Inspired to Read

Dear Mr. Henshaw

2012-02-12T21:11:00.001-08:00

http://staff1.blueearth.k12.mn.us/~dkittleson/vocab/person2person/henshaw.html

Who is this Harris Burdick guy???

2012-02-12T19:25:00.000-08:00

http://www.chrisvanallsburg.com/flash.html

http://www.hmhbooks.com/features/harrisburdick/

Al Capone Stole My Post

2012-02-02T20:17:00.000-08:00

Thought for sure I already read this one, but can't find a post here. Hmm. But it is one of the very first books in my very first Book Club so I'm checking around for stuff to go with it.

Kids love prisons, don't they?

Alcatrez Prison Virtual Tour

http://www.quia.com/hm/299947.html

The Wikkeling

2011-11-27T23:04:00.000-08:00

The Wikkeling

by Steve Arntson (2011)

A little spooky, a bit complicated, and very much well worth it. Three kids that don't fit in with the "normal" -- one would love to be a garbage collector when he grows up -- in a future society of computers for standardized testing on every students' desk and cell phones tracking one's every movement. (hmm, did I say "future"?)

A special attic is discovered, full of old books and candles and a window that shows a tree lined street of the past, and the children are chased by a ghost-like creature that is also connected to the city's Big Brother-like computer system. A little mystery, some adventure, helping friends and standing up for what you believe in. Cats, grandparents, and a man named "Oak" are also involved.

4/5 stars, highly recommend it.

connections: 1984, The Last Book In The Universe

The Dork Diaries

2011-11-26T13:40:00.000-08:00

My son is appalled that I even brought this home, much less plan on reading it.

Dork Diaries

by Rachel Renee Russell (2009)

Ok, I did read it. Well, I read all of the first 100 pages, and most of the last 30 pages, and a good selection of what was in between. And while it is full of silly girl stuff like cute shoes and lip gloss, it's also about friendship, believing in yourself, and not letting yourself be dragged down in all the popularity and gossip stuff around school.

Wonderstruck

2011-11-26T11:17:00.001-08:00

Wonderstruck

by Brian Selznick (2011)

Just in time to go watch Hugo Cabaret on the big screen I got to read Selznick's new magical combo of words and illustrations. There is a lot going on, the two stories in words and pictures across different time periods are not always the smoothest to follow, but it all wraps up cleanly and clearly in the end. The pencil drawings are incredible, telling a beautiful and emotional story all on their own.

Set both in the 1920s and 1977, the stories follow a boy and a girl each searching for a parent and running away from an unhappy home situation. It's not light-hearted -- one mom dies, the other leaves the family and rejects her child -- but there are elements of mystery, searching, danger and adventure, not to mention wolves!, that will keep readers interested. I would be curious to see how a child reads just the drawing pages all the way through first, just to see how much or what story they make from it.

Lots of connections -- museums, collections, sign language, Deaf community/school, that Basil Frankenriter (?) book about kids running away and living in the museum...

The Annotated Cat

2011-11-26T10:43:00.001-08:00

The Annotated Cat

by Philip Nel

While a bit too dry/scholarly for most classrooms, this could still be an interesting reference book and certainly helps illustrate the importance of editing and rewriting for young authors. If Dr. Seuss himself has to work hours on one page and try many different words in a sentence to get it just right, maybe that will encourage students to keep working.

I love annotated editions because I like knowing where the ideas came from and how the story and art takes shape over the creative process. This is a great book for Seuss fans, talks a lot about his early years and the effort to improve beginning reader books. The author tends to repeat himself, how many times can one bash poor ol' Dick, Jane, and Spot, but overall interesting and worth a look.

The Santa Club

2011-11-26T10:10:00.001-08:00

The Santa Club

by Kelly Moss (2011)

Just in time for the holiday, and the mystery of Santa Claus, comes complete with membership certificate and website with countdown to Christmas Day (thesantaclub.net). First up, Elf #3's review:

"It's a good book for preschool teachers. I didn't really like the St. Nicholas illustrations. It's also a very good Christmas book."

Ok, so he's not my most verbose son, but he did give it two thumbs up. I give it thumbs up as well, although it's not a book for the classroom library, seeing as it not only spills the secret of Santa but preaches the Gospel. Detailed, colorful art and bright graphics, but it's not really a story to read but more like an introduction to a Sunday School lesson. I cracked up on all the "don't tell any other children our secret" warnings.

Common Sense Media

2011-11-10T19:24:00.001-08:00

I mostly check out this website for movie info (violence? cleavage? creative cuss words?) but they also do book reviews

The Neverending Story

2011-08-28T15:05:00.000-07:00

The Neverending Story

by Michael Ende (1979)

About half way through, but I've been enthralled since the beginning -- and confused: Why have I never read this before?!?

I think it's because the movie came out in 1984, and as a high school senior I wouldn't be caught dead even debating seeing a silly puppet kid's flick... I still haven't seen it, and I've exposed my kids to The Dark Crystal and every Muppet epic.

Finished! It's a long one, could almost say it felt neverending, but well worth the full read. Heroes, self-worth, scary and silly creatures (very Narnia-like), finding and following the right priorities of love for family and friends. I think the first half would be a great read aloud for the classroom, but the second half gets a little long and deep.

An adventure, magic, fantasy story with elements of bullying, self-image, being who you are, reaching your potential, and putting others above self.

Love to find more info on the author and the story (beyond Wikipedia).

California Young Reader Medal

2011-08-22T15:27:00.000-07:00

The 2011 CYRM Winners -- let's see, have I read them all?

101 Ways to Bug Your...

2011-08-19T15:10:00.000-07:00

...Friends and Enemies

by Lee Wardlaw (2011)

A little Jane Austin for the miniature golf crowd -- lots of relationship intrigue and discovering of romantic feelings, as well as lessons in friendship as people grow and change. A lot going on, the numerous characters (and ailments, and accents, and...) in the first chapters had my head swimming, but everything and everyone ties together nicely at the end. Genuinely funny, and without the usual base juvenile book humor. Loved the Hawaiian golfer character, something different and fresh.

Although I do wonder why I feel the urge to rent Roxanne ...?

http://www.leewardlaw.com/books.htm

"Sex" Tag

2011-08-15T07:58:00.000-07:00

Yes, these are children's books, but sometimes the facts of life do get discussed, or romantic feelings, or maybe even mention of the act itself, especially in a YA title. Usually I will spell out more specifically if it's more than just a casual or humorous reference. If it's a crush or dating the tag will be "romance" instead of "sex" ...what category does "snogging" fall under?

The Children's Book Review

2011-08-04T15:10:00.000-07:00

Great website which can be found HERE.

Sammy Keyes and the...

2011-08-03T12:32:00.000-07:00

Sammy Keyes and the Skeleton Man

by W. Van Draanen (1998)

Sometimes an author puts in too much, this one is a mystery and a revenge story all rolled together, and the two parts really have nothing to do with each other.
Sammy is misfit teenager being bullied by the cool girls while illicitly living with her grandmother in the ol' folks home and solving a family feud/attempted murder/theft of rare books... The crime solving stuff could have been much better and made a more complete book if most of the teen girl drama material would have been saved for another book.
That said, Sammy and cohorts are attractive and entertaining characters, I'd probably get more into the book if I'd read her backstory and followed the series from the beginning rather than somewhere in the middle.

Comments from the author, including the word "prevarication" !

