Unleashing Readers

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? 6/9/14

July 27, 2015June 9, 2014 by Kellee

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

It’s Monday! What are you Reading? is a meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journeys. 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!

Jen Vincent, of Teach Mentor Texts, and Kellee 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.

One Year Anniversary Celebration

We are gearing up for our one year anniversary (June 24th) and have a fun week planned with celebratory posts and giveaways! In honor of our anniversary, we redesigned the look of our blog. Because we are so excited, we couldn’t wait to share it with you all, so we are unveiling it a few weeks early! We hope you love it as much as we do. A big thank you to Philip Stetson for this beautiful design!

In preparation for our one year anniversary celebration, we would love to hear from our fellow bloggers! On June 25th, we are focusing on the power of blogging, and we would love to highlight other incredible reading/teaching blogs. If you would like your blog to be included in our post, please complete our survey:

WHY YOU BLOG SURVEY

Last Week’s Posts

Tuesday: Top Ten Dream Book Vacations

Wednesday and Thursday: Liebster Award (Parts One and Two)

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

Last Week’s Journeys

Kellee: This week, I finished Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock and WOW is it a tough book, but one I highly recommend. You will not regret reading it.

Trent and I read an fun variety of books this week:

Finished Fly Guy Reader Collection 6 Easy-To-Read Stories by Tedd Arnold (Like I said last week, I love Fly Guy and was so happy to be introduced to him. This is sure to be a favorite!)
Good Night Tennessee by Adam Gamble (A great celebration of Tennessee!)
A is for Awesome by Dallas Clayton (I really like everything of Dallas Clayton’s that I have read. A great positive vibe runs through is books.)
Penguin in Love by Salina Yoon (Yay penguins! This one is just as cute as the other Penguin books.)
The Table Sets Itself by Ben Clanton (The puns and nursery rhyme allusions in this one are brilliant. Check it out!)
Everybody Likes You by Doris Faulhaber (This book was a novelty book given to my mom when she was 11, and it is just so sweet.)

Ricki: This week, I finished I Kill the Mockingbird by Paul Acampora. I highly recommend this book be paired with To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. It teaches young people that they can make a big difference in the world. I also read Boys of Blur by N. D. Wilson. It was intriguing, and I didn’t realize until halfway through the book that it is a contemporary take on the legend of Beowulf. I felt a bit foolish! After I figured this out, I was blown away by the parallels.

Henry and I finished Fairy Tale Comics (edited by Chris Duffy). Each comic is about two to six pages long, so there was great variety in story and artistry. We really enjoyed some of the comics but others fell a bit flat. Overall, I would recommend it, particularly for people who love graphic novels. We also read two classic:s The Poky Little Puppy by Janette Sebring Lowrey and Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig. These both were good fun and worthy of their praise as classics. My cousin recommended Oh My Baby, Little One by Kathi Applet. The verse in this picture book is beautiful. It is a heartwarming tale that parents will love. I felt like hugging Henry after every page.

Our doctors’ office participates in a charity program called Reach Out and Read. At every well visit, Henry receives a book to read. I am extremely excited about this. His first book was Love You, Hug You, Read to You by Tish Rabe. While most of the books he will receive in future office visits are classics, this particular book was written specifically for the charity. It is a fun board book that promotes reading to children. I found the full version online if anyone wants to enjoy it, too!

This Week’s Expeditions

Kellee: I am currently reading The Firehorse Girl and am truly enjoying it! Jade Moon is such a strong female protagonist, and I like that it is taking on a historical period that isn’t usually talked about. I also plan on reading Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor by Jon Scieszka which I know is going to be super entertaining. With school out now, I hope to get a lot more reading done during my days. I am also finally going to read And Tango Makes Three which I have been meaning to read for years. As for me and Trent, who knows what we will read though I plan on reading some dad books for Father’s Day and maybe a birthday book since next Sunday is also my birthday 🙂

Ricki: Henry and I took a trip to the library, so we have plenty of picture books to devour. I also started A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd and Voices of the Sea by Bethany Masone Harar. In the professional development world, I started We Can’t Teach What We Don’t Know: White Teachers, Multiracial Schools. As you can see, I have started a trend that I like to read a book for every age level. 🙂

