All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook by Leslie Connor

Recommended for anyone whose family may not be typical and for anyone who enjoys reading about family, hope, and truth

I do not even know where to start with this one.  Perry T. Cook has spent his entire eleven years living in a correctional facility due to his mother being a resident there.  When a mean well attorney gets word of Perry's situation, he removes Perry from the facility in order for Perry to have a "normal" life.  What he doesn't understand is that normal is not the same for everyone.  As Perry tries to return to his mother and extended family of residents in the facility, he begins to unlock secrets to his mother's incarceration.

This book is very moving and sends an important message about second chances, forgiveness, and things not always being what they seem.  What a beautiful story you tell here, Leslie Connor.

Gertie's Leap to Greatness by Kate Beasley

Recommended for students who are ready to step it up with their reading, but can still benefit from some illustrations and for students who enjoyed reading Ramona Quimby books when they were younger

I have to be honest about something--I had a difficult time beginning this book for my own personal reason:  I am terrified of frogs!  When the book opened with the sentence, "The bullfrog was only half dead, which was perfect.", I wasn't sure I could stomach it, but I am so, so happy that I stuck with it.

"Gertie Reece Foy is 100% Not-from-Concentrate AWESOME." and she attempts to show it in every way possible.  When she finds out that her mother (who is estranged from Gertie and her father) plans to remarry and move from the town where they all live, Gertie sets out on a mission to prove just how amazing she is.  The adventure that ensues is hilarious, emotional, and deeply touching.

Kate Beasley's new novel is one to be read and remembered.  It takes a lighthearted approach to real life problems that many of our students face.  As an author, she has a bright future ahead of her.

Ghost by Jason Reynolds

Recommended for students who have ever felt as if they didn't fit in for whatever reason:  lack of money, being different, family problems

As a fourth grade teacher, I have many male students who live for sports and anything related to athletics.  This book will be perfect for them.  It sends the message of doing what's right and working hard to overcome the hand that life has dealt you.

Ghost is a runner, but he has never participated in any type of organized sport.  When he shows off at a track team (of which he is not a member) practice one day, his talents are recognized by the coach. While Ghost is a talented runner, he has a lot to learn about the people and the world.  Through the support of many people, he learns to navigate his feelings and control his temper.

While I plan to recommend this book to several students, I have one student in mind who must read this book.  Ghost describes how his insides turn red whenever he loses his temper.  Last year, I had a student who often talked about the "big" coming out.  He and I worked quite diligently on learning to control his "big" and to be able to verbalize those feelings rather than act upon them.  This book is a perfect mirror for this student and for MANY other students who don't always find themselves in what they are reading.

Thank you, Jason Reynolds, for holding up a very important mirror with this book.  I can't wait to see what the rest of your Track series has in store for us.

The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

                                             

Recommended for middle grade students who enjoy reading fantasy, fairy tales, and adventure

Quotable Quotes:
"She must understand the laws of cause and effect and unintended consequences.  She must learn compassion and curiosity and awe."
"...there is no limit to what the heart can carry."
"That answer is too easy, my friend.  Look deeper."
" 'My love isn't divided,' she said, 'it's multiplied.' "

The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill is a wonderfully touching and unique read.  I was captivated from page one; however, the last fourth of the book took me to a whole different level as it mesmerized me in every way.  The theme of good vs. evil transcends the pages of this book.

The People of the Protectorate leave a sacrificial newborn for the witch who lives in the forest each year.  Little do they know that the witch is actually deeply kind and delivers the babies to families in another town.  One year, the witch makes a mistake with the baby on her way to deliver it and decides that she must raise her as her own.  The story that ensues is full of magic, love, adventure, acceptance, and truth.

I have many, many students in mind to read this book next.  When I had the cover in my "I'm currently reading..." display, my students were pleading with me to finish it because they were so drawn in by the cover.

I have never read any of Kelly Barnhill's books before, but I have now added her other books, The Witch's Boy, The Mostly True Story of Jack, and Iron Hearted Violet to my TBR stack.  If these other titles are anything like The Girl Who Drank the Moon, then I absolutely cannot wait to see what else this author has in store.

