The World According to Liz--Book Edition

New Reader....coming this summer!

2011-12-29T13:01:00.000-06:00

The blog has taken a back seat to getting adjusted to a new job. Being a school librarian is lots of fun, but very different than a public librarian! I love working with the kids, but am finding it challenging to keep up with "latest and greatest" out there! My biggest fear came true.

I'm still reading, but lacking motivation to blog about it. That's okay. Maybe once I find my "groove" I'll be back.

Plus, I'll have a new audience to read aloud with!

Yep, this summer we'll have a new little person to read all sorts of great books to! I can't wait!

So, I resume my hiatus. I'll try to stop by every now and again, but we are going to be busy, busy, busy!

Happy Reading!

The Harry Potter Project: Epic FAIL

2011-07-11T10:22:00.000-05:00

I didn't do it.

Not even close!

I got distracted by a graduate class, summer fun, and other good books that I didn't read all the Harry Potter books before the last movie release on Friday.

Oh, well! That's the way the cookie crumbles. I still really want to re-read them, but just not now.

I have my ticket for the midnight opening! SO excited!

School's Out for the Summer!

2011-05-26T17:51:00.000-05:00

(Sorry if those lyrics are now stuck in your head!)

Clip art from http://www.free-extras.com/tags/1/summer.htm

Our last inservice was Monday, so I am on day 3 of summer break! Can I get a WHOO-HOO?

I have big plans for this summer! While I do have plans to be lazy, I want to be diligent with my time and get a lot accomplished too. I have a feeling the next ten weeks are going to FLY by!

Because I'm a list maker, here's a list of things I would like to accomplish this summer...

Complete the Harry Potter project
I'm taking a graduate class in June...I'm sure that will keep me quite occupied!
Develop a library curriculum for next year...a broad plan of what I'd like to cover and also ~6 weeks of lesson plans. If you fail to plan you plan to fail!
Visit family in Florida!
Some house improvement projects. Specific plans are yet TBD, but I'd really like to redo the living room: paint, install a book case and such.
Read, read, read! Preferably in my hammock!
There are some good movies coming out this summer I'm excited about seeing.
Spend time with family and friends.

So there it is. It's a busy summer, but I'm hoping for some fun times.

Save Your Marriage in Five Minutes a Day by Bonnie Jacobson, PhD

2011-05-01T17:36:00.036-05:00

This book is a self-help book stock full of strategies to save one's marriage. Dr. Jacobson provides insight, examples and advice on how to pinpoint areas of weakness and slowly take action to make amends and work on one of the most precious relationships in our society...our marriage.

Throughout the book, one thing is made very clear...you cannot change your spouse, only yourself. However, by communicating concerns and choosing to slowly address the problems...even at five minutes a day...positive change can be achieved.

What I Thought:
I would like to preface this by stating that my marriage is great! Hubby and I are very happy and approaching our fifth wedding anniversary. I know, I know...we're still practically newlyweds!

I chose to review this book from the Thomas Nelson book review program because I figured it is never bad to read information and work on strengthening our marriage! I've seen several friends divorce over the past few years, and it made me sad. So, I considered this read as "proactive" and then figured it could be good to review every so many years just to keep that spark alive.

This book may not be the best for my intentions. It really was more intended for couples who were looking to save their marriage, or at least their sanity. Nothing hubby does drives me bonkers as to the point that I got the feeling of the examples in the book. (I cannot speak for him though!)

However, it did provide several "aha" moments which got me thinking about things we could work on, so I was happy overall with the read. I hope that we never get to the point where we need to use some of the strategies, but I have the resource in my pocket if needed.

Now, I thought the book was well-written and laid out in a great way. Each chapter included information about a potential trouble area in relationships and a story outlining an example of the problem and an effective way to communicate the issue with your spouse, along with five minute strategies on how to tackle the issue. Extra credit snippets are also included to further work on the relationship!

(I do have to say that some of the example stories made me giggle...they seemed to resolve themselves a little too cleanly and properly. Almost too perfect...too bad all conversations can't be that neat!)

If you are experiencing problems in your marriage and want to read a book about how to start working to fix them...even just a little at a time this is a wonderful book to read.

Recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Save Your Marriage in Five Minutes a Day by Bonnie Jacobson, PhD.

Reviewed from a copy provided by the Thomas Nelson Publisher Book Review Bloggers program.

The Harry Potter Project

2011-04-27T10:31:00.000-05:00

Last night, I finally got around to watching Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One on DVD. Don't worry...I did see it on the big screen, but haven't gotten around to watching the DVD I purchased a couple of weeks ago.

I decided that I really needed to re-read the series before the movie finale comes out on July 15. And perhaps have a HECK of a movie-a-thon!

So here goes nothing. I'm setting aside my long "to-read" list for Harry Potter. I won't be disappointed...it's been much too long and I'm excited to return to Hogwarts!

I just REALLY hope I can finish in time!

13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson

2011-04-26T11:32:00.003-05:00

Genny is a 17 year old girl, living a normal life. Sure, she has an eccentric aunt...one who came and went as she pleased and lived life freely without worrying about obligations. However, she always had room for Genny.

One day Aunt Peg disappeared...with no word. Until one day her family received a phone call telling them she died. Not too long after, Genny received a package of envelopes directing her to travel to Europe following several rules including no electronics, bring only what you can fit in a backpack, no money and no guidebooks. She is instructed to open each envelope only after she has finished the task directed in the letter she holds. She is taking a step of faith, and leaping out of her comfort zone.

Through her travels, Genny meets a variety of interesting people and travels all over Europe while discovering a lot about her deceased aunt. Oh, and there some adventures along the way!

What I Thought:
This book has been on my "to-read" list for quite a while, and I'm so glad I finally got around to it! I loved Genny's story and found myself wishing I was more adventurous and could just take off backpacking around Europe. Of course, Genny wasn't the personality to that either...she had to be pushed to do so.

This book did reignite my desire to go to Greece. Hubs and I have always wanted to visit there, we need to start saving now!

Johnson crafted a wonderful story full of adventure, some romance, and even a little mystery! I anxiously wanted to know what each letter would say and where Genny would end up next.

This was the first book I read using the Kindle app. I'm not quite ready to jump from purely paper books to e-books, but when this book was released as a free download by Kindle, I jumped at the opportunity to download and read it. It was very nice to always have a book on my iPhone and I read at just about every free chance I got. I'm not completely sold on reading on my phone though...it's convenient and cool but I did miss holding the actual book in my hand. Not gonna lie!

(I might feel different with an actual Kindle, Nook or iPad though. I'm just not quite ready to jump just yet. Well, I do want an iPad. I'm ready to get one of those...my wallet just isn't though!)

Great book, highly recommended!

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson.

Reviewed from a personal copy.

The sequel, The Last Little Blue Envelope comes out today! (April 26, 2011.) I'm excited to see what happens to Genny!

Regret Free Parenting:Raise Good Kids and Know You're Doing it Right by Catherine Hickem

2011-04-09T18:20:00.000-05:00

Catherine Hickem is a licensed psychotherapist and founder of the organization Intentional Moms, and most importantly a mother of two! In this book she encourages mothers to be intentional. She writes about purpose, about being intentional, about raising kids who are emotionally intelligent, about how to survive those bumpy teenage years!

Each chapter focuses on a different area, but through it all Hickem is encouraging and offers biblical wisdom with practical insight and tips on how to become a regret-free parent.

What I Thought
I'm not a mother, but wanted to read this book for preparation of when that day comes! This book is absolutely chock-full of great nuggets of wisdom and lots of things to ponder.

I appreciated all of her thoughts and biblical backing. She never promises that being a parent is easy...just the opposite in fact! Hickem provides many examples from her life, both as a parent and examples from some of her clients. She points out successes, and scenarios that could have been handled differently. However, in those situations she provides insight on how to resolve the issue.

I found a lot of things that I could use in the classroom as a teacher!

Definitely a great book for parents who want to do a great job raising their children...of any age!

Recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Regret Free Parenting:Raise Good Kids and Know You're Doing it Right by Catherine Hickem.

Reviewed from a copy provided by the Thomas Nelson Publisher Book Review Bloggers program. (I'll be stashing this book away for future reference!)

God and Football: Faith and Fanaticism in the SEC by Chad Gibbs

2011-02-11T21:46:00.000-06:00

In the south, SEC football is an important part of life to many people. Many of these same people claim to Christians, but where does their true passion lie? With their beloved football team, or their religion?

Gibbs sets off on a journey to investigate just that: faith and fanaticism in the Southeastern Football Conference. Is it possible to be a die-hard fan for you favorite football team and on fire for Jesus at the same time? He commits to visiting every SEC stadium for a game visiting with various fanatics and school religious groups. He caps off every trip by visiting a local church in each college town, each a different denomination.

What I Thought:
I enjoy the occasional college football game, but I am no where near a fanatic like many of my friends are. My husband picked up this book and when he told me what it was about and the premise, my interest was peaked so I decided to give it a try.

Chad, a die-hard Auburn fan (who was a die-hard Alabama fan as a child, then converted in college), does an amazing job exploring this issue in a matter that is entertaining and wildly humorous way as he recounts his travels to the many SEC schools. You will become friends with the many of the people Gibbs meets along the football circuit.

You will laugh out loud at his thoughts. Promise.

If you are a football fan, or a fanatic about anything really, you will think about your passions and priorities. Promise.

Overall, this is a great lighthearted read that will leave you thinking!

Recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: God and Football: Faith and Fanaticism in the SEC by Chad Gibbs.

Reviewed from a copy checked out from my local library.

Calvin Coconut: Zoo Breath by Graham Salisbury, illustrated by Jacqueline Rogers

2011-01-26T18:27:00.000-06:00

It's research time in Calvin's class, and they have been charged with completing a primary research project with his partner Julio. What should they research? They decided to research stinky items and an attempt to remedy Streak's (Calvin's dog) horrible dog breath.

What ensues is lots of fun...and lots of stinky things!

What I Thought:
Another great Calvin Coconut book! He is such a lovable fourth grader and I have a great time discovering his world! (And he lives in Hawaii...that doesn't hurt things!)

This book is laugh-out-loud funny and at times you'll shudder at the stinky things Calvin encounters...dog breath, dog droppings, and even a sewage pipe. (As he watches the toilet get switched out!) Calvin is also dealing with everyday problems...a teenage friend who stays with them and helps watch Calvin and his sister, a little sister, classmates, divorced parents...

This is a delightful book that kids will eat up! Go Calvin!

Highly recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Calvin Coconut: Zoo Breath by Graham Salisbury, illustrated by Jacqueline Rogers.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Read and Share Stories About Jesus by Gwen Ellis

2011-01-26T16:03:00.000-06:00

A board book featuring 13 different Bible stories for young children.

What I Thought:
These are wonderful Biblical stories for children. The author adapted the stories for young children very well and even included a discussion question for the adult and child to talk about with each story.

The cartoon illustrations are bright, colorful and correlate very well with each story. One thing I found odd was the characters' noses...they seemed to be puppet-like and glued on their faces. I found that distracting.

However, I thought the stories were excellent and the discussion questions correlated nicely and provided a great discussion starter for life application of the moral of each story.

Recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Read and Share Stories About Jesus by Gwen Ellis.

Reviewed from a copy provided by the Thomas Nelson Publisher Book Review Bloggers program.

Miss Brooks Loves Books (and I don't) by Barbara Bottner, illustrated by Michael Emberley

2011-01-21T13:40:00.017-06:00

Miss Brooks loves books and wants her students to love them too! But our narrator doesn't like books so much...they are too flowery, furry, or even yippety.

But she has to bring a favorite book to class for Book Week. Will our friend find a great book?

What I Thought:
I must have this book for my collection because Miss Brooks rocks! I love her enthusiasm for books and her love for learning.

And I hope to be just like her one day!

I love that the little girl isn't such a fan of books...she's your typical reluctant reader. But she FINALLY finds a book she adores and is excited about!

Great illustrations and just a fun, relevant story. There IS a book out there for everyone!

Recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Miss Brooks Loves Books (and I don't) by Barbara Bottner, illustrated by Michael Emberley.

Reviewed from a public library copy.

Animal Crackers Fly the Coop by Kevin O'Malley

2011-01-16T12:41:00.000-06:00

Who doesn't like a good joke?

Apparently some farmers.

All these animals want to do is share jokes with their farm friends, but their farmers don't see the funny, they only see the animals not doing their farm jobs! So one by one, they run away from their farms and run into each other...telling some great jokes along the way and even saving the day!

What I Thought:
Such a fun book, and I will be using this soon with some older grades in my new school job! (I'm thinking we'll read this book, talk about joke/riddle books and then maybe have our own little comedy club.)

The jokes are so corny, they are funny and I know kids will appreciate that. There is a lot of double meaning jokes too that are much appreciated.

This is a book you'll want to check out!

Recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Animal Crackers Fly the Coop by Kevin O'Malley.

Reviewed from a public library copy.

The Boss Baby by Marla Frazee

2011-01-11T10:12:00.000-06:00

When the baby arrived, it was apparent who was boss.

He set up shop right in the middle of the house, called endless meetings, had many demands while enjoying all the perks...and all without the ability to say a single word!

Until one day...

What I Thought:
Another new favorite! This book is beyond adorable! This book is the perfect gift for new parents or parents-to-be...it'll give them a tongue-in-cheek glimpse of what they have to experience!

The illustrations give the story that extra boost...I love the facial expressions on the boss baby...he's so determined while his poor parents look overwhelmed and exhausted.

A fantastic book you won't want to miss!

Very highly recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: The Boss Baby by Marla Frazee.

Reviewed from a library copy.

2011 American Library Association Youth Media Awards

2011-01-10T11:54:00.003-06:00

Here are the award winner announced this morning!
(I think I got them all. If you see any errors, please let me know!)

