Birthday by Meredith Russo

How I Heard About It:  I can't remember where I read the review, but it was a stellar one so I ordered this young-adult novel from Amazon and pretty much read the entire book yesterday and last night.  It kept me up WAY past my bedtime.  

What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:  
1.  *Eric and Morgan were born on the same day in the same hospital.  Their families were also "trapped" in the hospital because of a storm.  It was that experience that bonded these two families and their two boys.  

2.  *Each year the two boys celebrate their birthdays.  At first they celebrate as families, but after one of the mothers dies, the celebrations become mostly between Eric and Morgan.  

3.  *Eric lives with his parents and two older brothers.  They are pretty well off and he is destined to be great as a football player.  

4.  *Morgan lives with just his dad in a trailer.  They are surviving day to day after the loss of Morgan's mother; but things haven't been quite the same since her death.  

5.  *Morgan has a secret which he struggles with from the ages of thirteen to eighteen.  As much as he would like to share the secret with his best friend Eric, he just can't bring himself to do it.  The stress of what he is keeping to himself, has a great impact on himself, his best friend, and both families.  


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
1.  *As I mentioned above, once I started the novel I could not stop reading.  I absolutely love when I find a story that I can't stop reading.  I think I finished the book at about 1:00 AM and then had a hard time falling asleep because I couldn't get Eric and Morgan out of my head.  

2.  *The story is told on the boys' birthdays from the ages of thirteen to eighteen.  Within each section/birthday; the reader gets a glimpse into that day from the point of view of Eric and Morgan.  This format created a very personal and intimate feel to the story.  

3.  *I must say that Meredith Russo did a terrific job of writing about each boy's journey during some very difficult years.  I definitely got to know them on a very deep level.  

4.  *There were some difficult scenes to read, but it reminded me of what teenagers go through when not only dealing with day to day life, but when faced with some major decisions and choices.  

5.  *I thought the story was real, true, and authentic.  I didn't know a lot about some of the topics presented throughout the story; but after reading this book, I now feel a bit more knowledgeable.  


Who Should Read It:    I not only would recommend this title to all young adult readers, but I will also be sharing with my adult reader friends.  The plot is captivating.  The characters are endearing.  The feelings you will experience will shatter your heart.  Happy Reading!  


Rating:   5 STARS out of 5 Stars!

Shine by J. J. and Chris Grabenstein

How I Heard About It:  Over the years I've gotten to know several publishing reps during different conventions.  One of my favorites is from Penguin Random House.  It is always a thrill when I see her on the convention floor.  We have great conversations and she always sends me away with a handful of new books.  She recently sent me this ARC with a personal rave review.  

What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:  
1.  *Piper and her father both attend the public school.  Piper doesn't think she has many talents, but her father is the director of a singing group with aspirations to write a Broadway show.  

2.  *Piper's mother was also a "star" with talents, but died she Piper was young.

3.  *When Piper's father gets a new position at a prestigious private school, he brings Piper along because she can attend for free.  

4.  *Piper finds it difficult to fit in with the new crowd and tries to remain tied to her former crowd.

5.  *As she finds new friends who "get" her, Piper makes it her mission to "SHINE" and become someone that her father, her mother, and she can be proud of.  


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
1.  *I pretty much love everything that Chris Grabenstein does.  It was interesting to learn that this newest novel was written in partnership with his wife.  After reading this wonderful story, I hope they have more projects planned to write together.  

2.  *The story of Piper, her father, and everyone she comes in contact with was engaging, thought-provoking, and quite entertaining.  

3.  *I enjoyed that the chapters were short.  I think this is an important element for young readers.  Actually, even as an adult reader, I prefer novels with short chapters.  

4.  *The theme of everyone "shining" was presented in a new and fresh way.  I know young readers will be able to relate to Piper and the other characters as well.  

5.  *One of the best aspects of the story was the antagonist for Piper.  Every reader loves to "hate" that one character.  


Who Should Read It:   This novel comes out in November 2019 and it is absolutely perfect for every reader in grades three through six.  It would also make for a great read aloud in grades two through six.  I personally can't wait to share the novel with my new fourth grade class next fall.  Happy Reading!  


