September 2016 archive
It’s Monday! What are you reading? Is a meme started by Sheila at Book Journey and now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date. Kellee and Rikki at Unleashing Readers and Jen at Teach Mentor Texts gave the meme a kidlit twist. It’s a great way to reflect on what you’ve read and reviewed the last week and plan what you want to read next. Join up with us and discover what good books other people are reading.
We are finally getting some cooler fall weather to enjoy! For some reason, I thought I would have a lot of extra time once my daughter left for college, but I can’t seem to find it. We are staying as busy as ever with work and fun.
Blog posts this week…
I finished…
Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom – What an inspiring story. It begins with a request from Albom’s rabbi: Would Mitch write the rabbi’s eulogy? As Albom gets to know his rabbi as more than the Man of God, he also encounters another Man of God–Henry Covington, the pastor of I Am My Brother’s Keeper church and homeless ministry in Detroit. The two men could not have had more different life stories, but both share a passionate love for God that spills over into love for neighbor and community. I know I have much to think about with my own faith after reading this one. I can’t wait to discuss it with my Bible study group and hear what they think, too.
The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth – Wow. I was blown away by this story. Cameron is a character who will stay with me for a long time. Her voice is at times snarky, at times vulnerable, at times hysterically funny, always courageous and honest. While Cameron’s story is at times heartbreaking (the death of her family, her time at school that is supposed to “cure” her of being gay), it is most of all hopeful and beautifully written. This is an important book, one that students–whether gay or not–need to have access to read.
Sweet Legacy by Tera Lynn Childs – I thoroughly enjoyed the conclusion to this trilogy of mythology and monsters. The triplets and descendants of Medusa–Gretchen, Grace, and Greer–are about to fulfill the prophecy that is their destiny. But just when they think they have things figured out, things get much more complicated. Not all monsters are bad. They boys who have come to help them are hiding secrets of their own. Not to mention, at least two sides of gods and monsters want to kill them. All they have to do is rescue the Gorgons, fight off the Olympians and open the door. Then they can take up their legacy of guarding the way between the realms and keeping balance.
I’m currently reading…
Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman – Who knew the end of the world could be such a rollicking good time? I should have known that is what would happen when these two guys (who wrote the book together before they were literary gods themselves) join forces. I’ve just started, but I’m already snorting at the footnotes (I love funny footnotes) and becoming a fan of Crowly (originally known as Crawly–the snake who tempted Eve with the apple).
Coming up…
I need to remember to renew the library books I still have checked out in order to avoid those pesky fines. I still have two of the books I checked out last time to finish reading. I’m also looking forward to my mom’s visit starting Wednesday, and going to visit my daughter at college next weekend.
What have you been reading this week?
Disclosure: I participate in the Amazon Associates Program. If you decide to make a purchase by clicking on the affiliate links, including in the linked picture above. Amazon will pay me a commission. This commission doesn’t cost you any extra. All opinions are my own.
What happens when a wild, magical idea escapes into Discworld? Well, if you are Terry Pratchett, you write a funny send up of Hollywood known as Moving Pictures (Penguin Books, 1990).
For years, Holy Wood remained deserted. Now that that wild idea has escaped, people are headed toward Holy Wood for various known and unknown reasons. The alchemists came to escape the watchful eye of the wizards–and to put demons to work drawing pictures on octocellulose (highly explosive and highly captivating when shown as moving pictures). Ginger, the beautiful milkmaid, is determined to be the biggest and best she can be, whatever that means. She’s sure it doesn’t involve milking cows. Victor finally puts aside his status as an eternal student (who always fails by just a little, but probably knows more than the rest of the wizards at Unseen University. He’s not too sure about this whole moving pictures business, but finds himself a reluctant leading man.
Gaspode, the talking dog, shows up. Even though he is outshone by Laddie (a beautiful, loyal, dumb, golden dog) at every turn, Gaspode knows how to make a deal and take his 10 percent. Dibbler, the sausage seller, learns to sell movie magic as he turns into a movie mogul. Even the trolls show up to play their part–and maybe find a little romance if the rules would just stay the same.
Wherever they are coming from–and wherever they might be leading–the ideas keep flowing until the best movie of all time is made. The only question that remains is will anyone survive long enough to figure out what is really going on?
Once again, Pratchett skewers modern society, this time focused on its fascination with all things celebrity and movie. I’m not a huge movie buff, but even I enjoyed the movie references that I caught. I’m sure someone who watches more movies would laugh even more.
Disclosure: I participate in the Amazon Associates Program. If you decide to make a purchase by clicking on the affiliate links, including in the linked picture above. Amazon will pay me a commission. This commission doesn’t cost you any extra. All opinions are my own.
Even though I have read many glowing reviews of Nine, Ten (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2016), I was reluctant to start it. I was reluctant to revisit the events of September 11 even through the pages of a story. I am glad I did, though. Nora Raleigh Baskin has crafted a story that offers an introduction to this historical even that marks my life to readers who were not yet born when it occurred.
Baskin introduces us to four young people who don’t know each other. They live throughout the country, but their lives are about to intersect as one event impacts them all.
