Must read novels for 2016

Posted on January 4, 2016 by carriegelson

For those readers and list makers, nothing is more exciting than January! The time to make an amazing list of books to read for the year!

A new year and new book possibilities. Where will our reading lives take us? What adventures and emotions will we experience through the books we read. Always, there are endless possibilities.

How amazing is that?

There are so many books and limited time.

New books distract us from other books.

A must read list ensures not all are forgotten!

To read more about the challenge and add your list, read here:

Here are the 30 titles I am going to try and read over this year. I often read 70-100 novels a year, so these titles represent only a portion of my reading. And . . . I won’t necessarily get to all of them. My goal is to try and get to most of these. Including them here guarantees they remain on my radar because as I made this list, I had very good reason for placing them on it. If the reasons remain, the book will be read. That’s usually how it works.

Making a list like this – a To Read list – also allows us to reflect on the reading that we want to do. I ask myself questions like: Am I reading widely over various genres? Do I have a mix of GN, MG and YA reads? Do the novels I read include diverse characters that reflect the students I teach? The world I don’t know? The experiences I need to know more about?

Books are in no particular order (I have also included the year each was published)

Books that have lots (or at least some) of hype in my book world:

~~Paper Hearts by Meg Wivott~~ (2015) Read March 24th, 2016 5/5 stars

~~Fat Angie by E.E. Charlton-Trujillo~~ (2013) Read January 21st, 2016 4/5 stars

~~Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson~~ (2015) Read February 5th, 2016 5/5 stars

~~Hour of the Bees by Lindsay Eagar~~ (2016) Read May 29th, 2016 5/5 stars

~~The Wild Robot by Peter Brown~~ (2016) Read October 17th, 2016 4/5 stars

Outrun the Moon by Stacey Lee (2016)

~~The Thing about Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin~~ (2015) Read March 13th, 2016 5/5 stars

House Arrest by K.A. Holt (2015) Read June 5th, 2016 5/5 stars

~~More Happy than Not by Adam Silvera~~ (2015) Read February 3rd, 2016 4/5 stars

Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer by Kelly Jones (2015)

~~Full Cicada Moon by Marilyn Hilton~~ (2015) Read January 2nd, 2016 5/5 stars

Uprooted by Naomi Novik (2015)

New titles from authors I love:

~~Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo~~ (2016) Read July 5th, 2016 5/5 stars

~~Booked by Kwame Alexander~~ (2016) Read May 21st, 2016 4/5 stars

~~The Seventh Wish by Kate Messner~~ (2016) Read October 2nd, 2016 5/5 stars

The Alex Crow by Andrew Smith (2015)

~~Some Kind of Courage by Dan Gemeinhart~~ (2016) Read March 14th, 2016 5/5 stars

~~Pax by Sara Pennypacker~~ (2016) Read July 23rd, 2016 5/5 stars

~~Sunny Side Up by Jennifer Holm and Matthew Holm~~ (2015) Read January 8th, 2016 4/5 stars

~~Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys~~ (2016) Read April 14th, 2016 5/5 stars

~~Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead~~ (2015) Read March 23rd, 2016 5/5 stars

~~Burn Baby Burn by Meg Medina~~ (2016) Read May 19th, 2016 5/5 stars

~~All Rise for the Honorable Perry T Cook by Leslie Connor~~ (2016) Read April 30th, 2016 5/5 stars

~~All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely~~ (2015) Read March 21st, 2016 5/5 stars

~~This is the Story of You by Beth Kephart~~ (2016) Read March 27th, 2016 5/5 stars

Sequels I don’t want to miss:

Red: The true story of Red Riding Hood by Liesl Shurtliff (2016) Read December 19th, 2016 5/5 stars

~~Stand Off by Andrew Smith~~ (2015) Read March 19th, 2016 5/5 stars

The Odds of Getting Even by Sheila Turnage (2015) Read December 24th, 2016 5/5 stars

Winter By Marissa Meyers (2015)

~~The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater~~ (2016) Read December 31st, 2016 5/5 stars

What novels are at the top of your TBR list? Please share!

Monday December 28th, 2015

Posted on December 27, 2015 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

Each week I share a reading photo of the week. This is from my final week before the holiday break. One of my little readers is proudly sharing poems from her poem book with an intent listener.

