by Deborah Heiligman
Illustraged by Leuyen Pham
Hennepin County Library hardcover 32 pages
genre: Children's biography
Pam Silverain recommended this to me. I had never heard of Erdos before but love the story of his life as a mathematician extraordinaire! I love that he called colleagues' children "epsilons" since they were "small amounts." I love that he took what could be considered a solitary pursuit and shared so extensively with other mathematicians. The author recommends the books The Man Who Loved Only Numbers (Paul Hoffman) and My Brain Is Open (Bruce Schechter). There is also a documentary called N Is a Number. These all sound very interesting! Perhaps I need to own a copy of this picture book to share with future grandchildren . . .
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Paperboy
by Vince Vawter
Hennepin County Library hardcover 221 pages
genre: YA historical, coming-of-age
Oh my word. I *loved* this book! I was reading it to evaluate its use for our students in their Civil Rights unit. At first, I thought it was perhaps a bit too "young" for our kids, but now I'm not so sure.
Eleven-year-old Victor Vollmer is in the seventh grade because he is bright, but he was almost held back because of his severe stuttering. He loves words, but struggles to say them. Set in Memphis during the 1950s, Victor takes over his best friend's paper route for the month of July while Art ("Rat") is visiting his grandparents' farm. Doing the route opens Victor's world in unimaginable ways.
Initially, I was going to make a pros/cons list for using this book. Right now, the kids read Lay That Trumpet in Our Hands. Not having read that title yet, I'm not sure if Paperboy has enough of the same civil rights content that the teachers want. It is, however, an amazing and rich story. I will probably buy a copy for PRMS and invite the teacher to read it (or have some of our capable students read it and make a recommendation). I loved the focus on words and language - both spoken and written.
Hennepin County Library hardcover 221 pages
genre: YA historical, coming-of-age
Oh my word. I *loved* this book! I was reading it to evaluate its use for our students in their Civil Rights unit. At first, I thought it was perhaps a bit too "young" for our kids, but now I'm not so sure.
Eleven-year-old Victor Vollmer is in the seventh grade because he is bright, but he was almost held back because of his severe stuttering. He loves words, but struggles to say them. Set in Memphis during the 1950s, Victor takes over his best friend's paper route for the month of July while Art ("Rat") is visiting his grandparents' farm. Doing the route opens Victor's world in unimaginable ways.
Initially, I was going to make a pros/cons list for using this book. Right now, the kids read Lay That Trumpet in Our Hands. Not having read that title yet, I'm not sure if Paperboy has enough of the same civil rights content that the teachers want. It is, however, an amazing and rich story. I will probably buy a copy for PRMS and invite the teacher to read it (or have some of our capable students read it and make a recommendation). I loved the focus on words and language - both spoken and written.
Monday, December 28, 2015
For Such a Time
by Kate Breslin
Hennepin County Library paperback 418 pages
genre: Christian historical fiction
Overall, I really like Breslin's writing. She is a talented author who creates characters with depth. Setting the story of Esther in Nazi Germany makes sense on some level, but it is somehow disturbing to set a love story in the Holocaust. This book just didn't work well for me as a reader. Both Hadasseh and Arik were compelling characters, as were Joseph, Morty, Helen, and others. But the evils of Nazi Germany don't lend themselves well as a setting for a love story. On page 89, at the Commandant's dinner party, I thought it would not at all be realistic for a group of German leaders to brush off the harsh comments that Arik made about the SS. In any case, I finally got "into" the story around the mid-point and found it more compelling to read the second half. I'm glad I read her other book first. (This one was her first novel published.) I won't spoil the ending, though I definitely saw it coming. She did an excellent job with the inclusion of Bible verses at the start of every chapter.
Hennepin County Library paperback 418 pages
genre: Christian historical fiction
Overall, I really like Breslin's writing. She is a talented author who creates characters with depth. Setting the story of Esther in Nazi Germany makes sense on some level, but it is somehow disturbing to set a love story in the Holocaust. This book just didn't work well for me as a reader. Both Hadasseh and Arik were compelling characters, as were Joseph, Morty, Helen, and others. But the evils of Nazi Germany don't lend themselves well as a setting for a love story. On page 89, at the Commandant's dinner party, I thought it would not at all be realistic for a group of German leaders to brush off the harsh comments that Arik made about the SS. In any case, I finally got "into" the story around the mid-point and found it more compelling to read the second half. I'm glad I read her other book first. (This one was her first novel published.) I won't spoil the ending, though I definitely saw it coming. She did an excellent job with the inclusion of Bible verses at the start of every chapter.
