Kellee

Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Favorite Quotes from Books by Habiba F., 9th Grade

July 22, 2018September 5, 2017 by Kellee

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. The feature was created because The Broke and Bookish are particularly fond of lists (as are we!). Each week a new Top Ten list topic is given and bloggers can participate.

Today’s Topic: Ten Favorite Quotes from Books

by Habiba F., 8th grade (2016-17) now a 9th grader!

1. “Come quickly. I am tasting the stars.” – The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

This is what Dom Perignon said after inventing champagne. I like this quote because it shows how one’s mind can stretch farther than than the clouds.

2. “She is not just an ape…” – Hurt Go Happy by Ginny Rorby

This quote sows that even if your eye see only an ape, they are more than that.

3. “Even in its darkest passages, the heart is unconquerable. It is important that the body survives, but its more meaningful that the human spirit prevails.” – A Child Called It by Dave Pelzer

This quote shows how Dave, even though he lived in torture with his family and was shown little love, still has hope.

4. “You have to understand that in a person’s life, there are a few precious moments in which decisions, choices that you man now, will affect you for the rest of your life.” – Lost Boy by Dave Pelzer

This quote shows how every move you make affects you later in life.

5. “I loved you when you were 300, 200 pounds. I love you now.” – Skinny by Donna Cooner

I love this quote because it shows true sibling love and that it isn’t about looks, it’s about love.

6. “I could keep running from my battles and live in fear, or I could embrace the fear.” – Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson

This shows a courageous girl who faces what she has been avoiding.

7. “As he read, I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly then all at once.” – The Fault in our Stars by John Green

This quote shows how true love can be comforting and soothing.

8. “The things we do outlast our morality, the things we do are like monuments that people build to honor heroes after they’ve died. They’re like the pyramids that the Egyptians built to honor the pharoahs. Only instead of being made of stone, they’re out of the memories people have of you.” – Wonder by R.J. Palacio

9. “People are more than they look.” – A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle

This quote gives a reason to not judge someone by looks.

10. “Don’t try to comprehend with your mind. Your minds are very limited.” – A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle

This quote shows that sometimes there will be things you just don’t understand.

What are your favorite quotes?

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? #IMWAYR 9/4/17

September 4, 2017September 4, 2017 by Kellee

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? From Picture Books to YA!

It’s Monday! What are you Reading? is a meme started by Sheila at Book Journeys and now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date. It is a great way to recap what you read and/or reviewed the previous week and to plan out your reading and reviews for the upcoming week. It’s also a great chance to see what others are reading right now…you just might discover the next “must-read” book!

Kellee and Jen, of Teach Mentor Texts, decided to give It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? a kidlit focus. If you read and review books in children’s literature – picture books, chapter books, middle grade novels, young adult novels, anything in the world of kidlit – join us! We love this meme and think you will, too.

We encourage everyone who participates to support the blogging community by visiting at least three of the other book bloggers that link up and leave comments for them.

Last Week’s Posts

**Click on any picture/link to view the post**

Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday: Thirty Male Book Characters We’d Totally Date by Clara A., Amanda C., Kiersten R., & Ashley F., 8th Grade

Wednesday: Gamer Squad#1: Attack of the Not-So-Virtual Monsters by Kim Harrington

Thursday: Teaching Ideas for The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

Friday: Guardians of the Gryphon’s Claw by Todd Calgi Gallicano

Sunday: Author Guest Post!: “Reaching Reluctant Readers” by Brian Rock, Author of The Tyler Files

Last Week’s Journeys

The Unwind Dystology by Neal Shusterman is such a well-crafted roller coaster of twists and turns and suspense and complications and mayhem and BRILLIANCE. It is so good. Sad that I’m putting the final book on hold, but I will read it soon!
I loved Giant Pumpkin Suite and Things That Surprise You! I am reviewing both this week, so stop by on Wednesday and Friday 🙂
Because I had so many students reading the 2nd Mighty Jack book, I felt I needed to reread it. Mighty Jack and the Goblin King is a perfect continuation of the first Mighty Jack story yet is so unique in its adventures. Also, the cliffhanger at the end may just kill some of my students as they wait for the next book!

