At first I was upset with the book because of the comment principal Ms. Kennedy makes about teachers needing to be careful and that's why they don't t...moreAt first I was upset with the book because of the comment principal Ms. Kennedy makes about teachers needing to be careful and that's why they don't try to help the students. As a teacher, it really bohered me that any teacher, real or imagined, would say that. But she changed by the end, and I ended up enjoying the book.
Peter and Cole return to the city and though they changed in the wild, they have a difficult time adjusting to life with everyone else again. They struggle, but they make it, and in the end they teach everyone a very important lesson about strength coming from within.
At times the book felt preachy, but the age it's written for may need that. I will happily include this in my classroom library. Touching Spirit Bear, the first book, is so well loved it's falling apart. I have no doubt this will join it. (less)
I thought this was a fantastic book that not only was an easy read for nonfiction, but shows readers how what they purchase affects the environment. E...moreI thought this was a fantastic book that not only was an easy read for nonfiction, but shows readers how what they purchase affects the environment. Even before I finished reading the book I started to make changes. When I need to buy produce, I buy organic, if not local. I am planting my own organic garden. I make sure the meat I eat is free range if I can find it.
Students are clamoring for this book as well, which shows how interested they are in protecting the evironment as well. My current wait list is about ten students! I ended up having to get a second book to keep up with demand. (less)
What an amazing book. I read it in just a few short hours without a break because it engaged me completely. Nujood is a brave young woman who faced he...moreWhat an amazing book. I read it in just a few short hours without a break because it engaged me completely. Nujood is a brave young woman who faced her family's horrible decision at the young age of ten with a brave face. She may have been scared, but she endured things most women do not experience in their entire lives. After just two months of marriage she makes a decision that many women do not make, and if they do, not until the marriage has gone on for years.
Nujood is a pioneer in women's rights in Yemen, and she's only thirteen years old today, maybe fourteen. I hope to someday have this book on the list to teach in my school because it shows a truly remarkable young woman and a decision she made that changed not only her life, but the lives of many other young girls who were in the same position she found herself in. (less)
A fantastic book told in poetry form through the eyes of a young Sudanese boy who has come to America as a refugee. I love how the author does not use...moreA fantastic book told in poetry form through the eyes of a young Sudanese boy who has come to America as a refugee. I love how the author does not use words such as airplane when Kek speaks, but instead "flying boat." She knows how to really get into the perspective of the narrator.
Much of the book was light and I enjoyed Kek finding himself in America, but there were parts that were sad. It was a fast read, but I did have moments where I nearly cried. The book ends with a hopeful tone.
Hannah is an excellent character who befriends Kek despite their differences. Gol gives him something to look forward to, and in the end, like life, everything comes full circle. I have this book in my classroom library, and now that I know how amazing it is, I will be recommending it to more students in the future. (less)
I received this book as part of the Z Street Team for Zondervan. I chose the book out of two offered and I am very glad that I did. The book was a fan...moreI received this book as part of the Z Street Team for Zondervan. I chose the book out of two offered and I am very glad that I did. The book was a fantastic look into the life of a girl who is biracial and is at a point in her life where she questions who and what she is.
The most interesting aspect of the book for me was how the story of her great-great grandmother, a former slave, was told throughout her story. As she goes through her trials in life, she reads about what her ancestor went through to become free. Though it is a different time period, some of her questioning mirrors that of Sarah's.
The one thing I was most confused about was the time period in which it was set. I felt like it was the 1970s or 80s, but from my memory it was not clear. In the end, after Nina returns home, I appreciate that her family doesn't just instantly forgive her. It made the book very realistic.
I will include this book in my classroom because I think many students can relate to it. Even if they are not biracial, there are still questions that young teens find themself asking, which makes the book universal. What a great read for someone who is questioning who they are or where they belong in their world.
From a teacher's point of view, I loved the questions and activities at the end of the book. It can help the readers delve even deeper into the book and question more if they haven't already done so. (less)
This was such a sweet book that I bought on a whim because it was on sale for the Kindle. And now I'm addicted to Katy and her world. I cannot wait to...moreThis was such a sweet book that I bought on a whim because it was on sale for the Kindle. And now I'm addicted to Katy and her world. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. It is such innocent, wonderful reading. I hope to find copies in paperback for my classroom for the students that are into or want to know more about religion.
