Thing 9 -- part 2

I recently learned of two blogs that post free ebooks, bargains, and deals of the day along with other apps and downloads that are available. One is Books on the Knob and the other is Pixel of Ink. Pixel of Ink is dedicated to Kindles only, but Books on the Knob covers other readers and music. I now subscribe to them and can keep up with many of the free choices that are offered around the web. My Kindle is filling up as fast as my real bookshelves have in the past thanks to these sites and others. I am always on the lookout for a source of free children's books to keep up with my reading for my library. As much as I love Overdrive, I don't always have the time to finish a book, even a kids book in the allotted time frame for a borrowed book.

I downloaded Subtext app and have played around a bit. It would be very interesting to have a class set of iPads and use this app to have all the kids reading the same book and making comments as they read and discuss things. I will file this away for summer use to play more and enjoy!

Thing 9 -- eBooks and eReaders

I love this topic and am so happy to see us taking a look at eReaders and all the resources that go along with them.  I have had a kindle for  a while and am quick to download a free book when I see it.  My to-be-read pile on the kindle is very long!  I recently added the kindle app to my ipad, but haven't had a chance to use it there yet. 

I have always been an audio book fan from way back to books on tape and then to cds.  I love having a audiobook on my ipod and now the ipad to always be with me when I need something.  I have always used the public library resources for audiobooks and now with Overdrive I can use our subscription for both audio files and ebooks.  It is so easy to find a book and downlaod it to whichever divice I choose.  I have just started introducing Overdrive to our students since so many have a device at home.  I was surprised at how many students have their own eReader and use it regularly!  With summer reading quickly approaching I have been encouraging my 4th and 5th graders to check out an eTitle through our library.  Many are excited to try it out. 

The link to  Joyce Valenza’s list of eBooks portals is just amazing!  I knew of several of these, but am amazed to find many of these links!  I am a sucker for free books!  I like some of the Amazon Prime features, but do not currently have the cash to buy this for myself.  I plan to try out the Subtext app on the ipad soon and will let you know how that goes.