Ricki

Henry and I have read It’s Not Jack and the Beanstalk by Josh Funk every night since I received the book two weeks ago. He laughs out loud every time we read it. This is a great book, and I am very excited to write the full review Thursday of next week. 🙂

Here Comes Teacher Cat by Deborah Underwood is another recent favorite in our house. I like how certain words repeat across the pages. It’s helping Henry learn certain words by sight. This makes me very happy!

The new wordless picture book Owl Bat Bat Owl by Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick is a great story to explore. It’s about a family of bats and a family of owls who aren’t sure if they can co-exist on the same tree branch.

I re-read American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang. Gosh, I love this book. I am very excited to talk about it with my students on Wednesday!

This Week’s Expeditions

Kellee

Currently Listening: Guys! Knockout Games is getting INTENSE! I don’t listen to my audiobooks on the weekends, but I so bad want to know what is going on. If you haven’t read this, I say it is a must read. It gives a look inside getting sucked into gang-like activities.
Currently Reading: Scythe by Neal Shusterman. Well, I technically haven’t started it yet, but it is what I am going to start. It is our Teacher Book Club book for September. Can’t wait!

Ricki

I am still enjoying listening to The Smell of Other People’s Houses by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock.

I also restarted The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander. I was loving it earlier in the year, but I got interrupted with my dissertation.

Upcoming Week’s Posts

Tuesday: Ten Favorite Quotes from Books from Habiba, 9th Grade

Wednesday: Giant Pumpkin Suite by Melanie Heuiser Hill

Thursday: #mustreadin2017 Fall Update

Friday: Review and Giveaway!: Things That Surprise You by Jennifer Maschari

So, what are you reading?

Link up below and go check out what everyone else is reading. Please support other bloggers by viewing and commenting on at least 3 other blogs. If you tweet about your Monday post, tag the tweet with #IMWAYR!

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Author Guest Post!: “Reaching Reluctant Readers” by Brian Rock, Author of The Tyler Files

September 3, 2017September 3, 2017 by Kellee

Reaching Reluctant Readers

As a former teacher and current parent, I’ve had some experience in introducing kids to reading. And while there’s no magic potion that works for all kids, I’ve learned that oftentimes the messenger is as important as the message. Even reluctant readers will warm up to the task at hand when they see that someone else is actually enjoying it. So, when encouraging youngsters to read, remember to make it fun – for both of you! Here are a few suggestions:

Step out of routines:

Make special times to read. Don’t save reading time for just before bedtime, or it can become just another rote exercise like brushing teeth and washing up. You can have a reading night where you turn off the TV and let everyone pick a favorite book to read for thirty minutes or longer. For younger readers, you can create special snuggle-read time on weekends or after preschool.

Remember to take time after reading to discuss the book your child has read (or listened to someone else read.) Let them voice their opinions about what they liked best in a story. Even if they focus on illustrations, let them know that you value their insights about books. This discussion time is especially important because it lets even pre-readers feel like they’re part of the reading process.

Likewise, in the classroom, elevate reading from an assignment to an experience. A great way to do this is to find short, funny poems that you can read in under a minute, and read them to introduce a related class lesson. Shel Silverstein and Kenn Nesbitt are two great authors to begin with.

Lights, camera, read!:

Don’t just read a book, act it out. Without donning makeup and costume, you can bring characters to life with just a bit of inflection. Is the character sad? Use your saddest, poutiest tone to convey that emotion. Is the character happy? Unless you’re in a library, let your child feel the character’s joy through your own exuberance and RAISED VOICE. Is there more than one main character? Use different voices for each character. In my picture book, The Deductive Detective, I create fourteen unique voices to bring the story to life and give each character its own distinct personality.

