Childrens Program:

Dear Diary Day

Celebration

September 22, 2016

 In this program for children
ages eight through twelve, we
will celebrate Dear Diary Day,
an unofficial September 22nd
holiday that encourages writers
About of all ages to chronicle their
thoughts on paper. The event
will include a first-person
booktalk of eight titles that
utilize diaries or journals as a
plot point or narrative tool,
followed by a DIY journal craft.
 Public Library

Ages 8-12 years

Audience Up to 12 participants

Registered in advance
Objective

To interest children in reading the books included in the booktalk and

related titles, as well as to promote recreational writing
Activities
 Introduction
to Journaling
Discussion Journal Craft

5-10
5-10 mins ~30 mins ~30 mins 15 mins
mins

First-Person
Booktalks
(8 titles)
Introduction to Journaling Discussion

Brief introduction discussing Engaging Questions to Ask:

1. Why People Write in Journals

Do any of you keep a diary or journal?
a. Stress relief

b. For fun Would you read someone elses journal

c. Memories
without their permission?
2. Why Journals are Exciting to Read

a. They are personal accounts Who would you let read your diary?

b. They are often meant to be private

First-Person Book Talks: Overview

Given that the emphasis of journal/diary books is the first-person

narrative, it seems illogical to do these book talks in third person. We
will spend approximately 3 minutes on each book. The librarian may
use small props or costume elements (hats, glasses, etc.), but will not
require a full costume. Participants will be seated in a story time area,
not at the craft table, to prevent distractions. The book choices for the
presentation represent a wide variety of viewpoints, writing styles,
interests, and reading levels.
First-Person Book Talks: Books
Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

Discovered in the attic in which she spent the last years of her life, Anne
Frank's remarkable diary has since become a world classica powerful reminder
of the horrors of war and an eloquent testament to the human spirit. In 1942,
with Nazis occupying Holland, a thirteen-year-old Jewish girl and her family fled
their home in Amsterdam and went into hiding. For the next two years, until
their whereabouts were betrayed to the Gestapo, they and another family lived
cloistered in the "Secret Annex" of an old office building. Cut off from the outside
world, they faced hunger, boredom, the constant cruelties of living in confined
quarters, and the ever-present threat of discovery and death. In her diary Anne
Frank recorded vivid impressions of her experiences during this period. By turns
thoughtful, moving, and amusing, her account offers a fascinating commentary
on human courage and frailty and a compelling self-portrait of a sensitive and
spirited young woman whose promise was tragically cut short.

(Description and image from Amazon.com,

http://www.amazon.com/Anne-Frank-Diary-Young-Girl/dp/0553296981 )

ISBN: 9780553296983 Ages 11+

First-Person Book Talks: Books
Archies War by Marcia Williams

Meet ten-year-old Archie, his family, and best friend in a scrapbook Archie has
made himself, full of comic strips and plenty of other memorabilia. The year is
1914, and as the Great War begins, Archies scrapbook reflects the wars impact
on his life and on those who write back from the front. Marcia Williams retains
her humor and energy as she employs a new collage style to present an intimate
and compelling view of the First World War and its era.

(Description and image from Amazon.com,

http://www.amazon.com/Archies-War-Marcia-Williams/dp/0763635324/ )

ISBN: 0763635324 Ages 8-12

First-Person Book Talks: Books
Artichoke Hearts by Sita Brahmachari

Twelve-year-old Mira comes from a chaotic, artistic and outspoken family where
it's not always easy to be heard. As her beloved Nana Josie's health declines,
Mira begins to discover the secrets of those around her, and also starts to keep
some of her own. She is drawn to mysterious Jide, a boy who is clearly hiding a
troubled past and has grown hardened layers - like those of an artichoke -
around his heart. As Mira is experiencing grief for the first time, she is also
discovering the wondrous and often mystical world around her. An incredibly
insightful, honest novel exploring the delicate balance, and often injustice, of life
and death - but at its heart is a celebration of friendship, culture - and life.
Winner of the 2011 Waterstone's Children's Book Prize.

