It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (4/11/16)…

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Books I Read this Past Week… 

All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook by Leslie Connor

*Middle-Grade Novel

*5 Stars out of 5 Stars

My Book Review




The Opposite of Everyone by Joshilyn Jackson

*Adult Novel

*3 Stars out of 5 Stars

My Book Review

Relativity by Antonia Hayes

*Adult Novel

*5 Stars out of 5 Stars

My Book Review





Books I Will (continue to) Read this Week… 

Writing My Wrongs by Shaka Senghor

*Adult Memoir

The Great American Whatever by Tim Federle

*Young-Adult Novel

Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo

*Middle-Grade Novel

Music Monday #25: Something New by Axwell/Ingrosso

"Something New" by Axwell/Ingrosso

*I first learned of this song when I saw it featured in a "Beats" commercial a couple years back.

*Not only did the commercial catch my attention, but the music did also.

*I've used this piece of music in previous years, and decided to bring it back this year.

*This was our 25th Monday where we featured a musical selection.

*Each Monday I highlight a piece of music to share with my writers.  

*We begin with showing a video that goes along with the musical selection.

*The class will watch the video between 1-2 times.

*After the second viewing, the writers begin to record their thoughts in the notebooks.

*As they write, I play the music in the background (minus the video).

*My fourth graders can record their thoughts, ideas, connections, likes/dislikes, or reactions to the song.  They can also write about the message of the song.  

*I have my students write between 5-10 minutes.  At the end of our writing time, I see if a few of the writers would like to share what they wrote.  

Music Monday Selections (2015-2016)…

Week #1:  What I Am by will.i.am
Week #2:  Proud by Heather Small
Week #3:  Dreamer by Chris Brown
Week #4:  Live Like a Warrior by Matisyahu
Week #5:  Sunshine by Matisyahu
Week #6:  Better When I'm Dancin' by Megan Trainor
Week #7:  Thriller by Michael Jackson
Week #8:  Hopeful by Bars and Melody
Week #9:  Keep Your Head Up by Andy Grammar
Week #10:  The Rainbow Connection from The Muppets
Week #11:  What Does the Fox Say by Ylvis
Week #12:  Hall of Fame by The Script
Week #13:  Clouds by Zach Sobiech
Week #14:  Do They Know Its Christmas by Band Aid
Week #15:  What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
Week #16:  Am I Wrong by Nico & Vinz
Week #17:  Humble and Kind by Tim McGraw
Week #18:  Today's the Day by Pink
Week #19:  Hold My Hand by Jess Glynne
Week #20:  Fireflies by Owl City
Week #21:  Superheroes by The Script
Week #22:  Happy by Pharrell Williams
Week #23:  Waka, Waka - This Time for Africa by Shakira
Week #24:  Candyman by Zedd and Aloe Blacc

All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook by Leslie Connor...

How I Heard About It:  This was one of those novels that was getting the Twitter "buzz" before its release.  I knew of the author because I had read her earlier novel called Waiting for Normal which I absolutely loved.  I was excited to check out her new book.  

What It Is About:  Perry hasn't had the most traditional upbringing.  He was born and raised in a correctional facility that his mother has been sentenced to.  Due to a sympathetic warden, Jessica and Perry have been allowed to live together while she fulfills her sentence for a crime that she confessed to.  Perry spends his early mornings and evenings behind the gates with his mother and the other "residents".  He attends public school during the day where he enjoys his days with his best friend Zoey.  When Zoey's step dad, a district attorney, finds out about this unique situation, he steps in and changes Perry and Jessica's life together.  Perry is removed from the "prison" and moves in with Zoey's family.  He has never known life on the "outside" except for his schooling.  As he adjusts to his new surroundings, he and Zoey begin a school project that involves Perry's mother and the other residents in the correctional facility.  During their research, Perry finally learns what truly sent his mother to Blue River.  

What I Thought Of It:  I've mentioned in other posts that it can be hard to read a new book by an author that you have read before and really enjoyed their work.  That wasn't the case with this new novel.  I absolutely loved it and this story was just as good as Waiting for Normal.  The plot was interesting, engaging, and heart-warming.  The character of Perry drew me in at the very start and stayed in my heart until the very last page.  Actually he still remains with me after finishing the book.  I enjoyed getting a new perspective for life on the "inside" and the presentation of the back stories that influenced these people serving their time.  

Who Should Read It:  This is going to be a great story to "book talk" when I return to school after spring break.  I already have several fourth grade readers in mind that I know will devour this novel.  I'm also thinking this could make for a really strong read aloud in grades four through six.  Independent readers would be best matched for this book if they are a strong fourth grade reader or in grades five and/or six.  Middle school readers would also enjoy the book.  As always, adult readers that have an interest in middle-grade stories, need to read this new book by Leslie Connor.  Happy Reading!  

Rating:  5 STARS out of 5 Stars

The Opposite of Everyone by Joshilyn Jackson...

How I Heard About It:  One of my favorite novels is called gods in Alabama by Joshilyn Jackson.  It was one of those novels that once I started I couldn't put down.  I'm a member of the BBC (Boy's Book Club).  This is a book club of several male members of my teaching staff.  One of my buddies picked this newest novel by Jackson for our current book club selection.  

