It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (1/28/13)

Thanks to Jen and Kellee for hosting this idea on their site.  Here is a link to their site...

                

                 http://www.teachmentortexts.com/

*WOW!  Four Monday posts in a row.  I hope the next 11 months continue as well for me...

Books I Read this Past Week...

The Genius Files:  You Only Die Twice by Dan Gutman

*5 out of 5 Stars
*Wonderful third book in the series!
*Kids will eat this series up! 

This is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen

*5 Stars out of 5 Stars
*After the announcement today I grabbed this book at the library.
*I really enjoyed it and will share with my class tomorrow. 
*The illustrations are just wonderful! 

Books I Will Read This Coming Week...

The Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Ayana Mathis

*I have been reading this book on and off for a few weeks.

*I got back to this book, but didn't finish.  I will continue on! 

*Extremely well-written book! 

 Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk by Ben Fountain

*It is my turn to pick a book for my BBC (Boy's Book Club)
*I'm thinking this might be it because of all the great reviews.
*I'm just a few chapters in, but enjoying the book.
*I think I'm going to pick something else for my BBC! 

Hokey Pokey by Jerry Spinelli 

*Just had time to start this book, but still looking forward to reading it!

 Geeks, Girls, and Secret Identities by Mike Jung

*Just started this book and didn't have any time to really get into it.
*I'm hoping to continue and get more read this week. 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (1/21/13)

Thanks to Jen and Kellee for hosting this idea on their site.  Here is a link to their site...

                

                 http://www.teachmentortexts.com/

*I've made it three Mondays in a row with posting my reading.  I love fresh starts and I love the books I've been reading...

Books I Read this Past Week...

 

The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling

*1 Star out of 5 Stars

*I just couldn't get into this book. 

*It was a lot of "skim" and "scan" for me. 

Me Before You by JoJo Moyes

*5 Stars out of 5 Stars

*This is our second #ABCT (Adult Book Club on Twitter)

 

Navigating Early by Clare Vanderpool

*5 Stars out of 5 Stars

*I can't wait to share this book with my class.

*See my review for more details! 

Books I Will Read This Coming Week...

 

The Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Ayana Mathis

*I have been reading this book on and off for a few weeks.

*I want to give it more attention this week and finish.

*Extremely well-written book! 

 Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk by Ben Fountain

*It is my turn to pick a book for my BBC (Boy's Book Club)
*I'm thinking this might be it because of all the great reviews.

Hokey Pokey by Jerry Spinelli 

*Don't know much about this book.

*Always love a new release from a well-known author.

 Geeks, Girls, and Secret Identities by Mike Jung

*I'm excited to read this book as I have seen many Twitter pals giving it good revivews. 

Navigating Early by Clare Vanderpool

How I Heard About It:   I heard about this book on Twitter.  Of course!  A few months back I was jealous that readers were reading the ARC of this book.  I'm hoping someday I will be one of those readers that receives ARC's.  For now, I waited patiently for the release of the book on January 8th and was at the book store right after work.  I read Vanderpool's first book Moon Over Manifest several years ago.  I also shared it with my class.  It was exciting to know that her second book was coming out and according to the early reviews, it was just as wonderful as Moon Over Manifest. 

What It Is About: The book Navigating Early takes the reader on a magical journey of two young boys making their way through the Appalachians in the state of Maine.  Jack Baker has just moved from Kansas to Maine with his military dad.  One of the first students he meets is Early Auden.  He isn't like the rest of the boys at the school, but something draws Jack toward Early.  Early is about to venture on a quest to find his brother Fisher who fought in the war in France.  Jack isn't quite sure about Early or the "adventure", but finds himself packing up his stuff and joining Early.  During the journey they meet some of the most unique, strange, dangerous, heart-warming, and memorable characters.  The friendship between the two boys grows deeper and deeper with each step their take on the trail.  By the end of the journey, and the book, both boys have found the answers to the questions they were looking for. 

What I Thought Of It:   It is always interesting to read an author's second book, especially after the first book was so satisfying.  I get a bit nervous that it won't measure up to the first book.  Well, that wasn't the case with Navigating Early.  I think this story might even be better than the Moon Over Manifest.  I was drawn into the story immediately and it didn't let me go until I closed the book.  The characters of Jack and Early were what made this story.  I came to truly care about each of these boys and the stories that they carried on this marvelous journey.  The plot is quite intricate and reminded me of the depths of Walk Two Moons and Holes.  Now that I have finished the novel, I'm thinking it will become a read aloud to my fourth graders this school year. 

