Stunning illustrations!
Ms. Davies tackles a difficult subject and explains it well to a younger audience. I apprecieate the depiction of a traditional mom and dad.
Points to discuss: "chimpanzees are our closest animal relative", calling the human fetus a "blob", and an illustration in a history museum of the human evolving from a chimpanzee.
-Borrowed from the library.
Two Poets at Play among Figures of Speech
Creative, playful poems that highlight metaphor, personfication and imagery. The contrasts and the observations are stunning and suprising.
This is a poetry book I may consider buying.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
I loved this book! Superbly written and well-developed and well-researched. While trying to find books to enhance our poetry theme for December (Longfellow's poem, "Christmas Bells"), I discovered this novel. After reading it, I feel like I know Longfellow and feel like I have a deeper appreciation for the Christmas song, "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day".
Ms. Chiaverini alternates chapters relaying the story plots from two different time periods. Readers join Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in the 1860's and experinece his sorrow over his wife's horrific death, his time of grieving and his anxiety about his son joining the military during the Civil War. His story is told over four years. Chapters in between Longfellow's story focus on one Christmas season in the present with individuals involved with a children's choir and their separate stories. The church and the children's chorus are the characters' commonality.
I was amazed how Ms. Chiaverini weaves together all the stories into a cohesive novel. Another bonus is the entire story is wholesome! I would gladly share this novel with a junior higher or high schooler!
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Browsing in our library's poetry section, I stumbled upon a narrative poetry book by Cynthia Rylant. Surprisingly, this poetry book was for young adults. Most of Ms. Rylant's books I have read are geared for beginning/transitional readers. The content in this book is definitely for young adults and adults.
In beautiful narrative verse, Ms. Rylant relates Ludie's life from the time she was a young bride at age fifteen until she is in her nineties in a nursing home. Even though the book is short, readers will feel like they know Ludie's life well because of Ms. Rylants careful word choice and sense of story.
Warnings/points to discuss: sex is mentioned (not graphic-just kids being the result of sex), a neighbor is accused of touching a young girl inappropriately (not graphic-just stated he is accused of it), viewpoints of the wealthy/class disparity, pride, prejudice vs Jews and Italians, Negative view/spin on Christians who have a personal relationship with Christ: Ludie believes in God, goes to church and reads her Bible, however; she is appalled when two of her children become "born -again" Christians -her born again daughter tells everyone they are going to hell; the husband eventually leaves her and the daughter eventually stops going to church; her son who becomes born-again is more quiet about his conversation, doesn't mention hell . . . until "a politician p***ed him off. Now here was a Christian Ludie could live with."
Word play and humor make these simple animal poems delightful!
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
After blowing up at his colleague, British Dr. Peter Chesterfield finds himself on a forced "vacation" (a medical conference) in Hawaii. His mouth and his intelligence soon involve him in a sinister, complicated case involving two deaths (one of which he feels he should have prevented) and tenacious female detective. Together they sort through the lies and misdirections to discover the source of the deaths and illegal activity. Faith is important to some of the characters, but is not the main point of the story.
It is encouraging to find an author who writes clean detective/mystery stories! Mr. Hannibal writes well, creates credible characters, and fashions a suspenseful plot. If I am in the mood for a well-created, well-written suspense novel, I will read Mr. Hannibal's other books! World magazine wrote a review about this speicifc novel, which prompted me to read it.
*Highly recommend. (I would have no problem recommending this author to teens. Adults will enjoy his writing just as much.)
-Borrowed from the library.
My friend served us cookies from the American Cookie this summer. I immediately requested it from the library. Ms. Byrn includes the history behind each cookie. I made only two recipes, Gourmet's Chocolate Mocha Cookies and Zucchini Spice Bars . Both were delicious. I did not make any recipes from American Cake. I did, however, discover a recipe that orginated in my home town! In the near future I will be baking that cake!! The historical aspect and additional facts are fascinating.
-Borrowed from the library.