What It Is About:  Paula Vauss was born in Alabama.  Her early years were spent with her mother Kai.  They never spent much time in the same place and often found themselves in unique situations.  After one such situation, Paula's mother ended up in prison and Paula found herself in foster care.  Once a strong pair of mother and daughter, these two found themselves separated by a really difficult situation.  As an adult Paula has become a successful and tough lawyer.  She hasn't seen her mother in years.  When she receives a hint Kai may have died, she isn't sure what to do.  Life gets even more complicated when a secret of Paula's mother lands on her doorstop and turns her life completely upside down.  Paula and her mother's secret embark on a journey to locate and discover what truly happened to her mother.  Along the way, many secrets of the past and the present are revealed to Paula and her traveling companion.  

What I Thought Of It:  I was so excited to read this novel.  I have tried other Jackson novels after reading gods in Alabama, but have never enjoyed them as much as gods.  The story started out alright, but then I began to lose interest.  I found myself not being drawn back to the story and it took awhile for me to finish.  The story was ok, but just didn't grab me like her other book.  I think sometimes when you love a story so much by an author, the other ones just don't measure up as much.  It will be interesting to see what the other members of the BBC think about this book and how it compares to my opinions.  

Who Should Read It:  Fans of Joshilyn Jackson should definitely give this novel a try.  Many reviews online are quite favorable so there are definitely readers who enjoyed this novel.  Fans of southern fiction will also find enjoyment of this adult novel.  It always amazes me how the same story can elicit different responses from different readers.  Happy Reading!  

Rating:  3 STARS out of 5 Stars

Relativity by Antonia Hayes…

How I Heard About It:  I received an invitation from NetGalley offering this novel as an advanced reader copy.  I'm always thrilled when this happens.  I knew nothing about the novel and/or the author.  This can be an exciting opportunity.  The reading can either go really well or really bad.  You just never know.  

What It Is About:  Ethan is twelve years old and lives in Australia.  He isn't your typical preteen boy.  Ethan is extremely smart and has a keen sense of physics and astronomy.  He lives with his mother Claire who is a former ballerina.  It is always been just Claire and Ethan.  He doesn't know who is father is and his mother hasn't shared much information about him.  After Ethan has an accident and is sent to the hospital, his early years catch up to him.  His current medical condition is being linked to an incident Ethan experienced as a baby.  Claire isn't sure she is ready to explain Ethan's past to him.  During this same time, Mark who is Ethan's father, is called back to Sydney because his father is ill.  Mark decides to contact Claire to reconnect after many years of being estranged.  Claire isn't sure how she feels about Mark's arrival and his wanting to connect with his son.  When Ethan learns that his father is back in town, he has a strong desire to meet him.  As these three family members navigate the present day situation and the mistakes of the past, their worlds collide in both positive and negative ways.  

What I Thought Of It:  As I mentioned above, reading a new book by a new author can either go really well or really bad.  In this case, it went really well.  I completely enjoyed this story and there were many moments when I just couldn't stop reading and put this book down.  I don't think I've ever read a story quite like this one.  The story had everything an adult reader craves in a fiction novel.  There were strong, unique, and flawed characters.  There was an intriguing plot with mystery, suspense, and interwoven connections.  There were tender moments when I felt for the characters.  There were moments when I was angry, frustrated, and confused by character actions.  I'm so thrilled I had the opportunity to read this really great story.  

Who Should Read It:  I really think most adult readers will find enjoyment with this novel.  I believe it was released in Australia first and did really well and I'm sure it will do just as well here in the United States.  There is a strong "science" theme in the story so if you have an interest in that, you will definitely love this story.  I can't wait for the release of this novel so I can share it with all of my reader friends.  Happy Reading!  

Rating:  5 STARS out of 5 Stars

Blog Break - Spring Break 2016…

 Time for a Blog Break

*I try not to take too many breaks from the ReadWonder blog.

*But every once and awhile, it is needed and necessary.

*The week of April 4th-April 8th my school is on spring break.

*To be honest, I'm very ready.  Love what I do, but sure do appreciate the small breaks along the way.

*Traditionally, the family has taken some pretty great vacations.  This year the wife and I will be taking a couple of "mini-trips" during the week.

*Kris and I will be near Vail, CO from Friday, April 1st until Monday, April 4th.  We will be visiting some wonderful friends.

*I get a couple of days at home and my goal is to hunker down and READ!

*The two of us hit the car on Thursday, April 7th to journey to Lawrence, Kansas to visit our son who is a freshman at KU.

*The daily posts will be back on Monday, April 11th.

*Of course I will review books that I hopefully will get read during the break.

*Happy spring everyone!

Friend Friday #134 (Ellie McDoodle by Ruth McNally Barshaw)...

Hi!  I'm Brooke and I read the book called Ellie Mcdoodle Have Pen Will Travel and Ellie Mcdoodle New Kid in School written by Ruth McNally Barshaw.  


I think these books are funny because of the story line and all the great illustrations.  



My favorite part in the story is when Ellie moves and lives in her attic because it was an unique and crazy place to live.  




The character that I liked best was Ellie because she loves to draw and do art.  


I think the author wrote this book because she wants the readers to enjoy her story and learn about art.  


I would recommend this book to my friends because its very funny, the character loves to draw, and most of the kids in our class enjoy drawing.  


Reading to me is very important because I like to read and it's good for you!

  

*Brooke is a fourth grade reader in my class.

*She and I love browsing for books in my classroom collection.

*Brooke is very open to reading anything.  

*She is currently enjoying this series.  

*I thought she had some GREAT replies to the prompts.