Upcoming Week’s Posts

top ten tuesday

Tuesday: Top Ten We’ve Read So Far This Year

Friday: How to Cheer Up Dad Author Interview

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!

and

Review and Giveaway!: Like Bug Juice on a Burger and Like Carrot Juice on a Cupcake by Julie Sternberg

June 13, 2015June 6, 2014 by Kellee

Like Bug Juice on a Burger (Eleanor #2)
Author: Julie Sternberg
Illsutrator: Matthew Cordell
Published April 2nd, 2013 by Amulet Books

Goodreads Summary: I hate camp. I just hate it. I wish I didn’t. But I do. Being here is worse than bug juice on a burger. Or homework on Thanksgiving. Or water seeping into my shoes. In this sequel to the critically acclaimed Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie, Eleanor is off to summer camp. At first she’s excited to carry on the family tradition at Camp Wallumwahpuck, but when she gets there she finds icky bugs, terrible food, and worst of all: swim class, where she just can’t seem to keep up with everyone else. But as the days go on, Eleanor realizes that even the most miserable situations can be full of special surprises and that growing up is full of belly flops.

Review and Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: This book definitely brought back memories! I loved the idea of summer camp and many of the activities, but I hated the bugs and the food and the changing in front of other people. There are many times when I was away that I just wanted to go home; however, there were things that saved me- specifically, like Eleanor, the animals. I loved working in the barn with the horses and it is what saved me and then got me going back year after year. I remember walking into the barn and being able to be part of these horses’ lives and the scene where Eleanor meets Cornelius the goat brought me right back to that moment.

This book would be a wonderful read aloud for right before summer because even if students are not going to summer camp, there is probably something new and scary that they will try this summer and this book will definitely cause discussion about how something new may be scary, but that doesn’t mean you won’t like it eventually. Julie Sternberg’s writing also lends itself to some amazing discussions about free verse poetry and, in this one, letter writing. Maybe use the letter writing part of the book to segue into writing a letter to next year’s class.

Finally, I love the idea of the Wall of Feelings! The Wall of Feelings is where the campers put up how they feel about camp; however, Eleanor is given the job of writing about how she used to feel about camp and then how she feels about camp now. What a great way for students to express themselves! This would be a great formative assessment for looking at how students feel about reading or school or some other topic at the beginning of the year vs. the end.

Discussion Questions: Think about a time in your life when you did something you were scared to do. How did you overcome your fear/nervousness? How did it turn out in the end?

We Flagged: “The bus was bumping
down a gravel road
with bushes and trees and weeds all around.
This isn’t beautiful
I thought.
This is creepy.
I missed sidewalks full of people
checking their phones
and walking their cute dogs.
I missed paved roads, too,
filled with taxis and bik riders.” (Chapter 5)

Like Carrot Juice on a Cupcake
Author: Julie Sternberg
Illustrator: Matthew Cordell
Published March 18th, 2014 by Amulet Books

Goodreads Summary: I did a mean thing.
A very mean thing.
I HATE that I did it.
But I did.
This is worse than
carrot juice on a cupcake
or a wasp on my pillow
or a dress that’s too tight at the neck.
In the third installment from the team who created Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie and Like Bug Juice on a Burger, Eleanor’s relationship with her best friend, Pearl, experiences its first growing pains. When a glamorous new student transfers to school, at first Eleanor’s excited about the possibility of a new friend. But when Pearl is assigned to be the new girl’s buddy, Eleanor fears she can’t compete. To make matters worse, Eleanor’s been chosen for the lead role in the springtime musical, which means she has to sing a solo in front of the entire school!
From overcoming stage fright to having a secret crush, young readers will relate to Eleanor as she navigates the bittersweet waters of growing up.