Katy is a very brave young girl who loves learning so much she obtains permission from her Mennonite group to attend a public high school. This has never before been done in her community. Not only does she have to navigate the already rough waters of high school, she does so as someone who is very different from the other students in the way she lives, dresses, and worships. I could not put the book down and wanted to know what Katy would do next.
I had read one of the author's adult books before, and it was just as wonderful. The author creates complex characters and situations that really make the reader think and ask "what if I was in the same situation?" I liked that the book came with questions at the back for the readers. It will help everyone get more out of the story.(less)
I love this series. Katy is such a fresh, innocent character who is so realistic. All of the things she faces and must decide upon are very real for s...moreI love this series. Katy is such a fresh, innocent character who is so realistic. All of the things she faces and must decide upon are very real for some kids today. Even though she is Mennonite, I believe a lot of girls can relate to her because of the hard decisions she faces.
In this second book in the series, Katy joins the debate team and finds out her father is courting a woman. She is torn by this because she doesn't want a stepmother, which many children face today. She tries to find a way to sabotage their relationship because she doesn't want anything in her life to change, but she realizes in the end it isn't always about what she wants. I loved watching Katy come to her decision and seeing her develop as a character. The author's way of writing is so fluid that I felt as if Katy was a real girl in my classroom I was watching grown up.
I highly recommend this series to any girl who is struggling with changes in their life. Katy is a strong, inspirational character. Though she is older - I think 16 - the book is appropriate for younger readers because of the lack of language and innapropriate content. Another reason to adore these books. (less)
Another fantastic installment in the Katy Lambright series. I cannot get enough of this wonderful character! I swore I was going to stop buying books...moreAnother fantastic installment in the Katy Lambright series. I cannot get enough of this wonderful character! I swore I was going to stop buying books for a while, but I guess I'll stop after I have read this entire series.
In this book, Katy is chosen as attendant for the homecoming court, and she faces the desire to attend the dance that accompanies it. However, her fellowship does not allow dancing, and it would be against her faith to go. The temptation that Katy faces - especially when she tries on a worldly dress belonging to one of her friends - is great. I had hoped she would make the right decision in the end. While I wanted to see her go and enjoy being a "normal" worldly girl for one night, part of me knew that was a bad decision. In the end, her desire to do what is right won out.
This isn't to say that Katy is a perfect girl. She has faults just like any normal human being, and she struggles with them. In the first book she is tempted to do something she knows may be wrong, but does it anyway. In this book, we see further character development because she is now more conscious of her actions and their repercussions. I love that about this series. It is something I would be proud to have in my classroom. Many of my students could relate to and learn from Katy Lambright. (less)
I'm so sad to see the Katy Lambright series finished! I hope the author does a book with older Katy and Jonathan. I really liked his character and eve...moreI'm so sad to see the Katy Lambright series finished! I hope the author does a book with older Katy and Jonathan. I really liked his character and even though I liked Bryce and started to like Caleb, as soon as Jonathan Richter was introduced I preffered him and hoped she ended up with him.
The book was really great because it shows how Katy deals with her aunt's cancer and the new responsibilities in her life. It shows readers that even though Katy is Mennonite and might live differently from them, she still has very similiar family issues that arise. Cancer can affect anyone, anywhere.
This series is worth reading from beginning to end. Plan for a good chunk of time to read, too. Because you're not going to want to put them down or stop between books. I didn't. (less)
At first I didn't think I would like this book because the first chapter was poorly written. But I wanted to preview it before I gave it to my seventh...moreAt first I didn't think I would like this book because the first chapter was poorly written. But I wanted to preview it before I gave it to my seventh graders to read. In the end, I'm glad I did. The writing gets better as the book goes on and I found the story fascinating. I learned a lot about the Dogo dog breed as well as the human and animal spirits. There is no other dog like Oogy, and I think he will be an inspiration to a lot of people, including my students.
