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