**spoiler alert** I finally read this one - a student of mine a few years ago - one who HATED to read - read this and LOVED it. I enjoyed it, too. Spo**spoiler alert** I finally read this one - a student of mine a few years ago - one who HATED to read - read this and LOVED it. I enjoyed it, too. Sports is my “gap” genre, but I did like Deuker’s Gym Candy. This was written simply, and I always thought, “Something’s wrong. Something’s going to happen…” I’ll be recommending this one to many 7th graders! SPOILER: I really like how it was written as a way for Seth to deal with his pain....more
Once I realized this book was a metaphor, I liked it better. At first, I didn’t like how Aster didn’t listen to anyone, but I get that he had to go agOnce I realized this book was a metaphor, I liked it better. At first, I didn’t like how Aster didn’t listen to anyone, but I get that he had to go against the grain to get his point across....more
I think I'd started this one in the past... went back to it because of a peer recommendation. Not my favorite, but it got me thinking. I've taught stuI think I'd started this one in the past... went back to it because of a peer recommendation. Not my favorite, but it got me thinking. I've taught students with special needs - for 7 years as an itinerant and also those mainstreamed in my classes. I've had students like Christopher (who is 15) who can go to extremes when something doesn't fit quite right in his life. This book can help teachers get a feel for what some of our students might be going through. Some of the math bit was a bit much for me, but again - that's what some of our students might be focused on. Mature audiences....more
Laura, 15, shares a year of her life living with her mother and father. Her older sister, moved out and married with two kids, is also still in her liLaura, 15, shares a year of her life living with her mother and father. Her older sister, moved out and married with two kids, is also still in her life, but not helping her deal with her mother who has a mental illness. She really has no one to talk to, so she spends much of her time painting and sketching. The talk about art in this book was intriguing - I wanted so much to see it! My favorite prose was when she'd write about her figurines she'd made. I also like how, being set in the 1960s, the author shared the stigma of mental illness. I wish she'd have shared a bit more about how it should NOT be a stigma, but she does so in the author's note at the end....more
This one-day summer read was solid. I loved that Veda seemed normal in her anger and grief over her lost limb, but also remained strong for her love oThis one-day summer read was solid. I loved that Veda seemed normal in her anger and grief over her lost limb, but also remained strong for her love of dance - strong enough to overcome her loss and move on. I think the author was fast in some portions - I didn’t know so many valuable lessons could be learned in so short a time span, but it could happen if we have the right guides and circumstances....more
I couldn't put this one down. I had to find out what would happen to Ruth (and her son) and what would become of Turk. I feel that mature YA readers wI couldn't put this one down. I had to find out what would happen to Ruth (and her son) and what would become of Turk. I feel that mature YA readers who loved THE HATE U GIVE could take this one next... I know Ruth and Turk's stories will stay with me for a long time....more
I want to personalize reading for my students. This book helped me put tech tools I've been exposed to into perspective. With a section for strugglingI want to personalize reading for my students. This book helped me put tech tools I've been exposed to into perspective. With a section for struggling, reluctant, ELL, and advanced readers, Michele's very specific examples and "how to"s (with links to boot!) made using the technology she suggested feasible for teachers who already have so much going on. We do not have one-size-fits-all students, so the tips in this book help teachers personalize the reading (and LEARNING) experiences of our diverse students."Today's learning is blended, personalized, and digital," for sure, and this book is all about providing the blend, choice, and tools so our students succeed as readers and learners.
NOT just for ELA teachers - any teachers who have students reading should give this one a shot....more
Addie is sure of who she is... isn't she? Seventh grade brings a boyfriend that just may make her popular, an enemy that used to be her best friend, aAddie is sure of who she is... isn't she? Seventh grade brings a boyfriend that just may make her popular, an enemy that used to be her best friend, and a solid group of friends (who are all boys). She's very passionate about her causes - she worries / cares for everyone. She's more passionate about sharing her opinions than many of her peers. Will this be a detriment to her fitting in during seventh grade? Why can't she just be herself?
