The Kill Order

I've been anxiously anticipating reading the prequel to James Dashner's The Maze Runner series for quite some time.  I'm sad to say I'm disappointed.  I didn't learn quite as much about Teresa and Thomas as I had hoped.  Perhaps it had been too long since I read the trilogy, but I feel Dashner had an opportunity to explain more about how Thomas became such an integral part of the development of the maze and how/why he agreed to enter the maze.  I'm sure my tween readers will enjoy the zombie-like characters Dashner later refers to as Cranks and the action-packed scenes that dominate the book.  I personally tired of all of the violence, but accepted every bloody fist-fight and life-endangering decision Mark, the main character, made...as they were pertinent to this story.  Sometimes my students like for me to rate the book for them and I'll have to give this 3 of 5 stars.  Sorry Dashner, but I was expecting more.  And if I could be extremely critical for a second, I'll say that what irritates me the most about this book is the prologue tease... We open with Teresa and Thomas.  The prologue leads me to believe this book will lead up to the moment Thomas agrees to have his memory wiped clean and enter the maze.  The epilogue doesn't satisfy this need at all!  I'll not spoil it for you, but I just want to scream, "Oh, c'mon, Dashner!  Why couldn't you have filled in the blanks a little better for us?!"  Sorry.  I get emotional when it comes to reading.  I put a lot of time and effort into reading a book.  Do you know how difficult it is to work full-time, be a devoted wife and mother and find time to read for pleasure!??????  Sorry, again.  Tangent.  Soap box.  Lecture.  (Enough). 

Now on to something for adult readers...I'll let you know in my next post if it's appropriate for younger readers.  My husband purchased Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand as a Christmas present for me based upon a smashing review by "the only other READER I know".  ;)

Happy Reading!
Oh!  And Happy New Year!  It's almost officially 2013!
RC 

The Five Love Languages #45

The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman is a must-read for every married couple.  I usually don't "enjoy" reading self-help books, but as it was recommended to me and my husband, I decided to give it a try.  So glad I did.  Not only have I learned how best to communicate with my husband and how best he can communicate with me, I've learned a valuable lesson about communication with others.  

In essence, I ask you this...Have you ever felt unappreciated?  If so, read this book!  There's a good chance that others in your life feel unappreciated by you as well.  Fix that and you fix a multitude of problems, address a multitude of issues and prevent a multitude of bad decisions.

Grateful to have read this book.  Reluctant at first.  Blessed in return.

Happy Reading!
(And for those parents of teens, you'll be happy to know there's a version for learning how to communicate with them too!)
RC

The Glass Castle (book #44)

As author, Jeannette Walls so adequately states, "a memoir is about handing your life to someone and saying, this is what I went through and maybe you can learn something through it".

As a teacher, I've had my own experiences teaching the memoir genre and I have never felt that I was able to accurately describe what makes a memoir powerful.  Now, I have the perfect example.  Jeannette Walls writes in The Glass Castle of her childhood.  What makes it a life-changing experience to read is that her childhood was anything but typical; considering her Park Avenue address and occupation as a journalist help us to assume otherwise.

Walls and her three siblings were raised by nonconformist parents, one of which was an alcoholic and the other a free spirit.  I have worked with students that I suspected had rough home lives, but to hear a child's voice describe what life is really like in certain households, made my skin crawl and my temper flare!  I had so many emotional responses to this story that my book is literally full of scribbled comments and questions.  There were times that I found myself hating the mother and secretly wishing this story was fiction.  I tried to disconnect myself from the story several times, but I kept remembering the dirty, skinny, attention-seeking students I've had through the years and wanting to know how each one of them turned out.  Did they survive their childhood as Walls did?  Did they move to New York City with their siblings and use their amazing academic abilities to land themselves journalism jobs?

The question I keep asking myself is..."How do children survive the abuse, neglect and constant hunger?"  These children were subjected to the worst of extreme poverty.  They moved constantly, were usually "homeschooled" and kept out of the "system".  They were left to fend for themselves.  Their mother was often too tired or busy painting to provide food, clothing or shelter for them.

I could write forever about my experience reading this book, because that's what it truly turned out to be...an experience. So I'll just close with an excerpt...

Around that time, probably because of all the garbage, a big, nasty-looking river rat took up residence at 93 Little Hobart Street. I first saw him in the sugar bowl. This rat was too big to fit into an ordinary sugar bowl, but since Mom had a powerful sweet tooth, putting at least eight teaspoons in a cup of tea, we kept our sugar in a punch bowl on the kitchen table.

This rat was not just eating the sugar. He was bathing in it, wallowing in it, positively luxuriating in it, his flickering tail hanging over the side of the bowl, flinging sugar across the table. When I saw him, I froze, then backed out of the kitchen. I told Brian, and we opened the kitchen door cautiously. The rat had climbed out of the sugar bowl and leaped up onto the stove. We could see his teeth marks on the pile of potatoes, our dinner, on a plate on the stove. Brian threw the cast-iron skillet at the rat. It hit him and clanged on the floor, but instead of fleeing, the rat hissed at us, as if we were the intruders. We ran out of the kitchen, slammed the door, and stuffed rags in the gap beneath it.

That night Maureen, who was five, was too terrified to sleep. She kept on saying that the rat was coming to get her. She could hear it creeping nearer and nearer. I told her to stop being such a wuss.

"I really do hear the rat," she said. "I think he's close to me."

I told her she was letting fear get the best of her, and since this was one of those times that we had electricity, I turned on the light to prove it. There, crouched on Maureen's lavender blanket, a few inches away from her face, was the rat. She screamed and pushed off her covers, and the rat jumped to the floor. I got a broom and tried to hit the rat with the handle, but it dodged me. Brian grabbed a baseball bat, and we maneuvered it, hissing and snapping, into a corner.

