Second BOOK BUZZ Meeting
Hi BOOK BUZZ members!
Welcome to our second meeting (entirely online) on Sunday, November 30th!
By now you're read even more NEW books that you can share with your students and colleagues!
What you need to do now is comment to the blog for each of the second batch of books you've read.
I would type and save my comments in a word processing program. I wouldn't type it right in the box in case something goes wrong, and you'll lose your comment.
For each book you read, please make a separate post.
Click on "Comments" and then copy and paste your comment in the box. Click name/URL where you'll leave your name, (first and last name or only first name, last initial if you prefer). Then, type the captcha, (the letters or numbers to prove you're not a spamming robot), Click "Publish".
Optional: Create a second comment and respond to at least one group member's post, commenting on one of the books they read.
Now all that's left to do is add some fabulous *NEW* books to your reading list or Good Reads account***!
***If you don't already have a Good Reads account, it's a great way to keep track of what you've read and to set aside books you'd like to read. Not to mention reading lists and the recommendations of others.
Happy Reading!
Welcome to our second meeting (entirely online) on Sunday, November 30th!
By now you're read even more NEW books that you can share with your students and colleagues!
What you need to do now is comment to the blog for each of the second batch of books you've read.
I would type and save my comments in a word processing program. I wouldn't type it right in the box in case something goes wrong, and you'll lose your comment.
For each book you read, please make a separate post.
- First, in your comment, include your name, school district and grade level/s.
- Second, the title of your book, author, genre and recommended grave level/s.
- Give us a brief one or two paragraphs with a summary of your book including your opinion.
- Next write your own booktalk for the book.
Click on "Comments" and then copy and paste your comment in the box. Click name/URL where you'll leave your name, (first and last name or only first name, last initial if you prefer). Then, type the captcha, (the letters or numbers to prove you're not a spamming robot), Click "Publish".
Optional: Create a second comment and respond to at least one group member's post, commenting on one of the books they read.
Now all that's left to do is add some fabulous *NEW* books to your reading list or Good Reads account***!
***If you don't already have a Good Reads account, it's a great way to keep track of what you've read and to set aside books you'd like to read. Not to mention reading lists and the recommendations of others.
Happy Reading!
Michelle McComb, Averill Park CSD Miller Hill Elementary, Grades 4&5
ReplyDeleteSkink No Surrender by Carl Hiaasen, Realistic Fiction, Grades 6 and up
Summary: I have read many adult books by Carl Hiaasen and I was very excited when he started writing books for kids. I have enjoyed all of his books for the younger audience and this book was no exception. This book focuses on Richard and his quest to find his cousin, Malley. It appears that Malley has run away with a guy she met online, but when Richard speaks to Malley on the phone she gets the impression she is being held against her will. Richard meets Skink, an eccentric vigilante who seems to be on the run himself. The two team up to find Malley and they have quite an adventure in the process. As with Hiaasen’s other books, this one is set in Florida and has a strong environmental message. When Richard meets Skink on the beach Skink is trying to catch a man who has been stealing turtle eggs to sell them. Skink takes some drastic measures against anyone he sees doing something to hurt the environment. He also has some interesting ideas about how to help Richard find Malley. The two become quite close and end up helping each other in many ways.
Opinion: I really enjoyed this book and found it entertaining all the way to the end. The characters were well developed and there were great messages throughout the book. While Hiaasen’s other books for young readers are very appropriate for upper elementary students, I would probably reserve this one for the middle school crowd. There is nothing terribly offensive in it, but the characters are teenagers and some of the language and themes seem more appropriate for the sixth grade and up crowd. Just the idea of a girl meeting a guy online and running off with him only to have him keep her against her will seems a bit mature for an elementary student. That being said, there are a lot of great themes in the book that are worthy of discussion. Hiaasen has a way of telling a great story in a descriptive way that makes the reader want to know more. I would highly recommend this book.
Book Talk: Richard teams up with a very unusual man to search for his cousin who he thinks is being kept against her will. Richard learns many valuable lessons and develops a special friendship while on this strange journey.
