Odette's Secrets

Odette's Secrets by Maryann Macdonald
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a great book - the style of writing, the historical details, the characters, the message. I love the way Maryann Macdonald brings young Odette to life for readers. The combination of first-person narrative and free verse poetry makes this work of historical fiction approachable and fast-paced, yet the meaning and beauty of the story are not lost. I hope that kids and grown ups will give this book a shot. I also enjoyed reading the Author's Note and I think young readers will appreciate that information as well.

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The Truth of Me

The Truth of Me by Patricia MacLachlan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is another wonderful book for younger readers, and I am so glad that I read it! The Truth of Me reminded me a bit of The Year of Billy Miller in that I think both have a certain quietness about them and will make wonderful read alouds, especially for second grade. This book has a bit of action and some intense scenes, but everything is written in such a gentle, believable way. My favorite part of the story is the characters - not perfect but very realistic. I've already begun suggesting this one to readers at my school. Fantastic book!

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Let the Nerdlution Begin!

My Nerdlution goals are the following:

1. Meditation/prayer time everyday
2. Read a picture book I've never read before to my son everyday
3. Walk or run or move somehow 3 times a week
All this from December 2 to January 20 - can I do it???

Do you want to know more about Nerdlution?
Jump on the bandwagon here!

Fallout

Fallout by Todd Strasser
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow - what an intense book Fallout is! This "what if" story will pull readers into the early 60's and what must have been a very frightening time in the United States. I love the way Strasser alternates chapters in a before and after sequence. I thought this added much more depth to the relationships of the characters and it gives readers a breather from the intensity of life in the bomb shelter. Due to mature themes, I cannot recommend it to any of my students, but I think older students will enjoy this one. The book may also serve to make readers more curious of that part of American history.

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The Boy on the Porch

The Boy On The Porch by Sharon Creech
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I found this book to be very strange, but I did enjoy it. The writing is great and I was intrigued by the plot as well. At times, however, I felt like I was reading a book for adults so I do wonder what audience this book will find among children. The characters are so charming and engaging that I'm hoping that - along with the ease of reading - will lure young readers to The Boy on the Porch.

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The Center of Everything

The Center of Everything by Linda Urban
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed reading The Center of Everything! Both the characters and setting are just the right amount of quirky - without going too far. Protagonist Ruby deals with issues regarding her family and her friends in a way that is realistic and sensitive. I'm looking forward to recommending this one, and I think this story will definitely find an audience among my students.

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A Long Walk to Water

A Long Walk to Water: Based on a True Story by Linda Sue Park
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Although the subject matter is heart-wrenching, there are so many things I love about A Long Walk to Water. Linda Sue Park does an excellent job of switching between two narratives to tell the complete story of the Sudan and the lost boys. I think students will be moved by this tragic and inspiring story. I especially love reading the notes at the end about Park's relationship with Salva and how this book came to be. I'm so glad it has gained popularity again in recent months since I had not heard of it until this summer.

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The Matchbox Diary

The Matchbox Diary by Paul Fleischman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a beautiful book. I love the story told by memories and precious objects, and the illustrations work perfectly with the text. This would be great read aloud to share at home or at school. And I think readers will be inspired to ask questions and learn more about their family history.

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Waiting for the Magic

Waiting for the Magic by Patricia MacLachlan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm not sure what took me so long to read this book. It is on the TX Bluebonnet list, and, therefore, it has been on my radar for a while but I just hadn't felt much of an urge to read it. I am pleasantly surprised. This is such a sweet book - in the best way possible. It is a wonderful family story in which the characters are believable and interesting. On top of all that - dogs and magic; it's a winning combination. I think this book would make a great read aloud. And the illustrations make this one even more special. Great book!

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November is Picture Book Month!

I cannot think of many things in life more wonderful than a great picture book. Are you with me? Let's spend time this month celebrating the books we love and sharing them with our students!