- Sergio, a brilliant math student, lives with his grandmother and harbors a lingering anger at his father who only shows up when he wants something. His last appearance is too much for Sergio, who plays hooky from school the day before and meets Gideon, a New York firefighter. As he watches the towers smoke and then fall, Sergio worries about his new friend
- Aimee struggles to fit in at her new school in California while missing her mom who now frequently travels with her new job. This time her mom is in New York City for a meeting at the World Trade Center. A call from Aimee keeps her from making her meeting on time.
- Naheed was born in Columbus, Ohio, and has lived there all her life, but she feels like she sticks out ever since she began wearing her hijab. Trying to deflect attention off herself, she makes a classmate the target of student taunts. She knows that the right thing to do is to offer friendship to the awkward girl, but catastrophic news gets in the way.
- Will still grieves the death of his father, killed in an accident along the side of the road over a year ago. He’s also not sure what to do with his changing feelings for Claire, a girl he has grown up with in the small town of Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Now all of a sudden, he realizes that she is a girl.
Even though none of these four children lose someone close to them in the September 11 attacks, their lives will never be the same. By focusing on just the day before and day of the attacks, Baskin shows children today how this even impacted everyone. The ending, a glimpse of the memorial service one year later, once again brings the four children together in a chance encounter and reminds us that we each have the choice to make. Will we let this tragedy bring us together or drive us apart?
Disclosure: I participate in the Amazon Associates Program. If you decide to make a purchase by clicking on the affiliate links, including in the linked picture above. Amazon will pay me a commission. This commission doesn’t cost you any extra. All opinions are my own.
It’s Monday! What are you reading? Is a meme started by Sheila at Book Journey and now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date. Kellee and Rikki at Unleashing Readers and Jen at Teach Mentor Texts gave the meme a kidlit twist. It’s a great way to reflect on what you’ve read and reviewed the last week and plan what you want to read next. Join up with us and discover what good books other people are reading.
Blog posts this week…
I finished…
Moving Pictures by Terry Pratchett – Holy Wood has finally been forgotten long enough for it to release a dangerous idea–more than one, in fact. Soon, people from all over Discworld are streaming to Holy Wood, full of ideas they didn’t know they had and eager to take part in this new magic (but not magic like the wizards do), but none of them realize the danger that is close at hand. This is a great read for movie buffs. I’m not up on that many movies (new or old), but I caught quite a few allusions that made me laugh as Pratchett bends and twists them into brilliant humor.
Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story by Nora Raleigh Baskin – I finally got up the nerve to read my first 9-11 story. I’m glad I did. Baskin weaves together the stories of four teenagers across the country, focusing on the day before and the day of the attacks. Each one has different concerns that are affected differently by the events of 9-11. Their stories also interconnect in surprising ways. As I read, I kept comparing the events of the story to my experiences of that day. Even though there are obvious differences (for starters, I was an adult), much of it rang true, especially the emotional responses. This novel is an excellent introduction to 9-11 for middle grade students, all of whom now were born after the fact.
Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None adapted by Samuel French – Since I have a role in the upcoming production of our local theater group’s performance of this play, I figured I should read the rest of the script. (My role is to wear black and move props on and off the stage. I’ve also been reading parts for absent cast members during practice.) This is probable one of my favorite of Christie’s mysteries. In addition to revisiting it, I’m enjoying the process of seeing it come to life on the stage.
Surf’s Up by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Daniel Miyares – I bought this for a birthday present for the son of friends. The author’s name is what first caught my eye (I loved Booked!), but I loved the story and illustrations once I read it. Two friends are ready for the beach: one wants to surf, the other read. Before you know it, the reader has convinced his friend that the book is exciting, and they switch roles. Even though I’m not a fan of Moby Dick, I laughed at the references to it throughout the story. I loved the message that this book sends (one I tried every year to convince my students of): it is possible to enjoy reading and also enjoy other activities. You can do both!
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by JK Rowling and more – Can I just say that I love that my daughter is growing up and now buys books that she brings home to share with me? I didn’t quite finish it before she left to go back to school, but now that I have, I can’t wait to discuss it with her. I like the story, but I do wish it had been a novel rather than a script. That’s just because I prefer the novel format–and I wanted to know more. I would love to see the stage production. Since I don’t have immediate plans to go to London, I can hope it one day goes on tour through the Midwest.
It’s the Little Things by Lena Williams – I found this in our church library. I’m pretty sure it is my copy that I donated a while back. I wanted to reread it in light of all the protests along racial lines that have been in the news. Williams write with insight about those little things–the daily interactions that may be done without thought or malice–that get under the skin. Much of it arises from the misunderstanding that comes with people in different racial groups simply don’t know each other–and may be afraid to speak up for fear of being misunderstood. I am thankful for the opportunity to read and listen and to try to understand a perspective different from my own.
I’m currently reading…
Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom – This is our latest selection for my Bible Study. I am fascinated by the stories of two–no, three–men that weave together in this account of faith. First, we meet the Reb, the rabbi of the congregation where Albom grew up. His request for Albom to give his eulogy begins the story. Next is Henry Covington, who grew up in a rough family and came to faith through a roundabout path. Finally, there is Albom himself, who is searching for what faith means for him. It’s hard not to read straight through to the end, but I’m trying to pace myself.