Who Should Read It:   I will be recommending this book to all my fellow readers.  I know that all teachers and librarians will truly enjoy this story.  I also think it would make a wonderful read aloud for grades four and up.  As far as reading this independently, I think it would be appropriate for fifth grade and above.  As much as I think the book would make an awesome read aloud, I also know many adult readers would enjoy the book just for themselves.  Happy Reading! 

Me Before You by JoJo Moyes

How I Heard About It:   I saw this book posted on GoodReads.  As I started to research this book, I found that it was getting quite a bit of positive press.  I was trying to find a book for the #ABCT (Adult Book Club on Twitter), this one seemed like it might work.  It is very exciting to find a new book to read and doubly exciting when you know it is going to be a book that a book club will read together. 

What It Is About:  Me Before You follows Louisa and Will as their completely different lives come together and change each of them forever.  Louisa is a quiet, reserved, young women who still lives at home with her parents, has never ventured out of her English town, and lives life safely.  Will is a good looking, rich, adventurous business man who lives his life to the fullest.  After a tragic accident, Will is confined to his parents' home and needs care 24/7.  Louisa loses her cafe job and is in need of another form of employment.  She begins to work for Will's parents caring for him.  The interaction between the two of them isn't ideal because they have come from such different worlds.  As time goes on they learn to appreciate each other and become better people because of each other.  Louisa learns a secret that Will's family is keeping and finds herself in a world she never would have imagined. 

What I Thought Of It:   From page one, I was hooked on this story.  JoJo Moyes does such a wonderful job of creating real and relatable characters.  I came to love both Louisa and Will.  The humor between them was fresh, unique, and brought many "laugh out loud" moments.  I came to care so much about these two people that they felt like two personal friends.  I enjoyed reading about their relationship as it grew from two people that couldn't stand each other, to people that tolerated each other, to a couple who truly cared for each other.  The story has quite the emotional punch and kept me up way past my bedtime in order to finish! 

Who Should Read It:   I am hoping that many readers will give themselves the treat of this book.  That is why I picked it for our #ABCT.  As much as I love to read childrens' books and young adult books, there is nothing quite like reading a really great adult book.  I think this is that type of book!  The invitation is being sent out to all teachers, librarians, educators, authors, and all other adult readers to experience this incredible story of Will and Louisa.  I can guarantee that you will never forget these two people and they will stay with you for a very long time.  Happy Reading! 

Too Bright to Hear Too Loud to See by Juliann Garey

How I Heard About It:   As I'm writing this post I can't quite remember where I saw this title, but it might have been Amazon.  I also know I read about it in a couple of different places and that I always a sign that it might be a book that I want to read. 

What It Is About:  This is the story of a Hollywood movie agent who has the life most of us would dream of.  He has a beautiful loving wife, a wonderful daughter, a career that he always wanted.  There is just one problem.  He is hiding a major secret from the rest of the world.  Greyson is suffering from Bi-Polar Disorder.  He has been able to hide it for most of his life, but reaches a point where that isn't possible any longer.  The reader goes on a journey with Greyson as he spirals out of control and the disease gets the better of him.  Everything he has known and depended on is at risk and the road he takes is a destructive one. 

What I Thought Of It:   The story grabbed me right from page one and didn't let go until the very last page.  It was fascinating to read about Greyson's life with the highs and lows (very low) of bi-polar disorder.  It almost read like a memoir, but of course is fiction.  There were some pretty dark moments and choices that Greyson made that I didn't like, but I believe were necessary to show the extremes of this disease.  I could tell that the author did her research.  It was a spell-binding story and by the end you were wishing and hoping for the best for this courageous character. 

Who Should Read It:   People that enjoy reading stories about people and their problems will love this book.  It is fast-paced and reaches deep down into the depths of bi-polar.  As the reader you will go on a roller coaster ride with Greyson.  Sometimes you will cheer him on and at other times you will be yelling at him for the situations he gets himself into.  If you choose to read this book, you can't mind dysfunction or some dark moments, but will definitely be in for a fascinating and wonderful novel! 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (1/14/13)

Thanks to Jen and Kellee for hosting this idea on their site.  Here is a link to their site...

                

                 http://www.teachmentortexts.com/


*Well, posting two Mondays in a row is good news and shows that I'm working on that New Year's resolution of posting my reading each Monday...


Books I Read this Past Week...

Too Bright to Hear, Too Loud to See by Juliann Garey

*5 out of 5 Stars (See my book review on this blog)

 

Extreme Babymouse by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm

(5 out of 5 Stars)

Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke

(4 Stars of out 5 Stars)











Books I Will Read This Coming Week...

