The Tools We Use event on Tuesday showcased art and technology at MCDS and invited visitors to explore new tools.  Students were on hand to teach visitors how to use the tools they use in their classes.  Activities happened all over campus, and there were a lot of great interactive stations here in the LRC.  Look at the slideshow below to see some of the LRC highlights.  

Who: Cokie Roberts
Where: Book Passage
51 Tamal Vista Blvd
Corte Madera, CA 94925
When: March 3rd, 2014 4:30 PM
What: (from the site's description)
"Fans of New York Times bestselling author and celebrated journalist Cokie Roberts will love her stunning nonfiction picture book based on her acclaimed work for adults, Founding Mothers, which highlights the female patriots of the American Revolution.
Beautifully illustrated by Caldecott Honor-winning artist Diane Goode, Founding Mothers: Remembering the Ladies ($17.99) reveals the incredible accomplishments of the women who orchestrated the American Revolution behind the scenes. Roberts traces the stories of heroic, patriotic women such as Abigail Adams, Martha Washington, Phillis Wheatley, Mercy Otis Warren, Sarah Livingston Jay, and others. Details are gleaned from their letters, private journals, lists, and ledgers. The bravery of these women's courageous acts contributed to the founding of America and spurred the founding fathers to make this a country that "remembered the ladies."

Cokie Roberts is a political commentator for ABC News and a senior news analyst for National Public Radio. From 1996 to 2002, she and Sam Donaldson co-anchored the weekly ABC interview program, This Week. She is the bestselling author of We Are Our Mothers' Daughters, Ladies of Liberty, and Founding Mothers. 

Bring your kids for a great taste of history- and great tasting cookies. Remember, March is Women's History Month!"
More: http://bookpassage.com/event/cokie-roberts-cookies-cokie

Who: Elisa Kleven
Where: Diesel
Marin Country Mart
2419 Larkspur Landing Circle
When: March 7th, 2014 6:00 PM
What: (from the site's description)
"Diesel, A Bookstore in Larkspur welcomes Elisa Kleven to the store as our guest bedtime book author on Friday, March 7th at 6pm.Pull on your PJs and bring your teddy bear to the bookstore! Author Elisa Kleven will be here to read you a bedtime story. Get cozy in front of the fireplace, listen to a story or two, have some milk and cookies and get your books signed. Then head home for bed.

Elisa Kleven is the author and/or illustrator of more than 30 picture books for children. Known for creating magical worlds peopled with endearing characters and visually stunning multimedia illustrations, Elisa's books have been recognized by the American Library Association, The New York Times, The Junior Library Guild, School Library Journal, and The American Institute of Graphic Arts. Elisa lives near San Francisco with her husband Paul and her children, Mia and Ben, along with various cats and dogs."

More: http://www.dieselbookstore.com/event/larkspur-kids-pajama-party-elisa-kleven

Who: Laura Overdeck
Where: Diesel
Marin Country Mart
2419 Larkspur Landing Circle
When: March 14th, 2014 6:00 PM
What: (from the site's description)
"Diesel, A Bookstore in Larkspur invites kids to a Glow-in-the-Dark Geometry Party at the store on Friday, March 14th at 6pm.

Bedtime stories are one thing, but ever heard of bedtime math? We think there’s no reason math shouldn’t be as fun and enjoyable as a good book. So grab you’re PJs and come down to the store because we’re having a party! This time, we’ll be exploring the wonderful world of geometry, learning and building crazy shapes out of glow sticks and Styrofoam balls. Then we’ll turn out the lights and watch the whole thing light up!