Michelle McComb, Averill Park CSD Miller Hill Elementary, Grades 4&5
ReplyDeleteThe Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline, Historical Fiction Grades 9 and up
Summary: This book goes back and forth between present day Maine and the past (1929-1943). In present day Maine Molly is a teenager who is always getting in trouble as she lives with her foster parents who don’t really seem to want her. She ends up doing some community service working with an elderly woman who needs help cleaning out her attic. As they work together she learns about this woman’s life, and it turns out she was also an orphan like Molly. When the book goes back in time we see what it was like for orphan children during the depression who were put on trains in NYC and sent west in the hopes that a family would take them in to live with them on the farm. Niamh is an Irish immigrant who was living in New York City with her family until a fire made her an orphan. She is placed on a train with other orphans and sent west to Minnestota in helps of finding a family. We follow Nimah as she grows up and moved from one family to another. Her situation is difficult and she suffers through many challenges. The story of Molly and Niamh become more intertwined until the end when their stories collide. The characters are very interesting and their stories are heartbreaking. The book does a great job teaching about this difficult time in history while also telling a beautiful story.
Opinion: I loved this book, and while the topic is a sad one, the author did a good job bringing the story to a conclusion with optimism and hope. The book teaches you about the orphan trains, something that many people aren’t familiar with. I would not read this story with elementary students and would probably reserve it for the high school group. The topic is very heavy for younger readers and with Molly being a rebel teenager; some of the language would not be appropriate for younger kids. The book provides a lot of room for discussion, both about the orphan trains and the power of people to survive in challenging situations. The book I read had information and photographs from the real orphan train era in the back of the book. This would be an excellent book to use when teaching about the depression era.
Book Talk: A troubled teen befriends an older woman and learns a lot about herself in the process. Both women being orphans creates a bond between them as the reader learns about the life of the children who traveled on the orphan trains during the depression era.
Katelynn Ingham, East Greenbush CSD, Columbia High School, grades 9-12
ReplyDeleteLilly and Taylor by Elise Moser, realistic fiction, grades 9-12
Summary:
Taylor has just witnessed her older sister Tannis murdered by her boyfriend. After years of witnessing her sister’s abuse and her own volatile relationship with her boyfriend Devon, Taylor and her nephew, Mason, are sent to live with her Grandmother. Moving away from her boyfriend and attending a new school is difficult, but soon Taylor is befriended by the outgoing Lily. With a mother who is suffering from mental illness and an absent father with a drinking problem, Lily and Taylor seem to share a lot in common. When Devon shows up unannounced, a short car ride turns in to kidnapping and being held against their will in a remote cabin in the woods. With no heat, food, bathroom or cellphone service, the girls are abused and neglected for what goes on for days. They must use all their strength and will power to survive.
Opinion:
I understand why a book like this exists. However, I can’t say that I enjoyed reading it. I compare reading this book to passing a car accident on the side of the road. You can’t help but keep reading even though you know that each detail is agonizing and dark. As I said before, I understand why books like this exist and why it is important to have survivor stories, but I wouldn’t rush to recommend this to every 9th grader that walks into the library. In addition, there is a lot of description of almost all of the characters smoking cigarettes. Also, the ending of the story seems rushed and a bit to orderly to seem realistic. While I would recommend this to students who are looking for a dramatic and shocking realistic fiction pick, I would caution them to know that the book has strong themes of sexual and domestic violence.
Booktalk:
What would you do if the person you loved hit you? Would you stay or would you leave? Sometimes, for people like Taylor, the answer isn’t that simple. Taylor is a young girl who has just witnessed her sister be murders by her boyfriend. As Taylor tries to adapt to life in a new town, she is haunted by her boyfriend Devon, whose violence and abuse are still present even though they are miles apart. Lily is an outgoing girl who has a lot in common with Taylor. When Devon comes to town for an unexpected visit, the girls are kidnapped and held against their will in a remote cabin in the woods. Will they make it out alive? Read Lily and Taylor by Elise Moser to find out.
