Book #54 Read in 2018
The Word Collector by Peter H. Reynolds
This is a cute picture book about a boy named Jerome who collects words. He writes down words on paper that interest him. At first they are short words but they get more and more difficult as the book goes on. Near the end of the book a big wind blows all his words around and then Jerome realizes that they can be work that way too and he begins writing stories and poetry. It is nicely illustrated and a nice story. I borrowed the book from my public library.
Book #53 Read in 2018
Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes
This is a book for those middle school readers who want to read The Hate U Give. Jerome is shot and killed by a police officer, who thinks his toy gun is a real one. Jerome is stuck and can see his family and their pain but they cannot see him. The police officer's daughter, Sarah, can see and hear him though. Along with her, Jerome meets many ghost boys who faced similar deaths; the most notable is Emmett Till, a historical figure. Sarah wants to make a difference in the battle against prejudice. Jerome wants to see his family happy again so he can move on. This was a good, quick read that has a powerful message. I recommend it. I received a copy of this book from Amazon Vine in exchange for a honest review.
Book #52 Read in 2018
I'm Just No Good at Rhyming
This book reminded me of the book Where the Sidewalk Ends. It had short, funny poems along with illustrations that will appeal to young readers. This would make a good read aloud in an elementary classroom. I borrowed this book from the public library.
Book #51 Read in 2018
Sadie by Courtney summers
This is a gripping realistic fiction read. Sadie's younger sister Mattie is killed. Sadie is convinced she knows who is responsible and goes after him to kill him. But Sadie is also trying to save herself. When she goes missing, her guardian pleads with a radio show host to help find her. This book has a lot of twists and turns to keep readers engaged and guessing. The characters are gritty and layered. I recommend this book for high school and adult readers.
Book #50 Read in 2018
Happily Ever Esther by Steve Jenkins
This is a sequel about Esther the Wonder Pig. In this book Esther's daddies have opened an animal sanctuary and are getting other pigs, goats, cows, donkeys and horses a life of happiness. I could have done with more Esther and less advocacy for becoming a vegan, but overall this was an enjoyable read. I borrowed this book from the public library.
Book #49 Read in 2018
Book Uncle and Me by Uma Krishnaswami
Book Uncle is a man who has a free lending library on the street corner by Yasmin's apartment complex. Her goal is to read a book a day forever and she has done so for 402 days. Then, the city tells Book Uncle that he must pay for a commercial permit or remove his lending library. He cannot afford a permit. Yasmin gets her classmates and neighbors involved with the upcoming election....getting people to pledge their vote to what candidate will help Book Uncle if they win. Will they be able to save t he Book Uncle lending library in time? This was a cute, quick read and has a lot to think about even though it is a slim book.
Book # 48 Read in 2018
Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson
This was a re-read for me but still a great book. This will be the first book the students in my YA Literature read for class. Lia and Cassie are best friends....bonded by their desire to be skinny. Lia is anorexic and Cassie is bulimic. Cassie dies at the beginning of the book and Lia may soon follow. Will she be able to get herself help in time? A gripping look at eating disorders in teenagers and how their thought process on their body images work. A must read for every high school girl, parent and teacher.
Book #47 Read in 2018
Reading in the Wild by Donalyn Miller
My automatic follow-up read to Miller's first book, this one talks about creating lifelong readers, which I strive to do every school year. This book again is chatty and like discussing reading and reading habits with a good friend. I recommend it to all teachers.
Book #46 Read in 2018
The Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller
Every summer, I re-read Miller's books about creating a community of readers. My goal is to help my students love reading. Miller is an expert at that. This is not a heavy textbook but like a conversation with a good friend.
Book #45 Read in 2018
Hot Chocolate by Dawn Greenfield Ireland
This is the first book in cozy mystery series, written by a local author....she is coming to our book club discussion of this book. This book was a good read--interesting characters, a good mystery with twists and turns and a cute doggy named Louie. I would continue this series.
Had some technical difficulties and could not get into my blog. Since my last post I have read:
The Bookshop of Yesterdays (5/5)
The 5 Love Languages (4/5)
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: The Graphic Novel (3/5)
The Lost for Words Bookshop (5/5)
The Ever After (5/5)
Pains for One (4/5)
44 books read so far in 2018
