Pretty Things by Janelle Brown

How I Heard About It:

*Over the last couple of months I've seen this title on several must read lists for summer 2020.  One day after a visit with her mother, my wife brought home a copy of the novel.  Her mom had read it and said she could NOT put it down.  I guess I had my next novel published for adults. 


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:

1.  *Nina loves a good con.  Why wouldn't she being that her own mother was a master of the ultimate con. 

2.  *Vanessa doesn't need to con anyone since she comes from one of the wealthiest families in the states. 

3.  *When Nina was in high-school she met Vanessa's brother Benny.  The two of them began to hang out, but Benny's family didn't approve of Nina or her life.

4.  *When Nina's mother becomes seriously ill, she must find a way to get enough money to pay for the necessary medical treatments. 

5.  *The time has come for the con to end all cons.  Nina and a partner head back into the world of Vanessa, which ultimately leads her back to Benny. 


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
1.  *I love a strong story line, a page turner, and memorable characters.  This book had them all. 

2.  *This was the perfect novel published for adults to be read during summer vacation.  Nothing too heavy, but an engaging plot and interesting characters.

3.  *There were plenty of surprises and twists and turns along the way.  I never knew what was going to happen in the next chapter. 

4.  *Even though both female characters had their flaws, I still found myself liking each of them in their own "special" way. 

5.  *The idea of wanting what the rich and famous have, is strewn throughout the pages of the book and show no matter how much money or access one has; that isn't going to bring true happiness. 


Who Should Read It:
I think most adult readers would enjoy the story.  If you are heading on a "safe" vacation or staying safe at home, I highly recommend the book for your summer enjoyment.  Happy Reading! 


Rating:   4 STARS out of 5 Stars

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (6/29/20)

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

                

 http://www.teachmentortexts.com/

Books I Read this Past Week...

Echo Mountain by Lauren Wolk

*Middle-Grade Novel (5 STARS out of 5 Stars)









Pretty Things by Janelle Brown

*Novel Published for Adults (4 STARS out of 5 Stars)







Pet by  akwaeke emezi

*Young-Adult Novel (3 STARS out of 5 Stars)








A Dog-Friendly Town by Josephine Cameron

*Middle-Grade Novel (Abandoned)

Efren Divided by Ernesto Cisneros

*Middle-Grade Novel (5 STARS out of 5 Stars)

The Secret Life of Sam by Kim Ventrella

*Middle-Grade Novel (5 STARS out of 5 Stars)







Books I Will (continue to) Read this Week...  

Deacon King Kong by James McBride

*My Novel Published for Adults

A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat

*My Middle-Grade Novel

Orphan Eleven by Gennifer Choldenko

*My Middle-Grade Novel (Audio)

Efren Divided by Ernesto Cisneros

How I Heard About It:

*There are some books that get a lot of book buzz on social media.  This is one such novel.  After I finished listening to Echo Mountain, I began listening to this story via Audible.


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:

1.  *Efren is the oldest sibling of three which includes twins Mia and Max.

2.  *His parents are undocumented immigrants and Efren worries his family may get in trouble.



3.  *While Efren helps his best friend run for class president, his worst fear comes true when is mother is deported back across the border of Mexico.

4.  *He tries to keep his family problems away from school and the election, but as more and more days pass; it becomes harder and harder.

5.  *Efren is divided between standing by his friend and standing on his own two feet and working with another friend who has quite a bit in common with Efren.


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
1.  *I'm glad I listened to the story via Audible because the narrator was so wonderful and the Spanish language was beautiful.

2.  *The topic/content of the story was quite timely and happening in our country.

3.  *I enjoyed how the author presented two story lines simultaneously showing how divided Efren actually was in both situations.

4.  *Efren is a one of a kind young man and any parent would be proud to call him their son.

5.  *Everything about this story was enjoyable, thought-provoking, and eye-opening.  I loved it!


Who Should Read It:
In my opinion, the book could be read by children in grades four and above.  The novel should be part of all classroom collections in grades three through six and of course in the middle-school library.  The story-line has so much to offer young readers.  Happy Reading!


Rating:   5 STARS out of 5 Stars

The Secret Life of Sam by Kim Ventrella

How I Heard About It:

*One day last week I had the best mail surprise.  This middle-grade ARC was sent to me by the author/publisher.  I know when a book arrives and I had no idea it was coming my way.  I've enjoyed other works of fiction by Ventrella and was intrigued by the title and cover of her upcoming novel.  I actually spent yesterday, Saturday, reading the entire story.  I could NOT put it down.