We have almost chosen our winners for our Mock Caldecott. But, not quite. It will be the first thing we do when we return. Final voting and tabulating results.

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. It’s the best way to discover what to read next.

It’s been two weeks since I posted an #IMWAYR post so this post includes two weeks of reading.

And since I last posted, I blogged. A lot.

On the blog:

One of my favourite ever Top Ten Tuesday posts: Favourite Read Aloud Experiences

I celebrated after a busy last week of work: (Brief) Ramblings and the Happiness Train

I made some best on the blog lists:

Best of my Book Lists (2015)

A Year of Thinking (2015)

Celebration: Literacy to Fill the Year (2015)

For #nfpb2015, a collection of nonfiction titles I have been reading

Which ten titles would you like to find under the tree? I had a list of picture books

As I do every year, I compiled a favourites list. This year it includes 9 picture books and 6 novels. Favourites of 2015

Books I loved:

Picture books:

Stella Brings the Family written by Miriam B. Schiffer and illustrated by Holly Clifton-Brown

An inclusive solution to inviting “someone special” to a special day party.

Winter is Coming written by Tony Johnston and illustrated by Jim LaMarche

I reserve a really huge place of awe in my picture book heart for illustrator Jim LaMarche. This book is absolutely stunning. Ode to a season. Honouring nature. Celebrating quiet and focus and wonder. I had to buy this book.

Wait by Antoinette Portis

The simplicity of stopping to “be” with all that is around us. So very lovely.

Marguerite’s Christmas written by India Desjardins and illustrated by Pascal Blanchet

This was the one holiday book I purchased this Christmas. The illustrations are from another time and place. The story is about Marguerite and her quiet life that shifts a little one Christmas Eve. Loved this book.

Novels:

Gracefully Grayson by Ami Polonsky

Twelve year old Grayson is navigating middle grade friendships, the grief of losing his parents and the fact that, while born male, he feels female. A school play and an inspiring teacher provide opportunities for risk, change and understanding. A solid middle grade read.

This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki with illustrations by Jillian Tamaki

A YA graphic novel about summer places, family changes and all of the awkward and in between of sliding into adolescence.

This One Summer Monday December 28th, 2015 There's a Book for That

The True Blue Scouts of SugarMan Swamp by Kathy Appelt

I will admit I worried as I began to read this title. Appelt’s The Underneath was just too mythical/magical/spirtual for me. So at certain early on points, I worried. But the balance between Chap’s story and the racoon scouts, soon pulled me in to this beautiful tale.

Stella by Starlight by Sharon M. Draper

I loved everything about Stella – her courage, her determination, her devotion to family and her journey as a writer. A book about some hard and ugly things (racism and prejudice) with lots of beautiful people to bring us hope.

The Honest Truth by Dan Gemeinhart

Whoa. A start and don’t put down until done book. Dog as hero. Boy with the weight of the world. Honest truths are the hardest because we don’t often tell them. Beautifully told. Absolutely gripping.

The War That Saved my Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

I love historical fiction when it is really well done – when the story is enhanced by a time and a setting that literally transports you. In this book, well done is left in the dust. This is excellent writing, an incredible story rich with complex characters living in challenging circumstances. This novel twists from the ugly cruelty of abuse to the powerful healing of connection. It offers up hope and courage mixed with lots of pain. One of the best novels I have read in some time.

Updates on my 2015 Reading Goals:

2015 Chapter Book Challenge: 70/80 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 447/415 books read COMPLETE!

#MustReadin2015: 18/24 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 78/100 titles

Diverse Books in 2015: 50/50 books read COMPLETE!

This is the final #IMWAYR posts of 2015. Happy New Year and Happy Reading to this wonderfully generous community of book lovers. Like many of you, I will miss the participation of the passionate reader, educator and blogger Debbie Alvarez (Styling Librarian) who passed away last week after a three year battle with cancer. Debbie was one of the first bloggers to welcome me when I dove into sharing my reading life in the blogging world. I learned much by sharing with her and I will miss our book conversations.