Our dog, Tinkle, the part-Jack Russell terrier who had followed Brian home one day, caught the rat in his jaws and banged it on the floor until it was dead. When Mom ran into the room, Tinkle was strutting around, all pumped up like the proud beast-slayer that he was. Mom said she felt a little sorry for the rat. "Rats need to eat, too," she pointed out. Even though it was dead, it deserved a name, she went on, so she christened it Rufus. Brian, who had read that primitive warriors placed the body parts of their victims on stakes to scare off their enemies, hung Rufus by the tail from a poplar tree in front of our house the next morning. That afternoon we heard the sound of gunshots. Mr. Freeman, who lived next door, had seen the rat hanging upside down. Rufus was so big, Mr. Freeman thought he was a possum, went and got his hunting rifle, and blew him clean away. There was nothing left of Rufus but a mangled piece of tail.

Instead of my usual signature (Happy Reading!), I'll just encourage you to find a book you can truly connect with, a book that you can experience.

RC 

#43 The Bar Code Prophecy

I was so excited to learn that Suzanne Weyn had written the final book in the Bar Code Trilogy that I immediately snagged it from the box as soon as it arrived!  I pushed all other books in my reading stack to the side.  If you know me, you know this is no small feat...  And it was well worth it, or at least I thought it was up until the last chapter!  I am so disappointed.  Weyn had a real opportunity to create another heroine.  And she failed.  In my humble opinion, I believe Weyn could have brought Grace to Kayla's status as rebel warrior; she was developed to have a past that led to an unknown future.  However dissatisfied I am with the ending, I am thrilled that she brought Kayla and her crew back for book #3.  I'm satisfied with her story as it spans three novels, and I'm sure my students will appreciate keeping up with Mfumbe and Eutonah.  I wish Grace weren't such a product of her circumstances.  Perhaps it's just my personal philosophy of females in young adult literature these days, but I want authors to create female protagonists that rise above their circumstances and change the future! No more victims!  I won't create a spoiler alert, but as Weyn wrote this ending, there's literally nothing Grace can do but literally hang on!  And to me...that's taking the easy way out.  Sorry, Suzanne Weyn...I'm still your biggest fan here at MNMS!  And I'll continue to push your books!  But...I was looking for a little more character development. 

Happy Reading!
RC

The Giver Series #s 39, 40, 41 and 42

 Our next book event at MNMS, will take place in late January 2013, and will feature Lois Lowry's The Giver Series.  I was inspired by a fellow coworker/reading teacher/reading pal to read the entire series and to share my reading experience with the students.  In addition, it's a timely series to read, as the dystopian fiction trend has captivated our middle school readers.  I have never read past book one, The Giver...and I read it in college as a requirement.  (I never responded well to required reading.) So, I am reading with a new purpose and love the book as if it's brand new.  Excited to begin book 2 this evening.  I will read straight through the series, as I hate to interrupt the story by reading others...muddies the literary waters of my brain. 

Here's the blurb from The Giver... 

"Jonas's world is perfect. Everything is under control. There is no war or fear or pain. There are no choices. Every person is assigned a role in the Community.
When Jonas turns twelve he is singled out to receive special training from The Giver. The Giver alone holds the memories of the true pain and pleasure of life. Now it's time for Jonas to receive the truth. There is no turning back."

All students, faculty and staff are invited to read along with me and to join me in late January before school for a book/breakfast meeting.  

Happy Reading!
RC

Nevermore #38

Finally!  I had time to read the last installment in the Maximum Ride series by James Patterson.  Nevermore was indeed, the finale.  I'm so relieved it's over!  Usually, I'm a fan of young adult series, but this story was over about three books ago!  Anti-climactic is the word I use to describe the ending.  And that's all I'm going to say...my students would absolutely hate me if I blogged any spoilers.  So, I'll just say that I'm ready for the next young adult series by Patterson.  I'm not thrilled with the other two in publication now, Witch and Wizard or Daniel X, so perhaps the Tandy character developed for his next murder mystery series will have more depth.  

Sorry I can't rave about this book!  I'm just glad to be finished.
Happier Reading!
RC

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn #37

I didn't have a choice.  I had to read this book once and have to reread it now.  No, I'm not taking a class.  No, I'm not attempting to reread everything I've ever read.  No, I'm not crazy.  But I can take a hint.  Here's what's been happening...

As a voting member of the Kentucky Bluegrass
Panel  for middle school, I was reintroduced to this classic I read in high school back during the Spring.  In one of the nominees, the main character adores this book and reads it every year.  Numerous times.  I had forgotten just how good the story is...(I have to admit that I skipped over a bunch of details when required to read it...but not this time!) 

In June, when it was time to place my annual "Out of Print" tee shirt order, this was the featured title.  Coincidence?  Perhaps.  Needless to say, I ordered it.

When it was time to return to work in July, I had an urge to clean out the book storage closet and what did I find?  You guessed it...30 copies of this book.  Untouched.  Spines unbroken.  What a waste, said I!!  I should read this with girls this year!  

Look at this gorgeous book jacket that the shirt was created from!  So much lovelier than the copies our library has.  Ugho! 

I was beginning to suspect that the universe wanted me to read this book again...so I picked it up and decided to reread it.  You know, just in case anyone commented on my shirt.  I needed to be able to give them an honest, up-to-date opinion on Betty Smith's classic novel. And then the final straw...I was Googling for one of my blog posts and BAM!...out of nowhere came the exact book cover I had a classroom set of. (It's not an appealing cover.  I knew I'd have trouble "selling" it to girls.) What in the world is this book doing in my Google feed?  I wasn't looking for it!  Okay, Okay, Okay, I said aloud to no one in particular.  I'll have a book event.  Just for girls.  

