Sunday, January 27, 2013

 
It's Monday! What Are You Reading?  01/28/13 
 

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Reading? Meme

 
 
 
It was a busy week, traveling two of the four workdays, which means not as much reading, but I finished a couple of books.



I appreciated Ashfall because it seems realistic. A super-volcano has erupted, and our main character wants to survive and be reunited with his family. It's got something for everyone: facts about supervolcanoes, violence, romance, friendship, family - everyone trying to survive. It's a longer YA book, but the action keeps it moving.  It did make me think about how well I would do in a survival situation (not well, I fear). 
 


 
 
I was exhausted after reading this book, no doubt from the crying.  It is a horrifying story that I couldn’t stop reading.  I just couldn’t stop thinking that while I was playing in my yard in Miami as a child, other children were working all day and night, starved, and forced to commit unthinkable acts.  McCormick did a great job of making me feel like I really know Arn Chorn-Pond and what he experienced (and, thus, the watershed of tears).  And I look forward to visiting Cambodia (hopefully during spring break) to see how they have recovered over time. 
 

 

 
I definitely needed something light-hearted while  reading Ashfall and Never Fall DownBook Speak! hit the spot.  What's not to love about a book of poetry about books and book parts?  I can see sharing these poems and the artwork throughout the year with students. 


 
 
 



I think this is a beautiful book.  From the feel of the paper, to the artwork, and most importantly, the words that are used to tell about Washington's dream of learning to read and going to school.  I loved this one also. 
 









So what's next?  


I read Legend over the winter break, so it's time to get to Prodigy before I forget too much.  Plus, I have a school I want to give these copies to.    I need a lighter book this week, and I'm hoping Janet Tashjian's My Life as a Cartoonist will be just that.  I didn't finish my professional books last week, but I find both of them engaging and I've already tried some of the ideas.  So, I'll get these done this week. 
 
 

12 comments:

  1. These all sound like fabulous books! I am adding to my TBR list as we speak!

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    1. Thanks, Andrea. I enjoyed all of them, although I do look forward to lighter reading this week.

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  2. You have done some amazing reading. I need to read Never Fall Down for myself - it sounds powerful. You will LOVE Book Love!

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    1. I've heard such good things about Book Love, but it keeps getting put at the bottom of the pile. I'll get to it though!

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  3. Just ordered Book Love, can't wait! Isn't Bookspeak! brilliant?! Can't wait to read Prodigy...

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    1. Just finished Prodigy and I might have liked it more than Legend!

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  4. I love Book Speak! Janet gave it to me for my birthday and it's just so delightful to read--plus the art is great. I've heard a lot about Ashfall, but I don't think I got it in my ALAN box, so I'm going to have to get that one. McCormick's book sounds like too much for me right now, but reminds me of Cut and what a powerful writer she is. Would it pair well with the story of Iqbal Masih? Switch is on my list too and Tara is right, you'll love Book Love (I did).

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    1. Never Fall Down would pair well with Iqbal, although might be depressing to see what we're willing to do to survive. She definitely didn't hold back in telling this story.

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  5. Ooh, I did not realize another "My Life" book is coming out. My class will be thrilled!

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    1. And I didn't realize there are other My Life books! Just looked at the back after reading your comment. :). I hope I don't need to read the others first.

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  6. Your review of Fifty Cents and a Dream has made me want to read it. I love it when a book is an experience for all the senses. I read "Switch" and found it enjoyable and informational at the same time. I love all the examples they used to prove their point.

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    1. I do think you'll enjoy Fifty Cents. I went to my Math counterpart and made him touch the pages and look a the art. :). Not sure he appreciated it quite as much as I did.

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