Monthly Archives: December 2013

My Must Read Novels of 2014

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The season of reading goals – and books to read next are always foremost on my mind!

The Shadow Throne Must Read 2014 There's a Book for That!

One of the best things I did last year was to take a serious look at my TBR lists and piles and think about what I wanted to make sure I read over the year before new titles kept me from ever getting to important titles on my list. Last year I had 20 must read titles. This year it is 30. Of course, I plan to read many more books over the year but this list ensures I don’t miss books that are real priorities.

Last year my focus was on some specific genres: fantasy, historical fiction and books set in other places. This year I have some more realistic fiction on the list. These titles just sort of organized themselves in this way. I went through my To Read Shelf on Goodreads, various book stacks around the house, my library holds and then checked out my children’s bookshelves. (Often I suggest book titles for them from Grandmas and Aunties that I want to read too!)

must read in 2014 challenge

In no particular order . . .

Sequels, next in a series – titles I can’t miss and am eagerly waiting for! 

Must Read 2014 There's a Book for That!

1. Jinx’s Magic by Sage Blackwood   (Read June 22nd, 2014)

2. The Shadow Throne by Jennifer A. Nielsen (Read March 31st, 2014)

3. Blue Lily, Lily Blue (Raven Cycle 3) by Maggie Stiefvater Had to share this gorgeous cover here – had been impatiently waiting for release of this title, cover and official publication date (October 28th, 2014) (Read December 27th, 2014)

Blue Lily, Lily Blue #MustReadin2014

4. Rose Under Fire by Elisabeth Wein  (Read December 28th, 2014)

5. Allegiant by Veronica Roth  (Read March 23rd, 2014)

6. Cress (Lunar Chronicles #3) by Marissa Meyer   (Read July 5th, 2014)

Titles by authors I have loved

Must Read 2014 There's a Book for That!

7. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell  (Read January 3rd, 2014)

8. Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures by Kate DiCamillo  (Read February 15th, 2014)

9. A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray  (Read December 22nd, 2014)

10. The Summer of Letting Go by Gae Polisner  (Read July 15th, 2014)

11. Threatened by Eliot Schrefer  (Read April 18th, 2014)

Realistic Fiction/Potential emotional reads

Must Read 2014 There's a Book for That!

12. Boy 21 by Matthew Quick  (Read January 11th, 2014)

13. Me, Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews

14. Forgive me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick (Read January 25th, 2014)

15. The Boy on the Porch by Sharon Creech  (Read March 20th, 2014)

16. We were Liars by E. Lockhart (Read July 15th, 2014)

Thieving (borrowing) 🙂 from my children’s book shelves

Must Read 2014 There's a Book for That!

17. Small Medium at Large by Joanne Levy (Read March 6th, 2014)

18. Listening for Lucca by Suzanne Lafleur (Read February 23rd, 2014)

19. After Iris by Natasha Farrant  (Read October13th, 2014)

20. Wake up Missing by Kate Messner  (Read December 30th, 2014)

21. The Grimm Legacy by Polly Shulman

22. Every Day After by Laura Golden  (Read March 6th, 2014)

Other titles based on persuasive recommendations from the #IMWAYR community and book loving friends:

Must Read 2014 There's a Book for That!

23. More than This by Patrick Ness

24. Witchlanders by Lena Coakley

25. Prisoner 88 by Leah Peleggi

26. Legend by Marie Lu  (Read January 7th, 2014)

27. The Living by Matt de la Pena (Read January 31st, 2014)

28. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie (Read April 20th, 2014)

29. Better Nate than Ever by Tim Federle (Read March 19th, 2014)

30. Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy by Karen Foxlee  (Read May 15th, 2014)

Anyone else out there have must-read titles in their huge To Be Read pile? Please share! 

To learn more about #MustReadin2014 – read here.

Sunshine Sharing . . .

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Many of you have seen the posts circulating – some call it “homework” some Sharing the sunshine . . . But it basically works like this.

Acknowledge the nominating blogger.
 Share 11 random facts about yourself.
 Answer the 11 questions the nominating blogger has created for you.
 List 11 bloggers.  They should be bloggers you believe deserve some recognition and a little blogging love!
 Post 11 questions for the bloggers you nominate to answer and let all the bloggers know they have been nominated. (You cannot nominate the blogger who nominated you.)

I am honoured to have been “tagged” twice – first by my friend and fellow B.C. teacher Karen Lirenman who writes this blog Learning and Sharing with Ms. Lirenman but also blogs on a classblog and has all of her Grade one students blogging and connecting with the world. I am constantly learning from Karen. I was also asked to participate by Vicki Vinton who writes the blog To Make a Prairie – reading this blog means a fresh cup of coffee and some time to let all of her wonderful writing about teaching, reading and writing sink in.

January 3rd update: And one more -thanks Sarah Soltau-Heller at Singing My Song -I’ve now answered some of your questions below. Sarah’s voice in B.C. Education is one I absolutely respect!

So here goes . . .

sharing

Eleven facts you might not know about me:

1. I have two beautiful children – eleven year old boy/girl twins who I adore. I love to read to them daily, explore amazing places and listen to their big questions.

