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!
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Thursday, August 22, 2013
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.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
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