Book #124 Read in 2016
Heartless by Marissa Meyer
From the author of The Lunar Chronicles, this book is an origin story for the Queen of Hearts (Red) from Alice in Wonderland. It provides her back story of how she became mean and heartless. While a big book, it is a quick read because it sucks readers in immediately with great writing, wonderful characters, lots of action and romance. I highly recommend it.
Book #123 Read in 2016
The Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller
This was a re-read. I had read this book and taught an in-service on it years ago but felt it was time to re-read it with the focus on incorporating strategies from it into my Young Adult Literature class. Miller instills a love of reading into her students and fosters a community of readers in her classroom. I hope to do the same. I recommend this to teachers and parents.
Book #122 Read in 2016
Book Love by Penny Kittle
This book was a great read about establishing and maintaining a community of readers in your classroom. I shared parts of it with the students in my Young Adult Literature and would recommend it to my teaching colleagues. I enjoyed it.
Book #121 Read in 2016
The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena
This was a good mystery/thriller book. Anne and Marco's baby daughter is kidnapped. Who has her? Who is involved? This book has many twists and turns to keep readers engaged and a host of dysfunctional characters to keep it interesting. While an adult book, I think high school readers would enjoy it too. I highly recommend it.
Book #120 Read in 2016
The Last Kids on Earth by Max Brallier
This is the first book in a post-apocalyptic series, perfect for upper elementary or middle school readers. Jack is slaying zombies and monsters, with his ultimate goal rescuing the girl whom he has a crush on....he believes she has locked herself in the school. With help from his best friend Quint and reformed bully Dirk, he plans a rescue mission. This book has lots of action and humor and illustrations to go along with the story.
Book #119 Read in 2016
Shadow House by Dan Poblocki
This creepy cover immediately caught my eye. A group of teenagers each get an invitation to an "academy" but when they arrive, they realize that they are now trapped in a haunted house with vengeful spirits. The illustrations are creepy as well. There is decent action throughout the book and I could see middle school readers really enjoying it.
Book #118 Read in 2016
Shop Cats of New York by Tamar Arslanian
This is a book of beautiful cat photographs and short cat biographies of New York City's cats that live in bookstores, grocery stores and other businesses. This would be a great gift for cat lovers.
Book #117 Read in 2016
Be Light Like a Bird by Monika Schroder
Wren's father dies in a plane crash at the beginning of the book. Her mother won't talk about her dad and that isn't helping Wren get past her grief. The two move a few times and Wren feels as if her mother is pushing her away. She meets Theo in her class and the two begin a friendship. Theo has had a parent die as well--his mother. The two band together to try to save a local wetland area and in the end, end up saving their relationships with their surviving parents. I recommend this book for middle schoolers. I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a honest review. I enjoyed this well-written book.
Book #116 Read in 2016
Maus 2 by Art Spiegelman
This is the graphic novel sequel to Maus and picks up where that book left off. Vladek continues to tell his son Artie about his time in the concentration camps and life after the holocaust. It has forever changed Vladek. This was a good read.
Book #115 Read in 2016
The Mystery of Hollow Places by Rebecca Podos
This was a decent young adult mystery book. Imogene's mother left Im and her father when Im was just a baby. Then one day her father has disappeared. Imogene feels that his disappearance is linked to her mother's and begins her own investigation. Will she find answers about many things? Will this reveal some insight into herself? This was a good read. I borrowed the book from the public library.
Book #114 Read in 2016
The Darkest Corners by Kara Thomas
When Tessa and Callie were young, Callie's cousin Lori was murdered and the two girls were witnesses who helped put "the Monster" in jail. But did they truly know what they saw? Years later, Tessa returns to her hometown because her father, who is in jail, is dying. Will she find her estranged mother, missing sister and the truth while back home? This is a gritty good read. High school girls and adults would like it.