2. These beautiful children landed me on 13 weeks of bedrest at the end of my pregnancy. Where I began #bookaday 🙂

3. I taught for two years in Nitra, Slovakia

4. My husband proposed to me by writing in the back a of picture book that he had me read aloud to him.

5. Numbers stick in my head – I can remember phone numbers and birthdays of childhood friends. But I often have to do the math to remember how old I am.

6. My first degree is in philosophy.

7. I moved nine times before I was seven years old. But my husband and I have lived in our home for 16 years except for the 10 months when we moved out to renovate a few years ago.

8.  I base my opinion of small animals on what they do to my garden. Birds = love. Squirrels = evil thoughts.

9. I walk to work every day. Rain. Shine. Snow. It takes me 35 minutes if I hit the lights correctly. It’s what keeps me grounded.

10. The only food group I’m guaranteed to have every day is coffee (that is a food group isn’t it?)

11. I love puzzles. Of the jigsaw variety. I don’t do them often but when I break one out, I become obsessive. And I don’t like anyone to help.

My answers to the questions. I’m doing 5 from each blogger

Karen’s questions:

What have you been served, that you ate out of respect, but really didn’t like it?

Once during my years in Slovakia,  I was given a full glass of wine at 8 a.m. for helping to interview a librarian candidate in English. I took a sip and smiled and promptly switched glasses with my Slovak colleague who had already emptied his glass!

What scares you?

Top 3: 1. The boxes in my basement 2. The prospect of any type of infestation – mice, bugs . . . 3. The idea of my children getting sick.

Runner or walker?

Always walking! It is exercise and therapy all rolled into one. And a very green mode of transportation.

What’s the biggest surprise of your life?

That I couldn’t get pregnant. I am thankful everyday for advancements in assisted reproductive technology. My twins are IVF babies and we know how very blessed we were to have success finally. A long road with an absolute pot of gold at the end! Times two!

What is your favourite season and why?

Fall. The colours on the trees . . . Wow.

Vicky’s questions:

What did you learn from your mother?

To be with people and find the humour and spirit in everyone. My Mom was a nurse in an intermediate care facility for seniors. I remember watching her with patients and thinking she had some kind of magic. But the magic was all about sincerity, love and graciousness. My Mom is my hero.

Where do you find joy in your classroom or work?

In the tiny moments of laughter and silly and strength. The children I work with are resilient and all kinds of amazing. Everyday I find multiple moments to celebrate and hang on to those.

How do you feel about being the age you currently are?

Mostly fine because I never believe I am the age I am. And also my students often guess that I am 22 (or 75 but that’s another story). With age comes wisdom and wrinkles. I like to focus on the wisdom.

If you could have dinner (or coffee or drinks) with anyone living or dead, who would it be and what would you want to ask him or her?

I would love to have coffee with Linda Baie from Teacher Dance. I know Linda only through blogging and sharing books but I have the feeling we could talk all day. What would I want to ask her? All the secrets books have taught her. Us readers, we know a lot.

What do you do to recharge?

Read. Stories allow you to steal inspiration, hope and wisdom from the pages. Every book I read enriches who I am.

Sarah’s questions:

If you could do any other job what would it be?

A detective. I love the idea of sifting through information, reading people, trusting instincts and being smarter than the “bad guys”

What is your favourite colour? Why?

Green. Trees. Forests. Ferns. Limes. New growth. My wedding dress.

What is in your freezer right now?

Never enough coffee. Although we stockpile. Frozen fruits. Banana blueberry muffins (that I made).

What were you afraid of as a child?

Slow moving white vans (Scary news story) The Green Finger (Scary story told by older cousin)

What do you do that you wish you didn’t?

Make to do lists that are not humanly possible. And then attach very human guilt/angst. Working on this.

My eleven questions – feel free to only pick some. And avoid others!

1. Go anywhere for a weekend – where would it be?

2. Who in your family is most like you?

3. What 3 strengths do you have that you would use confidently to describe yourself?

4. What is your “successful” dinner – always good and one that you might have made and shared often? (It can even be the only thing you can actually cook)

5. What household task do you always feel behind with?

6. What genre do you need to read more?

7. What change would make your current work/job better on a daily basis?

8. What do you wish you could be braver about?

9. If someone were to describe your personal style, what would they say?

10. What makes a book a 5/5 stars book?

11. Fill in the blanks. I spend too much on ____________ but it’s okay because __________________________.

I am nominating seven brilliant and inspirational bloggers to share some stories and questions.  I feel like I am a little late to this “sharing” and so am bending a few rules 🙂 Anyone else who wants to participate – please add yourself to the list!

1. Adrienne Gear from Reading Power Gear

2. Beth Shaum from Foodie Bibliophile 

3. Susan Antonelli from  Wonder Teacher

4. Elisabeth Ellington from The Dirigible Plum

5. Lorna Wheaton from Not for Lunch 

6. Ann King from King and Kids

7. Nicole Levesque from BlueStocking Thinking

Monday December 30th, 2013

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It’s Monday! What are you reading?

IMWAYR

Join Jen from Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki from Unleashing Readers and share all of the reading you have done over the week from picture books to young adult novels. Follow the links to read about all of the amazing books the #IMWAYR community has read. One of the very best ways to discover what to read next!

