The Outsiders revisited

One of my students referenced a scene from The Outsiders this week and I couldn't remember it.  It was a subtle phrase from a scene I had obviously not found as profound.  I honestly couldn't even remember it.  Therefore, I decided to read this book again and to watch the movie so I could answer questions more accurately.   So I spent my "free" time this week rereading this timeless tale.  Our 8th graders read it each year and I'm always so pleased with the turnaround some reluctant readers make after reading it with their teacher.  I attempted to share the story with my eleven year old daughter, but she wasn't interested enough yet.  And I'm so relieved!  This story is one for mature students.  I appreciate S.E. Hinton's craft even more after revisiting it.  I strongly encourage you to read this book.  Here's a blurb, as found on Amazon.com.

 "No one ever said life was easy. But Ponyboy is pretty sure that he's got things figured out. He knows that he can count on his brothers, Darry and Sodapop. And he knows that he can count on his friends—true friends who would do anything for him, like Johnny and Two-Bit. And when it comes to the Socs—a vicious gang of rich kids who enjoy beating up on "greasers" like him and his friends—he knows that he can count on them for trouble. But one night someone takes things too far, and Ponyboy's world is turned upside down..."

And of course afterwards you'll want to watch the movie.  :)
 Some stories are worth revisiting...
Happy Reading!
RC

The One Where the Kid Nearly Jumps to His Death and Lands in California

Well, that didn't take long!  In my earlier post from today, I proclaimed that I was waiting for my next student recommendation and within the hour it arrived.  One of my 8th grade boys, who is a reluctant reader, turned this book in and declared that although it was in bad shape physically, it deserves to be repaired and kept in the collection.  Okay.  A book this kid likes has to either have mature content or it must be fabulously written to keep his attention throughout.  lol

So I'm going to read it next.  It's worth having the conversation with him.  This is not a new book, but it did catch his attention...I'm sure it was the giant title and the fact that the word "death" was in it.  lol

Middle school kids are so much fun to work with.  They aren't all trying to discover who they are, some of them already know.  And they're not ashamed to share that with you.  This student is no different.  He will abandon a book quickly if it doesn't catch his attention, so this book must jump right into the action, pun intended.  :)

From what I can tell from the blurb, this story is about a boy whose parents are divorced.  He was in a traumatic accident a few years ago and had to have his leg amputated.  He's moving to spend time with his father and the relationship between them will be explored.  Also, it's apparent the boy is self-conscious of his artificial leg because he calls himself "Stump".  Therefore, I'm assuming bullying will be a topic for discussion.  

Looking forward to getting to this next.  And of course, discussing it with my student.  If the book is good enough, I'll order another copy because ours is falling apart!  It's literally held together with tape.  If not, I'll discard it and move on.  However, I have a sneaky suspicion that this one will be a keeper.  

Happy Reading!
RC

The Genesis Trilogy

One of my favorite Christian fiction authors, Mesu Andrews, highly praised this trilogy soon after the controversial "Noah" movie, starring Russel Crowe, was released. Many Christians strongly disliked the movie for it's science fiction components.  I am a Christian and was not offended by the movie.  Personally, I thought the inclusion of alien beings was unnecessary, but it did not make me angry.  Without venturing into religious discussion, I have to say that Mesu Andrews wrote an outstanding review of the movie and then referred those of us who weren't offended by the movie to this author's Genesis Trilogy. I purchased the trilogy and haven't had time to work it into my lineup until now.   I started the first book last night.  So far, so good.  The main character, Annah, is virtually a slave to her older brother, who has taken over the family following his father's murder.  Guess who was responsible for that?  Yes, he was!  This brother is one evil, wicked, mean fella.  Reminded me of the evil spoken of in Genesis that angered God and caused Him to be sorry he created mankind.  The author sets that up well.  Also, Annah is expected to be submissive because she's a woman.  Also very typical of neolithic man.  There is mention of the Most High, but most people worship a goddess of nature called Havah and a tree she is said to have created.  I find this book to be culturally accurate so far and appreciate the research and creativity this author has obviously put in. 

