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!