Shredderman

2011-08-03T10:59:00.000-07:00

Shredderman 1: Secret Identity

by Wendelin Van Draanen (2004)

Nerd boy gets his revenge on the school bully... in fact, if you look at it from the bully's pov, he's the victim of cyber-bullying and very pubic humiliation. I'm sure it will teach him a lesson and he'll be a better man for it. I also read Van Draanen's Sammy Keys book, and I think the author has a serious revenge complex. Were most authors nerds growing up?

Good read aloud for the classroom, touches on bullying, being friends, working together to solve problems, as well as a few tips on how to avoid being so nerdy. And it's funny.

Mr Biggs .com ...and this is the illustrator's website.

Gregor the Overlander

2011-07-22T15:19:00.000-07:00

Summer is here, and with the sun, free time, and slim chance I might get a classroom next fall comes the list of childrens/young adult books to read -- the stack's not too tall yet if you have any suggestions...

by Suzanne Collins (2003)

A good ol' traditional Tolkien-ish fantasy quest, including the unlikely hero full of unexpected bravery, the quarreling companions, the ancient poetic prophecy, and right down to the spiders... these ones are orange with blue blood, but still creepy and gross. This one adds in a cute and courageous baby sister who sings to giant cockroaches, and a good time is had by all.

Quick paced, fresh ideas, lively battles, and of course more adventures/books to come!

Summer, Summer, Summer tiiiiiiiime...

2011-07-15T12:37:00.000-07:00

Ah, school's out -- almost. 4 more days (plus this afternoon) and it'll be all over but the shoutin'. Time to get the summer reading list ready, and I am more than open to a few suggestions, especially in the 5th grade interest level...
I have Gregor the Overlander ready to go, then the 2nd Hunter Games book, then.... ?

Battle of the Books

2011-03-21T21:26:00.000-07:00

This looks like a great site -- Not Just For Kids -- and while I haven't read enough past posts to get the details on this "Battle of the Books" it sounds like an idea I'm working out on my Inspired to Teach blog... How can we use "March Madness" in the classroom?

I don't usually attempt a bracket for the tournament or follow college basketball all that close, but with the incredible run the hometown San Diego State Aztecs are having our whole family is hooked. While flipping coins to decide between Butler and Old Dominion* I thought this would be cool to do with children's books -- anybody seen it done?

Go Aztecs!

*not even sure where they're from -- Virginia?

Slam

2011-03-10T11:49:00.000-08:00

Slam

by Nick Hornby (2007)

actually not quite finished with it yet, but almost. It's good and highly recommendable so far but you know how a bad ending can mess up a perfectly good book...

Ok, finished!

Unlike most teen pregnancy stories/books, especially from the male POV, this one doesn't just end in a scare or something to get the guy off the hook -- whew! that was close! This one touches on many of the dire consequences of sex: diapers, in-laws, what she looks like after having the kid, and the dreaded "is it mine?" all with humor, honesty, and the magic of Tony Hawk.

The book started slow for me, too generic, but then came an ill-fated attempt to run away from life's troubles and "magic" leaps into the future which kept me interested. It ended well so I'm glad I stuck with it. I certainly related to poor Sam, always saying wrong things at the worst time and being totally confused with the whole pregnancy/birth/baby deal. I will make my 16 year old son read it, and recommend it to any teens.

Sex? Yes, no details but obviously they have it. A few f-bombs get strewn about as well, but appropriately.

Unshelved

2011-03-08T21:10:00.000-08:00

Unshelved by Ambaum & Barnes

SF, Fantasy, Horror!

2011-03-07T18:44:00.000-08:00

The Internet Speculative Fiction Database

and Alternative History, too -- The Alternate History List

I Forgot How To Read?

2011-02-18T19:59:00.000-08:00

No, I just forgot/neglected/was too lazy to post... I have read a few books in the past 6 months, such as The Hunger Games and Westerfeld's Behemoth, but for some reason I have strayed from children's lit lately.

What do I need to read to get back in the swing of things?

Mouse Guard

2010-09-04T11:07:00.000-07:00

by David Petersen (2007)

Medieval mice having battles and adventures -- themes of loyalty, courage, sacrifice, and beautiful art. Some of the panels were a bit confusing in the beginning, and the mice have so very tiny eyeballs I couldn't find them sometimes, but those are minor quibbles. A collection of the monthly comic Winter 1152 is out, as are other stories involving the fearless and fearsome mice.

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing

2010-09-04T10:52:00.000-07:00

by Judy Blume (1972)

Another favorite from my youth, and if you knew my brother and/or sister* you understand how often I exclaimed "I feel your pain, Peter!"

Nothing deep, just good entertainment, especially for for those students with younger siblings. I found little Fudge (and Mom) more annoying than endearing, but definitely respect Peter's resiliency.

Love Blume's website, lots of personal insights on story origins and comments on censorship.

*this may read as if my brother became my sister, but I have one of each and my brother has, as far as I know, remained very manly.

Bull Run

2010-09-04T10:25:00.000-07:00

by Paul Fleischman (1993)

Various accounts of the Civil War's opening battle. An interesting idea but too many viewpoints to be a cohesive "story" -- prob better used to supplement a history/social studies unit, or even a readers' theater style to contrast pov.

History Dudes

2010-08-27T11:36:00.000-07:00

By Odin's Eye, a caption!

Blubber

2010-08-17T12:07:00.000-07:00

by Judy Blume (1974)

I'm sure I read a first edition of this, way back when, but I certainly didn't remember how mean all the kids were! Not a cheery read, but probably a necessary one. I know some teachers make this the annual beginning of the school year read-aloud.

Bullies, cliques, Halloween pranks, and some people get what they deserve, but not all of them.

I think I'm starting a little "Blume-fest" -- picked up a couple of Fudge books too, and open to suggestions...

Deconstructing Penguins

2010-08-17T11:35:00.000-07:00

by L. and N. Goldstone (2005)

Nice companion to understanding what you and/or your children are reading, focusing on the protagonist vs antagonist and theme in each book with clear, simple terms and examples. Books covered include Charlotte's Web, Babe, Animal Farm and The Phantom Tollbooth.

Kenny & the Dragon

2010-08-17T11:20:00.000-07:00

by Tony DiTerlizzi (2008)

The classic story: rabbit finds dragon, dragon quotes poetry, local knight brought out of retirement kills dragon... no, not really. This rabbit is brave and resourceful, and refuses to allow the traditional violent end to his new friend. Nice story of a family working together, trusting in each other and working together to creatively solve a problem, as well as an excellent example of using words, voicing fears and concerns, to communicate instead of inaction.

Guys Read: Funny Business

2010-08-05T14:12:00.000-07:00

Saw this on a cool blog -- Not Just For Kids -- and love the video, putting faces and voices with the authors' names. Can't wait to check out the book!

...and here is the "Guys Read" website which looks incredible! Every parent/teacher/librarian should have it cued up and ready for when the guy answers the question "So, whatta ya like to read?" with " Uh..."

2010-07-28T21:28:00.000-07:00

Good Books For Kids

no time for details, bases are loaded for my 1st place Padres, go check out the site!

I Read Banned Books!

2010-07-20T19:21:00.000-07:00

Not all of them, of course, some are a waste of paper and ink. But I certainly support their right to be written, published, and read! Image from the ALA store and Banned Books book.

The Case of the...

2010-07-17T21:05:00.000-07:00

...Graveyard Ghost? ...Barfy Birthday? ...Crooked Carnival?

by Michelle Torrey

The detective team of Doyle and Fossey, scientists and sleuths, solve crimes for their neighborhood and teach principles of Science at the same time!