Favourites of 2015

Posted on December 27, 2015 by carriegelson

Oh, this list. 15 of my favourite fiction titles. I started putting this together in early December and have changed it numerous times. Reading new books shifted things. Revisiting favourites and loving them even more shifted things. I was switching books on and off until moments before I hit publish.

The 15 books that made the final cut? They spoke to my heart. Sometimes happy. Sometimes hopeful. Sometimes with sorrow. But they all spoke deeply.

15 books and no more than 15 words of raving. This was my challenge last year with my Favourites of 2014 (14 books, 14 words) In 2013, it was Favourites of 2013 (13 books, 13 words) and in 2012 (12 books, 12 words) with my 2012 Favourites. Each year, I get one more book and one more word to play with!

These picture books are both beautiful and in need of many rereads. I love each of them more each time I read them and read to children? Well . . . they certainly do their picture book magic thing.

Lenny & Lucy written by Philip C. Stead and illustrated by Erin E. Stead

Moody. Measured. Heavy but secure. Vulnerable but playful. Oh, this book.

My Pen by Christopher Myers

Celebrating the creativity on the page and endless possibility.

The Skunk written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Patrick McDonnell

Quirky. Charming. This title sings to my philosophical heart.

The Little Gardener by Emily Hughes

Lush and moody. Sweet and hopeful. Every shade of green gorgeous.

Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña and illustrated by Christian Robinson

A wise nana. A regular bus ride. The importance of neighbourhood and noticing.

The Bear Report by Thyra Heder

Beautiful, playful and imaginative illustrations. Olafur is a transformative Arctic tour guide.

Boats for Papa by Jessixa Bagley

Missing and connecting. Believing and making it so. Lots of love here.

Special Delivery written by Phllip C. Stead and illustrated by Matthew Cordell

A big heart. A big elephant. A big journey. Large doses of joy.

This is Sadie written by Sara O’Leary and illustrated by Julie Morstad

Sadie is enchanting. She embraces life – both the real and the imagined parts with gusto.

These six titles are my most favourite of many truly fantastic titles I read this year. Something about the characters in these books made them unforgettable.

Wish Girl by Nikki Loftin

The magic suggested in the story floats off the page and whispers quietly, “Immerse yourself.”

Listen, Slowly by Thanhhà Lai

The pull of home, the strength of family, the importance of culture: all rich & complex.

Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt

Family is about who is in your corner. Beautiful. Hopeful. Heartbreaking.

The War That Saved my Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

This novel twists from the ugly cruelty of abuse to the powerful healing of connection.

The Honest Truth by Dan Gemeinhart

Dog as hero. Boy with the weight of the world. Honest truths are the hardest.

The Boy in the Black Suit by Jason Reynolds

So much grief and challenge but the humanity shines bright.

Please share your own favourites of the year . . .

Wishing everyone a 2016 full of new favourites and lots of reading!

Best of my book lists (2015)

Posted on December 23, 2015 by carriegelson

Tis the season to make best of the year lists. I am narrowing my choices to do just that. But in the interim, I thought I would highlight ten favourite book lists I made this year. Sometimes, I think I dream in book lists! I tend to make a lot of them.

The ones I want to especially honour are here. Happy reading!

Top Ten Read Aloud Experiences (2015) Read aloud memory lane. This was an emotional list to make. Lots of happy, lots of joy, lots of connection.

Wish Best of my book lists 2015 There's a Book for That

Twenty Picture Books that Capture the Essence of Childhood: These 20 titles are all about kids and all that they are.

20 Picture Books that Capture the Essence of Childhood Best of my book lists 2015 There's a Book for That

Picture Books for New Parents: building a beautiful collection How I love to make lists that encourage families to read together.

Picture Books for New Parents Best of my book lists 2015 There's a Book for That

Ten Plus Ten equals 20 auto buy illustrators: My favourite female and male illustrators that I can never, ever, resist.

Auto -buy illustrators Best of my book lists 2015 There's a Book for That

Auto-buy Illustrators male Best of my book lists 2015 There's a Book for That

In the world of books: 25 girls who stand out: I honour these 25 girls who live beyond the pages of the books they live in.

25 girls Best of my book lists 2015 There's a Book for That

In the world of books: 25 boys who stand out: In their own way, each is brave and real. Meeting them will enrich every reader.

