The SpongeBob SquarePants Oracle by David Lewman

There comes a time in everyone’s life when we need a little guidance.  A time when the choices before us seem too big to tackle alone.  When life’s questions demand answers that we just don’t have.  For those times, there is The SpongeBob SquarePants Oracle.  

Easy to use and often impossible to understand, The SpongeBob SquarePants Oracle is one part party game, one part Magic Eight Ball, and nine parts nonsense.  Here are a few examples of the spot-on advice being given away by the denizens of Bikini Bottom.

Me: Should I have pizza for dinner again?
SBSPO: Wait ‘til I finish my ice cream!”  

Okay, SpongeBob, whatever you say.

Me: Are my socks too ostentatious?
SBSPO: Remember: When in doubt, pinkie out.

Thanks for the advice, Patrick.  Does that mean yes?

Me: Is aspartame rotting my brain?
ABSPO: Keep trying!

Will do, Spongebob!  Wait, what?!

Lavishly illustrated with images of the show’s stars (and advice-givers), The SpongeBob SquarePants Oracle is a fun, stress-free read.  Unless you are in dire need of good advice. --Regan Schwartz

UnConference--Save the Date! April 27th, 2012

On April 27th, 2012, Passages Academy Libraries will hold the first unconference on school libraries serving incarcerated and detained youth. You can learn more here.

Programming Spotlight: Coe Booth Visits Horizon

On February 8th, Coe Booth, author of Tyrell, Kendra, and Bronxwood, visited Passages'  high school students at Horizon, the secure facility in the Bronx. As the author of some of the most popular books in all of our libraries, everyone had lots of questions for her! She signed copies of Bronxwood for each participating student, which were generously provided by LIT for students to keep as a gift. Three lucky students got to attend a special lunch with the author. One student said of the experience, "[This] is the first time I’ve met anyone who’s accomplished anything.  She inspires me.” --Anja Kennedy

Programming Spotlight: Soner Ön Visits Summit

Please accept our apologies for such infrequent posting this month! February was a whirlwind of programs for us, and we just returned from our mid-winter recess. We'll try to update you this week on programs past.

Soner conferences with a student

On February 6th and 7th, Brooklyn artist Soner Ön visited students at Summit and led a zine-making workshop.  Students used used original and appropriated images and text, mainly found in our school library books, to create something personal to them. The finished zines are beautiful! Thank you, Soner, for inspiring our students to create such meaningful work. --Anja Kennedy

Students found source material in library books

Completed zines

Charmed by Carrie Mac

Things are tough for Izzy.  Her mom is working thousands of miles away; she is left at home with Rob the Slob, her mother’s rude, disgusting boyfriend; and her best friend refuses to grow up.  But things seem to be turning around when Cody Dillon, gorgeous high school drop-out, starts paying her serious attention.  Soon Izzy is tangled up in Cody’s non-stop party world, and unknowingly racking up debts she’s expected to repay.  

Charmed was recommended to me by a student who picked it up, pointed to the cover, and said, “This right here.  This is the book.”  Many students come looking for books about girls in prostitution, and Charmed fits the bill. This offering from Canadian publisher Orca Soundings is a high interest/low level reader with an enticing cover and accessible prose.  Facts of Canadian life might give urban American readers pause, but for patrons looking for an accessible and straightforward story on prostitution, Charmed is a perfect fit. --Regan Schwartz