How to Catch A Bogle by Catherine Jinks with illustrations by Sarah Watt...

Young Birdie has an interesting job. She is an apprentice for Alfred the Bogler, a man who catches monsters for a living. Birdie is actually his "bait" for this mysterious monsters who would love nothing more than a tasty child for dinner. Set in London, this is the first book of a new trilogy by Catherine Jinks. So far, I'm really enjoying this book although fantasy usually isn't my first genre pick! Check out the book trailer - it's a little scary at first but you'll get the idea after about 1 minute. Enjoy!

The Running Dream

I've just started reading The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen. It's a story about a teenage girl, Jessica, who is involved in a terrible bus accident. She is severely injured, and ends up loosing a leg. Jessica is an avid runner, and her life is turned upside down by this accident. However, she is lucky to be alive.

As she tries to regain normalcy in her life, she befriends a girl named Rosa, who has cerebral palsy. This is a story about strength, determination, and friendship. Jessica takes an incredible journey and really finds out who she is.

This book is a great pick for both boys and girls who enjoy realistic fiction. The author's message is clear, and it will benefit readers of all ages!

Novels in Poetic Verse

During poetry units, it's a wonderful idea to read a few novels in verse. Check out Scholastic's List of Novels in Verse for some ideas. I've added a few of my favorite titles to this blog.

These novels are emotionally driven and can be "that book" that leads students into a love for reading. They tend to be shorter reads because of the format.

For teachers, these books can be a wonderful supplement for history units. They provide student with exposure to poetry without overkill. Reading these types of books can be a great way to practice fluency. Students can also create short, meaningful readers theater skits based on the story, or a just a chapter from the book.

If you are looking for a great addition to a classroom or home library, novels in poetic verse are definitely something to consider!

A Beautiful Novel for All Readers!

Eleven Seconds: A Story of Tragedy, Courage, and Triumph is my new favorite nonfiction book. Travis Roy tells the story of his heartbreaking accident that left him paralyzed after playing in his first BU hockey game. The writing is honest, real, and extremely heartfelt. It teaches young readers a powerful message about life and what it means to really live. This would be a great book to read with a student. Travis's story touches the heart of all readers. I highly recommend this book! As we get closer to the holiday season, we could all use a reminder about the importance of family, love, and living life to the fullest.

Full Tilt - A Wild Ride!

Full Tilt by Neil Shusterman is a wild ride! It's haunting, dark, and suspenseful. Blake's troubled younger brother Quinn, has disappeared. Not physically - he's actually laying in a hospital bed. Emotionally and mentally, Quinn has vanished. It's like his soul has disappeared. It's up to his older brother, Blake, to save him. Blake is invited to a secret, ghostly carnival where he has to ride 7 terrifying rides before the sun rises in order to save Quinn. Sounds easy, right? Well, these rides incorporate some of Blake's worst fears and they make him question every aspect of his life. Can he achieve this task, save his brother? Read this book to find out! It's a great read for anyone interested in an adventure novel that has moments of terror and intensity!

I just started reading Small as an Elephant and so far I'm really enjoying it! It's a story about an 11 year old boy  named Jack who has just started an amazing camping trip with his mother in Maine. Yes, Maine! Acadia National Park, to be exact. Jack wakes up on the first morning of this trip and finds that his mother is gone. The car, her tent, and all of her things have vanished. He has no idea where she went, and she is not answering his phone. So, Jack decides to go looking for her. You quickly learn that this is not the first time his mother has disappeared like this. Jack knows he must find her before someone else does, because they could be separated forever if he doesn't. 

Finding his mother in Maine is very difficult. He goes on an adventure to locate her in some of the most beautiful areas in our home state. You will probably recognize the names and locations that are described in this wonderful book. Just another reason to read it! 

This book is about family, strength, and forgiveness. I recommend it to all readers who want something emotionally rich and very meaningful! I have a copy in my classroom library! 

Interested in a Great Adventure?

Peak, a 14 year old boy, has just gotten caught scaling a skyscraper in New York City! After being arrested, the judge decides on his punishment. He must join his biological father, who is a professional mountain climber, in Tibet. His father reveals that Peak will climb Everest in order to be the youngest person to reach the summit. He wants his mountain climbing company, Peak Experience, to make more money so he can retire. In this book, you'll follow Peak through ups and downs that will change his life forever. The story, characters, and plot is pretty complex, so I think this is a great novel for students 8th grade and above.

A Great Book for Boys!