25 boys Best of my book lists 2015 There's a Book for That

Many of these lists I love best seem to be all about the nonfiction picture book! The final four lists on this list reflect my love of nonfiction.

Nonfiction Picture Books – grow a beginning collection: 20 incredible nonfiction titles that should be on the family bookshelf.

nonfiction picture books Grow a collection Best of my book lists 2015 There's a Book for That

Endangered Animals: Building a Read Aloud Collection: I believe passionately in sharing titles about the animals we are in danger of losing with children. Awareness is essential.

Endangered Animals Best of my book lists 2015 There's a Book for That

Nonfiction 10 for 10 2015: Change your Perspective: nonfiction titles that allow us to think about something from a completely new or different perspective.

Change your perspective Best of my book lists 2015 There's a Book for That

A Year of Nonfiction Picture Books revisited: Highlights from my 2014/2015 school year with a Grade 3/4 class.

Best of my book lists 2015 There's a Book for That

It’s the season for reading. Hope you might have found something new to read (or gift) on one of these lists.

Monday December 14th, 2015

Posted on December 13, 2015 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

I have been sharing a reading photo of the week each week. Often two. So why not three? Sometimes, the mood hits. Finally, finally, our Reading Workshop is consistently working! So I have to share!

Here are my students singing and reciting poems together at the end of Reading Workshop this week. Completely unexpected and spontaneous. A beautiful thing.

There's a Book for That

Book sharing circles are the best. 90 seconds. Two books. Pass them on. We have 3 circles at a time going on like this every Wednesday morning.

There's a Book for That Book Sharing Circles

And then we share our might be favourites.

There's a Book for That

We have continued to read #MockCaldecott titles for #classroombookaday

Mock Caldecott titles IMWAYR

On the blog:

Gift Books: 25 picture books to give this season

Gift Books 2015

Books I loved:

Bird by Beatriz Martin Vidal

This is a wordless wow and then some. Absolutely beautiful. I don’t even want to write anything to spoil the experience. This is a book to sit with and savour.

Bird

What Forest Knows written by George Ella Lyon and illustrated by August Hall

Ah. This book is meant for me. The forest is my favourite place. With lyrical language, with wanderings through season, travelling through trees, just beautiful. Captures the mysteries and the wonder of the forest.

What Forest Knows

The Goodbye Book by Todd Parr

Yes. This book. It hits everything about grief in the most true and genuine ways. Todd Parr, I am impressed.

The Goodbye Book

A Chicken Followed me Home! by Robin Page

Fantastic nonfiction title to explore the lifecycle of a chicken. Will be using in January with my class. Great for a primary classroom!

A Chicken Followed Me Home

I ~~Don’t~~ Like Snakes by Nicola Davies and illustrated by Luciano Lozano

So wonderfully clever! Numerous snake facts interspersed with the story of a little girl who wants you to know that she REALLY does not like snakes. Snakes are slithery, slimy, with eyes that hold you in a stare. Or is there more to these creatures? LOVE these illustrations by Lozano!

I Don't Like Snakes

Out of the Woods: A True Story of an Unforgettable Event by Rebecca Bond

Based on a true story, this title goes back to Ontario forests of 1914. It is a memory, a story. And what a story. How incredible to think about this experience where a fire caused humans and animals to connect in an incredibly quiet, necessary way. The illustrations here are stunning. I read this book just this weekend and placed it on my gift book list for 2015. It captures a powerful story in its 32 pages. History. Nostalgia. Amazing.

Out of the Woods

How to Read a Story by Kate Messner and illustrated by Mark Siegel

So, this is the best “how to” book ever. Enough said.

How to Read a Story

Job Wanted written by Teresa Bateman and illustrated by Chris Sheban

Absolutely charming. Persistence. Creativity. Diligence. You need to meet this dog.

Job Wanted

Winter’s Child written by Angela McAllister and illustrated by Grahame Baker Smith

This book arrived in my room via a guest reader. The children were fascinated by the fantastical storyline of Winter’s child preventing Spring from arriving because he wants to play with a human boy. Some gorgeous illustrations.