Newbery Honors:
Dark Emporer and Other Poems of the Night by Joyce Sidman, illustrated by
Heart of a Samurai by Margi Preus
One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia
Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm

Newbery Medal Winner:
Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool

Caldecott Honors:
Dave the Potter illustrated by Bryan Collier, written by Laban Carrick Hill
Interrupting Chicken written & illustrated by David Ezra Stein

Caldecott Medal Winner:
A Sick Day for Amos McGee illustrated by Erin Stead, written by Philip Christian Stead

Printz Honors:
Stolen by Lucy Christopher
Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King
Revolver by Marcus Sedgwick
Nothing by Janne Teller

Printz Medal Winner:
Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi

Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor:
Jimi Sounds Like a Rainbow: the story of a young Jimi Hendrix illustrated by Javaka Steptoe, written by Gary Golio

Coretta Scott King Illustrator Medal:
Dave the Potter illustrated by Bryan Collier, written by Laban Carrick Hill

Coretta Scott King Author Honor:
Lockdown by Walter Dean Myers
Ninth Ward by Jewell Parker Rhodes
Yummy: the last days of Southside Shorty by G. Neri, illustrated by Randy DeBurke

Coretta Scott King Author Medal Winner:
One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia

Coretta Scott King-Virginia Hamiliton Practitioner Award for Lifetime Achievement:
Henrieta Mays Smith from the University of Florida

John Steptoe Award for New Talent:
Author Award: Zora and Me by Victoria Bond and T.R. Simon
Illustrator Award: Seeds of Change illustrated by Sonia Lynn Sadler, written by Jen Cullerton Johnson

Geisel Honors:
Ling and Ting: Not Exactly the Same! by Grace Lin
We Are in a Book by Mo Willems

Geisel Medal Winner:
Bink and Gollie by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee

Arbuthnot Honor Lecture Award
Peter Sis

Alex Awards:
The Reapers Are Angels by Alden Bell
The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender
The House of Tomorrow by Peter Bognanni
The Vanishing of Katharina Linden by Helen Grant
The Radleys by Matt Haig
Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok
Breaking Night: A Memoir of Forgiveness, Survival and My Journey from Homeless to Harvard by Liz Murray
The Boy Who Couldn't Sleep and Didn't Have to by DC Pierson

Batcheldor Honors:
Departure Time by Truus Matti
Nothing by Janne Teller

Batcheldor Medal Winner:
A Time of Miracles by Anne-Laure Bondoux

Belpre Illustrator Honors:
Fiesta Babies illustrated by Amy Cordova written by Carmen Tafolla
Me Frida illustrated by David Diaz, written by Amy Novesky
Dear Primo: a letter to my cousin by Duncan Tonatiuh

Belpre Illustrator Award:
Grandma's Gift by Eric Valesquez

Belpre Author Honors:
Ole! Flamenco by George Ancona
The Firefly Letters: A Suffragette's Journey to Cuba by Margarita Engle
90 Miles to Havana by Enrique Flores-Galbis

Belpre Author Award:
The Dreamer by Pam Munoz Ryan, illustrated by Peter Sis

Carnegie Medal:
The Curious Garden

Margaret A. Edwards Award:
Sir Terry Pratchett

William C. Morris Finalists:
Hush by Eishes Chayil
Guardian of the Dead by Karen Healey
Hold Me Closer, Necromancer by Lish McBride
Crossing the Tracks by Barbara Stuber

William C. Morris Winner:
Freak Observer by Blythe Woolston

Odyssey Honor:
Alchemy and Meggy Swann by Karen Cushman
The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly
Will Grayson, Will Grayson by David Levithan and John Green

Odyssey Medal Winner:
The True Meaning of Smekday by Adam Rex

Schneider Awards:
Children--The Pirate of Kindergarten by George Ella Lyon, illustrated by Lynne Avril
Middle-- After Ever After by Jordan Sonnenblick
Young Adult-- Five Flavors of Dumb by Anthony John

Sibert Honors:
Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring by Jan Greenburg and Sandra Jordan, illustrated by Brian Floca
Lafayette and the American Revolution by Russell Freedman

Sibert Medal Winner:
Kakapo Rescue: Saving the World's Strangest Parrot by Sy Montgomery, illustrated by Nic Bishop

YALSA Award of Excellence Finalist:
Janice Joplin: Rise Up Singing by Ann Angel
They Called Themselves the KKK: the birth of an American terrorist group by Susan Campbell Bartoletti
The Spies of Mississippi: the true story of a spy agency that tried to destroy the civil rights movement by Rick Bowers
The Dark Game: True Spy Stories by Paul B. Janeczko
Every Bone Tells a Story: Hominin Discoveries, Deductions and Debates by Jill Rubalcaba and Peter Robertshaw

YALSA Award of Excellence Winner:
Janice Joplin: Rise Up Singing by Ann Angel

Stonewall Award
Almost Perfect by Brian Katcher
Will Grayson, Will Grayson by David Levithan and John Green
Freaks and Revelations by David Willis Hurwin
Love Drugged by James Klise
The Boy in the Dress by David Walliams

Laura Ingalls Wilder Award
Tomie DePaola

ALA Youth Media Awards 2011

2011-01-10T09:13:00.000-06:00

Snow Day, snow day!

Hooray!

I was kind of sad about not being able to watch the live feed of the 2011 ALA Youth Media Awards this year because I would have a class in the library (my very first!), but we got 3-1/2" of snow yesterday. So, no school and I get to watch the announcement!

It's always an exciting morning for me because I like to see if I did a good job with my collection development (when I was at the public library) and we have the books in our library already. If we don't, we've got to get those ordered!

So...here's who I hope wins...
Caldecott--Jon Muth for City Dog, Country Frog
Newbery--One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia....though Mockingird by Kathryn Erskine will be in the running too
Geisert--We Are in a Book by Mo Willems

The rest I'm afraid I don't have enough knowledge to make a good guess. So I'll just wait and see what happens!

You can watch live by clicking here: http://alawebcast.unikron.com/. There will be lots of flurry on Twitter and I'm sure facebook will have lots of action too. I'll post back after the announcements are made the winners and my thoughts!

A Bedtime for Bear by Bonny Becker, illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton

2011-01-06T20:45:00.000-06:00

It's a sleepover for Mouse and Bear, and that surely means an interesting night for this unlikely duo.

What I Thought:
I'm a fan of Mouse and Bear and thought this book was another great installment about these characters.

Bear requires complete silence when he sleeps and Mouse disturbs his sleep, Bear gets frustrated. But in the middle of the night when Bear hears noises, it's Mouse who calms his fears. A sweet, fun story!

Recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: A Bedtime for Bear by Bonny Becker, illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Ch-ch-changes in 2011

2011-01-03T15:05:00.001-06:00

Life has taken quite a turn lately!

First...I have finally graduated with a M.S. in Information Sciences. I'm proud to add this to my M.A. in Education, and I have dubbed them "the twins."

It's not a great picture, but you can see it's real!

Next, I made the difficult decision to leave my beloved position at the public library and accepted a position with a local elementary school as their school library media specialist. The public library has had a lot of drama going on all that I have absolutely no control over, and when the school position came up I decided to apply. When that job came through, I decided it was time to jump ship. It was a hard decision and caused a lot of sleepless nights and so many tears! I'm usually not much of a crier but I bawled a lot making this decision.

Now that the decision is made, I am super excited about my new position. It is going to be different in many ways, but the root is the same: to encourage kids and families to fall in love with books and reading!

I'm looking forward to an exciting 2011!

Wrapping up 2010

2011-01-02T15:30:00.000-06:00

2010 is over?

But, but...I didn't meet my reading goal!

(Photo Credit: http://krud.no-ip.org/awesome/index.php?id=12415)

You know what? That is okay. I knew last January it would be a long shot and in August I knew there was NO WAY that I would reach my goal. I did read 55 wonderful books.

1. Gooney Bird and the Room Mother by Lois Lowry
2. The Eternal Smile by Gene Luen Yang
3. Where the Mountain Meets the Mood by Grace Lin
4. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
5. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
6. Sugar Plum Ballerinas: Plum Fantastic by Whoopi Goldberg
7. The Baby-Sitters Club: The Summer Before by Ann M. Martin (ARC)
8. Slob by Ellen Potter
9. The Small Adventure of Popeye and Elvis by Barbara O'Connor
10. Captain Nobody by Dean Pitchford
11. Smile by Raina Telgemeier
12. Nanny Returns by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus
13. Oggie Cooder by Sara Weeks
14. Anything But Typical by Nora Raleigh Baskin
15. The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin by Josh Berk
16. Band Geeked Out by Josie Bloss
17. Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green & David Levithan
18. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
19. God's Promises for Boys by Jack Countryman and Amy Parker
20. A Brand-New Me! by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver
21. Lawn Boy Returns by Gary Paulsen
22. Pictures of Hollis Wood by Patricia Reilly Giff
23. The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer
24. Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown
25. Little Blog on the Prairie by Cathleen Davitt Bell
26. Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer (again!) See my review here from when I read it in 2008.
27. Lincoln and His Boys by Rosemary Wells, illustrated by P.J. Lynch
28. Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer (again). See my review here from when I read it in 2008.
29. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
30. Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern
31. Willow Run by Patricia Reilly Giff

32. The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger
33. Clementine, Friend of the Week by Sara Pennypacker
34. House Rules by Jodi Picoult
35. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
36. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
37. Linger by Maggie Stiefvater
38. The First Part Last by Angela Johnson (again)
39. Heaven by Angela Johnson
40. Sweet, Hereafter by Angela Johnson
41. Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half by Steve and Annette Economides
42. The Last Holiday Concert by Andrew Clements

43. If I Stay by Gayle Forman

44. 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff
45. Oogy: The only dog a family could love by Larry Levin
46. Operation Yes by Sara Lewis Holmes
47. Bobby the Brave (Sometimes) by Lisa Yee
48. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth by Jeff Kinney
49. One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia
50. Two Times the Fun by Beverly Cleary
51. Crunch by Leslie Connor
52. Bink & Gollie by Kate DiCamillo, Alison McGhee and illustrated by Tony Fucile
53. Spaceheadz by Jon Scieszka, illustrated by Shane Prigmore
54. Ninth Ward by Jewell Parker Rhodes
55. The Memory Bank by Carolyn Coman and Rob Shepperson

Hey, I'm proud! Not bad for a girl finishing up a graduate degree and putting together her first home, right? Right!

I am trying again in 2011!

However, I've made a more realistic goal of 75 books. You can check out my goals and keep up with my progress here http://ttulizzy.blogspot.com/p/watch-me-read-during-2011.html or by clicking the "Watch Me Read--2011" tab at the top of the page.

So in 2011, let's all read a good book. I'm excited!

Spaceheadz by Jon Scieszka, illustrations by Francesco Sedita

2010-12-30T08:59:00.000-06:00

It's the first day at a new school for Michael K. when he is put into a group two very strange kids. One had eaten half his pencil, the other told him they were from another planet.

Um-kay.

Michael K. just wants to get away from them, but throughout the day the two stick by his side, tell him all about SPCHDZ and why they need to recruit 3.14 million people or else the planet will be turned off.

What's up with these kids? Could they really be aliens from outer space?

What I Thought:
Oh, Jon Scieszka. Just when I think I can't enjoy your work any more, you come out with a gem like this! It's a fun, and wacky book that I have no doubt that many kids will eat up and ask for more.

One of my favorite sections of this book is the chapter where the hamster tries to explain what's happening....in hamster.

A fantastic book that you don't want to miss!

Highly recommended.

Want to see more? Check out Spaceheadz by Jon Scieszka, illustrations by Francesco Sedita.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Book two is out now! I can't wait to read that!

Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin, illustrated by James Dean

2010-12-26T08:47:00.001-06:00

Pete the Cat loves his white shoes. So much...he sings a song! But what happens when he steps in a pile of strawberries? Will his day be ruined? Goodness no!

What I Thought:
I was introduced to this book by Judy Freeman at a workshop I attended. And SO FUN! This just might be one of my new favorite picture books. I cannot wait to read it to a group of kids very soon!

Trust me...this will be a favorite of any kids in your life!

Very highly recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin, illustrated by James Dean.

Reviewed from a personal copy.

Crunch by Leslie Connor

2010-12-22T08:26:00.001-06:00

It's crunchtime and Dewey Marris is right in the middle. There is a gas shortage and with his parents stranded hours away, it is up to him and his siblings to keep life running as smoothly as possible for his 5 year old twin brother and sister. While his older sister keeps the home running, Dewey keeps the family's bicycle repair business, the Marriss Bike Barn, going.

Since there is no fuel available Dewey and his brother Vince are busy with the booming business. While the duo try hard not to become overwhelmed, when parts go missing and it appears they are being robbed a little at a time, the kids make hard decisions.

What I Thought:
An entertaining read! It didn't take long for me to get involved in Dewey's story, Connor did a great job peaking my interest in the first pages. I was interested in how the family would function during the gas shortage and while mom & dad were stranded hours away.

This book also made me wonder what I would do if a gas shortage like this ever happened. (I wasn't around for the one in the 1970's.) In this book, people are riding their bicycles down the highway, which is an interesting concept.

Overall, a good book with some interesting characters.

Recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Crunch by Leslie Connor.

Reviewed from a library copy.

The Pirate of Kindergarten by George Ella Lyon, illustrated by Lynne Avril

2010-12-18T20:53:00.001-06:00

Ginny loves reading and school. But sometimes simple tasks for other kids like navigating the chairs at reading circle or cutting out paper rabbits prove to be a challenge for Ginny. She has double vision, which makes things difficult for her. When this is discovered at a school Vision Screening Day, Ginny goes to the eye doctor for glasses and an eye patch...making her Ginny the Kindergarten Pirate!

What I Thought:
This is an important book as it tackles a common problem for lots of young children. Through the illustrations, readers get a sense of what Ginny sees. The illustrations depicting what Ginny is viewing is drawn in doubles, just like her double vision. We also get to experience visiting the eye doctor and how the problem is fixed.

This is a great story for kids who are experiencing vision problems, and for children who have friends with problems too! It will help them understand what their friend is experiencing.

Recommended.

(Edited to Add...) This book won a Schneider Award in 2011.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: The Pirate of Kindergarten by George Ella Lyon, illustrated by Lynne Avril.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Bink & Gollie by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee, illustrated by Tony Fucile

2010-12-18T08:26:00.001-06:00

Bink and Gollie are best friends, but two very different personalities! Both love fun and through three short stories and illustrations we get a glimpse of life with this pair.

What I Thought:
This is a keeper! What a fun book. It's a collection of three short cohesive stories that are simply wonderful and Fucile's illustrations take them to the next level! He did an exemplary job portraying Bink and Gollie's different personalities in the perfect way.

My favorite story was the second one where Gollie went on an adventure to the Andes mountains...through a book! When she reached the top, Bink joined her for a sandwich snack.

I really hope that we see more of Bink and Gollie in the near future.

Very highly recommended...I promise you will love it!

(Edited to add...) This book is the 2011 Geisert Medal Award winner.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Bink & Gollie by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee, illustrated by Tony Fucile.

Reviewed from a library copy.

One Crazy Summer by Rita Garcia-Williams

2010-12-15T18:03:00.009-06:00

It's the summer of 1968 and three sisters, Delphine, Vonetta and Fern, are off to Oakland California from Brooklyn New York to visit their mother who abandoned them many years ago. The girls are excited about visiting California and have grand ideas of all sorts of adventures. They are also anxious about seeing the mother that left them so many years ago.

How surprised they are when the mother they meet is not the one they imagined...one who would dote on them and care for them as most mothers would, but instead the complete opposite! Their mother shows up late to the airport, doesn't ever cook for them , doesn't give hugs, and won't even refer to Fern by her name!

The girls are send to eat breakfast at a local center run by the Black Panthers and then stay for their summer camp.

It's an interesting summer for sure, and one that will change their lives forever.

What I Thought:
This book is getting lots of Newbery buzz, so I wanted to check it out! And wow, it's a great read! I enjoyed the voice of Delphine and at times wanted to reach out and give her a big old hug! Delphine has had to serve as a mother figure to her sisters for years, and she is understandably angry when her mother shows no interest of stepping into that role. Throughout the book we grasp a better sense of what makes their mother "tick" and wonder if they will ever come to an understanding.

The cultural and historical aspect of this book is wonderful. Personally, I do not know much about the Black Panthers and that movement, and this book has peaked my interest in this time of history. What a great book to include as a supplement to any unit about the 1960's!

This is a wonderful book, and I would not be surprised if it had a shiny Newbery medal attached to its cover soon!

Very highly recommended.

(Edited to add...) This book is the 2011 Coretta Scott King Author Medal winner and a 2011 Newbery Honor winner.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: One Crazy Summer by Rita Garcia-Williams.

Reviewed from a library copy.

I Miss You Mouse by Greg Foley

2010-12-11T11:25:00.001-06:00

When Bear receives a not from Bear saying that Bear misses Mouse, Mouse goes out to look for Bear to tell him something. Will Mouse find Bear?

What I Thought:
I love Greg Foley's books! The nice stories with the sweet illustrations are perfect for any toddler/preschooler in your life!

This particular title is a "lift the flap book" which makes the book interactive for its young readers as Mouse searches for Bear in a tree, behind a rock, and even in a strawberry patch as Mouse meets friends all along the way.

A fantastic book, but I will say that if I had realized it was a "lift the flap" book I probably would have passed on it for the public library because the flaps won't last very long in this setting! However, it's one to definitely look into for personal collections.

Recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: I Miss You Mouse by Greg Foley.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Let's Count Goats by Mem Fox, illustrated by Jan Thomas

2010-12-06T12:06:00.001-06:00

It's time to count goats in this fun and unique counting books. Can you count the little goats, the pilot goats or the rowdy goats? I know you can!

What I Thought:
Wow, this unique counting book is sure to be a hit with the preschool crowd! Which, honestly...anyone could have foreshadowed with Mem Fox's wonderful way with stories designed specifically for this group and Jan Thomas' fun and colorful illustrations.

We are introduced to goats doing human tasks (take notice to how the goats have taken bites out of all sorts of things...beach umbrellas, luggage, airplanes...), and then count from 1 to 10 in the process. It's like they sneak it into the story! Very well done.

I can't wait to read this one at storytime soon!

Recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Let's Count Goats by Mem Fox, illustrated by Jan Thomas.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters by Barack Obama, illustrated by Loren Long

2010-12-03T20:20:00.000-06:00

In this touching letter to his daughters, President Obama tell his girls about the traits they have and hopes they have, using examples from inspiring people from America's history: Helen Keller, Jackie Robinson, Jane Addams, Georgia O'Keefe, and many more.

What I Thought:
While President Obama's text is outstanding, the real winner of this book is Loren Long's illustrations. These beautiful illustrations take the book to an entirely new, wonderful level. I love how long included the President's daughters on each page, along with the inspirational person as a child. With each page, the group grows.

This is a wonderful book for any child in your life, and what a great introductory book for studying some of these important people in our nation's history.

I would not be surprised to see this book in the running for some literary awards.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters by Barack Obama, illustrated by Loren Long

Reviewed from a library copy.

Check out this video featuring Loren Long discussing the book. (Click here, it will take to the video posted on Amazon's website.)

Llama Llama Holiday Drama by Anna Dewdney

2010-12-01T16:09:00.001-06:00

Our favorite llama is back with some holiday drama! The countdown to Christmas is on...and there is lots of activity. Will the little Llama handle it all in stride?

What I Thought:
You can never go wrong with Llama Llama! I love all of the books about this adorable character, and this one is no exception.

What I like most about these books are the bright and colorful illustrations. I enjoy exploring each one!

Give this one to a child for a holiday gift I'm sure they will enjoy all year long! I'm looking forward to reading this during an upcoming holiday story time!

Highly recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Llama Llama Holiday Drama by Anna Dewdney.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein

2010-11-28T14:01:00.001-06:00

It's bedtime, and Little Chicken is looking forward to his bedtime story! Papa reminds Little Chicken not to interrupt his story...but will he remember? It's hard for a little chicken when one gets involved in the story!

What I Thought:
TOO CUTE! I tend to have the bad habit of finishing other people's sentences, so this book hit right at home plate for me!

As Papa is telling the stories...classic childrens' stories like Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood and the like. But then Papa gets frustrated as Little Chicken interrupts each story and finally requests that Little Chicken tell HIM a story! (Which is quite entertaining!)

This is a super fun book, and I think will be a great read-aloud. And an even better reader's theater story!

(Edited to add...) This book is a 2011 Caldecott Honor book.

Recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out at Amazon: Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Memoirs of a Goldfish by Devin Scillian, illustrated by Tim Bowers

2010-11-21T14:45:00.000-06:00

Does a goldfish have an exciting life? You would be surprised in this memoir of the daily life of a goldfish!

What I Thought:
Who would have thought that the memoirs of a goldfish could be so entertaining! I do believe this is one of my favorite picture books of 2010. This book is so entertaining, and quite funny with wonderful illustrations to accompany the text.

Don't miss this book...it's a gem!

Very highly recommended!

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Memoirs of a Goldfish by Devin Scillian, illustrated by Tim Bowers.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Bobby the Brave (Sometimes) by Lisa Yee, illustrated by Dan Santat

2010-11-18T01:30:00.000-06:00

In this second installment of books about young Bobby Ellis-Chan. Bobby is a fourth grader with a working mom, a stay at home dad/former professional football star, a little sister who is obsessed with princesses, and an older sister who is the starting quarterback for her high school team. Bobby is feeling a little un-special these days.

When he overhears part of conversation between his dad and older sister, he feels even worse. Could his father really think they aren't alike at all? Especially since he is not great at football, and really doesn't care for the sport anyway. Bobby would much rather be learning tricks on his skateboard.

Bobby is excited to land the part of Sandy the dog in his class performance of the musical "Annie." But when an asthma attack interrupts the performance and his dad rushes to the rescue, Bobby is even more embarrassed. Will Bobby be brave and tell his dad how he feels?

What I Thought
Oh, I love Bobby! In his first book, Bobby takes on the girls, and in this book he takes on himself! I love how Bobby feels kind of unappreciated and unsure of himself throughout this book, only to find out he isn't the only one that feels unsure.

I also really appreciate about this book is the strong family unit with the stay at home dad. With this becoming more common, I am glad to see some children's literature with this family dynamic.

Bobby suffers from asthma attacks, and this book includes a great explanation on what asthma is and how it feels like to have an attack.

A fantastic story, and I'm looking forward to the next book about Bobby!

Highly Recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Bobby the Brave (Sometimes) by Lisa Yee, illustrated by Dan Santat.

Reviewed from a library copy.

(You can check out my review of the first book about Bobby, Bobby vs. Girls (Accidentally) here.)

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth by Jeff Kinney

2010-11-15T21:03:00.001-06:00

In the fifth installment of Greg Heffley's diary...er, journal...Greg encounters that middle school rite of passage we all look back at with a grimace and a smile...PUBERTY.

That's right, this year during Health class the boys are separated from the girls for part of the class where they are lectured about hygiene, and later in the year they are given the task to take care of an egg "baby" overnight. (Which is almost successful for our pal Greg.)

In true Diary of a Wimpy Kid fashion, Greg manages to find himself in a few situations that he finds super embarrassing, and experiences some new things....like his first lock-in!

On top of that, Greg is lectured about being responsible at home and when his mom decides to take some college classes, those responsibilities are piled on even more.

Why can't things just stay the same?

Greg comes to realize that growing up...it's the ugly truth.

What I Thought:
Oh, Greg. How I find you absolutely adorable.

And all BOY.

Being a girl, but growing up with a brother, I have an appreciation of these books because I SEE middle school boys in this book. They will LOVE it!

And though I imagine a good bit of this book is lost on me (though I LOVE it), there are millions of kids out there that will gobble this book up. And rightly so.

Very highly recommended. I'm ready for book six, because I just can't get enough!

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth by Jeff Kinney.

Reviewed from a library copy.

See my other Diary of a Wimpy Kid reviews here:

Dog Days

Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love by Larry Levin

2010-11-13T18:26:00.000-06:00

When Oogy was four months young, he was used as bait for a fight dog. The outcome of that horrid event is evident on the cover of this book...a good portion of Oogy's face was ripped off including his left ear. By a miracle, Oogy was found by police and taken to the Ardmore Animal Hospital where in a number of events, equally as miraculous, he ended up with the Levin family.

One would think that Oogy would be a damaged dog with lots of anger and resentment towards humans. Just the opposite! Oogy has nothing but love and adoration of not only his family, but every person he encounters.

Levin shares story after story of not how his family provided refuge for Oogy, but how Oogy provides so much love for his family.

What I Thought:
When I saw this book on the new shelf at my library, I couldn't bear to pass it up. Oogy's sweet face was so intriguing and within the first pages I was entranced by his spirit.

This is a story of survival, acceptance, inspiration and unconditional love. It will make you angry to hear about what Oogy was put through at such a young age. You'll laugh at his antics. You'll fall in love with his spirit, and with the Levin family!

This is a dog I'd love to meet!

Dog lover or no...you'll love this book!

Recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love by Larry Levin.

Reviewed from a library copy.

84, Charing Cross Road by Helen Hanff

2010-11-04T22:35:00.001-05:00

This is the story of an American writer living in New York and a used bookstore in England.   What started out as business transaction as Helen Hanff was looking for antique books in good condition blossomed over twenty years into a fantastic friendship.

What I Thought:
First, the story behind how I came to read this book. While having a blast at the Southern Festival of Books with my dad, he ran into an old friend and they started chatting. He is an avid book lover and enjoys sharing his passion with others, including mailing boxes of books to various small libraries across the country who most likely have very limited budgets. When he found out I was a librarian, he insisted that I must read this book. Not only insist...he mailed me a copy along with a sealed envelope instructions that I couldn't open until I finished the book. The envelope contained a very nice letter and a recording of a Helen Hanff NPR tribute in 1997.   Many thanks to my new book friend for this wonderful book!

So, the book. Honestly...this is a book that probably would have never picked up on my own. Which would have been a shame, because it is a wonderful memoir! The book is letters that are written between Helen and her friends regarding the bookstore.   It's fun to see the formality of the first letters, then as the years go by the mood lightens and the correspondence grows to more friends of whom she has never met!

If you've never read this book, it's a quick read that is simply delightful! I encourage you to pick it up and give it a read.

Very highly recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: 84, Charing Cross Road by Helen Hanff.

Reviewed from a personal copy.

Comps are DONE! Time to READ!

2010-10-30T09:46:00.000-05:00

Happy Day! I took my comprehensive exam yesterday, concluding all the coursework and requirements for my M.S. Information Sciences. All that's left now is to wait for the score to be posted, my diploma to be conferred and my teaching endorsement to be processed by the state. All these are out of my hands!

Any happy "Liz passed comps!" would be appreciated though. I'm fairly confident I did okay, but there is always this sneaking doubt in the back of my head. We'll just wait and see!

So..now I get to read for fun again. Here are some things I've got lined up:

Nightlife: A Parody by The Harvard Lampoon. I'm a little bit into it, and it's entertaining. If a reader was a Twi-hard, I could see it annoying them a bit.

Operation Yes by Sara Lewis Holmes. I heard the author speak at the Southern Festival of Books and I've been looking forward to reading this since then!

I've got to re-read these! Since I finished the last book, I wanted to re-read The Hunger Games trilogy in order back-to-back. I'll get to it sooner than later!

I enjoy Nicholas Sparks' books, and I'm excited to dive into his latest work. In his video talk on Amazon, he describes the book as being somewhat similar to The Guardian, which is my favorite of his novels. Safe Haven was actually the first book I had planned to read post-comps, but I couldn't find my copy when I was packing for my trip across the state! I'll have to remember where I put it.

The Cardturner by Louis Sachar has been on my list to read for a while, but after hearing Sachar speak at the Southern Festival of Books, it catapulted to the top.

I saw Love in a Time of Homeschooling by Laura Brodie at my library and was interested. There are a lot of home school families that visit the library, and a lot of people I know are choosing to home school their children and this just stood out to me. I'm looking forward to this book!

So, there are the books up first! I'm so excited to be able to read for pure enjoyment again, I'm sure it won't take me long to get through these.

What's on your to-read list? Share your list! Is there anything you think I should read? Let me know!

Young Adult Literature Seminar with TN State Library & Archives

2010-10-20T13:11:00.001-05:00

Today I had the honor of being a co-presenter for a short web seminar about Young Adult Literature for the Tennessee State Library and Archives.

I had a lot of fun working on this presentation with Lindsey Wesson from the TN State Library & Archives and Roy Lee from the Linebaugh Public Library.

The presentation was recorded, and as soon as the link to the presentation is make public I will be sure to share! UPDATE: Here is the link: http://stateoftennessee.na6.acrobat.com/p64907784/.

So, if you are visiting my blog from the way of this presentation, Welcome! A few things about me:

My book blog is really more a personal book journal. I don't expect anyone else out there to read this, or if they do...to care! This blog is a way for me to chronicle what I have read, and a way for me to look back at some good books when I am blocked on some great books to share with my library patrons.

Though I should, I don't blog every book I read. Sometimes I just don't feel like writing about it. So I don't! However, you can always check out what I am currently reading or just finished reading by checking out the right sidebar! It's always updated as I start and/or finish a new book!

I am currently studying for comprehensive exams for my MIS degree from UT-Knoxville, which will take place on October 29. Therefore, I have "grounded" myself from any reading that is not studying! I have a LONG list of books I can't wait to jump into after I am finished...so stay tuned!

Thanks for stopping by! I love comments...so feel free to leave one!

Southern Festival of Books: Part Three

2010-10-13T17:22:00.004-05:00

This past weekend I had the opportunity to go to the Southern Festival of Books. I had such a good time, that I decided to write several posts. Here is Part I if you want to start from the beginning, and here is part two!

After the "Make Your Own Yoda" event featuring Tom Angleburger, Dad had to leave but I stuck around. I went a session about "Contemporary Military Families" featuring Dana Reinhardt, author of The Things a Brother Knows and Sara Lewis Holmes, author of Operation Yes.

This was a great talk where each author talked about and read from their books. I haven't read either of them, but both are high up on my "to read" list.

And that was Saturday!

On Sunday I headed back to the festival to hear Louis Sachar speak. I was super excited! He gave a great talk about his newest book The Cardturner. He also answered questions. Did you know he had an extra role in the movie Holes? He was the guy that had onion juice poured on his head. He also discussed his writing style.

After his talk, I headed out to get my book signed.

Me and Louis Sachar! How awesome!!!

And here is my signed book. This is getting Newbery buzz...how cool would that be? I can't wait to read it.

Speaking of books to read, I came back with a long list of books I now want to read! I hope to get to them soon! I had a wonderful time at the Southern Festival of Books and am looking forward to next year!

Now...back to studying for comps. We're under three weeks away!

Southern Festival of Books: Part Two

2010-10-12T19:01:00.001-05:00

This past weekend I had the opportunity to go to the Southern Festival of Books. I had such a good time, that I decided to write several posts. Here is Part I if you want to start from the beginning!

When we left off, I was heading back into the auditorum to hear Mo Willems speak. I missed the first little bit of his talk because I was waiting in line for Jon Scieszka to sign my book.

The part I got to see was AWESOME. Mo read his latest book Knuffle Bunny Free in its entirety.

Here is Mo reading his book Knuffle Bunny Free. Photo Credit: Brooke Brown.

Listening Mo Willems read his books aloud is simply one of the best things ever. I LOVE reading Mo's books aloud, but to hear HIM to it is just beyond awesome.

Why, you ask? Well, because of this...

Photo Credit: Brooke Brown

Here Mo is whispering into the Mike...it's the part of the story where Oma and Opa have a plan, and Mo was whispering into the microphone.

And this!

Photo Credit: Brooke Brown

Here Mo is doing a "blech" face after Trixie tries Opa's coffee in the book.

Sigh. I love Mo!

Okay, so after he finished his talk, we headed out and waited in line for Mo to sign books. He had a very long line...but well worth it!

Photo Credit: Brooke Brown

Here is my dad and I with Mo's extra large Knuffle Bunny he took with him on tour. Knuffle Bunny made the photo rounds!

And here is my autographed copy of Knuffle Bunny Free. The trilogy is now complete! Thanks Mo for signing my book!

Next we headed down into capital for our next session, which we missed about half of while waiting in line for Mo Willems. This session featured Tom Angleburger and Michael Buckley where they talked about the 21st Century Nerd. I really wished I could have caught it all because it was really neat. We got there during the Q&A session, where at times I was totally confused...especially with the video game talk and lots of Stars Wars discussion. But that was okay, it was still really great!

A little bit later, Dad and I headed over to the Youth Stage to learn how to make an Origami Yoda from Tom Angleburger, author of The Strange Case of Origami Yoda. You can check out my review here.

Tom is super fun and so great with the kids! It was a blast watching him juggle, talk about his book and then teach us all how to make a Yoda.

Here is mine! Isn't he fun?

Okay, that is enough for now! Be back later with more!

Southern Festival of Books 2010: Part One

2010-10-11T19:00:00.000-05:00

This weekend was the Southern Festival of Books in Nashville, TN...an event I have been looking forward to for some time now! It finally arrived and it was just an amazing weekend.

