Unleashing Readers

Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Things on our Reading Wishlist

May 9, 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 Things on our Reading Wish List

Ricki

1. More multicultural YA books

I will read any book that is multicultural and young adult. I love how many there are, but I always want more, more, more. What can I say? I am greedy!

2. More Native American authors who write YAL

Because I am Native American, I am always focused on this particular concern. There are a few (GREAT) prolific Native American authors who write YA, but there aren’t many.

3. More books that deal with social justice and advocacy

These are my favorite books to teach, and I love reading them.

4. More books by Ruta Sepetys

This woman rocks my world. She makes historical fiction fun for all!

5. A new series by Aaron Becker

Since the Journey series is a trilogy, I can hope for a new series by Aaron Becker, right? My son would be THRILLED.

Kellee

1. More Kristin Cashore books

This one is going to come true soon! September 19th, 2017! Jane, Unlimited by Kristin Cashore from Kathy Dawson Books! I cannot wait!

2. More Seeds of America books

I don’t think this wish will come true, but I love Isabel and Curzon. And I want to know what happens. But maybe if we wait 6 more years, Laurie will get another urge to tell more 🙂

3. More MG and YA graphic novels for 11-14 year olds

My students LOVE graphic novels. We just want more and more and more!

4. More nonfiction that suck my students in

This is the hardest! Middle schoolers generally just have very little interest in nonfiction. It has to be really special for them to like it. The Who Was? series is popular with 6th graders; The Plot to Kill Hitler and a few other WWII books have had some popularity; and some memoirs like brown girl dreaming and A Child Called It are popular, but the other books, even ones I book talk and love, are touch and go. I can get a reader here or there, but they just don’t have the legs my fiction have.

5. More ebooks at my Library

I have a confession. I read almost all ebooks now. I have not found any difference in my comprehension of the story, and IT IS SO MUCH EASIER! I have the Kindle app on my phone, download books from my library, and voila! I have them anywhere I am because I always have my phone. And I can read in the dark!

What is on your wish list?

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It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? #IMWAYR 5/8/17

May 8, 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.

CONGRATULATIONS
Jana E.
for winning a copy of Share, Bear, Share!

Last Week’s Posts

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

Tuesday: Ten Covers of the Rainbow

Wednesday: You Can Be a Paleontologist! by Dr. Scott Sampson

Thursday: On Duck Pond by Jane Yolen

Friday: The Sweet Spot and The Perfect Trip by Stacy Mozer

Sunday: Author Q&A!: Tracey Hecht, Author of The Nocturnals, on Creating Worlds, Researching Animals and Still Finding Time to Read

Last Week’s Journeys

Kellee

Seigel’s new series, 5 Worlds, is going to be so popular in my classroom! It has already been read by at least 5 students in a couple of weeks since I’ve had it! I look forward to sharing it more during its blog tour later in May.
I also read both of Nicola Yoon’s books this week, and they both are so addictive; however, I definitely enjoyed The Sun is Also a Star more than Everything Everything, but it is because I figured out the reveal before it was revealed. My teacher book club is going to go see the movie together–is it bad to admit that this may be a story that I’ll like more as a movie? The Sun is Also a Star was a winning love story for me. It was brilliantly crafted and the love was just heart-pounding!
Lastly, I finished listening to Courage for Beginners by Karen Harrington. It is a book that I definitely recommend but not as an audiobook. I don’t think the format fits audiobooks because it switches too often between narrating, thinking, and dialogue and reading the book will definitely make those switches easier to follow. The story is one that I think will be important for many middle schoolers to read–it is about friendship, bullying, and mental health.

Ricki

I regret to say that I finished The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. My life will feel a lot more empty without these beautiful, powerful voices inspiring me each day. This book will be on my course syllabus next year, and I can’t wait to talk about it with students. I will also be adding it to my favorite books of all time list. I recommend this book to everyone and anyone.