I'm excited to suggest this book to brave young girls....more
1912 - From Trinidad, Cuba, Fefa struggles with words. Through this beautiful quick book, she begins to see beauty and patterns as she heads into her1912 - From Trinidad, Cuba, Fefa struggles with words. Through this beautiful quick book, she begins to see beauty and patterns as she heads into her 12th year. I'm so glad a student turned me on to this author....more
I enjoyed this quick read - mostly because I was thinking of my own students - those on the Autism spectrum, and those with siblings who are on the spI enjoyed this quick read - mostly because I was thinking of my own students - those on the Autism spectrum, and those with siblings who are on the spectrum. It had a TON of tangents that readers could follow, making it more of a middle-grade book than a young adult book (and less interesting to me this summer - it almost seemed hokey in the last couple of chapters - so many “lessons learned”). I know I’ll have students who will understand and empathize with eleven-year-old Olivia and her brother Jacob....more
“With hard work, anything is possible.” That is the gist of this book. While I had my ex-husband’s marine words in my head when the author was speakin“With hard work, anything is possible.” That is the gist of this book. While I had my ex-husband’s marine words in my head when the author was speaking, I knew the teachings worked, and I could do much better myself at staying disciplined. Chapter 12 regarding discipline was my favorite - Uncle Jake and Marc explained it very well, and it made me get up and do something I should’ve done yesterday. Some tiny things aggravated me, such as his talk about celebrating the little things, but then he’d win me over by sharing that The Gettysburg Address is the best speech ever. I KNOW I’ll have seventh graders that will need this book, even though it is the summer between Marc’s fifth and sixth grade....more
This was a great template for how a high school english class can be run! I have myriad notes in the book, a ton to share with colleagues, and mini leThis was a great template for how a high school english class can be run! I have myriad notes in the book, a ton to share with colleagues, and mini lessons and mentor texts to collect…! At some point I should go back and finish Gallagher's other book I read half of a few summers ago... In the Best Interest of Students....more
I have already incorporated one of the lessons from this book, and I'm excited to incorporate more next year at the start of the school year. Our clasI have already incorporated one of the lessons from this book, and I'm excited to incorporate more next year at the start of the school year. Our classes will then be able to have tough conversations about identity and how it affects our views, reactions, and feelings as we listen to the news, as we read books, as we write. I will be able to talk about "intent" vs. "impact" and much more regarding social comprehension. I feel my middle school students need me to take more time to listen to the news they have in their minds, and help them process it looking through the lens of identity....more
I liked learning about Sunny more than learning about Patina, but Ghost is still my favorite (so far). Sunny would rather dance than run the mile, soI liked learning about Sunny more than learning about Patina, but Ghost is still my favorite (so far). Sunny would rather dance than run the mile, so his coach helps him learn discus. I love the relationship that he develops with his dad after he decides to quit the mile....more
I listened to the author read this on the Hoopla audio version. I think that has made all the difference. To have the author read this book about theI listened to the author read this on the Hoopla audio version. I think that has made all the difference. To have the author read this book about the young holy mother-to-be and another young mother-to-be was something special. Some might judge it, thinking that the author compares both women, but I think Mary was there to support this young lady, not for comparison....more
A student recommended this quick book to me, and I found it displayed in the adult shelving. It begins in 1797 in Cuba, and what I don't understand isA student recommended this quick book to me, and I found it displayed in the adult shelving. It begins in 1797 in Cuba, and what I don't understand is how the slave owners and slaves themselves have the same color skin. The hardships Juan Francisco Manzano suffered are more than any I've read about, due to his second owner, the mother of the woman who tried to raise him. However, Juan kept his poems and anything else he remembered (operas, poetry, songs, etc.) to keep him company and help him dream of escape....more
It’s hard to rebound from losses in games, as well as in life. Charlie lost his father suddenly, and this book shares what he goes through that firstIt’s hard to rebound from losses in games, as well as in life. Charlie lost his father suddenly, and this book shares what he goes through that first summer without him in his life. Touching and real, with a bit of spunk and junk (rhymes) thrown in, this book will suck you in....more
As I read this, I was constantly reminded that the men the author interviewed were NOT the same boys that went into prison years prior. Prison had chaAs I read this, I was constantly reminded that the men the author interviewed were NOT the same boys that went into prison years prior. Prison had changed them. I liked how the chapters were about different situations, and how it was in interview-style. Reading it was a bit tough in some spots, but I couldn't stop - kind of like watching a vehicle accident - I'm glad this is a "window" book for me, and not a "mirror" book. Mature shelf, for sure....more
I shouldn't have judged it by the cover, I know. It is the reason it took me so long to read it, though! An easy read, great for reluctant readers. TonI shouldn't have judged it by the cover, I know. It is the reason it took me so long to read it, though! An easy read, great for reluctant readers. Tony is 11, turning 12 in this book, but you don't really think about his age as you hear his story from both his point of view and Gabe's - the rescue dog. It was easy for me to hate Tony's mom, but his Tio is easy to love. I loved seeing Tony's character develop throughout this book....more
I didn't care for this cover, so it took me awhile to pick it up. Once I did, however, I did not stop. (It also has another cover, but this one is morI didn't care for this cover, so it took me awhile to pick it up. Once I did, however, I did not stop. (It also has another cover, but this one is more accurate, in my opinion.)
I fell in love with Kek (from Sudan) and Gol (from the farm). This book helped me get a glimpse of what it might feel like to be moved to a country where you do not know the language or the customs. As K. Applegate wanted us to, I do see the new kid in class from some faraway land, or the child that doesn't look like he belongs - and how I hope to have a better perspective on what they might be feeling. And I hope - even though hope is a touchy idea in this book - that everyone I know can find the sun when the sky is dark, just like Kek.