So I took a cue from one of our reading teachers and decided to hold a "Book Breakfast" for girls who would accept the challenge to read this classic with me.  I "sold" it to about 25 6-7-8 graders and have only lost 3-4 due to the length alone.  430 pages is daunting for some readers.  But those who stick with it will be delighted by Francie Nolan and her adventures in Brooklyn .  I've already shared a few scenes with my 8th grade classes and they've hee-hawed and chuckled and their eyes have misted up as I've explained Francie's days growing up as a poor child in a poor neighborhood.  Her courage is admirable.  Her strength is amazing.  Her story is one that any teenage girl can relate to.  It's amazing that Smith could capture adolescence in one girl whose story spans a century.  I believe that the girls who stick with Francie and finish her story will not only learn more about life in Brooklyn, New York during the 1920s, but will learn more about themselves as teenage girls.  Their questions, concerns, experiences are not unique.  They need to know they're not alone.

If you haven't read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, you should find yourself a copy soon.  I'm betting the public library has a copy you can borrow.  I have several on our middle school library shelf.  But I suggest you purchase your own copy.  To keep.

And don't let the first 175 pages stop you.  The details are there for a reason.   Give Francie a chance to tell her story.

It's one you won't soon forget.
Happy Reading!
RC   

Redeeming Love #36

Redeeming Love, by Francine Rivers.  One of the most profound love stories I've read.  What touched me most was the author's note printed towards the end of this edition.  I struggle with the same issues that Rivers mentions and I felt honored that she would share her private struggles with me, her reader.  The sincerity and intimacy convinced me that this was a story I needed to read.  Although I hadn't read Gomer and Hosea's story from the Bible, I was familiar with the Biblical names and had a friend or two who had strongly suggested I read this book.  I ordered it from Amazon and when it was delivered, I was shocked by the sheer mass of the book itself.  The book is heavy!  Literally! 

I am ashamed that I wasn't able to blog about the book immediately after reading it...which is my usual habit now.  Francine Rivers provides the best summary of her story.  I'll provide an opinion...

So, taken from the awesome Rivers herself, here's a blurb...
California’s gold country, 1850. A time when men sold their souls for a bag of gold and women sold their bodies for a place to sleep.  Angel expects nothing from men but betrayal. Sold into prostitution as a child, she survives by keeping her hatred alive. And what she hates most are the men who use her, leaving her empty and dead inside. Then she meets Michael Hosea. A man who seeks his Father’s heart in everything, Michael Hosea obeys God’s call to marry Angel and to love her unconditionally. Slowly, day by day, he defies Angel’s every bitter expectation until, despite her resistance her frozen heart begins to thaw. But with her unexpected softening come overwhelming feelings of unworthiness and fear. And so Angel runs. Back to the darkness, away from her husband’s pursuing love, terrified of the truth she can no longer deny: Her final healing must come from the One who loves her even more than Michael Hosea does…the One who will never let her go.  A life-changing story of God’s unconditional, redemptive, all-consuming love. 

And it truly is a story of redemption.  Angel's redemption.  I couldn't understand why she wouldn't accept Michael's love.  His acceptance.  His forgiveness.  I mean, c'mon ladies...she was a prostitute and a mighty fine one!  She was the town favorite!  And he waltzes in and saves her!  A knight in shining armor!  Just what we girls all dreamed of, right?  Not for Angel.  Her past had ruined her future.  Or so she believed.  I love the moment she begins to enjoy being Michael's wife.  Everything just becomes easier for her then.  And she is able to love others once she loves herself.  But only after accepting God's love for her.  That had to come first.

Would definitely recommend this book to any woman.  Especially one who feels that her past has somehow tainted her future.  Or to a woman who feels as is she's somehow unworthy of happiness.  There are many women out there...bless their hearts.  

Happy Reading!
RC 

Blood Red Road Dustlands (#35)

Thoroughly enjoyed the first book in Moira Young's Dust Lands series, entitled Blood Red Road.  The publishers have pushed it as "better than The Hunger Games..." but I disagree.  I don't think it's even comparable.  Set in a dystopian West, the setting is reminiscent of movies like Mad Max and Waterworld.  The main character, Saba, is similar to Katniss, in that she is responsible for surviving so that her family may be saved.  I was pleasantly surprised by the continuous plot twists, but found myself stumbling over the lack of punctuation.  The author doesn't use any quotation marks to separate dialogue.  I thought I would catch on and it wouldn't be an issue, but I have found that I love quotation marks.  I really do.  LOL


Promise me you won’t, I says.
Won’t what?
Die.
Everybody’s gotta die one day, he says.

Saba's dialect also stuck in my head and was tough to "turn off" once I stopped reading. 

How many times can the world come to an end? For Saba, the fatalistic 18-year-old heroine of “Blood Red Road,” quite a few. She lives long after Earth’s last major civilization, the Wreckers, went extinct. Her mother died nine years earlier, giving birth to Saba’s sister, Emmi. The lake beside her family’s shack is drying up, replaced by a wasteland of dust storms and heat.  Her father is shot dead by a band of four horseman who kidnap her brother, Lugh.  Emmi, her 9-year-old sister, and Saba set off into an unknown world to rescue Lugh.  They meet up with the roughest scoundrels and find themselves allied with some of the wildest girls they've ever met.  Young does an excellent job writing this novel.  You have empathy with the characters.

There will be a sequel released soon.  If I'm remembering correctly, this is a planned trilogy.

I highly recommend it for middle and high school readers.  However...there are some language issues that I will warn every reader before they pick it up.  These characters live in a rough world.  Their language reveals that all the way through...

Happy Reading!
RC

Gung Ho! (#34)

Definitely not a beach read or a typical summer book for me, but I have had this book in my very tall stack of books loaned to me by fellow readers and friends...so it was time to bite the bullet and put aside the Jane Austen and Philippa Gregory I've been wanting to read.

