I tried to mark passages I thought were beautiful, but how can I tab every page? I suppose I'll just have to reread it over and over until I memorize...moreI tried to mark passages I thought were beautiful, but how can I tab every page? I suppose I'll just have to reread it over and over until I memorize it.(less)
Auggie Pullman is born with Treacher Collins, a chromosome disorder that results in severe facial deformities. He is homeschooled for many years becau...moreAuggie Pullman is born with Treacher Collins, a chromosome disorder that results in severe facial deformities. He is homeschooled for many years because of his ongoing need for extensive surgery and his parents' fear about how Auggie will be treated.
When Auggie begins fifth grade, his parents decide to send him to school. How Auggie, his family, and his classmates deal with Auggie's transition to school during one school year forms the basis of the storyline. I appreciated the honesty of his situation and how other children respond to Auggie at school. Many kids tease Auggie and the author also shows how Auggie is excluded without being openly bullied.
Wonder is a remarkable book about courage, love, and the difference one person can make in the lives of others. Auggie is an inspiring person because he is just an ordinary kid. It isn't just Auggie who inspires you, though, his parents, older sister, his teachers, and his friends and their families show their strength and love for Auggie in their daily interactions with him.
While the ending was a little bit like a Hallmark movie, I thought it was appropriate to the mood of the story and the characters' actions.
You will cry and smile and think of the special people in your life. Wonder is the sort of book that stays with you.(less)
Ivan, a lowland gorilla, has been performing in a mall circus for almost 30 years. He copes with his captivity by drawing artwork, talking with his fr...moreIvan, a lowland gorilla, has been performing in a mall circus for almost 30 years. He copes with his captivity by drawing artwork, talking with his friends, Stella (an elephant) and Bob (a stray dog), and repressing memories of his family and life in the wild.
When a baby elephant, Ruby, is brought in to increase mall attendance, Ivan realizes he has to do something to protect Ruby and spare her from the same bleak life as his.
Spare, poetic images share Ivan's thoughts and slowly reveal the truth behind his capture and early life before the circus.
While aspects of Ivan's story stretch credibility, I connected to the characters and found their stories emotionally powerful. I read this book in one sitting--unable to stop until I learned what would happen.
Applegate based this book on the true story of Ivan, a gorilla who was rescued from a mall and now lives at Zoo Atlanta.(less)
Told entirely through playlists, YouTube links, photos and other images, Chopsticks is unique. It seems like a love story on the surface, but clues in...moreTold entirely through playlists, YouTube links, photos and other images, Chopsticks is unique. It seems like a love story on the surface, but clues in the last 1/3 indicate something darker and sadder might be happening. I noticed the F and G references and some other clues, but I think I need to reread it and look at the phone app.
Eight high school girls find their names published on a list of the four prettiest and four ugliest girls at their school. Vivian reveals the story of...moreEight high school girls find their names published on a list of the four prettiest and four ugliest girls at their school. Vivian reveals the story of each girl through alternating chapters and delves into their secrets.
I thought the book was an interesting look at beauty and how our cultural values and standards of beauty affect teen girls, but the characters emerged as stereotypes.
This book has garnered so many accolades that I feel confused by how mediocre I thought it was. It's true that I have a chip on my shoulder about port...moreThis book has garnered so many accolades that I feel confused by how mediocre I thought it was. It's true that I have a chip on my shoulder about portrayals of Southerners as ignorant, poor hicks, but I just didn't think the writing was that great.
There were many moments when the book didn't feel like it was written for its intended audience-- like Dale's remark that his brother said he was too pretty to do hard time in prison.
I did like the characters and the sense of community and caring rang true. (less)
So many people told me to read this book, but I was worried that it would make me sad. It did. I cried buckets. Jo Knowles writes the most honest fami...moreSo many people told me to read this book, but I was worried that it would make me sad. It did. I cried buckets. Jo Knowles writes the most honest families. Heartbreaking and beautiful.(less)
A boy and his dog patiently wait for spring. Beautiful interplay between the simple text and detailed illustrations. I would like my favorite line on...moreA boy and his dog patiently wait for spring. Beautiful interplay between the simple text and detailed illustrations. I would like my favorite line on my classroom door, "Please do not stomp here-- there are seeds and they are trying."(less)
4.5 stars I will read anything, but I have a fondness for the sort of books I loved as a child-- fantasy books with wild, magical things, dark woods,...more4.5 stars I will read anything, but I have a fondness for the sort of books I loved as a child-- fantasy books with wild, magical things, dark woods, secrets, and brave, smart children. I enjoyed Winterling tremendously and it has been passed from child to child since I brought it into my classroom.(less)
Spooky and hilarious book starring Jasper Rabbit and the legions of creepy carrots who haunt him. Black and grey illustrations (with pops of orange co...moreSpooky and hilarious book starring Jasper Rabbit and the legions of creepy carrots who haunt him. Black and grey illustrations (with pops of orange color for the carrots, of course) allude to 50's horror films. (less)
A touching, honest book about Carley, who is sent to live with a foster family, the Murphys, after a violent episode with her stepfather. Carley doesn...moreA touching, honest book about Carley, who is sent to live with a foster family, the Murphys, after a violent episode with her stepfather. Carley doesn't believe she is worthy of love or a true family, but the Murphys show her otherwise.
I challenge anyone to read the last chapter without crying. I think I need a tissue rating for the books I've read this year.(less)
Along with my beloved storybook chickens, I dare anyone to remain stone faced when a moose appears on the page.
In this funny alphabet book, Zebra tri...moreAlong with my beloved storybook chickens, I dare anyone to remain stone faced when a moose appears on the page.
In this funny alphabet book, Zebra tries to coordinate each letter's scene, but his friend, Moose, barges into every frame. When Moose is distraught because he's not cast for the "M" page, Zebra has to think fast.
Children will enjoy the typical alphabet book characters scrambled by the clumsy Moose.(less)
Elliot is a proper young man with impeccable manners and a snazzy tuxedo. When his father takes him to the aquarium, Elliot brings home a penguin. Dav...moreElliot is a proper young man with impeccable manners and a snazzy tuxedo. When his father takes him to the aquarium, Elliot brings home a penguin. David Small's whimsical illustrations provide hints to the nice twist at the end.(less)
Is it too early to predict the 2013 Caldecott Award winner? I know I will read many fantastic picture books this year, but it will be difficult to top...moreIs it too early to predict the 2013 Caldecott Award winner? I know I will read many fantastic picture books this year, but it will be difficult to top Green’s originality and format. Exploring green in all its forms, die cuts connect the greens from page to page, creating a continuous flow of images.(less)
While my favorite Sonnenblick book remains Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie, this book is another fine addition to his work. He combines his trademark...moreWhile my favorite Sonnenblick book remains Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie, this book is another fine addition to his work. He combines his trademark humor and honesty into one boy's transition from baseball player to photographer after a serious injury. (less)
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