Is your child already starting to read? Let them read the text for one character and you read the text for the other. Some great books for together reading are The Duckling Gets a Cookie?!?, Green Eggs and Ham, and You Read To Me, I’ll Read To You. For older, elementary school age readers, look for books with lots of dialogue. Tom Angleberger, Kate DiCamilla, Chirs Grabenstein are great authors for compelling characters and dialogue.

Celebrate books:

Make trips to the library or bookstore special occasions instead of errands. Let your kids see other children enjoying books. Let them linger, browse and choose their own books. It’s a special feeling when one book out of hundreds on the shelf “speaks to you.” Kids have so little autonomy in their lives, let them enjoy this one freedom of choosing their own book and it will make reading that much more special for them.

For teachers, try offering several books that you’ve pre-selected for a specific lesson and let the class vote, or even better, let individual students (especially the reluctant readers) take turns voting for which book to read. That small, simple action gives them reason to be invested in the book.

Get serious about reading with series:

Most reluctant readers don’t have favorite books, they have favorite characters. That’s why most book series are character driven. Once young readers make a connection with a character, the effort to make sense of language and understand plot becomes less intimidating, because they are in the company of a friendly character with whom they relate. In each subsequent book in the series, the characters, setting and premise are familiar, so understanding those elements takes less effort. With each book, the process gets easier and more enjoyable. In my chapter book series, The Tyler Files, for example, readers will find the same characters, with the same mannerisms, in the same school setting. The only change is a new source of mystery in each book, but because readers are familiar with the characters and premise, it’s easier to dive right in and get to the heart of the story.

For the very young, you can’t beat Dr. Seuss and Mo Willems. For chapter book readers, Mary Pope Osbourne and Jim Benton have wonderfully engaging series.

Make “em laugh, make ‘em laugh, make ‘em laugh!:

But by far, the best way to hook reluctant readers is to hit them in the funny bone. According to the Kids & Family Reading Report, 70% of kids want to read a book that will make them laugh and 54% want books that allow them to use their imagination. That’s why I make sure all the books I write are 70% funny and 54% creative!

For a child that sees the written page as a chore akin to taking out the trash, an unexpected burst of laughter can change their whole perspective. I know many teachers feel it’s their duty to be “serious” about reading, but getting kids seriously into reading is more important than boring them to death with serious lessons. There will be plenty of time for serious lessons later, but if you don’t hook a reader in elementary school, you never will. And study after study has shown that kids respond best to books that make them laugh – even if their sense of humor is worlds apart from your own.

For funny picture books, I recommend Mar Barnett, Doreen Cronin, and Jon Scieszka. For comical chapter books, check out Dav Pilkey and Herman Parish.

About the Book: Tyler has a big problem. His pants won’t stop talking! How will he make it through the day without becoming the school laughingstock? And how will Tyler survive his pants’ “off the cuff” remarks to the school bully (and to his secret crush?) With a little help from his best friend, Tyler gives a first-hand account of the mysterious, improbable and occasionally funny events that are so strange they can only be found in THE TYLER FILES.

In addition, THE TYLER FILES breaks new ground in the chapter book genre by adding interactive backmatter to the end of the story. Tyler poses questions to stimulate creative thinking in readers. He introduces and give examples of idioms related to the story. He gives 10 fun facts about pants, and even tells some jokes!

About the Author: Brian Rock’s latest PB was MARTIAN MUSTACHE MISCHIEF (First Light Publishing, 2015.) His previous PB, THE DEDUCTIVE DETECTIVE, (Arbordale, 2013) was a featured title of the month by the Children’s Book Council (Feb 2013.) His additional PBs include WITH ALL MY HEART (Tiger Tales, 2012) and DON’T PLAY WITH YOUR FOOD! (First Light Publishing, 2005.) Children’s Poet Laureate, Kenn Nesbitt included one of Brian’s poems in his anthology of poetry, ONE MINUTE TILL BEDTIME (Little Brown, 2016.) Brian received his master’s degree in Children’s Literature/Creative Writing from Hollins University. His poems for children have appeared in Highlights for Children, Poetry Train, and various regional publications. He is a former teacher who taught at-risk students for six years, and he is a member of SCBWI.