Waiting for my next student recommendation!  Until then, I'll be reading this!  If you want to read along with me, start with The Heavens Before. 

Happy Reading!
RC

Famous Last Words

My students get a bit spoiled by their fabulous reading teachers (and me) as they are so enthusiastic to recommend great books to kids.  Their goal?  To hook those students who haven't found the "just right book" yet...or to coax the reluctant reader to try something a little longer than 100 pages...or to encourage the avid reader to try something new.  It's a constant swap of literary energy at our school.  And I love it.  Especially when students find out you are in between books and would have time to read something they recommend.  Such is this...

The 3rd library aide recommendation was so fun to read!  Famous Last Words is a ghost story/mystery that, once I read beyond halfway, kept me glued and I finished the book in less than 24 hours.  A quick read.  And like I said, "fun". However, I did pick up on a few key themes I think the author embedded for the reader.  Fear, anger, forgiveness...these are internal conflicts the main character, Willa, battles throughout the story.  

Willa, a high school student who has just been transplanted into the Hollywood, California lifestyle, has external conflicts as well.  Her father has died, she's been taken out of school and moved across the United States, and she doesn't know her stepfather well and feels completely out of place in his home, despite his and her mother's attempts to settle her into the lap of luxury.  She faces a sea of strangers at school and seems to have rubbed her chemistry partner the wrong way right off the bat.  She is approached by a girl who seems friendly, but may not be the best influence for her.  And finally, she's attracted to her stepfather's 19 year old assistant who just so happens to work in her home practically 24/7.  On top of all this, Willa must deal with the supernatural.  She's apparently opened up a portal and has attracted the attention of a ghost.  Not only does Willa not feel safe at home, she's terrified to venture out too far from home because of the latest kill by the area's serial killer.  Yes, it's quite the complex plot!  

I would recommend this book to middle school and high school girls who enjoy fast-paced realistic fiction with a fantasy twist.  It's refreshingly appropriate and free of mature content.  If I had this in our school library, it would be at home on the fiction shelves...if it ever stayed checked in.  

What a reward it is to read books recommended by students...I look forward to discussing this book with my library aide tomorrow!  

Happy Reading!
RC

Fall Break Reading

Fall Break reading is almost here and I'm trying to get one more book in before I tackle the 428 page tome that is October Sky by Homer Hickam. I have been waiting patiently to start this memoir so that I may continue the pattern of reading the book breakfast title within the month it is discussed.  That's what I told my students I would do and I'm sticking with it.  This is quite the read for my students.  I don't anticipate more than 4 or 5 students at the breakfast.  Only those truly dedicated readers will wade through this book.  It's size makes it an intimidating choice to middle school students.  I've scheduled a movie night to coincide with the event as sort of a "reward" for finishing the book.

In the meantime, I've taken my library aides' recommendation of another great read for me and I'm thrilled to say I'm enjoying it so far.  If I Stay by Gayle Forman is one of the most popular titles in our library since the movie was released this past summer.  I picked it up last night and read through 30 pages very quickly.  The story flows well, but is meant for a mature reader who can follow the plot sequence changes.  And, there is some mature language.  I'll know more about the mature content when I'm finished, but as for now, I would recommend it only to 7th/8th graders.

Here's an excerpt from the Barnes/Noble website...

 "In the blink of an eye everything changes. Seventeen ­year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall what happened afterwards, watching her own damaged body being taken from the wreck. Little by little she struggles to put together the pieces- to figure out what she has lost, what she has left, and the very difficult choice she must make. Heartwrenchingly beautiful, this will change the way you look at life, love, and family. Now a major motion picture starring Chloe Grace Moretz, Mia's story will stay with you for a long, long time."

I'm sure I'll finish this book by the weekend.  Won't be hearing from me for a while...I'll be spending time with my niece and my children.  And, I'll be knee deep in October sky!  

Happy Fall Break Reading!
RC