So many books, so little time

It has been a busy semester at school, for the fifth graders and myself at graduate school! Yet, thanks to the conveniences of modern technology, I've managed to stay up on some of my reading while driving to and from work or class. If you haven't read the following titles, I more than recommend them, I insist you pick them up at your local library or bookstore and give them a try. They are just THAT good!

Firegirl by Tony Abbott -> A powerful story about a 7th grade boy who experiences what true friendship really means. Emotions run deep as the narrator details his experience getting to know "the new girl," who was badly burned in a terrible accident. When she begins 7th grade at the new school, many take their fear and turn it into rumors, hate, and lies. Yet, for a young man, he sees beyond her scars and wounded skin, and is able to see the power of a true friendship.



Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson -> The incredible story of a young slave girl, Isabelle, during the time of the Revolutionary War. After the death of her mother and master Isabelle and her sister Ruth are sold to a loyalist couple in New York. Facing a new home, new people and ultimately the loss of her mother, Isabelle is forced to make difficult decisions about her own freedom. Should she risk spying on her Tory master for the Patriots in an attempt to obtain freedom for herself and Ruth? So far, I can't quite put it down.

Another incredible story of facing adversity, Yellow Star was so good I could not put it down. Young Syvia is four years old when her family is forced into the Lodz Ghetto in Poland. Approximately 27,000 Jews were held against their will behind barbed fences with limited rations and terrible working conditions. Years later, 800 survive, 12 of them children. The power of this true account of a Holocaust survivor lies in the innocent perspective of the narrator, Syvia. Written in free verse poetry, Syvia's story is guaranteed to capture your heart and remind you of the harsh conditions suffered by all throughout the Holocaust.

Some more not so serious titles-- Hank Zipzer and Shredderman.... full of fun and adventure! I loved them both!!

Happy Reading!!

Sheep

First, there was Because of Winn-Dixie, then, A Dog's Life, and now Sheep. Dog stories that break your heart and make you want to rush to the nearest shelter and adopt one, two or maybe three, and bring them home to spoil them rotten. In Sheep, a brilliant border collie's adventures out on the road, alone in the harsh human world, gives us a different perspective on the life of a stray. From the Goat Man to the Circus to Raggedy Annie's house, the experiences of Shep (or Spot, Lucky, or any other name you'd like to give him) will warm your heart and keep you reading. In the end, I think Sheep may help us realize that we all have a need to wander a little before we find where we are truly meant to be.

Sheep is perfect for the dog lover, who enjoyed A Dog's Life and Because of Winn Dixie. A great read!

The Willoughbys

A quick read, The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry is entertaining and chock full of "old-fashion." Lowry alludes to well known stories of the past such as Mary Poppins, Anne of Green Gables, The Secret Garden and Pollyanna as she tells the tale of an odd couple, their 4 "old-fashioned" children, an old man and a baby. The pages are full of "old-fashioned" words: fortuitous, ignominious, glutinous, bilious, and my favorite, lugubrious. Aside from the vocabulary, which I was able to navigate with the help of Lowry's glossary of terms, the story was simple, familiar and predictable. The term parody fits the tone of this book perfectly. From the failed "Little Ruthie" candy bar, to the awful German the young boy uses ("Ach. I forgotzenplunkt. Sorrybrauten."), this story may not be as amusing to a fifth grader as it was to me. A useful biography of the "old-fashioned" stories is helpful for younger and less versed readers as they attempt to understand the references used by the characters in the book.
While I would recommend The Willoughbys, it may prove disappointing and seem very different for fans of Lois Lowry's more serious titles. Overall, this was a great read for a blustery, winter recess!

Fall Favorites

School has officially started! In between graduate classes and an awesome group of new 5th graders, there hasn't been much time for reading my favorite, young adult books. But, with Thanksgiving break just around the corner, I've come up with an ambitious list of titles I am just dying to check out!

~The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry
~ Football Champ by Tim Green
~ Diary of a Wimpy Kid Dog Days by Jeff Kinney
~ 39 Clues book 1 by Rick Riordan

Alright, so my list is a little unrealistic (even for me). Three days off from school with report cards due Monday isn't much time. But, let me tell you, I cannot wait to enjoy a little time combing through the pages of the pile of books gathering dust next to my nightstand.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Rules

Do you have rules at your house? Are they like these rules?

* No toys in the fish tank.

* If someone says "hi" you say "hi" back.

* Not everything worth keeping has to be useful.

* Sometimes people laugh when they like you. But sometimes they laugh to hurt you.

Catherine is a 12 year old who wants nothing more to fit in. She creates these rules to help her little brother David who has autism. This summer, Catherine's life changes with her new neighbor Kristi, a special friend, Jason, and more than enough adventures with David. This heartwarming story is perfect if your life is just a little bit less than normal!

HOSTAGE

I can't believe I almost forgot the most captivating book I have read all summer,

"Hostage" by Willo Davis Roberts!!!

More than any other book I have picked up this summer I was instantly intrigued and motivated to keep reading on. The author literally had me up at night wanting to read and discover what happens to Kaci and her elderly neighbor Mrs. Banducci as they stumble upon the robbery of their new house in a "safer neighborhood," Lofty Cedars. If you are looking for a good mystery, Willo Davis Roberts is the author for you!!

The Thief Lord

While my crazy schedule hasn't made it possible to travel this summer... I've been transported to Italy in my latest read, "The Thief Lord." Prosper and Boniface, two orphaned boys, are running from their rich Aunt Esther who only intends to adopt Boniface. Early in their travels they meet Hornet, a young girl who introduces them to the Thief Lord himself. The Thief Lord cares for the children by stealing from the rich and selling goods for food, clothing and small means of entertainment. This Robin Hood type story transports readers to another world- of canals and thieves and tiny passages woven throughout the ancient city. I'm captivated by the fast action and attempts of the detective, Victor, in his pursuits to find them and ultimately receive his reward.