I LOVE the Southern Festival of Books. It is so fun to listen to authors that I admire and discovering some new ones that I want to check out! The first time I went, my mom joined me for the fun and this year my dad came with me. That always makes the festival even more special!

Another aspect I really enjoy about the festival is striking up conversations with fellow book lovers while waiting to have books signed by the authors. I had wonderful conversations with an elementary school librarian from Nashville, a lovely family with a middle school student from Murfreesboro (and the mom has a personalized, autographed, 1st edition copy of Where the Wild Things Are...WOW!), and another fun family with two young children from Lawrenceburg. It's so fun to hear about the books they love and such.

So here's what happened this weekend...in parts! Sorry...I had so much to say that I broke up the weekend into a few posts.

First up, we checked out the book sale table.

Thanks to hubby for the copy of Knuffle Bunny Free and to my parents for Guys Read: Funny Business and The Cardturner. Happy Birthday to me!

Next, we headed into the auditorium for Jon Scieszka's talk. I was super pumped to get to hear him...I adore his books and especially of his Guys Read initiative. I did a huge project on it for a class! In addition, I am planning a "Trucktown" party in January for the library!

I knew his talk would be entertaining and funny...and I was right! I loved hearing about his childhood (if you haven't read Knucklehead you totally should!) as well as his different books. I now have an even great appreciation of The True Story of the Three Little Pigs and The Stinky Cheese Man. He discussed Guys Read and why he feels that initiative is so important.

Here is Jon Scieszka at the Southern Festival of Books on October 9, 2010 reading a bit from his Caldecott Honor Book The Stinky Cheese Man. Photo Credit: Brooke Brown.

Scieszka discussed the new book Guys Read: Funny Business which is the first book in an anthology of short stories written by guys for guys of which he edited! This one is "humor" and then there will be several more featuring different genres: mystery/chiller, non-fiction, science fiction, etc. So there is something to look forward to! Jon read a bit from his section he wrote along with Kate DiCamillo.

After his talk ended, I hurried out to the signing colonnade and got in line for Scieszka to sign my book. Scieszka was very kind and even allowed us to have our picture taken!

Here is Jon signing my book.

Me and Jon Scieszka! Awesome!!!! (Thanks Dad for taking the photos!)

I then rushed back into the auditoruim to hear Mo Willems speak.

More about that next time!

New Book Day!

2010-10-10T21:27:00.000-05:00

I forgot to post NEW BOOK DAY a few weeks ago when my copy of Nicholas Sparks' new book Safe Haven arrived. I don't read very many books that are not geared for kids and teens, but I always read anything that Sparks releases!

According to a little video I saw a while back (I think on Amazon?), Sparks said that this book has some suspense in it...kind of like The Guardian did. The Guardian is my favorite Sparks book, so I have high hopes for this new novel.

It's first on my list when I finish comps and I have my life back!

Time Out....

2010-10-06T20:35:00.000-05:00

I'm taking comps in 23 days.

Be back when I'm finished!

In the meantime, entertain me and tell me about what YOU are reading! Leave a comment!

Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half with America's Cheapest Family by Steve & Annette Economides

2010-09-28T12:00:00.000-05:00

The Economides family shares their tips and procedures for saving money in the grocery department. This family, dubbed as "America's Cheapest Family" has fed their family of seven on $350 a month for years.

Impossible? This family lay out step by step plans proving that anyone can do the same! The book covers topics such as how to plan your grocery shopping and tips for stretching that dollar at the store by seeking out the deals, organizing your kitchen, using coupons, cooking in bulk, planting a garden, recipes, and even a bonus section for singles and empty-nesters.

What I Thought:

My husband and I have recently started eating more at home and being conscious of our shopping habits, both for health and budgetary reasons. This book peaked my interest, and I found it to be very helpful!

The authors are very aware that their lifestyle is not the norm in our society, and that it took them a long time to build up to the efficiency that they now enjoy. In their book, they are nothing but encouraging and understanding that what they do may not be for everyone! With that in mind, I especially appreciated the tips at the end of each chapter written specifically for people with various skill levels in mind: tips for those just beginning, those who have been doing it for some time, and those who have been doing it for a long time and are ready for a further challenge.

I especially enjoyed the chapters about once a month shopping and cooking and kitchen organization. These are concepts that I hope to incorporate into our lives, but perhaps and a smaller scale. (Especially since we don't have children!)

This is a great book for those who are looking to save both time and money in the kitchen!

Recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half with America's Cheapest Family by Steve & Annette Economides

Reviewed from a copy provided by the Thomas Nelson Publisher Book Review Bloggers program. This book will make the rounds among family and friends and kept in my personal library for future reference.

Top 100 YA Novels via Persnickety Snark's Poll

2010-09-05T10:57:00.000-05:00

A while back, Persnickety Snark held a Top 100 YA Novels Poll and then tallied the results to create the Top 100 YA Novels.

I didn't vote in the poll, but did check out the results. You can see it below and I've bolded the books I have read. It's 30 of 100, and there are LOTS of books I really want to read listed here!

Sigh...my "to-be-read" list is never ending.

Top 100 YA Novels via Persnickety Snark's Poll
#100 The Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinley (1985)  
#99 The Pigman by Paul Zindel (1969)
#98 Hatchet by Gary Paulsen (1987)
#97 Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver (2010)  
#96 The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks (2009)  
#95 Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols (2009)
#94 Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles (2008)  
#93 Whale Talk by Chris Crutcher (2001)
#92 Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech (1994)  
#91 The Astonishing life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party (2006)

#90 Glass Houses by Rachel Caine (2006)  
#89 A Ring of Endless Light by Madeleine L’Engle (1980)  
#88 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon (2003)  
#87 An Abundance of Katherines by John Green (2006)  
#86 The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi (1990)
#85 Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead (2008)
#84 Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder (2006)
#83 The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness (2008)  
#82 Jacob I Have Loved by Katherine Paterson (1980)
#81 The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan (2009)

#80 Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen (1998)  
#79 Lord of the Flies by William Golding (1954)  
#78 Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr (2006)
#77 Go Ask Alice by Anonymous (1971)  
#76 The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants by Ann Brashares (2001)  
#75 Feed by MT Anderson (2001)
#74 The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley (1983)  
#73 Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast by Robin McKinley (1978)
 #72 Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson (2009)
#71 The King of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner (2006)

#70 If I Stay by Gayle Forman (2009)  
#69 Angus, Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison (1999)
 #68 Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer (2008)
#67 Keeping the Moon by Sarah Dessen (1999)  
#66 City of Glass by Cassandra Clare (2009)
#65 How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff (2004)  
#64 Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta (1992)
 #63 The Diary of a Young Girl (1947)
#62 Weetzie Bat by Francesca Lia Block (1989)  
#61 The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier (1974)   

#60 Fire by Kristin Cashore (2009)
 #59 Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan (2006)
 #58 Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer (2007)  
#57 Dreamland by Sarah Dessen (2000)
#56 Second Helpings by Megan McCafferty (2003)  
#55 Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta (2003)  
#54 Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick (2009)  
#53 The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper (1973)
#52 Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones (1986)
#51 Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli (2000)

  #50 The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot (2000)
 #49 Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine (1997)
#48 I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith (1948)  
#47 Forever by Judy Blume (1975)
#46 Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margie Stohl (2009)  
#45 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by JK Rowling (2003)
#44 Sabriel by Garth Nix (2003)  
#43 Evernight by Claudia Gray (2008)  
#42 The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman (2000)  
#41 Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen (2008)

  #40 The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie (2007)  
#39 A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith (1943)  
#38 Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (2009)
 #37 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by JK Rowling (2000)
 #36 Paper Towns by John Green (2008)  
#35 The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin (1978)
#34 Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (1813)
#33 The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart (2008)  
#32 Tomorrow, When the War Began by John Marsden (1995)
#31 A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray (2003)   

#30 Uglies by Scott Westerfeld (2005)
 #29 Harry and the Half-Blood Prince by JK Rowling (2005)  
#28 Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card (1985)  
#27 Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce (1983)
#26 The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R Tolkien (1954)  
#25 Sloppy Firsts by Megan McCafferty (2001)
#24 Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher (2007)  
#23 Graceling by Kristin Cashore (2008)  
#22 Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead (2007)  
#21 Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater (2009)   

#20 Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen  
#19 The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky (1999)  
#18 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by JK Rowling (1999)  
#17 Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger (1951)  
#16 On the Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta (2006)  
#15 City of Bones by Cassandra Clare (2005)  
#14 Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (1868)  
#13 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling (2007)  
#12 Just Listen by Sarah Dessen (2006)  
#11 Looking for Alaska by John Green (2005)

#10 This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen (2002)  
#9 Twilight by Stephenie Meyer (2005)  
#8 The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton (1967)  
#7 The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (2006)  
#6 The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen (2004)  
#5 Northern Lights [The Golden Compass] by Philip Pullman (1995)  
#4 Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson (1996)  #3 To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee (1960)  
#2 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by JK Rowling (1996)
 #1 The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (2008)

I've been invited to participate as a presenter in a webinar that is coming up by my state library about YA Literature. There are 5 of us who will be talking about our favorite YA novels, each of us specifically targeting our favorite genres. I will be book talking my top 10 favorite realistic fiction books, and am working on my list of faves. When I finalize it, I'll share!

Southern Festival of Books

2010-08-31T20:08:00.001-05:00

If you live in the South and can get to Nashville, TN the second weekend of October...you won't want to miss this!

(Image from http://blaine.org/sevenimpossiblethings/?p=1984)

I am beyond excited for this event! This is one of my favorite weekends of the year, and when I saw the authors at this year's event...well I was as excited a sixteen year old getting a brand new shiny car for their sweet sixteen. Just ask the hubs...he was totally making fun of me.

But I don't care! Just LOOK at this lineup...could it be more spectacular? Seriously, I am counting the days until October!

Check it out for yourself here...http://www.humanitiestennessee.org/festival/index.php

Clementine, Friend of the Week by Sara Pennypacker

2010-08-30T10:59:00.001-05:00

Clementine is excited! Her name was chosen for Friend of the Week at her school! She rushes home to share the news with her family and best friend Margaret! Her family was very excited, but Margaret didn't exhibit the same amount of enthusiasm. (But if you know Margaret, this isn't that surprising.)

There are other exciting things happening too! The third and fourth graders are having a bicycle ride on Saturday and Clementine is so excited to decorate her bike with the decorations her father uses to decorate the apartment building....that is until something important gets lost!

What I Thought:
I love Clementine! This is another great installment in this series by Sara Pennypacker. Clementine experiences some of the not-so-fun things about growing up...fighting with friends, losing something important to her, and the excitement of being chosen as the "friend of the week' and getting to share exciting things with her class!

It's encouraging to see Clementine's family there to support her and help her along life's path. This is a great book to give to kids...I think they would love it!

Highly recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Clementine, Friend of the Week by Sara Pennypacker.

Reviewed from a library copy.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

2010-08-25T15:12:00.000-05:00

Jackson, Mississippi...1960's.   The Civil Rights movement is in full swing, but Jackson is not buying into the action. There is still a very strong divide between the people that grips society to the utmost degree.

Meet Aibileen: a maid to a young white family and has raised 17 children...and lost her own in a tragic event. As she goes to work everyday, to clean after the family, raise their young, and whatever else they see fit Aibileen grows more frustrated at the injustices. But...she can't do anything about it. Can she?

Meet Minnie: a strong willed family woman who sometimes lets her mouth get her into trouble. After being fired for something that she didn't do, she wonders if she will every find another job. She's tired of it all...what can she do?

Meet Miss Skeeter: a young socialite with a journalism degree from Ole Miss and a desire to become a writer. She misses Constantine, the maid who practically raised her and was one of her closest friends. While visiting friends, she begins to see how their help is treated and also seeks the truth about Constantine. She decides to write a book telling the stories of many of the maids around Jackson, a very dangerous thing for both the maids participating and Miss Skeeter.

There's a lot to lose, but everything to gain.

What I Thought:
Wow.   I have read several excellent books lately, and this is definitely one of them! Stockett is an unbelievable story teller. Through the voices of Aibeleen, Minny, and Miss Skeeter, Stockett gives a clear view of life for high society in 1960 Jackson Mississippi and the African American woman who worked for them.

Readers will get a clear sense of what it is like the women who work for the white families: the interesting love/despise relationship, how the ladies come to adore the children and it is made obvious the feelings are reciprocated; the embarrassment about being called "dirty" or being forced to use a separate facility...it all seems crazy in 2010.    But we all know these things happened every day.

Readers will also cheer for characters who see that this behavior is wrong, and take a stand to make it right...at great costs.

This is a fantastic novel, entertaining, enlightening, and perhaps most of all...a reminder of past attitudes that should never again resurface.

Very highly recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: The Help by Kathryn Stockett.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Willow Run by Patricia Reilly Giff

2010-08-05T12:18:00.002-05:00

It's World War II and Meggie's family is making sacrifices. Her brother is serving overseas and her family has made the decision to move to Willow Run Michigan so her father can work in a factory that makes B-24 bombers for the war effort.

While they are happy to be helping the war effort, it is difficult to leave their home in Rockaway and the beach to move to a large city and live in a large apartment building with thousands of other factory workers. What's worse is they are leaving behind their grandfather and close friends.

Life in Willow Run is different. There are lots of people and the living arrangements are very tight. Meggie quickly makes friends and discovers what life holds during war times.

What I Thought:
I thought this is a great narrative on what it was like for children living during World War II and helping with the stateside war effort. This book is the companion to Giff's novel Lily's Crossing where Lily (Meggie's best friend) copes with the war from her home in Rockaway. I enjoyed reading about this time period from two girls with similar background, but different experiences with the war effort.

Recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Willow Run by Patricia Reilly Giff.

Reviewed from a library copy.

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger

2010-08-02T12:29:00.001-05:00

Can an origami Yoda puppet really predict the future? This is what the sixth graders at McQuarrie Middle School want to know.

It all started with Dwight, a rather odd student who created the origami Yoda. He often just wore it on his finger, but one night at the PTA Night of Fun Yoda made his first prediction. And it came true!

Time after time, when Yoda was was asked a question, his prophecy came true. Could it be a fluke, or is Yoda (via Dwight) up to something??

What I Thought:
This is an interesting book. I love the whole concept of the origami Yoda and how the book is set up as case files with many different students telling their experience with origami Yoda in their own words and commentary from Tommy who started the case file and Harvey who is a die-hard non-believer.

Complete with middle school romance and awkwardness (remember those school dances?) and other shenanigans, this book is great for the middle school crowd.

Recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief MOVIE

2010-07-31T09:46:00.000-05:00

I just finished watching the movie Percy Jackson & the Lightning Thief.

Wow. This was definitely one of those movies that I could TEAR apart the differences between the book and the movie.

The movie was good too. The book was better.

My thoughts:

This movie was quite a bit more scary and intense than the books. I could totally see some younger kids who loved the books be kind of frightened by the movie. (That being said, I thought some of the characters that were digitally created were pretty fantastic.)
One can read the book, and then watch the movie and get basically 2 completely different stories! While the basic plot frame (like the general idea of plot) is the same, there are few similarities otherwise. Which I can't decide if I like or not.

One thing I did find exciting was the feature of Nashville in the movie! Instead of the threesome heading to St. Louis and the arch, they went to Nashville and the Parthenon. I'm a Nashville native and LOVED seeing Centennial Park on the movie screen.

Overall, I thought it was a very enjoyable movie. I think I'm going to have to stop reading a book then immediately watching its movie counterpart...I spend to much brainpower picking apart the differences rather than just enjoying the experience.

So have you read the book and seen the movie? What are your thoughts? I'd love hear them. Leave a comment!