1978-92 minutes
Animated retelling of the novel, Watership Down. My twelve-year-old and I watched it. Although they included the major plot events, some of the events were out of order. My twelve-year-old thought it was a bit graphic (blood squirting etc). This animated film is not for preschoolers!
-Borrowed from the library.
I read this humorous novel in one evening! Although the plot isn't unique, I thoroughly enjoyed this light read. In a recent post I had mentioned that I am not a fan of romance novels. This novel is considered romance. . . .It reminded me of Jane Austen's novels, which I love, so maybe that is why I was amused and entertained by Mr. Malcolm's List??
Julia Thistlewaite cannot believe that after one date to the opera Jeremy Malcolm has not continued to pursue her. Through her cousin Cassie, she learns that he has a list of wife qualificiations. She does not meet his qualifications. For revenge, she invites her friend Selina Dalton to visit and develops a scheme to purge Mr. Malcolm from his arrogance.
Warnings: some passionate kissing (not described in detail), some innuendos-very mild, At the end Mr. Malcolm says he has a new list . . .a list of things to be done and the top item on this list needs to wait for their wedding night! However, for a recently published romance, this one is clean and fun!
I read about this novel in World magazine. They were reviewing the movie. I decided to read the novel first. The movie will soon be available on DVD, which I have requested already via the library.
-Borrowed via inter-library loan. No libraries in my county own this book. But they are ordering the movie. . .
I am a huge Nancy Drew fan, so that fact has made me biased to this book!
Judy Moody loves mysteries. Judy Moody loves Nancy Drew mysteries. When she literally runs into a girl coming from the library, she finds a friend, who loves mysteries and Nancy Drew. Mighty Fantaskey, her new friend, invites her to her house. The house is old. The house seems haunted. Judy Moody flees the scene. At home she discovers her mood ring is missing. Will she have Nancy Drew's bravery to return Mighty's scary house to search for the ring? She has the brains and a bobby pin ....!! I especially love the ending and can personally relate to it!
*Highly recommend. Perfect for transitional readers and for building stamina.
-Borrowed from the library.
Billy Plimpton wants a fresh start at Bannerdale Middle School, where people will laugh at his jokes, not at his stutter. Since he was five years old, eleven-year-old Billy has contended with his stutter. He researches ways to stop stuttering and is determined that this year it will "go away"! In his new school he discovers true friends, his own selfishness, a bully who may need a friend, an understanding teacher, the drums, and jazz music.
Towards the end it seems like everything is going wrong for Billy. Some of his choices create unnecessary hardships for him. Although this author is British, the book felt like it took place in the U.S. and the characters were American. Maybe a huge culture difference between the U.K. and the U.S. doesn't exist? Typically I love reading books that take place in the U.K. and that are written by British authors because I love escaping to that place and culture.
Points to discuss: stuttering, other differences (ADHD,growth syndrome, hearing aids, learning difficulties), bullies, death of a grandparent,Billy prays to the "gods"
-Borrowed via ILL (inter-library loan)
Published by Blackstone Audio, Inc
Read by Ralph Cosham
When I was in high school, my friend/neighbor, who attended a private school, had to read specific novels over the summer. Usually she was less than thrill about the assignments. One summer, however, she told me that I should read one of her novel assignments. . . she actually enjoyed reading it! The novel- Watership Down. In those days my reading choices were more fluff. How surprised I was to discover how much I loved this novel as a teen! It was my delight to share this story with my sons and to re-enter the world of Hazel, Fiver and Bigwig.
Fiver dreams and sees the future. When he insists that he, Hazel and the other rabbits from their warren leave because of impending danger, Hazel knows that the rabbits should flee. Only a few join them. The tiny band traverses the countryside to discover a place to dig and start a new warren. Along the way they encounter a strange warren, develop friendships, and fight battles. Another problem arises when they settle at Watership Down---the male group needs does to ensure the prosperity of their warren!
The word choice, the sentence structure, the plot and character development are superb. Both of my sons enjoyed it. My youngest thought it was the best audio book we have listened to and really liked the legends that the rabbits told each other! My oldest son appreciated the made-up Lapine language Mr. Adams created and also how the rabbits were realistic even the story was fanastical.