There were parts that I cried, particularly when the author spoke about his cat Buzzy. But aside from that, much of the tale is uplifting. Oogy goes through so much, yet he is so resilient. People can learn a lot about thriving just from reading about him. I'm pleased to offer this book to my students in our classroom library and hope they enjoy it as much as I did. (less)
I loved this book. I love cats and libraries and sadly have never met a library cat but after reading this book I can see how they would go we togethe...moreI loved this book. I love cats and libraries and sadly have never met a library cat but after reading this book I can see how they would go we together. The book had me laughing at Dewey's antics, and I loved reading about the town and people of Spencer, Iowa. It's amazing how one small cat can change and affect so many people. In the end I will admit I cried - no, bawled - but it's because Dewey's story affected me. I have it in my classroom for my students, many who asked to read it. I'm glad I took the time to read it first. It was heartwarming and heartbreaking all at once. (less)
Fast read, but a wonderful story. I loved hearing Cornelia's voice and watching her grow. Agatha and Bo are great characters that really add to the st...moreFast read, but a wonderful story. I loved hearing Cornelia's voice and watching her grow. Agatha and Bo are great characters that really add to the story, because they allow Cornelia to come out of her shell at her own pace. Agatha might push her, but she does it to make her give herself a name. I was angry whenever someone called her a dimwit just because she stuttered! How frustrating!
The book does have some language that is inappropriate for younger readers, so I would caution against that and give it to my older kids. (less)
I loved the format of the book. I got to know the characters so well, and I loved how their poetry reflected their emotions and life experiences. No m...moreI loved the format of the book. I got to know the characters so well, and I loved how their poetry reflected their emotions and life experiences. No matter what color your skin or where you live, readers can connect to this book. There are so many different issues that are brought up, from fitting in to being comfortable with yourself. I loved the epilogue as well, from a girl on the outside looking in. It was interesting to see how others might view the program and, knowing how it helped the kids in the book, how it has the potential to help this student.
I would definitely teach this book if it was in my curriculum, but I think it is at the high school. Someday! What a great way to study poetry and character. (less)
A second Surviving Southside book, this one was better quality than the first. Kadeem is a strong character who struggles between doing the right thin...moreA second Surviving Southside book, this one was better quality than the first. Kadeem is a strong character who struggles between doing the right thing and doing what he knows might be wrong, but will get him what he wants. Unlike Beaten, the first Southside book I read, Kadeem learns valuable lessons. The series does not need to be read in order, though Paige and Ty from the first book are mentioned in this one, and the story runs parallel to theirs. What happens to Paige and Ty is mentioned in Kadeem's story, and readers get to see his reaction to it all.
I think my students will like this as much as the first one. I enjoyed the lesson it gave readers, and I cheered for Kadeem to make the right one. And the good thing about this book? Because it is about a football player, even my reluctant reader boys are asking if they can read it. I might need more than two copies!(less)
The material in this book is much darker than the first two in the Surviving Southside series. This book has heavy topics that might not be suitable f...moreThe material in this book is much darker than the first two in the Surviving Southside series. This book has heavy topics that might not be suitable for all readers. Cassie is a gifted singer who wants to make it big. She has good intentions - her family won't be able to afford to send her to college, so she has to earn her own money - but she loses track of herself when she starts to lie to family and friends. Not only does she get caught in her lie and hurt those around her, she ends up hurt in the process.
In my school, we recently had a guest speaker that talked to students and faculty about the use of media and cell phones, and how one picture can ruin someone's life. In this book, Cassie learns that the hard way when a predator pretending to be a talent agent gets her to pose for pictures. In the process she nearly ends up a victim of rape.
Unlike the other books, Kadeem, Paige and Ty are out of the picture, possibly because they are seniors and Cassie is a junior. It would have been nice to see them make an appearance at least by name, to show more connection through the series. (less)
I love this book. No matter how many times I read it, I enjoy it each time. Cole is such a well-written character, and all that he goes through is inc...moreI love this book. No matter how many times I read it, I enjoy it each time. Cole is such a well-written character, and all that he goes through is incredible. This was the first year I actually got to teach the book and I'm glad. The students found his experiences horrific, and we were able to have many great discussions on Cole, his situation, and the book itself.
There is a lot to be learned from this book, whether you're the bully or the victim, and I think this book should be read by all students, no matter what their background. It would be a shame to miss out on such a fantastic novel about survival, healing, and forgiveness. (less)
Although the subject was horrible, the book was fantastic. The author took a very controversial subject and put emotion into it. Part of the book is t...moreAlthough the subject was horrible, the book was fantastic. The author took a very controversial subject and put emotion into it. Part of the book is told from the dogs perspective of what they would see in the situation and it was heartbreaking. The whole book I worried about the dogs and wondered what would happen to them.