The Tyler Files looks like the perfect book to use to reach a reluctant reader! Thank you for the post, Brian!

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Guardians of the Gryphon’s Claw by Todd Calgi Gallicano

September 1, 2017 by Kellee

Guardians of the Gryphon’s Claw
Author: Todd Calgi Gallicano
Published August 29th, 2017 by Delacorte Press

Summary: A new action adventure series set in our famous national parks! Enter the world of the Department of Mythical Wildlife, where our protagonist, Sam London, is tasked with protecting legendary animals that secretly live amongst our treasured wildlife.

Haunted by a dream of a mythical gryphon, Sam London uncovers an ancient secret that will change the way he sees the world forever. Recruited by Dr. Vance Vantana, an eccentric zoologist and park ranger sent by the government, Sam is whisked away on an adventure that takes him to the farthest reaches of the globe. Along this journey, Sam learns an incredible truth: mythical creatures are real and living among us in our national parks. A special department in the U.S. government ensures that their existence remains hidden.

But Sam’s dream is an omen that the secret may now be in danger. Someone seeks the power to expose these creatures and overthrow humankind–and that power can only be found in a magical talisman known as the gryphon’s claw.

“A fun-filled start to a series that is sure to keep lovers of Rick Riordan running to the shelves.”-SLJ

“A death-defying, globe-spanning adventure, packed with creatures out of folklore and myth….[Guardians of the Gryphon’s Claw is] a solid series opener and debut for Gallicano, who stocks his story with engaging characters, human, and otherwise.”-Publishers Weekly

Review: I could not stop raving about this book as I read it! I tweeted about it, talked to everyone I saw about it, and even mentioned in a couple of IMWAYR posts. You know why? Because it is so much fun, the plot is so well-crafted, and finally my fans of Riordan’s mythological adventures are going to finally have a book that they’re going to love has much as his books. However, I don’t want you to think this is a Riordan copy-cat. It is a totally unique adventure with mythical creatures. I loved the combination of mythologies from different cultures, humor!, the new explanation of mythical creatures living with us yet hidden among us, and the inclusion of national parks in Sam’s story.

Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: Guardians of the Gryphon’s Claw will be a perfect new addition to mythology units in middle school to share along side Percy Jackson and other Riordan words. Gallicano even included a glossary of the mythical creatures that will be a wonderful asset to classrooms. However, I feel that primarily the book will be found in students’ hands.

Discussion Questions: What do you think the cliffhanger means?; What character traits does Sam posess that helped him in his adventures?; Which mythical creature would scare you the most? Which mythical creature would you want to have in your house? Which mythical creature would you want to hang out with?; Do you think Phylassos did the right thing in hiding his identity? About getting Sam London involved in the adventure?; Discuss Chriscanis and his journey in the book.; How did Sam’s story fit the Hero’s Journey?

Flagged Passages: “The flapping of the creature’s massive wings sent up a swirling column of dust that blanketed the plateau and rose hundreds of feet into the air. In Death Valley, these whirlwinds of dirt were often called sand augers — twisting, dust-filled tornados that fed off the desert floor as they moved across the landscape. Sam had forgotten about this part of the dream and closed his eyes and covered his mouth a moment too late. When he heard the wings slow and felt the haze begin to settle, he cautiously opened his eyes. They instantly stung from the dissipating cloud of dust, and he coughed as particles of desert sand forced their way into his throat. But it was all suddenly worth it–the stinging, the coughing, the lying, the possible grounding for eternity–for what he saw standing before him was truly extraordinary. Phylassos had returned.”