Quotes I loved: "Of all the things I didn't know about America, this is the most amazing: I didn't know there would be so many tribes from all over the world. How could I have imagined the way they walk through the world side by side without fear, all free to gaze at the same sky with the same hopes?"
"One doesn't forego sleeping because of the possibility of nightmares. ~African Proverb"
"When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion. ~African Proverb"
"A sandstorm passes; the stars remain. ~African Proverb"...more
I loved all the twists and turns of this dramatic novel. I loved getting to know Brownyn, Nate, Cooper, Addy, their families, and their good friends (I loved all the twists and turns of this dramatic novel. I loved getting to know Brownyn, Nate, Cooper, Addy, their families, and their good friends (and enemies). I thought it would be hard to keep track of, but I really got into it. The “About That” app Simon created was the perfect villain, and the heroes were true to themselves. This is a mature book, and one I’m glad I brought on Spring Break....more
I haven't read a sequel to a book since THE RAVEN BOYS series, so it must've been good. Now I have to take a break from serial killers. I need a breakI haven't read a sequel to a book since THE RAVEN BOYS series, so it must've been good. Now I have to take a break from serial killers. I need a break from being in their minds and seeing what they might be thinking! Love that Cassie ended up with **** in this one....more
I ate this book up. The first chapter needs to be read in all middle school classrooms - to get the kids hooked. Aven is clever, loved, good at soccerI ate this book up. The first chapter needs to be read in all middle school classrooms - to get the kids hooked. Aven is clever, loved, good at soccer, and lets her light shine for others to see - even though she was born without arms. I love her friends Connor (who has Tourette’s Syndrome) and Zion (who is also made fun of) as well. Her parents that adopted her couldn’t be any better, of course. ;)...more
This one caught me from the start. Chicago - Jerome Rogers, 12, shot by a police officer. Then Jerome sees what's happening, as he hangs around as a gThis one caught me from the start. Chicago - Jerome Rogers, 12, shot by a police officer. Then Jerome sees what's happening, as he hangs around as a ghost. Sometimes Emmett Till joins him, and sometimes many ghost boys join him - to bear witness - to share their stories. Fast read, packs a punch, and I'm glad I learned the revised version of Emmett Till's story. Best quote - "Can't undo wrong. Can only do our best to make things right."...more
I'm thankful I'm not a leader in the paid sense of the word... I was feeling so awful for the stories told in the frontI got this one from an EdCamp!
I'm thankful I'm not a leader in the paid sense of the word... I was feeling so awful for the stories told in the front half of this book - I almost put it down. The value I found in it was that I now look at my own administrators in my school in a different light. I always knew they had more stressors than I do, but I didn't think that people were ever out to dunk them. I will protect my administrators that add value to our schools. I read this book thinking of the coworkers that don't like what I do in the classroom (even though they've never stepped foot in it) and those that gossip. I also read it thinking of the parents that tell me I'm "manipulating" their children, or that what I'm doing is "crazy." The last few chapters had some gems in it - for any educator. I'm passing this book along to administrators....more
I loved meeting the clan - Randi, the gymnast, Gavin, who struggles with reading and excels at football, Trevor, the bully, who hates being home, ScotI loved meeting the clan - Randi, the gymnast, Gavin, who struggles with reading and excels at football, Trevor, the bully, who hates being home, Scott, the happy goof, Natalie, the aspiring lawyer and know-it-all, and Mrs. Woods, the substitute for this sixth grade class. Those CSAs remind me of the PARCC test, but thank goodness our students don’t have the pressure this school does! The start of this book was tough, as it was hard for me to keep all the characters straight, but the way they weaved their story made it all worthwhile....more
I feel that this was an easy read, and also that it had a lot packed into such a small space. Losing and gaining friends, bullies, same-gender parentsI feel that this was an easy read, and also that it had a lot packed into such a small space. Losing and gaining friends, bullies, same-gender parents, physical conditions and differences... It will be one that some students can relate to, and as such it should be on our middle school shelves. (This was the first book I read in Hoopla digital format.)...more
Thank goodness for students who share books they love, and for PARCC testing for me to have time to read them! (Not really the testing, but...)
I couldThank goodness for students who share books they love, and for PARCC testing for me to have time to read them! (Not really the testing, but...)
I couldn't put this one down - it sucked me in, much like Stephen King books used to do when I was younger. The thrill of the hunt, the profiling, the serial killer stories... Gruesome stories with much tension building in my body as I read along. I loved getting to know the characters and guessing who the bad person was, and I'm glad I was wrong. ;) I may even read the second in the series.........more
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