Children of Exile by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Recommended for students who enjoy science fiction/fantasy and for those who have enjoyed Margaret Peterson Haddix's previous work

I have been a fan of Haddix for several years, but, even though she may never know it, she holds a special place in my heart.  I was introduced to her work by my then fifth grade son.  He discovered one of her books from the "Shadow Children" series while browsing in the library of his school in Colorado.  After reading her books, he determined that she was his favorite author and committed to reading all of her books.  Fast forward to the next school year--our family had relocated to Texas, and my son was having a bit of trouble settling in at his new school.  One day, he excitedly brought home a flyer stating that Margaret Peterson Haddix would be visiting his school and that only a select group of students would be able to attend.  To make a long story short, my son was one of the lucky students.  On the day of her visit, he carried in his stack of 10+ books for her to autograph.  She patiently signed each and every one of his books, and thanked him for being a fan of her books.  That visit, that moment, that interaction, was the turning point for my son.  It somehow "anchored" my son to his new settings.  I will forever be grateful.

As a fourth grade teacher, Margaret Peterson Haddix's are some of the most popular books to which I introduce my students.  They are perfect for students who have enjoyed reading science fiction/fantasy but are ready to be a bit more challenged.  For example, "The Missing" series is perfect for students who enjoyed but have outgrown "The Magic Tree House" series.

Children of Exile continues the trend of being perfect for middle grade students.  It is the story of Rosi, her brother Bobo, and the other children of Fredtown who have been raised in a very peaceful environment by the Freds.  It is announced that the children are being sent back to their real parents even though they had always been told it was too dangerous for them to be with their real parents.  As the oldest child , Rosi takes on the responsibility of caring for the younger children.  All is definitely not what it seems, however, as Rosi and her once enemy Edwy soon discover.  Who are the Freds? Why were the children taken away from their real parents?  Why are they now being returned? Finally, the most important question, when will the sequel to this book be released so I can get more answers???

Ms. Bixby's Last Day by John David Anderson

Quotable Quotes (and there are so very many):

"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment."
"Remember me and smile, for it's better to forget than to remember me and cry."
"The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever to be able to do it."
"I see her standing over me, both hands on my shoulders, telling me that sometimes you're beat before you even get started, but it doesn't matter.  You keep going.  No matter what." (Just typing this one makes me cry!)
"My best friend for all the years that matter."
"It's funny how, as kids, we get these ideas in our head about what's possible and what's not.  One day we're invincible and the next day we are afraid of what's in the closet."
"...because your troubles are like your shadow:  you can't always see them, but you can't run from them either."

Recommended for every middle grade student, every teacher, everyone who has ever had a teacher to which they felt a special connection

I don't even know where to start with this one.  Author John David Anderson has successfully created a laugh out loud, emotional roller coaster of an adventure, and I am so thankful that I was able to experience the ride.

When Ms. Bixby announces to her class that she is unable to finish the school year due to being sick, her students make plans for a going away party for her.  Due to the severity of her illness, Ms. Bixby is unable to attend school on the day of the party, so best friends Topher, Brand, and Steve commit to giving Ms. Bixby the going away party she deserves--no matter what it takes.  The adventure that ensues is quite treacherous, and the reader can't help but wonder if the boys will be successful or abandon their plan.

I read and strongly connect with many books; however, I really am not one who cries while reading. With that being said, I challenge anyone to finish Ms. Bixby's Last Day without shedding a tear--I literally found myself sobbing!

Thank you, John David Anderson, for writing such a beautiful well told story.  As a teacher, if I have been a Ms. Bixby to even one student, then I can call my career a success.

Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk

Quotable Quotes:  If my life was to be just a single note in an endless symphony, how could I not sound it out for as long and as loudly as I could?

The year I turned twelve, I learned that what I said and what I did mattered.

Recommended for more mature middle grade and older students who can handle a somewhat heavy read and/or enjoy making a profoundly emotional connection to what they are reading.

