LIVEbrary: In Your Face!

Via PR maven Rachelle Matherne, it's the LIVEbrary Media Awareness Program!

Annick Press has begun an ambitious new online program for grades 4 - 8 - middle school and junior high schools students, teachers, librarians and homeschoolers called the "LIVEbrary." The two-year program is funded by a grant from the Canada Council for the Arts.

The first season begins October 15 with a 5-week program on Media Awareness. Among others, it features media literacy pioneer Shari Graydon, author of "Made You Look" and "In Your Face," books that challenge kids to become aware of how advertisers try to manipulate them. (Now that's just a smart idea.)

The Series Librarian for the LIVEbrary program is Gary Price, editor of ResourceShelf.com and director of information technology for Internet search engine, ASK.com.

For teachers and homeschools, the LIVEbrary publishes a lesson plan each week that includes a reading, discussion questions, an assignment, and a quiz. Students can participate through the LIVEbrary Blog, email, and/or live chat. (Live chats are every Thursday afternoon from 2-3 pm ET, and are provided with assistance from Skype Technologies, makers of the popular SKYPE Internet phone software, which means that it's either free or really inexpensive - also a great thing for schools!!)

Teachers, librarians, parents and homeschoolers must register in advance to participate in the LIVEbrary. More information, including registration, instructions, and a complete schedule are available at the LIVEbrary Blog or via email from LIVEbrary_AT_annickpress_DOT_com.

FYI, writers: Like many other Canadian presses, Annick Press publishes Canadian authors and illustrators only. However, if you're a Canadian in search of a publishing home, they do post submission guidelines here.