Wow Katelynn-What a book! I am sorry there was so much smoking going on-as if we need more of our kids addicted! I am glad to know about this book. I think there is much value in knowing a book is great, as well as knowing about a book that's not the type to recommend to any random student in a high school. It sounds like a great book for a reluctant reader with so much suspense. Thanks for your review!
DeleteGenii Rutherford, East Greenbush Central School District, Red Mill Elementary K-5
ReplyDeleteQuest by Aaron Becker, Wordless Picture Book K-4
Summary
The reader’s quest begins in Aaron Becker’s wordless picture book” Quest” with rich purple end papers that has a mandela on one page. I the center of this circular illustration is a cylinder that will be a piece of magical chalk I the story. This wordless picture book is a sequel to Aaron Becker’s Caldecott Honor book “Journey”. A boy and girl and a purple plumed bird are surprised by a king that appears from under a city bridge. The king gives the trio a map and two magical pieces of chalk, one red and one purple before he is yanked away by evil soldiers. The boy, girl, and bird set off to rescue the king using the magical chalk ala Harold and the Purple Crayon. They use the chalk to draw tools and creators that take them to exotic places as they retrieve more colors for their collection of magical chalk. Once they have the full spectrum of colors they conquer the evil army and rescue the king. Gratefully the king draws them each crown before they return to their city scene still clutching their chalk. With each read more details are found and the plot becomes deeper for the reader.
Opinion
An exquisite book. Would love to share it with a small group to develop discussions about what each student saw, the flow of the plot,etc.
Book Talk
Ever wish you had a piece of magic chalk like Harold and the Purple Crayon had? In “Quest” a new sequel to “Journey” by Aaron Becker, a boy, a girl and their companion bird are both given a piece of magical chalk to rescue a king from being captive by an evil army. They draw their way on a quest to find more colors of magical chalk needed to bring the king’s freedom.
Ideas
This is a great title to use to discuss- What is a sequel? Are both titles equally engaging? Reading a book twice, especially wordless picture books and graphic novels, to deepen the enjoyment and understanding of the story.
Genii-Wordless picture books are a different breed and I'm so glad you chose one! It sounds like a book you might want to have a few copies of to pass around with a small group, as you mentioned. I loved how you included ideas and ways to use the book with students. I was thinking students could always read Harold and the Purple Crayon and compare and contrast, as well as discuss whether or not the first book, Journey, needs to be read first to fully enjoy Quest. Nice job, thanks!
Delete
ReplyDeleteJeanne Seel, Averill Park CSD, Miller Hill/Sand Lake & Poestenkill Elem, Gr K – 5 LMS
The Map Trap by Andrew Clements (Atheneum, 2014), realistic / school fiction, Grades 4 – 6, 132 pgs.
Summary: Sixth-grader Alton Barnes loves maps and begins to create his own maps – which “map” trends and characteristics of his school, surroundings and classmates. His world is turned upside-down when a map-napper steals his map folder at school. Ransom notes with instructions to be followed start to show up in hidden places. As Alton works to regain his maps, he begins to change his focus, friendships and social life. Alton realizes his maps are taking him on a whole different path.
Opinion: Once again Andrew Clements has created a school story which rings true and introduces us to a tween who is learning that learning who you are is not always a clear path. Clements first year teacher character is authentic and caring. Love the principal
Booktalk: ?? Remember Frindle, Lunch Money, No Talking ? Andrew Clements has a new school story! Imagine you love maps – to the point of being obsessed enough to wear a t-shirt that has something about maps every day to school!! Imagine you enjoy maps so much, you begin to design your own maps – even ones showing trends in your school featuring your classmates! Imagine those maps are stolen at school! Sixth-grader Alton feels he must follow the directions of the map-napper and hope for the maps return. He changes he makes takes his year in a whole new direction!
Jeanne Seel, Averill Park CSD, Miller Hill/Sand Lake & Poestenkill Elem, Gr K – 5 LMS
ReplyDeleteThe Dark by Lemony Snicket. Illustrated by Jon Klassen (Little, Brown, 2013), fantasy picture book, K – 2
Summary: Laszlo is afraid of the dark. He lives in a big, creaky, old house. One night the dark pays him a visit with surprising results.