This Week’s Expeditions

Kellee

I haven’t started anything new yet! I need both an audiobook and a book, but I don’t know what I am going to pick up. A colleague has been asking me to read a book for over a year now, so I think I’ll pick it up 🙂

Ricki

My book list for my Adolescents’ Literature class is due in two weeks, so I am trying to read very purposefully right now. Is there any book that has been published in the last two-three years that is a must-include? I have so many great books and ARCs, and I am trying to decide which one to read next. Thanks in advance!

Upcoming Week’s Posts

top ten tuesday

Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday: Our Reading Wishlist

Wednesday: Teaching Guide for Alamo All-Stars by Nathan Hale

Thursday: Guest Review: The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm

Friday: Someone Else’s Summer by Rachel Bateman

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 Q&A!: Tracey Hecht, Author of The Nocturnals, on Creating Worlds, Researching Animals and Still Finding Time to Read

June 3, 2018May 7, 2017 by Kellee

Author Tracey Hecht on Creating Worlds, Researching Animals and Still Finding Time to Read

The Nocturnals Series Summary: The Nocturnals features three unlikely friends: Dawn, a serious fox, Tobin, a sweet pangolin and Bismark, the loud mouthed, pint sized sugar glider. The stories all play out in their nighttime world with teamwork, friendship and humor in every adventure.

The Fallen Star, the newest Nocturnals book: In The Fallen Star, Dawn, Tobin, and Bismark awaken one evening to a disaster: all of the forest’s pomelos have been mysteriously poisoned! As the Nocturnal Brigade sets out to investigate, they encounter Iris, a mysterious aye-aye, who claims monsters from the moon are to blame. While the three heroes suspect a more earthly explanation, the animals of the valley are all falling ill. And then Tobin gets sick, too! The Nocturnal Brigade must race to find answers, and the cure, before the pomelo blight threatens to harm them all.

About the Author: Tracey Hecht is a writer and entrepreneur who has written, directed, and produced for film. The American Booksellers Association chose her first book in The Nocturnal series, The Mysterious Abductions, as a Kids’ Indie Next List pick. Last year, in partnership with the New York Public Library, she created a Noctural Read Aloud Writing Program for middle graders that has expanded worldwide. She splits her time between Oquossoc, Maine and New York City.

Q&A

How did you create the world of The Nocturnals?

I wanted to create a world that children were usually excluded from—nighttime! And once I decided on nocturnal animals, the rest came from there. What surprised me was how much I like the research. Learning about unusual animals is one of the most fun things about the series. I love using the physical traits and unique characteristics of the animals to help develop characters and enhance plot. The details I learn about the nocturnal world are constantly engaging and inspiring me.

Why did you choose the pangolin, fox, and sugar glider for your three main characters?

I chose a fox because they’re such interesting and cool animals. A pangolin because they are so unusual and physically captivating. And the sugar glider because…well, that’s a secret!

What are you currently reading?

Everything. It’s a problem. I keep books everywhere, in the car, on the kitchen table, in my bags etc, so it’s a long list. I don’t worry about that one book traveling with me everywhere (and of course which I’ll inevitably forget someplace). I am currently reading several middle grade fiction books, Booked, The Wild Robot, a friend’s manuscript, and I just finished The Poet’s Dog.

Do you have a personal favorite book of all time? If so, can you share it and tell us why?

This question gets posed a lot and for me it’s impossible. I love so many, and add favorites to my list almost weekly. But I guess if I had to pick one it would be Charlotte’s Web. Don’t you think?

Is there anything you are particularly looking forward to the publication of?

I am excited about so many middle grade and YA books. I’m excited to read the new Jerry Spinelli book and I want to read The Metropolitans aloud with my son. I’ve heard a lot about Short too so I want to read that. And of course, The Nocturnals third book, The Fallen Star is coming in May so that’s fun. As for YA, there are too many to list. But I’ve never read The Uglies and my friend says it’s a must—so I’ll get all those too.

What’s next? Any upcoming book projects in the works that you can tell us about?