The Lightning Thief: Percy Jackson & the Olympians #1 by Rick Riordan

2010-07-18T20:46:00.001-05:00

Percy Jackson can't seem to stay out of trouble. He's about to be kicked out of another boarding school, where some events seem just....odd.

Upon returning home for the summer, he and his mother take off for a relaxing weekend when it takes an unbelievable turn causing Percy to battle against a monster and then running for refuge at a summer camp.

A camp for kids who are half-bloods...on half human, one half Greek god.

Percy is a wanted kid already, and is sent on a quest to prevent a war between the gods! His time is limited, he is still figuring out his new life...will he succeed?

What I Thought:
I'm very late to the Percy Jackson party, but glad I joined. It's not one of my favorite series out there, and it did take me a while to get hooked into the story line but once I did I had to finish the book! I'll eventually pick up book 2, but I'll have to wait for the title to go off the holds list!

Anyway, this book made me want to freshen up my Greek mythology knowledge. I was pretty confused throughout the first part of the story trying to figure out what god did what and went with who. However, by the end I felt pretty caught up, though I still think I should really do some brushing up before I move ahead in the series.

This is a super fun book that has all the elements that kids want...super kid hero, action...the works!

If your favorite tween hasn't read it yet...head on down to your local library and check it out! I'm looking forward to reading book two, and check out the movie of this book.

Highly recommended!

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: The Lightning Thief: Percy Jackson & the Olympians #1 by Rick Riordan.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern

2010-07-18T20:46:00.000-05:00

In this memoir, Justin looks back on many of the conversations he and his dad have shared over the years.

What I Thought:
HILARIOUS!

My husband follows Justin's twitter feed and has literally laughed until tears ran down his face. When this book arrived at the library last week, I couldn't wait to bring it home so we could read it. My sweet hubby let me read it first! He got so tired of me trying to read some of the funny quotes to him aloud (I was laughing so hard that I couldn't get the whole phrase out in one breath) that he kindly requested that I not share...he just would read it himself. :)

It's obvious by the title that this is not a kids book! If you're easily offended by language this is NOT the book for you. But if you're looking for a book that will make you laugh, this is it. Justin's dad definitely shares what he thinks, and doesn't sugarcoat those thoughts with anything. But through all the crazy conversations and quotes, it is very obvious that Mr. Halpern loves his family and only wants to see his children grow up to be great human beings.

As briefly mentioned, this book came from a twitter feed that is wildly popular...and in the fall CBS will have a show by the same name featuring William Shatner. I'm interested to see how it turns out! (And quite interested to see how they tone down the language.)

Recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Eclipse The Movie

2010-07-07T09:03:00.000-05:00

I went and saw The Twilight Saga: Eclipse on opening day. I didn't go with many of my friends who saw the midnight showing...I had to be spunky for work that day! But I did grab a ticket to a matinee on the 30th.

I like it! I probably made the mistake of rereading the book just before the movie came out so I critiqued every bit of the film and it's accuracy to Stephenie Meyer's text.

The movie was pretty good! I think the producers did a great job sticking with the text and including all the major plot points and many of my favorite one liners. I even giggled some out loud!

There were several points that were seriously changed from the book, but I understand that had to be done to keep the movie plot moving and perhaps even to tie some parts together that would have taken too long in the movie.

I think I liked New Moon better though.

But wait...before you begin the flogging...I have a theory.

Eclipse is my favorite book...New Moon was my least favorite. I didn't have high expectations for the New Moon movie, I had HUGE expectations for the Eclipse movie. Maybe too high!

Anyway, I'm leaving all the plot points out for those who haven't seen it yet. I don't want to be a spoiler!

I am rather looking forward to seeing the movie again...perhaps a second viewing will change my views!

If you haven't seen it...go see it! It's a good one!

Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Movie Trailer

2010-07-05T21:03:00.000-05:00

It can be found right

HERE

from Warner Brothers.

I. CANNOT. WAIT.

What I Love

2010-07-05T20:59:00.000-05:00

A couple of weeks ago I decided that I wanted to reread Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer before the movie came out. I typically feel very guilty about rereading books as my list of books to read for the first time is quite long! It doesn't help that I feel spectacularly under read, which does not bode well for my professions.

Of course, if I cut out some TV, this problem may be thwarted. But, I digress.

So when I finished Eclipse, I of course needed to reread Breaking Dawn. So I did.

And here is what I love:

I LOVE when I know how a book ends (because I've already read it) but I cannot remember EXACTLY how the ending happened. It was like reading it for the first time having the knowledge that everything will be okay. The journey to get there was practically new! All the details came rushing back, creating that sense of excitement and drama. It was awesome.

This is a pretty exciting discovery. I've decided that I will reread the entire Harry Potter series comes out before November when Harry Potter 7, Part I comes out. So while I know what happens, I'm excited to dive back into Rowling's world and relive all the wonderful details that creates the journey to the end. It'll be almost like new!

Lincoln and His Boys by Rosemary Wells, illustrated by P.J. Lynch

2010-06-28T12:00:00.001-05:00

This is a collection of stories about Abraham Lincoln told from two of his sons, Willie and Tad. In the first section, Willie recalls a trip to Chicago with his father, the lawyer. The boys know that something big is about to happen, and Tad's father confides in him that he is about to run for President. Tad's account of the trip is done in great fondness as he recalls many details of the trip: the train ride, waiting for his father at the courthouse while he works, meals together, and going to see entertainment.

In the second section, Willie narrates the experience of their family traveling to Washington DC after their father was elected President of the United States. It is is an unstable time in America as war between the Northern States and Southern States is about to break loose. The boys remember their father being carted off by the Secret Service, visiting their father in the Oval Office (much to the chagrin of his Cabinet...but they know their father loves the interruption....and playing in the White House with the Taft boys.

In the third section, Tad recalls the painful experience of his brother's death and the effects that has on his family, and spending lots of time with his father as the war continues. Tad sees the incredible toil the war has caused on his father, and he looks forward to returning to Springfield. When the war finally does end, he observes his father celebrate victory in a most conservative and reluctant way and looks forward to returning home.

What I Thought:
I adore stories about good ol' Abe and this one is no exception. I loved how this book is narrated by Lincoln's sons, and it is quite obvious that the boys adored their father and the feeling was mutual.

I can never get enough stories of fathers who are just plain awesome.

In the Author's Note, Wells talks about her research and how Lincoln may be one of the most documented personal histories as so many people left memoirs regarding this man and his family. While this work is technically fiction, she points out that "The incidents in this story...are grounded in historical fact. No detail was imagined or invented except the dialogue and the circumstances in which it took place."

I love that Wells did so much research for this story and the result between that and her storytelling is that the reader feels connected to the whole Lincoln family, through the good times, and the bad.

Oh, and Lynch's illustrations are simply gorgeous. Amazing.

This is a wonderful book for those who enjoy Lincoln! What a great short read-aloud for a class who is studying this president and it would give an exciting different perspective from the textbook.

Very highly recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Lincoln and His Boys by Rosemary Wells, illustrated by P.J. Lynch.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Little Blog on the Prairie by Cathleen Davitt Bell

2010-06-27T10:49:00.001-05:00

Could you imagine spending your summer living just like the frontier people of 1890 did? Instead of spending your summer at soccer camp, or at the mall, at the pool...you spend two months milking cows, mucking stalls, tending to the garden and crops, cooking over a wood stove and washing the laundry by hand. Oh, and don't forget the lack of indoor plumbing and running water. That's right...outhouses.

That's just what Gen experienced when her mother signed her family up for this frontier camp...where they lived just as they did during the 1890's. This was the time Laura Ignalls Wilder was living that we experienced in her book Little House on the Prairie.

Upon arrival to the camp the "campers" are instructed to change clothes into the typical 1890 fashion and relinquish any item that was not time period appropriate. Including cell phones, iPods...everything. Gen manages to talk her way into keeping her facial soap...but in the box was actually her brand new cell phone.

Life is hard in the 1890's. Their mom is learning how to cook using only a wood stove and the very basic staple items. For days they ate corn grits and beans. (Blech.) Her dad must learn to tend to the corn crop while Gen and her brother figure out how to help around the frontier house, take care of chickens, and help their parents with the jobs of the farm.

Gen manages to stay somewhat sane by texting her friends back in the "real world" telling them all about her experiences and the other kids there, including Caleb the really cute guy and Nora who lives here all the time as her family runs the camp. Even though they may be living in conditions like the 1890's, the drama that surrounds teens is exactly the same.

When Gen's friend starts a blog with all of her texts, things get crazy. And Gen doesn't even know! Will Gen and her family survive?

What I Thought:
This book has such an interesting concept, I literally couldn't put it down! I LOVE the Little House books and always thought it would be cool to live in that era. But wow! The work that entails living this life....we are definitely spoiled rotten living now in 2010!

Gen's family dynamic definitely changes throughout their experience. I truly enjoyed "watching" them change...each of them. The teenage drama keeps the book "real" and set in the current times. Every good book has to have a little romance with drama mixed in right?

Overall, a great book! I think a lot of people, especially those into frontier historical fiction will enjoy this.

Highly recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Little Blog on the Prairie by Cathleen Davitt Bell.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown

2010-06-25T10:12:00.003-05:00

Stanley was just a normal boy, until one morning he woke to find that his bulletin board had fallen off the wall during the night, flattening Stanley into a boy who was paper-thin!

After many failed attempts to return him to normal size, it determined Stanley would have to keep his thin state. At first it was very fun, Stanley could slide under doors, travel through the mail, be a kite...he even helped solve a mystery at the local art gallery.

But eventually Stanley doesn't like his thinness...people keep making fun of him! Will he ever find a way to return to his original size?

What I Thought:

Such a cute story...I can see why this story has been a favorite with generation after generation. The thought of being one inch thick and the benefits that could entail are endless!

The Flat Stanley story has been used in so many creative ways, probably the most familiar is creating your own Flat Stanley and mailing him all over the world with a request to track his adventures. Or, creating your own and taking him on your own adventures keeping a journal of his fun journeys.

There is a new series of Flat Stanley books featuring some of his adventures....you can check them out here: http://www.flatstanleybooks.com/.

This is a super fun book and character that I hope will stick around for generations to come!

Very highly recommended.

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner: An Eclipse Novella by Stephenie Meyer

2010-06-23T10:12:00.001-05:00

Bree Tanner is a brand new vampire living in Seattle. She was created by she--that's all she knows. Bree lives in a house with twenty+ other newborns with leader Riley who instructs the group on when they can go out and hunt. They've been instructed to stay as low-key as possible to avoid being noticed.

Yeah, good luck with that. The Seattle news is consistently reporting of unexplained deaths in the area, causing even more unsteadiness within the house.

Bree befriends another young vampire Diego and together they begin to put together the pieces that all they have been told is not what it seems. When the duo overhears a conversation between "she," Riley and several "dark hooded figures," the understand that they have been created for a purpose...to fight.

If you've read Eclipse...you know the rest of the story, but through Bella's eyes. Read this to discover the story through another fascinating point of view: the young vampire Bree Tanner. Things may not be what it seems!

What I Thought:
What a fascinating novella! Meyer has taken a character from her novel Eclipse and fleshed out her entire vampire life. (Short as a life as it was.)

It makes one remember that there are truly two sides to every story.

One thing I found interesting about this book was that there was no chapter breaks. This novella is 175 pages long, and it's straight through. And every bit of it is fluid! The only reason I even missed the breaks was when I needed to stop reading to take care of other things, like cooking dinner. I found it hard to find a stopping point.

Oh, how I miss the days when I could just read all day without stopping. Sigh.

Anyway, if you are a Twilight fan you don't want to miss this book. You can read if online for free at http://www.breetanner.com through July 5. But if you purchase the book, a portion of the proceeds will go to the Red Cross. Which is awesome!

Highly recommended!

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner: An Eclipse Novella by Stephenie Meyer.

Reviewed from a personal copy.

Pictures of Hollis Woods by Patricia Reilly Giff

2010-06-21T08:15:00.000-05:00

Hollis Woods was abandoned as an infant in a little town named Hollis Woods. The person who left her there pinned a note to her shirt instructing that her name be just that...Hollis Woods. Hollis has been bounced around the foster care system for her entire life. She has made it a habit to run away from these homes as well as skipping school and prides on being "trouble."

When really, all she truly wants is a family.

This book alternates between flashbacks of an almost perfect summer with a wonderful family in the mountains and the present when Hollis is placed with an older women, Josie who turns out to have some memory problems, but is a craftsman which is perfect for Hollis who is a very talented artist herself.

Hollis decides to stay at Josie's for a while but when the social worker informs Hollis she cannot stay with Josie because of her memory problems, Hollis talks Josie into running away. They go to the cabin where she spent that wonderful summer in the mountains, but now it is winter and a harsh one at that!

As Hollis cares for Josie and tries to come to terms with her past, she learns a lot about herself.

What I Thought:
A wonderful, well-written book. I fell in love with Hollis Woods and so badly wanted her to get her dream...a family! I loved how Giff alternated each chapter with a flashback allowing us to gain insight into her past while living her life with her in the present. Hollis is a great girl who just has been let down by adults her whole life and has learned to fend for herself. It's such a gift to see Hollis trust others and allow herself to become a part of a family unit!

A super book...give to readers who love reading books about strong characters and happy endings.

Very highly recommended.

This book was the recipient of a 2003 Newbery Honor.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Pictures of Hollis Woods by Patricia Reilly Giff.

In 2007, a Hallmark movie was premiered on CBS of this novel starring Jodelle Ferland as Hollis Woods, Sissy Spacek as Josie, and Alfre Woodard as Enda Reilly--the social worker. It was really a wonderful movie and though it has been several years since I saw it, I believe it was pretty parallel to the novel. You can check it out here.

NEW Book Day!

2010-06-19T16:41:00.000-05:00

Hip Hip Hooray! Yesterday was NEW BOOK DAY!

First, I got this book:

Yes, I know it's available online at http://www.breetanner.com through July 5, but I'm the kind of girl who likes to hold the book. And then add it to my collection. So I bought it, and plan to read it tonight!

Also, guess what my sweet husband got me for our 4th anniversary? Well, besides a trip to NYC in May and a splurge at the amazing Books of Wonder?

THIS:

Oh yes...Mo's NEW Book! HAPPY DAY!

But guess what?

[Insert squeal of joy] It's SIGNED by Mo AND Jon Muth! Hooray! Thanks hubby, I LOVE IT!

Shark vs. Train by Chris Barton and Tom Lichtenheld

2010-06-19T08:15:00.000-05:00

Two boys race to the toy box where one pulls out a shark, the other a train.

Thus begins the competition...who will win?

It depends on the situation of course...are they in the ocean? Roasting marshmallows? Playing hide-and-seek? Running lemonade stands?

It sure to to be a fierce battle.

What I Thought:
Oh my, what a ridiculously fun book! This book will be a guaranteed hit and I can't wait to pass it along to some kids who I think will love it too!

As you can tell from the cover, the illustrations are super fun and extremely will done. The story is so creative as the two characters battle out who would be better in a wide range of situations. I can totally foresee kids everywhere creating their own contests on their own toys---and maybe even creating their own little stories and illustrations to accompany those contest!

Give this book to kids everywhere...they are bound to love it!

Very highly recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Shark vs. Train by Chris Barton and Tom Lichtenheld.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Lawn Boy Returns by Gary Paulsen

2010-06-17T20:09:00.000-05:00

In this sequel to the book Lawn Boy, where a twelve year old makes a killing mowing lawns after his grandmother gives him an old riding mower. He unintentionally turned a little summer job where he hoped to earn enough money to purchase a bicycle tire innertube into a VERY successful business.