This is a great read for anyone who works with the public.  If you have even 1 fellow employee, then this book will help you to make sure you value yourself, your work and the ultimate goal of your workplace.  

Using values and work ethic, the authors do a fantastic job of sharing one company manager's desire to do better.  And it helped that she'd been given an ultimatum...turn the company around or you're fired.  So with a bit of pressure, she took the advice of the only manager in the company whose department was meeting and exceeding their goals.  

Andy Longclaw shares with Peggy, the manager, the 3 essential requirements for making any company work.  The Spirit of the Squirrel, the Way of the Beaver and the Gift of the Goose.  Yes, he's Native American.  What I personally liked about the concept is that every employee understands how valuable their work is.  They understand what is needed in order to fulfill the company's goals and they are expected to succeed.

There are some tips/techniques I'll be using to push some professional development I have planned for teachers this year.  I want them to know that their work matters.

Happy Summer Reading!
Thanks to Lanie for loaning me the book!  Great read for me as I return to work!
RC

The Book of Job (#33)

The Book of Job...Good News Translation version.  This was the second time I'd read the book all the way through and I garnered new lessons and picked up a few more reminders about gratitude.  You see, this book of the Bible is Job's story.  His life. I believe the story begins when he is about 100 years old.  He had an established family and was a righteous man.  God was proud of him.  Satan was allowed to take everything away from him, including physical comfort.  He endured it all without cursing God.  He questioned God many times and even became angry because he didn't understand his suffering.  His friends tried to console him, but it just made him angry.  One of his students finally reminded him that God is in control.  Always.  And then my favorite part...God asks Job some questions that Job dares not answer.  If you haven't read this book of the Holy Bible, then you should.  I used a simply storytelling version to make it simpler for myself.  It's a bit confusing to read in the King James Version or the New International Version.  I wanted to get to know Job as a man.  A suffering man.  And I wanted to hear his words as clearly as possible.  God is very straightforward when He speaks to Job and that's what I needed as well.  To be reminded of God's glorious power.  It's all in His hands.  Everything.  It always has been and always will be.  


Happy Summer Reading!
RC

Holding onto Hope (#32)

A dear coworker of mine loaned me this book along with some valuable advice.  Because that conversation was Heaven-sent and precious to me, I'll not reveal the details just yet.  Perhaps some day...but for now, I'll blog about the book and how it touched me.  

Holding onto Hope is Nancy Guthrie's experience after the loss of her second child, who was born with a genetic disorder that caused her to die at the wee age of 6 months.  Tragically, Guthrie became pregnant again and the cycle was repeated.  Hope, her second child, allowed Guthrie to experience suffering and healing, much as Job did.  As a matter of fact, she retells Job's story and parallels it with her own.  Gabriel, her third child, she feels carried a message of God's love and grace.  The description of how she and her husband dealt with the great loss of not one, but two infants is unimaginable and impossible for me to relate in words.  So I'll just say this...I can connect with Guthrie's life experience of having a tragedy-free life.  I always wondered, like her, when tragedy would strike my life because it happens to everyone.  When will it be my turn?  It's never what or when you expect and it's so hard to not become bitter or angry with God.  Reading this book has reminded me that it's okay to question God but to do so with the knowledge that He doesn't have to answer...and I probably wouldn't be able to grasp the explanation anyway.  Everything happens for a reason and it all works according to God's plan.  We should thank him for the good and the bad times.

Attempting to do just that...
Happy Summer Reading...
RC

Heaven is for Real (#31)

Heaven is for Real, by Todd Burpo and Lynn Vincent is a precious read that will really get you thinking about Heaven.  To provide a quick synopsis for my students, I'll just say that it's the true story of a little boy's visit with Jesus in Heaven.  He underwent surgery for a ruptured appendix and experienced Heaven for himself.  He reveals the details slowly over a 7 year time period and his parents believe he has even more to share.  I believe every word this little boy shares about Heaven, Jesus, angels, stillborn babies, the future...because the father (and author) do such a good job of providing evidence that little Colton could not have been told these details, shown them, and to be so little to remember and proclaim these details as fact is a miracle in itself.  

I've had this book for quite a while and just now got around to reading it.  I would suggest you read it now if you are curious as to what may be in your future...especially once you die.  

Will be donating this to our school library.

Happy Summer Reading!  You have about 2 weeks!!!

RC

Love Amid the Ashes

Just finished Mesu Andrews' Love Amid the Ashes and now I have so many questions about the Biblical characters of Dinah and Job! I need to read the book of Job and perhaps a commentary on it because I'm not knowledgeable enough to know where the fiction begins and ends with him! Overall it was a charming read. I learned so much about Jacob and Esau's relationship, however complex, and life during Joseph's time in Egypt. Needless to say, I spent some time with Job on his ash heap. His suffering was unimaginable. Off to conduct some research!

Happy Summer Reading!!! Book 30!

RC

True...Sort of

I wouldn't want anyone to think I was taking it easy on my blog...not since I've been so diligent this summer to get back in touch with it, but I'm trying to connect with other fellow bloggers who have differing points of view about books and I've found another I want to follow.  I love this fellow blogger's entry about True (...sort of) by Katherine Hannigan.  So I've copied and pasted her post.  It says exactly what I would say as a mother, teacher, librarian, and reader.  To read her blog, simply click HERE!

Spoiler Alert!!!  Don't read if you haven't already read the book.  