Wolf Hollow is the story of Annabelle, a twelve year old girl living in a small town in Pennsylvania. Annabelle's world is forever changed when Betty Glengarry arrives in the town.  Betty is a bully through and through and quickly targets Annabelle.  Betty's bullying eventually transfers to Toby, a World War I veteran in the town who is misunderstood and incorrectly labeled by many in the town. Annabelle, who knows Toby as nothing but a kind soul, makes it her mission to protect Toby.  What transpires in this story will take the reader on an emotional roller coaster, but it will be well worth the ride.

It has been my experience that many fourth and fifth grade girls feel a strong connection to the dramatic and, therefore, long for an emotional connection.  This story will definitely meet those needs.

After finishing Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk, I did a little research into the book.  I was not at all surprised to discover that this book was originally written as a book for adults.  This marks Lauren Wolk's first book for young readers.  With many reviewers comparing it to To Kill a Mockingbird, I am thinking it won't be her last.

The Wild Robot by Peter Brown

Recommended for students who are interested in technology (especially robots) and nature.  Also recommended for students who are ready for longer chapter books, but may be overwhelmed by the idea--the short chapters make it seem like a more friendly read.

As I was reading this story, I kept thinking of The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein.  This connection may seem far off, but Roz very much put me in the mind of the tree.  

The Wild Robot by Peter Brown is unlike any book I've ever read.  It is the story of a robot who washes up on an island that is filled with animals.  The robot, Roz, has to learn how to survive the elements and relate to the animals.  It is a fast paced book that is both funny and touching.

I have decided to share this story with my fourth graders as my first read aloud of the school year.  It truly has something for everyone.  I know that each of my students will find something to love about this story, just as I did.

nine, ten: A SEPTEMBER 11 STORY by Nora Raleigh Baskin

"Some people will say that the distance a person happened to be from where one of the planes went down is in direct proportion to how deeply they were affected by the events of a day that came to be called simply 9/11."--Nora Raleigh Baskin

Recommended for students who are interested in current events, world events, and understanding different cultures.

When I was growing up, my mother told me that people of her generation would always remember where they were the moment they heard the news of the assassination of John F. Kennedy.  I don't know if it's because the world seems much smaller these days or because we hear of news so much more quickly and extensively, but I have many such moments:  the death of Elvis Presley, the shooting of Ronald Reagan, the Challenger disaster, the death of Princess Diana, the death of Michael Jackson, and the events of September 11.  

On September 11, I remember watching live footage of the events while holding my then eight month old twin boys.  I remember being so scared of a world where this could happen, of wondering what this would mean for the United States.  The world did indeed change on that day.

While my students were not yet born when 9/11 occurred, they all are somewhat familiar with the events and curious about what happened.  They want to know specific details and to know that they are safe.

nine, ten: A SEPTEMBER 11 STORY follows four young people in different parts of the United States in the days leading up to 9/11.  We get to know these four characters and what they are dealing with in their lives.  This personal familiarity with the characters allows the reader to make a very emotional connection to the events of 9/11.

I am very pleased to add nine, ten: A SEPTEMBER 11 STORY to my classroom library this year.  It adds a humanity to the events of that day that most students will not have seen.  I appreciate the fact that none of the characters in the story directly lost anyone--this allows a more global insight into the effects of that day.  This is a story that is very well told.

Making Friends with Billy Wong by Augusta Scattergood

I received an ARC of this book from Scholastic Books.  The release date is August 30, 2016.

Recommended for fans of historical fiction, those who enjoy reading about the relationships of family and friends, and anyone who is struggling with being bullied.

Quotable Quotes:  "You never know what people are going through, Azalea.  Most people don't want to let on when they need help."  "Turn the other cheek.  But if I turn the other cheek.  I may not turn around again."  "But truly, if I've learned a single thing this summer, it's that even if you mostly love drawing flowers in your sketchbook, you can be friends with the boy who's class president."

Making Friends with Billy Wong by Augusta Scattergood tells the story of Azalea who is sent to stay with her estranged grandmother after her grandmother suffers an injury.  During her stay with her grandmother, Azalea begrudgingly befriends Billy, a Chinese boy, who is staying with his aunt and uncle to attend school.  Azalea experiences new, troubled, and mended relationships during her summer.

