What do you value about your family?

Inspired by Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, students from the International Charter School created beautiful origami fish with words celebrating what they value about their families. The fish were on display at the State House during the Kids Reading Across Rhode Island kick-off on Saturday, May 14th.

Thank you to the students from International Charter School for sharing your fish with us. And, thank you to librarian Maria Mendez for coming to the State House to create the inspiring display and to celebrate your students' creativity and hard work. 

What do you value about your own family? Why not make your own fish to display at your house?
Learn to make an origami goldfish by watching a quick video or viewing step-by-step instructions. Both of these sets of directions were used by the International Charter School. Thanks to their librarian, Maria Mendez, for the links.

Scenes from the 2nd Annual Kids Reading Across RI Celebration at the State House with Grace Lin!

And, for a wrap-up of all the fun, read the news summary on the Office of Library and Information Services website.

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon in 92 Seconds!

There has been another original video of Where the Mountain Meets the Moon entered in the 90 Second Newbery Festival. This video, made with shadow puppets, was created by the family behind the Bookie Woogie blog: Isaac (age 12), Gracie (10), Lily (8), Elijah (5), and Dad (35).


Bookie Woogie: Where the Mountain Meets the Moon from Z-Dad on Vimeo.


After being "wowed" by their video, you can see how they created it with step-by-step instructions. It's a great tutorial on how to make your very own video. Check it out!

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon in 90 Seconds!

Check it out! Some 4th and 5th grade students at the Orrington School in Evanston, Illinois (librarian Elsa Gall) created a 90 second video of Where the Mountain Meets the Moon and entered it in the 90 second Newbery Film Festival! The students created puppets and scenery out of paper and highlighted the major elements of Minli's journey. It's wonderful ... and maybe it will inspire you to create your own interpretation of Grace Lin's 2010 Newbery Honor book ... or another Newbery book you love.

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon (in 90 seconds) from Elisa Gall on Vimeo.

Grace even makes a special offer on her Gracenotes blog. If you create a 90 second film of Where the Mountain Meets the Moon and send her the link, she'll send you a free print from her Etsy Shop! See, you'll be a winner right away!

Here are the rules and deadlines for the 90-second Newbery Film Festival. If you decide to make your own film, be sure to let all of us at Kids Reading Across Rhode Island know (email your link to youthrari@gmail.com). Thanks & go get creative!

Video Interviews with Grace Lin

Reading Rockets,  a project of the Greater Washington Educational Telecommunications Association, Inc. (WETA), has put together a wonderful Grace Lin resource page with videos, a short biography of her life, and a list of all of her books.

The videos include:

• Getting Published
• Cultural Mirrors and Windows
• Pictures Can't Always Tell the Story
• Things She Missed Growing Up
• A Search for Happiness
• Best Friends
• Advice for Aspiring Writers
• Reading from Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

Click on over to Reading Rockets to view these videos!

How does Grace Lin pronounce her name?

In this recording by Grace Lin, you'll hear her say her name (so you'll know what she sounds like before you meet her in person at the State House). You'll also hear the story of how Grace's mother came to be named Lin-Lin Lin!

Confucius Institute at KRARI Kickoff!

The Confucius Institute at Bryant University will be exhibiting at the KRARI State House celebration on Saturday, May 14 from 12:00 - 3:00. Ms. Kun Xie, Associate Director, will be displaying books from the Confucius Institute's Library, and leading paper cutting and calligraphy activities.

The Confucius Institute offers community Chinese language classes, a study abroad trip to China for teachers and students, STARTALK Chinese Language and Culture Summer Program, the Golden Jasmine Chinese Film Festival, cultural celebrations and Chinese programs for Rhode Island schools (grades K-12) including instruction in the Chinese language and Chinese culture.

Meet Ms. Xie at the State House and learn all about what Bryant University's Confucius Institute has to offer!