September 2011 archive

September Books Read

114) Donut Days by Lara Zielin – a humorous, heart-warming look at discovering what we believe

115) Heart to Heart by Lurlene McDaniel – another hit from the “crying and dying” author that celebrates life and overcoming adversity

116) Claire de Lune by Christine Johnson – beautiful werewolf story.  I can’t wait to get my hands on Nocturne.

117) Rival by Sara Bennet Wealer – Wow!  I can’t wait to share this powerful novel about music and friendship

118) The Implosion of Aggie Winchester by Lara Zielin – another powerful novel about friendship that will be popular with my students

119) Maus II by Art Speigelman – powerful story in words and pictures

120) Sent by Margaret Peterson Haddix – an exciting installment in The Missing series, but I still want to know when & where Jonas is from

121) Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn  Childs – I love this modern take on Medusa

122) The Hate List by Jennifer Brown – oh wow.  This is an intense book, a powerful book, a needed book

123)  The Girl Who Was on Fire edited by Leah Wilson – My English major heart loved this collection of essays. Now I want to go back and read The Hunger Games again, looking for my own essay

124) Dear Bully edited by Megan Kelly Hall and Carrie Jones – a powerful witness and testimony.  I will be sharing with my classes as a read aloud.

 

Banned Books Week Virtual Read Out, Day Day 7

If you are looking for a smart, funny writer and quirky characters that worm their way inside your brain, look no further than John Green.  I loved An Abundance of Katherines and Paper Towns.  I am thankful for the students who introduced me to this writer and his books.  I haven’t yet read Looking for Alaska that this clip is from, but it’s on my TBR pile, along with Will Grayson, Will Grayson.  Also check out his YouTube channel with his brother, the Vlog Brothers. 

Where We’re From by 7th period

Here is the last video poem about Where We’re From.  This one is by 7th period.  I think you’ll agree that we’re from some place pretty special this year. Below the video is the poem I wrote using your contributions, 7th period.

Where We’re From by 7th Period

We’re from
Seymour and North Vernon,
from my house and a duplex.
We’re from
hanging with friends,
going to grandma’s for bowls and bowls of chili,
eating homemade food made off the grill.
We’re from
playing my guitar all night,
playing video games all day,
listening to rap and Disturbed
We’re from
dancing,
playing softball and volleyball,
playing football every day 24/7.
We’re from
working in the fields,
camping at Hardy,
fishing and hunting.
We’re from
shooting targets with my BB guns,
riding bikes and dirtbikes all the time,
and going to the race on Saturdays.
We’re from
different places
brought together
for one more year.

Banned Books Week Virtual Read Out, Day 6

I grew up reading books by Judy Blume from Superfudge to Deenie, from Blubber to Are You There God, It’s Me, Margaret.  I am thrilled when my students today pick up her books and can’t put them down.  If you didn’t know, her books have been some of the most frequently challenged through the years.  Here what she has to say about censorship and how it hurts children.

College Go Week: Wednesday Bell Ringers

 

3rd Period

 

  • Mr. Hardisty played baseball and Ms. Taylor played softball for what Indiana college whose mascot is the Grizzlies?

 

5th Period:

 

 

  • Ms. Rusk played basketball and softball for what Indiana school whose mascot is the greyhounds?

 

7th Period:

 

 

  • Which school did Ms. Shoultz, Ms. Klene and Mr. Earl attend?

Banned Books Week Virtual Read Out, Day 5

Many of you were disturbed that Shel Silverstein’s poetry was on my banned books shelf at the front of the room.  I agree.  I love his poems.  Here are two of my favorites:

By the way, I still had to wash the dishes, and my parents never bought me a pone.  Which are your favorite Shel Silverstein poems?

College Go Week: Tuesday Bell Ringers

Leave a comment if you know the answers!

2nd Period:

  • Which Indiana school did David Letterman, Ms. Bowman, Mrs. Eikelman and Mrs. Martin attend?

 

4th Period:

  • Which popular university in Indiana’s name, when translated from French means “our lady”?

 

6th Period:

  • Which school did Mrs. Williams play college basketball for?

Banned Books Week Virtual Readout, Day 4

Ellen Hopkins’ books are intense, powerful, and controversial.  Her stories, told in verse, confront some of the worst promblems teens can encounter and give a message of hope.  Hear what she has to say about the impact of banned books on her as a writer.

 

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