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:

1.  *Sam has lost his Pa, and is now moving from Louisiana to Oklahoma with his Aunt Jo.


2.  *Sam and his aunt have not seen each other for years because of an incident involving his aunt.

3.  *He is not thrilled to be living in a new house, a new town, and with someone he barely remembers.  Sam is determined to keep his heart closed, and find a way back to his true home.

4.  *With a half-faced cat, a mysterious young boy, an enormous crocodile, and a tree that appears to be a portal to another world; Sam is torn between his old life with Pa and the new one he is being forced to create with Aunt Jo.

5.  *The themes of loss, friendship, family, and grief are presented through the eyes of Sam, his Aunt Jo, and a new friend with purple hair.


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
1.  *From the moment I opened to the book to the final minute on the last page, I was captivated by the story of Sam and his family.

2.  *I could feel Sam's heartbreak and found myself wanting to jump into the pages to rescue him.

3.  *Ventrella did a fantastic job of weaving together a realistic and magical realism story that had me convinced 100% of what was happening within the pages of the book.

4.  *Sam was not the only character I fell in love with.  Aunt Jo was complex, dynamic, loving, and someone that every young child needs in their life.

5.  *The friendship with Edie was an integral aspect of the story and she portrayed the strength and bounds young people will go to in order to survive and be successful; even when knee-deep in a different situation.


Who Should Read It:
*I already know this is going to either be a class read aloud or "Breakfast with Books" book club selection with my fourth grade class during the 2020-21 school year.  The story line, content, and themes would be perfect for all readers in grades four, five, and six.  Of course, the middle-school reader will love the story of Sam and his journey.  Adult readers that navigate toward middle-grade books, must put this on their TBR list.  Happy Reading!


Rating:   5+ STARS out of 5 Stars

Pet by akwaeke emezi

How I Heard About It:

*During an email conversation with a friend who works in the publishing industry, she mentioned this young-adult title to me.  I haven't been very good at fitting in the young-adult titles as I have been with middle-grade and novels published for adults.  She raved about it so I ordered it, read it, and now I will share my thoughts with you here on the blog.


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:

1.  *The story takes place in the city of Lucille where the residents have gotten rid of the "monsters".



2.  *Jam lives with her parents and her mother is an artist.

3.  *One day while observing a piece of art work her mother has created, Jam leaves a drop of blood on the painting and a creature from the work comes to life.  The creature's name is Pet.

4.  *Pet has come to Lucille to hunt for a "monster" that shouldn't be in their town.

5.  *Along with her friend, Redemption, they begin a search for the monster that Pet is after, but are torn because they have been taught there are no longer any monsters remaining.


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
1.  *First of all, this was one of the most different stories I've read in a very long time.

2.  *I think it is the type of story the reader needs to read slowly, pause, ponder, and reread passages.  There is a lot packed into this almost two hundred page story.

3.  *The young-adult story tackles some serious issues and they are presented in quite a unique way.

4.  *The character names and some of the topics were confusing and I wasn't always sure of what was going on.

5.  *I didn't love the story as much as some readers, but I'm probably not the target audience.  I may come back to the book someday and give it another try.


Who Should Read It:
*The target audience is the young adult reader and I do think they would relate to Jam and everything she experienced.  Based on the reviews, most readers do LOVE this story.  Happy Reading!


Rating:   3 STARS out of 5 Stars

Wonder Wednesday #335 (Writer Check-In #ONE)

Wonder Wednesday - My First Week

*Last Wednesday, I took a BIG leap in my life and decided to try my "hand" at writing.  No, not a one-page story, not a short story, not a picture book, or even a middle-grade book.  

*I decided to give writing a novel published for adults a try.


*If you read last week's post, which I have included down below, you know I've had the desire and the "idea" for a book for quite some time.  I'm not sure why now seems like the perfect time, but I'm more motivated now to do the writing more than I ever have.  

*This past week, I actually sat down and began writing/typing.  I was scared, nervous, and also excited.  

*After listening to many authors discuss their writing habits and techniques, I decided I needed to create some structure for myself to create a writing space and time that worked for me.

*I decided to write five out of seven days during the week.  At first, I was going to write for an hour a day, but then found myself creating a chapter a day so I'm going to stick with that plan; for now!

*Here is what my writing schedule looked like for the last six days...

Wednesday, June 17, 2020:  I wrote the prologue (I love a great prologue) = the year 2011

Thursday, June 18, 2020:  I wrote chapter 1, which actually became chapter 2 the next day =  the year 1973

Friday, June 19, 2020:  I wrote chapter 2, which turned into chapter 1 = the year 2011

Monday, June 22, 2020:  I wrote chapter 3 = the year 1993

Tuesday, June 23, 2020:   I wrote chapter 4 = the year 2011

Wednesday, June 24, 2020 (Today):  I still need to write the next chapter

*So far, I have been writing on my front porch with my laptop on my lap.  Go figure!