Oh how I love, love, love the reading time the holidays afford! Doesn’t hurt that my #nerdlution goal is to read aloud daily to my children (from the novel we are reading). We just skipped Christmas day because I was ill and family events took up much of the day. Other days we made up for it and read in front of the fireplace for hours! We now begin our third novel since #nerdlution began, The Vengekeep Prophecies by Brian Farrey.

I have made some “hang out and read picture books” visits to my local library with my daughter. My 10 favourites of the week:

Joone by Emily Kate Moon

I first heard of this title back during the picture book 10 for 10 event – some lovely fellow blogger recommended it to me as my list was all about books with a theme of connections across generations. This title is about Joone and days passed with her grandfather and her pet turtle, Dr. Chin.  Rock collecting, swimming in the pond, reading to Grandpa – a story of sweet little moments.

Joone #IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Ladder to the Moon written by Maya Soetoro-Ng and illustrated by Yuyi Morales

Wow. An emotional, beautiful, significant read. A story of connection between female family members that spans generations and mortality. Images are stunning. The author’s and illustrator’s notes in the back reveal much more to this story.

Ladder to the moon #IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Wow! Ocean by Robert Neubecker

I wish I had this book before I took my children to Hawaii for the first time. Bright colourful ocean scenes for children to get lost in! So many pages that just really are WOW! moments. Like the jellyfish page. The pull out page on whales. A page of rays. And so many details not to miss – like the nurse’s cap on the nurse shark. I used an earlier Neubecker title Wow! City to inspire an art project – art ideas just leap off the page of this one too!

wow ocean #IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Baby Bear Counts One by Ashley Wolff

Another must own title if you have little ones or grandchildren. A beautiful counting book about forest animals preparing for the winter. Colourful pages with perfect counting opportunities. One woodpecker. Two squirrels. Three beavers. Four . . .

baby bear #IMWAYR There's a Book for That

The Pig on the Hill by John Kelly

Two neighbours. One, stodgy and set in his ways. One, creative and expressive. Much humour as the story unveils.

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Lemonade in Winter written by Emily Jenkins and illustrated by G. Brian Karas

This has been on my “to read” list for ages and I loved it as much as I was anticipating. I am such a fan of G. Brian Karas and appreciated all of the muted shades of a snowy winter backdrop. Yes, I love the math connection (although not so good for me as all money pictured in back is American and Canadian money looks much different – we don’t even have dollar bills!) but I loved the story. An idea that grows between siblings and changes and adapts with the weather and various circumstances. Why not a lemonade stand in a snowstorm? Such fun!

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That

While We Were Out by Ho Baek Lee

A little rabbit sneaks through the house while the family is out. And of course, they will never know except for the little surprises he left everywhere. Can you guess what? Very sweet.

while we were out #IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Crafty Chloe: Dress Up Mess Up written by Kelly Dipucchio and illustrated by Heather Ross

While I didn’t love this as much as the first Crafty Chloe, I did appreciate the very real struggle of trying to please more than one friend and staying true to yourself. And wow, some pretty creative costume ideas!

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Ike’s Incredible Ink by Brianne Farley

A great title for would be writers. No story ideas are coming for Ike. Maybe if he had the perfect ink? He sets out to make it using found ingredients like shadows and the dark side of the moon.

Ike's Incredible Ink

The Money we’ll Save by Brock Cole

This was another of our holiday reads. A hilarious story of a family who decides to save money by raising a turkey for Christmas dinner rather than purchasing one for the occasion. A turkey in a small apartment? You can imagine . . .

The Money we'll Save #IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Other reading:

Danny’s  Doodles: The Jellybean Experiment by David A. Adler

This is a chapter book for the younger/beginning reader. I am always on the lookout for titles in this category so was pleased that one, I liked the story and two, it is part of a new series! Humour and school day escapades but a little more depth than other novels in this category. Characters and emotions that are a little more interesting and not what is expected.

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

This book literally felt like it transported me elsewhere. I don’t typically read such high fantasy. At times, I would be reading and think, I don’t really know about this . . . But then I was hooked and completely held by the story until the end. Big drama. Other worlds. Battle scenes. Wild imagination. Compelling.

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Reached by Ally Condie

I really enjoyed reading this series – one book after the other. Definitely some new aspects to the dystopian love triangle theme. And not a disappointing ending which I often find with this genre.

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Rump: The True Story of Rumplestiltskin by Liesl Shurtliff

This was an absolutely delightful read aloud with my children. I will always look at this book and think of our cozy read aloud sessions by the fireplace – lots of giggles, both kids drawing and constant interruptions with connections and predictions. I now want to read this aloud to my students. Such an interesting twist on the fairytale we know (often twists are not interesting at all). I will definitely read all of the titles in this genre that Liesl Shurtliff writes.

Rump #IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Happy reading in 2014 to all my fellow book loving friends!

Favourites of 2013

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So excited to share my favourites of 2013! I had a wonderful year of reading – thanks to the amazing authors and illustrators out there that enrich our lives in so many ways.

The best of the best (published in 2013) for me?

13 favourites and no more than 13 words of raving about each title. This was my challenge last year (12 books, 12 words) with my 2012 Favourites. This year I get one more book and one more word to play with!