The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling

*Reading this for my BBC (Boy's Book Club)
*On page 100

Me Before You by JoJo Moyes

*Reading this for our #ABCT (Adult Book Club on Twitter)
*On page 168

Navigating Early by Clare Vanderpool

*Loved her first book Moon Over Manifest

*On page 79

The Second #ABCT (Adult Book Club on Twitter) Announcement...

How ABCT Came About:   At the end of November, I came up with the idea for the #ABCT (Adult Book Club on Twitter).  It was an exciting time for me.  During the month of December many Twitter readers read the book Life Among Giants by Bill Roorbach.  On Thursday, January 3rd we met online to discuss our first book.  We even had the author join our discussion.  Not many showed up, actually it was me and the author, but a great discussion was had by the two of us. 

The Invite Sent Out:  I invite all the Twitter teachers, librarians, authors, and educators to join us in this Twitter book club.  What a great opportunity for us to take a break from all the reading we do for our students and give ourselves the pleasure of a "grown-up" book.  Please pass the word on to all of your Twitter friends and maybe even friends who aren't on Twitter yet.  I'm hoping we can grow as an online book club.  It is very exciting to me! 

Second Book Chosen:   As of now, I'm the only one choosing the books for the #ABCT.  I'm certainly open to suggestions for future books that we will read.  I am just picking books that I have heard great things about or books that I want to read.  Hopefully those books are the same ones you will enjoy and get something out of.  For our second #ABCT we will be reading the book Me Before You by JoJo Moyes.  I think this will be a very different book from our first selection.  From everything I have read, it should be a memorable and fascinating read. 

When is the Book Club:   As of now the #ABCT is scheduled for Thursday, February 7th at 7:00 PM Central Time.  I'm in contact with the author and trying to coordinate a date that will work for her.  We will all meet online to discuss this book and the story.  I personally use TweetChat which I find easy to use when having an online discussion.  If the date changes, I will post on Twitter and on my blog. 

*Hopefully all the information you need is presented here, but if I'm missing something, please feel free to Tweet me.  I want this book club to work for all involved!  Grab a copy of this book and HAPPY READING! 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (1/7/13)

Thanks to Jen and Kellee for hosting this idea on their site.  Here is a link to their site...

                

                 http://www.teachmentortexts.com/

I am excited to be back posting on Mondays.  Things got a little busy for me during December so it has been awhile since I have posted my reading on a Monday.  My goal for 2013 is to post each and every Monday.  We shall see??? 

Books I Read this Past Week...

The Genius Files:  Never Say Genius by Dan Gutman

*5 Stars out of 5 Stars

Too Bright to Hear, Too Loud to See by Juliann Garey

*Still Reading but 5 Stars out of 5 Stars so far...

Life Among Giants by Bill Roorbach (Our first #ABCT)

*4 Stars out of 5 Stars











Books I Will Read This Coming Week...

Too Bright to Hear, Too Loud to See by Juliann Garey

*Almost done and can't wait to finish - SO GOOD! 

The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling

*Going to read this for my BBC (Boy's Book Club)

Me Before You by JoJo Moyes

*Going to read this for our #ABCT (Adult Book Club on Twitter)

Extreme Babymouse by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm

 *Been waiting for this one since last summer! 

 Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke

*Saw this during library time today and wanted to give it a try!

Navigating Early by Clare Vanderpool

*Loved Moon Over Manifest.  So excited for this release! 

My First Week of 2013...

What an incredible first week of 2013.  There are times when I still can't believe where I am both professionally and personally.  If the beginning of 2013 is any indication of how my year is going to go, I can't wait...

I experienced two BIG events this past week.  One included my life as a 4th grade teacher and the other included my life as a member of the Twitter community. 

My 4th grade class had the opportunity to Skype with the prolific author Dan Gutman.  My "Breakfast with Books" book club was reading his book The Genius Files #1: Mission Unstoppable during the month of December.

I had experienced a couple of Skype visits with Stephen McCranie and Kim Baker and I thought wouldn't it be cool to include Dan in our book club discussion.  I have found that Twitter is an amazing way to connect with people that you normally wouldn't be able to.

On Thursday, January 3rd, fourteen of my 4th grader gathered in our classroom to discuss the book and Skype with this incredible author.  To say we were excited is to put it mildly.  We spent about thirty minutes with Dan talking about the book, asking questions, and enjoying his company.  He didn't disappoint.  It was definitely one of the highlights of our year:  So far...

That same day I had another life experience that I never thought would happen.  I had the opportunity to participate in the first #ABCT (Adult Book Club for Twitter).  You can read an earlier post to read the details of this newly created book club.

Many Twitter members joined me reading Life Among Giants by Bill Roorbach.  Because I am getting better at taking risks, I also contacted Bill via Twitter to see if he would like to join our online book club discussion on Thursday, January 3rd at 7:00 PM.  He agreed.  Wow!