*I also put my iPods into my ears and have been playing around with some "writing music".  

*The music seems to put me in a space where I can create the story I'm trying to write.  I haven't found the perfect playlist yet, but still working on that each time I sit down and write.

*The book idea probably won't go anywhere, but I must say I'm enjoying the process and find myself thinking about the fictional story quite a bit.  

*Thanks for keeping me accountable and I'll check in next week.

*Happy Writing!!!!

 Blog Post from Wednesday, June 17, 2020

*If you follow this blog, you know I'm a READER.

*I pride myself on being an avid reader and sharing that love of books and reading with all those around me, especially my students.

*Over the years, I've had the honor and privilege of meeting and getting to know many authors from many walks of life.  To me, they are ROCK stars.

*During many conversations with students, fellow readers, teachers, and authors I get asked the question; "When are you going to write a book?"

*I started one story years ago and never got back to the writing.  To be honest, I have a couple ideas for both a middle-grade story and a story for adults.  I've just been too scared and intimidated to begin the actual process.

*Part of my problem, is I think I need to start, continue, and finish within a finite amount of time.  I should have known better since all the writers I've talked with have told me how long it took them to create their novel.

*I've decided to take the leap this summer and dip my toe in the waters of writing.  I have a general idea of a story I would like to create, but we shall see where the days take me.

*To start with, I'm going to dedicate an hour a day to the writing.  The structure will help me get started and get into a routine.

*Who knows, I may just stare at the blank screen, but the "ideas" will be swirling around my brain.

*I'm going to use my "Wonder Wednesday" posts to record the progress, or lack of progress.  Tracking my ideas here may keep me more accountable.

*I'm scared.  I'm nervous.  I'm excited.  I'm looking forward to this new "CHAPTER" in my life.

Echo Mountain by Lauren Wolk

How I Heard About It:

*I can still remember reading Wolf Hollow to a group of fourth graders and the response from the listeners was positive, powerful, and deep.  We had the opportunity to talk with Lauren about the story.  Now that was a Skype visit to remember.  I was excited to learn about a new release from author Lauren Wolk.  After seeing positive review after positive review, I knew it was time to get reading.  I decided to download the title via my Audible app.  The middle-grade story was my first audio experience of summer 2020. 


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:

1.  *Lauren Wolk takes the reader back in time to the Great Depression era. 

2. *Ellie's family has been hit hard just like most of the townspeople and neighbors.  They leave their home in town and begin fresh up in the heights of Echo Mountain. 

3.  *It is here that Ellie begins to find a series of carved wooden figures.  They seem to be placed intentionally for her to find.  She begins a search to find the carver. 

4.  *The family is devastated when Ellie's father is injured in an accident that involved Ellie, her older sister, and their younger brother. 

5.  *During an exploration of Echo Mountain, Ellie meets the mountain's "hag" and from that moment on, her life changes in more ways than she could have ever imagined. 


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
1.  *Lauren Wolk certainly has a way immersing the reader back in time and experiencing life as it was during that time period. 

2.  *The characters, plot, and setting were all top-notch and pitch perfect. 

3.  *As I listened to the story, I was struck by the beautiful relationships that Ellie had both with people that had been in her life for years and also with an incredible few characters that came into her life while living up in the mountains. 

4.  *The connections between characters were revealed with such grace, sensitivity, and perfect timing. 

5.  *Within the pages of the story, many life lessons were presented and explored; family, secrets, honesty, strength, and standing on one's two feet. 


Who Should Read It:
*The novel would be awesome to put in the individual hands of young readers and/or use it as a class read aloud.  I would say readers in grades four through six would be best. Of course the book should also be in all middle-school libraries and classrooms.  As an adult, if you have read other works by Lauren, then you MUST put this new title on your TBR list.  Happy Reading! 


Rating:   5 STARS out of 5 Stars

It's Monday! What are You Reading? (6/22/20)

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

                

 http://www.teachmentortexts.com/

Books I Read this Past Week...

A Burning by Megha Majumdar

*Novel Published for Adults (4 STARS out of 5 Stars)










Three Keys by Kelly Yang

*Middle-Grade Novel (5 STARS out of 5 Stars)








Books I Will (continue to) Read this Week...  