These are very cool, perfect for the classroom, highly recommended books. Not only are they neat stories, with both clever and gross humor and Encyclopedia Brown (if he was a science/invention nerd) -like mysteries to solve, but just when the reader's curiosity is piqued there is a DIY activity included -- secret codes, dry ice, make your own pulley* -- with clear instructions and plenty of safety tips. I think these stories (there's a few cases in each book) would be great to introduce a Science unit, to refresh student brains before assessment, even as a quiz: Can you solve the case?

* these 3 are just from one book, the others have been loaned out to neighborhood kids for summer reading; I told them that's what happens when you live next to a teacher!

Regarding the Fountain

2010-07-17T20:37:00.000-07:00

by Kate Klise (1998)

Entertaining story, a 5th grade class and an eccentric fountain artist team up to defeat the water-hogging bad guys, told entirely in letters, postcards, memos, artwork, etc. Great idea for students stuck on the whole writing thing -- break it down, tell a little at a time, consider the various viewpoints...

The Last Book In The Universe

2010-07-17T09:34:00.000-07:00

by Rodman Philbrick (2010)

I read about this book skimming through The Book Whisperer, which is next on my I Read, Therefore I'll Get Hired list, and had to grab it off the shelf. A little dreary and depressing, but well worth it. A bit freaky to read during our recent rash of earthquakes, but it's just fiction, right?

The world is separated into the protected, advanced, "ideal" people and the struggling, dying, "left overs" fending for themselves in apocalyptic conditions. Of course there is contact, and our narrator/(anti-)hero becomes part of a bridge that might just save everyone. Discussions on family, personal and societal responsibility, the effect of decisions. Lots of cool invented vocabulary, some tough to decipher but a good challenge for students, and a timely story with the year 2012 coming soon...

Leviathan

2010-07-10T12:20:00.000-07:00

Leviathan

by Scott Westerfeld (2009)

An adventurous, thought-provoking, historical, steampunk re-imagining of the causes and beginnings of The Great War. Moving back and forth between the machine-based "Clankers" and the DNA-manipulating "Darwinists" until the two main characters collide, Westerfeld creates quite an amazing world of 8-legged tanks, flying whales, and young people caught up in a Europe on the brink of war. Great illustrations, old fashioned pen & ink, and a lot of invented vocabulary.

Good for many discussions, including reasons for war, loyalty, evolution, decisions that alter history, gender roles...

Of course, there is more to the story that goes unresolved than not, as this is surely part of a planned... trilogy? hexology? octology?

I used the "sex" tag only due to the references, early, few and not dwelt on, to what our hero(ine) must hide, and is glad she does not have ample of, in order to pose as a boy. I suppose most 4-5th graders could understand and handle it, but ya never know...

The 7 Habits of Happy Kids

2010-07-08T21:29:00.000-07:00

The 7 Habits of Happy Kids

by Sean Covey (2008)

Cute stories to teach life lessons, and not too preachy at all -- would be great for read aloud at the beginning of the school year, even for upper grades (break the ice, remind them of manners, respect, etc.). There is also a "parents' corner" at the end of each chapter with discussion questions and helpful hints.

Wonder if I could buy several copies and pass them out the first day of school -- can we give parents homework assignments?

The Mammoth Academy

2010-07-06T22:30:00.000-07:00

The Mammoth Academy

by Neal Layton (2010)

The Wife rolls her eyes when I laugh out loud reading a children's book, so she was practically dizzy out of her skull as I chuckled my way through this one. Full of silly art, corny jokes, sweet friendships, creative problem solving, and plain ol' good entertainment. And cavemen.

Test of Time

2010-07-01T22:35:00.000-07:00

Test of Time

by Charles Harrington Elster (2004)

I haven't actually finished this one, I terminated my reading after the initial chapters due to the distraction of bold print words in every single sentence -- why, you query? Because those bold words just might be on the SAT and I need to build my vocabulary! There's also some quizzes and a glossary in the back, and it seems like a good idea to expose students to an expanded assortment of words. My problem wasn't the story, something about college students and Mark Twain break dancing, but too many $3 words is just bad writing. That said, I'll give it to Son #2 for another opinion...

Is It Night or Day?

2010-06-30T22:56:00.000-07:00

Is It Night or Day? *

by Fern Schumer Chapman (2010)

The story of a Jewish German girl sent to live in America to escape the inevitable in WWII. Not a cheerful story or rousing ending, but very poignant and seems to accurately portray the swing and resiliency of childhood emotions (which are often the only thing allowing children to survive the horrors this world subjects them to).

This would be a nice companion to The Book Thief, showing a slightly different side (and location) touched by the Holocaust. Highly recommended.

The author based the story on her mother's life, and has another book and a nice website as well.

* exactly how should the title be written -- It and Or, it and or, It and or ...? I've seen it several different ways. What's the rule, or do I just go by what looks better?

Ugliest Blog Ever?

2010-06-30T20:42:00.000-07:00

No wonder I get a headache every time I look at my own blog, it is butt-ugly and makes me wonder if I'm color blind. My apologies.

Inspired to Teach

2010-06-26T11:08:00.000-07:00

I feel fractured sometimes, or at least multiple-personalitied: 5 blogs, 4 Facebook pages, LibraryThing, Twitter (which I rarely post or check anymore)... half the time I find myself deleting posts or links because I put a book review or football drills on The Wife's hairdresser page. I'm sooooo confuuuuused...

Anyway, I'm trying to create a FB page and have all my Teacher/Education/Children's Book* stuff, such as blog posts and cool stuff I find on other blogs and sites, go to one central hub. Don't know if I'm doing it right, is there a way to quickly/automatically link/share everything to a FB page? Hmmm...

So let's try Inspired to Teach the facebook page, aka "The Hub" ???

Zia

2010-06-13T20:58:00.000-07:00

Zia

by Scott O'Dell (1976)

The sequel to Island of the Blue Dolphins, although the girl from the island is a minor character; her niece lives in a Santa Barbara mission and longs both to meet/rescue her independent island Aunt and gain her own freedom. Great for whatever year students study California history and the Missions, and for discussions of how and when to do the right thing -- would you tell the truth if it landed you in jail?

The Wednesday Wars

2010-06-13T20:45:00.000-07:00

The Wednesday Wars

by Gary D. Schmidt (2007)

Newbery Honor Book

Very good book, with a lot going on: religion, politics, Viet Nam, sibling rivalry, jerk of a father, hippies, cream puffs, Shakespeare, rats, bullies, heroes, baseball, track, and even a little romance... whew!

There's a lot going on but a lot to grab on to, and different readers will like/focus on different elements. Well worth it for higher readers, and a great introduction/companion to U.S. history (late 60's) and The Bard. Probably good too for a class that thinks they have a mean teacher who doesn't like them...

I wonder if Son #2 realizes that when he's finished reading this one I'm going to start him on Shakespeare -- Macbeth? Midsummer's Night?

Max The Mighty

2010-06-13T20:16:00.000-07:00

Max the Mighty

by Rodman Philbrick (1998)

Gentle giant Max's continuing adventures, a sequel to Freak the Mighty -- this time around Max has more on the ball mentally and a heightened sense of chivalry. The bad guy is very cartoonish (I even pictured him twirling a thin mustache) and the cross country escape very implausible, but you know from the beginning Max will do something sweet and good and it will turn out all right.

La Telarana de Carlota

2010-06-13T19:30:00.000-07:00

Charlotte's Web (en Espanol)

by E. B. White* (1952)

Of course I've read this one before, but this week it will be in Spanish, out loud, to a 2nd grade class... wish me suerte!

