----- Mission -----
South Belt Elementary’s Library Mission is to create an accessible, welcoming environment where students can become lifelong readers and learners who have opportunities to collaborate with others while accessing resources in multiple formats
----- Vision -----
So that our vision comes true…
Our empowered students will feel valued and seen while becoming accomplished lifelong readers and learners who can collaboratively contribute to a complex and everchanging world.
----- Values -----
We commit to these by valuing:
~ Flexible scheduling
~ Collaboration
~ Providing opportunities
~ Inviting participation in shared experiences, and
~ Seeking to order and offer diverse books and media to appeal to all readers
----- Goals -----
-The librarian will use a combination of TEKS, student and staff input, campus traditions, and population data when selecting and weeding books for our library collection.
-Library lessons and collection will reflect the needs and interests of our community of readers and sponsored events.
-The librarian will promote school wide reading incentive programs and events that foster both pleasure reading and reading for growth throughout the school year.
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Eyes That Kiss in the Corners by
A New York Times Bestseller and #1 Indie Bestseller · A Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year · A School Library Journal Best Book of 2021 · Included in NPR's 2021 Books We Love List · Featured in Forbes, Oprah Daily, The Cut, and Book Riot · Golden Poppy Book Award Winner · Featured in Chicago Public Library's Best Books of 2021 · 2021 Nerdy Award Winner · A Kirkus Children's Best Book of 2021 This lyrical, stunning picture book tells a story about learning to love and celebrate your Asian-shaped eyes, in the spirit of Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry, and is a celebration of diversity. A young Asian girl notices that her eyes look different from her peers'. They have big, round eyes and long lashes. She realizes that her eyes are like her mother's, her grandmother's, and her little sister's. They have eyes that kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea, crinkle into crescent moons, and are filled with stories of the past and hope for the future. Drawing from the strength of these powerful women in her life, she recognizes her own beauty and discovers a path to self-love and empowerment. This powerful, poetic picture book will resonate with readers of all ages. "This tale of self-acceptance and respect for one's roots is breathtaking." --Kirkus (starred review) "A young girl finds beauty in her uniqueness." --School Library Journal (starred review) "A lyrical celebration of her eyes, their shape, spirit, and legacy." --Booklist (starred review) "A poignant testament to familial love and legacy." --Publishers Weekly Plus don't miss the beautiful companion book from the same team: Eyes That Speak to the Stars.
Jabari Jumps by
"This simple and sincere tale of working up courage to face fears makes quite a splash." -- Kirkus Reviews Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He's finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he's a great jumper, so he's not scared at all. "Looks easy," says Jabari, watching the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand, Jabari squeezes back. He needs to figure out what kind of special jump to do anyway, and he should probably do some stretches before climbing up onto the diving board. In a sweetly appealing tale of overcoming your fears, Gaia Cornwall captures a moment between a patient and encouraging father and a determined little boy you can't help but root for.
Planet Omar: Unexpected Super Spy by
Omar is back with a big mystery to solve in the second installment of this imaginative, highly-illustrated series. Omar is always full of ideas! His family's favorite mosque needs a new roof, and Omar's money-raising plans are brilliant, especially the talent contest at school. It's a huge success, but the next day, the money is missing! Omar needs all of his super-spy creativity to track down the thief. And when the truth is revealed, even Omar's imaginative mind is blown!
Becoming Muhammad Ali by
Two heavy-hitters in children's literature deliver a critically acclaimed, bestselling biographical novel of cultural icon Muhammad Ali. "This utterly delightful story about Ali's childhood is a smash hit."--School Library Journal (starred review) Before he was a household name, Cassius Clay was a kid with struggles like any other. Kwame Alexander and James Patterson join forces to vividly depict his life up to age seventeen in both prose and verse, including his childhood friends, struggles in school, the racism he faced, and his discovery of boxing. Readers will learn about Cassius' family and neighbors in Louisville, Kentucky, and how, after a thief stole his bike, Cassius began training as an amateur boxer at age twelve. Before long, he won his first Golden Gloves bout and began his transformation into the unrivaled Muhammad Ali. Fully authorized by and written in cooperation with the Muhammad Ali estate, and vividly brought to life by Dawud Anyabwile's dynamic artwork, Becoming Muhammad Ali captures the budding charisma and youthful personality of one of the greatest sports heroes of all time. Longlisted for the 2022-2023 Indiana Young Hoosier Book Award, and nominated for the 2021-2022 Black Eyed Susan Book Award!
Stella by
An uplifting and poignant story about a former service beagle named Stella who must find the courage to overcome her fears and use her special nose to save a girl's life. Ever since she was a puppy, Stella was trained to use her powerful beagle nose to sniff out dangerous chemicals and help her handler keep people safe. But during a routine security inspection, Stella misses the scent of an explosive. The sound of the blast is loud and scary. Unable to go back to work because of her anxiety, Stella is retired as a working dog. When a young girl named Cloe wants to adopt Stella, the beagle knows this is her last chance to prove her worth. But how? When Stella smells a strange chemical inside Cloe's body, a scent that surges just before the girl has a seizure, Stella's nose makes the connection. But how can Stella warn her new family without them thinking she's having an anxiety attack? How can she convince others that she can be a new kind of service dog and hopefully save Cloe's life? Even dogs deserve a second chance.
