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!

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!

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!

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. 

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!