Susan's comments (member since Apr 29, 2009)

Susan's comments from the Wild Things: YA Grown-Up group.

I didn't even know there was a website, cool! Also, I will definitely try BWB for some on her list, but I may just get carried away for some of my own. I love bargain shopping; I am unable to contain myself!

Thanks!

What is BoB?

Battle of the Books, is a reading incentive program for students in grades 6th-8th. Students read books and come together to demonstrate their abilities and test their knowledge of the books they have read. The competitions are similar in style to the TV series Family Feud, but the structure and format of the competitions may vary depending on the needs, resources and personal preferences at various school sites or at the regional/state competition levels. Battle of the Books is a voluntary reading incentive program for students in grades 6-8. The purpose is simply to encourage students to read good books and have fun while competing with peers.

How Does A Student Participate?
A student participates by reading from the book list provided for that year's Battle of the Books. Students may count "books" they have read before. However, they cannot count books that they have only seen on a video or a movie. They must read the book. They should keep a summary/notebook so they can review this information before their "Local Battle."
When Do The Students Read The Books?
The school battles will be held February through April of 2010. Therefore, students will have plenty of time to read the books during the school year. Reading through the summer is completely optional, but available to students.

What Is The "Battle?"
A typical "Battle" is a full day tournament or game, like the College Bowl, in which students' teams earn points by answering questions about the books on the book list. The day begins with a meeting, a morning snack and directions for the day. Then they are assigned to a team, given a mascot, and sent to their first round of the "Battle." They play several rounds, each against a different team. At the end of the morning, points are totaled and the two teams with the most points are invited to a "Grand Battle" after lunch, with the other teams as their audience. These two teams will also be given the opportunity to participate in the statewide "Battle" held in May or June.

How Does It Benefit The Child?
The students gain knowledge and enjoyment from reading good books, sharing them with friends, parents and teachers, plus a fun day of playing in the "Battle."

My daughter will be participating in this challenge in her upcoming 8th grade year. I've only heard of a few of the books on the list but I plan to read them all, too(just for fun...and to discuss with/or challenge her). Most are heavily waitlisted at PBS & BM so I've been picking them up at Half.com so we'll have them around for reviewing when the competition heats up. Buying 19 books brand new could get expensive!!! I've started reading The Wednesday Wars and LOVE LOVE LOVE it! And, of course, The Graveyard Book is already well loved.
What do you think of the list?

Blue by Joyce Moyer Hostetter
Chasing Lincoln’s Killer by James L. Swanson
Every Soul a Star: a novel by Wendy Mass
First Light by Rebecca Stead
How the Hangman Lost His Heart by K.M. Grant
If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period by Gennifer Choldenko
Independence Hall: I,Q book 1 by Roland Smith
Jimmy’s Stars by Mary Ann Rodman
Kimchi and Calamari by Rose Kent
Lawn Boy by Gary Paulsen
London Calling by Edward Bloor
Savvy by Ingrid Law
Shooting the Moon by Frances O'Roark Dowell
The Black Book of Secrets by F.E. Higgins
The Candy Shop War by Brandon Mull
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
The Uprising by Margaret Peterson Haddix
The Wednesday Wars by Gary Schmidt

Yea! I nominated something that just might win this time... my July TBR list is huge! Good thing it's summer. (Better buy lots of sunscreen!)

OK, so after setting this book down midway through and not sure if I would finish it, I finally decided, "What the heck...just read the darn thing!" And I was pleasantly surprised. It is funny, contemprary (but ancient), & endearing. I laughed aloud a number of times. So, I'm happy I read something I would have otherwise missed.

AND I take back my earlier comment about HP. It is rather formulaic but it works here.

I hope reading this and the other books in the series can inspire some kids to look deeper into reading mythology on its own merits.

Wonderful choices. I don't think we can go wrong in July!

Catagory 2: To Kill A Mockingbird

I just read this and was amazed. I had never heard of it before but picked it up because the photo on the front looks so much like my mom did growing up in the depression. The writing in different poetry forms gives this story a unique voice. Of course it is depressing (it's the dust bowl during the depression!) but the hope that lies beneath and the strength of pushing through the worst of times is heartwarming. A quick read. Highly recommend.

Hmmm, what about historical: American Revolution 1776-ish. Those of us on here who are Yanks can read something from a British perspective and You Brits could read something from an American perspective. Anyone else can choose either one!

OK. So, I live in a small town. We have (until today) a small library. Today they opened the NEW state-of-the-art library...8 minutes from our home!!! While my daughter and I were wandering around learning the layout and taking in the newness, Silly Me, I got all teary eyed. It's been a hard adjustment for me living here for the past 5 years after growing up in CA and being used to, well, MORE, of everything. I am a very happy camper right now.

This will always be one of my lifetime favorite books. I've read it so many times I might be able to quote it. I love both versions of the movie as well. This is the way children's books ought to be written. I agree that it should have recieved the Newberry. (I feel that way about The Phantom Tollbooth, also.)

OK, I've read 9 chapters. What am I missing that I'm just not enjoying this book very much? I know my daughter will love it, but me? Hmmm....
I like the concept but I think I'd rather be reading the actual myths. Maybe it is too much like a HP ripoff. I want to like it and will continue reading but for me, it's just not happening. {sigh}

I have held Christy dear to my heart for many years. Now you absolutely must follow it up with the book Julie, based loosely on Catherine Marshall's own life.

My daughter has LT on her shelf so guess I'll start with that one. I just ordered NL so hopefully that will be here soon. Looks like a great month for reading! (OK, aren't they all?!)

I'm back! Thanks for all the well wishes. We had a wonderful time...despite the gray skies & drizzly weather. It's great being still in love with my husband after 21.5 years of marriage.

Actually, Fiona, we've heard quite a bit about BGT this season on entertainment news, YouTube, etc. Especially Susan Boyle. I haven't followed it closely but I know what you are talking about at least!

I'm excited about going on a mini road trip with my hubby. Leaving in the morning from here in VA to go to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada for three nights. I stopped at the used book store this afternoon for something to read (like I don't already have probably 200 books sitting here) and walked out with maybe 8 or 9... including a N.Gaiman and a few YA's. Let's see: 1.Husband (check) 2.Books (check) 3.Bottle of wine, cheese, sourdough & fruit (check) 4.Passport (check) 5.Camera & charger (check) 6.Clothes packed (check)... see ya'll next weekend!

OK, I didn't think she was, but some authors do write for both YA & A (Neil Gaiman being one). Just thought I'd check with all you experts! Thanks!

Anyone with a chronic illness (like me with Fibromyalgia & Chronic fatigue) understands how important a good day is, Sam. I am currently in a pseudo-remission but not too long ago I spent a lot of time in bed. You GO, Girl, for those good days!!!

Is she a YA author? I just read My Sister's Keeper and most of it would be fine for my 13 yo dd; not too crazy about a couple of the sex scenes, though. Am I too old fashioned?