The Journey Back

Finding myself in between books this morning and as I looked around the library for something to read that the kids have always liked and that I hadn't read yet, my eyes were drawn to the sequel to Red Kayak.  Numerous readers, both student and adult, have praised The Journey Back for being "even better than the first!"  That's rare.  So I'm going to give it a read!  This is apparently the continuation of the character, Digger and his life after juvenile detention.  In the first book, Digger and his friends make a really bad decision and must pay the consequences for it.  This idea to continue one of the character's story reminds me of what Louis Sachar did with Small Steps, the sequel to Holes.  I'm looking forward to learning whether or not Digger has learned his lesson, what his new conflict might be and how he decides to resolve it. 

And of course, any book that a student can seriously recommend to me and provide evidence for it's quality is a must-read for me.  I encourage all readers, regardless of age, to pick up Red Kayak.  It's an amazing, award-winning book that has stood the test of time here at our middle school.  It's read by various grades and assorted reading leveled classes.  It's a timeless tale that holds it's value.  I consider it a new classic.  Don't think I'm exaggerating when I say it has as much appeal to boys as Mark Twain's Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huck Finn. 

Happy Reading!
RC

Uglies

For years I've watched as Scott Westerfeld's Uglies series checked in and out of our school library on a regular basis.  I've reordered the series a few times due to loose bindings, ripped covers, missing pages, excessive use, etc.... I've listened to numerous booktalks and conversations between students and teachers about this sci-fi series.  I've even led a few reluctant readers to the series, simply telling them what I've heard about the books.  But never had I read one until this past weekend.  Oh my goodness, I'm hooked!

In the future, society has made improvements that ensure fairness and the preservation of civilization.  Or, at least that's what the government has told the citizens.  (Again, we have a dystopian novel that will definitely hold a reader's attention.  And, we have a strong female protagonist who struggles to save humanity from a fate worse than death.)  Tally, the sixteen year old protagonist, lives in Uglyville and is considered an Ugly.  That is, she's not quite old enough to have the surgery all sixteen year olds have that turn them into a Pretty and change their lives forever.  There's nothing "wrong" with being an ugly unless you live in their world.  Uglies are born ugly and remain that way until the surgery which shapes their bones and resurfaces their skin to make them more symmetrically attractive.  But not only do their physical features change, their personalities do as well.  They become silly, happy, simple-minded do-nothings!  They sleep late, party all night and drink excessively.  They have no responsibilities and are expected to live life to it's fullest and in it's excess!  Caviar and champagne are the breakfasts of choice!  It's a dream for an Ugly to become a Pretty, but not all people feel that way and Tally meets someone at the last minute who has a huge influence on her decision to become a Pretty.  

No spoiler alerts here, but I'll say that I was as tempted to do nothing and simply read as the Pretties are to party.  :)

I'm on the second book now, Pretties, and I can't put it down. There are two additional books, Specials and Extras.  Plus, Westerfeld published a companion handbook called Bogus to Bubbly, which helps you navigate their world.   It's an adventure and makes me wanna add a hoverboard to my Christmas list!!

Happy Reading!
RC

Bearstone

 Our November book breakfast title is Bearstone, by Will Hobbs.  I can't describe the attention this book has received so far this school year.  Kids are talking about it in almost every class.  As with all book breakfast titles, this story is one I hadn't read and am reading this month along with my students.  Since it's a short read, my students are already finishing and spreading the word about what a fantastic book it is!  I'm currently on chapter 16 and can see the appeal for boys.  I'm also taking lots of notes on the Native American Ute Tribe and thinking about adding a clay fetish craft to our donut discussion.  :) 

What's so appealing about this story so far?  Well, it's the story of Cloyd, a fourteen-year-old Ute boy whose mother died at birth and who's father ran away shortly after.  He's been raised with his sister by his grandmother.  He's been rebellious and defiant for so long that he's never learned to read.  He's angry and expresses his frustration in physical ways...he runs away, he destroys property, etc...  I'm sad to say that many of our students can relate.  Not often do I work with a student who has a solid, functional family.  Not often do I work with students who feel safe, loved and nurtured.  Many of our students are raising themselves.  Literally.  It's a terrible reality and we've done as much as we can do and continue to provide them with what we can daily.  However, some pain is permanent and like Cloyd, students spend years struggling with it.  I'm happy to read that Cloyd has a strong adult male mentor in his life.  Walter is a likeable character, the grandfather figure Cloyd has never known.  Looking forward to finishing and discussing this book with my students.  We have a full table for this breakfast and one or two students who have earned the privilege to pull up a chair with us.  

This is a fantastic read for upper elementary and middle school boys.

Happy Reading!
RC

Found

Harlan Coben's third installment in the Mickey Bolitar novels was released this past month and has been waiting for me patiently on my bedside table.  I knew better than to let it escape my grasp for fear it would fall into student (and faculty) hands and would not resurface again until Spring.  It's THAT popular!  And trust me, it's THAT good!  

Here's the blurb from the Amazon.com website... I am on chapter 4 and am soooo thankful the author catches the reader up so well.  Not only do middle school readers need this in a series, but so do busy library media specialists and teachers who read constantly.  :)

 "It’s been eight months since Mickey Bolitar witnessed the shocking, tragic death of his father. Eight months of lies, dark secrets, and unanswered questions. While he desperately wants answers, Mickey’s sophomore year of high school brings on a whole new set of troubles. Spoon is in the hospital, Rachel won’t tell him where he stands, his basketball teammates hate him . . . and then there’s Ema’s surprise announcement: She has an online boyfriend, and he’s vanished.

As he’s searching for Ema’s missing boyfriend (who may not even exist!), Mickey also gets roped into helping his nemesis, Troy Taylor, with a big problem. All the while, Mickey and his friends are pulled deeper into the mysteries surrounding the Abeona Shelter, risking their lives to find the answers—until the shocking climax, where Mickey finally comes face-to-face with the truth about his father."

I'm now going to enjoy my time with Found...
Happy Reading!
RC