First the bad...then the good.

Someone very wise said to me this week that "bitter" comes before "sweet" for a reason.  Never quite thought about it like that... but this post is a perfect way for me to share some troubling news.  And yes, the precious toddler to the left and I shared the same emotion.  At first. I'm kinda over it now, but still hurt.  Here's what happened...

The bad:  About a month ago, I noticed that two of the three years worth of published blogs I keep (and use) in the library had gone missing.  I didn't panic at first because I often verbally loan my personal items out to teachers.  I felt confident that I had forgotten.  After about two weeks, I began to wonder if they hadn't been stolen.  "Borrowed without permission".  After sending out an email to all of my reading teachers, I had to admit that I had been the victim of a theft.  I'm not naive, but I do trust my students.  Especially those that I choose to have working alongside me.  I've been victimized before, but something keeps me from building a wall of paranoia when it comes to kids.  I was and continue to be very upset.  Those blog books are a part of me.  They contain my thoughts.  My ramblings.  My pictures.  My reading record.  And although I can easily access the same information online, I cherished the printed word.  My printed words.  Heartbroken.  That's what I am.  I've tried to put a positive spin on it and at least say that what they took, I hope they read!  But seriously,  I appeal to whomever took them to please return them.  They are worth about $50, but to me they are priceless.  So, if I have any students reading this, please keep your eyes open for my blog books.  I don't need to know who took them.  Like every other victim of theft, I really just want what's mine back.

Now the positive stuff!  Shew!

As an early birthday present to myself, I added another vintage book cover tee to my collection.  Jack London's Call of the Wild.  Shouldn't every boy read this before they graduate high school?!  Yeah!  And because I used a special coupon, I received a free tote bag from Out of Print as well.  Whoo!

And finally, I'm reading Necessary Roughness by Marie Lee and loving it!  No, it's not connected to the movie or television series.  However, it does have something to do with football, so naturally my students were a bit confused at first.  "What's that guy doing on the cover?  He's not on the show!"  :)

So far, here's what I know about the story... Chan and Young Kim are twins.  They live with their Korean-born parents in L.A.  Dad has a Ph.D., yet owns a green grocery.  Mom stays at home.  Chan is one of many Asian students at his high school.  He plays soccer and has many close friends.  Young is a gifted musician and student.  She had just been accepted into a prestigious school for musicians when her father decides the family must move to Minnesota.  Yeah.  It's not going well, as you can imagine.  Chan believes they're headed to "hicktown" and Young, although usually very positive, has bad feelings about the move as well.  The family cannot find anyone in town who will rent them a room (really?  prejudice? It's 2013, people!) and so they end up living with an older lady who needs to let out room in her house for money.  At school, Chan and Young are the only students who do not fit the Scandinavian mold...blonde hair and blue eyes.  There is no soccer team and they have zero friends.

Sounds depressing, but it's not.  The author's writing style is so kid-friendly that the students who have read it so far said it was surprisingly GOOD!  I mean, c'mon...Lee is a writer for real boys.  Abogee (the father) farts and everyone piles out of the car gagging.  And she uses words like "dump".  She writes like my boys talk.  And it's not distracting in any way.  It's authentic.

I have the smaller copy; the one where Chan is wearing the helmet.   And believe it or not, this story has been hidden away in my book storage closet for 8 years.  Yep.  Every copy I have is going on the shelf after Christmas break.  The kids will love it. 
Cannot wait for January's book breakfast.  I'm sure I won't get in a word!  :)
I love to reintroduce a book to kids...not all new literature is good.  Not all old literature is boring.  Even with a copyright date of 1996, my students would consider this OLD.  I believe I can get them to read it after I booktalk it and my book breakfast kiddos spread the word.

Happy Reading,
RC

Counting by 7s

If you've never read young adult fiction, and you'd like to give it a try...start with this novel by Holly Goldberg Sloan.  Counting by 7s is one of the best books of the year.  So far, only adults I know have read it...but I gave it to a 7th grader last night, after I finished it waiting for my daughter's chorus program to begin.  

So, what's this book about?  A twelve-year-old girl named Willow endures what most kids never will...tragic loss over and over. She finds herself in so many temporary situations that she loses what little faith in life she had.  Willow is an absolute genius and sees the world differently.  Her coping skills involve counting by 7s.  The friends she makes throughout the book save her...and in turn she saves them.  

If you need a more in-depth review or summary, Google it.  I feel strongly against telling you too much about the story because I dove in with no prior knowledge and enjoyed the twists and turns of Willow's story. The surprises had me giggling, weeping, sobbing and silent.  
 
I wouldn't doubt this book receives many honors... I will be buying it for my children to one day take with them to their homes.  