Review and Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: This book has multiple levels going on at the same time. There is the story of Eleanor and Pearl’s friendship and their first speed bump. Then there is Eleanor getting the lead in the play, and dealing with the fear of singing a solo. Eleanor dealing with her puppy having trouble getting house trained. And finally, the Eleanor and Nicholas story. But Sternberg balances it all because it is just all part of Eleanor’s life. Julie Sternberg is so great at writing in an elementary student’s voice. It is so authentic and well done!

What I love so much about all of the “Eleanor” books are that they are written in verse, and Eleanor is an amazing poet. I love that it is free verse and includes such beautiful language, but it never comes off as anything but authentic. Teachers could definitely take Eleanor’s writing and use it as a mentor text for students to write about their own experiences.

Discussion Questions: Have you ever hurt a friend’s feelings? What did you do to make it better?; How was Eleanor able to overcome her stage fright?; Why was Eleanor so scare and jealous of Ainsley?; Do you think Eleanor likes Nicholas?

Read These If You Loved: Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie by Julie Sternberg, Marty McGuire and Marty McGuire Digs Worms by Kate Messner, Where I Live by Eileen Spinelli, Go Out and Play! by KaBoom!, Lunch Lady and the Summer Camp Shakedown by Jarrett Kroscozka, Camp Babymouse by Jenni and Matt Holm, Bink and Gollie by Kate DiCamillo, Ramona books by Beverly Cleary

Curriculum Guide for All of the “Eleanor” Books Can be Found Here.

Both Books Recommended For:

GIVEAWAY

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**Thank you to Barbara at Blue Slip Media for providing copies for review**

Liebster Award (Part Two!)

July 27, 2015June 5, 2014 by Ricki

Kellee and I are thrilled to be nominated by Holly and Elizabeth for the Liebster Award! Because we are fortunate to have been nominated by two bloggers, we have decided to split Holly’s and Elizabeth’s questions into two days. Kellee took part one yesterday, and today, we are onto part two. Thank you, Holly and Elizabeth. We are honored!

The rules:

List 11 Facts about yourself.
Answer the 11 questions put forward by whoever nominated you.
Ask 11 new questions to 5+ bloggers. They must have less than 200 followers on Bloglovin’ (or their preferred method). You cannot re-nominate the blog that nominated you. (Kellee and I don’t currently use a system to track followers, so we think we fit this rule.)
Go to their blogs and inform them that they have been nominated!

11 Facts about Me:

1. I initially went to school to become a math teacher. At the last minute, I changed my mind and decided to switch to become an English teacher. (Thank goodness!)

2. My son is named after Henry David Thoreau.

3. My father and brother are doctors, my mom is a nurse, and my sister works for Google. I am kind of the oddball of my family.

4. I have color-coded bookshelves because it is easier for me to find books that way. Here is one set:

5. I met Kellee while working on the Amelia Elizabeth Walden Book award. We hit it off, and decided to start UnleashingReaders together.

6. I grew up with four dogs, nine cats, thirteen rabbits, and several other animals. Now, I live in an animal-less house because my husband doesn’t like animals very much. Once Henry is older, we are getting a dog, darn it!

7. I am Native American and was the president of the Native American Cultural Society at UConn for four years.

8. I could eat (New York or New Haven style) pizza every day of my life.

9. I could eat chocolate chip cookies every day of my life. But I imagine that most people feel that way.

10. I love to cook and while I do work, I keep Food Network on in the background. I feel as if the chefs are my friends.

11. I had to leave the ALAN Workshop this year because I was having contractions. My baby was born on the second day of the ALAN Workshop. I vowed I would make it to the workshop, and I didn’t break that promise. I just wasn’t able to stay very long.

11 Questions from Holly and Elizabeth:

1. Katherine Sokolowski recently asked this question on her blog, and I loved it: If you could invite any three authors or illustrators to dinner, who would they be?

John Green, Sherman Alexie, and Henry David Thoreau (I know, that last one is impossible.) The dynamic between those three would be hysterical. This question is awesome. I had so much fun imagining the dinner.

2. If you were stranded on a desert island, what luxury item would you want with you?

Easy. My kindle. But first, I would buy a lot more books. I would probably rather bring a bookshelf of books, but it seemed like that might be cheating.