Opinion: The illustrations and placement of the text are critical to how the story builds. The amount of dark on the page helps set the mood. It takes you back to those moments of “fear” when you were young, a little unsure of what was at the bottom (We had a cellar.) or top of the stairs. I’ve used this with classes --- kids totally get it and are comfortable with it, just as Laszlo is.
Booktalk: When I was little, I had a nightlight. Sometimes when I’m in a new house, I still like a nightlight. Let’s read this book together and find out what happens when Laszlo meets ….. the dark!
Jeanne Seel, Averill Park CSD, Miller Hill/Sand Lake & Poestenkill Elem, Gr K – 5 LMS
ReplyDeletePop! The Invention of Bubble Gum by Meghan McCarthy (Simon & Schuster, 2012), nonfiction picture book, Grades 1 – 3.
Summary: Tells the story of the invention of bubble gum in a small candy factory in Philadelphia in the 1920’s. Trial and error were involved. McCarthy shares that chewing gum has been around for centuries and give some timelines and gum facts on the back pages. She also points out that the inventor, Walter Diemer never got rich from his invention but considered it his contribution to children’s happiness.
Booktalk: Can you imagine a world without bubble gum? We have had bubble gum for less than 100 years …. Here’s the story of how it came to be.
As I sit here chewing gum and blowing bubbles, I had no idea bubblegum was such a recent invention. This looks like a great read! I wonder if my middle/high school crowd would enjoy this? I do occasionally find gum on the chair bottoms when I put them on the tables at end of day...
DeleteJeanne Seel, Averill Park CSD, Miller Hill/Sand Lake & Poestenkill Elem, Gr K – 5 LMS
ReplyDeleteFrank Einstein and the Antimotor Motor by Jon Scieszka Illustrated by Brian Biggs (Amulet, 2014), science fiction / humor, Grades 3-5, 180 pgs.
Summary: Kid inventor Frank Einstein needs to win the city science fair so he can use the prize money to pay off his grandfather’s debts and save the fix-it shop. When a lightening strike brings Frank’s robots to life, the prize seems within reach. Until …. Edison, Frank’s rich counterpart has his assistant, Mr Chimp (a real chimp) kidnap Klink and Klang with a plan to take over not just the science fair, but the whole town!
Opinion: Silly, bizarre --- a little “cloak and dagger” with a touch of rich, selfish brat vs. good-hearted neighborhood kid. Science kids and ones with imaginations will enjoy this fast paced romp. Scientific type diagrams and illustrtions will help draw in graphic minded readers. The singing chimp is a bit much ……. But it is Scieszka.
Booktalk: Could robots come to life? Could they be able to learn? Frank’s robots can! They help develop an antimotor motor. When they are stolen, the secrets go with them. Will Edison win not only the science fair but also the town …….. or can Frank find a way to save them all!!
Hi Jeanne! I love the books you chose-thanks! A good mix of fun, fiction, nonfiction, mystery, scary and realistic fiction! I'm hoping we get the Map Trap in our next book order! : )
ReplyDeleteLinda Fecura, Wynantskill Union Free School District, Gardner Dickinson Elementary, grades K-8
ReplyDeleteSame Sun Here by Silas House and Neela Vaswani, realistic fiction, grades 5-8 (2012)
Summary: Two students form an unlikely pen-pal friendship. Meena’s family hails from India but now calls Chinatown in NYC home. River is the son of a Kentucky coal-mining family. Each chapter is a letter in the correspondence. The two authors take on the voice of each character. While Meena discusses the importance of citizenship and missing home, River discusses his life on the basketball court and his concern over the strip mining of the surrounding mountains. Together they develop a deep friendship that spans the miles.