Finally, here is a wonderful video to share with your students!

Just in Time for Halloween...

The Creepy Carrots Zone from Peter Brown on Vimeo.

Locomotive

Locomotive by Brian Floca
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a great book! I brought it home and shared with my five year old, and we both really enjoyed it. We read it over two nights and after finishing it, he suggested I share it with his class. The historical content and the lively, colorful writing work so well together. In fact, Floca even managed to make me interested in the details of the machinery - which is not an easy task. I especially loved the map and beautiful illustrations - together they will make readers feel truly a part of the journey.

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The Year of Billy Miller

The Year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I've read some reviews that refer to The Year of Billy Miller as a quiet book, and I agree with that description. I was really excited to read this book and I enjoyed it very much. Because I most often read middle grade fiction, at times I found myself waiting for the action; however, I do appreciate this "quiet" story for younger readers.I think Henkes' novel would make a wonderful read aloud for first or second graders; the school story, the family relationships, and the friendships will provide opportunities for discussion. I look forward to sharing this one with the teachers and students at my school.

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Kate DiCamillo Speaks!

Check out this video of Kate discussing her new book Flora and Ulysses. I love hearing her talk about her ideas. So talented yet so down to earth!

Flora and Ulysses

Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures by Kate DiCamillo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wasn't sure about this book at first. I have been so excited to get my hands on Kate DiCamillo's book, but as I began, I kept thinking this is a little odd, a bit quirky. And that is a pretty fair assessment of the book; however, the plot, characters, and themes move past quirky and into more depth and meaning as the book progresses. That is when I really started to appreciate it. I especially love the illustrations, the wonderful vocabulary, and - of course - the discussion that this book could inspire. I think Flora and Ulysses would make a fun and worthwhile read aloud. Lots of kids will get a kick out of this one. I can't wait to see what students and teachers at my school think!

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Bluffton

Bluffton by Matt Phelan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I know I shouldn't admit this as a librarian, but graphic novels are not really my thing. I admire the kids I know who can zip through them with appreciation and enthusiasm, but my brain does not work that way. I'm often overwhelmed by all the busyness on the page. However, just as he did in The Storm in the Barn, Matt Phelan has made me think twice. This time it's Bluffton which is just awesome. That one person can create the beautiful art, write convincing characters and plot, and do the research required for historical fiction is awesome. I'm interested to see what students will think of this one.

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The Secret Garden

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What can I really say about this classic? It seems ridiculous to review it! I will say that am SO glad I finally made the time to read it - as it is considered a classic for good reason. I'm just beginning The Humming Room and I cannot wait to see how these two books relate to one another. My favorite parts of The Secret Garden were the beautiful, mysterious setting, the fascinating characters, and the hopeful theme.



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The Humming Room

The Humming Room by Ellen Potter
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book and I think it will find an audience in the library as well. I especially liked reading it just after The Secret Garden. I'm not sure I would have liked it as much without the comparison. I love being able to recommend this book along with its classic counterpart to students reading TX Bluebonnets this year.

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Liar & Spy

Liar & Spy by Rebecca Stead
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really love Liar & Spy. It one that seems to fly right off the pages and feels real and quirky and truthful all at once. There's a bit of mystery here too that I think young readers will enjoy, but there are themes present that make the book special and wise. I love the ideas of friendship, change, fitting in (or not fitting in) and facing fears. For middle grade readers, there is a lot to like about this book. Stead's writing is awesome and the chapter "How to Land a Plane" blew me away.

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Igniting a Passion for Reading

Igniting a Passion for Reading: Successful Strategies for Building Lifetime Readers by Steven L. Layne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a great book for teachers and librarians! I'm so glad I bought it at our book fair last year and finally took the time to read it. It has definitely gotten me fired up to start a new school year. Layne's knowledge and advice for turning kids on to good books and reading is presented in a practical and accessible way. His message is a breath of fresh air.

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