On April 12^th, Kristin Levine author of The Best Bad Luck I Ever Had addressed the entire seventh grade. The students, who had just completed reading the book, sat in rapt attention as the author described the origin of each of the fictional characters.   Ms. Levine also recounted how her editor had her revise the first paragraph of the book three times and how the title of the book eventually came from the third revision.
     Laura M. Elliott, noted historical fiction author, spoke to the sixth graders on April 25^th.  Sixth graders had the opportunity to read any of the four titles of her books for young adults prior to her visit.  Ms. Elliott described the tremendous amount of research that goes into each book.  She stated that it takes approximately two years to complete a book.  Only six months is devoted to the actual writing and the remainder of the time is research.   Students enjoyed chatting with the author about writing during a “Cookies and Conversation” gathering in the library.  See the slide show below for more pictures of these events.

Every year the Virginia State Reading Association chooses ten books for middle schools.   All students throughout the state, who have read at least four of the choices, have an opportunity to vote for their favorite book in April.  At Bull Run, we cast our ballots at a luncheon in the library on April 5, 2013 with food, fun and prizes.   Powerless by Matthew Cody, a story about a boy who helps discover why all the children in the town lose their powers at age 13, was the winner.

Students enjoyed pizza, veggies and dip, juice drinks and cookies while discussing the books.  Each student received a $6.00 gift certificate to the BRMS book fair and an opportunity for a private shopping experience the day before the fair was opened to all students.

Thanks to the fantastic help from our parent volunteers, the BRMS spring book fair was a great success.  The total sales were $4,685.64.  From that amount, the library received $1,138.64 in Scholastic Dollars to be spent at a later date, 80 new books for the library and $896.41 in cash. Some of the most popular books were Stranded, a story of four kids marooned on an island by Jeff Probst, the host of the TV show Survivor and Legend, a dystopian tale by Marie Lu.   BRMS library purchased several copies of each of the students’ favorites so that all students can enjoy these titles.