You won't be sorry...
Happy Reading!
RC

Upcoming Book Breakfast Titles

Just as I thought I had finished blogging for the day, I realized that I hadn't shared the upcoming titles for this year's Book Breakfasts!  Copies are on display in the library and students are welcome to check them out at any time.  They aren't obligated to attend the book discussion, but if they enjoyed the book and would like to, I have them sign up as soon as they finish reading.  I only have ten seats available at each breakfast.  This keeps the discussion intimate and everyone feels as if there's time to express their opinion.  I've never had a book breakfast that wasn't beneficial.  :)  And I have to officially state that I borrowed the idea from a 6th grade reading teacher here.  The only difference being I hold mine during 1st period and she held hers before school started.  But they're all fabulous!!!

December- Mockingbird by Erskine
January- Necessary Roughness by Lee
February- The Yearling by Rawls
March- Selling Hope by Tubbs
April- The Borrowers by Norton
May- Night by Elie Weisel

Looking forward to each and every one!

Happy Reading!
Join me!
RC

 

November Book Breakfast

 I cannot believe I forgot to blog about the November Book Breakfast held in the library on Friday, November 15th!  Have I really been that busy?  YES.

I had an awesome group of nine kids who enjoyed donuts and whole milk (book reference) while discussing Daniel Ehrenraft's science fiction novel, The Last Dog on Earth.  

I should probably tell you about all the poignant discussion topics and interesting character development epiphanies they had, but I won't.  I was most impressed at the amount of insight they showed to the author's purpose.  They were able to take the story beyond it's pages and apply it to their own experiences.  The students were critical of the author as well, often questioning why he chose to include certain characters or events.  But what blew me out of the water was an idea two of them had...

DJ wanted to show everyone his version of "Jack", the dog from the story.  So we all passed around pictures of our pets.  That started Colton thinking about the Humane Society, where he volunteers sometime on the weekends.  He suggested we take up food and treats for the animals.  What a fabulous idea!  So we agreed as a "reading community" to collect some items for a week, to see what we could get and that I would make sure the items were picked up.  

Pleased to say that not only did we benefit from this experience, but so did some precious animals at the Humane Society.  Kids amaze me daily.  Can't wait until next month when a new group comes together to discuss another book!  

Happy Reading!
RC

Thanksgiving Break Reading Stack

 My Thanksgiving Break plate is full of great books to read!  I'm starting with these four.  Two are young adult novels I've been dying to get to and one is an adult read loaned to me by a fellow reader/educator.  The final one is a women's devotional that I'll read a little every day.  It was a gift from a precious friend for the holiday season.  (What a good idea...give something they can enjoy all season long!  Never thought of that!)  What follows is a quick blurb about each just in case you'd like to join me.  :)

Champion by Marie Lu (taken from GoodReads)
The explosive finale to Marie Lu’s New York Times bestselling LEGEND trilogy—perfect for fans of THE HUNGER GAMES and DIVERGENT!

He is a Legend.
She is a Prodigy.
Who will be Champion?

June and Day have sacrificed so much for the people of the Republic—and each other—and now their country is on the brink of a new existence. June is back in the good graces of the Republic, working within the government’s elite circles as Princeps Elect while Day has been assigned a high level military position. But neither could have predicted the circumstances that will reunite them once again. Just when a peace treaty is imminent, a plague outbreak causes panic in the Colonies, and war threatens the Republic’s border cities. This new strain of plague is deadlier than ever, and June is the only one who knows the key to her country’s defense. But saving the lives of thousands will mean asking the one she loves to give up everything he has. With heart-pounding action and suspense, Marie Lu’s bestselling trilogy draws to a stunning conclusion.

 Divergent by Veronica Roth (taken from the blog, Book Monkey)

In sixteen-year-old Beatrice Prior’s world, society is divided into five factions – Abnegation (the selfless), Candor (the honest), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent) – each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue, in the attempt to form a “perfect society.” At the age of sixteen, teens must choose the faction to which they will devote their lives.
On her Choosing Day, Beatrice renames herself Tris, rejects her family’s group, and chooses another faction. After surviving a brutal initiation, Tris finds romance with a super-hot boy, but also discovers unrest and growing conflict in their seemingly “perfect society.” To survive and save those they love, they must use their strengths to uncover the truths about their identities, their families, and the order of their society itself.

 The Ocean at The End of The Lane by Neil Gaiman (taken from the website, The Book Depository)
THE OCEAN AT THE END OF THE LANE is a fable that reshapes modern fantasy: moving, terrifying and elegiac - as pure as a dream, as delicate as a butterfly's wing, as dangerous as a knife in the dark - from storytelling genius Neil Gaiman. It began for our narrator forty years ago when the family lodger stole their car and committed suicide in it, stirring up ancient powers best left undisturbed. Dark creatures from beyond this world are on the loose, and it will take everything our narrator has just to stay alive: there is primal horror here, and menace unleashed - within his family and from the forces that have gathered to destroy it. His only defense is three women, on a farm at the end of the lane. The youngest of them claims that her duckpond is an ocean. The oldest can remember the Big Bang.