Opinion: This book just didn’t work for me. It seems so unlikely that any young people of today would even consider posting actual letters in this day and age of social media. Then again, isn't it also amazing that kids still read actual books - so maybe it's not THAT weird? Anyway, it was still hard to believe that such a deep friendship could come about from a couple dozen newsy missives. The most fantastical part, though, was when Meena and her family see River for the first time on the national news when a mudslide nearly kills him at a basketball practice. The plot felt just a little too contrived, and the messages about immigration, environmentalism, and racism were just a little too transparent. I really wanted to like this book more, and it was okay – but definitely not my favorite.
Book Talk: Have you ever felt like no one understands you? Did you ever wish someone would just listen to you? Well, perhaps you should try putting your thoughts into a letter, which is just what two unlikely friends do in the book, Same Sun here. Read on as Meena and River learn about each other and ultimately about themselves in this interesting book that tackles topics like immigration, the environment, and racism. You get an intimate glimpse into the lives of these 12 year olds as you read the letters they exchange over a year.
Linda Fecura, Wynantskill Union Free School District, Gardner Dickinson Elementary, grades K-8
ReplyDeleteOne Came Home by Amy Timberlake, historical fiction/mystery, grades 5-8 (2013)
Summary: Set in 1871 in Placid, Wisconsin, we soon meet our courageous heroine, Georgie Burkhardt, who sets out on a wild adventure to find her missing sister Agatha, who ran off months earlier and is presumed dead. During the course of the story, we find out that Georgie is riddled with guilt after sabotaging her older sister’s romance with a dashing beau. As such, she sets out with the assistance of another of her sister’s one time suitors to find out what really happened to Agatha. Never willing to give up, Georgie perseveres through a plethora of exciting twists, turns, and set-backs, and finally comes to understand what really happened. Timberlake does an outstanding job weaving in historical elements such as the record-breaking pigeon migration of 1871 and excerps from an authentic prairie travel guide to add believability to this captivating story.
Opinion: I really liked this book a lot. Historical fiction is always a safe bet for my tastes, but I’m usually not a very big fan of mystery. Well, Timberlake won me over with this one. This is an endearing story that keeps you turning pages long after the lights should have gone out.
Book Talk: Georgie refuses to believe the faceless corpse in her sister’s dress could really be her! She just knows that her sister is still out there somewhere, waiting to be found – and she’s determined to find her! So Georgie sets off with a local boy, Billy, in search of answers across the Wisconsin landscape of 1871. Will she find her sister? Read One Came Home to find out!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMartha v.December 31, 2014 at 10:37 AM
ReplyDeleteMy library is 7-12 and I would recommend this as 7-12.
Delete
Reply
Martha v.December 31, 2014 at 9:48 AM
Martha v. Hoosick Falls Gr. 7-12
Skink No Surrender / Carl Hiaasen, 2014. Mystery
Summary: Skink No Surrender is another classic Hiaasen young adult novel of environmental mayhem and mystery. (Hiaasen also wrote Hoot, Scat, and Chomp.) When Malley is abducted by a man she met online, her family thinks that she is on her way to boarding school in New Hampshire. Her cousin (also best friend) Richard knows something is wrong and takes off after her. In his travels he meets Skink, the former governor of Florida now living way off the grid.
Skink suffers from post-traumatic stress, is a survivalist and subsists on roadkill and the fish he catches. Skink is a rabid environmentalist who goes so far as to bury himself in the sand and breathe through a straw to catch a turtle egg poacher.
Richard and Skink are about to rescue Malley when Skink disappears and is feared dead. Richard then tries to go after Malley on his own.
Opinion: This will definitely be added to my Jr/Sr high library shelves. I consider it a mystery, environmental fiction, and a fun read. I would place this in both my ‘Earth Day’ and ‘It’s a Mystery’ displays.
Booktalk: What would you do if your best friend went missing? What if your only contact with the missing person was cryptic phone calls and e-mails containing clues that referred to events that only the two of you know about? Would you just call in the police or would you take matters into your own hands? Read about the wild ride Richard takes to find Malley.
ReplyDelete
Replies
Martha v.December 31, 2014 at 10:38 AM
I would say this is good for grades 7-12.
Delete