Read This If You Love: Mythology, Mythical Creatures, Adventure

Recommended For:

**Thank you to Random House Children’s Books for providing a copy for review!**

Gamer Squad #1: Attack of the Not-So-Virtual Monsters by Kim Harrington

August 30, 2017 by Kellee

Gamer Squad #1: Attack of the Not-So-Virtual Monsters
Author: Kim Harrington
Published August 1st, 2017 by Sterling Children’s Books

Summary: What happens when your cool virtual-reality game . . . becomes REAL? Pokemon GO meets The Goonies in this action-packed middle-grade series.

Monsters Unleashed–where you catch virtual-reality monsters on your cellphone–is one of the hottest mobile games around, and Bex and Charlie just can’t stop playing. They even check out an old map in Charlie’s grandfather’s attic in hopes of discovering some forgotten places in town where the rarest monsters might hide. But they find a strange machine up there too, and after Charlie switches it on, the WiFi goes down . . . and Bex’s entire catalog of monsters vanishes! And that’s not the worst of it: all the creatures she’s collected on her phone escape into the real world. Can the friends nab the beasts before they become monster lunch?

Author Bio: Kim Harrington is the author of Clarity, Perception, The Dead and Buried, and Forget Me for teens and the Sleuth or Dare and Gamer Squad series for kids. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and son. When not writing, she’s most likely reading, watching one of her favorite TV shows, or fantasizing about her next vacation. She can be found on Twitter (@Kim_Harrington), Instagram (@KimHarringtonAuthor) and on her website: www.kimharringtonbooks.com.

Don’t miss out on our Interview with the Author, Kim Harrington!!

Review: Kim Harrington’s new series combining video games, science fiction, and adventure is going to be a huge hit with middle grade readers! The first book is a quick, fun read which you cannot put down. Monsters Unleashed, I believe purposefully, is like Pokemon Go! in that the players walk around town looking for monsters to catch, but what would happen if one person’s caught monsters escaped?!?! That was happens with Bex and Charlie, and now it is up to them to figure out how to save their town. This is when it gets unique and crazy! How are they going to get all of the monsters? They are clever 🙂

I cannot wait to read the rest of the series! I cannot wait to see what Bex and Charlie do next!

Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: I can promise that this is a must buy for middle grade classroom and school libraries. Students are going to love these!

Discussion Questions: How does Bex and Charlie overcome their monster obstacles? What different strategies do they use?; What type of people are Bex and Charlie? Do you think that plays a part in them being able to be successful?; Do you think Charlie did the right thing when it came to his brother?; How is Monsters Unleashed and Pokemon Go alike? Different?; What characters surprised you with their interest in Monsters Unleashed? What does that teach you?

Flagged Passages: “The monster emerged from behind a tree. It was covered in fur, like a wolf, but also had two long, sharp fangs poking out of its mouth, and glowing red eyes. The VampWolf was the perfect combination of horrifying and terrifying. It was torrifying. I didn’t even care that wasn’t a word. I was so scared, I needed a new word.

‘Are you seeing what I’m seeing?’ I asked Charlie.

‘If you’re seeing an actual VampWolf walking toward us, then yes.’

‘How can this be happening?’ I looked down at my phone. The Monsters Unleashed app wasn’t even open. I wasn’t looking through the screen. The monster was really there, in the middle of the street.

This wasn’t a game. The VampWolf was right there in front of us on the street.” p. 26-27

Read This If You Love: Tesla’s Attic by Neal Shusterman and Eric Elfman, Frenzy by Robert Lettrick, Heir Apparent by Vivian Vande Velde, Secret Coders by Gene Luen Yang, Frank Einstein by Jon Sciezska, Goosebumps by R.L. Stine

Recommended For:

**Thank you to Ardi at Sterling Publishing for providing a copy for review!!**

Top Ten Tuesday: Thirty Male Book Characters We’d Totally Date by Clara A., Amanda C., Kiersten R., & Ashley F., 8th Grade

July 22, 2018August 29, 2017 by Kellee

Today’s Topic: Thirty Male Book Characters We’d Totally Date

by Clara, Kiersten, Amanda, and Ashley, 7th grade (2016-2017) now 8th graders!

Clara A.

