Jessica
added a quote:
"If the grass always looks greener on the other side, remember the water bill is probably higher." — Debbie Macomber
"If the grass always looks greener on the other side, remember the water bill is probably higher." — Debbie Macomber
bookshelves: currently-reading
]]>
]]>
Jessica
added a quote:
"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends. To appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." — Bessie Anderson Stanley
"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends. To appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." — Bessie Anderson Stanley
bookshelves: to-read
]]>
bookshelves: to-read
]]>
bookshelves: eng-420
Pre-1920
This was a very quick and charming tale. It was different from anything else I read for class in that the main characters were animals--a family of birds to be exact. It is a simple story of their efforts to build a home and survive, and their interactions with other dangerous animals and humans. The famous Peter Rabbit actually makes a guest appearance in the story. :)The Bob White family (the birds) learn wisdom about survival and trust. Eventually they meet a young farm boy and they help him with the upkeep of the farm. The boy is fascinated by theme and pledges to keep them safe, and gives up his hunting ways. I really liked how each chapter began with a life lesson, that the reader then sees in action while reading the chapter. I felt that this would be enjoyed by young readers, male or female. ]]>
bookshelves: eng-420
Poetry/ Historical Fiction
This was a fascinating and beautiful book written in verse about a young girl named Billie Jo who is growing up on the farm during the dust bowl. To me this had all the quality of The Grapes of Wrath while being a far more enjoyable read. Dust is everywhere and is unavoidable, the crops don't look promising, but they are happy until one day a tragedy strikes and the house catches on fire and her pregnant mother is killed in the flames. Also, Billie Jo's hands are severely burned and she is no longer able to find comfort in her piano playing. All seems to have gone from bad to much worse. I, being a fan of poetry, realy enjoyed the format and felt that it added much to the telling of the story. I would definitely recommend this for middle school readers. ]]>
bookshelves: eng-420
Poetry
This book was so fun! Who knew poetry about insects could be so enjoyable? I read this collection of two-voice poems with my twelve year old sister, and we were both laughing out loud as we went. It was so cleverly written, and was informative about insects through poetry that was inviting to read, and apparently a lot of fun. I would recommend it to everyone! At least the poem about the honeybee, if you read nothing else... ]]>