Winter's Child

The Seventh Most Important Thing by Shelley Pearsall

From the first line, I was hooked. This novel explores grief, loyalty, redemption and friendships. I loved Arthur. I loved his vulnerability, his mistakes, his raw emotions. This is a beautiful book with numerous surprises. Hope it begins to get lots of buzz. It is a book to seek out.

The Seventh Most Important Thing

Up next? My #MustReadin2015 list is calling and I have started with The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp by Kathi Appelt in the attempt to get the last eight titles read before 2016 rolls in. Stranger things have happened . . .

Updates on my 2015 Reading Goals:

2015 Chapter Book Challenge: 63/80 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 424/415 books read COMPLETE!

#MustReadin2015: 16/24 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 74/100 titles

Diverse Books in 2015: 48/50 books read

Must Read in 2015: Fall Update

Posted on September 2, 2015 by carriegelson

Summer reading is over and fall is here! How have you been doing on your #MustReadin2015 list? Progress? Ready to dive back in this fall? it’s time to share!

My #MustReadin2015 list has 24 titles on it and I have completed sixteen and have just started another title. So, slowly, but surely, making progress. I often get distracted by other books but when I do read a title from this list, I am always reminded of all of the good reasons I placed it on the list in the first place.

Here are the titles I have completed since our last update:

Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

The courage of a student, the compassion of a teacher, the celebration of spirit. Loved this little gem of a book. And a big shout out to the character of Albert – you are my kind of super hero! How wonderful that this will be a Global Read Aloud selection this fall!

The Penderwicks in Spring by Jeanne Birdsall

Reading about the Penderwicks is soothing. It’s celebratory. It is like coming home after a long trip and being absolutely charmed by the known, the ordinary, the nuances of family. I love every little detail on every page. If you too are a Penderwicks fan, then story details don’t matter, reuniting with these characters is as wonderful as you hoped it might be.

Lost in the Sun written by Lisa Graff

What a concept for a book. What is life after you accidentally kill someone? (freak accident) Now there is a big question! Somehow, this title answers it. A book about a young boy lost. Dealing with family. Making friends. Being really angry. Moving on.

Death by Toilet Paper by Donna Gephart

From the title and the cover, one would think this is a light hearted novel. There is humour but it is full of emotions. In fact, I woke up early one morning worried about the character and had to finish the book to make sure all was okay. What do you do when you are twelve, you have lost your Dad and money is an issue? This title explores this reality in creative, but always authentic and sensitive ways. Fantastic characters and family dynamics.

If you have been participating in #MustReadin2015 and written an update post, please share using the #MustReadin2015 hashtag! I know we just shared in July – so if anyone just wants to check in via twitter, that’s wonderful!

Want to know more about #MustReadin2015? Read here This post also includes links to all of the bloggers who wrote Must Read in 2015 lists.

We will share our progress on our year with these lists around about December 31st.

Happy reading everyone!

Top Ten Tuesday: Ten parent characters that made me protective

Posted on August 31, 2015 by carriegelson

It’s time for Top Ten Tuesday, a meme created by The Broke and Bookish.

This week’s topic? Ten Characters You Just Didn’t Click With

I went beyond not clicking with characters. I decided to focus on parents in MG and YA books that upset me. Yes, some had mental health issues or other things going on. But their actions or in some case, inaction, activated my Mama Bear self. I felt protective, seriously protective of their children. I looked deep into my self to make sure I was in no way the kind of parent that they were. Parenting is hard, hard work. The hardest.

In some ways, I wanted to yell at these moms and dads. In some ways I hurt for them. Life is a journey. We all make lots of mistakes. It’s just extra upsetting when our mistakes impact our children.

And to be perfectly clear, I LOVE each of these books. They are well written, must read stories. Many of them are included on my favourites lists. But these parents, oh, sigh.

Albie‘s Dad in Absolutely Almost written by Lisa Graff

“Notice him. Pay attention!” I wanted to say.

Tommy‘s mother in The Paper Cowboy written by Kristin Levine

The unpredictable rage, often directed at Tommy was so hard.

Rose‘s father in Rain Reign written by Ann M. Martin

Rose’s father own anger and pain don’t leave much room for his daughter.

