holes by louis sachar
Sachar, L. (2002). Holes. New York: Dell Yearling
Who doesn't love this story. Such a good coming-of-age novel that students easily fall in love with. While the boys are being punished by digging holes, Stanley is looking for a way out. I love how Sachar used his last name as Yelnats (Stanley spelled backwards.) While most teens feel this is what punishment is like, few actually have to do manual labor when they are in trouble. Teens feel like they can connect with the relationships in the story and they build on the suspense of what will happen next. I think everyone feels for each character. The flashbacks of Kissing Kate Barlow help the reader connect to the past and gives meaning for the warden. I really thought this book was fun and adventurous.
* Newberry Honor Award
Who doesn't love this story. Such a good coming-of-age novel that students easily fall in love with. While the boys are being punished by digging holes, Stanley is looking for a way out. I love how Sachar used his last name as Yelnats (Stanley spelled backwards.) While most teens feel this is what punishment is like, few actually have to do manual labor when they are in trouble. Teens feel like they can connect with the relationships in the story and they build on the suspense of what will happen next. I think everyone feels for each character. The flashbacks of Kissing Kate Barlow help the reader connect to the past and gives meaning for the warden. I really thought this book was fun and adventurous.
* Newberry Honor Award
Matched
Condie, A. (2010). Matched. New York: Penguin Group.
I have found a new love with dystopian fiction. With the surge of the Hunger Games, Matched was equally as entertaining. The society followed with the pattern of being a strict society that governed with strict rules. I did feel a bit of a disconnect with the main character Cassia. She was so mature which I guess is what the society wanted. Matched is definately a series that my students are also fully engaged with. They really get excited to talk about it and feel that is has a good story line. Some of my students really disliked Xander which I thought was interesting. The story does keep the reader entertained and full of suspense with the classic love triangle.
*Books in a series
I have found a new love with dystopian fiction. With the surge of the Hunger Games, Matched was equally as entertaining. The society followed with the pattern of being a strict society that governed with strict rules. I did feel a bit of a disconnect with the main character Cassia. She was so mature which I guess is what the society wanted. Matched is definately a series that my students are also fully engaged with. They really get excited to talk about it and feel that is has a good story line. Some of my students really disliked Xander which I thought was interesting. The story does keep the reader entertained and full of suspense with the classic love triangle.
*Books in a series
Baseball in April by gary soto
Soto, G. (2000). Baseball in april and other stories. Harcourt Paperbacks.
I adore Gary Soto. From his odes to his prose, he is one of my all time favorite writers. Baseball in April is a great read. I particularly like the chapter "Seventh Grade". Victor begins noticing girls and tries to impress one in particular by pretending to know French. When the teacher called on him, he was confused. Most of my students are at the age of flirting and trying to figure out the opposite sex. Gary Soto seems to find humor in these situations and is able to discuss these delicate subjects with laughter. Soto is also a great writer for Latin culture. He makes the Mexican-American way of life jump right off the page and you are there with him. I enjoy his use of Spanish in his writings. Many of my students can connect with the mixed languages and often know what the words mean without me defining them. Gary Soto belongs on every library shelf!
* Pura Belpre Honor List
I adore Gary Soto. From his odes to his prose, he is one of my all time favorite writers. Baseball in April is a great read. I particularly like the chapter "Seventh Grade". Victor begins noticing girls and tries to impress one in particular by pretending to know French. When the teacher called on him, he was confused. Most of my students are at the age of flirting and trying to figure out the opposite sex. Gary Soto seems to find humor in these situations and is able to discuss these delicate subjects with laughter. Soto is also a great writer for Latin culture. He makes the Mexican-American way of life jump right off the page and you are there with him. I enjoy his use of Spanish in his writings. Many of my students can connect with the mixed languages and often know what the words mean without me defining them. Gary Soto belongs on every library shelf!
* Pura Belpre Honor List
Breaking Through by Francisco jimenez
Jimenez, F. (2001). Breaking through. New York: Houghton Mifflin.
