LIBRARY CORNER
Africa and Thailand, with over 7,000 student reader/
voters. Teachers and librarians throughout these schools
nominate their selections, which are then voted down
to 10 books in four separate lists according to age level.
Daystar students, as well as the students from within
these 50 schools, are then encouraged to read the
10 books in their age level. They are then invited to
participate in the voting process, just after Chinese
New Year, where 1 book from each category will be
awarded the winner of the Panda Book Award for that
year.
The four categories are:
• Young Readers (4 to 6 years) – picture books -
Elementary School
• Middle Readers (7 to 10 years) – chapter books -
Elementary School
• Older Readers (11 to 14 years) – Middle School
• Mature Readers (15 to 18 years) – High School
(Not applicable yet to Daystar)
The nominated Panda Books for this year are as follows:
I Yam A Donkey, is a cute little story about a conversation
between a very clever Yam and a not so clever donkey.
It teaches students the use of am and are. However,
parents should be careful…after reading this book to
your child, you will very likely acquire a new nickname!
Middle Readers:
Wishtree, a story told by a tree and the animals that
live in the tree. The villagers have been coming to
the tree every year for many years to place wishes on
the branches. This story explores family, friendships,
history, bigotry and racism.
Miss Bixby’s Last Day tells the story of a teacher,
that every student admires, who falls ill with a life-
threatening disease. Several of the students go on a
mission to the hospital to bring Miss Bixby several items
which they know she will love.
Older Readers:
For a detailed list of Panda Books, please visit us in
either the Beigao or Sanlitun library, or email us at
[email protected]
While extremely difficult to choose a favorite among the
nominees, my personal favorites for Daystar students
are:
Younger Readers:
In a Village by the Sea, is a beautifully illustrated tale
within a tale describing the longing for home by a poor
village fisherman, in pictures drawn by a cricket.
An Eagle in the Snow is based on a true story which tells
about an event which happened in WWI, which could
have changed history and prevented WWII.
The Bone Sparrow is a story about a African boy who
is a refugee held in a camp in Australia. He was born in
the camp and has never been outside of the camp until
a young girl begins sneaking in at night and sharing the
world with him.
If you have any questions or concerns, or want to know
more about us and what we offer, please visit us at
either the Beigao or Sanlitun office, or feel free to email
us in English or Chinese at: [email protected]
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