We’ve just published Book 3 in The Nocturnals, The Fallen Star. The outlines for Books 4 and 5 are almost finished and we’ll start in on those soon (spoiler: the brigade goes aquatic!!). And excitingly, my two writing partners and dear friends Sarah Fieber and Rumur Dowling are concepting a new series, one for YA and one more an early reader for The Nocturnals. Lots of good stuff.

To Learn More about The Nocturnals and Tracey Hecht Visit:

Website: www.nocturnalsworld.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nocturnalsworld
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nocturnalsworld
Twitter: @fabled_films
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29633704-the-fallen-star
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwz4zncz5EShG0IBK_pkMrg
Read Aloud Blog: https://nocturnalsworldreadaloud.tumblr.com

Thank you to Wiley at Saichek Publicity and Tracey Hecht for providing the Q&A!

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The Sweet Spot by Stacy Mozer

May 5, 2017May 5, 2017 by Kellee

The Sweet Spot
Author: Stacy Barnett Mozer
Published March 25th, 2016 by Spellbound River Press

Summary: When thirteen-year-old Sam Barrette’s baseball coach tells her that her attitude’s holding her back, she wants to hit him in the head with a line drive. Why shouldn’t she have an attitude? As the only girl playing in the 13U league, she’s had to listen to boys and people in the stands screaming things like “Go play softball,” all season, just because she’s a girl. Her coach barely lets her play, even though she’s one of the best hitters on the team.

All stakes now rest on Sam’s performance at baseball training camp. But the moment she arrives, miscommunication sets the week up for potential disaster. Placed at the bottom with the weaker players, she will have to work her way up to A league, not just to show Coach that she can be the best team player possible, but to prove to herself that she can hold a bat with the All-Star boys.

Review: I wish I was Sam. I love baseball, but like most girls, softball is really the only option. I right away had a direct connection with Sam because she was living a dream I had when I was younger. But I also know how hard it is to cross gender barriers. As a “tomboy” you are constantly questioned and made fun of, so to be so out in the spotlight, Sam definitely feels she needs to prove herself. As a female, there are so many moments in this book that seem too real and really made me angry: she is called emotional just because she is passionate, people act as if she is fragile and can’t take care of herself, and her talent is constantly questioned. And when she stands up for herself, she is told to take a joke or calm down. Even outside of the scenario of playing baseball, these are things that woman are going to here–from males and other females!

But in addition to this too-real reflection of life, Sam’s story will hit home with anyone who has tried to do something that others thought they couldn’t. Or anyone who has been somewhere that they don’t fit in. Or anyone who has been underestimated in general.

Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: In addition to adding this title to any library for middle school students, I also envision Sweet Spot as a lit circle or book club title. It has so much to talk about, and it would definitely fit in with other books that have the big idea of an underdog. It could also definitely be paired with Zootopia!

Discussion Questions: What stereotypical statements do characters say to Sam throughout the book? How does she overcome these assumptions people made about her?; Sam is called emotional; however, if a boy was acting the same way as her, how would he described in the sports world? Why do you think there is a double standard?; How is Sam’s experience at baseball camp different than what she expected?; How does Mike grow throughout the book? How does Sam?

Flagged Passages: “Laughter and chants fill my ears as I step up to the plate.

‘Is that a ponytail?’

‘Easy out!’

‘Go back to softball!’

I take a deep breath and clear my head. It’s not like I haven’t heard it all before.

The pitcher motions for the fielders to move in, then goes into his wind-up, making a big show of the ease at which he will strike me out. I bite my lip and focus.

The ball comes in. I judge the timing and location of my swing–then swing a bit lower.

‘Strike!’

I take a step back and pretend to be upset. The hooting gets louder, but this time it’s easy to ignore. Out on the mound the pitcher grins. He looks around, nods at his team, and I can almost hear the ‘told you sos.’ I may have to slam the next one right at his…

‘Time out!’

Uh, oh.