*first posted this with "Stuart Little" as the author; should not blog and watch NBA Finals at same time.

Jim the Boy

2010-06-01T12:24:00.000-07:00

Jim the Boy

by Tony Earley (2000)

Loved it.

A boy whose father died before he was born, but is very much present in his and his mother's life*, grows up in small town America with trains, Ty Cobb, the coming of electric lights, and his 3 uncles to show him the way. Good balance between the lighter county fair and school yard chapters and those that deal with Polio, a dead father, and a scary grandfather. Captures the confusion and perspective of a young boy well.

*Probably some of the "eternal love" stuff is above a 10 yr old, but even if the boys just skim through those parts there's a lot good in the book.

The Magician's Elephant

2010-06-01T12:02:00.000-07:00

The Magician's Elephant

by Kate DiCamillo (2009)

Old fashioned, in a good way -- beautiful illustrations, magic, soldiers, orphans finding/being found by childless couple... It really does have an old time fairy tale feel to it, and the art is a big part of it (almost has a Hugo Cabret look).

Skulduggery Pleasant

2010-05-31T21:24:00.000-07:00

Skulduggery Pleasant

by Derek Landy (2007)

Similar to Alchemyst but in more of a gangster (with an er) crime setting; I really like the main characters and wish the story would have gone deeper into our heroic skeleton... but since this is probably 1 of umpteen in a series, maybe that's for another book.
Didn't really like the video game violence, pages of "then she answered with a scissor kick, only to be met with a sweeping blow to..." gets boring. Then again, I'm not 10 anymore...

The Alchemyst

2010-05-31T21:12:00.000-07:00

The Alchemyst

by Michael Scott (2007)

I generally try to stay away from books that

a) Son #2 retells me for a breathless hour every morning,
b) looks to be part of a series of 6 (minimum) books,
c) and, in sort of a combo deal of a and b, Son #2 reads said series at a pace of a book a night so that by the end of the week his summaries are so fantasy-imbibed and sleep-deprived as to be fairly incomprehensible...

But of course he's still cute enough to convince me once in a while to try a book. I like this one for the sibling rivalry and the mythical characters -- of all cultures and times, mixed together in a good vs evil plot -- but as I look at how few pages I have left compared to how many unresolved issues (what about the brother's powers? do we trust this Flammel guy?!?), I know I've been sucked in again. Fast paced, lots of characters, a little humor, contemporary setting/references.

When You Reach Me

2010-05-24T21:37:00.000-07:00

When You Reach Me

by Rebecca Stead

Newbery Medal 2010

A strange book... I liked it, but for some reason my "will students like/get/have any idea" spidey-sense kept me from really liking it. I like time travel, but (warning: blasphemous statement ahead) I am not a fan of A Wrinkle In Time; I like game shows, but wonder why $20,000 is supposed to make anyone rich? Weird cover. Why 1979? Hmmm...

That said, I did like it. Great lead character, strong supporting cast, interesting puzzle, lots of relationship issues to discuss -- plus time travel!

Newbery update

2010-05-24T21:35:00.000-07:00

1935, 1938
1941, 1942, 1944, 1947, 1949
1960, 1963, 1968
1970, 1972, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979
1981, 1982, 1984, 1986, 1987
1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1999
2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010

Honus and Me

2010-05-20T22:45:00.000-07:00

Honus & Me

by Dan Gutman (1997)

A struggling bench warmer discovers the ability to travel through time by wishing on baseball cards, and wrestles with the desire to use his power to make a lot of money (therefore getting his parents back together) or to do good and the right thing. He does learn the importance of self-confidence, a solid stance at the plate, and speed on the basepaths.

As one with a closet full of baseball cards, none of (or all of) which will ever fetch 400k and allow me to retire to a life of leisure and reading, I cry every time I read one of these books and the valuable card gets torn or destroyed and fails to bring our hero the riches he deserves. I do enjoy the historically accurate portrayals of the players and their game, and there is a positive moral usually involved.

The Black Pearl

2010-05-20T22:27:00.000-07:00

The Black Pearl

by Scott O'Dell (1967)

The classic tale: boy finds pearl, boy loses pearl. Boy's dad gives pearl away, giant manta wants revenge for pearl, boy steals pearl to toss back into ocean.

Superstition, greed, selfish/selfless, allegory, nature.

Which came first? Doesn't this sound like a Steinbeck story? I'm going to back and read his version again, it's been awhile...

Bookulate Now!

2010-05-17T18:58:00.000-07:00

Stuck on what book to read next? Don't like any of the suggestions those so called "friends" or "experts" give you? Then you need to try The Bookulating Suggest-O-Mometer !!!

Gotta love modern technology, what will they think of next?

Sarah Bishop

2010-05-14T21:58:00.000-07:00

Sarah Bishop

by Scott O'Dell (1980)

Somehow I don't think a girl on the run from the Redcoats, a lecherous trapper, an amorous Quaker, and a hungry bear, sharing a cave with bats and a crippled badger, grieving the deaths of her father and brother, would look as good as Sarah does on this cover.

But I wouldn't be surprised, because she is one tough, independent heroine who makes her own way through the Revolutionary War issues between Patriot and Tory. The last chapters with the witch trial were a little awkward, but I like how they were different from the standard girl-in-peril story.

connections: Paulsen's Hatchet books, Johnny Tremain and Brother Sam Is Dead, My Side of the Mountain...

Muggie Maggie

2010-05-14T20:06:00.000-07:00

Muggie Maggie

by Beverly Cleary

Maggie doesn't want to learn how to write in cursive -- why should she, she knows how to use her Dad's computer (to update: and text/Netbook/iPad etc) ?
But her smart and sneaky teacher devises a plan and of course Maggie learns to connect her i's and loop her g's...

Europe Trip

2010-05-14T10:25:00.000-07:00

Europe, here he comes!

Well, he will if he raises enough money in the next 8 months...

Right now I'm just looking for encouragement for his efforts and some ideas and suggestions, so maybe check out one of his links? Thanks!

My Last Skirt

2010-05-12T20:32:00.000-07:00

My Last Skirt
The Story of Jennie Hodgers, Union Soldier

by Lynda Durrant (2006)

An Irish girl poses as a boy to get a job, comes to America and works as a boy, then fights in the Civil War as a boy. The true story of a "petticoat soldier" told as fiction from the girl's pov with elements of immigration, women's rights, war, evolution, and a wee touch of romance.

The ending was a bit odd, our hero/heroine turned from a teen soldier into a grumpy old man, but overall an excellent book. The issues she faces becoming a he are dealt with maturely and realistically, and right from the beginning I saw her as a person, an Irish immigrant then a soldier, rather than a girl impersonating a boy.

Found these other Civil war books to add to the TBR stack.

confession: I stole this book. Well, just borrowed it really from the teacher I subbed for yesterday, but it's okay since it was my son's class and because I just read The Book Thief. I'll sneak it into his backpack after he goes to bed.

The Book Thief

2010-05-09T22:26:00.000-07:00

The Book Thief*

by Markus Zusak (2005)

Great book. Beautiful, simple, touching book.

Very rarely do I want to start a book over as soon as I finish it, but this one is on that special list. Narrated respectfully by Death, the collector of souls kept extremely busy by Hitler and WWII, it is the story of a girl who loses and gains everything. She knows death and loss from the beginning, but through a new family, friends, and a Jew hidden in the basement we are shown the strength of love, hope, and doing what is right. It is not always a happy book, and it certainly isn't a traditional happy ending, but it brings attention to what is truly important.

