As my final post in this year's March challenge the following titles give you glimpses into many moments of my days throughout the month. Below are the books I read this month, which I always post on the final Monday of the month.
“It’s Monday! What are you Reading?” is hosted by Sheila at Book Journey. It is a chance for book lovers to share their reading accomplishments as well as what is on the proverbial nightstand. She even does a giveaway. Subsequently Jen and Kellee at Teach Mentor Texts added an opportunity for those reading kidlit to join the fun. Since I read both I will post to both. Check them out, join the conversations, and discover more great books.
Books marked with an '*' I would put in my classroom library.
(Books marked with a '#' would be in an middle or high school library.)
Jumping Off Swings by Jo Knowles #
An honest look at high school life, which is not always pretty.
The Orchardist by Amanda Coplin
This book was recommended to me by my mother-in-law. The setting is her neck of the woods. I enjoyed the premise and overall storyline, but it was too drawn out for me and a bit of a chore to get through.
Orange Is The New Black: My Year In A Women's Prison
by Piper Kerman #
This was recommended by Kristen Howerton of Rage Against The Minivan fame. (I happen to have a one degree of separation to her, but that is neither here nor there.) I was riveted from beginning to end.
The People of Sparks by Jeanne DuPrau
This is the second book in the series. At the close of City of Ember I was curious what would happen next, but that curiosity has been quenched and I won't read the third book.
Fracture by Megan Miranda #
An intriguing YA novel with a near death experience and a best friend/boy next door thang going on.
The Ocean At The End Of The Lane by Neil Gaiman
Interesting in its uniqueness, but nothing I am going to say you need to read.
The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman *
Themes of power and friendship with strong examples of character development. (I sound like a teacher, don't I?)
Radio Fifth Grade by Gordon Korman
This book did nothing for me, nor the students I know who read it. I like lots of things Gordon Korman has written, but this one I will leave for someone else' shelf.
The Conch Bearer by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni *
I am not sure what to say. I want to read more by Divakaruni. I enjoy her writing and find her style to be fresh and enjoyable. (In fact, looking her up I found I have read another one of her books, One Amazing Thing, which I liked as well.)
Where The Streets Had A Name by Randa Abdel-Fattah *
One of my students had this book from the library and I requested to read it after her. It takes places in locales I have spent time in. I found it to read true to those I know who live in the occupied West Bank. It is appropriate for my fifth graders and an accessible way to new understandings.
