Hambric, hammock...HAPPINESS!

If asked how I spent my summer, I will have many adventures to share. If asked about one of my favorite days, I'll let this photo speak for me...

An ARC (advanced reader's copy) of Bran Hambric the Specter Key, by Kaleb Nation, arrived this afternoon! It took me no time to grab a glass of ice water and head for the hammock. I'll save my review for a later date, not wanting to give away any spoilers, but I had to share how easily I was lost in the land of Dunce and magic.

I was happy but also scared, stressed, relieved, sad, surprised, shocked, and nervous while reading the adventures that Bran was on. I didn't have time to catch my breath from the beginning celebration to the missing bit of magic on the last page.

I did stop once to tweet Kaleb and say, "NOOOOOO!" after reading page #139.

Well done Kaleb! I think I'll start over tomorrow- the hammock calls for more Hambric.

Newsworthy & Fun

What: Face-2-Face meeting with Kaleb Nation

When: June 8th, 2010 2:00

Where: Undisclosed Border's Bookstore, LA, California

Why: Chance to meet Kaleb in person and get books signed

After many tweets, emails, and even a phone call, the promise over Skype to meet during the summer became a reality. Kaleb and teacher6th (that's me) along with teacher6th's family sat on the balcony of Border's Bookstore soaking in the California sunshine.

Topics of conversation included information about Bran Hambric the Farfield Curse and the soon to be released sequel. Kaleb shared his excitement steming from his new YA book he has just begun. He also shared how awesome he thinks the students at OMS are and can't wait to see more creative projects.
"Write what you are excited about," was his advice to any inspiring young author. He also stressed the importance of reading and note-taking to use as background knowledge during the writing process.

After autographs and book signings, photographs and hugs, Kaleb and teacher6th parted ways- until they meet again... luckily Twitter, Facebook,Skype, Blogtv, and http://www.kalebnation.com/ and http://www.branhambric.com/ is available!

Skype with Kaleb Nation!!!

The much anticipated day arrived! Author, Kaleb Nation, entered our classroom via Skype. The 6th graders surprised him wearing red gnome hats in honor of Polland, a character in Bran Hambric and the Fairfield Curse.
English Enrichment (E2) students had created questions ranging from pets to publishing.
E2 has been following Kaleb through his website, Twitter, uTube, email and blogtv.
Kaleb has inspired podcast radio shows, creative newspapers, and wild tv broadcasting during the 2009-2010 school year. Concluding the year with a Skype was a highlight for us all!
Thank you Kaleb! We can't wait until your sequel is released this fall.

Bran Hambric The Specter Key color cover was released 3-3-10.

Kaleb Nation is excited about his 2nd book in the Bran Hambric series. I am hoping our class will be able to help with this fall release!

Share your thoughts on the cover. What do you think we might see in Bran Hambric The Specter Key?

Message for Sewey in Bran Hambric

Our media productions are almost ready to be released...stay tuned!

What did you write today?

Twitter message from KalebNation: wrote 14 pages on #BranHambric2 today. I feel like I've ACCOMPLISHED SOMETHING. I do this every day for a month and I'll be done FAST

Blog message from Mrs. Duff: I wrote on my class board, sent emails, responded to E2's media projects, and took notes @ a meeting. I used Twitter to gather information and to share some, and am finishing the day with this blog entry.

Leave a comment sharing your daily writing accomplishments.

Charmed in E2

Kaleb Nation, author of Bran Hambric the Farfield Curse, and his publishers have gifted our E2 students with the silver moon charm seen on the cover of the book. The charm plays an important role in the first book of this mysterious fantasy, and will most likely be part of the plot in the books to follow.

Read the book to find out more...

Read the book...watch the video

Happy Birthday, Kaleb !
Characters from Bran Hambric the Farfield Curse by Kaleb Nation

What Are You Reading?

6th graders have been busy reading everyday @ OMS. The library is checking out books at a record pace. Students are seen reading-even when it is not required-GASP!

I finished the long awaited Bran Hambric The Farfield Curse written by Kaleb Nation. Without giving away any of the magnificent magic in the book, all I can say is, "Hurry up with the sequel!" My review is posted on my Shelfari page below.

Take time and comment. Share what you are reading. I need more adventures...

Reading and Gnomes...WARNING!

Students in E2 are reading
Bran Hambric and the Farfield Curse
whenever they get a chance. One main problem occurs when the gnomes steal the book...can't blame them-the book is amazing!

Hopefully the book will be returned after the long holiday weekend.

Gnomes Where are you?

Although gnomes are lurking all over, I would like a statue of one for my classroom.

Not one gnome could be found @ Mall of America...Gnomes R Us, Lego-of my Gnome, Gnome Depot, American Gnome, Bed, Bath & Gnome, ISEA Gnome, Bubba Gump's Gnome Co.---I looked everywhere- not one gnome available...Mall of Magic may be my next stop...

Bran Hambric

Kaleb Responds

 Twitter message  from Kaleb Nation after seeing our video:


I hope all classrooms are this way when they get Bran Hambric in the mail :D http://bit.ly/1y7qOg
from TweetDeck

"Bran Hambric" Hysterics @OMS

A project that I have been developing is now "out of the bag" and in my classroom!
Kaleb Nation, a new young author, will be releasing his 1st published book 9-9-09. Our English Enrichment class has been chosen to read, review, and respond to Bran Hambric The Farfiield Curse.

Sourcebooks Publishing supplied a hardcover copy at a pre-release date so we could get started. Thanks Sourcebooks!

After a quick introduction to Kaleb and his video blogs, we decided to create a video of this event.
Watching this video, you will witness our unscripted, unplanned unveiling of Bran Hambrick The Farfield Curse!

(Video can be seen here and at @ Kaleb Nation & Bran Hambric Facebook pages)