Happy Birthday, William!

Nobody knows for certain when William Shakespeare was born, but they do know that he was baptised on April 26, and that children in those days were typically baptised within three days--often on the third day--of being born. (In fact, the Church of England's Book of Common Prayer at that time recommended that babies be christened before the Sunday or holy day following their birth). Counting back three days, then, would bring us to April 23, which is also the day on which he died--that we do know. Therefore, April 23 has for hundreds of years been recognized as his official birthday...though there is some evidence that he was, in fact, born on April 22.


Note that April is also National Poetry Month. And in fact, Shakespeare composed
· 154 sonnets
· four longer poems
· 37 plays, all in poetic rhythm

You can access his entire works online at http://shakespeare.mit.edu/. You can also read up on some interesting Shakespeare history at author Anthony Holden's Web site: http://www.englishhistory.info/Shakespeare/

I recommend these films of Shakespeare’s plays:
Romeo and Juliet (1996), starring Claire Danes and Leonardo DiCaprio—contemporary setting.
Romeo and Juliet (1968), directed by Franco Zeffirelli—traditional setting, and a real classic.
Much Ado About Nothing (1993), starring Kenneth Branagh, Kate Beckinsale, and Emma Thompson (Nanny McPhee and Harry Potter's Divination professor, Sybil Trelawney)

More Public Libraries in the Greater Sacramento Region

Okay, there are other libraries in the Sacramento region, and I'm sure they all have perfectly splendid programs for teens. So, here are the links:

Dixon Public Library and its really cool teen page called THE YARD
Yolo County Public Library (includes Davis branch) You'll find links for teens and events here.
El Dorado County Public Library and its pretty cool Teen Page
Roseville Public Library and Teen Zone page (featuring recommended books)
Folsom Public Library (The branch on Stafford St. has a fireplace, which would have been nice today)
Lincoln Public Library and Teen page

National Poetry Month

It's also National Poetry Month, which is another big thing in the library world because of all the poetry they have on their shelves! Maybe your school is having a poetry contest, or this is the month all submissions for your school's literary magazine are due so the staff can go through them and choose pieces for publications. What?! You don't have a literary magazine at your school? Well, start one! If you like writing poems, short stories, plays, character profiles, songs, comics, and/or editorials (hello--what do you think a blog is?!), then you should have a place to publish your material on your school campus. You and all the creative writers you don't even know yet who also go to your school. So, start a literary magazine, if you don't have one. Approach your favorite English teacher to be the faculty advisor. (Most creative writers do have favorite English teachers.)

In the meantime, check out your local library for teen programs on zine creation and poetry readings or workshops. There is a POETRY SLAM TOMORROW (Tuesday, April 13) for Sacramento area teens at the Elk Grove branch at 3:30. Cash prizes will be awarded to winners! 7th through 12th-grade students are welcome.

Find other events on the Sacramento Library Teen Page. Just click on Teen Events.

Zines and Manga Mania

It's National Library Week, so maybe this is a good time to visit your local library. Free computers, free books, and lots of great programs, like movies and DIY stuff--all for FREE!

There are several cool Manga and Anime events going on at the Sacramento Public Library this month, and if you don't live in Sacramento, you can probably find several cool Manga and Anime events going on at your local public library.

At the Rancho Cordova branch on Sundays at 3, you can watch old and new Anime and Anime Music Videos, play CCGs, draw, and socialize.

Or, check out this description of an Anime party at the Walnut Creek branch: "Hang out and discuss your favorite manga while enjoying Japanese snacks and making cool stuff. Cool stuff includes, but is not limited to: bookmarks, greeting cards, candy sushi, and origami." 3:35 Wed. April 21. I think they mean candy AND sushi, not sushi-flavored candy. But I could be wrong.

Also on Wed. the 21st, Colonial Heights is having a Manga party at 4:00.

And along the same lines, for those interested in self-publishing their Manga artwork, there are a couple of SPL programs on creating your own zine: tomorrow night, 6:00 at Orangevale branch, and Saturday the 17th, 3:00, at Valley Hi-North Laguna in the Elk Grove area. Go to http://cal.saclibrary.org/eventcalendar.asp for more information.

The Cottonmouth Club

If you haven't read this fantastic book by local author, Lance Marcum, I suggest you do. It's awesome and appealing to all ages. My husband read it, I read it to my teenaged daughter when she was younger, and my son is reading it now (he's in third grade). It's set in the 1960s, and it's about a California boy who spends the summer with his cousins in the South. Their adventures are sometimes amusing and sometimes dangerous and intense. The story is fast-paced and entertaining, funny but meaningful. I think you'll love it. The author recently retired from the San Juan Unified School District in Sacramento County and is currently substituting at my son's school. So guess what? He got our book autographed yesterday! I was so excited! If I were still a public library librarian, I'd definitely have Mr. Marcum give a book talk at my branch. He's cool.

No matter where you live or how old you are, read the book. If you are a grade-schooler in the Sacramento area, keep your eyes peeled for a sub named Mr. Marcum.

Athena Takes Her Tea with Milk

Athena Takes Her Tea with Milk
Originally uploaded by MargaretKeys185

Who's the cutest little kitty in the world? Athena is! We love her. She's a loyal, loving pet who takes her tea with milk.