Fun with NYRA

Read Jean Todesca's column in the December 3, 2015 edition of the Norwood Transcript and Bulletin. Jean is the Head of Children's Services at the Morrill Memorial Library.

          What is it?  NYRA is the Norwood Young Readers Awards.  Every year 4^th and 5^th grade students in the Norwood Public Schools participate in this reading event.  From November 1^st until the end of January, students are encouraged to read from a list of preselected by the public school librarians.  There are twelve titles to choose from.  Each student who reads four books has the opportunity to vote for the book that they felt was the best.  The winning title is awarded the Norwood Young Reader’s Award. 

          The public school librarians and the Morrill Memorial Library librarians get the opportunity to collaborate.  The public library orders many copies of each title and had them available on November 1^st.  Students can check out one book at a time, but with the high interest, the titles are returned quickly.  The Morrill Memorial Library has a display and the list of titles posted.  We can always request titles from other libraries!

          Three book discussion groups are held during the afternoon at the Morrill Memorial Library in November, December, and January.  Each meeting has a school librarian and public librarian moderating.  “Al Capone Does My Shirt” by Gennifer Choldenko was discussed on November 17^th.  The next book group is “Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing” by Judy Blume.  Annmarie Higgins and Jean Todesca will preside over the discussion which will take place on December 14th at 3:30pm.  Every discussion is lively.  The students have great insight into the characters and enjoy sharing their viewpoints.  On January 20^th   at 3:30pm, Lora Roberts and Hope Anderson will be discussing “One for the Murphys” by Lynda Mullaly Hunt.  Register by emailing norchild@minlib.net or by calling 781-769-0200 ext 225. 

          This annual event is fun for all.  Each school announces their favorite book.  After all schools report their title, a town winner is announced.  I’ve been privileged to participant for a number of years.  If you have a 4^th or 5^th grader, come on down to the library, check out a book, join the discussion group or request from another library.  We’d love to help you!