Bedtime Math 2: This Time It's Personal is Laura Overdeck’s follow-up to her bestselling book, Bedtime Math: A Fun Excuse to Stay Up Late. The mischief-making math problems are all about you and your life, from missing socks to glitter to favorite pets to how fast you can run.
This event is great for kids ages 3-9.  "

More: http://www.dieselbookstore.com/event/larkspur-glow-dark-geometry-party

Who: Chris Columbus
Where: Book Passage
51 Tamal Vista Blvd
Corte Madera, CA 94925
When: March 21st, 2014 10:00 AM
What: (from the site's description)
"The sequel to the New York Times bestselling novel, House of Secrets--hailed by J. K. Rowling as "a breakneck, jam-packed roller coaster of an adventure"--this second installment by Hollywood director Chris Columbus and bestselling author Ned Vizzini (It's Kind of a Funny Story) is full of even more explosive twists and turns.
Since the siblings' last adventure, life in the Walker household is much improved--the family is rich and the Wind Witch is banished. But no Walker will be safe until she is found, and summoning her to San Francisco brings all the danger that comes with her and puts the Walkers in the crosshairs of a mysterious journey through Denver Kristoff's books. As the Walkers travel from ancient Rome to World War II to Tibet, they'll be tested in ways that cut deeper than before, by Denver Kristoff, the Wind Witch, and each other, in House of Secrets: Battle of the Beasts ($17.99).

Chris Columbus has written, directed, and produced some of the most successful box-office hits in Hollywood history. He first made his name by writing several original scripts produced by Steven Spielberg, including the back-to-back hits Gremlins and The Goonies. As a director, Columbus has been at the helm of such iconic projects as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Home Alone, Stepmom,and Mrs. Doubtfire. As a producer, Columbus was also behind the hit films Night at the Museum and The Help."

More: http://bookpassage.com/event/chris-columbus-house-secrets-0

Who: Phil Bildner, LeYuen Pham, & Kevin Lewis
Where: Book Passage
51 Tamal Vista Blvd
Corte Madera, CA 94925
When: March 21st, 2014 7:00 PM
What: (from the site's description)
"Phil Bildner presents The Soccer Fence: A Story of Friendship, Hope, and Apartheid in South Africa ($16.99). He is joined by illustrator LeYuen Pham and author/editor Kevin Lewis. The three of them will discuss children’s books from the respective positions of author, illustrator, and editor, as well as sharing some truly wonderful books."

More: http://bookpassage.com/event/childrens-author-trio-phil-bildner-leyuen-pham-kevin-lewis

Who: Brandon Mull & Chad Morris
Where: Copperfields Books San Rafael
850 4th Street
San Rafael, CA
When: March 27th, 2014 4:00 PM
What: (from the site's description)
"Meet and greet with two great authors and check out two brand new series!  Adventure awaits in the Five Kingdoms: Sky Raiders.  Come and claim it in this start to a new series from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fablehaven and Beyondersseries.In Inventor's Secret Abby and Derick are accepted to prestigious Cragbridge Hall. due to the inventions of their grandfather. But when their grandfather and parents go missing, Abby and Derick must follow clues that will reveal a dangerous secret."

More: http://copperfieldsbooks.com/event/brandon-mull-chad-morris

Who: Curtis Jobling, Gennifer Choldenko, Alexander London, & Jacqueline West
Where: Copperfields Books Petaluma
140 Kentucky St.
Petaluma, CA
When: March 27th, 2014 4:00 PM
What: (from the site's description)
"Meet and Greet with four great authors!  Curtis Jobling (Wereworld series), Gennifer Choldenko (Al Capone series), Alexander London (Dog Tags series), and Jacqueline West (Books of Elsewhere series) will be on hand to sign and chat about their latest additions."

More: http://copperfieldsbooks.com/event/endangered-authors-tour

Who: Katherine Longshore
Where: Book Passage
51 Tamal Vista Blvd
Corte Madera, CA 94925
When: March 28th, 2014 6:00pm
What: (from the site's description)
"Manor of Secrets ($17.99) is set in 19th-century England and follows two young women with vastly different lives. When their paths intertwine, the two girls find themselves enmeshed in secrets that will change their lives. Katherine Longshore is the author of Gilt, Tarnish, and Brazen, a series of novels set in the court of Henry VIII. The event will feature proper English tea. Please feel free to come in costume! "

More: http://bookpassage.com/event/katherine-longshore-manor-secrets

Tim Federle, author of Better Nate Than Ever and Five, Six, Seven, Nate talked to the 5th and 6th grade on Wednesday.  We were excited to hear about his books, his experiences on Broadway, and his advice for a successful career.