Warnings/points to discuss: d**n a few times, violence, fixation on mating (not graphic!)
**Highly, highly recommend.
I own the physical book. We borrowed the audio book.
#2 A Little Shopping-Lily, Rosie, and Tess decide to create Aunt Lucy a dollsize replica of her flowershop. The cousins plan, shop and create for this special surprise. Of course, Michael, Aunt Lucy's boyfriend, is part of the action.
#4 Some Good News- Lily decides it would be fun to create a neighborhood newspaper. Rosie and Tess readily agree. The three cousins publish an appealing, interesting newspaper for their neighbors to enjoy.
**Highly, highly recommend. I love this series! Perfect for transitional readers.
-Borrowed from the library.
This oversized book with generous illustrations will appeal to newly independent readers. Three short chapters encourage stamina. Some of the words, however, may be challenging for some transitional readers (uncertainity, amusements, adventurous, brochure).
Motor Mouse, who makes deliveries as his employment, joins his brother, Valentino in adventures-hot air balloon ride, a scooter ride and a day at the Funfair.
Mini lesson-base word that make other words-certain: uncertainity, certainly, uncertain
*Highly recommed.
-Borrowed from the library.
Judy loves pranks . . .especially when she can pull them on her younger brother, Stink. As she observes him caring for his tomato plants, she creates the ultimate prank!
I love the colorful, bold, large illustrations and short chapters for transitional readers.
-Borrowed from the library.
As I was browsing the poetry section at my local library, I read this title, was intrigued and checked it out. I own a few of Ms. Viorst's children's picture books (Alexander and the Horrible, Terrible, No Good Day, The Tenth Good Thing About Barney etc). Although I am not nearing 90, a few poems or lines made me laugh out loud. Some of the topics were not wholesome or edifying. One poem, "Answers", reveals how she does not believe in God and if she did believe in him, she would be thinking he was not a lovely person because of all of the misery and injustice.
She has written poems for each decade, beginning with 30 (title- It's Hard to Be Hip Over 30).
-Borrowed from the library.
Earlier this year I read Ms. Martin's novel, The Last Bookshop in London. I was thrilled to learn that she was soon publishing another novel set during World War II. Once again she has written a well-researched, well-developed novel with complex characters. She has also proven in these last two books that sexual encounters and sex do not need to be part of a novel. It is so refreshing to read a book without any of the inappropriate scenes or agenda-driven inclusions. Thank you, Ms. Martin. Please keep writing books like this!
The chapters alternate between two characters' points of view, Ava, a "librarian" in Lisbon, Portugal and Elaine, a printer for the Resistance in Lyon, France. Both women are undercover and encounter danger each day. As Ava is photographing (for a microfiche film) an article from the Combat (published by Elaine and fellow Resistance Fighters), she realizes she has stumbled upon a code. Together, altough they don't know each other, these two women sacrifice their safety for two Jews, a mother and her young son to escape to North America.
Other "minor" characters played major roles in the story. Their courage and convictions were incomprehensible. The more I read about WWII, the more I realize I only know a minute amount of information and stories about the heoric, ordinary people during this time.
**Highly, highly recommend.
Consider/warning: Ms. Martin does not shy away from the Nazi's brutality and cruelty. Some scenes are graphic and violent. Many people die at the hands of the Nazis. Suicide also occurs. Maybe two swear words in the entire book. The Last Bookshop in London was not as graphic.
Lyrical words describe the safety and comfort of home. Birds adorn almost every single page. One illustration depicts two women as the parents (not stated in words).
-Borrowed from the library.
My seventh grader loves comics and reads Garfield , the Peanuts, and Calvin and Hobbes on a regular basis. Part of our art unit this year will include a cartoonist study of Charles Schulz. Below are books he will be reading as he researches and learns. All books are from the library.
1. Zoom In on Amazing Authors-Charles Schulz by Jennifer Strand (very basic, for beginning/transitional readers)-picture book
