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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