Students were eager to share their dreams with Tim and he noticed that MCDS students are not afraid to dream big!  We had future fashion designers, sports stars, authors, actors, and entrepreneurs.  Tim also acknowledged the students who haven't quite made up their mind yet.  He then let us in on a secret he learned when he first decided to be an author: it's okay to change your dream!

Tim asked students to share their writing difficulties with the group.  We had a lot of brave students who listed everything from learning differences to adding the right amount of detail.  Tim shared his own writing difficulties as well and reminded students that a rough draft can always be polished and not to be afraid to start over.  We also had a lot of students that were confident writers.  They shared the ideas behind books they're working on right now!

Tim asked everyone to share their natural talents.  There was a wide range of responses from gymnastics to engineering.  He reminded us that without hard work natural talent can only take you so far.  If you have a natural talent you should actually work twice as hard to make sure that you're the best you can be.  

Tim read a passage from Better Nate Than Ever about auditioning.  He shared his own experiences both as someone auditioning for a role and as a choreographer watching young dancers audition.  He shared the three things that make you stand out on Broadway: perseverance, optimism, and being supportive of others.  He suggested that students practice in suboptimal conditions.  He reminded us that it takes a lot of no's to get to a yes.  Finally, he told us a story illustrating the importance of being kind to everyone you meet.

Some students had more questions to ask Tim after the assembly was over.  We all enjoyed his visit and engaging, interactive presentation.  We'll remember Tim's message to work hard, persevere, and be kind.

Who: Gene Luen Yang
Where: San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin St.
San Francisco, CA
When: 2pm-3:30pm February 1st, 2014
What: (from the site's description)
"Two-time National Book Award finalist Gene Luen Yang discusses his New York Times best-selling graphic novel diptych about China's Boxer Rebellion, Boxers & Saints, which the Times calls "remarkable."  This groundbreaking story explores the Boxer Rebellion from both sides simultaneously -- which was right?  He will discuss the conflict inherent in writing such a multifaceted story.
Graphic novelist Gene Luen Yang began drawing comic books in the fifth grade.  He was already an established figure in the indie comics scene when he published his first book with First Second, American Born Chinese.  This book’s critical and commercial success, along with its status as a National Book Award finalist and winner of the Printz Award, catapulted Yang into stardom as a major voice of our times."
More: http://sfpl.org/index.php?pg=1014108301

Who: George O'Connor
Where:  Claremont Library 
2940 Benvenue Ave
Berkeley, CA 94705
When: 4:30pm February 7th, 2014
What: (from the site's description)
"In volume six of Olympians, graphic novel author/artist George O'Connor turns the spotlight on Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Look for the same thoroughly researched and wonderfully accessible comics storytelling as O'Connor tackles the story of the Aphrodite from her dramatic birth (emerging from sea-foam) to her role in the Trojan War.
O'Connor has outdone himself with this volume: the story is riveting and the artwork is beyond compare. Greek mythology has never been so vivid!

George O'Connor is the author and illustrator of the picture books "Kapow!" and "Ker-splash!" He spends time in his secret Brooklyn, New York, hideout--where he uses his amazing artistic powers to strike fear in the hearts of bad guys everywhere!"

More: http://www.mrsdalloways.com/events/george-oconnor-offsite-claremont-library

Who: Marissa Meyer
Where: Book Passage
51 Tamal Vista Blvd
Corte Madera, CA 94925
When: 6:30pm February 7th, 2014
What: (from the site's description)
"From the bestselling author of Cinder and Scarlet comes the third book in the Lunar Chronicles. In Marissa Meyer’s Cress ($18.99), Cinder and Scarlet are fugitives plotting to overthrow the wicked Queen Levana. Their only hope is Cress, a brilliant hacker who has spent her life trapped on a satellite by the evil queen."
More:  http://bookpassage.com/event/marissa-meyer-cress