Non-fiction has become my favorite type of book to read. This story has haunted me a bit since I finished reading it. The press often fills the world with negative immigration stories and this story was one of promise. I felt the narrator's struggle. I felt his pain. I couldn't imagine leaving my family in Mexico and returning to a country that didn't really accept me. The story of the migrant worker is often unheard and I think Francisco Jimenez does a great job of telling this story. The author also included pictures in the back of the novel. I enjoyed seeing what I imagined about his family and life. Great story, but not really a fit for Children's Lit. I think it would be a great YA novel.
* Pura Belpre Honor Book
Non-fiction has become my favorite type of book to read. This story has haunted me a bit since I finished reading it. The press often fills the world with negative immigration stories and this story was one of promise. I felt the narrator's struggle. I felt his pain. I couldn't imagine leaving my family in Mexico and returning to a country that didn't really accept me. The story of the migrant worker is often unheard and I think Francisco Jimenez does a great job of telling this story. The author also included pictures in the back of the novel. I enjoyed seeing what I imagined about his family and life. Great story, but not really a fit for Children's Lit. I think it would be a great YA novel.
* Pura Belpre Honor Book
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by maya angelou
Angelou, M. (1969). I know why the caged bird sings. New York: Random House Publishers, Inc.
Where do I begin? Maya Angelou has to be one of the most profound thinkers and speakers that I have ever seen in person. I had the honor of attending her presentation a few years back at the Wortham Center. I was in awe. She has such a soothing voice and a metaphor for every life experience. I am constantly amazed at how this woman can remember poetry in the way she does. I literally think she speaks poetry. "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings", is her auto-biography. She unfolds a story to the reader. She is crisp and clean and leaves nothing to the imagination. I could sing her praises as a writer forever. I stalk her. I think this story explains the world in which Maya grew up in. The opposite side of the tracks kind of story. This story is a perfect pairing with any civil rights unit that a teacher might teach.
Truly an amazing woman who suffered many trials along her way to success.
* Challenged Book List
Where do I begin? Maya Angelou has to be one of the most profound thinkers and speakers that I have ever seen in person. I had the honor of attending her presentation a few years back at the Wortham Center. I was in awe. She has such a soothing voice and a metaphor for every life experience. I am constantly amazed at how this woman can remember poetry in the way she does. I literally think she speaks poetry. "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings", is her auto-biography. She unfolds a story to the reader. She is crisp and clean and leaves nothing to the imagination. I could sing her praises as a writer forever. I stalk her. I think this story explains the world in which Maya grew up in. The opposite side of the tracks kind of story. This story is a perfect pairing with any civil rights unit that a teacher might teach.
Truly an amazing woman who suffered many trials along her way to success.
* Challenged Book List
Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan
Ryan, P. M. (2000). Esperanza rising. New York: Scholastic Inc.
This is a great story of success. " It's no wonder that in Spanish, esperanza means "hope"'. (Munoz 262). I think that the Mexican culture in Texas can understand and appreciate this story of a girl growing up in California and working the fields. The migrant culture is so important to our history and our lives. Esperanza's struggles with all the decisions that come with being a young girl in charge. Munoz makes the characters believable and you really can feel their struggle. The story almost sings to you. I always think of the hot summer sun and those fields of workers, sweating for such a small wage. This story is a book my students would enjoy and could easily relate to.
* Pura Belpre` Award
This is a great story of success. " It's no wonder that in Spanish, esperanza means "hope"'. (Munoz 262). I think that the Mexican culture in Texas can understand and appreciate this story of a girl growing up in California and working the fields. The migrant culture is so important to our history and our lives. Esperanza's struggles with all the decisions that come with being a young girl in charge. Munoz makes the characters believable and you really can feel their struggle. The story almost sings to you. I always think of the hot summer sun and those fields of workers, sweating for such a small wage. This story is a book my students would enjoy and could easily relate to.