Coach Duncan storms out to the plate. I give him my best, what’s up? look. The way he glares at me, I know he isn’t buying it.

‘Sam, what was that?’

‘What do you mean, Coach?’

Coach’s bulky face reddens. A drop of sweat slides down his nose. Gross.

‘Do I need to remind you that it is the bottom of the eighth, the score is 0-0, and there are two outs? Stop fooling and play ball.’

‘Bout time you let me,’ I grumble. My batting average is better than the boys on my team. Yet even today, in the 13U Championships, he kept me warming the bench until I fielded last inning.

‘You know what I mean,’ he says. He moves to go back to the bench, then stops and comes closer so only I can hear his next words.

‘And Sam,’ he says. ‘Target this guy, and there’s no way I’ll recommend you for the travel team.'” (p. 1-2)

Read This If You Love: Baseball, Coming of Age Novels, Boy Who Saved Baseball by John Ritter, Ghost by Jason Reynolds, Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson

Recommended For:

And don’t miss out on book 2: The Perfect Trip

Published March 24th, 2017

Although I am not going to share the summary (SPOILERS!), I will tell you that it is a wonderful sequel to Sam’s story. Although the conflict is a bit different than the first, it really gives you more insight into Sam and Mike’s families and Sam’s struggle with proving herself.

On Duck Pond by Jane Yolen

May 4, 2017May 4, 2017 by Ricki

On Duck Pond
Author: Jane Yolen; Illustrator: Bob Marstall
Published: April 11, 2017 by Cornell Lab Publishing Group

Goodreads Summary: From award-winning and NY Times bestselling children’s author of more than 350 books, Jane Yolen, and award-winning illustrator, Bob Marstall, On Duck Pond is the first sequel to the acclaimed On Bird Hill, which launched the children’s picture book series written for the esteemed Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the world authority on birds.

In On Bird Hill, Yolen and Marstall took readers on a surreal journey with a boy and his dog, as they stopped, looked, and noticed things along their path—ultimately discovering the miracle of the birth of a baby bird. On Duck Pond continues the journey of the boy and dog story, this time in a new place—a serene pond, filled with birds, frogs, turtles and other creatures going about their quiet business. Their intrusion stirs the pond into a cacophony of activity, reaching climactic chaos, before slowly settling back to it’s quiet equilibrium.

This beautiful and enchanting sequel is sure to delight On Bird Hill fans and millions of readers and fans of Jane’s popular classics.

Ricki’s Review: This is a beautiful book that is reminiscent of the classics. Kids will read this book and be reminded of the beauty of nature—its sights and its sounds, in particular. After we read this book, my kids and I took a walk and stopped to remind ourselves of how beautiful the world is around us. Too often, I think we forget to take in how wonderful our world is, and this book will make us pause. Jane Yolen is a rock star, and this book is another winner. I am in awe of how she writes so many stunning books. Her language is incredibly powerful. I recommend you get this one. It is a book that will endure.

Kellee’s Review: This book reminds me of many of Yolen’s book in that it is multi-faceted and beautifully done. At face value, it is a story of nature. There have been many reports recently about kids’ lack of time outside, and Yolen combats that by pointing out so many different species that can be found at a pond and interesting information about them. In the back matter, even more facts about each of the species are shared along with activities to do in nature. If you go a bit deeper though, it is also a book of poetry. The consistent rhyme scheme throughout gives the book some really great rhythm and a really beautiful, lyrical feel.

Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: This is a great book to read before a nature walk with kids. Ricki is planning to give it to her son’s preschool teacher because the teacher is always teaches the students about the things they are seeing outside. We’d also love to compare this book with other duck books (e.g. Dump Truck Duck, Make Way for Ducklings) to look at the ways that ducks are featured in different writing styles and genres.

Discussion Questions: How do the other animals react to the ducks? What other animals cause big reactions?; How does the simple text make the story more compelling?; How do the author and illustrator work together to make for a beautifully depicted setting?