I decided to split these titles into 4 categories of what I read most of – middle grade novels, young adult novels, picture books and nonfiction picture books. 4 x 3 titles each and one bonus book = 13 titles for 2013 🙂

Middle Grade Titles:

Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan

Brilliant, unique characters who teach us what it means to have “people”

Counting by 7s Favourites of 2013 There's a Book for That

Beholding Bee by Kimberly Newton Fusco

Inclusion. Bullies. Women’s rights. Orphans. Magic. Love where it’s needed.

Beholding Bee Favourites of 2013 There's a Book for That

The Runaway King by Jennifer A. Nielsen

High drama, adventure and intrigue led by Jaron: loyal, brave and charmingly plucky.

The Runaway King Favourites of 2013 There's a Book for That

Young Adult Titles:

Living with Jackie Chan by Jo Knowles

Teenage vulnerability and humility. Best kind of uncle. Two well written male characters.

Living with Jackie Chan Favourites of 2013 There's a Book for That

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Because teenage love stories don’t often look like this. Gets you but good.

Eleanor and Park Favourites of 2013 There's a Book for That

The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater

Intrigue, mystery, twists, upsets, revelations. Oh these Aglionby boys. And Blue . . .

The Dream Thieves Favourites of 2013 There's a Book for That

Picture Books (fiction):

The Man with the Violin written by Kathy Stinson and illustrated by Dušan Petričić 

Because we all need reminders to stop and honour the magic all around us.

The Man with the Violin Favourites of 2013 There's a Book for That

The Mighty Lalouche written by Matthew Olshan and illustrated by Sophie Blackall

The joy and humour of boxing adventures and the triumph of the underdog.

The Mighty Lalouche Favourites of 2013 There's a Book for That

Mr. Tiger Goes Wild by Peter Brown

Wild Thing! I think we love you. Just divine. Swoon.

Mr Tiger goes Wild Favourites of 2013 There's a Book for That

Picture Books (nonfiction):

The Boy who Loved Math: The Improbable Life of Paul Erdos written by Deborah Heiligman and illustrated by LeUyen Pham

Mathtastic magic that inspires little thinkers. The wonders of number devotion.

The Boy who Loved Math Favourites of 2013 There's a Book for That

On A Beam of Light- A Story of Albert Einstein by Jennifer Berne and illustrated by Vladimir Radunsky

Wonder, curiosity and thinking outside of the box. Accessible Einstein!

On a Beam of Light Favourites of 2013 There's a Book for That

Lifetime: The Amazing Numbers in Animals’ Lives  written by Lola Schaefer and illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal

Math is all around us. Gorgeous illustrations. Fascinating animal facts.

Lifetime Favourites of 2013 There's a Book for That

And one more – published in North America in 2013. And in Australia in 2012.

Herman and Rosie by Gus Gordon

Pancakes. Jacques Cousteau. Jazz tunes. New York City. Someone who gets you.

Herman and Rosie Favourites of 2013 There's a Book for That

Please share your own favourites of the year . . . 

Monday December 23rd, 2013

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It’s Monday! What are you reading?IMWAYR

Join Jen from Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki from Unleashing Readers and share all of the reading you have done over the week from picture books to young adult novels. Follow the links to read about all of the amazing books the #IMWAYR community has read. One of the very best ways to discover what to read next!

A favourite comment I received last week was from Elisabeth Ellington who after reading that I had had a week full of 2/5 and 3/5 books, wrote:

Enjoy your week! Hope it’s filled with 5/5 books!

Such a lovely wish and I am happy to report that it certainly was a week full of wonderful books! And so, please pardon the large number I will be sharing here – I narrowed it to my ten favourite picture books of the week!

I had a lot of book celebration this week. Earlier in the week I met my Chapter Book Challenge goal and finished my 95th novel of the year! (Now I am going to try to reach 100 by the 31st! Thankful for the #bookaday challenge!) And this morning I completed my Goodreads goal of 625 books read this year! Now I have just one more reading challenge – to read the last 2 titles on my list of My Must Read Novels of 2013. These two titles are on my shelf as I type ready to be devoured by December 31st! Much to celebrate 🙂

I feel grateful for the wonderful #IMWAYR community that makes celebrating reading such a priority. Such a honour to be part of this passionate community of readers.

So . . . back to the books! My top ten picture books of the week:

These first 6 titles are all about finding joy, honouring acceptance and celebrating calm. It is an understatement when I say the last few weeks in my classroom have been challenging. These books all found me at just the right time.

Red Sled by Lita Judge

A little red sled brings an evening of adventure for some adorable forest creatures. Basically wordless except for the delicious sound effects

Scrinch scrunch scrinch scrunch scrinch scrunch

Gadung Gadung Gadung Gadung

Whoa!

My children and I Ioved the illustration of the porcupine clutching on to the antlers. Delightful!

Red Sled #IMWAYR There's a Book for That!

Homer by Elisha Cooper

I don’t have a dog. But this book is not just a dog lover’s book. It is also a book about family. About spending happy time. About waiting for everyone to return and about knowing someone is waiting. Love, love, love Cooper’s soothing illustrations.

Homer #IMWAYR There's a Book for That!

A Funny Little Bird by Jennifer Yerkes

A funny little bird who learns to appreciate his “invisibility” as an asset rather than a deficit. Unique. Definite book I want to share with a group of children to see what is discussed.