* Pura Belpre` Award
Junie B. Jones Is Not a Crook by Barbara Park
An all-time favorite for elementary kids! Barbara Park does a great job of mixing humor with a solid plot line. Junie B. always has a different view from the norm. I think the character is relatable and very creative. I would think a kid would think the book was real! I have read a few of these to my son and I really think he thinks Junie B. is a real person. The author creates a setting that is safe and secure for Junie B. to be funny. This series is a must for elementary kids. As an added bonus, the author always teaches a great message through her writing.
* Books in a series
* Books in a series
Magic Tree House #9: Dolphins at Daybreak by Mary Pope Osborne
Dolphins at Daybreak is a fantasy adventure. The Magic Tree House series is full of suspense and mystery. It is suggested for kids 5-8, but I enjoyed reading the tale. It was a mixture of Merlin and present day thrown together with the help of a magic tree house. Jack and Annie have to solve a riddle and then return home via a picture of Frog Creek. I think this series is appropriate for kids in that age range. I didn't find the vocabulary difficult or the material to complex. The plot structure was normal and the story allows kids to transport to another time and place. The stories are fun and quick to read.
* Books in a series
* Books in a series
The Adventures of Vin Fiz by Clive Cussler
Cussler, C. (2006). The adventures of vin fiz. New York: Philomel Books.
I usually like Clive Cussler's books, but this one was just mediocre. It is really hard to go from adult to children's literature. His story about a magical plane that can understand their commands. I really felt that this book was slow. It took a while to get use to the characters and then to interact with them. It looked like a quick read, but I found myself walking away from it and having to come back multiple times. I would recommend this book for the trivia lovers. Cussler does slip in some random facts that some kids will understand. I would not highly recommend this book to my students. I would have to get creative!
* New York Bestseller List
I usually like Clive Cussler's books, but this one was just mediocre. It is really hard to go from adult to children's literature. His story about a magical plane that can understand their commands. I really felt that this book was slow. It took a while to get use to the characters and then to interact with them. It looked like a quick read, but I found myself walking away from it and having to come back multiple times. I would recommend this book for the trivia lovers. Cussler does slip in some random facts that some kids will understand. I would not highly recommend this book to my students. I would have to get creative!
* New York Bestseller List
Search for the Shadowman by Joan Lowery Nixon
Nixon, J. L. (1996). Search for the shadowman. New York: A Yearling Book.
Search for the Shadowman is great story about family roots. Andy Thomas isn't really happy about having to trace his ancestry for class, but he discovers the truth about some of his family members. I enjoyed this story. I like a good story about family history and I think this sparks an interest in discovering your own family ties. The twist in this story was getting to the bottom of a century old lie. Andy and his friends are able to figure out the truth and has to make decisions that might affect his family. I would recommend this book to students. I think it is a quick read and easy to understand.
*Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee
Search for the Shadowman is great story about family roots. Andy Thomas isn't really happy about having to trace his ancestry for class, but he discovers the truth about some of his family members. I enjoyed this story. I like a good story about family history and I think this sparks an interest in discovering your own family ties. The twist in this story was getting to the bottom of a century old lie. Andy and his friends are able to figure out the truth and has to make decisions that might affect his family. I would recommend this book to students. I think it is a quick read and easy to understand.
*Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Collins, S. (2008). The hunger games. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc.
The Hunger Games is a fast-paced story. It is very engaging to its' readers. I enjoyed the different types of names... Katniss, Senna, Peita. The story starts out very normal to me. An average setting with "forbidden" woods. The element of suspense keeps the reader engaged. Katniss goes from hunting for food to save her family, to hunting to save her life! There of course is a love triangle thrown in there. I automatically thought of the archetypal hero in this story. I like how a female protagonist was strong and independent.
The author also does an excellent job with imagery and the characters. The costumes that each contestant wears is described in detail and even the makeup is detailed in writing. The reader is able to get a clear image of these characters in dress.
* Books in a series
The Hunger Games is a fast-paced story. It is very engaging to its' readers. I enjoyed the different types of names... Katniss, Senna, Peita. The story starts out very normal to me. An average setting with "forbidden" woods. The element of suspense keeps the reader engaged. Katniss goes from hunting for food to save her family, to hunting to save her life! There of course is a love triangle thrown in there. I automatically thought of the archetypal hero in this story. I like how a female protagonist was strong and independent.