Prior to reading this book I had some information on pit bulls and knew that they could be friendly animals - friends of mine had fostered a bait dog that was the sweetest dog in the world, and other friends have a rescue they adopted who is a giant baby. However, I did not know a lot of the history of the breed or what happened in dog fights. It surprised me that of dogs that are bred for fighting, nearly 80% simply will not fight because they do not have the aggression in them. I was also not aware that other breeds had been similiarly ostracized before, and it's surprising how many of them are popular now.
The book does a great job of telling how the dogs fared after the book. Some of them are leading wonderful lives with new families that care for them. The author also updates the reader on the key players in the trial and rescue of the dogs.(less)
Fast read, but a great book for kids wanting to learn about the Michael Vick pit bulls and how they were rescued and given a second chance. After read...moreFast read, but a great book for kids wanting to learn about the Michael Vick pit bulls and how they were rescued and given a second chance. After reading "The Lost Dogs" this book showed me what happened to one of the dogs that was mentioned in the book. I remember Dutch - now Audie - and it was nice to see pictures of him in his new life.
This book is being used as part of a research project my students have created for their nonfiction section of the class. (less)
This book is incredible. It presents students with a simplified version of the Universal Human Rights Declaration and stories to go with some of them....moreThis book is incredible. It presents students with a simplified version of the Universal Human Rights Declaration and stories to go with some of them. While some stories are better than others - some even made me cry - each has a lesson to be learned. It has the potential to teach a lot readers about the plight of people all over the world.
What I loved about the book was how it shows people that life isn't fair, and not in the way they think. My students complain that their life isn't fair because their parents didn't give them the allowance they wanted, or they didn't get the video game they've been looking foward to. But they don't realize that so many people in the world have it far worse. And worse yet, most of them don't care.
I wish the book was nonfiction, but perhaps because it is fiction students will read it and possibly take away some meaning from it. (less)
This book is excellent. It takes 70 young adult authors and shares their stories of being bullied, being a bystander, or being a bully and shares the...moreThis book is excellent. It takes 70 young adult authors and shares their stories of being bullied, being a bystander, or being a bully and shares the message that it is NOT okay. What most horrified me about the book was how often the adults in their lives said it was okay or let it go. I felt their pain, having gone through similar things in eighth grade. Now, as a teacher, I do not tolerate bullying of any form in my classroom and work hard to stop it.
I wish the book was more accessible for younger teens, but the language makes it touchy for some students. Some of the stories, however, are appropriate for all age levels.
This book was an incredibly fast read, and I knew when I first heard about it a year ago that it was a great concept. Not only was the concept great,...moreThis book was an incredibly fast read, and I knew when I first heard about it a year ago that it was a great concept. Not only was the concept great, but the book was well written and just amazing.
Having a young adult book with the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse is something new and unique - at least from what I've read in YA lit, and that's a lot - and having Famine represented by a girl who is anorexic... well it was brilliant. A girl who knows hunger who is the cause of hunger in the world?
I liked the point of view. The character made me feel her pain. When she talked of her hunger, I felt it, too. I liked that some scenes changed perspectives and readers get to see what the Black Horse is thinking. I kine of liked Death, too. He was actually pretty cool.
Read this book, you won't regret it. I only regret that I didn't bring Rage home with me this weekend to read as well.
And in the words of Death, "Go thee out unto the world." Yo. (less)
I was so excited to see this book at the library when I went because I enjoyed Clone Codes. However, after reading it I have mixed feelings. I was tor...moreI was so excited to see this book at the library when I went because I enjoyed Clone Codes. However, after reading it I have mixed feelings. I was torn between two and three stars, but the end redeemed itself so I pushed it up to three.
First, the pacing of the book was off. There were some important scenes that were brushed over. At one point they're in orbit and RUBy says they'll be in Cyborg City soon, and literally the next sentence has them walking in the city.
The beginning of the book was incredibly fast, too, and had very little descriptive details. It felt fake and rushed. I was particularly disappointed with Houston's perspective. I had been looking forward to hearing his side of the story, but half of the book it felt forced. He was also supposed to be 17 years old, but his language came across as a hyper 12 year old sometimes.