I'd love to know what you're planning to read next!  Feel free to share with me in the comments section!

Happy Turkey Day Reading!
Above all, be thankful...
RC

Reading in the Wild

Just finished this educational handbook for reading teachers. It's so amazing to read a professional book and take five pages of great ideas before you even reach the mid-point!  I garnered ideas for summer reading, motivational gifts for reading teachers, holiday vacation reading, bulletin boards and how to build a community of readers.  I was inspired to create a survey that I plan to administer to all students to help me determine my "wild readers" from my "fake readers". 

I was also pleased that I was able to apply many of her theories about reading to the programs I already have implemented in my library.  Book selection criteria, book breakfasts, rapport with readers, etc...  I am working in the right direction to help my students become life-long readers. 

I also appreciated her comments about reading habits.  Although I am an avid reader, I sometimes take breaks.  This was the first author/educator I've read that admitted that all readers do that.  There's lots of common sense in this book.  And to be perfectly honest, that's rare in a professional book for educators. 

I learned from Donalyn Miller that "wild readers"
    1.  dedicate time to read
    2.  self-select reading material
    3.  share books and read with other readers
    4.  have reading plans
    5.  show preferences for genres, authors and topics

An educational website I learned about from this book is "Wonderopolis".  It's good for informational reading.  I've already written a lesson plan for my 6th graders that incorporates this new resource.

For those students who don't always know how to talk about where they are in a book, I have a new column to add to their reading record... "I am at the part where...".

For those who aren't confident about book selection, I've created several posters to hang in the library that list all the great reasons to choose a book..."It's a Keeper". 

I've also created a list that helps me reply to the complaint, "I don't have time to read outside of school!"  It's called a "Hidden Moments" list. 

I smiled when I read the author's suggestion for our students to create a "to be read" list.  Several of my teachers do this already.  :) 

And I've made a copy of Appendix E to use with my students who can never find anything on their own!  It's a list of the best books for students, created by students!  I sat during lunch today with a highlighter and marked the books we already own...over 75% of them!  Yay! 

I know this is not the kind of blog post my students enjoy reading, but I want them to know that building and maintaining a middle school library is tough and takes much time, energy and money.  I'm doing the very best I can to make sure my students have access to the best reading material available!  :)

And it's my pleasure to do so.
Happy Reading!
RC

Fall Book Frenzy 2013

Once again, our annual Fall Book Frenzy Event was a success!  Over 23 books were discussed and over 80 students were in attendance!  There was one particular success story that will stick with me forever.  A struggling reader found his voice and came out of his shell.  He enjoyed himself and wants to sign up for the next event.  And that's why we at North Middle spend so much time, money and energy on this event...we value reading and readers.  Here are a few snapshots from this year's event.  

 Happy Reading!
RC

Al Capone Does My Homework

Finally!  It's time for me to read the third book in the "Alcatraz" tales by Gennifer Choldenko!  I've read the first chapter three different times and keep getting interrupted by other books I need to read.  But tonight, nothing will keep me from snuggling up with this book and a nice hot cup of tea!  

Since I'm blogging BEFORE I've read the book, I'll simply include a blurb about it from Amazon.  Since this is the final book in the trilogy, I really wouldn't want to include any spoiler alerts here anyway.  I'm anticipating that book 3 will be the best.  I liked book 2 better than book 1!  And that's very unusual!  

 "Alcatraz Island in the 1930s isn't the most normal place to grow up, but it's home for Moose Flanagan, his autistic sister, Natalie, and all the families of the guards. When Moose's dad gets promoted to Associate Warden, despite being an unlikely candidate, it's a big deal. But the cons have a point system for targeting prison employees, and his dad is now in serious danger. After a fire starts in the Flanagan's apartment, Natalie is blamed, and Moose bands with the other kids to track down the possible arsonist. Then Moose gets a cryptic note from the notorious Al Capone himself. Is Capone trying to protect Moose's dad too? If Moose can't figure out what Capone's note means, it may be too late."  -from Amazon.com

Happy Trilogy Reading!
RC

Darkly Dreaming Dexter

Reading the book AFTER watching all 8 seasons of Showtime's series, "Dexter", is not how I'd recommend approaching this outstanding character created by author Jeff Lindsay.  However, I plunged into the series this summer and marathoned the series until I caught up with the finale.  Shew!  That was a lot of late night tv watching!  I'm happy to say that I wasn't too disappointed in the book having already watched the plot unfold on television.  The screenwriters held close to the dialogue and character development.  I probably won't read the other books in the series because I already know what happens.  But for those adults out there who love serial killer fiction, this author is for you!  Again, this is NOT a young adult read.  I do not recommend it for middle or high school students.  