The author also does an excellent job with imagery and the characters. The costumes that each contestant wears is described in detail and even the makeup is detailed in writing. The reader is able to get a clear image of these characters in dress.
* Books in a series
How to Steal A Dog by Barbara O'Connor
O'Connor, B. (2008). How to steal a dog. New York: Frances Foster Books.
I really felt sorry for Georgina Hayes. She is in a situation that is out of her control. When her father leaves, Georgina, Toby and her mother must live in their car. Georgina pours her heart out to her best friend, but she turns on Georgina. Georgina concocts a plan to steal a dog in order to get the reward money to help her family get a place to live, but little did she realize that she would struggle with the decisions she has to make. I can relate to this book. I am allergic to dogs, so I always feel disconnected to our pets. Whenever one runs away, or get out of the yard, I truly am sad about it. Georgina even creates rules about how to steal a dog. I found this to be a quick read, and one that boys could relate to even though the protagonist is a female.
*Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee
I really felt sorry for Georgina Hayes. She is in a situation that is out of her control. When her father leaves, Georgina, Toby and her mother must live in their car. Georgina pours her heart out to her best friend, but she turns on Georgina. Georgina concocts a plan to steal a dog in order to get the reward money to help her family get a place to live, but little did she realize that she would struggle with the decisions she has to make. I can relate to this book. I am allergic to dogs, so I always feel disconnected to our pets. Whenever one runs away, or get out of the yard, I truly am sad about it. Georgina even creates rules about how to steal a dog. I found this to be a quick read, and one that boys could relate to even though the protagonist is a female.
*Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee
Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers
Myers, W. D. (1988). Fallen angels. New York, New York: Scholastic Paperbacks
The first time I read Fallen Angels was about six years ago. I was looking for a war piece to accompany some Holocaust fiction, but I wanted a different war. Only after reading it, was I told that it was not allowed to be taught in the school I was working in. I am not a huge fan of challenging books. I feel that in today's society, kids are exposed to far more violence and language than what this book creates. I did like the book for it's use of relationships. I think there is an undeniable bond that is created when you have a life experience that no one can relate to. Walter Dean Myers creates characters that bond with one another and you truly feel that they love each other. It is a brotherhood. The book is full of honesty, emotion and suspense.
* Challenged Book List
The first time I read Fallen Angels was about six years ago. I was looking for a war piece to accompany some Holocaust fiction, but I wanted a different war. Only after reading it, was I told that it was not allowed to be taught in the school I was working in. I am not a huge fan of challenging books. I feel that in today's society, kids are exposed to far more violence and language than what this book creates. I did like the book for it's use of relationships. I think there is an undeniable bond that is created when you have a life experience that no one can relate to. Walter Dean Myers creates characters that bond with one another and you truly feel that they love each other. It is a brotherhood. The book is full of honesty, emotion and suspense.
* Challenged Book List
Twilight by Stephanie Meyer
Meyer, S. (2005). The twilight saga. (Vol. 1). New York: Little, Brown & Company.
Twilight... I am not a huge fan of the hype. I personally did not like Stephenie Meyer's writing. The story was very slow and the structure was very difficult to follow for me. While her story was entertaining, I could only make it through the first book. My family forced me to watch the movies and I could barely contain my disdain for poor acting. As the years have passed, more and more of my students are beginning to dislike Twilight. It had such a large following that it will forever be part of our pop culture. If I had to say one good thing about Twilight, it is that the book got kids to read.
* Books in a series
Twilight... I am not a huge fan of the hype. I personally did not like Stephenie Meyer's writing. The story was very slow and the structure was very difficult to follow for me. While her story was entertaining, I could only make it through the first book. My family forced me to watch the movies and I could barely contain my disdain for poor acting. As the years have passed, more and more of my students are beginning to dislike Twilight. It had such a large following that it will forever be part of our pop culture. If I had to say one good thing about Twilight, it is that the book got kids to read.
