Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue Park

How I Heard About It:
*Over the summer, I've been hearing wonderful things about this historical fiction middle-grade novel.  I had an ARC copy, but decided to listen to the story via Audible during my morning walks.  There were some days I would walk a little further because I wasn't ready to hit pause.  

What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:
1.  *Hanna is a young girl, who has just relocated from Los Angeles to a small America town in the middle of the country during the year 1880.  

2.  *She has traveled here with her father who is going to open up a new shop.

3.  *Life is not easy for Hanna because she is what they call a half/half.  Her father is white and her mother was Chinese.  She lost her mother when she died from cancer a few years back.

4.  *Hanna can't wait to start school as that was a goal she and her mother had for her.  She is shocked and dismayed when she is treated like a complete outsider by not only the other children, but some adults as well.

5.  *Hanna and her father work hard to get their new shop set up and hope the townspeople will show up once it is open.  This may not happen because of Hanna's background and color of her skin.

What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
1.  *I have been on a roll with historical fiction and must saying I'm enjoying it.  

2.  *Based on all the positive reviews, I was excited to start listening to the story.  The first few chapters were a bit slow and I was nervous I wouldn't enjoy the story.  

3.  *Once I got several chapters in and the "conflict" started, I was HOOKED.  

4.  *As I listened, there were several cringe worthy moments when some of the characters treated Hanna so poorly because she was Chinese.  

5.  *I not only enjoyed the story, but I learned a lot about this time period in our country.  

Who Should Read It:
*Readers in grades four, five and six will enjoy the story Linda Sue Park has created.  They will especially love the "back-matter" Linda included.  A great historical fiction story for all students in upper elementary school.  Happy Reading!  


Rating:  4 STARS out of 5 Stars

Blue Skies by Anne Bustard

How I Heard About It:
*This is another ARC I've had in my collection of TBR titles since #NCTE19 in Baltimore last November.  I have enjoyed working my way through the stack of books during my summer 2020 reading.  

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

1.  *The author takes the reader back in time to a small American town reeling from the loss of many of their own men during WWII.  

2.  *Glory Bea is one such girl, but knows her father will return and return one day soon.  

3.  *She has been waiting for years, but knows this is the summer he will return during the small-town celebration when the "Friendship Train" comes through town.

4.  *While she waits, she does her best to be a "match-maker" for her two friends that she knows she be together because they like each other so much.  Or do they?  

5.  *Glory Bea is not happy when a friend of her father's arrives in town and seems to be trying to step into her dad's shoes, and she is not having any part of that.  

What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
1.  *This was a beautiful historical fiction story and I absolutely loved it.

2.  *I found Glory Bea to be heart-warming, special, and unique.  Her relationships with her friends were quite special too.  

3.  *The mystery of Glory Bea's father, his friend, and what happened during the War in France kept me reading and turning page after page after page.

4.  *I enjoyed reading and learning about small-town life in the late 1940's.  It certainly was a simpler and most likely better period of time in our country's history.  

5.  *The transformation Glory Bea took from the beginning of the story until the conclusion was a meaningful and important journey that I know young readers will enjoy.  

Who Should Read It:
*Historical fiction lovers definitely need to experience the story of Glory Bea and her family.  Not only middle-school readers would be ideal for the novel, but I would also recommend the book to children in grades four through six.  Happy Reading!  


Rating:  4 STARS out of 5 Stars

Wonder Wednesday #340 (Writer Check-In #6)

 

Wonder Wednesday - My Sixth Week

*The writing continues.  I have no idea what I am doing or where this writing will go, but I continue to find time each week day to sit down and write.  

*Some days are easier than others.  Some days the words flow (type) right onto the page.  Other times, the writing is a struggle and what ends up on the page, I hate.  

*I'm still not rereading what I have written and I'm not going back to change anything.  At this point, I just want to keep writing, compose a chapter a day, and move forward.

*There are parts of the story I think are really good, and I'm sure there are parts that will never be read by another person.  

*The writing process is a strange one.  It certainly isn't the process we teach our students at school.  It is personal, hard, and unique.  

*The cool thing about writing a story/novel is that the writing doesn't only occur when you are writing.  I find myself thinking about and "writing" the story in my mind and thoughts.  

*I do most of the writing in the morning hours and find I spend between one and two hours on each chapter.  

*I'm also saving up a STORM because I don't want to lose any of the writing/work.

*Here is a breakdown of what I've worked on the last week...