Who: Daniel Handler
Where: Book Passage
51 Tamal Vista Blvd
Corte Madera, CA 94925
When: 7:00pm February 13th, 2014 
What: (from the site's description)
"Why We Broke Up ($15.00) tells the story of Min Green and Ed Slaterton. They are breaking up. Min is writing Ed a letter and giving him a box. Inside the box is why they broke up. Two bottle caps, a movie ticket, a folded note, a box of matches, a protractor, books, a toy truck, a pair of ugly earrings, a comb from a motel room, and every other item collected over the course of a giddy, intimate, heartbreaking relationship. Item after item is illustrated (art by Maira Kalman) and accounted for, and then the box, like a girlfriend, will be dumped.
Daniel Handler has written three novels under his own name, including The Basic Eight, Watch Your Mouth, and Adverbs, and many books under the name Lemony Snicket, including All the Wrong Questions, A Series of Unfortunate Events, and the picture book 13 Words. He was dumped at least three times in high school."
More:  http://www.bookpassage.com/event/daniel-handler-why-we-broke

Who: Margarita Engle
Where:  Mrs. Dalloway's Literary & Garden Arts
2904 College Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94705
When: November 1st, 2013 7:30PM
What: (from the site's description)
"When Tony's mother is sent to jail, he is sent to stay with a great uncle he has never met in Sierra Nevada. It is a daunting move-Tony's new world bears no semblance to his previous one. But slowly, against a remote and remarkable backdrop, the scars from Tony's troubled past begin to heal. 
With his Tió and a search-and-rescue dog named Gabe by his side, he learns how to track wild animals, is welcomed to the Cowboy Church, and makes new friends at the Mountain School. Most importantly though, it is through Gabe that Tony discovers unconditional love for the first time.
 
Margarita Engle's books include The Surrender Tree, a Newbery Honor book and winner of the Jane Addams Children's Book Award, the Pura Belpré Award, the Américas Award, and the Claudia Lewis Poetry Award;
The Poet Slave of Cuba, winner of the Pura Belpré Award and the Américas Award; and Hurricane Dancers,
winner of the Pura Belpré Award."
More: http://www.mrsdalloways.com/events/kids-8-12-margarita-engle

Who: Pamela Turner
Where:  Mrs. Dalloway's Literary & Garden Arts
2904 College Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94705
When: November 10th, 2013 4:00pm
What: (from the site's description)
"Kids 10 up! Pamela Turner reads from The Dolphins of Shark Bay (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $18.99), the most recent installment in the publisher's highly-regarded Scientists in the Field series."
More: http://www.mrsdalloways.com/events/kids-pamela-turner

Who: Jeff Kinney
Where: Book Passage
51 Tamal Vista Blvd
Corte Madera, CA 94925
When: November 13th, 2013 5:00pm
What: (from the site's description)
"Please join us for a celebration of Jeff Kinney's new book — Diary of a Wimpy Kid book 8, Hard Luck ($13.95)! It releases on November 5, 2013, and we are thrilled to announce that Jeff Kinney will be at Book Passage to sign books on November 13, 2013. Please join us to meet Jeff and for special Hard Luck activities which will start at 1 hour before the book signing and run throughout it.
Check out the new installment in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series! In Hard Luck, Greg Heffley's on a losing streak. His best friend, Rowley Jefferson, has ditched him, and finding new friends in middle school is proving to be a tough task. To change his fortunes, Greg decides to take a leap of faith and turn his decisions over to chance. Will a roll of the dice turn things around, or is Greg's life destined to be just another hard-luck story? "
More:  http://bookpassage.com/event/jeff-kinney-diary-wimpy-kid-hard-luck