I was introduced to The Absolutely True Story of a Part Time Indian by two 7th grade students at HMS. From the first page, I loved this book. Arnold (aka Junior) is a Native American who decides to leave his poverty stricken reservation and transfer to the local public school where the majority of the students are white. At the "rez," he is branded a traitor and falls victim to cruelty, abuse, and losing his best friend, Rowdy. Arnold's parents do their best, but fall short as parents. Often, Arnold has to walk 22 miles home from his bus stop. At his new school, he experiences his first real love, trying out for the basketball team, and making new friends. Meanwhile, he is trying to keep the fact that he's poor a secret from the new people in his life. Sherman Alexie writes with honesty, humor, and wit that will hook all YA readers, especially boys. He even includes several drawings and cartoons that provide great additions to the story. There is some language and content that is mature, so please be aware before reading. I highly recommend this book to students in 7th grade and up.

My latest YA novel

I'm hooked on Compound! I just finished the second chapter and I can't wait to find out what happens next! Both boys and girls would love this action packed novel about a boy living in an underground mansion with his family after a nuclear attack. Can you imagine living with your family, underground, for 15 years?? Read this book to find out what it would be like!

Other Books I Read This Summer...

The following books are available in my library. A couple of them I really enjoyed, while others were not my favorite. If you are interested in borrowing any of the novels, feel free to come check them out!

- Liar and Spy by Rebecca Stead - I loved When you Reach me, so I was excited to read another book by Rebecca Stead. I enjoyed this one as well! I love New York City as the setting for a good story. This book is about a rare friendship, family dynamics, and kids solving a mystery. It's funny, sweet, and sometimes sad. I recommend this to all ages. If you like realistic fiction, humor, or mystery -- this is a good pick for you!

- Witch Child by Celia Rees: This is a historical fiction novel written for teens that takes place in 1659. Mary Newbury is the granddaughter of local witch. The story takes place during a time of fear and lies, and Mary experiences both. When her grandmother dies, Mary moves to America, hoping for change, but things only get worse! I enjoyed the history, but this book was a little dark for me.

- Peeled by Joan Bauer: Hildy is a high school reporter who isn't afraid to seek out the truth. This is a great book for students who enjoy writing, humor, and character development. It also deals with ghosts, and a small town mystery! I enjoyed the strong female lead character, and I found it to be a quick read. Come check it out!

- The Revelers by Doug Wilhelm - The daily bullying at Parkland Middle School doesn't seem to be going anywhere. However, this story is about 3 friends who have had enough. Russell and his new friends experience heartbreaking cruelty, and they come together to find a way to make it stop. Using the internet and brutal honesty, the kids make changes happen, but they also become targets. I really enjoyed this book and I have multiple copies!

- Tighter by Adele Griffin - This was not one of my favorite books this summer! This story is pretty dark, suspenseful, and a little scary. It's for older readers who can handle reading about a character who battles with serious issues like drug use. Jamie is working for the summer as a nanny and  uncovers the truth about the death of a girl (and her boyfriend) who lived in the house before her. The dead girl also looks a lot like Jaime, and she starts seeing her ghost regularly. Again... not my favorite!

Summer Books

It's hard to believe that the end of summer is fast approaching! To add to my summer book list, John Green's The Fault in our Stars is a must-read for older students! This is a wonderful story about life, death, friendship, and falling in love. It's laugh aloud funny and heartbreaking at the same time. I enjoyed every minute of this story, but I would only recommend it to students in 8th grade or above. 

My Summer Reading

Happy summer -- Let the reading begin! 

This year, one of my favorite novels was Wonder by RJ Palacio. This is the story of Auggie, who was born with facial abnormalities. He is getting ready to enter 5th grade at a new public school. Auggie was home-schooled until grade 5 and quickly realizes how challenging public school can be since he looks so different than the other students. Throughout the year, he experiences many ups and downs with family and friends. The story is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. If this book sounds interesting to you, I have a copy in my classroom library! 

This summer, npr's "5 Great Summer Reads for Teens" article might be helpful for choosing new books. Aliens aren't really my thing -- but The 5th Wave sounds really good and very suspenseful! Click the link for titles.

npr's 5 Grade Summer Reads for Teens

Another book I've started and can't put down is Son by Lois Lowry. If you've read The Giver, you should give it a try. Claire is chosen as a Birthmother and fights the Community - just like Jonas! Her character is strong, brave, and reminded me a lot of KATNISS (you go girls!!). Even though it sounds geared to girls, it's a great read for guys too. 

YALSA Top 10 of 2012

The nominees to the 2013 Teens' Top Ten have been announced! Check them out!

Welcome to my HMS Literacy Blog! This is a helpful tool for teachers, students, and parents to access tips and tricks for reading. I'll be updating new books, reading strategies, and advice for adults who work with readers of all ages. Reading is an adventure - pick up a good book!