Thursday, December 24, 2015
MAD Magazine
I grew up on MAD magazines and loved them - Spy v. Spy, Sergio Aragones, the fold-in back page, the satire, . . . .so I bought a copy at Half-Price Books. The April 2004 edition, I found the humor to be nasty and the magazine that I loved so much as a kid to be mean and pointless. Sigh. Growing up and maturing is a good thing, but I sometimes miss my childhood. I am glad I can find humor elsewhere. And I wonder how much my addictive reading of these as a kid shaped my attitudes . . . I won't miss the magazines, but wanted to record my thoughts here.
(When I started teaching at NPMS in 1997, the library had a subscription. I read one to refresh my memory and there was a LOT more sexual content and drug humor than I remembered from my own childhood. I cancelled that subscription!)
(When I started teaching at NPMS in 1997, the library had a subscription. I read one to refresh my memory and there was a LOT more sexual content and drug humor than I remembered from my own childhood. I cancelled that subscription!)
On the Road
by Jack Kerouac
Hennepin County Library audiobook 9 discs
read by Will Patton
genre: realistic fiction
This is one of those books I've heard of but never read before. Besides his name, I only knew the phrase "beat generation" in relation to this work of fiction. I didn't like it and I want to do some reading online to figure out why it was/is such a commonly referenced work of fiction. Below are my stream-of-consciousness notes written while I was driving . . . I know, not safe. But I can jot without looking at my hand.
Beat Generation / hipster - set in 1947, when was it written?
Too many characters! Why mention every single person they hung out with? Who cares?
"Yo!" gun / "queers" in a bar in San Fran / alcohol (throughout the entire book - they consumed a LOT of alcohol)
Of Mice and Men reference . . . Billie Holliday Lover Man
What did Sal's aunt think of all the comings and goings? Why did she put up with it?
Dean is mentally ill.
Music - important to the characters, progression of styles, interesting historically
Drug culture of 1940s, 50s - really?! I didn't think there was much of that going on. But perhaps the fact that Kerouac wrote about it was part of what made this book such a big deal - he acknowledged a part of society that most people pretended didn't exist?
Stealing / speeding / delinquents . . . I don't like Dean, Sal, or Ed very much.
Negroes - admiring tone AND racist attitudes . . .
"fags"
"It's not my fault." - Seriously?! Haven't you people heard of personal responsibility?
Generation . . . selfishness and self-centeredness
Degenerates
Some very beautiful language in places. Is Sal the writer based on Kerouac himself? It seems so.
Wanderlust. Across the country and back again. Repeat. Mexico.
Mexican whorehouse - conscience? Yuk. These guys are jerks. And drunks.
Why does Dean bother to get married?!?!?! Mary Lou, Camille, Inez. Four babies with three women and he's not sticking around to help any of them.
Sal Paradise - cool name.
Ending - what happened to Dean?
Why was Sal always such a patsy, letting life happen to him and following the younger Dean around as though he were amazing?
Okay - time to read *about* the book so I have a better understanding of why it matters in American literature.
From Wikipedia (with hyperlinks removed):
"On the Road is a novel by American writer Jack Kerouac, based on the travels of Kerouac and his friends across America. It is considered a defining work of the postwar Beat and Counterculture generations, with its protagonists living life against a backdrop of jazz, poetry, and drug use. The novel, published in 1957, is a roman à clef, with many key figures in the Beat movement, such as William S. Burroughs (Old Bull Lee) and Allen Ginsberg (Carlo Marx) represented by characters in the book, including Kerouac himself as the narrator Sal Paradise."
Hennepin County Library audiobook 9 discs
read by Will Patton
genre: realistic fiction
This is one of those books I've heard of but never read before. Besides his name, I only knew the phrase "beat generation" in relation to this work of fiction. I didn't like it and I want to do some reading online to figure out why it was/is such a commonly referenced work of fiction. Below are my stream-of-consciousness notes written while I was driving . . . I know, not safe. But I can jot without looking at my hand.
Beat Generation / hipster - set in 1947, when was it written?
Too many characters! Why mention every single person they hung out with? Who cares?
"Yo!" gun / "queers" in a bar in San Fran / alcohol (throughout the entire book - they consumed a LOT of alcohol)
Of Mice and Men reference . . . Billie Holliday Lover Man
What did Sal's aunt think of all the comings and goings? Why did she put up with it?
Dean is mentally ill.