Happy Reading to you adults out there!
Hang on, Dexter is quite the character!
RC

A Wrinkle in Time...again

Reading A Wrinkle in Time for the second time is just as enjoyable an experience as it was for me the first time around.  No, it's more enjoyable.  I'll admit it.  I'm not rushing through to complete an annotated bibliography card for LME 490.  :)  I'm finding it FUN to read Mrs. Which's voice aloud.  With dramatic flair.  Ha!  And yes, I'm at home.  Reading alone.  That's why I can.  Couldn't do that confidently the first time around in the WKU Library.  

With that being said, I have reconsidered some of my teaching methods from the past.  Wondering how we lose readers in late elementary/early middle school?  My husband admitted to enjoying reading in elementary until he was "forced" to go to the library and "forced" to read books he didn't like.  Hmmmm.....we know the middle school student is comparable to a butterfly in the cocoon (deep thoughts, yes), spending intense time alone contemplating WHAT they like/dislike, considering who they want to be, WHO they like/dislike, discovering their strengths/weaknesses.  It's all about THEM.  For a moment, I reconsidered how I introduce books to them.  Showing them what's "good for them".  And wondering if I should back off the "meat and potatoes" campaign and just let them read what they like.  

Then I snapped out of it.  NO.  That's playing to their preferences.  I can guarantee that NONE of my students would pick up a copy of A Wrinkle in Time if given the choice.  I mean, seriously look at the cover.  It's mostly pink and lilac, so that's the first turnoff for boys.  Secondly, Mrs. Whatsit is the second warning that this might not be a fun book for those who don't like reading about "creatures".  If given the CHOICE, my students would walk right by the best science fiction book ever written.  I say that with authority.  I say that from experience.  I have read a lot of science fiction.  Haven't found anything that stands up to L'Engle's Newbery Award Winning novel.  Nothing.  It's one of those books that you never forget reading.  Now, I admittedly forget details.  That's my weakness.  I even forget character names most of the time.  But I never forget the story arc.  The themes.  The way the book made me feel when I finished the last page.  Tears I might have shed.  Laughs I might have had.  

I want my students to have these experiences.  That's why I strongly encouraged one of my reading buddies at work to read this book with some of her students.  They're reading Michael Vey:  Prisoner of Cell 25 by Richard Paul Evans and they will love that book.  It will be fun for them.  Something they think is cool.  But I wanted them to be able to compare it with quality.  They'll be pleasantly surprised.  I can't wait to hear their comments.  

And that's why I'm reading it again.  So that I can talk with them about the characters.  The plot.  The themes.  The adventure that Meg, Charles Wallace and Calvin embark on.  So that we can enjoy the book together.  I can't wait!

Happy Reading!
RC

Mockingbird...and some rambling

I ask students to trust me and their reading teachers to make spot-on book recommendations.  We are NEVER wrong!  We KNOW great books. We have an OUTSTANDING record.  So when a student recommends a book to me, I try to seriously consider it.  Especially when it's a book that several students recommend.  I've said it before, but it's worth saying again... a huge part of my job is advertisement.  Selling a book to kids.  Trying to attract the reluctant reader. Getting them attracted to a book and then hooking them.  Fishing, perhaps?  I've always been good at fishing.  Never thought about it like that.  Hmmm...let me take a second to contemplate that metaphor........... bait, catch, patience, "teach a man to fish", etc...

Okay.  Done.  I don't often get to read the most popular books in our library.  I read the books with rotten covers.  The books that haven't received a multi-million dollar pr campaign.  Then I booktalk them to kids.  I ALWAYS have a few students who are interested in reading them at that point.  I try to get at least one of them hooked on it so they can "sell" it to their friends.  Oh, wait.  That makes me sound like a drug dealer.  Um... let's talk about fishing again.  

Starting over!  Hopefully, by now, you get the picture.  I booktalk books that kids don't read.  I'm attempting to meet core content standards, but honestly I'm trying to broaden their reading experience.  Get them to try new genres.  Most kids have trouble finding the "just right" book and genre.  And then once they do, they stay with it.  It's comfortable.  And we let them do that for a while, but it's not healthy to only read one type of book all the time.  I use the candy bar analogy.  It's a yummy experience, but eating candy bars for breakfast, lunch and supper will make us sick.  Won't help us like a good balanced diet.  So we have "meat and potatoes" books and we have "candy bar" books and we're attempting to introduce them all to the students.  And by "we", I mean the reading teachers and I.   I read the "meat and potatoes" books.  Then I booktalk them.  Then I usually have to create a reserve list for them.  That's when I know I've been successful. 