I really liked the use of art in the story, the pages of illustrations that show us Max's book, not just tell us about it. Students could make their own nook/graphic novel with old books.

My 15 year old loved it, my 12.75 year old will read it next. It's not an easy book for every reader, but it's not difficult either. Beyond the Holocaust connection there can be discussions of family, loyalty, risk, and the power of words/books.

*I have found that in the 20+ times I have written the title of this book in various places over the past 2 weeks, I have spelled the word "thief" correctly exactly once. Well, twice, since I just spelled it right in that last sentence, but that was 'cause I was really, really concentrating.

The Incredible Journey

2010-05-09T22:11:00.000-07:00

The Incredible Journey

by Sheila Burnford (1960)

Found my yellowed, well-worn, mid-1970s copy, have to read carefully so it doesn't crumble into dust.

Ahhh... good book. Makes me want a dog. Quick read, great descriptions -- not too many nouns get by without an adjective or two. Thought the ending was a bit abbreviated/rushed. Wish the movie version I saw back in the 70s was available on Netflix.

Things Hoped For

2010-05-09T22:05:00.000-07:00

Things Hoped For

by Andrew Clements (2006)

meh. Liked a big part of the book, might have liked the other part of the book if it wasn't so rudely crammed in with the better part. This is the story of an author that tells a cool story then writes another book and thinks no one will read it unless it tells that same story over again. Actually it's an interesting story of a girl worrying/studying/practicing to get into a great music school and her aging (then missing) grandfather. It's about dreams, hard work, sacrifice, family. It shouldn't be about a creepy invisible English voyeur, but that gets shoved into the book and takes away from the power of the real story's ending. I'm told creepy spy Brit is part of the next book, but he certainly didn't fit in here.

I would still recommend this book -- music/jazz, Yeats and Wordsworth, New York, higher learning, and a thought-provoking solution that can be food for great discussion/debate.

banned books

2010-05-02T21:21:00.000-07:00

Now I have to go out and read all these... I'm such a rebel.

Top Ten Silly Reasons to Ban a HarperCollins Children's Book

1. "Encourages children to break dishes so they won't have to dry them."
(A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein)

2. Children shouldn't be "scared by materials they read in school."
(Scary Stories by Alvin Schwartz)

3. The book "portrays the U.S. government as lacking in intelligence and responsibility."
(The Fragile Flag by Jane Langton)

4. The book "teaches children to spy."
(Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh)

5. "The little boy did not have any clothes on and it pictured his private area."
(In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak)

6. "Children are not ready for illustrations and conversation about jockstraps."
(The Dallas Titans Get Ready for Bed by Karla Kuskin)

7. School board members were concerned about a "sad ending."
(Alan and Naomi by Myron Levoy)

8. Challenged as a summer reading assignment because, "it sounds like pretty explicit stuff."
(The Contender by Robert Lipsyte)

9. The book is "demented."
(The Long Secret by Louise Fitzhugh.)

10. "Promotes cannibalism."
(Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein)

from the Banned Books Resource Guide by Robert P. Doyle, sponsored by the American Booksellers Association
©1997 HarperCollins Publishers

Freak The Mighty

2010-04-29T21:55:00.000-07:00

Freak the Mighty

by Rodman Philbrick (1993)

This is another one of those books Son #2 has been recommending for several years. He started reading it to #3 in the truck when we ran errands. I really liked the "Live Audiobook" version, but we got home at a good part and I couldn't lock the boys in the car until they finished reading, so I finished it up myself.

Outcasts, one huge/quiet/parentally challenged (one dead, one in prison) and one small/loud/obsessed with quests, find each other and form a bond against bullies and criminals. It's a sad story...

oops, powers running out.

Just asking, but which came first -- this book or John Irving's Prayer for Owen Meany?

"Violence" Tag

2010-04-22T21:46:00.000-07:00

I've tagged books "violence" not because they're full of death, murder, and mayhem, but because there is some sort of violence at some level -- bullies, fist fights, on up to wartime settings. Most of the books with this tag are very mild. ...Fried Worms gets the tag because the friends fight -- really no big deal, but if I had a Quaker student with really strict parents...? I think I've put the tag on a few books like Paulsen's Hatchet series, even though the violence is very realistic and largely deals with wilderness survival.

How To Eat Fried Worms

2010-04-18T10:57:00.000-07:00

How To Eat Fried Worms

by Thomas Rockwell (1973)

My stomach is still queasily squiggling just writing about it...

The classic boy bets boy, boy goes through with disgusting, humiliating bet, boys fight, boys learn valuable life lessons.

Top 100 Children's Novels

2010-04-12T21:36:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the always interesting TeacherNinja and this amazing person that polled/counted/etc....
here are The Top 100 Children's Novels -- how many have you read?

I thought for sure I would do better, even counting books I know I read in my precocious youth but haven't checked out in 30 years or more... If it weren't for Ms. Rowling and Mrs. Wilder my total would be a lot smaller as well!

100. The Egypt Game - Snyder (1967)

99. The Indian in the Cupboard - Banks (1980)

98. Children of Green Knowe - Boston (1954)

97. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane - DiCamillo (2006)

96. The Witches - Dahl (1983)

95. Pippi Longstocking - Lindgren (1950

94. Swallows and Amazons - Ransome (1930)

93. Caddie Woodlawn - Brink (1935)

92. Ella Enchanted - Levine (1997)

91. Sideways Stories from Wayside School - Sachar (1978)

90. Sarah, Plain and Tall - MacLachlan (1985)

89. Ramona and Her Father - Cleary (1977)

88. The High King - Alexander (1968)

87. The View from Saturday - Konigsburg (1996)

86. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - Rowling (1999)

85. On the Banks of Plum Creek - Wilder (1937)

84. The Little White Horse - Goudge (1946)

83. The Thief - Turner (1997)

82. The Book of Three - Alexander (1964)

81. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon - Lin (2009)

80. The Graveyard Book - Gaiman (2008)

79. All-of-a-Kind-Family - Taylor (1951)

78. Johnny Tremain - Forbes (1943)

77. The City of Ember - DuPrau (2003)

76. Out of the Dust - Hesse (1997)

75. Love That Dog - Creech (2001)

74. The Borrowers - Norton (1953)

73. My Side of the Mountain - George (1959)

72. My Father's Dragon - Gannett (1948)

71. The Bad Beginning - Snicket (1999)

70. Betsy-Tacy - Lovelae (1940)

69. The Mysterious Benedict Society - Stewart ( 2007)

68. Walk Two Moons - Creech (1994)

67. Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher - Coville (1991)

66. Henry Huggins - Cleary (1950)

65. Ballet Shoes - Stratfeild (1936)

64. A Long Way from Chicago - Peck (1998)

63. Gone-Away Lake - Enright (1957)

62. The Secret of the Old Clock - Keene (1959)

61. Stargirl - Spinelli (2000)

60. The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle - Avi (1990)

59. Inkheart - Funke (2003)

58. The Wolves of Willoughby Chase - Aiken (1962)

57. Ramona Quimby, Age 8 - Cleary (1981)

56. Number the Stars - Lowry (1989)

55. The Great Gilly Hopkins - Paterson (1978)

54. The BFG - Dahl (1982)

53. Wind in the Willows - Grahame (1908)

52. The Invention of Hugo Cabret (2007)

51. The Saturdays - Enright (1941)

50. Island of the Blue Dolphins - O'Dell (1960)

49. Frindle - Clements (1996)

48. The Penderwicks - Birdsall (2005)

47. Bud, Not Buddy - Curtis (1999)

46. Where the Red Fern Grows - Rawls (1961)

45. The Golden Compass - Pullman (1995)

44. Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing - Blume (1972)