(Description and image from Amazon.com,

http://www.amazon.com/Artichoke-Hearts-Sita-Brahmachari/dp/0330517910 )

ISBN: 0330517910 Ages 11+

First-Person Book Talks: Books
Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Book 1 by Jeff Kinney

Its a new school year, and Greg Heffley finds himself thrust into middle school,
where undersized weaklings share the hallways with kids who are taller, meaner,
and already shaving. The hazards of growing up before youre ready are
uniquely revealed through words and drawings as Greg records them in his
diary

(Description and image from Amazon.com, ,

http://www.amazon.com/Diary-Wimpy-Kid-Book-1/dp/0810993139 )

ISBN: 0810993139 Ages 8-12

First-Person Book Talks: Books
Egyptian Diary: The Journal of Nakht by Richard Platt,
Illustrations by David Parkins

What was it like to be an aspiring young scribe in Egypt, circa 1500 BC? Picture
it through the eyes of nine-year-old Nakht, who has just moved with his family to
bustling Memphis, where his father has a prestigious new job. As Nakht takes up
his own (often boring) lessons, little does he know that he and his sister, Tamyt,
will soon stumble upon a sinister plot involving the robbing of nearby tombs
and will actually catch the high-ranking mastermind at a banquet inside their
own house! As a reward, the siblings are invited to the royal palace in Thebes to
meet none other than King Hatshepsut, whom they are shocked to discover is a
woman one of few female kings in ancient Egyptian history. Brimming with
lively, detailed illustrations and bolstered with endnotes, a timeline, and a
glossary, this newest tale from the author of CASTLE DIARY and PIRATE DIARY is
sure to stir readers' interest in one of the most fascinating eras in history.

(Description and image from Amazon.com, ,

http://www.amazon.com/Egyptian-Diary-Journal-Library-Selection/dp/0763670545/ )

ISBN: 0763670545 Ages 9-12

First-Person Book Talks: Books
The Extraordinary Mark Twain (According to Suzy) by
Barbara Kerley, Illustrations by Edwin Fotheringham

Susy Clemens thought the world was wrong about her papa. They saw Mark
Twain as "a humorist joking at everything." But he was so much more, and Susy
was determined to set the record straight. In a journal she kept under her pillow,
Susy documented her world-famous father-from his habits (good and bad!) to his
writing routine to their family's colorful home life. Her frank, funny, tender
biography (which came to be one of Twain's most prized possessions) gives rare
insight and an unforgettable perspective on an American icon. Inserts with
excerpts from Susy's actual journal give added appeal.

(Description and image from Amazon.com, ,

http://www.amazon.com/Extraordinary-Mark-Twain-According-Susy/dp/0545125081 )

ISBN: 0545125081 Ages 7-10

First-Person Book Talks: Books
Keena Ford and the Secret Journal Mix-up by Melissa
Thompson, Illustrations by Frank Morrison

The third book about the spunky second-grader, perfect for fans of Ramona
Quimby, Junie B. Jones, and Frankly, Frannie! Keena Ford loves writing in her
journal. She keeps all of her thoughts in there, even if they are sometimes not-
so-nice. One day, Keena accidentally leaves her journal in Tiffany Harris's
apartment, and Tiffany tells Keena that she's going to tell all of Keena's secrets!
With help from her brother, some classic fables, and a visiting author, Keena
discovers what she must do to stand up to Tiffany and make things right with
her friends

(Description and image from Amazon.com, ,

http://www.amazon.com/Keena-Ford-Secret-Journal-Mix-Up/dp/0142419370 )

ISBN: 0142419370 Ages 6-8

First-Person Book Talks: Books
How to Be Human: Diary of an Autistic Girl by Florida Frenz

With powerful words and pictures Florida Frenz chronicles her journey figuring
out how to read facial expressions, how to make friends, how to juggle all the
social cues that make school feel like a complicated maze. Diagnosed with
autism as a two-year-old, Florida is now an articulate 15-year-old whose
explorations into how kids make friends, what popularity means, how to handle
peer pressure will resonate with any pre-teen. For those wondering what it's like
inside an autistic child's head, Florida's book provides amazing insight and
understanding. Reading how she learns how to be human makes us all feel a
little less alien.

(Description and image from Amazon.com, ,

http://www.amazon.com/How-Be-Human-Diary-Autistic/dp/1939547016 )

ISBN: 1939547016 Ages 7-12

Journal Craft: Overview

Participants will move to a designated craft table where supplies (see

Materials and Resources) will be arranged as the children take their new seats.