Coming up…
I have another stack from the library! Check out the title below.
What have you been reading this week?
Disclosure: I participate in the Amazon Associates Program. If you decide to make a purchase by clicking on the affiliate links, including in the linked picture above. Amazon will pay me a commission. This commission doesn’t cost you any extra. All opinions are my own.
I have loved every book I’ve ever read by Sharon Draper, and Stella by Starlight (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2015) is no exception. In fact, Stella may be my all time favorite character that Draper has created.
Even though Stella loves stories, she struggles to put her ideas into words on paper. So she stays up late at night to practice under the light of the moon and stars. One night while she is out late, she and her little brother witness the Ku Klux Klan burning a cross across the pond in the woods. Stella is almost convinced that she recognizes one of the horses (and its rider) from around town, but it is dangerous to give voice to what she saw.
Growing up in the little town of Bumblebee, North Carolina, Stella lives in a segregated world in the 1930s. The rise of Klan activity threatens to stir up more trouble in her town, but not everyone is of one mind. There are acts of hatred that Stella must find the courage to confront–the home of a friend and neighbor is burned by the Klan, a doctor refuses to help a woman–Stella’s mom–bitten by a snake, white men beat a black boy for no reason.
But there are also acts of courage and hope. Stella rides to town with her father and a few other men to witness them register to vote. Stella finds a scared child hiding from the fire. Stella keeps practicing her writing and learns that she can find power in her words. Finally, Stella has the opportunity to save the life of someone she has every right to resent.
My only disappointment with the story is with that last scene by the pond. After rescuing a white girl from drowning in the pond, Stella learns some surprising truths about the girl’s life. It’s not as easy as it looks from the outside. Even though questions are raised, they are not resolved. Stella offers to take the girl home and ask her parents what to do, but we don’t get to see that conversation. I wanted to hear what her parents would say.
Woven throughout the story are samples of Stella’s writing as she struggles to capture her thoughts in words. Those selections are among my favorite throughout the pages.
Disclosure: I participate in the Amazon Associates Program. If you decide to make a purchase by clicking on the affiliate links, including in the linked picture above. Amazon will pay me a commission. This commission doesn’t cost you any extra. All opinions are my own.
I’m still trying to wrap my brain around the fact that books set in the 1970’s–my childhood–are considered historical fiction. Am I really that old? Even though I did grow up during the 70’s, I still learned about history from reading It Ain’t So Awful, Falafel (Clarion Books 2016) by Firoozeh Dumas. I don’t remember the gas lines from the shortages. I vaguely remember seeing the count of days the hostages had been held in Iran and remember the joy at their release. I certainly didn’t know any of the history of Iran that led to the revolution and overthrow of the Shah. Even though this novel is set amidst serious history that raises serious issues still today, Dumas has written a story filled with warmth and humor.
There are so many things I love about this book. Here are just a few:
- Zomorod–known as Cindy in her new school–is a narrator with a strong and distinctive voice. She loves and worries about her family even as she is embarrassed by them, especially their struggles with the English language and American customs. She wants desperately to fit in at her new school in Newport, California, and cringes at the ever worsening news from Iran which puts her even more in the spotlight. Her teachers want her to give special reports on Iran since she must be an expert, but she wants nothing to do with it. She does, though, want to protect her parents from the hatred that some in the neighborhood direct towards them.
- Carolyn, Howie, Chris – Zomorod/Cindy’s friends are the best. These girls are smart, funny and determined. They are all part of the same Girl Scout troop and work together to earn badges and go camping. (Yes, I was a Girl Scout, too.) Even when Zomorod pushes them away, they remain steadfast friends. They even take on the role of detectives to see who has been leaving threatening messages and dead rodents on Zomorod’s door.
- The bullies are more than just a one-dimensional character. There are two people who torment Zomorod, but both are revealed to have more going on. The original Cindy is Zomorod’s first friend, but as soon as they start middle school, Cindy turns on Zomorod in order to enhance her own social standing. Brock appears to be your typical dumb jock who throws food at her in the cafeteria, but Zomorod learns that he is much smarter than he lets own. In fact, Brock comes to play an important role in stopping the hatred that some in the condo association show.
- Strong families are the norm. this is not one of those books where the parents are absent or horrible. Not all the families are perfect, but they hang together through it all. Zomorod’s mother has never gotten over her homesickness for Iran (and the family she left behind), but wants what is best for Zomorod. Cindy’s parents welcome Zomorod and reach out to her family to make them feel a part of their new country. Even Brock’s dad shows that untypical families can be strong, too.
Even though this story takes place in the 1970’s, it relates to today. We are still dealing with some of the same issues. Our history with Iran certainly plays out today. So does the mistrust some feel about immigrants who might look and speak differently. This is one of my favorite books from 2016. I hope it has a wide audience and wins many fans.
Disclosure: I participate in the Amazon Associates Program. If you decide to make a purchase by clicking on the affiliate links, including in the linked picture above. Amazon will pay me a commission. This commission doesn’t cost you any extra. All opinions are my own.