Pretty Things by Janelle Brown

*My Novel Published for Adults

Echo Mountain by Lauren Wolk

*My Middle-Grade Novel (Audio)

Deacon King Kong by James McBride

*My Novel Published for Adults 

Pet by  akwaeke emezi

*My Young-Adult Novel

 A Dog-Friendly Town by Josephine Cameron

*My Middle-Grade Novel

Three Keys by Kelly Yang

How I Heard About It:

*Last year I read Front Desk and absolutely adored the story.  I was thrilled to learn there was going to be follow-up story.  I was even more excited when I learned a member of #bookexpedition received an ARC.  The book recently arrived and I've spent the last couple of days revisiting the characters and the now famous motel. 


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:

1.  *Mia is back and ready to tackle sixth grade with a new sense of purpose.

2.  *She is thrilled her family, and friends, are now the proud owners of the Calivista Motel. 

3.  *Once the new school year begins, Mia realizes not everything is going to be smooth sailing. 

4.  *Her friend Lupe must keep her family situation a secret, especially with Proposition 187 looming over all the citizens of California. 

5.  *Once again, Mia must be strong, stand on her own two feet, and fight for what she knows is right. 


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
1.  *Overall, I would say I don't usually enjoy the sequel to a well-written story.  That was not the case with this second story in the "series". 

2.  *Reading the book was such fun because I got to go back to the Calivista Motel and "see" all the great and unique characters that were introduced in the first book.

3.  *The subject matter, immigration, is extremely timely and relevant.  The novel would be great to use with a class to open the discussion about immigrants and what they are facing in our country. 

4.  *I enjoyed reading about Mia and her complex and interesting relationships with family members, hotel guests, friends, and even her new sixth grade teacher. 

5.  *The plot takes up right where the first story ended and doesn't disappoint.  In fact, I may have enjoyed this second story even more than the first book. 


Who Should Read It:
*Three Keys will be perfect for readers in grades three through six.  Middle-school readers would also be a target audience for the story.  If you know of readers who read Front Desk, then they MUST put the companion title on their TBR list.  Happy Reading! 


Rating:   5 STARS out of 5 Stars

Wonder Wednesday #334 (Reader Turned WRITER)

Wonder Wednesday - Taking a RISK

*If you follow this blog, you know I'm a READER.

*I pride myself on being an avid reader and sharing that love of books and reading with all those around me, especially my students.



*Over the years, I've had the honor and privilege of meeting and getting to know many authors from many walks of life.  To me, they are ROCK stars.

*During many conversations with students, fellow readers, teachers, and authors I get asked the question; "When are you going to write a book?"

*I started one story years ago and never got back to the writing.  To be honest, I have a couple ideas for both a middle-grade story and a story for adults.  I've just been too scared and intimidated to begin the actual process.

*Part of my problem, is I think I need to start, continue, and finish within a finite amount of time.  I should have known better since all the writers I've talked with have told me how long it took them to create their novel.

*I've decided to take the leap this summer and dip my toe in the waters of writing.  I have a general idea of a story I would like to create, but we shall see where the days take me.

*To start with, I'm going to dedicate an hour a day to the writing.  The structure will help me get started and get into a routine. 

*Who knows, I may just stare at the blank screen, but the "ideas" will be swirling around my brain. 

*I'm going to use my "Wonder Wednesday" posts to record the progress, or lack of progress.  Tracking my ideas here may keep me more accountable. 

*I'm scared.  I'm nervous.  I'm excited.  I'm looking forward to this new "CHAPTER" in my life. 

A Burning by Megha Majumdar

How I Heard About It:

*I first learned of this new novel while watching the Today Show with Hoda and Jenna.  I didn't give it much thought, but it sounded like a powerful story.  Then I began to see the title on more lists and recommendations.  My curiosity was sparked and I ordered myself a copy.  I began reading a few days ago and finished yesterday. 


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:

1.  *Jivan is a young girl caught in a political/media storm after a terrorist act on a train in India. 


2.  *PT Sir was Jivan's teacher and now finds himself between his old world in education and trying to make a name for himself within the political scene in India. 

3.  *Lovely is an uneducated girl trying to make it big in Bollywood.  She has crossed paths with Jivan in a student/tutor type relationship. 

4.  *Based on some pretty weak evidence, Jivan is thrown in jail and awaits trial for her "roll" in the train bombing. 

5.  *She will come to rely on both PT Sir and Lovely to assist her from escaping the nightmare she had found herself in. 


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
1.  *Normally, I don't think I would have gravitated toward this type of novel, but for some reason I was drawn in, engaged, and gave a lot of thought to the story. 

2.  *Some of the dialogue, vocabulary, and names confused me, but didn't distract from the overall story. 