Now the lawn boy experiences the joys and hassles of owning a small business! His stockbroker and friend Arnold, who is essentially running the business while keeping lawn boy involved in every decision hires lawyers, accountants, PR people....and when the story of lawn boy's success hits the news-watch out! Overnight he turns into an overnight star!

Oh, and don't forget several "long lost" family members who show up asking for help...and some of lawn boy's cash and wants to "help" his prize-winning boxer.

Whew! It's all a little overwhelming...all he wants is to cut some grass! What's a boy to do??

What I Thought:
Gary Paulsen has made a way to teach boring old economic and business concepts through an interesting story.

And for that, I salute him!

You had to feel for the Lawn Boy in this story...his frustration level rises throughout the book as everything gets more and more complicated until Lawn Boy makes an important decision.

This book is also a great example of what a successful entrepreneurship can reap. And WOW. Does Lawn Boy reap.

Hand this to any economic or business student, as well as your teenage child. Then point them towards the lawn mower.

Highly recommended!

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Lawn Boy Returns by Gary Paulsen.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Where the Wild Things Are...the Movie

2010-06-15T19:46:00.001-05:00

So, the hubs and I finally got around to watching the movie Where the Wild Things Are.

I know, I know. I'm a bad librarian for not running out to the theater and watching it on the big screen.

Hey, I'm a busy girl and the movie theater is about 45 minutes away. Plus, I didn't think it would be that good.

I WAS WRONG.

I loved it! I thought it was simply charming and captured the feel of Maurice Sendak's beloved picture book quite well. I don't know if kids would catch that, or even if my husband did, but he liked it too!

Anyway, I thought the "wild things" were done fantastically and the wild rumpus was too fun! I loved Max and how his emotions played out during the entire film. And I really enjoyed the music!

I'm hoping to show this film at my library in August, so I'll get to enjoy it again with lots of friends!

A Brand-New Me! by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver

2010-06-13T21:21:00.001-05:00

It's nearing graduation from 5th from grade and that means one thing...NO MORE PS 87 and HELLO MIDDLE SCHOOL!

Then a couple of setbacks muddy up the road for Hank. First, he receives notice that he has not completed the required community service hours needed for graduation. But, he takes care of that by helping Mr. Rock clean the school's musical instruments.

But when he finds out that his two best friends will be attending the middle school for the gifted and talented....leaving him behind.

Thankfully, Mr. Rock sees something in Hank...something that no one else does. Does Hank step out of his box and shoot for the stars?

What I Thought:
Sigh. I love Hank Zipzer. I love his quirky character; he's a funny, smart guy. I love his positive attitude. And it doesn't help the book is set in New York City, one of my most favorite places in the world!

But my favorite thing about this installment of Hank's story? The influence of teachers in Hank's life. We see two dramatically different teachers: one who encourages Hank to mature his talents and work through his difficulties; and another who doesn't see the positive in Hank but harps on the negative. Both teachers I'm sure Hank will never forget...one he will see as a positive influence, and the other he will strive to never ever emulate. I think this is a GREAT lesson for anyone who works with children!

Be sure to give this story to anyone who is a Hank Zipzer fan, along with readers who need a positive story about overcoming adversity to reach your goal.

Highly Recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: A Brand-New Me! by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver.

Reviewed from a library copy.

God's Promises for Boys by Jack Countryman and Amy Parker

2010-06-12T14:37:00.000-05:00

This book compiles short lists of Bible verses applicable for a variety of situations boys may encounter. For instance, if he feels sad and need comfort, the lad can flip write to a list of verses of God's promises for this situation.

What I Thought:
I think this is a great little guide that any child could use! It's a great resource for anyone as we could all use a reminder of God's promises to us.

Each topic can be easily found using the table of contents which is organized by subheadings such as "God's Promises When..." and "God Wants You To..." and "God's Promises for You."

Each topic is opened with a short poem, then followed with several verses and a cute illustration.

Overall, I think this would be a wonderful gift to a boy. Be sure to check out the book designed for girls by the same authors.

Recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: God's Promises for Boys by Jack Countryman and Amy Parker.

Reviewed from a copy provided by the Thomas Nelson Publisher Book Review Bloggers program.

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

2010-06-11T21:19:00.000-05:00

Shiver is the story of a girl named Grace, who at a young age was attacked by a pack of wolves in the woods near her house. She remembers one wolf who stops the rest of the pack from killing her. She remembers his eyes...

Year after year, Grace keeps an eye out for her wolf. Every winter, she looks forward to seeing the wolf with the yellow eyes near her house, hearing his howl above the others.

When a boy at school goes missing, then is determined as dead a hunting party is organized to kill off the wolves. Horrified, Grace goes out into the woods to stop them.

That's when she finds Sam, naked on her front porch. And his eyes...his eyes are just like the eyes of her wolf.

Thus began a brilliant love story...between a girl and a boy who turns into a wolf.

What I Thought:
Several of my friends read this book and just raved about it...so I gave it a go. And it was good! All the reviews and such say that this book will give Twilight a run for its money, and while I think Twilight lovers will LOVE it, I kind of liked Twilight better.

But only because it had more sappy love story. I'm mushy like that.

Don't get me wrong, this is a great love story too! Sam is completely devoted to Grace, and vice versa...it's just not as unbelievably sappy as the Twilight books are. Which I think a lot of people will appreciate!

Anyway, this book has it all. Romance, paranormal, teenage drama, family issues, excitement, intense moments...everything you need for a great story! And a cliff hanging ending that leaves you screaming in frustration. But have no fear...the sequel Linger comes out in July! So I don't have to wait that long.

This is a great book to hand to Twilight fans and those who enjoy paranormal romance. I've already got a couple of people in line to read this one...I sure hope they like it as much as I did.

Very highly recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Alligtors and Crocodiles by Gail Gibbons

2010-05-28T12:00:00.003-05:00

Learn all about alligators and crocodiles in this informational picture book.

What I Thought:
I am a fan of Gail Gibbons! Anything she writes is great, and this is no exception!

In this book, Gibbons delves into the world of alligators and crocodiles. Readers of the book will discover the differences of an alligator and a crocodile, learn where and how they live, what they eat, about alligator babies, and dangers they face.

The book is full of informational text, both through short paragraphs and illustration captions. Illustrations are well done and well-detailed.

This book is perfect for anyone wanting to learn more about alligator & crocodiles.

Highly recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Alligators and Crocodiles by Gail Gibbons.

Reviewed from a library copy.

My Garden by Kevin Henkes

2010-05-26T12:00:00.002-05:00

A little girl dreams about how she wants her garden to be like.

What I Thought:
What a sweet book! As the little girl is helping her mom in their garden, she dreams of what her perfect garden would be like. It would include a jellybean plant, morning glories that shine in the night, and invisible carrots (because she doesn't like carrots.)

It has lovely illustrations, something that has come to be expected with any Henkes book!

What a great book showing imagination and encourages children to dream what their perfect garden would have.

Overall, a wonderful edition to any library and another home-run by Kevin Henkes.

Highly Recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: My Garden by Kevin Henkes.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Chester's Masterpiece [not] by Melaine Watt

2010-05-24T12:00:00.001-05:00

Chester the cat is back and is rotten as ever! Melanie is ready to write a new story only to find out that Chester has hidden all her supplies! That Chester!

Chester goes on to write his own story, with some assistance from Melanie. He's on a ROLL, until...well, you'll just have discover that for yourself!

What I Thought:
I'm a HUGE Chester fan, and this third installment is does not disappoint! Chester and his red marker cover just about every inch of this book and hijacks Melanie's book. (Make sure you check out the end papers and title pages! So creative!)

This story covers how a story is created, Chester style. It would be a really fun story to include in lessons about writing stories.

Overall, this is a super cute book!

Recommended!

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Chester's Masterpiece by Melanie Watt.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan

2010-05-22T12:48:00.000-05:00

Will Grayson, meet Will Grayson.

Huh?

This is a story of two Will Grayson's, one a high school student is struggling with relationships and his personal mantra is to X and is best friends to a huge guy named Tiny Cooper. The other Will Grayson is a high school student in another city who struggles with depression and when he befriends a wonderful guy online, he is very happy.

The two just happen to meet each other on a horrible night in Chicago when all the plans go wrong.

But as a result, could everything go right?

What I Thought:
I was looking forward to this book, and I was totally not disappointed. These two guys can tell a story! I loved how each chapter is alternated with each author taking on a Will Grayson voice. I love how the two characters live intertwine, but more indirectly through another character. Genius!

There are tons of great quotes in this book. I laughed aloud, was super sad, wanted to stand up and cheer and said "brilliant" a lot of times to myself. (I read it on an airplane. People would have looked at me weird if I said it aloud.)

This book does have some content that some may not appreciate, so it's probably most appropriate for older high school students and above. Especially in more conservative communities.

Overall, this is an awesome book! It's a story about finding, loving and accepting yourself and friends, just as they are!

Very highly recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan.

Reviewed from a library copy, and I now own a copy!

NEW BOOKS from Books of Wonder

2010-05-21T21:08:00.000-05:00

We just got back from a fantastic trip to New York City, where I had to make a trip to one of the best places on this Earth...Books of Wonder bookstore.

Here I am outside the store with my bag of goodies. Hooray!

So without further ado, here's the loot:

I was good! I wanted to buy the whole store, but the ol' pocketbook just won't allow that to happen!

A signed copy of this year's Caldecott medal winner, The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney.

A signed copy of Looking for Alaska by John Green.

A signed copy by Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan. (Which I finished yesterday and is WONDERFUL. I'll post a review of it tomorrow or Sunday.)

I also bought a professional development book about ways to incorporate families into reading. It's got tons of great activities coordinating with a bunch of really great novels. Hope to use that soon!

Because I spent over a certain amount of money, I got to get a free book so I chose Anne of Green Gables. You can never go wrong with that book!

Anyway, I had lots of fun. I can't wait to go back and check out what's new!

Band Geeked Out by Josie Bloss

2010-05-03T20:16:00.000-05:00

It's spring of Ellie's senior year and she has a lot of decisions to make, the biggest is what college to attend! She's always planned on attending the local State school, marching in the band and becoming a band director.

Then she is accepted into Covington, a competitive school across the country.

It's no contest, until she visits Covington and finds herself fitting right and befriending her tour guide, a girl named Alex.

When she returns home, she is in turmoil about what to do. Throw in relationship troubles and parental pressure and Ellie's almost at the breaking point.

It's a hard decision...one that she'll have to make and it will determine her whole future!

What I Thought:
This book is a sequel to the book Band Geek Love, of which you can read my thoughts here.

I think this book will really hit home with a lot of high school seniors about to enter a new and exciting stage in their life: college! It's a time of transition and it can be very scary. I think Josie Bloss portrayed these feelings wonderfully through her character Ellie.

Recommended, but make sure you've read Band Geek Love first!

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Band Geeked Out by Josie Bloss.

Reviewed from a library copy.

The Flowering Cross by Beth Ryan, illustrated by Renee Graef

2010-04-28T19:20:00.000-05:00

It is Easter Sunday and Katie is so excited! This Easter will be especially special as a very special neighbor will join them! One of Katie's favorite parts of Easter is placing flowers on the Easter cross.

What I Thought:
This is a sweet story very much rooted in the Christian faith. It's a story of kindness, compassion, sharing one's faith, and the meaning of Easter!

Just about each page has a "Faith Imprint" with a sentence about how the reader can participates in the book and are wonderful conversation starters for families! For example, on page one when Katie realizes it is Easter, the faith imprint is "Share what the first Easter was like when Jesus overcame death. Each of these imprints is also accompanied with a Bible verse.

Recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: The Flowering Cross by Beth Ryan, illustrated by Renee Graef.

Reviewed from a copy provided by the Thomas Nelson Publisher Book Review Bloggers program. This book will be donated to my local public library.

Back into it...

2010-04-28T19:05:00.000-05:00

Time to fess up.

This semester was AWFUL.

It was stressful.

Work was crazy busy.

Don't get me wrong. The class content and stuff was fine, I had a practicum that was fantastic, but put ALL that together and ice it with moving into a new house which needs organizing and decorating and yardwork...

I really wasn't in the mood for blogging.

So I didn't! I've been reading....promise! But just not blogging about them.

It happens.

Now it's almost May, and I'm finished with classes for the summer. All I lack in this degree is one measly internship and taking my comps.

It's as good as done!

Now that I have some sort of a life back...I plan to return to blogging!

Hopefully.

Top 100 Books...How I Fared

2010-04-14T18:53:00.001-05:00

Elizabeth Bird over on Fuse 8 (A blog from the School Library Journal) has posted her Top 100 Children's novels. You'll find the list below, and those in bold are the ones that I've read. (Or recall reading...I think I may have read some of those Roald Dahl books but can't really remember. So I didn't count it.) I've read 44 out of the 100. Not too shabby, but could be better!

It's a really great list and there are a lot of titles on here I definitely want to read...and soon! I'm glad to see that some of my favorite books are on this list!

----------------------- ------------------------- ----------------------

100. The Egypt Game - Snyder (1967)
99. The Indian in the Cupboard - Banks (1980)
98. Children of Green Knowe - Boston (1954)
97. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane - DiCamillo (2006)
96. The Witches - Dahl (1983)
95. Pippi Longstocking - Lindgren (1950)
94. Swallows and Amazons - Ransome (1930)
93. Caddie Woodlawn - Brink (1935)
92. Ella Enchanted - Levine (1997)
91. Sideways Stories from Wayside School - Sachar (1978)

90. Sarah, Plain and Tall - MacLachlan (1985)
89. Ramona and Her Father - Cleary (1977)
88. The High King - Alexander (1968)
87. The View from Saturday - Konigsburg (1996)
86. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - Rowling (1999)
85. On the Banks of Plum Creek - Wilder (1937)
84. The Little White Horse - Goudge (1946)
83. The Thief - Turner (1997)
82. The Book of Three - Alexander (1964)
81. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon - Lin (2009)

80. The Graveyard Book - Gaiman (2008)
79. All-of-a-Kind-Family - Taylor (1951)
78. Johnny Tremain - Forbes (1943)
77. The City of Ember - DuPrau (2003)
76. Out of the Dust - Hesse (1997)
75. Love That Dog - Creech (2001)
74. The Borrowers - Norton (1953)
73. My Side of the Mountain - George (1959)
72. My Father's Dragon - Gannett (1948)
71. The Bad Beginning - Snicket (1999)

70. Betsy-Tacy - Lovelae (1940)
69. The Mysterious Benedict Society - Stewart ( 2007)
68. Walk Two Moons - Creech (1994)
67. Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher - Coville (1991)
66. Henry Huggins - Cleary (1950)
65. Ballet Shoes - Stratfeild (1936)
64. A Long Way from Chicago - Peck (1998)
63. Gone-Away Lake - Enright (1957)
62. The Secret of the Old Clock - Keene (1959)
61. Stargirl - Spinelli (2000)

60. The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle - Avi (1990)
59. Inkheart - Funke (2003)
58. The Wolves of Willoughby Chase - Aiken (1962)
57. Ramona Quimby, Age 8 - Cleary (1981)
56. Number the Stars - Lowry (1989)
55. The Great Gilly Hopkins - Paterson (1978)
54. The BFG - Dahl (1982)
53. Wind in the Willows - Grahame (1908)
52. The Invention of Hugo Cabret (2007)
51. The Saturdays - Enright (1941)

50. Island of the Blue Dolphins - O'Dell (1960)
49. Frindle - Clements (1996)
48. The Penderwicks - Birdsall (2005)
47. Bud, Not Buddy - Curtis (1999)
46. Where the Red Fern Grows - Rawls (1961)
45. The Golden Compass - Pullman (1995)
44. Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing - Blume (1972)
43. Ramona the Pest - Cleary (1968)
42. Little House on the Prairie - Wilder (1935)
41. The Witch of Blackbird Pond - Speare (1958)

40. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz - Baum (1900)
39. When You Reach Me - Stead (2009)
38. HP and the Order of the Phoenix - Rowling (2003)
37. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry - Taylor (1976)
36. Are You there, God? It's Me, Margaret - Blume (1970)
35. HP and the Goblet of Fire - Rowling (2000)
34. The Watson's Go to Birmingham - Curtis (1995)
33. James and the Giant Peach - Dahl (1961)
32. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH - O'Brian (1971)
31. Half Magic - Eager (1954)

30. Winnie-the-Pooh - Milne (1926)
29. The Dark Is Rising - Cooper (1973)
28. A Little Princess - Burnett (1905)
27. Alice I and II - Carroll (1865/72)
26. Hatchet - Paulsen (1989)
25. Little Women - Alcott (1868/9)
24. HP and the Deathly Hallows - Rowling (2007)
23. Little House in the Big Woods - Wilder (1932)
22. The Tale of Despereaux - DiCamillo (2003)
21. The Lightening Thief - Riordan (2005)

20. Tuck Everlasting - Babbitt (1975)
19. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Dahl (1964)
18. Matilda - Dahl (1988)
17. Maniac Magee - Spinelli (1990)
16. Harriet the Spy - Fitzhugh (1964)
15. Because of Winn-Dixie - DiCamillo (2000)
14. HP and the Prisoner of Azkaban - Rowling (1999)
13. Bridge to Terabithia - Paterson (1977)
12. The Hobbit - Tolkien (1938)
11. The Westing Game - Raskin (1978)

10. The Phantom Tollbooth - Juster (1961)
9. Anne of Green Gables - Montgomery (1908)
8. The Secret Garden - Burnett (1911)
7. The Giver -Lowry (1993)
6. Holes - Sachar (1998)
5. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler - Koningsburg (1967)
4. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe - Lewis (1950)
3. Harry Potter #1 - Rowling (1997)
2. A Wrinkle in Time - L'Engle (1962)
1. Charlotte's Web - White (1952)

Goals for 2010--Updated

2010-03-20T10:17:00.000-05:00

I have a good friend who has challenged herself to ready 100 books during 2010, and I think this is pretty darn cool.