A funny little bird #IMWAYR There's a Book for That!

Augustus and his Smile by Catherine Rayner

Stunning bold black lines on the gorgeous Augustus. This tiger discovers in his smile, the simple hidden happiness we carry with us always as long as we let it in. An important message about how we all navigate the world.

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That!

All in a Day written by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Nikki McClure

Truly a book that highlights the importance of being mindful – of understanding that each day is a gift of multiple small and meaningful moments. Would be wonderful to share with All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon and Marla Frazee.

All in a Day #IMWAYR There's a Book for That!

Whimsy’s Heavy Things by Julie Kraulis

A quirky little title I have never heard of – a true find at my public library. Some fairly hefty themes here of facing what weighs us down, of rethinking obstacles and finding ways to cope with what is heavy in our lives. Much to ponder. I am still thinking about how I might share this with a class.

whimsy's heavy things #IMWAYR There's a Book for That!

Other titles I loved:

Toot & Puddle – Let it Snow by Holly Hobbie

I am always a sucker for Toot and Puddle. The comforts and coziness of home are always depicted in the most soothing of ways by Hobbie. Thinking about Christmas gifts. Quiet time. A beautiful winter ski through freshly fallen snow. A beautiful holiday book!

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That!

Spuds written by Karen Hesse and illustrated by Wendy Watson

A serious title in many ways. A family who has little has each other and big plans. Maybelle leads her two younger siblings into the night and into Kenney’s potato field. The children dig up potatoes and drag them home. When they arrive and stack their loot on the kitchen floor, they have quite a surprise.

Spuds #IMWAYR There's a Book for That!

Sophie’s Fish written by A.E. Cannon and illustrated by Lee White

This is a hilarious story that grows more and more funny and finishes with a bang. Jake has huge worries about looking after Sophie’s fish Yo-Yo. Why, oh why, did he agree to take care of him in the first place? Do fish need stories read aloud? Do you need to play games with them? What if they cry? My, oh, my the things to wonder about. The last page of this book makes it absolutely awesome! Such fun.

Sophie's fish #IMWAYR There's a Book for That!

The Long, Long Line by Tomoko Ohmura

What a wonderful book for the younger set – a great way to learn animal names. Amusing. Interesting. Lots to look at on every page. What is this line up for? An amusement ride you certainly were not expecting! And one younger readers will want to visit again and again!

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That!

Novels I finished:

The Fire Chronicle by John Stephens

I finished this sequel to The Emerald Atlas with my children as a read aloud. Hugely suspenseful. Full of adventure, mystery, intense drama and intrigue. The perfect family read aloud. We are eagerly anticipating the third book in this trilogy which now finally has a release date!

The Fire Chronicle #IMWAYR There's a Book for That!

Crossed by Ally Condie

I don’t often get to read a trilogy one title after another but that is exactly what I am doing with this set of YA dystopian titles by Ally Condie. And it’s kind of great! Matched hooked me with the characters and philosophical questions. Crossed is full of much more adventure, drama and survival – a perfect set up for the third novel which I am just about to start. 

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That!

What’s next? My children and I are reading Rump by Liesl Shurtliff  I have launched into the final book in the Matched trilogy, Reached by Ally Condie. I then plan to read the last two titles on my Must Read for 2013 list: The Hero’s Guide to Saving the Kingdom by Christopher Healy and The Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor.

Happy reading and Happy holidays to all!

Monday December 16th, 2013

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It’s Monday! What are you reading?

IMWAYR

Join Jen from Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki from Unleashing Readers and share all of the reading you have done over the week from picture books to young adult novels. Follow the links to read about all of the amazing books the #IMWAYR community has read! This is always my favourite way to discover what to read next.

I read a lot of mediocre books this week – not intentionally! But many were 2/5 or 3/5 ratings. I won’t share them here.

A few were standouts however and saved my reading week!

The Tree Lady by H. Joseph Hopkins and illustrated by Jill McElmurry

I will admit that I bought this book because I have been in awe of its gorgeous cover and I knew it was about an inspirational woman who transformed an entire city. Love it for its passionate celebration of nature. For its gorgeous illustrations. Or for its important historical journey back in time beginning in the 1860s with a little girl named Katherine Olivia Sessions. A little girl who brought lush, green life to the city of San Diego. A woman who studied science when other women and girls did not. A woman who took what she had learned it and applied it in the most important of ways and brought a city to life. And oh, that cover . . .

The Tree Lady #IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Herman and Rosie by Gus Gordon

Just delightful. Intricate, amusing illustrations. A tribute to New York City, “groovy jazz music” and the importance of finding the one that “gets you”. Herman and Rosie is a treasure. A book that my students loved but so did my Dad. Something for everyone, that’s for sure. I think this book is like a bottle of fine wine – it just gets better with age. However, it should not sit on a dusty shelf. It should be explored and pored over multiple times. Read my student’s reviews here.

Herman and Rosie #IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Other books I enjoyed:

Two of Everything by Lily Toy Hong

Full of humour and fantasy, this story is all about a magical pot that makes double anything that is dropped inside of it. Double the coins, double the purses, even double the people! A perfect math book to inspire some work with doubles!

