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