43. Ramona the Pest - Cleary (1968)

42. Little House on the Prairie - Wilder (1935)

41. The Witch of Blackbird Pond - Speare (1958)

40. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz - Baum (1900)

39. When You Reach Me - Stead (2009)

38. HP and the Order of the Phoenix - Rowling (2003)

37. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry - Taylor (1976)

36. Are You there, God? It's Me, Margaret - Blume (1970)

35. HP and the Goblet of Fire - Rowling (2000)

34. The Watsons Go to Birmingham - Curtis (1995)

33. James and the Giant Peach - Dahl (1961)

32. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH - O'Brian (1971)

31. Half Magic - Eager (1954)

30. Winnie-the-Pooh - Milne (1926)

29. The Dark Is Rising - Cooper (1973)

28. A Little Princess - Burnett (1905)

27. Alice/Wonderland I and II - Carroll (1865/72)

26. Hatchet - Paulsen (1989)

25. Little Women - Alcott (1868/9)

24. HP and the Deathly Hallows - Rowling (2007)

23. Little House in the Big Woods - Wilder (1932)

22. The Tale of Despereaux - DiCamillo (2003)

21. The Lightening Thief - Riordan (2005)

20. Tuck Everlasting - Babbitt (1975)

19. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Dahl (1964)

18. Matilda - Dahl (1988)
17. Maniac Magee - Spinelli (1990)

16. Harriet the Spy - Fitzhugh (1964)

15. Because of Winn-Dixie - DiCamillo (2000)

14. HP and the Prisoner of Azkaban - Rowling (1999)

13. Bridge to Terabithia - Paterson (1977)

12. The Hobbit - Tolkien (1938)

11. The Westing Game - Raskin (1978)

10. The Phantom Tollbooth - Juster (1961)

9. Anne of Green Gables - Montgomery (1908)

8. The Secret Garden - Burnett (1911)

7. The Giver -Lowry (1993)

6. Holes - Sachar (1998)

5. ... Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler - Koningsburg (1967)

4. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe - Lewis (1950)

3. Harry Potter #1 - Rowling (1997)

2. A Wrinkle in Time - L'Engle (1962)

1. Charlotte's Web - White (1952)

53 books read -- looks like I just barely passed 50% ! We need to head to the library...
How did you do?

Crash

2010-04-12T11:04:00.000-07:00

Crash

by Jerry Spinelli (1996)

Middle-school football star/bully learns what's really important in life.

Being in sports, and being a guy, all my life I can definitely recognize "Crash" Coogan and his alpha male jock friends. Now as a coach and parent I see how we reinforce the ego-driven outlook the physically talented are taught to have from an early age. It's almost natural, probably part of a deeper, hunter/warrior society-centered instinct to praise and follow the one who can knock over the most mastadons. The first students that get noticed are usually the bigger and faster kids on the playground.

This story follows a star athlete as his family and neighbor/classmate get him to think about other things in life than himself and being popular (pacifism, nature, death); I wish there would have been more to the book at the "end" of his story, his conversion to a nice guy was wrapped up all too quick.

Things Not Seen

2010-04-07T22:42:00.000-07:00

Things Not Seen

by Andrew Clements (2002)

Boy wakes up invisible. Boy does not use invisibility to play pranks or visit the girls' locker room. Boy meets girl. Boy and girl work together to solve his failure to be visible. Boy's parents almost go to jail for losing son. Boy learns to appreciate life and the ability to wear clothes.

Crushing on Miss Hickory

2010-04-05T17:34:00.000-07:00

... that is, until she had her head eaten and, while it was being eaten, she "went right on thinking... aloud!!!" *

Miss Hickory

Carolyn Sherwin Baily

Newbery Medal 1947

Interesting book, at times a cute anthropomorphic nature/animal story, then a lesson on manners, with a Christmas mystery/miracle tossed in. And through it all is sweet little Miss Hickory, a twig lady with a nut head, learning to live on her own one winter. She's sassy, bossy, a touch grumpy, but cuts a fine figure in both fall and spring colors! She meets a surprising and grisly end at the hands of a hungry squirrel, but lives on after joining her headless self to an apple tree... (yes, you read that right). She is selfish and hard on her friends in the forest, but has a happy ending reincarnated (?) as an apple branch.

I liked it as a funny book, interesting to read in regards to the seasons changing or when studying apple trees?

*I'm quite sure this ~~violates~~ goes against my Violence Boycott!

connections: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, The Bubble

R-T, Margaret, and the Rats of NIMH

2010-04-05T17:29:00.000-07:00

R-T, Margaret, and the Rats of NIHM

by Jane Leslie Conly (1990)

No wonder I couldn't find any sequels to Mrs. Frisby... on the "O" shelf: the next two books were written by Robert O'Brien's daughter. Not sure why after a Newbery winning book and successful (albeit altered) Disney movie he didn't write more himself?

While not as charming as the original, this book uses many familiar characters and situations, while focusing mainly on the human aspect: grouchy, lazy, overweight Margaret and her troubled little brother are lost in the woods, found and helped by the super-smart talking rats. With multiple references to pop culture it's a bit dated, and after the kids leave the rodents (why did the rats let them stay all summer?) and have to deal with family and reporters it's not as interesting, but still a good story for lessons on dealing with adversity, peer pressure, helping others, ethical dilemmas...

Ramona and Her Father

2010-04-05T17:02:00.000-07:00

Ramona and Her Father

by Beverly Clearly (1975)

A little more serious than the other Cleary books I picked up -- unemployment, nicotine addiction, abandonment issues, engine trouble... but still sweet, still humorous. The focus is on Ramona and daily life dealing with her father losing his job and trying to quit smoking, with the strong family bond and balance of relationships throughout.

Ribsy

2010-04-05T16:47:00.000-07:00

Ribsy

by Beverly Cleary (1964)

The adventures of Henry Huggins' dog, the charming, playful, and loyal Ribsy. Lost at a shopping mall then captured by girls that bathe him in violet shampoo, Ribsy makes his way across town searching for his boy, making friends and having small adventures along the way.

Good read aloud book, chapters stand on their own with many ups and downs to keep things interesting.

Reply to Comments

2010-03-31T23:40:00.000-07:00

nevermind, guess I can... Blogger's touchy tonight?

Nope, I can't. It worked that once and then deleted this reply several times, so I give up... here's my reply to the comments from my violence post, if Blogger doesn't muck the whole thing up...

Anyway, excellent points. I understand violence is a fact of life and needs to be a part of teaching children/students -- can't tell them not to touch the stove without teaching what burning is, right? But I think the line gets crossed, usually unnecessarily, too often and exposes and inures readers to the very thing we want them to avoid.

I haven't looked at my entire list of reviewed books, but the recent Tangerine, which I liked, had unsavory elements that probably did not need to be a part of the book. I won't avoid books like Charlotte's Web on my "violence boycott" but I would pass on Tangerine... and don't get me started on video games!

Violence Overload

2010-03-30T21:24:00.000-07:00

I am giving up violence.

Or at least attempting to severely curtail my personal exposure to anything and everything violent, which obviously must include books. On my original "Inspired..." blog* I am writing about this quest to eliminate violence in my life, and will probably have some duplicate posts here when relevant to Juvenile/YA literature.

Is it even possible to participate in and discuss childrens' books without violence (not that we get violent discussing books, but the books contain violence) -- even dear Wilbur is threatened with an axe, and death is certainly an integral part of much quality literature. How much should we limit a student's exposure to violence, at home or in the classroom, especially if Goosebumps is all he/she will read?