So I'm going to challenge myself to the same thing. I like to think that I already read this many books in a year, but have never really kept track! This year, I am going to keep a running list.

Here's my restrictions:
*I pledge to read 100 books over the next 365 days.

*Picture books don't count in the challenge but I will continue reading those and blogging reviews.

*Kids novels, graphic novels, YA novels, adult novels, and nonfiction books that are not built like picture books will be included.

*At least 10 books must be Newbery Award winners.

*At least 8 books must be Printz Award winners or honors.

*I'll blog each book in the tally. You can check my progress here.
-----Updated 3/20/10...Yeah, blogging each book isn't going to happen! I went a while without blogging and I'm not going to go back and write them up. Sorry. Life got in the way. It happens!----

I sure hope that I read much more than 100 books, but it will be a very busy spring semester for me with my graduate schoolwork and my job at the library, plus we are getting settled into a new house. (There's lots of painting, unpacking, organizing, yard work, looking for furniture in my future!) I'm not going to over-commit myself, I'll go CRAZY!

Want to join the fun? Come on! Let's spend 2010 reading!

Sugar Plum Ballerinas: Plum Fantastic by Whoopi Goldberg with Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Maryn Roos

2010-02-22T12:00:00.012-06:00

Alexandra Johnson despises ballet. She wants to be a speed ice skater, like her hero Phoebe Fitz. But it is her mother's dream that she take ballet classes and become a little ballerina. So she goes to class.

When Alexandra and her mother move from her home in Georgia to Harlem in NYC, she isn't thrilled. New home, new city, and a new ballet school...one her mother has always dreamed she could attend.

Alexandra quickly makes friends in the class, and as they prepare for their upcoming recital (where Alexandra was chosen to be the Sugar Plum Fairy in a solo dance), her new friends help her overcome obstacles to dance her best!

What I Thought:

This is a new series we got at the library and I couldn't wait to give it a try. I am a fan of Whoopi Goldberg, which further peaked my interest. I found the books to be quite good and I am sure that they will have a good reception with lots of ballet loving little girls!

The books include a glossary at the end with "Al's Guide to Ballet Terms" helping those of us who are not so educated in the terminology.

I found Alexandra to be a lovely character. At first she hated her new life and begged to return to her home in Apple Creek, GA; but once she found some friends, began to enjoy her new ballet school, and became accustomed to her new life she doesn't want to ever leave.

This is a great book for the elementary crowd! I can't wait to read further installments of the Sugar Plum Ballerinas!

Recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Whoopi Goldberg with Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Maryn Roos.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Love Your Heart by Tim McGraw & Tom Douglas, illustrated by Abigail Marble

2010-02-15T19:37:00.000-06:00

Katie can't decide what her talent should be for her school's talent show. Should she sing? Dance? Do cartwheels?

Each one is a great talent, but when it comes time for the talent show, Katie demonstrates something more important than her talent, being a true friend.

What I Thought:
What a sweet book! Katie is a spunky little girl who has a genuine heart. It is so sweet to see the special relationship she and her father share in this second book about these characters. (My Little Girl by Tim McGraw is the first book that features this duo.)

This is a wonderful inspiring book, perfect for little girls and their daddies to share.

Recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Love Your Heart by Tim McGraw & Tom Douglas, illustrated by Abigail Marble.

Reviewed from a copy provided by the Thomas Nelson Publisher Book Review Bloggers program. This book will be donated to my local public library.

Is she lost?

2010-02-15T08:53:00.000-06:00

No, I'm not lost. I'm reading! And doing homework, and working, watching FHU basketball, working on making our new house our home, and doing an internship in the public schools on top of it all. Plus the Olympics are currently in progress, and I'm a HUGE Olympic junkie.

I haven't been blogging.

It's on my list of things to do, I promise.

In the meantime, you should run out and read The Hunger Games and Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins. I just finished those and they are superb novels. You won't be sorry.

Go Team USA!

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin

2010-01-28T12:00:00.000-06:00

Minli is a young girl working with her family in the fields near the Jade River. Their family was very poor and worked very hard with little reward. Her father told Minli countless stories that her mother disapproved of. She felt they filled Minli's head with nonsense.

One day Minli decided to go find the Old Man of the Moon, a character in many of her father's stories, and attempt to change her family's fortune.

Thus begins a wonderful adventure in which Minli befriends a dragon who can't fly, encounters a young boy with a buffalo, meets the king, is saved from a vicious tiger by a set of fun-loving twins, and so much more!

But will Minli reach her goal and change her family's fortune or will her request change in order to help a friend?

What I Thought:
This book is a fantastic read aloud. The plot of the story is supplemented and moved forward with traditional stories or fables interspersed throughout the text. Whether the story is told by Minli's father or another character in the book, wonderful stories are interwoven throughout.

I loved the theme of friendship that ran throughout the book. Minli is such a sweet character who made friends wherever she roamed, and she was a wonderful friend in return.

This book is a wonderful story of adventure that I think anyone would love.

Very highly recommended.

This book was awarded a Newbery Honor in 2010. (A well deserved honor!)

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Marley Goes to School by John Grogan, illustrated by Richard Cowdrey

2010-01-26T12:00:00.002-06:00

It's Cassie's first day of school and Marley, Cassie's yellow lab, is ready to go with her. And why wouldn't he? Marley is Cassie's best friend and he goes everywhere with her.

But when Marley doesn't get to go with Cassie to school, he just doesn't understand.

Marley digs out of the backyard and heads to school where he has a lovely good time causing lots of chaos.

What I Thought:
A rowdy good time!

I'm a fan of Marley, especially right now that I'm begging hubby to let us get a dog! Marley is such a lovable puppy who simply loves life the fullest. To his family, he's definitely a handful!

I like the illustrations, they are quite realistic and remind me of books my grandmother had at her house. Something about them make me think "classic." The page where Cassie heads off to school with her family and Marley is left watching from the backyard is heartbreaking. I literally teared up looking into Marley's sad face. But flip a couple of pages and you'll be chuckling at Marley posed as a student in a classroom!

Kids will love Marley's adventure at school!

Recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Marley Goes to School by John Grogan, illustrated by Richard Cowdrey.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Here Comes the Big Mean Dust Bunny by Jan Thomas

2010-01-24T21:51:00.000-06:00

The rhyming dust bunnies are back! This time, they encounter a BIG MEAN dust bunny who is rather grouchy. Soon, the big mean dust bunny is rhyming right along with the rest of them. Well, all of them but Bob, who keeps saying "cat" instead of a word that rhymes.

He's weird.

Anyway, they are all having fun, when a cat comes along (maybe Bob isn't so weird) and squashes the big mean dust bunny! Being nice, the rhyming dust bunnies unsquash him and gives hugs all around.

What I Thought:
I wasn't such a fan of the first book, but I don't think I got it. Everyone else enjoyed so I went into this book with an open mind.

While its not one of my favorites out there, I can definitely see why everyone else does! The dust bunnies are super cute and kids will love rhyming along with them. And who can't related to the big, mean dust bunny? I appreciate how he was mean to the rhyming dust bunnies they still help him when he's in trouble and the big mean dust bunny has a change of heart.

I do adore the illustrations with the super bright colors and the text balloons.

A super fun book that I can't wait to read aloud to the preschoolers at the library.

Recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Here Comes the Big Mean Dust Bunny by Jan Thomas.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Movie Trailer

2010-01-22T17:58:00.000-06:00

Movie set to be released on April 2, 2010. I know a lot of excited kids out there, ready to see their favorite books come to life!

(And I'm pretty excited too!)

Jerry Pinkney & Rebecca Stead's [short] Interview on the Today Show

2010-01-22T16:43:00.000-06:00

I don't know whether to laugh or puke...

2010-01-20T17:56:00.004-06:00

It appears that Twilight will soon have its very own series of Manga. Twilight, the graphic novel is slated to release on March 16, 2010.

Young Kim adapted the novel by Stephenie Meyer and did all the art work. (Which looks stunning, by the way.)

Entertainment Weekly shares the cover, a short excerpt and interview with Meyer on their Shelf Life blog.

I think this is pretty cool, but at the same time wonder how much more Twilight can we take? No doubt this will be be a wildly popular book. And I'm interested to check it out!

Every librarian needs one...

2010-01-19T18:49:00.005-06:00

My friend Margie has a really cool blog called Picalicious where she and her husband (and maybe some other friends) post a picture a day for a year.

It's great fun to watch what they observe during their daily lives!

Today, she thought of me! How special?? I am so honored.

What picture did she take that reminded her of me? Well...find out!

That's right...a librarian action figure.

Although I hope I don't look quite as frumpy, even though today I sure felt like it!

Thanks Margie...I think it is super cool!

Dancing in the Winds by Debbie Allen, illustrations by Kadir Nelson

2010-01-18T12:00:00.002-06:00

This is the story of Sassy, a young dancer who didn't quite fit the typical physical look of a ballerina, but that didn't stop her! Tall, large feet; definitely not the delicate physique of the typical ballerina.

Sassy was just that...always had something to say and never gave up, no matter who was telling her that what she wanted wasn't possible.

When the opportunity to audition for a summer dance festival in Washington DC arrives, Sassy is thrilled with the opportunity. But the other girls tease her about her size and tell her she doesn't have a shot.

In tears, Sassy leaves the class. Her uncle picks her up and encourages Sassy to hold her head high and find a way to stand out.

With a confident spirit, Sassy heads into the audition wearing a bright yellow leotard. Everyone else is in black. She definitely stands out!

But is it enough to get into the program?

What I Thought:
A wonderful story about determination, self-confidence, and perseverance...and dancing! Sassy is a lovely character who readers can look up to and learn that it doesn't matter what others say, but what you think of yourself.

The illustrations are extremely well-done, as one would expect from Nelson. He always catches the persona of the story marvelously.

Recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Dancing in the Wings by Debbie Allen, illustrated by Kadir Nelson.

Reviewed from a library copy.

2010 ALA Youth Media Awards

2010-01-18T08:37:00.002-06:00

Hooray! It was a fantastic morning on my couch with the YALSA Live Blog of the ALA Youth Media Awards. I never connected to the live feed, which is fine because I had horrible issues with it last year.

So here's the lowdown:

Newbery Honors:
Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice written by Phillip Hoose
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate written by Jacqueline Kelly
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon written by Grace Lin
The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg written by Rodman Philbrick

Newbery Medal Winner:
When You Reach Me written by Rebecca Stead

Caldecott Honors:
All the World ill by Marla Frazee, written by Liz Garton Scanlon
Red Sings from Treetops: A Year in Colors ill. Pamela Zagarenski written by Joyce Sidman

Caldecott Medal Winner:
The Lion & the Mouse ill & written by Jerry Pinkney

Printz Honors:
Charles & Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith by Deborah Heiligman
The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey
Punkzilla by Adam Rapp
Tales of the Madman Underground: An Historical Romance, 1973 by John Barnes

Printz Medal Winner:
Going Bovine by Libba Bray

Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor:
E.B. Lewis for The Negro Speaks of Rivers

Coretta Scott King Illustrator Medal:
Charles R. Smith Jr. for My People, written by Langston Hughes

Coretta Scott King Author Honor:
Tanita S. Davis for Mare's War

Coretta Scott King Author Medal Winner:
Vaunda Micheaux Nelson for Bad News for Outlaws: the Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal

Coretta Scott King-Virginia Hamiliton Award for Lifetime Achievement: (1st year for this award)
Walter Dean Myers

John Steptoe Award for New Talent:
Kekla Magoon for The Rock and the River

Geisel Honors:
I Spy Fly Guy! written & ill by Tedd Arnold
Little Mouse Gets Ready written & ill by Jeff Smith
Mouse and Mole: Fine Feathered Friends written & ill by Wong Herbert Yee
Pear and Wagner: One Funny Day by Kate McMullan ill R. W. Alley

Geisel Medal Winner:
Benny and Penny in the Big No-No! written & ill by Geoffrey Hayes

Arbuthnot Honor Lecture Award
2011 Lecture will be given by Lois Lowry

Alex Awards:
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
The Bride's Farewell, Meg Rosoff
Everything Matters! by Ron Currie, Jr.
The Good Soldiers by David Finkel
The Kids Are All Right: A Memoir by Diana & Liz Welch
The Magicians by Lev Grossman
My Abandonment by Peter Rock
Soulless: An Alexia Tarabotti Novel by Gail Cairriger
Stitches A Memoir by David Small
Tunneling to the Center of the Earth by Kevin Wilson

Batcheldor Honors:
Big Wolf and Little Wolf written by Nadine Brun-Cosme, ill. Olivier Tallec, trans. Claudia Bedrick
Eidi by Bodil Bredsdorff, trans. Kathryn Mahaffy
Moribito II: Guardian of the Darkness by Nahoko Uehashi, ill. Yuko Shimizu, trans Cathy Hirano

Batcheldor Medal Winner:
A Faraway Island by Annika Thor, trans. Linda Schenck

Belpre Illustrator Honors:
Diego: Bigger Than Life ill. by David Diaz (written by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand)
My Abuelita ill. Yuyi Morales, written by Tony Johnston
Gracias Thanks ill by John Parra, written by Pat Mora

Belpre Illustrator Award:
Book Fiesta!: Celebrate Children's Day/Book Day; Celebremeos El dia de los ninos/el dia de los libros ill. Rafael Lopez, written by Pat Mora

Belpre Author Honors:
Diego: Bigger Than Life written by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand, ill. by David Diaz
Federico Garcia Lorca written by Georgina Lazaro ill. Enrique S. Moreiro

Belpre Author Award:
Return to Sender written by Julia Alvarez

Carnegie Medal:
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! Produced by Paul R. Gagne and Mo Willems of Weston Woods

Margaret A. Edwards Award:
Jim Murphy

William C. Morris Finalists:
Ash, by Melinda Lo
Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
The Everafter by Amy Huntley
hold still by Nina LaCour

William C. Murphy Winner:
Flash Burnout by L.K. Madigan

Odyssey Honor:
In the Belly of the Bloodhound - written by L. A. Meyer
Peace, Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson
We Are the Ship by Kadir Nelson

Odyssey Medal Winner:
Louise, the Adventures of a Chicken Produced by Live Oak Media written by Kate DiCamillo & narrated by Barbara Rosenblat

Schneider Awards:
Young Children's: Django written & ill by Bonnie Christensen
Middle Grades: Anything but Typical written by Nora Raleigh Baskin
Teen: Marcelo in the Real World by Francisco X. Stork

Sibert Honors:
The Day-Glo Brothers by Chris Barton, ill. Tony Persiani
Moonshot written & ill by Brian Floca
Claudette Colvin by Phillip Hoose

Sibert Medal Winner:
Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream by Tanya Lee Stone

YALSA Award of Excellence Finalist:
Almost Astronauts by Tanya Lee Stone
The Great and Only Barnum by Candace Fleming
Written in Bone by Sally M. Walker
Claudette Colvin by Phillip Hoose

YALSA Award of Excellence Winner:
Charles & Emma by Deborah Heiligman---WINNER

What a great list! I'm excited that for the first time I've read the Newbery & Caldecott Medals already! And I'm about 3/4 through one of the Newbery Honors, and have read several of these listed already. But I've got a hefty reading list ahead!