Wednesday, August 5, 2020:  Chapter 25 (Friday, September 2, 2011)

Thursday,  August 6, 2020:  Chapter 26 (Fall/Winter 1991)

Friday, August 7, 2020:  Chapter 27 (Summer 1997)

Monday, August 10, 2020:  Chapter 28 (October 2011)

Tuesday, August 11, 2020:  Chapter 29 (Friday, October 21, 2011)

Wednesday, August 12, 2020:  Chapter 30 (Summer 1998)

Blog Post from Wednesday, August 5, 2020

*It is hard to believe I'm already in my fifth week of creating the next great American novel.  I'm joking!  

*After a week away from the writing, I'm back at it this week with more motivation than ever.  

*We spent the last week out in Breckenridge, Colorado for a family summer vacation.  My son lives in Denver so he join my wife, daughter, and myself.  

*My initial thought was to write while out west, but once I got there I found I didn't have the time I needed to devote to the writing.  

*So, I took the week off and didn't worry about it until I returned to Minnesota.  

*I have continued the routine of writing a chapter a day.  I'm also realizing my chapters are getting longer.  I'm also experimenting with some different writing techniques and having fun with that.  

*Overall, before and during writing I feel a bit stressed, but when I finish for the day, I have a sense of satisfaction.  

*I have not really gone back to reread anything I've written.  There have been a few occasions where I've gone to previous chapters to verify a date, event, or character.  

*Here is a breakdown of what I've worked on the last week...
Wednesday, July 22, 2020:  Chapter 20 (Monday, July 18, 2011)

Thursday,  July 23, 2020:  Chapter 21 (Friday, August 26, 2011)

Friday, July 24, 2020:  Chapter 22 (Fall 1986)

Writing Break (Monday, July 27 - Friday, July 31) - Breckenridge, CO Vacation

Monday, August 3, 2020:  Chapter 23 (Spring 1997)

Tuesday, August 4, 2020:  Chapter 24 (August 2011)

Wednesday, August 5, 2020:  Chapter25 (Friday, September 2, 2011)

Blog Post from Wednesday, July 22, 2020

*The writing continues.

*The routines are becoming grounded and smooth.

*During the last week of writing, I've spent between one and two hours writing.

*I typically still head out to the front porch, plug in the air pods, hit play on the playlist, and begin typing.  

*The more I've gotten comfortable with just letting the words spill out onto the page, the more I'm able to write.  

*I have not gone back and reread anything I've written.  My goal is to write the entire novel before I go back and see what I have written.  I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not, but the process I'm choosing to use. 

*While getting further into the book, I am forgetting some of the "events" I've created, and I may have taken better notes on what each chapter contains.  For now, I'm going with it and trying not to worry about the details.

*There are times I would like to reach out to author friends to ask questions or get feedback, but for now I'm keeping the writing to myself.  

*I'm learning there is no right or wrong way to construct a novel.  For the first draft, I'm letting go, letting the words spill from my mind, and letting what happens, happen!  
*For the most part, I would say I'm enjoying the writing, but to be honest there are some moments when I dread it and have to force myself to sit down with the laptop.  

*Here is a breakdown of what I've worked on the last week...

Wednesday, July 15, 2020:  Chapter 15 (Summer 1994 - Summer 1996)

Thursday,  July 16, 2020:  Chapter 16 (Friday, July 15, 2011)

Friday, July 17, 2020:  Chapter 17 (Friday, August 19, 2011)

Monday, July 20, 2020:  Chapter 18 (Spring 1986)

Tuesday, July 21, 2020:  Chapter 19 (Winter 1997)

Wednesday, July 22, 2020:  Chapter 20 (Monday, July 18 2011)



Blog Post from Wednesday, July 15, 2020

*Another Wednesday, another "wonder" post, and another week of writing.  

*I was on vacation last week so I didn't get any writing done.

*I was going to bring the laptop and try to continue to write a chapter a week, but decided to give myself a break, and leave the laptop and writing at home.

*My wife and I had a wonderful time on the beach, visiting friends, and reading.  I did find myself thinking about the book, the writing, and where the story was going to go next.  

*After a relaxing week away from home, I was ready to get back to the daily writing and see where that writing was going to take me this week.

*Each day, I find myself getting nervous about sitting down and composing the next chapter.  I'm not sure why this is, if it is a normal reaction, or if I'm putting too much pressure on myself.

*Once I sit down, plug in the air-pods, open the laptop, the words seem to spill out with the ideas coming from somewhere deep inside of me.