* Books in a series
Ida Early Comes Over the mountain by robert burch
Burch, R. (1980). Ida early comes over the mountain. New York: Scholastic, Inc.
This book reminded me of Mary Poppins, but in the rural east mountains. Ida comes to a family in need and is full of mystery and humor. She is a saving grace for the four children from Aunt Earnestine. Ida is hired as a nanny and wonderful things happen when she is around. At first Ida had a hard time catching on to her job as a housekeeper, but soon they all learn more from Ida than she learned herself. However in the end, Ida decides to stay for awhile. Ida is a great character. The book is written so that smaller children can easily attach themself to the humor of the book.
*Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee
This book reminded me of Mary Poppins, but in the rural east mountains. Ida comes to a family in need and is full of mystery and humor. She is a saving grace for the four children from Aunt Earnestine. Ida is hired as a nanny and wonderful things happen when she is around. At first Ida had a hard time catching on to her job as a housekeeper, but soon they all learn more from Ida than she learned herself. However in the end, Ida decides to stay for awhile. Ida is a great character. The book is written so that smaller children can easily attach themself to the humor of the book.
*Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee
Lawn Boy by Gary Paulsen
Paulsen, G. (2007). Lawn boy. New York: Wendy Lamb Books.
Quick read. If you ever want to know more about the business cycle, this story gives a great example that kids can understand. I thought that this story was interesting and fun. A neighborhood boy asked if he could mow our lawn this past weekend, so I could identify with the character. I now wonder if someone invested his money in stocks and he makes more money than I do... I think this book is a high interest book for students who are relucant to read.
* Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee
Quick read. If you ever want to know more about the business cycle, this story gives a great example that kids can understand. I thought that this story was interesting and fun. A neighborhood boy asked if he could mow our lawn this past weekend, so I could identify with the character. I now wonder if someone invested his money in stocks and he makes more money than I do... I think this book is a high interest book for students who are relucant to read.
* Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee
the sign of the beaver by elizabeth george speare
Speare, E. G. (1984). The sign of the beaver. London:Dell Publishing.
If you like books that teach lessons, The Sign of the Beaver is the one for you. This author strategically places morals and lessons for the reader to understand. I like the book has a male protagonist. I find it hard to recommend realistic fiction style books for boys that don't have a strong male role model. Matt is a great role model for boys looking for adventure and learning to survive on their own. I think the author paints a vivid scene of the wilderness and this really draws the reader into the story. I would recommend this book for many years to come. There are some lessons in life that this book just explains best!
*Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee
If you like books that teach lessons, The Sign of the Beaver is the one for you. This author strategically places morals and lessons for the reader to understand. I like the book has a male protagonist. I find it hard to recommend realistic fiction style books for boys that don't have a strong male role model. Matt is a great role model for boys looking for adventure and learning to survive on their own. I think the author paints a vivid scene of the wilderness and this really draws the reader into the story. I would recommend this book for many years to come. There are some lessons in life that this book just explains best!
*Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee
Ramona and Her Mother
Cleary, B. (1979). Ramona and her mother. New York: Dell Publishing.
I love Ramona books. I guess I kinda grew up on them. I tried to make my son watch Ramona and Beezus the other day, but he wouldn't watch it because it was full of girls. I think this is a great series of book that helps kids understand relationships. Whether it's Ramona and Her Father, Ramona and Beezus, or Ramona Quimby, Age 8, everyone can learn something about relationships. I think Ramona and Her Mother helps readers understand working parents and what kids will do to get attention.
*An ALA Notable Book
I love Ramona books. I guess I kinda grew up on them. I tried to make my son watch Ramona and Beezus the other day, but he wouldn't watch it because it was full of girls. I think this is a great series of book that helps kids understand relationships. Whether it's Ramona and Her Father, Ramona and Beezus, or Ramona Quimby, Age 8, everyone can learn something about relationships. I think Ramona and Her Mother helps readers understand working parents and what kids will do to get attention.
*An ALA Notable Book