Rating:   5 STARS out of 5 Stars!

Bone Hollow by Kim Ventrella

How I Heard About It:  I remember reading Skeleton Tree a few years back and enjoying the story.  When I received this copy of Kim Ventrella's new novel, I was excited to jump in and see what this story had in store for me.  

What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:  
1.  *Gabe has lost his gramps, his mother, and his father.  That leaves him living with Miss Cleo and her chicken.  

2.  *When the chicken ends up on the roof, Gabe is the one sent to rescue it.  Unfortunately a storm hits, and Gabe is thrown from the roof to his "death".  Or was he?  

3.  *After Gabe wakes up in Miss Cleo's room, he can't figure out why he can see and hear everyone, but they can't see or hear him.  

4.  *When he realizes he has left the life he knew, Gabe finds himself alone with his dog searching for answers.  

5.  *Some of the answers come from a new friend Wynne, who is also living in this "after-life".  The two of them learn about life, death, and your role in the universe.  


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
1.  *After reading both of Kim Ventrella's novels, I've come to realize she writes a unique and captivating story.  

2.  *As much as the story began a bit light-hearted and humorous, the plot does take a turn toward the "dark" and "eerie" side.  But through it all, the author keeps it very kid friendly and appropriate.

3.  *One element I enjoyed most, was the relationship between Gabe and his dog.  I'm a dog person myself. so any story that focuses on a human and his dog is going to be a winner in my book.

4.  *The adventure Gabe took was fascinating, mysterious, and full of twists and turns.  There were a few sections when I was a bit confused on where and what Gabe and Wynne were doing.  

5.  *I appreciated the life-lessons the author included and the characters that grew and changed throughout the story.  


Who Should Read It:   This new novel would be best suited for readers in grades five/six or middle school.  The plot can be a bit complex so I think the reader should be in the upper grades.  Happy Reading!  


Rating:   4 STARS out of 5 Stars!

All of Me by Chris Baron

How I Heard About It:  The time is here for summer reading.  That means more book exchanging with my Twitter #bookexpedition group.  This was the first book that came to via my Nerdy peeps.  I read it this afternoon and enjoyed the story.  


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:  
1.  *Ari's story was told in verse.  The writing was beautiful and full of imagery.  

2.  *He is struggling with his self worth and most of this stems from his body weight.  Ari has always been heavy and life hasn't been easy because of this.

3.  *Not only does Ari have to deal with his weight, but he is noticing things are "different" between his parents.  

4.  *The story takes place during the summer after seventh grade and the start up of eighth grade.  Ari wants it to be a summer of "change" and get his life back on track.  

4.  *Ari takes this journey of change with several friends.  Some of which have a positive impact and some may have a negative one.  


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
1.  *I was thrilled to receive this novel from #bookexpedition.  I had seen  positive reviews, loved the title, and thought the cover was beautiful.  

2.  *The reading experience was a refreshing change because I haven't read a novel in verse in quite some time.  

3.  *I'm glad that this story is out in the world as most "weight" issue stories focus on females.  It was refreshing to read about a boy experiencing these types of problems.  

4.  *'Ari was one character that was real, flawed, and one the reader could sympathize with.  

5.  *The themes/messages/lessons of the story are a bit more on the mature side.  When I was reading it as a middle grade story, I felt it was too mature.  After changing my view point and looking at it more for the middle-school and/or high school reader, I enjoyed it more.  


Who Should Read It:   The book is marketed for readers in grades 3-7, but after reading it, I think it would have more appeal for a reader in grades six and above.  I think those readers would be able to relate to Ari on a deeper level.  Happy Reading!  


Rating:   4 STARS out of 5 Stars!

Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williams

How I Heard About It:  This middle-grade novel has been getting lots of buzz so I was excited when I got my own copy.  The novel is long at 364 pages so it took me a few summer days to complete it.  


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:  
1.  *Life for a pre-teen can be difficult.  But when you don't like yourself, it can be even more of time of turmoil.  