3. What is one important thing you learned in the past year?

I have learned a million important things this past year as a new mom. I’ve learned that being a mom is the hardest job in the world. I have worked three jobs at once, and truly, nothing compares to how hard it is to be a mom. I know everyone has always said this to me, but now I know that it is actually true.

4. What are some of your professional goals?

I would like to be a professor for Methods courses in English Education. I’d love to work at a university that also allows me to be an advisor for my students in the program.

5. Who or what makes you laugh?

My son. He is such a nutball. Right now, he is panting, trying to fit a giant plastic parrot in his mouth.

6. What is the one television show you can’t miss?

Top Chef and the Bachelor (guilty pleasure). I love those two shows!

7. How did you come up with your blog name?

Kellee and I were tossing around names for awhile. We wanted a name that was teacher-oriented and showed the power of books. It was a terrifying process. Once you pick a name, you feel locked to it. I think we found a name that fits us.

8. What/who are your three favourite bands/artists/composers?

Lady Antebellum, The Grateful Dead, and Cassidy Pope (new favorite). I love anything that makes me want to dance.

9. What is something on your bucket list?

I’d love to go to London. I went to Italy for my honeymoon and loved Europe. Has anyone been to London? Is it incredible?

10. Who would you consider your role model?

My advisor, Wendy Glenn, is definitely my role model. I wouldn’t be where I am, personally or professionally, without her. She is one of the kindest, most intelligent people I know.

11. Who is your book boyfriend?

That’s a tough one. I love Brigan from Kristin Cashore’s Fire. I think he would be my top choice. 🙂

My Liebster Nominations:

I am excited to nominate six bloggers for this award. I chose these people because I have enjoyed reading their book recommendations and getting to know them in the blogging world. I highly recommend all of their blogs.

1. Linda TeacherDance

2. Carrie at There’s a Book for That

3. Michele at Mrs. Knott’s Book Nook

4. Crystal at Reading Through Life

5. Sue at Book by Book

6. Julee at Book Egg

11 New Questions to the Bloggers I Nominated:

1. I am going to steal one question that was asked of me: If you could invite any three authors or illustrators to dinner, who would they be?

2. If you could be any animal, which would you be, and why?

3. What were you like in high school?

4. Do you collect anything besides books?

5. Where is your dream vacation?

6. If you had a million dollars, what would you do with it?

7. If you could be any book character, which would you be and why?

8. Which three books were fundamental in the promotion of your love of reading?

9. If you could talk about only one book for the next year, which would it be? (I stole this one from Kellee’s post.)

10. Where do you see yourself in 15 years?

11. If you could live in any setting (any year, any location, any world), where would it be?

Thanks again to Holly and Elizabeth for their nominations!

Liebster Award (Part One!)

July 27, 2015June 4, 2014 by Ricki

Kellee and I are thrilled to be nominated by Holly and Elizabeth for the Liebster Award! Because we are fortunate to have been nominated by two bloggers, we have decided to split Holly’s and Elizabeth’s questions into two days. I am taking Part One today, and Ricki will take Part Two tomorrow. Thank you, Holly and Elizabeth. We are honored!

The rules:

List 11 Facts about yourself.
Answer the 11 questions put forward by whoever nominated you.
Ask 11 new questions to 5+ bloggers. They must have less than 200 followers on Bloglovin’ (or their preferred method). You cannot re-nominate the blog that nominated you. (Kellee and I don’t currently use a system to track followers, so we think we fit this rule.)
Go to their blogs and inform them that they have been nominated!

11 Facts about Me:

1. I have almost 2700 different titles in my classroom library.

2. I have been a Chicago Cubs fan since 1989 though I didn’t visit Wrigley Field for the first time until 2009.

3. I have had the same favorite book for 20 years: The Giver.

4. My first word was kitty.

5. I am currently the chair of the Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award committee (that’s where I met Ricki 2 years ago when she was the chair and I was a member!!)

6. I did not name my son after Trent Reznor even though he is one of my favorite musicians.

7. I have 4 different favorite animals: cats, turtles, penguins, and apes. They’ve all been very special to me at different points in my life.