3.  *As much as I found some of the events in the story horrifying, I know they represent a true aspect of what really occurs in our world. 

4.  *Jivan was an incredible character and one that brought tears to my ears on more than one occasion. 

5.  *As much as I was saddened, disturbed, and angry with the conclusion, I know it was the route the author had to take. 


Who Should Read It:
*I would recommend this story to all readers, especially considering what is going on in our world currently.  Very timely, relevant, and thought-provoking.  Happy Reading! 


Rating:   4 STARS out of 5 Stars

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (6/15/20)

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

                

 http://www.teachmentortexts.com/

Books I Read this Past Week...

What If a Fish by Anika Fajardo

*Middle-Grade Novel (3 STARS out of 5 Stars)

The Colossus of Roads by Christina Uss

*Middle-Grade Novel (3 STARS out of 5 Stars)









Books I Will (continue to) Read this Week...  

A Burning by Megha Majumdar

*My Novel Published for Adults

Three Keys by Kelly Yang

*My Middle-Grade Novel

Pretty Things by Janelle Brown

*My Novel Published for Adults

Echo Mountain by Lauren Wolk

*My Middle-Grade Novel (Audio)

The Colossus of Roads by Christina Uss

How I Heard About It:

*This new middle-grade novel came to me via a member of #bookexpedition.  I love being a part of this reading group because we share such great titles for our middle-school readers.


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:

1.  *Rick isn't your typical fifth grader.  He has a lot on his mind and on his stomach.

2.  *Unfortunately, his stomach seems to be dictating his life as far as what he does and doesn't do.

3.  *One part of life that Rick would like to avoid at all costs is riding in the car.

4.  *Being that he doesn't enjoy being in a car, it is surprising how much he enjoys studying roads, traffic, and street signs.

5.  *When his parents business, and most of LA, have to deal with the heavy and frustrating aspects of traffic, Rick decides he is going to come up with a solution; no matter what his stomach tells him.


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
1.  *I so enjoyed Christina Uss' first novel so I was excited to get my hands on her latest work of fiction.

2.  *As a reader, I enjoyed reading about and getting to know the main character Rick.  As I mentioned, he isn't your typical fifth grader, but one little boy that will certainly work his way into your heart.

3.  *The story-line was fresh, unique, and quite different from anything else I've read before.

4.  *I can tell you that I will look at traffic and street signs in a whole new way.

5.  *The cast of characters were awesome and help Rick find his way to a new "normal".


Who Should Read It:
*Christina Uss writes stories that are perfect for the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth grader.  I would also recommend the novel for middle-school readers.  The plot, characters, and "feelings" of the story will appeal to all readers.  Happy Reading!

Rating:   3 STARS out of 5 Stars

Wonder Wednesday #333 (And the Winners Are...)

Wonder Wednesday - The BEST of the BEST

*I just wrapped up my 29th year of teaching. 

*We just finished almost three months of distance learning.



*This year certainly will be one for the record books. 

*At the end of each school year, I survey my students to find out what their favorites were.  This year was going to be no different. 

*For the last seven days, the fourth graders took one survey each day.  Each survey covered a different topic from the school year. 

*I've included the results of four of my favorite topics.  I think my readers choose well and remembered the best of the best...

Favorite CLASS ACTIVITY

1st:  Breakfast with Books Book Club

2nd:  Class Read Aloud

3rd:  Specials (Phy Ed, Music, Art, Spanish)

4th:  #Classroombookaday

5th:  Morning Meeting

Favorite #CLASSROOMBOOKADAY

1st:  Ivan - The Remarkable True Story by Katherine Applegate

2nd:  Stephanie's Ponytail by Robert Munsch

3rd:  The Legend of Rock, Paper, Scissors by Drew Daywalt

4th:  The Book with No Pictures B.J. Novak

5th:  Gaston by Kelly DiPucchio

Favorite CLASS READ ALOUD

1st:  Sweep:  The Story of a Girl and Her Monster by Jonathan Auxier

2nd:  Wink by Rob Harrell

3rd:  Planet Earth is Blue by Nicole Panteleakos

4th:  Quintessence by Jess Redman

5th:  The Someday Birds by Sally J. Pla

Favorite BREAKFAST WITH BOOKS (Class Book Club)

1st:  The Quirks - Welcome to Normal by Erin Soderberg

2nd:  The Miraculous by Jess Redman

3rd:  The Missing Piece of Charlie O'Reilly by Rebecca Ansari

4th:  Friend or Fiction by Abby Cooper

5th:  Saving Marty by Paul Griffin