April is Autism Acceptance Month!
Fun--or at least interesting--fact about your librarian: I'm autistic. I was diagnosed as an adult with what used to be called Asperger's Syndrome, but is now considered an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). But what does that even mean?
Autism is a developmental condition that affects speech, social interaction, and non-verbal communication. Typically, nothing about how people with ASD look sets them apart from other people, but those with ASD may communicate, interact, behave, and learn in ways that are different from most other people.
You might hear April called Autism Awareness Month, but I don't think awareness is really enough when it comes to those around us. Awareness often highlights the differences between people and ways of being, while acceptance looks at what we have in common and the strength that's inherent in diversity. Awareness is passive: You don't have to DO anything to be anything to be aware. Acceptance, on the other hand, is an action.
One action you can take on the road to being more accepting is to read books written by autistic authors about autism and people on the autism spectrum--check out a few recommendations from the North High Library on the slider to the right. Or, you could always drop by and talk to your librarian!
-Ms. Masters
Book review: Code Talker
by Chester Nez & Judith S. Avila
The first and only memoir by one of the original Navajo code talkers of WWII!
Review by Kane, grade 11
This autobiography relates the experiences the Navajo people had during WWII and their important role in helping the United States win the war. The focus of this autobiography is Chester Nez, who sent messages in Navajo, which was deemed an unbreakable code.
In the book, Nez tells his story of the war and his life, as well as the lives of his sister, brother, and their friends. I was able to learn many things about Navajo culture including that Navajo affiliation is passed on by the mother.
I love history and I'm really into studying WWII, and the main thing that I loved about this autobiography is that it tells a part of history that really isn't talked about as much. It was amazing to learn about more people who dedicated their lives to protecting the United States and helping them win the war. It made me appreciate more and more about the people who served in the war and helped protect the United States from foreign threats.
I definitely recommend reading this autobiography!!
Code Talker is available as an e-book through the Sora app or on SoraApp.com!
Something Cool to Do: Learn a Language
The Los Angeles Public Library offers two excellent resources for learning or practicing a world language and both have apps so you can learn on the go. You need a LAPL library card to use them, but you can get one online without having to leave your house!
For American Sign Language, check out ASLU. The website is old-fashioned looking, but the videos are good! Look for the numbered lessons in the upper right hand corner. ASLConnect has similar lessons and a more attractive website.
It's the Beginning of the End..
...of the year, that is! Please begin turning in the books you no longer need NOW, in order to avoid the end-of-year madness. If you're on campus, just bring your books to the textbook window. If you're distance learning and want to hand your book to a person, please request a drop-off appointment using the form on the library's home page. And everyone can use the drop box at the back door of the library to return books 24/7!
Reminders:
Follow us!
You'll find book recommendations, read-alouds, raffles and contests, school news and library happenings on our Instagram: @NorthHighLibrary
Visit us!
If you're learning on campus, you can pick up textbooks at the textbook window with no advanced reservation required! If you're distance learning or want to order a book to read just for fun, please use the form the library's homepage. Look for the big, pink dot!
Win!
Read a book, post an informative review to Alexandria or Instagram, and receive an entry into our monthly raffle! For more details on how you can win, please visit the library's website.
Read All About It!
The North Wind, our school's newspaper, is full of great stories and important information. Not to mention it looks super pro! Read the latest issue on their website.
Get help!
Student members of the California Scholarship Federation are waiting to help you master the class concepts that are giving you trouble. Join them here!
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