

Monday Morning Book Review--Monsters of Men

2011-01-10T07:16:00.000-08:00

Monsters of Men by Patrick Ness concludes the Chaos Walking series. Viola and Todd hold the fate of the world in their hands. Together they can choose peace or they can choose war? Which will they choose? How will the world survive their choices? How will they survive their choices?

FREE study guides

2011-01-06T15:57:00.000-08:00

Do you have an Iphone, Ipod touch, Ipad, Nook or Sony Ereader? Kaplan a leading publisher of educational study guides for AP Tests, SAT and more is offering free downloads of some of their titles until January 10th. You can find out more at their website: http://www.freekaplanebooks.com/

Library Hours for Finals Week

2011-01-06T07:58:00.000-08:00

Next Week is Final Exams. The library hours will be modified for the week.

Monday January 10--7:30-3:00 (regular access)
3:00-5:00 (Freshman Cocoa & Cram)
Tuesday January 11--7:30-3:00 (regular access)
3:00-5:00 (Freshman Cocoa & Cram)
Wednesday January 12--7:30-3:00
(Detention 1:00-3:00 no late admission, early arrivals ok)
Thursday January 13--7:30-3:00
(Detention 1:00-3:00 no late admission, early arrivals ok)
Friday January 14--7:30-1:00

Tuesday Tip--Evaluating Books and Articles for Academic Use #1

2011-01-04T07:10:00.000-08:00

How do you know the source you've found for research is a good one? Over the next few Tuesdays, the weekly tip will cover one way of evaluating a source for academic use. These tips are based on handouts from the Mission College Library.

Authority:

What are the qualifications or credentials of the person or organization responsible for the book or article?
Can you find or verify the author's credentials? (Google him/her)
Is the book publisher reputable?
Is the periodical or periodical publisher reputable?

If you can't determine the authority of the author or publisher, you shouldn't use it.

Monday Morning Book Review--I Will Save You

2011-01-03T06:14:00.000-08:00

I Will Save You by Matt de la Peña. Kidd is having an amazing summer working for Mr. Red and hanging out with Peanut. Olivia captures his attention and shows him a that there's a part of him worthy of her. Devon doesn't think Olivia really thinks Kidd is good enough. Who's right? Will Kidd be able to love Olivia as he desires? If you've enjoyed this author's other books, you will like this one too. Once again, de la Peña captures the voice of a teenage boy dealing with his own inner conflicts and once again, an ending I didn't see coming.

2010-12-17T06:56:00.000-08:00

Whatever you choose to do over your vacation, have a safe and wonderful time away. For those that celebrate, Merry Christmas! To everyone, HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Wednesday Website--Holiday Facts

2010-12-15T06:22:00.000-08:00

'tis the season, the US Census Bureau gathers facts about the holiday season and shares them.

"Place names associated with the holiday season include North Pole, Alaska (population 2,226 in 2009); Santa Claus, Ind. (2,303); Santa Claus, Ga. (247); Noel, Mo. (1,615); and — if you know about reindeer — the village of Rudolph, Wis. (418) and Dasher, Ga. (821). There is Snowflake, Ariz. (5,686) and a dozen places named Holly, including Holly Springs, Miss., and Mount Holly, N.C. "

Tuesday Tip--Teach Parents Tech

2010-12-14T11:08:00.000-08:00

Are your parents challenged when it comes to the use of technology? Google has put together a new site designed to help teach parents some of the basics. You can provide them with a "Tech Support care package" online.
Visit teachparentstech.org to learn more.

Wednesday Website--Figment

2010-12-08T06:14:00.000-08:00

Figment is a new website for teens to Read, Write and Connect. "Figment is an online community to create, discover, and share new reading and writing. Follow your literary obsessions. Find fans for your work. Read the latest by your favorite authors. Vote up the best stories. Embrace your inner book nerd. Read. Write. Procrastinate. Repeat. Whatever you’re into, from sonnets to mysteries, from sci-fi stories to cell phone novels, you can find it on Figment."

Winter Blog Blast

2010-12-07T08:04:00.000-08:00

The last few years, a group of Young Adult book reviewers have conducted YA author interviews in what they refer to as the Winter Blog Blast. This year's blast is taking place this week. See if you favorite author is being interviewed by checking out the schedule and links at Chasing Ray