*I've often heard writers say, they aren't in control of the story, characters, or events which unfold on the page.  I'm finding that statement to be true.

*Yesterday, while writing on the front porch, I wrote a chapter that became quite difficult for me to compose.  I found myself with tears in my eyes and emotional.  This reaction surprised me and I wasn't ready for the response.

*I have no idea what I'm doing, if I'm doing it right, or where this journey will lead me.  I'm writing, trying not to worry about the details, and not spending too much time thinking whether the story is any good or not.  There will be plenty of time for that later.

*For now, I'm enjoying my summer, the time on my front porch, and the process of composing a story that hopefully will lead me in new directions that I've always dreamed of.

*Here is a breakdown of what I've worked on the last week...

Wednesday, July 1, 2020:  Chapter 10 (Fall 1980)

Thursday,  July 2, 2020:  Chapter 11 (Spring 1994)

Friday, July 3, 2020:  Chapter 12 (Thursday, July 14, 2011)

Summer Vacation (Monday, July 6 - Friday, July 10) = No Writing

Monday, July 13, 2020:  Chapter 13 (Thursday, July 14, 2011)

Tuesday, July 14, 2020:   Chapter 14 (Fall, 1983)

Wednesday, July 15, 2020:  Chapter 15 (Summer 1994 - Summer 1996)



Blog Post from Wednesday, July 1, 2020

*Two Wednesdays ago, I took a BIG leap in my life and decided to try my "hand" at writing.

*The last two weeks have been pretty cool as far as my new writing life goes.  I don't know if I'm doing it right, but I don't think there is a right or wrong way to write.  

*I've continued the structure I set up two weeks ago.  I'm writing Monday through Friday and writing a chapter, or what I think will be a chapter, a day.  

*One of the most frustrating aspects has been trying to get it "perfect" the first time through.  When this happens, I just think back to all the authors I've heard speak, and remember how they have shared that writers write and there will be many, many, many revisions along the way.

*Some days I enjoy the writing process more than others.  On the harder days, I give myself permission to write as badly and quickly as I need to in order to get a chapter written.  I know I don't have to write a chapter each and every day, but for me, this set-up WORKS.

*I'm still using the iPods and playing what I would consider "emotional" music which helps me put myself in a space to write the story; which overall is an emotional and tragic story.  

*Most days I write on the front porch where I can be alone, yet still see the world go by.  Some days when it is too hot and I need to be in the shade, I move to the backyard to the deck.  

*I have tried writing while watching television, but that hasn't worked out real well.  It takes me much longer to compose the story and I know the writing isn't as good.  

*Here is a breakdown of what I've worked on the last week...

Wednesday, June 24, 2020:  Chapter 5 (Friday, July 29, 2011)

Thursday, June 25, 2020:  Chapter 6 (Spring 1976)

Friday, June 26, 2020:  Chapter 7 (Fall/Winter 1993)

Monday, June 29, 2020:  Chapter 8 (Thursday, July 14, 2011)

Tuesday, June 30, 2020:   Chapter 9 (Friday, August 5, 2011)

Wednesday, July 1, 2020 (Today):  Chapter 10 (Fall 1980)



Blog Post from Wednesday, June 24, 2020

*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.

Any Day with You by Mae Respicio

How I Heard About It:
*I love summer reading because the extra time gives me the opportunity to get to titles that I have been meaning to read for quite some time.  I received this ARC back in November when I was at #NCTE19 in Baltimore.  Before I head back to school, I'm trying to get a middle-grade book read in a day.  My summer #bookaday.  

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

1.  *Isn't what we all hope for is "any day with you".  Spending a day with that special relative we hold close to our heart.

2.  *That is what Kaia wishes for:  to spend time with her Filipino great grandfather.  

3.  *Kaia is the middle child in her family and doesn't fell like she measures up like her perfect older sister and her funny and adorable younger brother.  She hopes the time spent with her great grandfather will change that.  

4.  *She also hopes she finds her spot in the world during summer camp with her two best friends.  The creative arts camp is holding a contest for movie making and Kaia wants to win first place.  

5.  *Her summer is going according to plan until she finds out her "Tatang" decides he is going to return to his homeland, the Philippines, to spend his remaining days.  

What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
1.  *I had read Mae's first book The House That Lou Built and enjoyed the story.  I was looking forward to reading her second story.  

2.  *I enjoyed the relationship Kaia and her great grandfather had.  It was quite special and everyone needs a grand father like hers in their own life.  