1. W.W. Hale the Fifth from Heist Society by Ally Carter

Hale is a combination of bad and sensitive. He is a thief; however, ever since his mom left him, he has been so scared of losing anyone else.

2. Seth Logan from The Lost Heir by Allison Whitmore

Seth is a guitar player who most people hate; however, he never loses sight of those he loves.

3. Alexi from All Fall Down by Ally Carter

Alexi is very protective of those he loves, even when they are over seas. He cares about his friends and always makes sure they are safe.

4. Josh from The Future of Us by Jay Asher & Carolyn Mackler

Josh is always willing to do whatever for his friends such as giving them his sweatshirt on a cold, chilly night.

5. Dodge from The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor

Whether he is a revel, knight, or peasant, Dodge never game up on his one true love even if it means dying for her.

6. Luis from Can’t Look Away by Donna Cooner

Luis is both athletic and smart. He plays track and would do anything to help people.

7. Jonas from The Giver by Lois Lowry

Jonas always tries to do what is right. Even if it means breaking the law to save a child’s life.

8. Kyle from The Neptune Project by Polly Holyoke

Kyle’s ability to make decisions quickly makes him a great leader. He made so many sacrifices to save his friends.

9. Dai from The Neptune Project by Polly Holyoke

Dai tries to hide his feelings and act tough; however, he cares for people and hates hurting them.

10. Eli from The Summer I Save the World in 65 Days by Michele Weber Hurwitz

Eli cares for his family, especially his little brother. He doesn’t try and high his feelings but talks to someone about them.

Amanda C. & Kiersten R.

1. Josh from The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler

I love Josh’s caring and attentive personality. The fact that he still tried to speak with Emma after 6 months shows how much he really cares for her! -Amanda

2. Alex from Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Alex is a sweet guy who’s very protective over Lena. I love the fact that he’s not afraid to stand out and go against society. -Kiersten

3. Clay from Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Even though he didn’t really show it, Clay loved and wanted to help Hannah. After she died, he didn’t want the same thing to happen to Skye. He wasn’t gonna lose someone else. -Kiersten and Amanda

4. Noah from Paper or Plastic by Vivi Barnes

I love Noah’s serious yet geeky personality. Though he’s quiet, he feels comfortable talking to Lex, and I think it’s so cute how he has a quiet and serious side to him but also a sweet and caring side. -Amanda

5. Xander from Matched by Ally Condie

Xander is super caring and nice to his best friend, Cassie. He’s super protective, and he supports Cassie in everything. Normally, he’s the quiet, obedient type, but he never stops talking to Cassie. -Kiersten

6. Peter from The Charmed Children of Rookskill Castle by Janet Fox

We love how Peter has such a friendly personality. He gives off a brave, strong image. He handles emergencies well and doesn’t have much of a temper. We imagine him with a New York accent, too. -Kiersten and Amanda

7. Zander from How to Rock Braces and Glasses by Meg Haston

Zander has this laid-back personality that I absolutely adore. He knows how to stick with the right crowd. Plus, he’s in a bad which I think is awesome. -Amanda

8. Mfumbe Taylor from The Barcode Tattoo by Suzanne Weyn

Mfumbe is a hardworking and perfect-student type of person, but he has ideas that go against the norm of society. He’s very caring and one of the most good-looking guys in his grade. He’s friendly, too. -Kiersten

9. Eli from The Summer I Save the World in 65 Days by Michele Weber Hurwitz

Eli is a very sweet guy, and the gift he gave to Nina is super cute. The first kiss she got from him on the bench was a-d-o-r-a-b-l-e! -Kiersten and Amanda

10. Jaime from Awkward by Svetlana Chmakova

He’s super shy and geeky, but when he’s around Peppy, he can be super adorable. Plus, he’s really intelligent. -Amanda

Ashley F.

1. Harry Potter from Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

He is brave, powerful, confident, magical, and cares for others.

2. Tobias aka Four from the Divergent trilogy by Veronica Roth.

He is athletic, brave, fearless, loving, caring, and strong.