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Strega Nona’s Gift by Tomie dePaola

Ah, Strega Nona and Big Anthony- such endearing characters. This story captures a month long series of holiday festivals in Italy beginning with the Feast of San Nicola on December 6th.

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That

All-I’ll-Ever-Want Christmas Doll written by Patricia C. McKissack and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

Set in the Depression, this story explores the importance of family. Three sisters long for a store bought doll in times when money is very scarce. The doll does not bring them the happiness they imagined, but they learn the value of time together.

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That

I have continued reading a holiday picture book every evening to my children as part of our book advent experience. These are the titles we read this week:

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That

I finished Matched written by Ally Condie

A dystopian YA novel that was a pleasant surprise. Yes, there are themes/similarities to other novels in this genre but enough felt fresh and interesting enough to really hold my attention. I have Crossed, the next in the series ready to begin tonight and look forward to reading it! Many philosophical questions pondered by the main characters. Not a book of extreme action – more an in your head kind of read.

Matched #IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Herman and Rosie

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Our BLG book this week was Gus Gordon‘s Herman and Rosie. Absolutely charming, a story of friendship, of following your passion and of celebrating the busy rhythms of a big city.

Herman and Rosie

 

Pancakes. Jacques Cousteau. Jazz tunes. The joy and the solitude of New York city. Finding someone who gets you and shares your quirky tastes. It all comes together in this delightful story.

For some specifics of what was wonderful and some things that happen, read these amazing student reviews!

Student reviewers respond:

Kelvin rates this book 5/5 and writes: I like the beginning because Herman was creative. He played cool music. I didn’t like the ending. It was too emotional. It looked like Herman was about to kiss Rosie. This made me feel uncomfortable. I am a kid. I don’t like a love story. 

Steven rates this book 5/5 and writes: In the book Herman and Rosie, I connected to their music. I thought the pictures were interesting. It was so cool that both Herman and Rosie liked hot dogs. 

Grace rates this book 5/5 and writes: I noticed that they both watched the same TV show. Rosie got kicked out of the jazz club. Herman and Rosie met on top of a roof. I also like pancakes. Wait, I love pancakes like Rosie. I think that later on Herman and Rosie will make their own jazz club. There is cool and unique pictures.

Shereese rates this book 5/5 and writes: My favourite part is when they met. I like the pictures because it looks like they are treasure maps. They have things in common like watching the same TV show. They have a happy ending because they play in a band. 

Soleen rates this book 5/5 and writes: I like the part when it was musical. I connect to another book with a Rosie in it. They are meant to be friends. I like the pictures because I like how it is ripped. I think they they are going to find a band and let other people come and join the band. That would be a happy ending.

Heman rates this book 4/5 and writes: My favourite part is when they met on the roof. I noticed that Rosie and Herman do the same things. Herman and Rosie both lost their jobs. Rosie and Herman both like music. Rosie and Herman were meant to be together. The illustrations were interesting. There was a happy ending because they aren’t lonely anymore.

Ava rates this book 5/5 and writes: My favourite part of the story is about the jazz because a lot of picture books aren’t about groovy jazz tunes. It goes sad and happy and sad and happy and sad and ends with a happy ending because they got to be together as friends. The met on the roof. Rosie hums to the tune of the oboe. Herman plays the oboe in the jazz band. 

Joeli rates this book 4/5 and writes: If Herman likes music, why he did not get a job on the music club? Why is it an animal story? How can Rosie jump that far on top of the building? She might fall! I think it is a friendship story. They both like music. 

Andrew rates this book 4/5 and writes: I liked the pictures because it looks handmade. I noticed Herman and Rosie met on the roof. I connected to the roof because I walked 1 000 steps up the Temple of China. I noticed they both lost their jobs. It was a sad but happy ending. To the author/illustrator: I loved your book! I loved the pictures. I totally think Herman and Rosie are better together. 

Vicky rates this book 5/5 and writes: Herman and Rosie are meant to be together because of some of the things they both liked. Herman lost his job because he didn’t sell that much stuff where he worked. Rosie lost her job because there wasn’t anybody watching. At first the beginning was sad. At the end it was happy. They were playing music together. 

Kassidy rates this book 4/5 and writes: I think that Rosie and Herman should be together. They both do music and the girl is a singer and the boy does the oboe. I like to sing on Thursdays in the choir. They both walk all over the place and they both watch the same movies. At the end it was so a happy ending for me. For me and them. I like the book because it is all about love and friendship. I like the ending because they both do a band together and that is the best part for me. I think they both should be together. I think that they are both in love. 

Monday December 9th, 2013

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It’s Monday! What are you reading?

IMWAYR

Join Jen from Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki from Unleashing Readers and share all of the reading you have done over the week from picture books to young adult novels. Follow the links to read about all of the amazing books the #IMWAYR community has read! This is always my favourite way to discover what to read next.

Here are my favourite reads of the week:

Gracias Thanks written by Pat Mora and illustrated by John Parra

A dual language book written in Spanish and English. All about gratitude and celebrating all of the moments that make up a wonderful life. I plan to share this with my students before our Gratitude Circle this week. Each page shares a Gracias/Thanks:

For the ladybug that landed on my finger, a little red flying surprise, thanks.