Who: Gennifer Choldenko
Where: Book Passage
51 Tamal Vista Blvd
Corte Madera, CA 94925
When: November 15th, 2013 6:30pm
What: (from the site's description)
"Alcatraz Island in the 1930s isn't the most normal place to grow up, but it's home for Moose Flanagan, his autistic sister, Natalie, and all the families of the guards. When Moose's dad gets promoted to Associate Warden, despite being an unlikely candidate, it's a big deal. But the cons have a point system for targeting prison employees, and his dad is now in serious danger. After a fire starts in the Flanagan's apartment, Natalie is blamed, and Moose bands with the other kids to track down the possible arsonist. Then Moose gets a cryptic note from the notorious Al Capone himself. Is Capone trying to protect Moose's dad too? If Moose can't figure out what Capone's note means, it may be too late. Al Capone Does My Homework ($17.99) is the last heart-pounding installment in the New York Times bestselling, Newbery Honor-winning Alcatraz trilogy is not to be missed!"
More: http://bookpassage.com/event/gennifer-choldenko-al-capone-does-my-homework

Who: McSweeny's McMullens
Where: Book Passage
51 Tamal Vista Blvd
Corte Madera, CA 94925
When: November 17th, 2013 1:00pm
What: (from the site's description)
"Join Book Passage and McSweeney's McMullens for afternoon filled with awesome books for kids! 
First up is Recipe ($17.95), by Angela and Michaelanne Petrella. Are they sisters, you ask? They are! Step aside, Mother—it's Kristen's turn to pick the recipe and make the dinner! There's just one teensy problem: Kristen's imagination is far more developed than her cooking skills. With ingredients ranging from 400 hot dogs and 20 bags of marshmallows to a sweatshirt and a water pistol, Recipe is the laugh-out-loud chronicle of just about everything that can go wrong in a kitchen. 
Second up is Crabtree ($17.95), by Jon and Tucker Nichols. Are they brothers? They are! You seem skeptical, but I assure you it is true. Alfred Crabtree has lost his false teeth. But don’t worry, he’ll find them if he can just get his things organized! Alfred’s world is cluttered with surprising objects. Some are very uncommon, and some are probably not where they ought to be. Join Alfred on a romp through his far too many possessions and you’ll end up learning more about him than he knows about himself. And maybe he’ll find his teeth in all that stuff!"
More: http://bookpassage.com/event/mcsweeneys-mcmullens-afternoon-mcsweeneys-mcmullens

Who: Maggie Stiefvater
Where:  Mrs. Dalloway's Literary & Garden Arts
2904 College Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94705
When: October 2nd, 2013 7:00pm
What: (from the site's description)
"Maggie Stiefvater reads from the second installment of the Raven Boys series, The Dream Thieves (Scholastic, $18.99).

"The second installment of Stiefvater's Raven Cycle is as mind-blowingly spectacular as the first."--Kirkus"
More: http://www.mrsdalloways.com/events

Who: Catherynne Valente
Where:  Claremont Branch Berkeley Public Library
When: October 3rd, 2013 7:00pm
What: (from the site's description)
"Come to our neighborhood library around the corner from Mrs. Dalloway's and meet one of the hottest authors around. In this latest installment of the much-acclaimed Fairyland series, September misses Fairyland and her friends Ell, the Wyverary, and the boy Saturday. She longs to leave the routines of home and embark on a new adventure. Little does she know that this time, she will be spirited away to the moon, reunited with her friends, and find herself faced with saving Fairyland from a moon-Yeti with great and mysterious powers.
Here is another rich, beautifully told, wisely humorous, and passionately layered book from New York Times–bestselling author Catherynne M. Valente."
More:  http://www.mrsdalloways.com/events/catherynne-valente-offsite

Who: Kami Garcia, Ransom Riggs, Tahereh Mafi, Josephine Angelini, Marie Lu
Where: Kepler's Books and Magazines
1010 El Camino Real
Menlo Park, California
When: October 4th, 2013 7:00pm
What: (from the site's description)
"Kami Garcia: Unbreakable 
I never believed in ghosts.
Until one tried to kill me.
When Kennedy Waters finds her mother dead, she doesn't realize that paranormal forces are responsible--not until mysterious identical twins Jared and Lukas Lockhart break into her room and destroy a deadly spirit sent to kill her. Can she stay alive long enough to find out if she is the missing piece of the puzzle--without losing her heart in the process? 

