Tua and the Elephant

Tua and the Elephant by Randal Harris
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It took me a while to get into this one, but it is a lovely story with an interesting setting. I think kids who are animal-lovers will be drawn into this book. However, the first few chapters are a bit intimidating with so many Thai words and so many different people Tua encounters at the market. Once the real plot begins, the book becomes much easier to follow. Writing teachers should read this one as it has such colorful and descriptive language throughout. It could make for a great mentor text.



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Flying the Dragon

Flying the Dragon by Natalie Dias Lorenzi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a really beautiful book. I liked it as soon as I began reading, and - I felt - it just got better and better. I think this one will be appreciated by many readers especially this those who have lost a close relative or loved one. I also like the description of the ESL classes (and issues); I think this will be eye opening or relatable to many students. All in all, this is a great story.



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Okay for Now

Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



This is an excellent book. Baseball, birds, art, Vietnam War, moving, middle school, friendship. The themes and writing are so good that I didn't want this story to end. Schmidt has created several memorable characters here as well. I hope children and adults alike will continue to discover this great novel.

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Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart

Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart by Candace Fleming
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I absolutely enjoyed this book! The photos, the details about Amelia's life, and the accounts of her last days are all well-presented here. Kids interested in Amelia Earhart should definitely give this biography a shot.

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Freaky Fast Frankie Joe

Freaky Fast Frankie Joe by Lutricia Clifton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This is a great book. I think students will appreciate the fast pace of the narrative and the assortment of likable characters. Kids who have ever felt like an oddball - who hasn't? - may especially relate to this one. I'm hoping they will enjoy this Bluebonnet pick. I did.

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Moon Over Manifest

Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Moon Over Manifest is a great story about stories. It's obvious that the author has much love and respect for history, for family, and for people and their stories. I think Moon Over Manifest will inspire readers - young and old - to wonder and hopefully ask questions about their family's past. I had the good fortune to hear Clare Vanderpool talk about her book last month. I couldn't wait to read it, and it was as good as I hoped it would be.

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When You Reach Me

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



In April I got to hear Rebecca Stead speak about her award winning novel so I decided I needed to read it once again. It's such a great book in so many ways! I love the characters, Stead's writing style, the setting, and, of course, the ending. And now it's time to reread A Wrinkle in Time.

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