 

"Written on June 21, 2011 by Jennifer

2 Comments

Even before I read the first paragraph of True (. . . Sort Of), the stage was set by the dedication page: “For the children who don’t speak. And for those who hear them anyway and make a safe place.”
This is the story of Delly Pattison. Author Katherine Hannigan introduces her on the first page of the book in this way:

Delly Pattison was trouBLE: little trouble on the way to BIG TROUBLE, and getting closer to it every day.
Delly’s trouble wasn’t mean. It always started with her thinking something would be fun and good. It always ended with somebody yelling . . . And there Delly’d be, wondering how something that had seemed so right could go so, so wrong.

Delly’s trouble isn’t glorified as it is in some children’s books. She has a good heart that just takes her in the wrong direction sometimes. With the help of her brother RB, who tells her to count when she wants to yell or fight, and her new friend Ferris Boyd trains her to ask (not just do). Both of these help Delly a lot, as well as the motivation of wanting to make her mother proud.
As a parent, it was kind of hard to read Delly’s thought processes:

“I’m sick of feeling bad,” she grumbled. “I’m sick of getting in trouble and not knowing why.”
Her heart stopped hurting.
The mad was taking over. It felt better than being sad.

But taking these quotes out of context of the whole doesn’t give the right picture of the story. Yes, a parent (and another child) can understand how a trouble-maker can become (or come out of) a troubled child. But it’s really a story of second chances and friendship.  Ferris Boyd is a new kid, and she’s kind of weird. She doesn’t talk, you can’t touch her, and she looks like a boy with her short hair and baggy clothes. But something draws Delly to her and a real friendship, complete with the fun a secret fort getaway clubhouse, develops. Ferris also has her own problems, like the mean man in the green car who she lives with. Delly doesn’t know what’s wrong, but she knows that something is not right. This is a story full of tough issues like child abuse. There are no details given that make it too difficult for the age group (10 and up, I’d say), but it’s a sad reality. I loved the way that Katherine Hannigan made me think about the forgotten children — both the trouble-makers and those who stay silent — but what kid would want to read this kind of book?
My 12-year-old daughter Amanda doesn’t really like “sad stories.” But she had read this book last month, so I asked her if she liked it, and she did. I asked her if she thought it was sad, and she didn’t. It’s probably because it does end with hope and victory, for both Delly and Ferris, but also because the story is told with a lot of adventure (I did mention secret hideaways, but there are also donuts, and swimming holes, and ice cream). Delly is a fun, larger-than-life character who makes up words –like calling their special place a hideawaysis. This kind of folksy charm makes the story very kid-friendly. And then I thought about myself. When I was around that age, I read books about foster kids, abused kids, girls who struggled with eating disorders, kids who died. And reading those books did in fact raise my awareness, and perhaps make me think that I might want to be a psychiatrist so that I could help people one day. I think that stories like True (. . . Sort Of) might plant the desire in a child’s heart to be a social worker, or a police officer, or a teacher so that they can be one of those who see. If you or your child likes realistic fiction with heart, I think you’ll like this one. The fun (made up) vocabulary and chatty style of storytelling would make for a great read-aloud as well. Jennifer Donovan never did become a psychiatrist, but she hones her listening and counseling skills with her job as a mom. She blogs at Snapshot."

This makes #29 for me!  Whoo!  Just 2 more to go and I will have read the entire KBA nominee list for 2012 this summer!  I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!

Happy Summer Reading!
RC 

Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25

I've decided to post a fellow blogger's entry as my blog post for this book.  I really like her opinion about this book and will probably use it to encourage my students to read it.  I've simply copied and pasted her blog entry below.  Here's her site if you're interested in reading more of her blog... Christian blogger.

 

 

"Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25

A Story about Suffering for a Good Cause

You can't suffer alone

Cara B. Buckley | 12/06/11 | Books, Reviews, Blogs |  

“Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.” 1 Thessalonians 3:7

Michael Vey is a 15 year old kid with a dream to be normal, or at least to live a bully-free life. It took him a while to discover and appreciate his gifts. Out of fear of captivity, he and his mother worked hard to hide them. Michael is a very special boy, and a lot of bad people intend to use his power for evil purposes.

It’s a hard thing to resist evil influence with a wealth of bribes flaunted in front of you. Many other kids with similar gifts easily sold out to this evil organization, while the few who stayed true to goodness were severely persecuted. Michael is one of those few, and he is subjected to the worst kinds of persecution. Without the loving support of his fellow prisoners, he may not have survived.

The Bible says in Luke 9:23-25, “Then he said to the crowd, ‘If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?’”

It’s a powerful story that reminded me of persecution that our brothers and sisters in Christ suffered and still suffer all around the world. It is easy to think you would do anything to proclaim the Word of God, but it becomes much harder when you’re face to face with death while a green meadow waits on the other side of the fence. In the book’s case, diamonds, Armani, and front row seats shower you for the easy price of taking an innocent life. Michael refused, and he paid dearly for it.

The story also illustrates the importance of camaraderie. Christians must stick together in the midst of persecution. It is the encouragement and support of our brothers and sisters that help us through difficult times, and it is difficult times that strengthen our relationships.

There is so much that can be learned from the story of Michael Vey. I highly recommend it and eagerly await the next of the series."

This makes ##28 for me!

Happy Summer Reading!

RC 

Camo Girl

An excerpt from one of my new favorite realistic fiction choices for middle school readers..."Ella and Z have been friends forever, but Z’s always been the “weird kid” in their class. This was okay back in 3rd or 4th grade, but by now their other friends have ditched them both. Z doesn’t care, but Ella longs to be part of a group where people won’t make fun of her. When a new boy, Bailey, moves to town, he befriends Ella because they’re the only two black kids in the 6th grade. Bailey’s popular–popular enough to make Ella cool and give her a wider circle of friends–but only if she stops hanging out with Z. Ella faces a difficult decision: remain loyal to the boy who has been her best and only friend forever…or embrace the opportunity to become one of the popular kids as she longs to be. But Ella’s loyalty to Z–and the secrets they share–runs deep below the surface. Is friendship with Bailey a true solution to her struggle, or just a flash in the pan? Ella’s decision will affect not just her but everyone around her. Can she make the right choice?"