Back to the point... again.  I read Mockingbird this week because once again a student emphatically suggested it.  Out of sheer curiosity, I read it.  I admit it was worthy of the National Book Award.  I admit it was enlightening.  Different.  I understand why my girls like it.  The main character lives with Asperger's Syndrome, is struggling to accept the death of her mother and most recently, her brother who was tragically killed in a school shooting.  She and her father navigate this world alone.  The community is very compassionate, but she doesn't see the world like those around her and is confused by the attention.  As a teacher, I was intrigued at how literal students with Asperger's see the world.  As I look back, I can understand how I might have sounded very confusing to the students I have taught.  As a parent, I can't imagine the difficulty her father endures as he tries to grieve his son's death while simultaneously dealing with his daughter's inability to grieve.  Empathy is her biggest barrier in this book.  With the help of a school counselor, she learns to make friends and to empathize.  It's a beautifully simple story.  Very timely.  Inspired by the Virginia Tech Shooting.  I understand it's place in the literary world.  And most recently, I read an article about how "readers" have the ability to empathize easier with others because they are taught that through the adventures/misadventures of the characters they read about.  They are able to apply that skill to real life.  Cool, huh?!  I thought so!

I will recommend this book to my students who enjoy reading Rules, Anything But Typical, Al Capone Does My Shirts, etc...  Any book that includes a character who struggles with Autism or Asperger's.  But the older I get, the less I understand why middle school students gravitate to the difficult characters.  The issues.  The stories that make my heart burn.  Perhaps they're struggling with the concept of empathy?  As a middle schooler, I remember being intrigued by Agatha Christie and V.C. Andrews.  Have times changed that much?  I guess they have.  

I will continue to fish for readers.  To bait them with the difficult stories.  To read the "boring" books, or at least those that don't look "good".  :)  And I will continue to make readers for life. And I will continue to take recommendations from students.  That's what I'm teaching them to do.  To share the stories.  That's my job.

Happy Reading!  
RC

Light

Fall Break reading has never been so fun!  I enjoyed the last book in Michael Grant's Gone Series, Light, so much!  What a wacky way to start the week!  Mutant whip hands, lizard girls, talking coyotes...

Unfortunately,  I will have to keep this one in the restricted collection.  You see, it's the final book in the 6 book series and these teenagers have been stuck inside a barrier for nearly a year...some of them were bound to think like adults eventually.  I don't blame the author for including some mature content; in fact, I think it's appropriate for the plot.  I just wish he hadn't been so graphic in the telling. 

If you've never heard of this series, you should invest some time and at least Google it.  It's pure science fiction for young adults.  Creative.  Ahead of it's time.  Very Stephen King-like.  In fact, King's reviews of this series are fabulous.  I'm wondering if he was inspired to write The Dome after reading the first book?  Who knows?  Who cares?  Middle school kiddos love this series and I'm happy to say I've read them all.  Got a kid who wants to read Stephen King?  Give him this series.

But if you're worried about the mature content, just imagine what teenagers would do if there were no adults.  No rules.  No boundaries.  No help.  Wouldn't they begin to act like adults?  With that much responsibility, they'd begin to take on some of the privileges as well...whether they were physically old enough to or not.  Makes me wonder about the actions and attitudes of some of my students who I KNOW have to make adult decisions at home.  Where will the food come from?  How will I get to school?  No wonder they take on adult attitudes when we correct them.  I probably would too.  How to avoid it?  Well, there's probably no way to...unless you want a meteorite hitting a nuclear power plant and mixing with human DNA to eventually mutate humans in the vicinity and for an autistic 4 year-old to create an impenetrable barrier around your town.  Um...no.  Let's just let adults act like adults and let kids be kids and pray.  :)


Happy Fall Break Reading!
RC

The Last Dog on Earth

I have listened for years as my students encourage me to read The Last Dog on Earth by Daniel Ehrenhaft.  I simply haven't had time and honestly, it's not a book I needed to read because they were already crazy about it!  My job is to find the next favorite read!  To read the books they don't find attractive.

But this school year has brought with it many more opportunities to have small book breakfasts with students during school and they are wildly successful.  I decided to hold one book breakfast each month, with the exception of October and February, which are Book Frenzy months.  Since I knew several students had already read this book, I decided that this title would be our November read.  

And no surprise... I loved it.  It's the perfect read for boys.  Especially boys who don't fit in.  Who bully.  Who feel like they're destined for nothing.  ALC.  Juvie.  Jail?  Yes.  The main character is tragically flawed.  Tortured.  He's not happy, to say the least.  Does poorly in school.  Has a stepfather he'd rather smack than talk to.  Doesn't respect his mother.  Has no clue why his father abandoned him.  He has no hope, really.  Sad.  I've taught kids like him.  Teaching some right now.  I'd love to introduce them to him.  To show them that although this is a science fiction tale about a virus that spreads throughout the Pacific Northwest dog population and threatens human existence, it's more about a young man who finds himself.  His father.  His purpose in life.  He learns what it means to care about others and about himself.  

And it's a short read.  Finished it in two days.

If you have a young man you'd like to be able to reach without saying much to him...because they often ignore us (they've heard it all before)...then introduce them to this book.  Believe me, they'll get it.  If they'll just read it.  

Kudos to this author for writing the difficult story.  The real story.  It's what our middle schoolers embrace.  Love.
 
Looking forward to this book breakfast!
Happy Reading!
RC

Gameboard of the Gods

Earlier this past summer, I was so excited to read the review for Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead in Entertainment Weekly magazine.  Although I'd never read anything by her before, it sounded like a book my 7th and 8th grade girls would absolutely love. I knew several of them were fans of her Vampire Academy series, so I felt confident in this purchase.  I was wrong.  Sadly, there's too much mature content for even our restricted collection.  I do have, however, a few adult readers at school that may enjoy this story and so have passed it on to one of them instead.  I am disappointed that I couldn't introduced my readers to a new series.  Wow.  What makes an author feel the need to incorporate such mature content into a young adult read?  After having worked with middle school students for over 17 years, I can tell you that the shock of mature language is nothing but a distraction for them.  We've taught them to read over them and to replace those naughty words with appropriate words.  And as for the sexual content?  Well, let's just say that not all middle school students are sexually active nor sexually curious, so you're wasting your time.  We've taught them to skip those parts as well.  And we've also taught them that an author who relies upon language or sex to sell their books isn't an author to value.  I'm not directly attacking Mead, but I am speaking from experience.  I would gladly tell young adult authors to save their time and talents trying to shock this generation.  They've seen it all and heard it all.  And for those students who haven't?  We steer them away from your books.  

Normally, I would never bash a book.  As an adult reader, I can see the value in this story.  I just wish she'd taken the high road, like Stephenie Meyer, and understood that her fans will read anything she publishes.  And as you can tell from the cover, fans of Vampire Academy were the targeted audience.

Such a shame.
Keep Reading folks!  And don't be surprised when an author disappoints.
RC

Whew!

The 2013-2014 school year is definitely back in session!  This weekend, I tallied the summer reading records and was pleased to discover that our MNMS students read 435 books this summer!  I conducted a random drawing and presented a gift certificate for 5 free books to one lucky student.  This year, the students was a sixth grader who proclaimed, with a huge smile on her face, "I never win anything!"  I'm so fortunate to work in a building that provides so much support to its' readers.  

Teachers have submerged their students early on into great literature.  It's sometimes difficult to keep up with all they're reading...but it makes our inpromptu discussions so much more valuable when I can talk with them about what they're reading.  To date, I've reread/skimmed the following books for use in lessons, to book-talk, and/or to discuss with literature circles, classes/random students.  (All are worth your time if you'd like to read a great middle school story!  But I'm not sure you'll want to discuss them all at once like I do!  And this is just for the month of August!  Whew!)

Red Kayak- one of our 6th grade teams is reading this realistic novel set that keeps readers intrigued with the suspense of a main character torn between telling the truth and facing the consequences of his actions.  Boys and girls alike love this book and are always ravenous for the sequel.  

 On My Honor- currently being read by a 7th grade class.  We have discussed peer pressure and decision-making.  If you liked Red Kayak, you'll like this book.  It's a great book for boys.

 Al Capone Does My Shirts- the first book in the series about a young boy who lives on Alcatraz with his parents and sister, who happens to be autistic during a time period when very little was known about this spectrum disorder.  Historical fiction.  Great book for boys and girls. Currently part of 7th grade literature circles.

 The Devil's Arithmetic- historical fiction.  Girl readers make easier connections than boys.  Currently part of 7th grade literature circles.  Students like the "time travel" concept of being transported back in time.  Holocaust story.  Very unique. 

 Elijah of Buxton - an amazing work of historical fiction currently being read by a class of 6th grade boys.  It's the story of free slaves who established a settlement in Canada.  1860s.

 Feathers- historical fiction set in the 1970s.  Currently part of 7th grade literature circles.  Students like the character, "Jesus Boy".  Unique point of view.

 Hope Was Here- realistic fiction.  A story much like Waiting for Normal or Beauty Shop for Rent.  Girls enjoy this story much more than boys. Currently part of 7th grade literature circles.

 Summer of the Monkeys- one of our 6th grade classes is absolutely loving this book for it's humor and unusual plot.  I've enjoyed discussing the story with them and plan to share with them related picture books and information related to chimpanzees and Jane Goodall. 

 Number the Stars- a classic must-read for all middle school students.  Holocaust.  Historical fiction.  Would love to have students read this alongside The Devil's Arithmetic to conduct text-to-text analysis.  Currently part of 7th grade literature circles.

 Shiloh- Who doesn't love a good dog story?  Boys love it because it's short.  Girls love it because Marty is so compassionate towards Shiloh.  I love it because they love it!  Currently part of 7th grade literature circles.

 The Summer of the Swans- An amazing piece of realistic fiction.  Award-winning.  Much like Rules, So B. It and Notes from the Dog.  It's the story of one person taking care of another...beautiful!  Girls love it.  Currently part of 7th grade literature circles.

Where the Red Fern Grows- Such a typical boy book.  Rawls knows how to appeal to the male reader.  Lots of hunting.  Lots of boy-talk.  What they don't expect is to have an emotional response towards the end!  Love it!  Currently part of 7th grade literature circles.

 Unwind- an 8th grade class read this science fiction piece and I enjoyed conducting some online research with them concerning organ donations/transplants.  They were intrigued that a concept so brutal and foreign in the book is part of our actual world today in a much more humane and civilized manner.  Text-to-world connections! 

Walk Two Moons- This book had such an affect on me in college that I use it with students as often as I can.  Themes of friendship, grief, love, acceptance.  Award-winning.  Historical fiction. A beautiful story for boys or girls.  Currently part of 7th grade literature circles.

Wonder- one of our 6th grade teams is reading this and I used it to demonstrate book talks to our 8th graders.  Realistic fiction.  More info located in a blog entry of it's own...  But I'm so proud of the 72 eighth graders who joined the national campaign and pledged to choose kindness instead of cruelty.   This book will change your life.

 A Wrinkle in Time-  It's reputation states that it's the best science fiction book ever written.  I have to agree.  And I use it often.  I try to expose students to L'Engle whenever I can.  Currently part of 7th grade literature circles.  
 






Trouble River- one of our 7th grade teams is reading this historical novel and probably chuckling right along with me as Granny and Dewey escape the "Injuns" on their homemade log raft.  Although it's not a humorous novel, you can't help but giggle at the relationship between the two.  







And much more is planned for September!  
Whew! 
Happy Reading and discussing!
RC

Getting out of the pit...finally.

This may be the most important, life-changing book I read this year.  Perhaps, ever.  Summer reading is coming to an end.  The students return next week and I'll return to reading what they're reading or might want to read.  And I'll love every minute of it, but first I have some personal work to do.  

This too, is an adult book.  Nonfiction.  Self-help.  Spiritual.  I've completed several Beth Moore Bible Studies at church and on my own at home.  I've seen this book several times at LifeWay and almost bought it each time.  But I wasn't ready.  In May, as I was purchasing graduation Bibles for our church, I noticed this book on the endcap.  I picked it up.  Determined to finally purchase it for myself.  To my surprise, this book qualified for BOGO and although I could have chosen a different title, I chose to pick up another copy of Get Out of That Pit in hopes that one of my book buddies hadn't already read it.  I could give it as a gift because I KNOW that we have all been in a pit or that we all will eventually find ourselves in one.  Happily, I discovered that LT hadn't read it but had heard positive reviews.  Tonight, we started reading it together.  Now, I'm not saying that LT is in a pit.  But I am and have been for the past 3 years.  Yes, I'm admitting that for the past 3 years I have battled depression and anxiety and have lost the battle on many occasions.  Where did it come from?  Why did I fall into a pit?  I don't know YET.  And I'll not blog about it because it's personal.  But I did want to post a blog entry about the book in hopes that perhaps someone out there finds themselves stuck.  Lethargic.  Without purpose.  Without focus.  Without future.  Without dreams.  Sounds pathetic for a Christian, right?  Exactly.  And I'm tired of it.  Exhausted.  Tonight, I found an amazing quote on page 34... 

"Nothing demands more elbow grease than thrusting your arms forward and giving God the solitary right to vengeance."



Are there people in my life I need to forgive?  Yes.  Are there people in my life who have used me and hurt me?  Yes.  Is it my fight?  No.  That's the first thought I'm pondering.  It's very liberating.

Happy Reading!
RC

Distant Echoes

Currently reading another recommended book...it's the perfect end of summer read.  Hawaii, dolphins, mystery, grace, forgiveness.  Just what a girl needs before the students return in one week.  :)  This would be a great beach read.  I'm a couple of chapters in and am enjoying the author's laid back writing style...feels very much like she wrote this while sitting on the beach!  Not too many details, likeable characters, beautiful setting.  I can feel the mystery building.  There's a tourist boat that's been destroyed by one of our government missiles during a trial and although it's being recorded as a malfunction, there is suspicion that someone caused the missile to veer off course.  