2.  *Genesis is frustrated with her situation because she and her parents continue to have to move homes because they can't pay their rent.  


3. *After their most recent move, Genesis begins a new school and so wants to fit in with the other kids.  Her self-esteem is low and she hates the color of her dark skin.  

4.  *After a few rough starts, Genesis meets two other kids that accept her for herself.  She is exposed to new ways of life and becomes exciting for the possibilities for herself.  

5.  *This new start proves to be more difficult when she must face tough issues at home with her mother, father, and grandmother.  Most of all, she must deal with her own self-worth and coming to terms with her identity.  


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
1.  *This was a powerful and meaningful story about growing up and learning to love yourself.  

2.  *There were moments when I was reading about Genesis and how she felt about herself that my heart just hurt for her.  

3.  *The story was eye-opening and heart-wrenching at what families must face in making ends meet in America.  

4.  *I think the author did a phenomenal job of representing each character, their situation, and how they react to what they are faced with.  

5.  *The story was on the longer side and presented some tough and mature themes.  I think the novel could work for either a mature and older reader and/or an adult reader.  


Who Should Read It:   I think the novel could work for either a mature and older reader and/or an adult reader.  I would say the reader should be in grades five or above.  The story is a long one so the reader definitely needs to have some strong stamina.  


Rating:   4 STARS out of 5 Stars!

Wonder Wednesday #270 (Classroom Favorites)

Wonder Wednesday - And the WINNER Is...

*Last week I featured our favorite #classroombookaday picks for the 2018/2019 school year.

*Here are some of the other "categories" that I had the students in my class rank and put in order from their most favorite to their least favorite.

*They had a great time taking the different surveys and viewing the results.

Our Favorite Math Schoology Assignments

Our Favorite Homeroom Schoology Assignments

Our Favorite Classroom Activities

Our Favorite "Breakfast with Books" Book Club Selections

Our Favorite Class Read Aloud Selections

Finding Orion by John David Anderson

How I Heard About It:  I am a huge fan of John David Anderson and his collection of books.  I was thrilled when I found out he had a new novel coming out in May of 2019.  Once I started I could not stop reading.  This was my first middle-grade novel for my summer reading and oh what a read it was.  


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:  
1.  *Families can be a funny thing.  Each family has it own "quirks" and the Kwirk family definitely has their own.  

2.  *No one in the family has more "eccentricities" than Papa Kwirk who is Orion's grandfather.  


3.  *When the family learns of Papa Kwirk's passing, they pack up the car and head to their grandfather's home where his sister lives and has planned his funeral.  

4.  *Orion is fascinated with his family dynamics and wants to learn as much as he can about his Papa.  He knows his father and grandfather are different, but has no idea how much.  

5.  *After a unique and fascinating funeral, the Kwirks are sent on a special scavenger hunt where they learn all about Papa Kwirk and what he held close to his heart and mind.  


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
1.  *One of my most favorite parts of life is starting a new novel that you hope is GREAT, and when you start that story, you can tell it is going to be one heck of a read.  That happened with this book.

2.  *I enjoyed all the funny, strange, and wacky aspects of the Kwirk family.  There were several occasions when I was laughing out loud and rereading parts to take it in again.  

3.  *Despite the light-hearted and humorous moments, there were also many important and tender life-lessons.  Most of these came from discovery the "ins" and "outs" of Orion's father and grandfather.  

4.  *One of my favorite characters in the story was the great aunt.  I could totally visualize her in my head and would so enjoy hanging out with her.  

5.  *The entire journey that the family took while discovering the "true" Papa Kwirk was heart warming, important, and emotional.  I loved every bit of it!  


Who Should Read It:   This novel is going to be a wonderful addition to my John David Anderson section of my classroom library.  I think the book could be handled by a fourth, fifth, and/or sixth grade reader.  It is a bit longer of a story, so the reader will definitely need some stamina.  I'm thinking it would make for a terrific class read aloud.  It is on my long list for possibilities for read alouds during the 2019/20 school year.  Happy Reading!  


Rating:   5 STARS out of 5 Stars!