Ransom Riggs: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children 
A mysterious island. An abandoned orphanage.

 A strange collection of very curious photographs.

 It all waits to be discovered in this unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience.

Tahereh Mafi: Unravel Me 
In this exhilarating sequel to Shatter Me, Juliette has to make life-changing decisions between what she wants and what she thinks is right. Decisions that might involve choosing between her heart—and Adam's life.

Josephine Angelini: Goddess 
In the stunning conclusion to the romantic, action-packed Starcrossed series, Helen must choose to face her fate . . . or risk everyone's life to escape it.

Marie Lu: Prodigy 
The highly anticipated second book in Marie Lu's New York Times bestseller, LEGEND—perfect for fans of THE HUNGER GAMES and DIVERGENT!"
More: http://www.keplers.com/event/ya-kami-garcia

Who: Gail Carriger and Suzanne Lazear
Where: Kepler's Books and Magazines
1010 El Camino Real
Menlo Park, California
When: October 12th, 2013 6:30pm
What: (from the site's description)
"Etiquette and Espionage by Gail Carriger It's one thing to learn to curtsy properly. It's quite another to learn to curtsy and throw a knife at the same time. Welcome to Finishing School.
Set in the same world as the Parasol Protectorate, this YA series debut is filled with all the saucy adventure and droll humor Gail's legions of fans have come to adore.

Charmed Vengeance by Suzanne Lazear 
When her true love, Steven, is forced to break their magical bond, Noli Braddock decides to join her brother on the crew of the Vixen’s Revenge. It is a beautiful airship, but Noli discovers a dangerous secret beneath its polished exterior—the crew has been hired to steal dozens of priceless Otherworld artifacts. "
More:  http://www.keplers.com/event/ya-event-gail-carriger-and-suzanne-lazear

Who: Prudence BreitRose
Where: Kepler's Books and Magazines
1010 El Camino Real
Menlo Park, California
When: October 15th, 2013 7:00pm
What: (from the site's description)
"Mousemobile   Life is good for the four humans in Cleveland who know that mice have evolved into possibly the smartest species on earth. Eleven-year-old Megan and her cousin Joey have great summer jobs at the mouse-powered factory that makes Thumbtops - the tiny computers mice use to spread the word about climate change.
But suddenly, the Big Cheese, leader of the Mouse Nation, needs their help. There's trouble at his Headquarters in California. The four humans rush to the rescue, only to find themselves on a crazy road-trip-with way too many mice. Their journey takes them clear across the country, always just one step ahead of the mysterious enemy. Will the humans save the Mouse Nation, so mice can continue their fight for the health of the planet?
Get ready for the exhilarating sequel to Mousenet! This updated take on the classic mouse tale is charmingly illustrated and filled with friendship, humor and heart."
More:  http://www.keplers.com/event/youth-event-prudence-breitrose-0

Who: Mac Barnett & Jon Scieszka
Where: Book Passage
51 Tamal Vista Blvd
Corte Madera, CA 94925
When: October 28th, 2013 6:00pm
What: (from the site's description)
"Encourage creativity with this wildly entertaining picture book mash-up from the minds of Jon Scieszka and Mac Barnett.
Alex has been given a saccharine, sappy, silly-sweet picture book about Birthday Bunny that his grandma found at a garage sale. Alex isn’t interested -- until he decides to make the book something he’d actually like to read. So he takes out his pencil, sharpens his creativity, and totally transforms the story! Birthday Bunny becomes Battle Bunny, and the rabbit’s innocent journey through the forest morphs into a supersecret mission to unleash an evil plan -- a plan that only Alex can stop.