Flora‘s mother in Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures written by Kate DiCamillo

Quirky and interesting? Yes. Tuned in to her daughter? No.

Astrid‘s parents in Ask the Passengers written by A.S. King

Judgemental. Oblivious. These parents made me so frustrated.

Moon‘s father in Alabama Moon by Watt Key

This father’s choices made his son too vulnerable.

Theodore Finch’s mother in All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

So much pain and this Mom (dealing with her own pain) just didn’t see it.

Gerald‘s parents in Reality Boy by A.S. King

When cameras come into the home . . .

Jaden‘s father in Eye of the Storm by Kate Messner

A talented scientist, yes. Ethical? Hmm. . . not so much

Liberty and Billie‘s Dad in Survival Stories of the Almost Brave by Jen White

Clearly, this father had his own demons and was NOT ready to parent.

Are there some parent characters in books you have read that give you that same feeling?

Monday August 31st, 2015

Posted on August 30, 2015 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

I have been sharing a reading photo of the week each week. Now that it is summer, I am not surrounded every day with little readers so . . . I am choosing moments from the year not previously shared. I love this Henry and Mudge love!

From the classroom 2014/2015 archives:

On the blog:

For Top Ten Tuesday: Titles that feature wonderful male/female friendships in MG literature

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday: A Room Full of Nonfiction A mini tour of the nonfiction in my classroom

A Celebration post about #booklove starring The Good Little Book

Sunday Reflections: Literary Nest Building 101

Books I read and loved:

A Rock Can Be . . . by Laura Purdie Salas with illustrations by Violeta Dabija

I love this nonfiction series – lovely poetry, stunning illustrations and interesting and detailed back matter. A must have for classrooms and/or libraries.

What this Story Needs is a Pig in a Wig by Emma J. Virján

Super silly. Super simple. Perfect for kids just learning to read – lots of repetition – a quality little book.

The Good Little Book written by Kyo Maclear and illustrated by Marian Arbona

I adore this book on many different levels. What a perfect book to get us thinking about heading back into classrooms! The end pages are incredible!

To the Sea by Cale Atkinson

Love the tones in this sweet little book about friendship and being noticed.

Ask Me written by Bernard Waber and illustrated by Suzy Lee

I actually hugged this book in the bookstore after I read it. A regular conversation between a father and his young daughter perfectly captures the energy and wonder of a particular time of childhood. Love this book! And the illustrations, wow!

Boats for Papa by Jessixa Bagley

Yes, Josh Funk if you are reading this, this book made me teary. A book about the every day moving on process of grieving the loss of a loved one and wrapping yourself up in the love of those still with you. Just beautiful.

Leo a Ghost Story written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Christian Robinson

Leo is a charmer. A ghost that needs to find out where he is appreciated.

Bug in a Vacuum by Mélanie Watt

So clever Ms. Watt! This is one thick picture book – full of the stages of grief (hilariously conveyed) and lots of humour. Just delightful. Can see using this with older grades and having students write about their own self-talk through the stages of grief attached to a particular event.

Blue on Blue written by Dianne White and illustrated by Beth Krommes

Rain, beautiful rain. This book celebrates the dark colours and images of a rain storm. The illustrations are incredible.

The Tea Party in the Woods by Akiko Miyakoshi

This is a wonderful title. Such creative twists on Little Red Riding Hood – crafted into quite a different tale. Love the shades and repetitive colours.

Leroy Ninker Saddles Up written by Kate DiCamillo and illustrated by Chris Van Dusen

I read this to myself and had to whisper certain lines aloud because I was certain they would be a treat to say. Yep! Wow Kate DiCamillo can write!

Survival Strategies of the Almost Brave by Jen White

An emotional middle grade novel about two sisters who need to take care of each other when their Dad leaves them at a gas station. I couldn’t put this book down.

Death by Toilet Paper by Donna Gephart

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

I read this in one sitting and if I had time, I would have started on page one and read it all over again. So beautiful. So heartfelt. So human.