3. Neville Longbottom from Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

He is unique, different, confident, full of spirit, and brave.

4. Peeta Mellark from the Hunter Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins

He’s brave, strong, loving, loyal, and cares for the people he loves.

5. Finnick Odair from the Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins

He’s really strong, flirtatious, charming, and works really hard.

6. Evan Walker from The Fifth Wave by Rick Yancey

He’s mysterious, super sweet, and seems creepy but isn’t.

7. Thomas from the Maze Runner series by James Dashner

He is strong, brave, courageous, and good looking.

8. Newt from the Maze Runner series by James Dashner

He is muscular, supportive, and smart.

9. Sean from Autumn Falls by

He’s understanding, caring, really sweet, and almost perfect.

10. J.J. Austin from Autumn Falls by Bella Thorne

He’s kind, sweet, smart, loves video games, and adores fictional things.

Who are your book crushes?

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? #IMWAYR 8/28/17

September 3, 2017August 28, 2017 by Kellee

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? From Picture Books to YA!

We encourage everyone who participates to support the blogging community by visiting at least three of the other book bloggers that link up and leave comments for them.

CONGRATULATIONS
Caitlin C.
for winning our giveaway of The Real Us by Tommy Greenwald!

Last Week’s Posts

**Click on any picture/link to view the post**

Tuesday: Top Ten Antagonists from Christian U., 8th grade

Wednesday: Marti’s Song for Freedom by Emma Otheguy

Thursday: The First Week in Kellee’s Classroom!: Setting Up the School Year in Week One with Expectations, Kindness Goals, One Word Goals, and Six-Word Memoirs

Friday: Tinyville Town by Biran Biggs

Sunday: Author Guest Post!: “How Kids Can Help Homeless Children” by Melody J. Bremen, Author of The Boy Who Painted the World

Last Week’s Journeys

Kellee

I finished listening to The Smell of Other People’s House by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock, and I DEFINITELY can see why it was honored as a finalist for the 2017 Walden Award! It is a brilliantly crafted story that puts the reader in 1970s Alaska within intertwining stories of 4 teenagers and everyone in their lives.

I very much look forward to reviewing the first book in the Gamer Squad series for you all this week!

Ricki

I am doing a lot of rereading this week in preparation for the courses that I am teaching this week.

This is my fourth time reading Sherman Alexie’s Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. I am very excited to hear what my students think about it because it is my first time teaching it at the college level. I’ve generated a lot of critical activities to engage with the book. I’ll feature them on this Thursday’s post in case anyone wants to swap ideas! It doesn’t matter how many times I read this book—each time, I am swept up by the emotions of the text.

I also reread Teaching English by Design by Peter Smagorinsky in preparation for my class. He does a fantastic job exploring supportive practices for teachers. I love this text for methods courses.

My older son is loving this book right now, so we’ve been reading it each night. I read it a long time ago, so it was great to revisit it!

This Week’s Expeditions

Kellee

Currently reading: Unsouled by Neal Shusterman – I AM SO CLOSE TO BEING DONE! The curse of back-to-school tiredness means I read for such a short time each night, but I cannot wait to finish. It is so good!
Currently listening: Knockout Games by G. Neri – I just started this on Friday, so I look forward to getting more into it.
Next: Giant Pumpkin Suite by Melanie Heuiser Hill
Then: Things That Surprise You by Jennifer Maschari

Ricki

I am very fortunate to work with Todd Mitchell, author of The Last Panther. I visited his book launch this week, and I am very excited to read the book!

Upcoming Week’s Posts

Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday: Thirty Male Book Characters We’d Totally Date by Clara A., Amanda C., Kiersten R., & Ashley F., 8th Grade

Wednesday: Gamer Squad series by Kim Harrington

Thursday: Teaching Ideas for The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

Friday: Guardians of the Gryphon’s Claw by Todd Calgi Gallicano

Sunday: Author Guest Post!

So, what are you reading?

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