8. My dad runs art museums and my mom is a photographer (my sister works at a history museum and my brother is a graphic designer, too), so art has a very special place in my heart. We actually have an art collection already.

9. I went to a music high school and played cello. I was one class away from getting a music minor in college.

10. I am taller than both of my parents.

11. I liked my husband so much that after I first met him I helped him get a job at Eckerd so that we could hang out more. It worked.

11 Questions from Holly and Elizabeth:

1. If you had to write a personal motto or mission statement, what would it be?

Every morning my phone reminds me REMEMBER: trust yourself, be patient, don’t let anyone get you down, and do the best you can at all times.

2. If you were allowed to talk about only one book for the next month, what would it be?

I’d always pick The Giver. I could talk about this book forever. I could also talk about Endangered, Hurt Go Happy, or One and Only Ivan for a month straight.

3. What is the number one thing on your bucket list?

To finish all the books I’ve ever wanted to read!!! (Here’s hoping!)

4. Where do you want to be in 15 years?

I love what I am doing right now. I hope to be an even better teacher than I am now, an awesome mother to a teenager, still happily married, and still a reader. It would be nice to be very financial stable 😉

5. What was your proudest moment?

Going to have to go with having my son. I have always wanted to be a mom, and he is a dream come true. Then, of course, my wedding day was perfect–I got to marry my best friend on the lawn of a library by a lake followed by a reception at my dad’s museum. Like I said, PERFECT!

Not family related, I would have to go with either A) getting my master’s degree, B) being chosen as the chair of the Walden committee, or C) presenting at NCTE and ALAN 3 times in 2013.

6. Favourite color, number, word, and animal?

My favorite color is green (though sometimes it is yellow, purple, or black), 23 is my favorite number because it is Ryne Sandberg’s jersey number, sesquipedalianism is a word I learned in 7th grade and have never forgotten, and see my #7 fact for animal 🙂

7. What movie, tv show, and book/comic/manga are you most looking forward to in 2014?

I was very much looking forward to The Fault in Stars which I just saw and it was phenomenal. For TV shows, I am not going to add any new ones this season because I have NO time to watch tv, but I love “The Big Bang Theory” and next year is the last year. For books, I am very much looking forward to Raina Telgemeier’s Sisters.

8. Who would you consider your role model? (It can be a real life person or not)

I have role models in different parts of my life, but my my go to role model is my dad. He is so passionate and knowledgeable when it comes to his job, and I hope that I bring the same energy to teaching. I’ve had many other mentors in my life: Gary Moser, Mindi Rench, Donalyn Miller, Teri Lesesne to just name a few.

Fictional role model? Dumbledore! I’d love to be as influential and brilliant as he was.

9. Who would be your bookish bestie?

I think I’d have to pick Sam or Camilla from Life in Outer Space (though this answer could change on a different day). I just love how friendly and smart they both are.

10. Top 5 television shows? (Or movies)

My favorite TV show is The Big Bang Theory. Right now I also love About a Boy (and the book is really good too!) and Two Broke Girls. When it comes to dramas I love Law and Order: SVU and The Good Wife.

11. If you could meet one person (character, historical, celebrity, someone in your past—anyone!) who would it be and why?

I would love to go hang out with Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, and all of the amazing artists and writers in the 20s ala “Midnight in Paris” because I would love to be part of one of the most important times in literature and art.

My Liebster Nominations:

I am excited to nominate five bloggers for this award. I chose these people because I have enjoyed reading their book recommendations and getting to know them in the blogging world. I highly recommend all of their blogs.

1. Katherine @ Read, Write, Reflect

2. Elisabeth @ the dirigible plum

3. Maria @ Maria’s Melange

4. Andrea @ Mrs. Payan Reads

5. Nicole @ Bluestocking Thinking

11 New Questions to the Bloggers I Nominated:

1. What character in a book would you meet if you could and why?

2. What author has your favorite writing style?

3. What character reminds you of yourself and why?

4. What is your dream job?

5. Besides reading, what is your favorite past time?

6. What is something that you are very specific about? (Ex. I do not like the volume of the TV/radio to be at certain numbers.)