Gracias Thanks #IMWAYR There's a Book for That

At Our House written by Isabel Minhos Martins and illustrated by Madalena Matoso

A new math inspiring book that I just discovered at the bookstore this weekend. And of course, I had to buy it! A counting book for the older set. How many people in your household? You too can count along like this book – how many teeth, nails, tummies, bones, pieces of hair exist under one roof? Such fun and fully bright and colourful graphics on every page.

At our house we have 40 fingers, 10 thumbs, 50 toes and 20 claws . . . That makes 120 nails to clip every Sunday.

This book begs to become a math project! 🙂

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Ook the Book and Other Silly Rhymes written by Lissa Rovetch and illustrated by Shannon McNeill

This title also followed me home from the bookstore this weekend. Perfect for my students as we work on rhymes during Word Work. These little poems are perfectly absurd as they highlight rhyming word families.

I am Id, Id the Kid.

Did you see what I just did?

I hid a Squid under old Sid.

Ook the Book #IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Hello, my Name is Ruby by Phillip C Stead 

Little Ruby travels the world introducing herself to the various birds she meets. Brave. Sweet. Determined to make new friends. Ruby is a treasure. A wonderful way to talk about birds around the world.

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Rosie Revere, Engineer written by Andrea Beaty and illustrated by David Roberts

This title has a beautiful lesson – our creative risks are mere steps to success but the road may be long. The point is to never give up. My students shared thoughtful reviews here.

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That

The Big Wet Balloon by Liniers 

I am a huge fan of Toon Tales and admire the diversity represented in their titles and author/illustrators. This little story is based on the author’s own two daughters and is all about the wonder and play that can be experienced by embracing a rainy day. Puddle jumping at its most adorable.

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That

King Pig by Nick Bland

Kind of odd but I like the message – treat others with kindness. Respect is earned not demanded.

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Max and the Tag Along Moon by Floyd Cooper

A reassuring and sweet story of a little boy who watches for the moon on his long drive away from Granpa’s house.

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Frog and Friends written by Eve Bunting and illustrated by Josee Masse

Three short tales in a beginning chapter book series. Well written and engaging. A title early readers will truly enjoy. Delightful and sweet plot lines and interesting characters. So pleased to have discovered this series.

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That

I also read #2 and #3 in the Frog and Friends series. I want to get all of them for my class! Just a lovely little early chapter book series.

I have been reading a holiday book every night to my children as part of a book advent experience. These are the favourites we shared this week:

Christmas books #IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Reality Boy by A.S. King

A.S. King writes gritty, raw plot lines and characters. No sugar. I imagine if I were a teen reading this, I would really feel like she had captured the voice of the age group better than most writers. This story was completely engrossing. How does a boy who had his very dysfunctional life highlighted on T.V. every week fare as he grows up? The dysfunction remains and now the results of “fame” compound the stress. I was surprised throughout. Both upsetting and wonderful. Characters to root for. I will read anything King writes.

Reality Boy #IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Next up? I have started reading Matched by Ally Condie

Gift Books 2013 – twelve picture books to give this season

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gift Books 2013

I spent close to three hours at my favourite bookstore yesterday – Vancouver Kidsbooks selecting books for a donor that wants to gift our primary students with new books to take home this holiday season. Books in hand and in home make so much difference! While my Teacher Librarian and I shopped, we were privy to many conversations between customers and the very knowledgable Kidsbooks staff. And it got me to thinking . . . Which 2013 picture books would I recommend for a gift list?

Of course, there are many amazing titles to choose from. I narrowed it to twelve. Twelve books I think are absolutely worth owning and therefore, worth gifting. My criteria? Is it a book that can be shared multiple times? Does it inspire creativity, thinking, inspiration? Does it make the readers think differently about something? Does it celebrate something important? Is it a book that brings joy? With those questions in mind, here is my list:

The Boy Who Loved Math: The Improbable Life of Paul Erdos written by Deborah Heiligman and illustrated by LeUyen Pham

This is a fascinating biography that not only makes math seem absolutely engrossing but gives us a glimpse into a mind that was truly one track. A beautiful balance between the mathematical life and the other life of Paul Erdos.

Gift Books 2013 There's a Book for That

On A Beam of Light- A Story of Albert Einstein by Jennifer Berne and illustrated by Vladimir Radunsky

A wonderfully accessible biography of Albert Einstein. This title has all the perfect themes of wonder, curiosity and thinking outside of the box.

Gift Books 2013 There's a Book for That

The Man with the Violin written by Kathy Stinson and illustrated by Dušan Petričić 

This is an important story of what we miss by not being in the moment. How many beautiful experiences are lost on us as we rush through our days? Based on a true event where famous musician Joshua Bell played in the metro and was basically ignored. My students shared reviews here.

Gift Books 2013 There's a Book for That

The Matchbox Diary  by Paul Fleischman illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline 

History, stories and memories told through unveiling of various contents of a number of matchboxes. Perfect to inspire storytelling between the generations.

The Matchbox diary Gift Books 2013 There's a Book for That

Peace by Wendy Anderson Halperin

Full of quotes to read, share and ponder. Love the message that peace needs to be everywhere (in our hearts, homes, schools, countries . . .) in order to impact peace everywhere else.