LOVE this book!  Can't say enough wonderful things about it!  Girls will love it.  Boys should read it.  It's one of those books that I wish were required reading.  This book has definite Coretta Scott King Award potential and even Newbery potential.  The author's subtle writing style and ability to create characters a reader REALLY cares about...priceless.  It's a story about what's wrong on the OUTSIDE.  What we, the reader, get to care about is what happens on the INSIDE of these people and that's what is most important anyway.  The author could have taken the easy way out and simply wrote a story about a girl who is picked on for looking different.  But you know what?  That's been done!  So hoorah! for Kekla Magoon for writing Camo Girl.   I know many students who need to read this book and will be better people because of it.

Book #27 for me!
Happy Summer Reading!
RC

Legend

Book #26 for me!

As the 2011-2012 school year came to a close, one book became very popular among our 6th grade boys...Legend by Marie Lu. I had given the book to LT and as she shared with her students, I began to get multiple requests.  Even questions such as, "Where can I find this book during the summer?!"

I'm going to make a prediction and say that this will win the 2012 KBA middle school award.  I could be wrong, but I believe this is the answer to everyone's Hunger Games "hangover".  I know how difficult it is to follow a book series like The Hunger Games.  So this is what I'm suggesting now.    

I love the character development of Legend.   I honestly "care" about the characters and Lu is successful in creating characters that have a legacy.  You know their paths will intersect and you're excited about it!  Plus, she does a superb job of developing their back story.  She gives you just enough detail.  This author definitely knows how to feed a reader.  

The story is set in the dystopic future.  Another civil war has divided the country.  The "United States" is sort of a myth.  The main characters are from two separate economical ends of the spectrum.  But they do have much in common...I'll let you discover that for yourself.

This book is set to be a series and the film rights have been purchased.  If you liked The Hunger Games, you'll enjoy Legend.   


Happy summer reading!
RC

Steve Jobs: The Man Who Thought Different

Another KBA nominee I'm trying to get "under my belt" is book #25 for me this year...the biography by Karen Blumenthal.  Steve Jobs: The Man Who Thought Different.  I was not excited to read this.  I was less excited that it made it to the KBA 2012 list.  I was more embarrassed that I didn't have a better young adult nonfiction selection to offer in it's place...Sometimes you just have to keep your mouth shut and trust other people.  Trust their reader's intuition.  Or whatever you call it.  One KBA panel member was SO excited about this book and PROMISED us our students (boys especially) would "sell" it for us once one of them wrapped their hands around it.  I'm going to have to choose my first reader carefully...a boy other readers trust.  Because this book looks so daunting.  And so boring.  I would have placed an iPod, iPhone or iPad on the cover somewhere so kids could connect Jobs with his product.  Alas...that is why I'm not in publishing or graphic design.  ;-)

While reading, I took notes.  Three pages worth.  I wanted to see what I could learn about Jobs.  I wouldn't dare ruin the book by sharing everything with you, so I'll just say that I was not pleased with some of my findings.  They were from both his personal and professional life.  I certainly would have problems being near him (hint: he literally smelled really bad!) and I would be terrified to work with him (hint: he had a temper!).  


I'm convinced there are some boys who will enjoy this book.  I read it in a few hours.  It is a quick read.  Just over 260 pages of actual text.  But those boys who are into computers, video games, animation, gadgets...they will LOVE all the techno talk.  I'll admit that my eyes glazed over a few times trying to get through those passages.  Ugh!


I can't NOT acknowledge that Steve Jobs passed away and thus the reason for his biography. His battle with pancreatic cancer is included as is his last months, days, hours alive.  The author even includes his last words.  

His ideas did change the world.  He was a fearless leader.  He was creative.  That's what I hope my students glean from this book.  The motivation.  I just hope they don't pick up on his lack of social graces or personal hygiene.  




Keep up that summer reading!
RC

Addie on the Inside

Book #24 for me this year is James Howe's Addie on the Inside.  My 6th grade girls raved about this book last year and demanded I order the companion novel in which we meet Addie and her pals, The Misfits.  I was not surprised when one of the girls reviewed the book and stated it was KBA nominee worthy.  So when I met with the KBA panel members, I brought this book and review with me and with no surprise, other girls across the state had already taken notice and the panel members agreed...Addie would make the 2012 nominee list!  My students were so excited!  

This is a novel written in verse.  Therefore, it has no Lexile level.  However, it's easy to read and would be appreciated by 6th, 7th and 8th grade girls.  I expect the 8th grade girls to connect with the "inside" of Addie and the 6th graders to connect with those "outside" experiences she has.  7th graders?  Depends on the reader.  ;)

My favorite quote from the book:  "I pray for release from this purgatory of the middle school years when so many things that never mattered before and will never matter again...matter."  

There are several passages which I expect will draw some controversy, but I dare my students to read them anyway.  This is a "girl" book and I expect the girls will have varied opinions on Addie.  To say it bluntly, there are words like homo, gay and lezzie sprinkled throughout.  That's because Addie is an activist.  For all causes!  She is in an inter-racial relationship and has gay friends.  Because of the tone of the book I feel our students will be able to connect with Addie and not the "issue" of homosexuality.  Both sides of the issue are included.  Some may find that surprising since the author is openly gay.

Happy summer reading!
Another KBA nominee down!  Several more to go...
RC

A Monster Calls

Just finished reading A Monster Calls and (sniff) I can't stop thinking about it...it's one of those good books that has no "end".  It's living in my head.  Constantly thinking about the story and the characters and the lasting impact it will have on me and my relationship with my own Connor.  