I use the tags violence (51 books), war (12), and action/adventure (44) on this blog, and the "violence" covers a wide range, from battles and fist fights to implied danger. I just wanted to mark the book in some way that would let me know there is something of a physical, harmful nature in the story. Hunting is considered violence, as is bullying. Even a heroic tale or a slapstick comedy may get labeled with the tag.

The world is violent. Some students' lives are violent on a daily basis. Pop culture is certainly violent, sometimes overwhelmingly so, which is why I am trying to recognize ways I can avoid as much violence as I can and find alternatives for my children and students, if at all possible.

As always, I welcome comments and suggestions.

*Violence is hard to get away from -- I was going to say "I have hijacked my other blog..."

Encyclopedia Brown

2010-03-24T21:30:00.000-07:00

Saw this awesome collection of original Encyclopedia Browns... these were big for me in 2nd grade, I remember reading along in my copy as the teacher read to the class.

Henry and Ribsy

2010-03-23T20:58:00.000-07:00

Henry and Ribsy

by Beverly Cleary (1954)

This copy I just found on our shelf has only the one date, 1954, so it may have been my mother's book waaaaaay back in the day... I think I may go on a Beverly Cleary jag and get reacquainted with Henry, Ramona and the ol' gang!

03/24: No, I could never forget The Mouse ! Just grabbed a bunch of Ramona & her crew for the afternoon's reading...

Tangerine

2010-03-20T20:30:00.000-07:00

Tangerine

by Edward Bloor (1997)

Kind of a strange book, several types of books blended together -- spooky in the beginning (I'm sure a zombie was mentioned) then a lot of sibling rivalry/jealous of the football star brother mixed with the new kid in school, then a good dose of racial/economic class confrontation, then wraps up with the evil brother terrorizing the neighborhood and dysfunctional family horrors from the past... that said, I liked it!

It's different, and covers a lot of ground, but it's exciting and moves quickly -- perfect for active boys that don't need one theme repeated and dwelt on for an entire book, gives 'em lots to think about and react to. The bad seed football star older brother was a little cartoonish, but the end result is quite dramatic. The middle section revolving around the new school and the soccer season is the best part, and could actually be read apart from the rest of the book. Good read.

why I picked it up: Again, a recommendation from Son #2, plus I'm a big sports fan and do enjoy a cold glass of orange juice.
why I didn't put it down: At first it was because I thought there would be zombies, then for the sports action, then to save the fruit trees, then to find out just how the heck he was going to wrap this whole thing up! It's a gripping, involving read on several levels and I couldn't put it down until it was finished.
who I would give it to: mystery fans, soccer players, new kids in school, underdogs.

The Bubble -- found it!

2010-03-20T19:32:00.000-07:00

The Bubble

by Brian D. McClure (2006)

Teach your kids to read, they'll want to go to the library and/or bookstore. Take them to get books, and they'll want to bring home an armful (and drop several between the door and the car -- Every. Single. Time!). Let them bring books home, and inevitably one will get lost among the shelves, stacks, and baskets of books...

Anyway, found The Bubble and re-read it a few times. It's a strange little story about the dangers of selfishness; a boy hoarding his toys has a good dream of wealth and possessions turn into a nightmare as everything he tries to keep for himself disappears (even the soil gets fed up with him and takes off) and he dies trapped in a lonely bubble. A la Ebeneezer, he wakes up and realizes the error of his ways, and we presume goes on to lead a selfless, sharing life.

Very colorful art, great facial expressions, and an important lesson taught slightly in the traditional parental threat You better share or you'll grow up sad and and lonely but with a humor that should easily connect with children. Good for kids of all ages too, not just the little ones learning how to share toys but with middle school/early teens developing connections to society, peers, and the world around them.

Previous Post: I would like to review this book, as I said I would when the publisher sent it to me, but I cannot find it. It is somewhere in the chaos called "the boys' room" where I dare not venture without excavation tools, one of those cool helmets with the light on the front, and someone holding on tightly to the other end of the strong rope tied around my waist...

I did read the book before youngest Son #3 absconded with it, and it's a brightly colored story of selfishness resulting in loneliness -- lucky it's only a dream! I'll revise this review after said Son returns from school and can be tossed into the morass that is his bedroom.

Losing Joe's Place

2010-03-08T18:01:00.000-08:00

*
Losing Joe's Place

by Gordon Korman (1990)

My son has been trumpeting this book for years, and I'm glad I finally got to it in the stack; it's fun, funny, quick, entertaining, and has positive messages without being heavy in the message department.

Jason and two friends are set for a teenage boy's dream summer, complete with bachelor pad, Camaro, and no parents. But before the all-to-typical Hollywood version of the "dream summer" can develop, Jason and buds face situations that require them to think and get creative to solve problems, as well as get along with several interesting characters. It's not pure realism, but connectible to many real world situations.

why I picked it up: Son #2 can be very insistent, and I needed a lighter read after a few bouts with cancer and racism.
why I finished it: A lot of interesting characters, plus I related to Jason, the jobless and housekeeping lead.
who I would give it to:** Boys and girls, overachievers, chefs, kids with older brothers.

*minor quibble: Joe, the big brother, is supposedly a studly and intimidating model/body builder, but dude on the cover looks mighty skinny...
**shouldn't that be "to whom would this I give" or something like that?

"Unshelved" -- Librarians and Book Reviews

2010-03-08T17:23:00.000-08:00

Great site! Not only do the comics crack me up, but I easily get 3-4 reading suggestions from each weeks' reviews, from graphic novels to YA to adult books. And I like the new review elements such as why I picked it up and why I finished it -- good idea for student book report/reviews too.

kira - kira

2010-03-03T22:02:00.000-08:00

kira - kira *

by Cynthia Kadohata

Newbery Medal 2005

Not to be glib, but isn't this my 3rd book in a row where a kid dies? I need a dose of Diary of a Wimpy Kid or read some Roald Dahl for awhile...

Good book for a portrait of a strong family dealing with poverty, racism, and most devastating the death of a child. Not easy to read, but worth it for the relationships. As a father and teacher, I really liked the differences and the bond between the sisters. I thought most of the characters were very believable and multi-faceted, not just props to move a point of the story along.

*should it be capitalized, or not? both k's or just the first?

Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy

2010-02-22T21:33:00.000-08:00

Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy

by Gary D. Schmidt (2004)

Newbery Honor Book

This book tried hard to bring tears to my eyes, but I held out. Beautiful, but not cheerful.

A 13-yr old minister's son deals with racism, grumpy old lady neighbors, the "Eephus" pitch, clams, and falling in love with Lizzie Bright... based on historical events in 1912, the story follows Turner Buckminster as he attempts to adjust to a new town while dealing with being a minister's son. His only friend is Lizzie, a poor black girl living where the town wants to build hotels. But Turner learns to stand up for himself and his beliefs, even get a little rebellious, and his Dad, the bully, and the grumpy old lady sidle on over to his side as well. After a rough (emotionally) climax, the ends are tied up a little too neatly, but after all that is the end of the book. Thank goodness this isn't one of those "part 1 of 17 in the series" books...

A tough read for some students, but rewarding and much to discuss.

The Dopple Ganger Chronicles: The First Escape*

2010-02-07T21:54:00.000-08:00

*which tells ya right off someone's gonna get caught and have to escape all over again...

