Update...

Even though the summer weather isn't quite here yet, it seems that my summer reading is still moving along. This week I managed to read a few awesome books. This is surprising because normally I'll get through one or two and sometimes they aren't really all that good. Check 'em out....
Emma Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree by Lauren Tarshis
A Crooked Kind of Perfect by Linda Urban (I LOVED this one!!!!)
King of Murder by Betsy Byars (really suspenseful!)
Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz (I see why this became a movie, I finished it in a day!)

As for Twilight... I figure I'll pick up New Moon next time I'm at the library. It was good... but not THAT good.

Happy Reading!

What is the true meaning of Smekday?

Meet the Boovs. The smallish little alien guys that took over the world one Christmas eve and changed Gratuity's life forever. I'm not quite sure if I understand what the true meaning of Smekday is yet, but I'm thinking if I continue reading Gratuity's English papers detailing how the take over of the world has impacted her, I'm bound to discover an answer.

Science fiction is not my favorite, yet, something about Smekday has me intrigued. Critics of the book claim Smekday is hilarious. Well, in my reading so far, Gratuity meets a Boov at a mini-mart and she proceeds to nick-name him, J-Lo. While I wasn't exactly rolling on the floor laughing, it did bring a smirk to my face. Her cat named "Pig" reminded me of "Bob," my cousin's dog who was a female. I suppose I'll just have to keep reading and see what happens....

http://www.smekday.com/

Going to Middle School?

Middle School Is Worse Than Meatloaf by Jennifer Holm

If you are looking for a great, fun, summer read, this book is for you! Ginny is a seventh grader who has her share of trouble. Through her lists, report cards, ticket stubs, and newspaper articles, the trials and tribulations Ginny experiences with friends and family keep the reader engaged. This book is a lot of fun and perfect for girls in 5th and 6th grade!

Summer Reading

Research shows kids need to keep reading throughout the summer in order to remain at their current reading level. Jim Trelease explains how to help prevent this perfectly on his website... http://www.trelease-on-reading.com/

Looking for ideas? Check out my summer reading list (so far)

Fifth Grade Books

Tim Green's Football Hero
Tim Green's latest- Football Champ (sequel to Football Genius)
The Percy Jackson series (attempting this for the second time!)
George's Secret Key to the Universe
Chasing Spirit Bear
Love, Aubrey
Twilight
Shredderman
Any of Steve Jenkins non-fiction titles
Betsy Byars new mysteries ( the titles are escaping me right now)

Not So Fifth Grade Books

Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian

Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime

Something Borrowed (series of books)

Confessions of A Shopaholic (we'll see about this one)

Three Cups of Tea (I really need to force myself through this- I may buy the 5th grade version)

Dewey The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World

Janet Evanovich's Fearless Fourteen and Finger Lickin' Fifteen

I've got some pretty ambitious goals... I am really hoping to post more often!! Be sure to check back for more soon!

What's Up With Twilight!?

I finally caved. I officially own a copy of the book causing a vampire loving craze across the nation...... TWILIGHT.

What am I thinking? Well.... let me explain.
1. I hate scary books and scary movies. Why am I reading this?
2. I don't particularly enjoy romance.
3. Edward scares me. A lot.
4. Is Bella INSANE? (ummm yes)
5. My fifth graders loved this. I need to know why!!

SO, let the adventure begin. I'll be back in a few weeks to let you know if I feel the need to run out and buy an "I LOVE EDWARD" shirt or maybe just head to the library to pick up a copy of "New Moon." Stay tuned!

The Shadow Children Series

Margaret Peterson Haddix promises to keep you on the edge of your seat with the Shadow Children Series. Among the Hidden, the first book in the series, has been an exciting first read-aloud for our classroom. Stay tuned for upcoming reviews from our avid classroom listeners!

VOTE! June and Moon!

The Kid Who Ran for President is the perfect book for our community read aloud. I'm so excited this book was chosen. It is the perfect way to discuss the upcoming election and Dan Gutman really knows how to make me laugh!! Whether it is 12 year old Judson Moon, first babe Chelsea Daniels, campaign manager Lane Brainard or running mate June Syers, the characterization in this book is spectacular! Every middle-schooler can probably relate to someone in this book. Will the Lemonade Party make it to the White House!? Stay tuned to find out!!!