“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.)
Seeing the Blue Between: Advice and inspiration for young poets Compiled by Paul B. Janeckzo *
Many of the entries I read aloud to my class as I think the collection contains a variety of types of inspiration, something for all types of writers.
Escape From Camp 14 by Blaine Harden #
I had NO idea that this was happening on our planet. One point that is made, early on, is that there is a difference between this story and those who have been in other types of labor camps since there are generations that have been BORN in the camps. They know nothing else and therefore the sociology is quite different.
I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore *
This is the first in a series. I don't have a need to read the rest, but could see my students wanting to. There is plenty of action to keep reluctant readers interested.
The White Darkness by Geraldine McCaughrean
The first half of the book I enjoyed and then it just took forever to wrap up. If you are interested in Antarctic exploration this will be an intriguing read.
Legend by Marie Lu *
A page turner! The first book of a dystopian series with both male and female leads that will keep you reading.
The Impossible Knife of Memory By Laurie Halse Anderson #
Anderson has done it again. I find the breadth of her writing remarkable. This book is a look at a Gulf War vet and how his daughter is impacted.
The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh #
I LOVED this book. It is an intriguing story, characters I came to care about, and deep themes of family, friendship, and forgiveness.
Skellig by David Almond *
I suspected I had read this book before in the first chapter, but couldn't quite remember how it all played out. Since it is not a very long book I gave it a re-read. I was able to better embrace the nuances as I wasn't trying so hard to figure out the Skellig part and could, therefore, embrace the entirety of the story.