3.  *Kaia's two best friends were also a sweet spot for me.  They brought such life, energy, and laughs to the story.  

4.  *The theme of finding yourself, your strengths, and your place in the world was profoundly explored in the pages of the story.  

5.  *Family and friends are all we really have in the world and if we can't relay on them, then who or what do we have?  I know this topic could be discussed while sharing the story with young readers.  

Who Should Read It:
*The story line is a bit slow at parts and I would describe the story as a character study.  Because of this, I would recommend the novel to fifth and sixth grade readers.  It would also be appropriate for the middle-school student.  Happy Reading!  


Rating:  4 STARS out of 5 Stars

The Wonder of Wildflowers by Anna Staniszewski

How I Heard About It:
I've had this book in my pile for quite some time.  I've been reading to read the story for quite some time.  I finally grabbed the book off the pile, started reading yesterday and finished today.  I could not put it down.  

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

1.  *Amberland is a special place.  The residents of this "country" have access to Amber which enables them to be the best version of themselves.

2.  *Mira and her family aren't originally from this country which means they don't have access to the Amber like the citizens of the country.  

3.  *All Mira has wanted since moving to Amberland, is the ability to take her daily dose of Amber as her classmates are able to.  

4.  *Once Mira, and her professional parents, are granted citizenship, Mira believes everything will work out perfectly for not only for herself, but some of her classmates as well.

5.  *Being the "outsider" taught Mira a lot, but once she becomes an "insider", she learns even more about herself, doing the right thing, and the world in which she lives.  

What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
1.  *I wasn't expecting the fantasy element to the story.  Normally, I'm not a huge fan of fantasy, but with this novel, I absolutely loved it.

2.  *On the surface, the story may seem like a simple plot about kids wanting to take a medication that will make them perfect.  There is so much more within the pages of the book.  

3.  *As I mentioned, once I began, I was HOOKED. I could not stop reading.  I wanted to find out what was going to happen and what Mira was going to do.

4.  *The topics of racism, immigration, politics, and citizenship are presented in the most kid friendly way I think I've ever seen.  

5.  *Not only is the story enjoyable and a page-turner, but the events in the book will lead to some deep and meaningful discussions.  

Who Should Read It:
*I would recommend the book to all middle-grade readers.  I can't imagine a young reader not enjoying what the story has to offer.  I'm thinking of using the novel either as a class read aloud or a "Breakfast with Books" book club selection.  Readers in graders four through six, and middle-school, would be ideal for the book.  Happy Reading!  


Rating:  5 STARS out of 5 Stars

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (8/10/20)

 

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...

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

*Novel Published for Adults (3 STARS out of 5 Stars)

Things Seen From Above by Shelley Pearsall

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

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

The Wonder of Wildflowers by Anna Staniszewski

*My Middle-Grade Novel 

Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue Park

*My Middle-Grade Novel (Audio)

Things Seen From Above by Shelley Pearsall

How I Heard About It:

*I have had the ARC of this middle-grade book for quite some time.  I got it at a cc convention, maybe #NCTE19, and never read it.  I finally downloaded it on Audible and completely enjoyed the story over the last week or so during my summer morning walks.  

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

1.  *April, a sixth grader, hates recess because of the "social scene".

2.  *She volunteers for the "buddy bench" program where the older kids look out for the younger kids at school.  

3.  *Joey Byrd, a fourth grader, hates recess because he isn't like the other kids.  

4.  *The kids at school aren't sure what Joey is doing as he wanders the playground dragging his feet in the dirt, but overtimeApril figures it out.  

5.  *April does her best to make sure Joey's "talent" is recognized not only for himself, but for the rest of the student population.  

What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
1.  *I loved this story and enjoyed every minute of the audio.  

2.  *April and Joey were two amazing, wonderful, and unique characters I've had the honor of "meeting".

3.  *The story was told from the point of view of April in Joey in two different and special ways.  Their voices really came through.  

4.  *The themes of friendship, kindness, and seeing the world with a new viewpoint, with resonant with the young reader.  

5.  *I loved how the "outsiders" find their special place in the world.  

Who Should Read It:
*This middle-grade story must be shared with as many young readers as possible.  The book would make for an excellent class read aloud, a book club selection, or to put in the individual hands of readers.  This is a story they won't soon forget.  I can't wait to share it with my fourth graders during the 2020/21 school year.  Happy Reading!  

Rating:  5 STARS out of 5 Stars