DG Chronicles #1 The First Escape

by G.P. Taylor (2008)

I think I ended up liking the premise for the book -- part graphic novel, part enhanced text/page layout -- itself more than the story, although at times I liked it less and then more than my final evaluation. Got it? Me neither...

Twin girls at an orphanage, a myriad of mean adults, a spooky house, a brave cleaning boy comes to the rescue. Lots of action, interesting characters and ideas, great art, strong message of the importance of family...

I'm not sure what it is about this book that kept it from really capturing me; it might be the shifts between the comic book pages and the text pages, or between the characters and settings as the story progressed. Maybe the book is too glossy/showy and not enough depth -- the twin orphan girls are brats in the beginning, there are too many bad guys trying to do them in, and the potential hero is vague. But again I do like the comic/book combo and it appears there are more installments coming, so I'd give the "Dopple Ganger" series another try.

connections: Coraline, Series of Unfortunate Events

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH

2010-02-06T14:47:00.000-08:00

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH

by Robert C. O'Brien

Newbery Medal Winner (1972)

Genetically altered vermin developing their own agricultural society-- Run! Run for the hills! Actually no, stay away from the hills, since that's where the genius immortal super-sized rats are!

Mrs. Frisby is a widowed country mouse with a sick mouse-child who discovers the neighborhood rats are not all they seem; after chemical/brain testing by scientists the rats (and a few mice) escape the lab and learn how to use electricity. Some rats come to somewhat gruesome ends, but most of the story is positive and entertaining.

Did they ever tell us what "NIMH" stood for? And is there a sequel?

The Girl Who Could Fly

2010-01-11T22:12:00.000-08:00

The Girl Who Could Fly

by Victoria Forester (2008)

Certainly not what I expected -- from the homespun country beginning to animal torture and mutant revolt! I thought it was a story of a girl that didn't fit in reminding us to accept our differences and special talents, yada yada yada...

Soon after revealing her talent for unaided air travel to the simple townsfolk, Piper is captured by a secret laboratory designed to eradicate all un-normalness from the face of the Earth, even if that means drugging and torturing flowers, crickets, and children. Lots of tension and twists, drama and unhappy endings for several characters, good and bad, and a slightly weak ending, but definitely entertaining.

The Crossroads

2010-01-10T20:38:00.000-08:00

The Crossroads

by Chris Grabenstein* (2008)

Sons 2 & 3 are into spooky books and scary stories; of course #3 usually invades our bed at night because 1 & 2 try to freak him out, which is why I try to hide the scary books he checks out as soon as we're home from the library... anyway, I picked this one up for #2 but he'd already read it, so I gave it a try. About 1:15 am I was wishing I hadn't started it after the sun went down...

Traditional ghost story, the dead at unrest, the past attempting to control the future, bad people deserve their painful fate... almost too many characters here, especially in the beginning, we don't know who's minor or major, dead or alive, past or present... but they're all connected and it all sorts out. The dead mother was a bit much, didn't add to the story and/or could have been a story all it's own. Some minor characters are very well done and I'd read more of (Davey the farm-boy ghost and the Librarian).
Overall, good read.

*really? Grabenstein? Chris Grab-en-stein writes spooky books? that's perfect...

2010-01-09T21:42:00.000-08:00

I have really slacked off on this list/blog... although to be fair I haven't read as many children's books lately (I Am Legend and World War Z wouldn't be appropriate for the classroom), and my main source of reading suggestions is in 7th grade and our tastes have diverged. I did read Twilight at the insistence of The Wife and most of the 5th grade girls in my classes, but need to get back into some Newberys or something...

any suggestions?

Rapunzel's Revenge

2010-01-09T21:19:00.000-08:00

Rapunzel's Revenge

graphic novel

fairy tale meets wild west meets grrrl power...

By The Great Horn Spoon!

2010-01-09T21:09:00.000-08:00

By The Great Horn Spoon!

by Sid Fleischman (1963)

A rip-roarin' adventure with a happy ending!

and as far as exactly who or what is a horn spoon, great or otherwise, I'm not sure this explanation helps...

Deathnote

2009-10-09T11:03:00.000-07:00

Deathnote (12 volume manga series)

Tsugumi Ohba/Takeshi Obata (2003)

I'm not a big violence fan, even in my comics; this does have a lot of frequent and indiscriminate murder, although mostly "off screen" and not graphic at all. For older students it does raise questions regarding capital punishment, the battle of right vs. wrong, corrupt power, etc. It's well done with twists and puzzles, interesting characters, and bits of humor. The later issues tend towards inner monologues and less action.

After Tupac & D Foster

2009-10-09T10:44:00.000-07:00

After Tupac & D Foster

by Jacqueline Woodson (2008)

Newbery Honor Book

Three 11-13 yr old girls deal with families, foster parents, growing up, a gay brother in prison, and the music/death of Tupac. Very well done, the girls deal with personal freedom and maturing while staying respectful of adults and their own self-worth and potential. Positive role models, coming of age.

Because of Winn-Dixie

2009-10-09T10:28:00.000-07:00

Because of Winn-Dixie

by Kate DiCammilo (2001)

Newbery Honor Book

A dog that smiles and is afraid of thunderstorms. A mother that runs off and a father that preaches. Quirky townsfolk that help a girl cope. Great book.

I think this book would be useful in helping students start writing, using pets/animals that communicate with children.

Graphic Novels

2009-09-13T13:42:00.000-07:00

I enjoy reading graphic novels and comics/comic strips; I think students should be taught to read them critically, just as they would a boring ol' book with no pictures -- why this layout, these colors? what does the facial expression or font style tell you about the characters? Reluctant writers can create comic panels as a way of learning and practicing the elements of fiction and non-fiction writing. Can you tell me a story using these images and/or can you tell me the story without the images?

The Wind in the Willows

2009-09-13T13:22:00.000-07:00

The Wind in the Willows

Kenneth Grahame (1908)

I think this is the oldest book on my list so far... probably better as a read aloud than independent reading for most students. Poetic, old fashioned, most people know Mr Toad but I really enjoyed Rat and Mole (and would love to spend an evening toasty by the fire with Badger.

(confession: didn't actually finish this one yet, but the Library wants it back)

Bud, Not Buddy

2009-09-13T13:05:00.000-07:00

Bud, Not Buddy

Christopher Paul Curtis

Newbery Medal 2000

This was supposed to start my summer reading, but for some reason something else kept getting shifted to the top of the stack. My loss. Now that I finally got to it, the week before school started, I wish I would have read it earlier so I could flip back to page 1 and read it again.

I like books I can connect to music; reading this in class would be accompanied by jazz and 1930's tunes.

Los Perros Magicos de los Volcanes

2009-09-03T10:21:00.000-07:00

Magic Dogs of the Volcanoes

por Manlio Argueta

A folk tale about the magic dogs, cadejos, of El Salvador. I love books written in both Spanish and English, I want to have a ton of not only for my ELLs but for all students -- how can you live in SoCal and not know how to say "quesadilla"?!?!?

Small Worlds: Maps and Mapmaking

2009-09-03T10:10:00.000-07:00

Small Worlds: Maps and Mapmaking

Karen Romano Young (2002)

I love maps, exploration, cartography, etc. I think students should make and read more maps, and this book shows many varieties beyond the traditional road map no one could ever refold.

Junie B. Jones

2009-09-03T10:03:00.000-07:00

Junie B., First Grader Cheater Pants

Barbara Park

My first Junie B Jones book -- I tried to get one during 3rd grade "DEAR" time, but they were always snatched up too quickly. This one would be good to read aloud in the beginning of the school year, even for older students. Honesty, cheating, consequences for actions.