The main character, Conor, is having a difficult time adjusting to life.  His father left his mother six years ago and moved to America with his new wife where he's set up a new family and essentially, a new life.  He's chasing the American dream.  Meanwhile, Conor is the main caretaker of his mum (yes, it's a British tale), who is suffering with cancer.  I assume it's lung cancer.  His grandmother is a "hands-off" kinda lady who enjoys her tea and orderly life.  So he has no one to help him care for his mother.  And on top of that, he is the target for the #1 bully at school.  But it's his internal struggle that intrigues me the most. 
 

The monster visits him during the night and they form a fast bond.  To the right is the first visit illustrated.  I was amazed at the artwork.  The author used everything from breadboards to beetles to achieve the horrific effects.  They really do add to the story.

Patrick Ness is the author, but he makes it very clear that this was not his original idea.  Siobhan Dowd, shown to the left, had penned the idea and Ness was asked to complete her story...she died of cancer at the age of 47.  To me, that adds so much to the story.  I will definitely make sure my students read the author's note and bio before they check out the book. 

I cried real Mama and Daughter tears as this book came to a close.  I was the dying mom, I was the grieving grandmother, I was the reluctant to say goodbye child.  I was the friend.  I was the silent witness.

*This book is a KBA 2012 nominee.  The panel members who requested it were adamant and now I see why...It's perfect. 
Happy summer reading...
This is book #23 for me.
RC

Mary Tudor: Courageous Queen or Bloody Mary?

I sat and absorbed Jane Buchanan's young adult biography on Mary Tudor's life in one hour.  I love all things Tudor, so I grabbed this little bio off the shelf this Spring before leaving for summer break and am so glad I can add the few new facts I gleaned to my Tudor repertoire.  

I love learning.  Especially about King Henry VIII and his six queens.  His first daughter and rightful heir to the throne had to fight to have what was hers...and once she earned the throne she didn't let anyone stop her from removing as many threats to her crown or her precious Catholicism.  Although I already knew plenty about Mary, I did learn a few more fascinating facts...She was in her 30s when she finally married her cousin, Philip of Spain.  His father was the Holy Roman Emperor and also Mary's cousin.  Although I knew about her marriage already, I had no idea she arranged it herself and had to threaten Parliament to "mind their own business".  They didn't want her marrying anyone...for fear that the man would assume the throne.  Queen Mary had two phantom pregnancies.  She suffered with female health problems all her life.  She didn't acknowledge Elizabeth as her rightful heir until she was on her death bed.  She always held hope that she'd have a child of her own.  


I like the way these little biographies (@130 pages) in the Wicked History series are published.  Lots of illustrations, photographs, primary documents, and witty writing.  I may read the bio on Henry VIII some time in the near future.


Happy summer reading!
This makes 22 for me.
RC
 

A Tale Dark and Grimm

 I completely understand why Adam Gidwitz's A Tale Dark and Grimm won the 2011 Kentucky Bluegrass Middle School Award.  It's just what adolescent readers like...gross detail, shocking truths, unstoppable characters and fantasy.  Lots of fairy tales woven into this story.  It wouldn't be my favorite, but I'm educated and experienced enough to know that an author would rather receive an award from his/her true audience than listen to any criticism from a librarian.  ;)


And I truly have no criticism.  This book was a unique read.  And for that, I applaud Gidwitz.  His use of narrative voice is authentic and lesson-worthy.  I'll encourage our teachers to use excerpts as they attempt to teach some of the more difficult of writing skills.  Figurative language always gives adolescents a little bit of trouble. 

Here's an excerpt... 

“Hansel and Gretel came together like two magnets meeting, like meteors that have been screaming through space toward this one moment of collision. They met in the middle with a bang, and instantly their feet went out from under them on the slick roadway. They landed, hard, in a puddle of icy mud.

They stared at each other, sitting in the puddle.

Lost and then found.

Dead and then alive.

Covered in mud.

Sitting on their behinds in three inches of filthy water.

And they began to laugh. They threw their arms around each other and laughed until tears streamed down their faces. They sat, freezing, muddy, in a puddle in the middle of the road, with the gray sky overhead, and their parents’ castle waiting just a few miles away. They sat there and held each other until their arms ached."

I found this to be a quick, easy read that many middle school readers will enjoy.  Especially, if they enjoy reading lots of gore and humor!  Believe it or not, the author successfully blends the two!

Happy summer reading!
This makes 21 for me!
RC

Love's Sacred Song

I have a new favorite author.  Mesu Andrews.  She writes novels based upon Bible characters and their amazing stories.  Just finished Love's Sacred Song.  I've always loved Song of Solomon for it's shepherd's verse and romance.  It's obvious Solomon loved one of his wives very much and held her above all others.  He had 700 wives and 300 concubines at the time of his death, so this woman must have captured his heart.  What I appreciate most about her writing is that she doesn't fictionalize the story or the characters too much.  She studies, reads God's Word and then weaves a story throughout.  So when reading her stories, I don't feel as if she is adding or taking anything away from the Bible.  I'll never be able to read Song of Solomon again without thinking of Solomon and his beloved in a deeper, more personal way. So glad I ordered the other book she wrote about Job and Dinah!  Love Among the Ashes.  And I was pleased to learn she has two more books coming out in 2013 and 2014.

Happy summer reading!
This makes 20 for me!
RC

Conquered by a Highlander

 The fourth and final installment of this series was just as expected...amazing.  Chock full of Scottish/English history and romance.  Intrigue, mystery...it's all there.  I love how Paula Quinn writes...she reminds me so much of Kathleen Woodiwiss.  You can read her books without blushing.  Yet, the romance is woven throughout so you don't feel like you're reading a history textbook.  In this book, we meet Colin MacGregor and Gillian Dearly.  And, I'm pleased to announce that Quinn has introduced a younger character to steal the show...Edmund.  