7. What were your favorite books as a child?

8. What is your favorite adaptation of a book?

9. What is one piece of advise that you would have given yourself 10 years ago?

10. In a movie of your life, who would you want to play you? Your significant other? Family? Friends?

11. Why did you start blogging?

Thanks again to Holly and Elizabeth for their nominations!

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Dream Book Vacations

June 3, 2014June 3, 2014 by Ricki

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: Top Ten Dream Book Locations

Ricki

1. Europe

Gayle Forman does a phenomenal job describing Europe in her Just One Day series. I haven’t started Book two yet. I think I am saving it just in case my husband randomly says, “Let’s go to Europe!” within the next year.

2. Africa

Wouldn’t it be lovely to read an Eliot Schrefer book in Africa? Maybe I can go a step further and dream that I read Endangered while resting in a bonobo sanctuary.

3. Salinas, California

I would love to visit Salinas, California and break out a John Steinbeck novel.

4. The Seven Kingdoms

While we are dreaming, I am going to go big. Can I have a one-way ticket to The Seven Kingdoms (the setting for the Graceling series)? Kellee, I will take you with me. 🙂

5. It’s a bit messy.

And now I am going to go across time (the Victorian Era), place, (the UK) and reality (fantasy). I would love to visit the multiverse of Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials. While I am there, can I please have my own dæmon?

Kellee

I’ll definitely join Ricki on the vacation to The Seven Kingdoms! But here are the other places I’d like to go.

1. Paris, France

I have never visited France, but have always wanted to. Reading Anna and the French Kiss and Linnea in Monet’s Garden make me want to visit it even more.

2. Everglades

I live so close to the Everglades, but have never been there. Although I am pretty terrified of everything that is in the marsh/swamp, and Lost in the River of Grass doesn’t make it any better, I would love to go on a boat tour.

3. Africa

The animal life in Africa fascinates me, specifically apes. In both Primates, Threatened, and Endangered you see the amazing animals you can find in Africa (although you also see some of the human horrors that are happening), and that makes me want to go see these majestic creatures in the wild.

4. NYC

I want to live in Chicago, but I love visiting NYC, specifically the museums. You can see why I want to visit in books like Wonderstruck and From the Mixed Up Files of Basil E. Frankweiler.

5. Philadelphia

I’ve been to Philadelphia, but after reading Ghetto Cowboy I want to go with a different set of lenses on.

Honorary. Hogwarts

Who wouldn’t want to go visit Hogwarts and Diagon Alley and all the other amazing Harry Potter places?!?!

Where would you like to take a book vacation?

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It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? 6/2/14

July 27, 2015June 2, 2014 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.

One Year Anniversary Celebration

WHY YOU BLOG SURVEY

Last Week’s Posts

Tuesday: Top Ten Favorite Professional Books

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

Last Week’s Journeys

Kellee: Dr. Bird’s Advice for Sad Poets was such a well-done book! It really captured what depression and anxiety feel like. You will not regret it if you read it. I also read a couple of wonderful picture books this week. First was The Man with the Violin by Kathy Stinson. I loved the story, the lesson, the illustrations. Beautiful! The other was The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires. It had such great illustrations and is an important book to share with kids. Trent and I had no duds in our reading this week.

If You Give a Cat a Cupcake by Laura Joffe Numeroff (Book #100!!!! And it was perfect for it! Since my mom was visiting, she got to read the book to him, and she loves cats. This Numeroff book is just like her others, but I am a fan of the formula.)
Two Hands to Love You by Diane Adams (This is such a sweet, lyrical book. Great to read with kids.)
We’re currently reading the Fly Guy Reader Collection which has 6 Fly Guy stories. We’ve read 5 of them so far: Hi Fly Guy!, Super Fly Guy!, Shoo Fly Guy!, There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Fly Guy, and Fly High Fly Guy! (I’d never read any Fly Guy stories before, and they are so much fun. Fly Guy is a new favorite!)