Updates on my 2015 Reading Goals:

2015 Chapter Book Challenge: 50/80 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 309/415 books read

#MustReadin2015: 16/24 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 58/100 titles

Diverse Books in 2015: 33/50 books read

Up next? I am still reading and LOVING The Queen of Water by Laura Resau and then will begin Read Between the Lines by Jo Knowles

Top Ten Tuesday: Titles that feature wonderful friendships in MG literature

Posted on August 24, 2015 by carriegelson

It’s time for Top Ten Tuesday, a meme created by The Broke and Bookish.

This week’s topic? Top Ten Books That Would Be On Your Syllabus If You Taught X 101

I chose Friendships in MG Literature and focused in particular on friendships between male and female characters. Friendship dynamics are frequently explored in middle grade novels. Pre-teen and teen readers are all about looking outward, beginning to rely heavily on their peers and attempting to navigate the complexities of friendship dynamics. It’s developmental. It’s difficult. Mistakes are often made. What better way to develop a deeper understanding of friendships than in the pages of a book? I think these titles in particular feature wonderful relationships based on respect, acceptance, support and kindness. The friendships are not always perfect but these novels are perfectly suited to learning all about what it is to be a good friend.

Friendships worth reading about:

Chirp and Joey in Nest by Esther Erlich

Ivy and Paul in The Great Good Summer by Liz Garton Scanlon

Albert and Ally in Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Felicity and Jonah in A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd

Circa and Miles in Circa Now by Amber McRee Turner

Peter and Annie in Wish Girl written by Nikki Loftin

Apple and Evan in Blackbird Fly by Erin Entrada Kelly

Will and Maren in The Boundless by Kenneth Oppel

Mo and Dale in The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing by Sheila Turnage

Sophie and Matteo in Rooftoppers by Katherine Rundell

Can you think of another friendship pair that could be added to this list?

Well, I have done some more reading and I can!

Wren and Theo in Be Light Like a Bird by Monika Schröder

Azalea and Billy in Making Friends with Billy Wong by Augusta Scattergood

Making Friends with Billy Wong Top Ten Tuesday: Titles that feature wonderful friendships in MG literature There's a Book for That

Cedar and Leo in Summerlost by Ally Condie

Summerlost Top Ten Tuesday: Titles that feature wonderful friendships in MG literature There's a Book for That

Top Ten Tuesday: Ten MG and YA authors I read the most from

Posted on August 10, 2015 by carriegelson

It’s time for Top Ten Tuesday, a meme created by The Broke and Bookish.

This week’s topic? Ten Authors I’ve Read the Most Books From

I decided to stick to middle grade and young adult titles. I chose authors where I have read three or more titles and who I can’t read to read more from.

Shared alphabetically by author and featuring one of my favourite titles from each:

Kate DiCamillo How to pick a favourite DiCamillo title? I have to choose Flora and Ulysses because it was pure pleasure to read this aloud to my class. Some sentences were better than the best chocolate in my mouth. And yes, there is that Newbery medal . . . 🙂

Beth Kephart There is such a beautiful quality to Kephart‘s writing. I love many of her books but I think Going Over is my favourite.

Shannon Hale I have read many, many Shannon Hale titles but I think the book that I would read again and again is Princess Academy. It is one title that every child I pass it to absolutely loves.

A.S. King I fell fast after I read my first A.S. King title. My favourite? Everybody Sees the Ants Lucky Linderman is unforgettable.

Jo Knowles is another author that after reading one book, I went on to read every book. Which book hit me hardest? See You at Harry’s I was a weepy mess reading this beautiful book.

It will be no surprise to Barbara O’Connor that she is on this list I am sure. She is probably the author I most often recommend to be read aloud in the classroom. But I think it is this book – Greetings from Nowhere that is most often on my mind as of late. I think it is calling me to reread it.

Kenneth Oppel may be the author I have most often read aloud to my own children. But my favourite from him is one I read just on my own: Half Brother. I treasure my signed copy.

Andrew Smith seemed to write books faster than I could read them. After hearing him speak, I now know why this appeared to be the case.. I love the characters in Winger so much that this is my favourite title.

Even though I am highly addicted to the Raven Boys titles, it is The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater that I love best.

Deborah Wiles – oh this author. Again, I am choosing a title that was such a delight to read aloud: Each Little Bird that Sings Such a beautiful book full of heartbreak and hope.

Which authors have you read again and again?