Featuring layered, original artwork that emphasizes Alex’s additions, Battle Bunny ($14.99) is a dynamic exploration of creative storytelling that's sure to engage and inspire."
More:  http://bookpassage.com/event/mac-barnett-jon-scieszka-battle-bunny

Who: Margaret Stohl, Leigh Bardugo, Melissa de la Cruz, Kimberly Derting, and Kami Garcia
Where: Kepler's Books and Magazines
1010 El Camino Real
Menlo Park, California
When: Wednesday, May 8, 6:30 p.m.
What: (from the site's description)
"What an extraordinary line-up! These are some of Kepler's favorite authors and favorite series. It doesn't get better than this!"
More: http://www.keplers.com/event/ya-event-icons-tour-margaret-stohl-leigh-bardugo-melissa-de-la-cruz-kimberly-derting-kami-garc

Who: Jeanne DuPrau
Where: Kepler's Books and Magazines
1010 El Camino Real
Menlo Park, California
When: Friday, May 17, 7:00 p.m.
What: (from the site's description)
"The City of Ember celebrates its 10-year anniversary and tonight we're celebrating all things Jeanne - one of our favorite authors - from her new deluxe edition of City of Ember, the graphic novel, and the series itself.

The city of Ember was built as a last refuge for the human race. Two hundred years later, the great lamps that light the city are beginning to flicker. When Lina finds part of an ancient message, she's sure it holds a secret that will save the city. She and her friend Doon must decipher the message before the lights go out on Ember forever!"
More: http://www.keplers.com/event/youth-event-jeanne-duprau-launch

Who: Rachel Hawkins
Where: Kepler's Books and Magazines
1010 El Camino Real
Menlo Park, California
When: Saturday, May 18, 4:00 p.m.
What: (from the site's description)
"School Spirits: Fifteen-year-old Izzy Brannick was trained to fight monsters. For centuries, her family has hunted magical creatures. But when Izzy’s older sister vanishes without a trace while on a job, Izzy's mom decides they need to take a break.

Rachel Hawkins' delightful spin-off brings the same wit and charm as the New York Times best-selling Hex Hall series. Get ready for more magic, mystery and romance!"
More: http://www.keplers.com/event/ya-event-rachel-hawkins-anna-carey

Who: Lurlene McDaniel, Dana Reinhardt and Wendeline Van Draanen
Where: Kepler's Books and Magazines
1010 El Camino Real
Menlo Park, California
When: Friday, May 24, 7:30 p.m.
What: (from the site's description)
"Realistic fiction at its best!
The Year of Luminous Love: In the vein of Eat, Pray, Love, but for teens, this inspirational novel is set against the backdrop of Tennessee horse country as well as the historic cities of Italy and the Italian countryside. The story unfolds as three teenage girls, recently graduated from high school, plan the next phase of their lives while dealing with immediate life issues.

The Things a Brother Knows: Levi's older brother Boaz returns from fighting with the Marines in the Middle East. He's safe. Levi's family has waited three long years for this. But Boaz is no longer the brother Levi thought he knew.

The Running Dream: Jessica thinks her life is over when she loses a leg in a car accident. She's not comforted by the news that she'll be able to walk with the help of a prosthetic leg. Who cares about walking when you live to run? Winner of the 2012 Schneider Family Book Award."
More: http://www.keplers.com/event/ya-life-actually-tour-lurlene-mcdaniel-and-wendeline-van-draanen

Poem in your pocket day is one of my favorite holidays!  It's easy to celebrate--just keep a poem in your pocket and share it with others.  National poem in your pocket day fell during our spring break, so we're celebrating it at MCDS this Friday, April 26th.  Throughout the day ask people if they have a poem in their pocket to share and share your own.  Send people to the LRC where we will have a variety of pocket-sized poems available for those who would like to participate.  
For more information on Poem in Your Pocket day, visit http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/406

For inspiration on how to celebrate the day, watch the Poem in Your Pocket Day Caper video below:

Last week, MCDS alum Zio Ziegler painted a mural in the Dragon Room.  Those of us lucky enough to witness Zio at work were amazed by his skill and watched, fascinated, through the windows.  For everyone who didn't get a chance to see Zio at work and everyone who would like to watch it again, Kevin Schoenbohm made this video capturing the process.  Enjoy!