The first #ABCT was bittersweet I must say.  It was sweet because I was so proud of myself for creating this book club, making it happen, and actually having an online book discussion with some of my fellow Twitter friends.  It was bitter because the only readers that showed up were myself and the author.

I tried hard not to be too disappointed, but there was a little sadness in my heart.  I also felt bad for Bill Roorbach because he made the time to join us and I know was thinking there would be many members online.  We both made the best of it with questions asked by me, answers provided by Bill, and a nice hour long discussion about the book between the two of us.  He seemed like a great guy and I really appreciated him giving an hour of his time.

I did hear from other readers after the book club that they were sorry they couldn't make it.  As my wife said to me afterwards, "If at first you don't succeed, try again."  I'm happy to say that I'm not going to stop with the first #ABCT, but will be announcing our second book very soon.

Looking back on the first week of 2013, I have a smile on my face, a warm feeling in my heart, and a satisfaction knowing I'm doing exactly what I was meant to do in my life...

The Genius Files #2 - Never Say Genius by Dan Gutman

How I Heard About It:   I had read about the first Genius Files book on Mr. Schu's website (http://mrschureads.blogspot.com/) a few months back.  I read the first book and loved it.  I loved it so much that it was our December's "Breakfast with Books" selection for my 4th grade students.  I enjoy picking the first book in a series because it is my hope that the readers will continue the series on their own.  I read this book on my own and I'm so glad I did. 

What It Is About:  This second book continues the summer road trip adventure of Coke and Pepsi with their parents.  They make their way from Wisconsin to Washington D.C. with more crazy, dangerous, and unique adventures on the way.  It is a face paced journey and one that keeps you turning page after page.  The story concludes at The Museum of American History with an "explosive" ending.  The last page leaves you hanging and looking forward to the third installment of this series. 

What I Thought Of It:   As you can probably already tell, I loved this book.  It is not realistic and includes some crazy and over the top plots, but that is what I (and my students) love about this series.  It is fun, fast-paced, and full of many unique situations.  I think it is so cool that Gutman includes many road side attractions that our country has to offer.  He even includes Google map directions throughout the books so that readers can follow these two awesome characters.  After reading the first two books, I want to take a cross country road trip and see these quirky attractions. 

Who Should Read It:  If you love children's literature, you will love this book.  I don't know how you couldn't.  This is also the type of book (series) that is perfect for our young readers.  I believe the books would make for wonderful read alouds for grades three and above.  Independent readers could handle them easily from grades four and above.  I know my students (4th graders) were thrilled by reading the first book in the series, have already started the second book, and are looking forward to the third installment later in January.  Read this series!  You will NOT be disappointed.  Thanks Dan...

The Daring Escape of the Misfit Menagerie by Jacqueline Resnick

*So excited to post the first book of 2013.  I actually finished this book at the very end of 2012, but I loved it so much, I wanted it to be my first book post of 2013...

How I Heard About It:   I always love looking at lists of books that are recommended to readers.  One list I always check is the Best Books list that Amazon puts out each month.  This book caught my eye, the premise sounded interesting, and it had gotten some wonderful reviews.  I went to the local book store, bought a copy, and started reading. 

What It Is About:  This story is about Smalls (a bear), Wombat (a wombat), Tilda (a rabbit), and Rigby (a dog).  They are living the good life until their owner sells them off to an evil (and he is mean) circus owner. Their lives change, and not for the better, and things will never be the same for these four furry friends.  While performing at the circus, they meet Bertie, a wonderfully sweet boy who has been living with his uncle who is also the circus owner.  These new "guests" of the circus form a bond with Bertie and they decide they have had enough and begin to play their "daring escape."   

What I Thought Of It:   I loved this book.  I loved it so much that I selected it for my January book club selection for my 4th grade "Breakfast with Books" book club.  I loved it so much that I Tweeted the author to tell her how much I enjoyed the story.  I loved it so much that I asked her if she would Skype with us after we finish the book during our book club.  Jacqueline said, "YES."  I could not put this book down and I feel in love with all of the characters in the story.  Well, almost all of them.  I'm so excited to announce this book to my class on Thursday, January 3rd. 

Who Should Read It:   This book is the perfect book for any young reader and also any adult reader.  The story is engaging, full of action, suspense and has an incredible cast of characters.  I think it would make a great read aloud to students in grades 3-5.  I believe independent  readers in the fourth grade and up could easily handle this book.  I'm so thrilled to use this book with my students and I'm also excited for the sequel to come out in the fall of 2013.  It will be awesome to continue reading about the adventures of the Misfit Menagerie.