Looking forward to reading about Edmund and his cousins in the next series by Quinn.  Love.  Love.  Love.  

Happy summer reading!
This makes #19 for me!
RC

The Apothecary

The Apothecary by Maile Meloy.  Her first book for young readers.  Wow.  She really knocked this one out of the park!  Whoo!  Loved it!  Would definitely like to see this as a Newbery contender for 2011.  Wouldn't be surprised if it took the golden seal!  

This book is set in the 1950s during the Red Scare and so beautifully takes the reader on a journey with Janie, the American, and Benjamin, the English, and Pip, the East Ender...through not only the streets and schools of London, but somehow throughout the world.  With the characters venturing out of England only briefly to Norway...but you feel as if you've been introduced to the entire world during this era of fear and post-war trauma.  Love the perspective of the characters from each ally nation and how Meloy leaves the end open for "possibilities" as the narrator so eloquently puts it.  But if this book were to be a stand alone that would be okay with me as well.  The ending satisfies.  This reader has adequate closure.  But it would be so great to know what happens next!  ;)

Happy Summer Reading Y'all!
This makes book #18 for me.
RC

Beautiful Disaster

Abby Abernathy is a good girl.  She's a Freshman at Eastern University where she's trying to make a fresh start from a secret past she'd rather not acknowledge.  Her roommate and BFF, America, has joined her on this journey for a "new" life and stands staunchly by her side.  However, as with all good books, there needs to be a plot twist and a conflict.  His name is Travis "Mad Dog" Maddox and he's an underground fighter who falls head over heels in love with Abby.  She'd rather not get mixed up with such a dangerous fella, but you know how good romances go, right?  She fights against it and tries not to think about him, but she's no match for this one!  If you want a quick, fun read, then try this one by Kindle author, Jamie McGuire.  It's not as good as some of the other more popular summer reads, but it would make an excellent beach read.  Easily picked up and put down.  (Although I read it in 2 days and wanted to do nothing else.  That's just me.)  

And...it's book #17 for me!  

Happy Summer Reading!
RC

One Thousand Gifts

Usually, when I finish a book I can't wait to blog about it and then dive right into the next. But with One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voscamp, I didn't want to rush the process. I took 5 days to read the book. Slowly contemplating each chapter. I wanted to absorb her thoughts and revelations about gratitude and grace. I posted several quotes she used onto my Facebook account to share her thoughts with my friends and I thought about those words each day. I hope they caused others to contemplate just how much gratitude they hold in their hearts for what God gives us each day. To see beauty in every day. Every small, precious moment. Even to see God's gift when the children are battling each other and when the day seems to drag on with endless, repetitive motions. The daily grind.
I'm thankful. For many things. Gifts. And I thank my friend, Carol, for buying me my very own copy of this book and sharing with me a mother's revelation. About grace.
I began counting 1,000 gifts this morning using the App for this book.  I love that you can record your gifts using text or pictures.

If you have the desire to know true grace...read this book.  And begin counting. 

Happy summer reading!  (And I think this is book #16 for me.)
RC

The Enchantress

The Enchantress, by Michael Scott, is book #6 in The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series.  It's my favorite young adult series, but as with other series the plot thickens and branches so much that I sometimes have to create a mental map of the characters and a few brief notes for myself.  That's what I'm sharing with you today.  I'm about 3/4 of the way through and for all you chess players out there, I'm getting to the "endgame" of the book.  I have a sneaky suspicion that I'm also getting to the endgame of the series.  I don't want to become so muddled down by sub-plots that I don't care about the ending.  Thus, my mental map.  I'm a visual learner and sometimes I can't "see" a plot until I break it down and write it down.  And of course, use pictures.  ;)

 As of page 290 (Chapter 43)

Virginia Dare--she doesn't look fierce, but she weilds much power!

 Plot 1- Sophie and Josh have traveled back in time to Danu Talis with Dr. John Dee and Virginia Dare.  Dee created a time portal using the 4 swords to help them escape the monsters of Alcatraz.  Sophie and Josh are with Osiris and Isis (their parents?) and are being presented as the rightful heirs of Danu Talis.  Only Bastet and Anubis have no idea their reign will be interrupted.  Aten has been rescued by Maretheyu and they plan to stop Anubis from becoming the ruler.  Bastet plans to throw Aten to the volcano.  Virginia Dare has been reintroduced to Maretheyu and they plan to thwart Bastet's plans as well.

The Morrigan

Plot 2- Nicholas and Perenelle have made their way onto Alcatraz where they will attempt to break the spell that binds the monsters together.  They have just discovered that the Morrigan is in charge.  They will soon (I predict) join Hel, Odin, Mars, Billy the Kid, Machiavelli and Black Hawk as they battle the Sphinx and the other monsters.

Niten

Plot 3- Niten and Prometheus have been fighting back the Drakon seed Spartoi on the Golden Gate Bridge.  

Scathach

Plot 4- Scathach, Prometheus (confusing!), Palamedes, Joan of Arc, Saint-Germain and Shakespeare are at the Yggdrasil with Hekate.  They plan to join the battle with the humani against the Elders (Osiris and Isis I believe).  

tsagaglalal- She Who Watches- The Witch of Endor

Plot 5-  Meanwhile, Aunt Agnes (aka She Who Watches or The Witch of Endor) has been working within a couple of time strands with her husband, Abraham the Mage to ensure that certain characters receive emerald tablets that show the future. 

Okay, now I think I've got it.  Whew!

Back to the book!  Oh!  And this will make #15 for me when I'm finished.

Happy Summer Reading!

And don't forget that sometimes you just have to stop...organize your thoughts...ask yourself and the author some questions...and maybe even Google something...and then you can go back to the book.  That's what readers do.

RC