What a tender and heartwarming story! Recently, a student held this book to her chest and asked if I had any more books by Jo Knowles. My answer was n...moreWhat a tender and heartwarming story! Recently, a student held this book to her chest and asked if I had any more books by Jo Knowles. My answer was no, and this girl walked away sad. I knew I needed to read the one Knowles' book I had in my classroom library. See You at Harry's is not what I expected. It is more about unconditional love than anything, and it has left an indelible impression on my heart. I must add Jo Knowles' other books to my classroom shelves. Her descriptions are vivid, and her characters are real. (less)
Puzzling. That's good. It keeps me reading, and that's what I liked about this book. Great discussions stem from books that leave open-ended clues. Ye...morePuzzling. That's good. It keeps me reading, and that's what I liked about this book. Great discussions stem from books that leave open-ended clues. Yea for this YA prize!(less)
Okay, this book could have wowed me, but there are too many things that just didn't work. The dialogue is too typical. The characters are too predicta...moreOkay, this book could have wowed me, but there are too many things that just didn't work. The dialogue is too typical. The characters are too predictable. The plot pretty much not believable. (less)
Sweet and charming. Some of my girl readers will like this tender story of a young girl, conflicted with family drama and wanting something of her own...moreSweet and charming. Some of my girl readers will like this tender story of a young girl, conflicted with family drama and wanting something of her own.(less)
I recently heard this author speak at the ALAN conference. She said that she had to write her other two series so she could learn how to write this bo...moreI recently heard this author speak at the ALAN conference. She said that she had to write her other two series so she could learn how to write this book with numerous characters. After reading The Raven Boys, I get what she means. Stiefvater creates multidimensional characters that I came to love: Blue and her aunties, Gansey, Noah, Adam, Ronan. I loved the rhytym of this book. The story is charming and adventurous. Truly a good read.(less)
I am surprised that so many reviews are negative. I loved this book! The way Cleave uses language to create the rhythm of a race and all the physical,...moreI am surprised that so many reviews are negative. I loved this book! The way Cleave uses language to create the rhythm of a race and all the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of it are stunningly effective. Such an engaging and moving read. Lots of levels.(less)
A good read, especially for teens who've had troubles with friends: dishonesty, placing blame, trying to fit in. Reluctant male readers might like thi...moreA good read, especially for teens who've had troubles with friends: dishonesty, placing blame, trying to fit in. Reluctant male readers might like this one.(less)
STAY is easily the best YA book I've read in a long while--and I read a lot! The non-linear plot structure adds to the suspense, and the narrator's vo...more
STAY is easily the best YA book I've read in a long while--and I read a lot! The non-linear plot structure adds to the suspense, and the narrator's voice is poetic yet real. I appreciate how Caletti creates and stays true to the anxiety and angst of a teenage girl. I will recommend this one to my students. There's great lessons here about healthy vs harmful relationships.(less)
I usually love a book when I can see the characters. Cat Patrick's description of her protagonist's crush, Matt, does the trick for me. I thought, "Oh...moreI usually love a book when I can see the characters. Cat Patrick's description of her protagonist's crush, Matt, does the trick for me. I thought, "Oh, my, that's the part I'll use to hook my students. The girls will squeal!"
"He casually sweeps the front of his shaggy hair to the side with his thumb. The back of his hair flips out from behind his ears in that adorable way that makes it impossible to tell whether he needs a haircut or he just got one. He's got dark eyebrows--the kind that sexy TV villains have-- and almond-shaped brown eyes that make him look like he has a secret. He's slouching ever so slightly in his faded green T-shirt and worn jeans, and he smiles at me in a way that looks almost. . . familiar. Then he faces front and I feel like I've been dropped back to earth from the clouds."
See? He sounds like the kind of guy every girl will love. This is the kind of book my students will read: engaging characters we come to love, and a story that keeps us moving. Loved it!(less)
Lots of conflict in this compact little book. The characters are edgy and real. I wrote in my classroom library copy: You will like this book if you a...moreLots of conflict in this compact little book. The characters are edgy and real. I wrote in my classroom library copy: You will like this book if you are new to the U.S., if your mother works hard to support your family, if you use or know someone who uses drugs, if you've ever been in jail, if you've ever experienced racism. This is the kind of book my reluctant readers--especially boys, will want to read.(less)
I love it when I read a book that forces me to look at what I do in my classroom, and I say to myself: I gotta make some changes. Tovani has simple s...more
I love it when I read a book that forces me to look at what I do in my classroom, and I say to myself: I gotta make some changes. Tovani has simple solutions to some of the things I struggle with on a daily basis. My favorite chapter is five: Annotations: a Trustworthy Source of Data. Getting students to show me their thinking is my new challenge. Most of my kids hate to annotate, but if I frame the request differently-- asking for "pieces of thinking," I am pretty sure I can get better information about where my students are at, and I can more effectively plan mini-lessons that will help move my students' learning forward.(less)
Completely unbelievable. And that is what makes this fractured fairy tale so fun. Mix a little fantasy to the already mystical, and Alex Flinn creates...moreCompletely unbelievable. And that is what makes this fractured fairy tale so fun. Mix a little fantasy to the already mystical, and Alex Flinn creates a modern telling of an old story. Girls who dream of being kissed by their one true love will enjoy this telling of Sleeping Beauty.(less)
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