I've been plugging through more and more longer books, and I'm way behind in my #bookaday! I need some picture book time ;)
I've been reading the new Judy Blume adult title for over a week. I am enjoying it, but with limited reading time lately, it's sucking up all of my reading and I'm still not done!
Picture Books
Something Extraordinary by Ben Clanton
4/5 stars
I loved how this book began, with a young boy making wishes, each one a bit more imaginative that the one before it. The ending was a bit out there, in my opinion. I had felt a real high - loved, loved, loved the book, then went oh. I think the book still has a perfect place in writer's workshop. Write wishes. Can a wish become a book? Then pull out Beekle. I wonder if Beekle came from a wish?
My Cousin Momo by Zachariah O'Hora
4/5 stars
We really don't celebrate our differences as often as we should. This book does this and that needs to be celebrated! It's ok if we're a little different - it's about how you look at people. You don't have to say you're different, you like something that is unique.
The Night World by Mordicai Gerstein
5/5 stars
This book surprised me. It has so many possibilities! It can be used as a science mentor text for 1st grade NGSS - looking at patterns in space. The illustrations are beautiful so if you're starting a Mock Caldecott list, this one should be added. I also think this is a great mentor text for small moments and for looking at things differently. Got this one at the library and immediately bought it!
Middle Grade
Orbiting Jupiter by Gary Schmidt
5/5 stars
I am so grateful for the advanced copy from edelweiss. I've read it and I need to own it, it's a book I will be purchasing in October!
This is a tricky book. I've seen people put it in middle grade and YA. It certainly has a YA topic - an 8th grader has a baby daughter. But the ages of the kids in this book fall in a MG level book.
Young Adult
The Impossible Knife of Memory by Laurie Halse Anderson
5/5 stars
The wars and conflicts that have occurred in Iraq, Afghanistan and other locations have made PTSD a reality for many kids. It's not something that a teacher used to think about - maybe in earlier generations, but even then it was often undiagnosed.
This book was raw and real. Hailey's dad got under your skin and Hailey made you want to wrap your arms around her.
I think this book will be important for teenagers.
A great #mustreadin2015 book.
Professional Read
Writing About Reading by Janet Angelillo
5/5 stars
A really great read that has me thinking of some ideas for the fall!
My write up on this book is here.
Currently Reading
In the Unlikely Event by Judy Blume
I should be wrapping this book up very soon. There are certain lines that make me smile and say, "ah yes, I remember this Judy Blume!" Usually something raw and edgy.
However, a book NOT to be read while on an airplane!
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly
This audio book has accompanied me on my way to nerdcamp!
On Deck
Thank you nerdcamp for this gem!
I have so many professional reads to get through. Thanks for reminding me!
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LisaTeachR'sClassroom
The Night World does sound wonderful, Michele. I requested it from my library too! I can't wait for the Gary Schmidt book. He certainly writes about edgy things, doesn't he? And I always enjoy them. Thanks for all!
ReplyDeleteLOVE Callie Vee. To be honest haven't found a student who loves it as much but all of the adults that I've gushed about it to have also loved it. Book 2 is coming! Crenshaw made me cry. She made me cry first for Ivan but I used to go visit Ivan at the B&I! Never thought I'd cry at a book with a cat on the cover. So many kiddos, though, face the same problems.
ReplyDeleteI'm on the wait list for the new Judy Blume and put in a Net Galley request for Crenshaw (fingers crossed!). On the theme of wishes, have you seen I Wish You More? by Amy Krause Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld?
ReplyDeleteI remember you talking about The Night World and the beautiful illustrations. I have heard to so much about Orbiting Jupiter, but I tend to push the books my students can't read to the bottom. I don't know if I can that with this one though. sounds like my kind of book - I love to read and cry! Crenshaw was such a sweet story - you will love it.
ReplyDeleteWe can't believe how much reading you have done - Wow! We really want to read The Night World - It sounds amazing.
ReplyDeleteI cannot wait to read Gary Schmidt's latest book. I also loved Crenshaw. Thrilled I was able to get an ARC at ALA. Great selection of books, Michele!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Mordecai Gerstein. Think I'll just cave and go ahead and purchase this title. Sounds like one I could use in multiple ways. I really want to read the new Gary Schmidt. Sounds like a difficult read in many ways but important.
ReplyDeleteOur book soulmate status continues. I also loved The Impossible Knife of Memory (but then again, who hasn't?). I hope you love Cal Tate. Is this your first time with it? It is one of my favorites, but I haven't listened to the audio. I am excited to start the sequel. It is resting on my nightstand!
ReplyDeleteI cannot wait to read Crenshaw as well!! Applegate can sure write!
ReplyDeleteI am glad you liked Impossible Knife. Anderson truly crafted a stunning, tough novel.
I have Momo on my TBR this week pile--I look forward to reading it.
Happy reading this week! :)
How awesome that NerdCamp attendees/speakers get a copy of Crenshaw - so special! We still don't have it in our library so I really am looking forward to having it made available here. The Impossible Knife of Memory sounds like an important book indeed. Enjoy the rest of your reading week!
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