Then there was the preaching. I get what the book is trying to present and I think the concept is brilliant. However the manner in which it was presented was poorly done. I wish more details had been given. It just seemed... manufactured.
Despite my disappointment overall with this book - though I did still like it and it was a fast read - I am looking forward to the next book from Carlos' perspective. That will be interesting. (less)
Very intense book that I will not be putting in my classroom due to strong sexual content and other graphic material that is more fitting for a high s...moreVery intense book that I will not be putting in my classroom due to strong sexual content and other graphic material that is more fitting for a high school. I did like the book, but it's too much for my kids.
Readers get to see more of Death's personality, and really understand not just War, but what it means to be at war with yourself. The humiliation Missy endures would be unbearable for more people. She is strong for having withstood it the way she did. But she also learns that even though things are horrible for some time, it does go away. And that is a good message that I think teens need to see, especially those who have darker thoughts.
I look forward to the next book. Honestly I enjoyed the ending to this one more than Hunger. It was more satisfying. It wasn't a clean, happy ending, and she's still going to struggle, but she's honest about it. (less)
This was a pretty impressive book. There were characters I loved and characters I hated, and the conflict was strong for the entire book. Right up unt...moreThis was a pretty impressive book. There were characters I loved and characters I hated, and the conflict was strong for the entire book. Right up until the end I had no idea what would happen.
Adonis's father was a jerk for most of the book and I couldn't stand him or the other football players. I could see Adonis wavering between the team and his own feelings, and while I didn't like that he struggled, I could see it. It was realistic. I also felt the home turmoil was real, too. The "embarassment" at the end of the book I didn't think was too horrible, and to be honest I thought Ethan and crew would try to do worse. However, once Alana reacted I could see that there was real trouble. It was then that Adonis steps in and saves the day.
There is a lot to be learned from this book, and I'm glad Adonis ended up following his gut. I also appreciated that the author didn't make him out to be 100% the hero. Even Adonis knew that he could have done better and it shows readers that no ending is completely happy. It does, however, have the flavor of hope.
I would love to know more of what happens afterwards. A sequel would be interesting. How does Alana transition back to school? Does Adonis stay on the team or quit? Does Alana's father accept him? Does Ethan and crew return to school, and if they do, what happens with them? So many questions I wish were answered in a sequel. (less)
Okay, so I enjoyed this book even if sometimes I didn't understand some of the language because it's set in the future. I liked the characters and the...moreOkay, so I enjoyed this book even if sometimes I didn't understand some of the language because it's set in the future. I liked the characters and the problems that are presented to them, and I felt that it was realistic based on the way the country seems to be going. The one glaring thing that was wrong - but was right at the time the book was published - was the mention that America did not yet have a black president. Well, we do now! So aside from that book which dated it, it was a great piece.
Whenever Stein spoke, I found myself reading closely. It makes so much sense! If only it were that easy. Could these things ever be achieved? Possibly, but it would take a lot of work due to human nature and greed.
The author has a unique style of writing that makes it humorous and very distinct from other YA authors. He's well worth the look. This book shows readers that people of all religious backgrounds and sexualities can work together if they put their minds to it. (less)
This book looks at the Iraq war from a teenage girl's perspective. Hadiya is fifteen years old and living in war torn Mosul. Daily she has to live wit...moreThis book looks at the Iraq war from a teenage girl's perspective. Hadiya is fifteen years old and living in war torn Mosul. Daily she has to live with car bombs and shooting near her home and school. Family members are killed and friends flee the country. Yet she keeps on blogging. Though she is often pessimistic, can anyone blame her? She sees death around her daily and even her home is not the safest place. School is often called off because of flooding or curfew, but she still studies for her exams.
I admired her for posting her blog in English even though she admits to not being good. Throughout the book and her years, readers will see an improvement in her English. Not only do posts get longer and the sentences more grammatically correct, she gets more introspective as well, rather than just talking about what she sees.
I'm glad I found this book for my students to read. One student in particular asked for books by girls that talk about their culture, and not only does this one discuss Iraq, but it's very timely considering the state of the world today. (less)
This book is an incredible look into the life of a brave girl who risks a lot to make a point and improve her community. Both she and her boyfriend ar...moreThis book is an incredible look into the life of a brave girl who risks a lot to make a point and improve her community. Both she and her boyfriend are brave for faking a pregnancy to research the reactions and stereotypes from the people around them.