Who: Robin LaFevers
Where: Kepler's Books and Magazines
1010 El Camino Real
Menlo Park, California
When: April 2nd, 7:30pm
What: (from the site's description)
"Sybella arrives at the convent’s doorstep half mad with grief and despair. Those that serve Death are only too happy to offer her refuge-but at a price. The convent views Sybella, naturally skilled in the arts of both death and seduction, as one of their most dangerous weapons. But those assassin's skills are little comfort when the convent returns her to a life that nearly drove her mad. And while Sybella is a weapon of justice wrought by the god of Death himself, He must give her a reason to live. When she discovers an unexpected ally imprisoned in the dungeons, will a daughter of Death find something other than vengeance to live for?"
More: http://www.keplers.com/event/youth-event-robin-lafevers

Who: Katherine Applegate
Where: Kepler's Books and Magazines
1010 El Camino Real
Menlo Park, California
When: April 18th, 7:00pm
What: (from the site's description)
"Come and celebrate Katherine Applegate's Newbery Award win with her wonderful book, The One and Only Ivan.
Ivan is an easygoing gorilla. Living at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade, he has grown accustomed to humans watching him through the glass walls of his domain. He rarely misses his life in the jungle. In fact, he hardly ever thinks about it. Instead, Ivan thinks about TV shows he’s seen and about his friends Stella, an elderly elephant, and Bob, a stray dog. But mostly Ivan thinks about art and how to capture the taste of a mango or the sound of leaves with color and a well-placed line. Then he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from her family, and she makes Ivan see their home—and his own art—through new eyes. When Ruby arrives, change comes with her, and it’s up to Ivan to make it a change for the better.
Katherine Applegate blends humor and poignancy to create Ivan’s unforgettable first-person narration in a story of friendship, art, and hope."
More: http://www.keplers.com/event/youth-event-katherine-applegate

Who: Chris Raschka
Where: Book Passage
51 Tamal Vista Blvd
Corte Madera, CA 94925
When: April 22nd 10:00am
What: (from the site's description)
"Learning to ride a bike is one of the most important milestones of childhood, and no one captures the emotional ups and downs of the experience better than Chris Raschka, who won the 2012 Caldecott Medal for A Ball for Daisy. In Everyone Can Learn to Ride a Bicycle ($16.99), a simple yet emotionally rich work, a father takes his daughter through all the steps in the process — from choosing the perfect bicycle to that triumphant first successful ride. Using very few words and lots of expressive pictures, here is a picture book that not only shows kids how to learn to ride, but captures what it feels like to fall . . . get up . . . fall again . . . and finally "by luck, grace, and determination" ride a bicycle.
Chris Raschka, the 2012 Caldecott Medalist, is an avid bike rider and wrote a 2010 New York Times op-ed piece, "Braking Away," about the importance of obeying the rules of the road while on a bicycle. He has written and/or illustrated over 30 books for children, including the 2012 Caldecott Medal winner A Ball for Daisy, which was also a New York Times Best Illustrated Book and described byThe Horn Book in a starred review as "noteworthy for both its artistry and its child appeal." His other books include the 2006 Caldecott Medal winner, The Hello, Goodbye Window by Norton Juster; the Caldecott Honor Book Yo? Yes!, and the ALA-ALSC Notable Children's Book Good Sports."
More: http://bookpassage.com/event/chris-raschka-everyone-can-learn-ride-bicycle

Who: Lemony Snicket & Jon Klassen
Where: Book Passage
51 Tamal Vista Blvd
Corte Madera, CA 94925
When: April 30th, 6:00pm
What: (from the site's description)
"The Dark ($16.99) is a book for kids (and for big, big kids) who appreciate the wicked wit of Lemony Snicket and the artistry of Jon Klassen. The dark lives in the same house as Laszlo. Mostly, though, the dark stays in the basement
and doesn’t come into Lazslo’s room. But one night, it does. ... Lemony Snicket (who sometimes answers to the name of Daniel Handler) is the author of the phenomenally successful A Series of Unfortunate Events. Jon Klassen just won the 2013 Caldecott Medal for his illustrations."
More: http://bookpassage.com/event/lemony-snicket-jon-klassen-dark