Peace Gift Books 2013 There's a Book for That

Lifetime: The Amazing Numbers in Animals’ Lives  written by Lola Schaefer and illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal

Gorgeous. Want to reveal how math is all around us? This is the book to do it. There is counting and estimating and wondering and a whole bunch of other mathematical applications – in addition to being a beautifully illustrated books with lots of fascinating animal facts.

Lifetime Gift Books 2013 There's a Book for That

The Snatchabook written by Helen Docherty and illustrated by Thomas Docherty

Know a family with a new baby? Give them this beautiful book which sends the message loud and clear – we all need to be raised with daily read aloud moments.

The Snatchabook Gift Books 2013 There's a Book for That

Once Upon a Northern Night written by Jean E. Pendziwol and illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault

Lyrical, soothing and visually beautiful. Let the text lull you to sleep with dreams of the magic and quiet of winter. A perfect book to celebrate this coldest of seasons.

Gift Books 2013 There's a Book for That

Journey by Aaron Becker

Grab your imagination and enter a magical world where anything might happen. A wordless treasure.

Journey Gift Books 2013 There's a Book for That

Papa’s Mechanical Fish written by Candace Fleming and illustrated by Boris Kulikov

Papa models the curiosity and persistence of an inventor. This book is “almost true” based on the life of Lodner Phillips who really did build The Whitefish, an actual functioning submarine.

Papa's Mechanical Fish Gift Books 2013 There's a Book for That

Count the Monkeys written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Kevin Cornell

Because we all need to laugh together! Interactive. Will make you want to leap out of your chair in delight! Giggle, giggle, giggle.

Count the monkeys Gift Books 2013 There's a Book for That

My First Day by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page

Children love to hear about what it was like when they were a baby. This nonfiction title reveals what the first moments are like for different animals. So much to discuss.

My first day Gift Books 2013 There's a Book for That

Books are gifts to treasure! This season give books!

Rosie Revere, Engineer

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Our BLG book this week was Rosie Revere, Engineer written by Andrea Beaty and illustrated by David Roberts. Thanks to Magnus, our BLG reader this week, for sharing this title with us!

Rosie Revere, Engineer Student Reviews There's a Book for That

There are many reasons to treasure this book. The illustrations are absolutely fantastic. Our hero is a heroine – little Rosie who has big dreams of building, inventing and creating. It inspires the question . . . what might you want to be when you grow up? And then there are the themes that we can never have too much of: perseverance, courage, creativity, invention . . . But best of all, it reminds us that on the path to everything there are failures and mistakes and that we can celebrate the effort as much as the success.

The cover reveals one of Rosie’s inventions – helium pants! The story itself is full of amusing and unique creations dreamed up and built by young Rosie.

The plot? It is hinted at in delightful ways through these student reviews:

Student reviewers respond:

Joeli rates this book 3/5 and writes: Why Rosie calls it a cheesecopter instead of a helicopter? Why did Rosie’s Great, Great, Great Auntie make fun of her when she fell? How is falling from a helicopter funny? Then her aunt told her the first might be a mistake but the second try, the better it is.

Kelvin rates this book 5/5 and writes: I like how she did not give up. I like how she is creative. How could she build a helicopter?

Soleen rates this book 5/5 and writes: I like the part when she tried to be an Engineer. She was really brave because she kept on helping. She helped her Aunt. Rosie build a cheesecopter to try and help her aunt. She didn’t give up. She will always love to invent.

Jerry rates this book 4/5 and writes: I liked when Rosie picked one of the old things from the garbage and she bring it home and she is gonna invent something good and new. But then her aunt said she built an airplane before when she was a pilot. Then Rosie thought of something that she want to be a pilot too. Rosie build a helicopter. She fly to the sky, then Rosie crashed down. Her Aunt laughed but she wasn’t really laughing.

Ava rates this book 5/5 and writes: My favourite part was when Rosie made a cheescopter to make her Aunt fly. There is a lesson in this book to believe in yourself. Rosie Revere was so brave to stand up for herself. 

Kevin rates this book 5/5 and writes: I love that Rosie build engineer stuff so her Aunt can fly. I like that she used old stuff into new stuff and build an invention. She is a brave girl. I like when she build a cheesecopter. She is not a quitter. Rosie failed but she did not give up. She worked so hard to build a plane for her Aunt. She did a perfect job. She is a good builder.

Brian rates this book 3/5 and writes: Rosie never gave up. She made a really big cheesecopter. She builds really cool things. Rosie is really brave. The Great Aunt laughs at her.

Kassidy rates this book 4/5 and writes: Rosie was happy to be building stuff for other people. Her Aunt Rose was laughing but she did not care about that. She is shy and she still builds stuff. She helped her Aunt build stuff. She made pants to fly. Now she builds stuff with her Aunt. Her Aunt believes in her. Rosie did not believe in herself. But now she does. 

Calvin rates this book 5/5 and writes: Rosie was nervous to share. But she was brave. She wanted to be an engineer. Her Gramma was proud.

Heman rates this book 4/5 and writes: My favourite part is when Rosie built a cheesecopter. I noticed that Rosie was shy. Rosie was sad when she failed and her cheesecopter broke. Rosie liked building stuff. I like the rhymes in this book. When I grow up, I will be an architect.

Steven rates this book 5/5 and writes: Rosie made a plane. She was sad because her plane broke. She is happy because she keep trying.