Flagged Passage: “Old Duck Pond, once still and quiet / Now seemed battered by the riot.”

Read This If You Loved: On Bird Hill by Jane Yolen, Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey, The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, 5 Little Ducks by Denise Fleming

Recommended For:

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**Thank you to Tracey from Media Masters for providing copies for review!**

You Can be a Paleontologist!: Discovering Dinosaurs with Dr. Scott by Scott D. Sampson, Ph.D.

May 21, 2017May 3, 2017 by Kellee

Nonfiction Wednesday

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday is hosted by Kid Lit Frenzy and was started to help promote the reading of nonfiction texts. Most Wednesdays, we will be participating and will review a nonfiction text (though it may not always be a picture book).
Be sure to visit Kid Lit Frenzy and see what other nonfiction books are shared this week!

You Can Be a Paleontologist!: Discovering Dinosaurs with Dr. Scott
Author: Scott D. Sampson, Ph.D.
Illustrator: Franco Tempesta
Published April 4th, 2017 by National Geographic Kids

Summary: Ever wondered how to find a dinosaur? Paleontologist Dr. Scott Sampson, host of Dinosaur Train on PBS Kids, tells kids how! How do paleontologists find dinosaur bones? How do they know what dinosaurs ate or looked like? And what is paleontology, anyway? Dr. Scott tackles all these questions and more while inspiring kids to go out and make the next big dino discovery!

About the Author: Scott Sampson is a dinosaur paleontologist, science communicator, and passionate advocate for connecting people with nature. He currently serves as president and CEO of Science World British Columbia in Vancouver, B.C., where much of his work focuses on rethinking 21st Century cities as places where people and nature thrive. Nevertheless, he’s perhaps best known as “Dr. Scott,” host and science advisor of the Emmy-nominated PBS KIDS series Dinosaur Train, produced by the Jim Henson Company. Dinosaur Train is currently viewed daily by millions of children and parents in more than 100 countries. Sampson also served as the on-air host and science advisor for the four-part Discovery Channel series Dinosaur Planet (2003). He has given hundreds of media interviews for radio (e.g., NPR), newspapers (e.g., New York Times), multimedia newswire services (e.g., Reuters), television (e.g., The Today Show, Good Morning America), and periodicals (e.g., Time Magazine, National Geographic). He has been featured in more than a dozen documentaries, including Nova, Paleoworld, and Nature Kids. Sampson is a widely sought public speaker, presenting on topics ranging from dinosaurs and education to children, nature, and sustainability. Sampson is author of Dinosaur Odyssey: Fossil Threads in the Web of Life (University of California Press, 2009), as well as a new general audience book—How to Raise a Wild Child—aimed at helping parents, teachers and others foster a deep connection with nature in children (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2015). He lives in Denver, Colorado with his wife Toni and daughter Jade.

Review: Kids love Dr. Scott on Dinosaur Train on PBS, and there is a reason why: HE LOVES HIS JOB! And that love just flows through this book. His descriptions of everything from where to find fossils, where they are stored, and why dinos looked so weird are so animated, lively, and interesting and the text is so kid friendly! It is set up in a way that is easy to follow if you want to read it sequentially or the reader can jump around to get answers to their questions. The information isn’t dumbed down for kids, which is something I really try to watch out for because it is a huge pet peeve of mine!, but it is definitely written in a way that most readers will be able to understand. As for hard tier 3 academic words, there is a glossary!

Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: Do you know that student you have who has read every dinosaur book in your library but just wants to know more and more? This book is for them. This shows them that they can take their passion and make a living out of it! The text would also find a very nice home in classrooms to discuss how science is used in the real world. I hope there are more books in this series because it would be definitely a wonderful asset to elementary classrooms to have books written by scientists for kids about being a scientist.

Discussion Questions: What do you have to do to become a paleontologist?; What would your job consist of if you become a paleontologist?; What interesting information about dinosaurs have paleontologists discovered?; What other questions do you have about being a paleontologist?

Flagged Passages: