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