This book will be of interest to many of my fourth graders due to the segregation aspect.  During the school year, I have many students who become interested and research this part of our history.  Making Friends with Billy Wong sheds light on the treatment of Chinese immigrants during this time--something of which many people may not be aware.

The story is told in the alternating voices of Azalea and Billy.  Azalea's story is written in narrative form, whereas Billy's story is written in verse.  This unique style lends to the quality of the story and helps to develop the characters.

Be sure to read the Author's Note at the end of the book for more information.

Hour of the Bees by Lindsay Eagar

Recommended for those who enjoy reading about family and nature; those who love magic realism.  I am also going to keep this in mind for students who are dealing with illness and/or loss in their family.

Quotable Quotes:  "You must find a measuring stick that means something, chiquita."  "No matter how far away you are when you bloom, you are always tied to your roots."  "Things are only impossible if you stop to think about them..."

Hour of the Bees by Lindsay Eagar follows Carol as her family prepares to move her grandfather (against his will) from his ranch in New Mexico to a home for people with dementia.  Carol really doesn't know her grandfather or what has come to pass between him and her own father.  As Carol gets to know her grandfather, we also learn about the history of the family and the ranch--and what a history it is!

Connections:  This book made me think of Echo by Pam Munoz Ryan due to its use of magic realism (which may now be my favorite type of read).  I also made a strong personal connection with this story.  When I was around Carol's age, my grandfather suffered from dementia for quite a few years. I remember my confusion as he would call me by the names of my older cousins and aunts.  It was an especially sad and difficult time for my family.

I absolutely adore this story--even if I did have to read much of it through my tears.  I can't believe that this is a debut novel.  I can't wait to see what Lindsay Eagar does next!

Paper Wishes by Lois Sepahban

                                                     


Recommended for students interested in historical fiction, different cultures, World War II, and relationships.

To me, this book strongly connected with Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, an adult novel by Jamie Ford, that I had the pleasure of reading several years ago.  Like the previously mentioned title, Paper Wishes sheds light on the Japanese internment camps of World War II.  The story follows Manami and her family as they deal with being uprooted from their lives and homes and the struggles that they endure.

I know that many of my fourth graders will be interested in this book.  Fourth grade is the first time students actually delve into history.  Before fourth grade, there is more of a focus on social studies (communities, government, bigger topics).  As we delve into Texas History each year, students fall in love with history and want more information.  From the Great Depression to the Dust Bowl to World Wars, they are intrigued.  I am excited to be able to share this book with students as it will serve as a window into another time and place.  I love when a topic in history can be studied from a more humanized aspect--more than just facts on the page, but the true heart of the topic with characters, emotions, and feelings.

This book marks Lois Sepahban's debut as a fiction writer.  I hope it is the first of many.

Reading Relationships (and Harry Potter)

                                    

It is not something that I have readily admitted to in the past, but I have never actually read all of the books in the Harry Potter series.  I read the first three as they were published.  I always planned to finish the series, but I just never did--until this summer.  Thanks to a student, to whom I will refer to as N, I am now beginning the seventh book in the series.

A few months ago, N and I were discussing books.  He began questioning me about Harry Potter. After multiple questions, I admitted to him that I had only ever read the first three books. "WHAT?!?! But you read all the time! You read everything!  You're a reader!!!" N responded quite frantically. Our discussion finally ended with me promising to read the series this summer.  At the end of the school year, I packed up my 40+ books from my classroom library AND my Scholastic boxed set of Harry Potter.

Since it had been several years since I read any of the books, I started from the beginning.  I remembered more than I thought I would and felt that I was revisiting an old friend.  As I continued reading, I began emailing N, who was traveling with his family throughout India for the summer. These emails have led to many "conferences" in which the teacher definitely became the student.

N:  "Who is your favorite character?  Why?  What predictions are you making?  Why do you think _______ did/said _______?"  And my personal favorite:  "I am so proud of you, Mrs. Earp.  This is not an easy read, but I knew you could handle it."