The main character, Kaia, works at the Seaworthy Labs and Aquariums and has a close relationship with one of the dolphins rescued and returned to the ocean.  Jesse, a lieutenant, has asked for their help detecting future missiles and I predict many adventures for both Kaia and Nani, the dolphin.  This christian romance was not only recommended, but purchased for me by one of my fellow teachers.  And, the icing on the cake is that it's the first in a trilogy!  So I can always continue Kaia's and Jesse's story!  (Hopefully!  I'm worried that the dolphin might die!  Doesn't that always seem to happen when there's an animal in the story?!  Let's hope not this time!)

Happy end of summer Reading!!
RC

The Book of Ruth

The Book of Ruth.  Wow.  No wonder this won the Hemingway Award for best debut novel in 1989...this narrative was not only a challenging read emotionally and literally, but it has found a permanent place in my heart.  It made Oprah's Book Club as well and if you've ever read one of those books, you know she (or her staff) chooses only the most controversial, though-provoking, discussion-inspiring books to read.  Not an easy summer read.  Definitely NOT a beach read!  Ha!  It's a narrative.  Told by Ruth.  And if you've ever lived or worked in a rural setting, you've met a "Ruth" and her family before.  Hamilton's words and Ruth's story haunt me.  I often shut the book in exasperation because I felt as if I were being given too much detail...taken down a road that wouldn't produce much of a branch on the story tree.  It took me a much longer time to read this novel than usual.  I would find myself going through my reading ritual (getting the house in good enough order, pouring a cup of coffee or preparing a smoothie, raising the umbrella or pulling out the comfy chair and ottoman...) only to find myself more entertained (distracted really) by Facebook or Instagram or Pinterest.  But really, if I'm honest with myself, I believe I was intimidated by Ruth's story.  I knew there was a day in Ruth's life she was preparing the reader to accept.  And I knew it wouldn't be pretty.  I can't even begin to describe Ruth or her mother other than to say she grew up in Wisconsin, poor, to a mother who was emotionally abusive.  May stunted Ruth and I'm not sure all of Ruth's problems were environmental.  Ruth was slow.  She was destined to live at home forever with her mother.  In her shadow.  And May resented Ruth.  And then along comes Ruby...older, into drugs, but madly in love with Ruth.  

I can't spoil this book for you.  I can only suggest you read it.  Only the most advanced young adults would be able to follow Ruth's story.  It's fragmented, fantastical plot.  So, once again, this adult novel would be best read by adults.  There are just too many subtleties.   I can see how this book would fit nicely into a senior or college class studying social class in America.  

Ruth's story is timeless.  I know, and have known, girls like Ruth and mothers like May.  Even boys and men like Ruby.  After reading Hamilton's novel, I don't understand them any better, but I do feel more informed.  Acquainted.  

*This was recommended to me but I cannot remember by whom!  Found it in the book basket by my bed and knew it would be my next read regardless.  So I sent out a Facebook post asking for endorsements before I read even one word.  A couple of my coworkers read the book and offered their feedback before I read it.  They both stated that they "loved it".  Can't wait to talk to them about it.  
 
Happy Reading...
RC

Back to work...

It's the end of July and for me that means it's time to go back to work!  Started back yesterday at the library and spent most of the day rearranging from summer floor waxing and carpet shampooing.  There was a mountain of mail and a stack of boxes to go through.  Today, I had the pleasure of cataloging some of the new books...

including new additions to the restricted collection.  I needed to complete the Pretty Little Liars series by Sara Shepard and I am happy to say we have books #1-13 now.  The Kelley Armstrong romantic fantasy series is complete and I've purchased the next two in the followup series, The Gathering and The Calling.  Book #4 in the Hex Hall series is here- School Spirits as well as the second book in the Dust Lands series, Rebel Heart.  And finally, our Sarah Dessen collection is complete with the purchase of her book, Along for the Ride.

 The Kentucky Bluegrass Collection is now updated with the 2013-2014 nominees.  I've blogged about most of these books already, but I'm excited to introduce them to my students soon.  I still need to read Unstoppable (realistic sports fiction) and The Lions of Little Rock (historical fiction).  

I'm excited about a new collection by Anne Scraff.  These urban stories will appeal to reluctant readers who have an especially hard time connecting to characters.  This collection is similar to the Bluford High Series and the Orca collection that so many of our students rely on. 

 To make the sting of work less painful, this is also the time of year that I purchase a literary shirt or two to add to my wardrobe.  So happy to be able to add Paula Quinn to my repertoire of tees!  Ordered her new "Quinn Nation" shirt today.  Cannot wait to wear it!  I love her historical romance novels.  LOVE!
 
 


Happy (early morning and late night) reading!
RC