Each child will be given a pre-scored and hole punched cover to decorate with the
various supplies. The children will decorate their covers however they choose.

When their covers are complete, they will get 25 sheets of presized, lined, and hole-
punched paper to fill their journals.

They will align the holes of the cover and the sheets, then pull one end of the hair-tie
through the top hole. They will then link their pre-cut chopstick through the loop, and
pull the hair-tie or rubber band through the back of the second hole. They will then
use this loop to hook the bottom of the chopstick to bind their book. (See Next Slide)
Journal Craft: Binding Example

Photo via
http://babbledabbledo.com/design-for-kids-recy
cled-handmade-journals/
Setting

This program would be held in a public library with a separate

childrens department. Ideally, there would be a storytime space to
present the books and a second space (preferably a new room) where
the craft could be set up in advance.
Planning Chronology

6 Months Before 1 Month Before

Get event approval Contact press

Read the book selections Begin registration

Hang flyers
3 Months Before Collect booktalk props
Create recommended reading list of
Write the booktalks booktalk books and related books

Reserve space
Continued...
Write press release

Design flyers

Begin collecting craft materials

Planning Chronology (continued)

1 Week Before 1 Day Before

Print lines on computer paper (150 Email reminders to registered

sheets before cutting) and cut to half participants
size (4.25 width x 5.5 height);
punch holes at .5 from top and Double-check materials
bottom, .25 from binding edge
Morning of
Cut 14 covers (front and back) from
cereal boxes to 4.75 width x 6 Arrange craft table (or just before craft if
height; punch holes at .75 from no separate room, but have table
bottom and top, .25 from binding assembled)
edge; score front cover .5 from
binding edge Arrange props and booktalk area
Cut 14 chopsticks to 5
Create Welcome sign for event Set up Welcome sign (just before
event)
Materials and Resources

Props 300 lined journal sheets (see

Books Planning Chronology)
Space scissors
Table and Chairs 14 heavy duty rubber bands or hair
Protective Table Cover ties, stretchable to 6
Glue Sticks 14 chopsticks cut to 5
Cereal boxes, cut to size as specified assorted decorations (magazines,
(see Planning Chronology) construction paper, cut out shapes,
stickers, googly eyes)
Markers
Estimated Cost

Most items (like markers, scissors, and computer paper) should

already be available. Staff members can collect cereal boxes,
chopsticks, and decorations from discarded home materials. Items to
be bought include the tablecloth, glue sticks, rubber bands or hair-ties,
and assorted embellishments. All of these can be bought at the dollar
store and/or in bulk. At an absolute maximum, the program would cost
$30.
Funding Source(s), If Needed

It is likely that such a minimal cost can be accounted for in the

departments programming budget. If not, we could seek donors for
the needed items.
Goal Evaluation

Our primary method of evaluating the effectiveness of this program

would be to monitor the circulation of diary and journal books over the
next six months. If the circulation of these titles increases, the
program was successful. By monitoring the circulation for six months,
we could determine if the program developed a long-term interest in
those materials. As a secondary method, the library could request via
email (if parents are willing to provide one) that parents complete an
anonymous, voluntary survey about the program and their childs
subsequent journal habits.
Press Release Sample
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Samantha Belmont Sawyer
Childrens Librarian
Pretend Library
54 Imagination Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70820
555-123-4567
sbelmo1@lsu.edu
www.pretendlibrary.org

Dear Diary Day DIY Journal and Booktalk

To celebrate Dear Diary Day, the Pretend Library Childrens Department is hosting a diary-themed booktalk and journal making
class. Children ages eight through twelve are invited to join us for in-character booktalks, after which participants will decorate
and bind their own journals. The event will be held on Dear Diary Day, September 22, 2016, at five oclock in the evening in the
Childrens Department of the Pretend Library. Space is limited to twelve participants, so please register in advance at
pretendlibrary.org or by calling the Childrens Department Reference Desk at 555-123-4567. Childrens Librarian Samantha
Belmont Sawyer will perform as eight characters from diary/journal-themed childrens books. Afterward, children will decorate
and bind their own journals. The program aims to interest children in diary/journal-themed literature and promote recreational
writing. For more information, contact Samantha Belmont Sawyer at 555-123-4567 or email her at sbelmo1@lsu.edu.

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