This has turned into one of my favorite reading experiences of all time for many reasons.  N was modeling the relationship that he and I have as teacher/student and as fellow readers--this warms my heart.  More than that, however, is the validation of the importance of our reading relationships--they allow us to connect on a different level; they put us on an even playing field; they give us a shared insight.

As I begin book seven, I would just like to say, "Thank you, N," for encouraging me and supporting me.  You are a great reading teacher!

A Handful of Stars by Cynthia Lord

Recommended for students who are dealing with loss, relocation, changing friendships,
Recommended for students who are interested in dogs, gardening, and beekeeping.

Connections to Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan, Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan, and Amelia's Road by Linda Jacobs Altman.

A Handful of Stars tells the story of Lily (aka Tigerlily) who lives with her grandparents above their store in Maine.  Lily's relationship with her best friend, Hannah, is at a crossroads, and Lily meets a new friend in kindred spirit, Salma, the daughter of migrant workers.  While trying to traverse these two relationships, Lily is also dealing with her dog's health problems.

As I was reading this book, Salma reminded me so much of Amelia from Amelia's Road.  Both girls' families are migrant workers, and they both want so deperately to have a home and to feel that they belong somewhere.

I have read many novels that revolve around the lives of migrant workers; however, this one was a bit different due to the locale.  Most books that I have read take place in either California or Florida.  A Handful of Stars takes place in Maine during blueberry season.  I found the information about farming blueberries very interesting.

On a side note, since I have a huge interest in beekeeping, I was fascinated by the Mason bees that were mentioned in this book. I will be researching them more in the future.

Beetle Boy by M.G. Leonard

Recommended for science enthusiasts, fans of mystery/adventure, readers looking for something different

I wasn't exactly sure what to expect when I picked up Beetle Boy by M.G. Leonard; however, I have been so impressed by the publications coming out of Chicken House Books and the discoveries of Barry Cunningham, that I knew it would be something special.  Let me just say that it did not disappoint.

Beetle Boy is the story of three unlikely friends who come together to solve the mystery of a missing father.  With the help of a group of industrious coleopteran (love when even I learn a new word), the three friends experience a wonderful adventure involving kidnappings, long hidden secrets, and a few dung beetles.

This is a story that I will wholeheartedly be recommending to my fourth graders during the upcoming school year.

P.S. What is even more exciting about this story is the fact that it is the first in a trilogy of books!  Can't wait for the next installment!

Lily & Dunkin by Donna Gephart

Recommended for every single person in the world

Connections to A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd (due to a friendship that occurred when it was most needed).  A quote from A Snicker of Magic that kept coming to me while reading Lily & Dunkin was "I think that's one of the best feelings in the world, when you know your name is safe in another person's mouth" (that's all Lily wanted--to know her name was safe in the mouth of others).

This book...it is as important to our times as any book ever written.  It tells the story of Lily, a transgender eighth grader, and her friendship with a new student named Dunkin who has bipolar disorder.  The story is told through each of their voices as they deal with bullying, loss, and heartache.

As a fourth grade teacher, I will not be adding this to my classroom library; however, I have written an inscription inside the front cover and "return to" information in case it ever comes to a dead end.  I am sending this out into the world to educate as many people as it can.  It needs to be read.  It needs to be heard.  It needs to be known.

Thank you, Donna Gephart, for your bravery and your compassion.

To Blog or Not to Blog...That Is the Question

I have always, always been an avid reader.  As a teacher, my main focus and passion is to create a love of reading--especially in those students who have never gotten lost in a book, never realized the power of words, never seen themselves as readers.  I take this very seriously, and I consider myself to be quite effective at it.

Every time I finish a book, I feel the need to tell everyone about it--to share my own connections and takeaways.  I carry books around with me to share quotes with anyone who cares to listen (and sometimes those who do not care to listen).  It is who I am and who I have always been.

I consider myself to be technologically challenged; however, I am going to attempt this whole blog thing to share my adventures as a reader.

Whew!  That wasn't so bad!

Thank you for reading!