City of Saints and Thieves

Book #109 Read in 2018
City of Saints and Thieves by Natalie C. Anderson

Christina's mother was murdered and she has joined a street gang to survive.  She wants to punish her mother's murderer.  But does she know the whole story?  This book has lots of action and twists and turns that will keep high school and adult readers hooked.  The characters are interesting.  I received a copy of this book from Amazon Vine in exchange for a honest review.

Lead with Literacy

Book #108 Read in 2018
Lead with Literacy by Mandy Ellis

Any book that starts off saying what a great influence Donalyn Miller has had on the author, and saying that happy teachers make happy students, is a book that I'm going to love and this did not let me down.  It talks about how to be a literacy leader within your reading community and how administrators can support their teachers and their PD.  If only my district leadership would subscribe to this theory.  But I digress.....a recommended read to all teachers, all grade levels, but especially literacy and English teachers.

The Tattooist of Auschwitz

Book #107 Read in 2018
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

This tells the true story of Lale, the man who tattoos the numbers of prisoners as they enter the concentration camp.  He sees Gita and instantly falls in love with her.  Their love survives horrible obstacles.  This book is brutal to read at times but one will not be able to stop reading it.  I read it in a day.  I loved it.  I strongly recommend it to everyone.

Sky in the Deep

Book #106 Read in 2018
Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young

This is a Viking book that high school and adult readers will love; it has action, history, romance and so much more.  The main character is a strong female Viking warrior, who is smart and brave.  She finds her presumed dead brother, living with another clan, and is taken by them.  Will she make it home?  Will she keep her honor?  I really enjoyed this book.

Book Girl

Book #105 Read in 2018
Book Girl by Sarah Clarkson

I would have enjoyed this book more if there was less Christian thought/theology in it but overall, it is a book for readers.  Clarkson talks about books that have meant something to her, growing up as a reader and I enjoyed those parts.  It just was a little too preachy for me....I didn't need lists of Christian books.

The Island at the End of Everything

 

 

 

Book #104 Read in 2018

The Island at the End of Everything

 

This is a good historical fiction read for middle grade and high schoolers.  It is about an island that is a leper colony and how the government separates the children from their "touched" parents.  It is an interesting premise that most children won't know much about and it is a quick read.  I borrowed this book from the public library.

Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk

Book #103 Read in 2018
Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney

Lillian was an ad writer for Macy's in the early 1900s and loves New York City.  The book chronicles her walk through a changed city on New Year's Eve, reflecting on her life and its happenings.  Lillian is a spunky woman and an interesting character.  This was a good read.

A Girl Walks into a Book

Book #102 Read in 2018
A Girl Walks into a Book

This author, a writer and professor, loves the Brontes and their writing.  Through this love story, she details the ups and downs of her lives and how their writing helped her through the rough spots.  This is a book for book lover about the power of literature.  I enjoyed it.

To Kill a Mockingbird

Book #101  Read in 2018
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Time for a re-read before teaching this book to my 9th graders, this book remains one of my all-time favorites.  The book deals with topics such as racism, the death of a parent and growing up in a small town.  It is beyond well written and was recently chosen as America's top read....which I agree with.  A classic....and a must read for high school and adult readers.

Bibliophile

Book #100 Read in 2018
Bibliophile by Jane Mount

This is a beautifully illustrated book that is a must read for book lovers.  It talks about different genres, different authors, their writing spaces etc.  I borrowed this book from the public library.