I'm VERY excited for Jerry Pinkney and his The Lion and the Mouse. I had that book picked from the second I picked it up. It's that amazing.

What do you all think of today's announcements?

ALA Youth Media Awards

2010-01-18T06:32:00.003-06:00

I'm up and ready for the Youth Media Awards, which are slated to begin at 6:45amCT. I'm bundled up on the couch, up earlier than I would be to get up for work....and I'm off work today!

I had hoped to read more books that seemed to be getting Newbery buzz...but I didn't. So I'll just say that I do hope that When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead. I did read it and it really is outstanding.

And if The Lion & the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney doesn't get the Caldecott, the committee has serious issues! It's an amazing book.

I'll guess we'll find out! Soon!

Birthday for Bear by Bonny Becker, illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton

2010-01-16T12:00:00.001-06:00

Bear does not like birthdays,and when Mouse appears at his house ready for a birthday party, Bear is not pleased! He sends Mouse away, but we know Mouse...he doesn't give up easily!

Can Mouse win Bear over to be a fan of birthdays?

What I Thought:
A wonderful easy/first reader by Bonny Becker! If you loved A Visitor for Bear, then you'll love this one too!

This book is divided into four short chapters, perfect for the beginning reader. It's still a wonderful read aloud with a charming story and lovely ink & watercolor illustrations.

Highly Recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Birthday for Bear by Bonny Becker, illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Gooney Bird and the Room Mother by Lois Lowry, illusrated by Middy Thomas

2010-01-09T12:00:00.000-06:00

It's another fun day in Miss Pidgeon's second grade class. The principal has asked all the students to ask their parents to be a room mother (or father) for their class. Thanksgiving is coming soon and every class needs a room parent to provide cupcakes for the annual Thanksgiving pageant.

Unfortunately none of the parents of Miss Pidgeon's students are able to volunteer for the job. What are they going to do?

Gooney Bird to the rescue! As the class prepares for it's Thanksgiving performance written by Miss Pidgeon, Gooney finds a room mother and in turn receives the honor to play Sequoya in the pageant.

Everyone is excited about the room mother, and wants to know who it is...but Gooney Bird has promised she will remain incognito until the day of the pageant.

What I Thought:
I love Gooney Bird. I think she's become one of my favorite characters out there for the 1st-4th(ish) grade crowd. She's like the precursor to a lot of the popular kid characters out there like Junie B., Clementine, Roscoe Riley, etc. So much fun.

As in all of Gooney's books, Lowry tackles a topic of language arts and intertwines it into the story. This book focuses on vocabulary and dictionary skills, which is genius!

A few black and white illustrations accompany the text and adds a great visual aspect to the story.

Another great installment in the Gooney Bird series! You can see my reviews of the others here:
Gooney Bird Greene
Gooney Bird is so Absurd
Gooney the Fabulous

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Gooney Bird and the Room Mother by Lois Lowry, illusrated by Middy Thomas.

Reviewed from a library copy.

The Dunderheads by Paul Fleischman, illustrated by David Roberts

2010-01-07T20:34:00.000-06:00

"Never,' shrieked Miss Breakbone, "have I been asked to teach such a scraping together of fiddling, twiddling, time-squandering, doodling, dozing, don't-knowing dunderheads!"

What if this was your teacher?

Miss Breakbone was the meanest teacher. She hated kids. Her favorite part of her job was making kids cry, and when she accomplished this she gave herself a gold star. The class is amazingly talented in a variety of skills, from solving problems, to being nuts about bicycles, even making spitballs.

When Miss Breakbone confiscates Junkyard's ceramic cat he found and planned to give his mother for a present, the class decided enough was enough.

Together, and using the talents of the entire class, they devise a plan to retrieve the cat from the inside of Miss Breakbone's home. During a party.

It's a dangerous mission....will they succeed?

What I Thought:
This is a super fun book, perfect for the elementary reader! It's got a great and interesting plot full of interesting characters, along with a fair share of suspense. The color illustrations are a vital part of the book providing and are well done.

But what I like best about the book are all the kids with their interesting, not so normal talents. It shows that everyone is good at something, and everyone is unique! Plus, Miss Breakbone is kind of the classic "evil teacher" and those are just entertaining.

This one should be a hit!

Very highly recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: The Dunderheads by Paul Fleischman, illustrated by David Roberts.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Marcelo in the Real World by Francisco X. Stork

2010-01-05T20:04:00.001-06:00

Seventeen year old Marcelo is so excited about his summer job working with the ponies at his school. You see, Marcelo goes to a special school for kids who need extra help...Marcelo has a type of autism. He hears music in his head all the time and sticks to a very strict schedule.

When his dad proposes that he work in his law firm for the summer, and if he completes this job successfully he can decide if he wants to finish his schooling at the special school or attend the local public high school. (His dad wants him to attend public school.)

So, Marcelo gives up his summer plans and works in the "real world," in the mail room of his father's law firm. For Marcelo, this is a huge deal as he has trouble with social cues so he must work extra hard to simply understand. For instance, small talk is very difficult and he takes things quite literal. He studies every night for things to talk about with his co-workers and usually has his computer handy so he can look up sayings on the Internet that he may not understand. He also befriends his boss in the mail room--Jasmine--who eventually helps him along.

Over the course of the summer, Marcelo learns all sorts of things about the real world: jealously, honesty, getting along with others, relationships, learning about the lives of others, and most of all--learning how much he really can operate in the "real world."

What I Thought:
What a great book! I was encouraged to read this book while at a literature workshop and the presenter had it picked as a contender for the Printz Award this year.

I love Marcelo. I found it absolutely fascinating to be "in his head" for the book and experience what life is like for him on a daily basis. He has a light case of Asperger's Syndrome, and his brain is simply just wired differently. What is so easy for most people is very difficult for him. Simply social interactions take great concentration and effort for Marcelo.

It was fascinating and incredibly interesting to watch Marcelo learn what the "real world" is like. This book will definitely make you think and gives a whole new aspect of those with issues in the autism spectrum.

Very highly recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Marcelo in the Real World by Francisco X. Stork.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Check this girl out...

2010-01-04T12:00:00.001-06:00

I don't remember who directed me to this blog, but I'm awfully glad I found it.

This is Laura. I have not met her, and have no idea who she is...but she's an inspiration!

Laura has challenged herself to read every Newbery by the time she enters middle school. She was in second grade when she started, and now is almost finished as a fourth grader!

Go Laura go!

You've inspired me to read more of the Newbery Award winners I never read (which is, ahem, most of them). Thank you and keep up the great work!

Check out her blog here and see what she thinks of the books she's read.

Hooray for Jon Scieszka, Huzzah for Katherine Paterson

2010-01-04T11:18:00.006-06:00

Today marks the last day of Jon Scieszka's term as the Ambassador for Children's Literature. This position was created to "raise national awareness of the importance of young people’s literature as it relates to lifelong literacy, education, and the development and betterment of the lives of young people."

I'd like to take a second to thank Scieszka for all the work he has done the last two years promoting children's literature! He especially does excellent work with his organization Guys Read that encourages males to read and promotes books written and intended for guys! Plus, he's just a great author!

Thanks Mr. Scieszka! You've been a great Ambassador!

Today, the new Ambassador was chosen: Katherine Paterson. What a wonderful choice and I know that she will do an excellent job with this position! She's another wonderful author and I'm excited to see what she does during her term.

The Eternal Smile: Three Stories by Gene Luen Yang

2010-01-03T20:00:00.000-06:00

In this collection of three short stories in graphic novel format, Luen tells some tales of fantasy and explores the idea of good vs. evil.

Duncan's Kingdom: When the love of Duncan's life, a princess, puts out a challenge Duncan goes forth to look for the King Frog. When he brings back his head, he will win her hand in marriage. He has a fantastic adventure, but is everything as it seems.

Gran'Pa Greenbax and the Eternal Smile: Gran'Pa Greenbux is all about money. He wants enough money to be able to dive to the bottom of his gold and not not hit the bottom! He demands his worker Filbert to find a way for him to make more and he directs him to a smile that appears to be coming from the sky. Gran'Pa creates a church to get donations from his parishioners...but Gran'Pa is surprised by shocking reality.

Urgent Request: Janet is stuck in a boring nine to five job and her request for a promotion is rudely shot down. When she receives an email from a Nigerian prince asking for money, she complies...time after time. We all know its a scam, but does Janet?

What I Thought:
I loved Yang's American Born Chinese so I was excited to pick up this collection. I enjoyed the setup of the three short stories, and how they really all fit together with the classic good vs. evil plot. Each story also brings to light a more serious issue under the disguise of a great fantasy plot. I love stories that make you think!

Wonderful illustrations, in true Yang style!

Highly recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: The Eternal Smile by Gene Luen Yang.

Reviewed from a library copy.

The Book Challenge of 2010...the running list

2010-01-02T22:48:00.060-06:00

Check out the books I've read this year! Check out my goals here.

1. Gooney Bird and the Room Mother by Lois Lowry
2. The Eternal Smile by Gene Luen Yang
3. Where the Mountain Meets the Mood by Grace Lin
4. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
5. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
6. Sugar Plum Ballerinas: Plum Fantastic by Whoopi Goldberg
7. The Baby-Sitters Club: The Summer Before by Ann M. Martin (ARC)
8. Slob by Ellen Potter
9. The Small Adventure of Popeye and Elvis by Barbara O'Connor
10. Captain Nobody by Dean Pitchford
11. Smile by Raina Telgemeier
12. Nanny Returns by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus
13. Oggie Cooder by Sara Weeks
14. Anything But Typical by Nora Raleigh Baskin
15. The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin by Josh Berk
16. Band Geeked Out by Josie Bloss
17. Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green & David Levithan
18. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
19. God's Promises for Boys by Jack Countryman and Amy Parker
20. A Brand-New Me! by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver
21. Lawn Boy Returns by Gary Paulsen
22. Pictures of Hollis Wood by Patricia Reilly Giff
23. The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer
24. Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown
25. Little Blog on the Prairie by Cathleen Davitt Bell
26. Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer (again!) See my review here from when I read it in 2008.
27. Lincoln and His Boys by Rosemary Wells, illustrated by P.J. Lynch
28. Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer (again). See my review here from when I read it in 2008.
29. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
30. Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern
31. Willow Run by Patricia Reilly Giff

43. If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Well, it looks like I made just over half of my reading goal!

The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks

2010-01-01T12:00:00.000-06:00

Ronnie was not happy about spending the summer with her father in Wilmington, North Carolina. She is a city girl...her home is in New York City. Plus, she hasn't spoken to her father in three years, when he and her mom divorced.

Ronnie's first friend is not someone who has her best intentions at hand, and starts hanging out with a rough group. When she is accused of stealing, Ronnie's situation becomes dire. She has a record of theft in NYC, and this arrest could land Ronnie in jail.

While she waits for her court date, she befriends a nice young man who she eventually falls in love with and over time heals the relationship with her father.

It's a summer she'll never forget, full of fun, laughter, sadness and tears.

What I Thought:
Another great Nicholas Spark novel! Make sure to have a box of Kleenex handy for this one!

I enjoyed the transformation Ronnie experienced in this novel. She went from a spoiled bratty girl, to a wonderful young woman.

A great book for a light read, and one that teens could enjoy as well.

Recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks.

Reviewed from a personal copy.

One excited person

2009-12-31T08:00:00.003-06:00

So, this morning as I attempted to wake up, I checked my Twitter feed. That's when I saw this tweet from Linda Braun (lbroun200), the YALSA president and educator who've I've had the privilege to hear speak:

"NYT on the return of The Babysitter's Club http://bit.ly/4FwKtI"

.

Needless to say...I woke up quickly after seeing that!

Okay, here's the deal. When I was a kid/tween, I LOVED (loved, LOVED, LOVED) the Babysitter's Club. I had quite collection, and would literally start at Book 1, read all that I had, go to Sam's Club and buy the next set of four, read those, then start the process all over again.

The Babysitter's Club is why I'm a librarian who missed a lot of great books published during during my childhood and classics. I was busy reading the BSC! (Don't worry...I'm working on catching up on those now...in my 30's!)

I was kind of disappointed when the library I work at only had a few installments of the series. When I ran across 85% of the series at the farmer's market for a quarter a book, I jumped on that deal! Now the library has a decent set of the series and they've been checked circulating pretty well. We also have the BSC graphic novel set. (Which are pretty stinkin' cool!)

I'm so excited to get this new set for the library and especially read the prequel: The Babysitter's Club: The Summer Before, due out April 1, 2010 according to Amazon.

How exciting that a whole new generation will get to enjoy a series of books their mom's enjoyed!

Front and Center by Catherine Gilbert

2009-12-30T11:35:00.000-06:00

Life is starting to get back to normal for DJ Schwenk. She made national news by playing football for her high school team (and dating the rival team's quarterback) and her brother who was severely injured during a college football game and is doing well in rehab adjusting to life in a wheelchair. She's ready to return to school, ready for basketball, ready for normal.

Well, life is never normal! DJ's life gets turned upside down once again when the basketball scouts come calling and DJ is put under enormous pressure to be a leader on the basketball court (which is hard for her) as well as decide her collegiate future. Her family is counting on her!

Mix in a boyfriend and the possibility of a true love...and you've got a junior year one can't forget.

What I Thought:
Front and Center is the finale to a wonderful trilogy of books about DJ Schwenk. While I anticipated the release of this book, I hated to read it because I knew the story would soon be over! This is one of my favorite characters out there today.

I loved how Murdock wrapped up DJ's story and pulled all the books together beautifully. DJ is a super strong female character who learns a lot about herself and life. She is not your typical girly girl...and I found that to be refreshing!

(Plus, I learned more about the technical game of basketball in this book than I have in 4 years of being married to a college basketball coach! Murdock intertwined basketball lingo in the book in a way that made me understand the game.)

Overall, a superb book, a great series. Give to any high school girl (or guy) who loves a great realistic fiction novel with a strong female character. Perfect for the sportsy type!

Very highly recommended.

Want to find out more? Check it out on Amazon: Front and Center by Catherine Gilbert .

Reviewed from a library copy.