Ricki: This week, I read Reading for Their Life: (Re)Building the Textual Lineages of African American Adolescent Males by Alfred W. Tatum. All of Tatum’s research focuses on African American adolescent males, and I wish I had read this book when I was still in the classroom. He provides a healthy list of “enabling texts” and thoroughly explains how to empower these young men to read. I love how he describes the importance of building students’ “textual lineages” with texts that matter. Many of his approaches would work well with other reluctant readers, as well. I would absolutely recommend this PD text.

This Week’s Expeditions

Kellee: I am currently reading Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock and I hope to finish it by Tuesday. Then I am not sure what book I am going to grab. Trent and I will finish the Fly Guy Reader Collection, and then I’m not sure either. It is going to be a surprise-filled week. 🙂

Ricki: Kellee, I LOVED Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock! I wish I had read it back-to-back with Dr. Bird’s Advice for Sad Poets like you are doing. I can’t wait to hear how they compare. Henry and I are trucking away with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. He keeps falling asleep, so I only read 5-10 pages at a time. I am almost finished with I Kill the Mockingbird by Paul Acampora, and I also started Boys of Blur by N.D. Wilson. I also have a stack of PD texts, but I haven’t quite decided which is next. I’m taking a YAL break from PD books this week.

Upcoming Week’s Posts

top ten tuesday

Tuesday: Top Ten Dream Book Vacations

So, what are you reading?

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A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park

May 31, 2014May 30, 2014 by Kellee

A Long Walk to Water
Author: Linda Sue Park
Published November, 2010 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Goodreads Summary: A Long Walk to Water begins as two stories, told in alternating sections, about a girl in Sudan in 2008 and a boy in Sudan in 1985. The girl, Nya, is fetching water from a pond that is two hours’ walk from her home: she makes two trips to the pond every day. The boy, Salva, becomes one of the “lost boys” of Sudan, refugees who cover the African continent on foot as they search for their families and for a safe place to stay. Enduring every hardship from loneliness to attack by armed rebels to contact with killer lions and crocodiles, Salva is a survivor, and his story goes on to intersect with Nya’s in an astonishing and moving way.

My Review and Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: The wars in Sudan and Darfur are the most violent and long lasting wars in the world; however, most Americans are unaware that they are even occurring. Linda Sue Park took a true story of a lost boy’s survival (watch a video about the true story here) after being chased from his village because of war and transformed it into a novel that will leave the reader with a feeling of awe. Awe of the bravery and pure fearlessness of Salva and the other Lost boys of Sudan and awe of the world of riches and blindness we live in while a horrendous war wages on the other side of the world. I love this book because it is very accessible to children, it won’t bog them down with too much history; however, it will definitely make them aware of the situation in Sudan.

Discussion Questions: What is a way that you could share what you learned about the Lost Boys of Sudan? How can you help?

We Flagged: “Salva took a few steps towards the men.
‘Hey!’
A soldier approached Salva and raised his gun.
Salva froze. All he could see was the gun’s huge barrel, black and gleaming, as it moved toward his face.
The end of the barrel touched his chin.
Salva felt his knees turn to water. He closed his eyes.
If I die now, I will never see my family again.
Somehow, this thought strengthened him enough to keep him from collapsing in terror.
He took a deep breath and opened his eyes.” (p. 11)

“Going was easy.

Going, the big plastic container held only air… There was little weight, going. There was only heat, the sun already baking the air, even though it was long before noon. It would take her half the morning if she didn’t stop on the way.

Heat. Time. And thorns…

Nya filled the container all the way to the top. Then she tied the gourd in back in place and took the padded cloth doughnut from her pocked. The doughnut went on her head first, followed by the heavy container of water, which she would hold in place with one hand.

With the water balanced on her head, and her foot still sore from the thorn, Nya knew that going home would take longer than coming had. But she might reach home by noon, if all went well.” (p. 1, 14-15)

Read This If You Loved: The Queen of Water by Laura Resau, Now is the Time for Running by Michael Williams, Sold by Patricia McCormick, Diamonds in the Shadows by Caroline B. Cooney, Shabanu by Suzanne Fisher Staples, So Long a Letter by Mariama Ba

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