The book is more than that, though. Gaby discusses her family and what they've gone through. She may not have been a teen mother herself, but nearly her entire family was a teen parent, so she knows what it is like from witnessing their lives.
Everyone should read this book. It changed my view of the subject. While I still think it is wrong, my attitude towards the young people involved is much different now. (less)
Honestly I would not have even read this book had a student not asked to read it. I enjoy buying books that will interest my students, and since it's...moreHonestly I would not have even read this book had a student not asked to read it. I enjoy buying books that will interest my students, and since it's from her current favorite author, I picked it up. But because of the blurb, I decided to read it first. I'm glad I did for many reasons.
First of all the book is NOT appropriate for younger teens and preteens. The language is harsh but realistic, and the situations are mature. That said, older teens will enjoy it, though some might need to be warned about the language.
The book however is amazing. I was hooked from the newspaper article printed before the story even starts. Though the first chapter was a little slow for me because of the backstory it offers, I enjoyed it. I liked the many layers woven in. I did figure out what happened before the character, but there were times I wasn't sure. I had figured out Patrick's boyfriend early in the book, but again it was one of those "maybe I'm wrong" moments.
I liked the readers were kept guessing as to what exactly happened to Cat until later in the book. You figure it out a little, and can even pick up on who does it if you read the clues carefully enough, but the full details aren't revealed until Cat herself is ready to talk about it. I thought it was executed brilliantly.
This book is NOT for the faint of heart, but any mature teen should enjoy it. There is drug use, sexual abuse, language and a gay-bashing, but it portrays both positive and negative aspects of living in a small, religious community that has very little money. (less)
An interesting book that looks at an African American family in the early 1960s. The book might include Birmingham in the title, but it is a little mi...moreAn interesting book that looks at an African American family in the early 1960s. The book might include Birmingham in the title, but it is a little misleading. While the family does end up in Birmingham, it is not until the later third of the book. It confused my students, though they did enjoy the chapters before it. To them they said it read like a bunch of short stories, and in a way it does, though all of it leads up to how Byron and Kenny change in the end.
The last two chapters were especially confusing for my students because of how Kenny acts. They didn't know if they could believe what he or Joetta said because both stories were different. And when the last chapter came and Kenny was hiding, they struggled with the change in him. They did, however, understand Byron's change and why it was such a drastic change. (less)
First off, whoa. I hope you’re ready for an emotional ride with this book. It packs a punch that will leave you breathless, giddy, and full of hope.
If...moreFirst off, whoa. I hope you’re ready for an emotional ride with this book. It packs a punch that will leave you breathless, giddy, and full of hope.
If I wasn’t already fairly close to my siblings, this book would have me reaching out to them in a heartbeat. In fact, even though we are close, I almost put the book down to go hang out with them.
Serena is a high school senior who, before the start of the book, loses her brother to a hate crime. He is brutally murdered and left in the gutter because he’s gay. At the start of the book, Serena knows virtually nothing about who he was, and her parents are stuck in a catatonic state.
Through a series of events that can only be described as fate, Serena befriends hot boy Brodie and they meet Lance. Because of these meetings, Serena starts to learn more about the brother she had, and wishes more than anything she could have him back to talk to him.
My heart broke throughout the book for Serena and her family. Seeing her suffering from the loss was painful, but at the same time, watching the love of Brodie and Lance unfold through her eyes was beautiful. I could feel how intense it was by the words the author uses to describe their looks, their movements, and every other last detail.
Secrets are revealed throught the book, and I won’t ruin them here, but let’s just say I stayed up very late to finish it. I just couldn’t go to sleep without knowing what happened. In the end, Serena finds the courage to confront her brother’s killer with the help of her brother’s best friend, boyfriend, and her mother.
Also, the ending scenes with The Showdown? I would pay seriously good money to see this as a movie because of that scene. Barnes chose the PERFECT song for the dance sequence, and it was running through my head throughout it. So beautiful.
Do yourself a favor. Get this book. Read it. And then go hang out with your siblings and get to know who they REALLY are. (less)
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