Music - important to the characters, progression of styles, interesting historically
Drug culture of 1940s, 50s - really?! I didn't think there was much of that going on. But perhaps the fact that Kerouac wrote about it was part of what made this book such a big deal - he acknowledged a part of society that most people pretended didn't exist?
Stealing / speeding / delinquents . . . I don't like Dean, Sal, or Ed very much.
Negroes - admiring tone AND racist attitudes . . .
"fags"
"It's not my fault." - Seriously?! Haven't you people heard of personal responsibility?
Generation . . . selfishness and self-centeredness
Degenerates
Some very beautiful language in places. Is Sal the writer based on Kerouac himself? It seems so.
Wanderlust. Across the country and back again. Repeat. Mexico.
Mexican whorehouse - conscience? Yuk. These guys are jerks. And drunks.
Why does Dean bother to get married?!?!?! Mary Lou, Camille, Inez. Four babies with three women and he's not sticking around to help any of them.
Sal Paradise - cool name.
Ending - what happened to Dean?
Why was Sal always such a patsy, letting life happen to him and following the younger Dean around as though he were amazing?
Okay - time to read *about* the book so I have a better understanding of why it matters in American literature.
From Wikipedia (with hyperlinks removed):
"On the Road is a novel by American writer Jack Kerouac, based on the travels of Kerouac and his friends across America. It is considered a defining work of the postwar Beat and Counterculture generations, with its protagonists living life against a backdrop of jazz, poetry, and drug use. The novel, published in 1957, is a roman à clef, with many key figures in the Beat movement, such as William S. Burroughs (Old Bull Lee) and Allen Ginsberg (Carlo Marx) represented by characters in the book, including Kerouac himself as the narrator Sal Paradise."
See Me After Class: Advice for Teachers by Teachers
by Roxanna Elden
Hennepin County Library paperback 197 pages
genre: Non-fiction advice
At first, I *loved* this book and thought about buying lots of copies for teachers. She uses humor and "straight talk" to communicate both the joys and frustrations about teaching. But some of her advice is horribly out-dated (or I just work at too progressive of a school). This edition was published in 2013, but still has advice on taking phones away from students, behavior management whose goal is to keep kids quiet and still, etc. With the personalized learning we're doing, the vast majority of the book just doesn't fit our school culture. Her tone and humor kept me reading to the very end of the book, though!
Page 3 - "Acting like a hard job can be done easily is a sure way to do it wrong. The knowledge teachers need is complicated, it's important, and it's way more than anyone can learn in one year. The great teachers of the future know they're not great yet. They know they're making mistakes, and some of those mistakes are big. They're sorting through a million pieces of advice, each starting with the words 'All you have to do is . . . ,' until they want to lie on their backs in the school hallway and yell, "This is all the time and energy I have! Can someone please tell me what I should really spend it on?"
Page 31 - "You will realize that some parts of teaching make you very happy, while others make you very unhappy. You have the right to focus on the parts you love as often as possible, forgive your mistakes, and give yourself credit for what you're doing right. It's also okay to accept that some things are not under your control and to focus your efforts on the things that are. Wen all else fails, cursing into a cabinet works surprisingly well." (referencing an earlier paragraph)
Page 40 - She's writing about being at a workshop on getting organized. "I slumped farther down in my chair every time I heard the words color-coded or of course you have already. By the end of the presentation, only my neck and shoulders were touching the seat. I was no more organized, but I was fully convinced I had no business being a teacher - or maybe even alive - at my current organizational level." She later made another joke about the color-coded people . . . very funny!
Pages 52-55 - She writes about everyone having strengths and how important it is to capitalize on your personal strength areas. Here are the ones she references: patience and understanding, perseverance, knowledge of your subject matter, knowledge of the neighborhood, sense of humor, organization, large size, loud authoritative voice, energy, good people skills, work ethic, stage presence, confidence, character, creativity and problem-solving skills, ability to stay calm and think clearly under stress, sassy attitude, kids of your own, ambition, and a positive attitude and a passion for teaching. I like how she emphasizes positives, but acknowledges the negatives for each of us.
Page 94-95 - She advises teachers to have students write their own failure notices. Sadly, I accidentally deleted page one off my phone instead of uploading it. I don't necessarily like her script, but I love the idea of it. Here's the second page of content on this topic:
Hennepin County Library paperback 197 pages
genre: Non-fiction advice
At first, I *loved* this book and thought about buying lots of copies for teachers. She uses humor and "straight talk" to communicate both the joys and frustrations about teaching. But some of her advice is horribly out-dated (or I just work at too progressive of a school). This edition was published in 2013, but still has advice on taking phones away from students, behavior management whose goal is to keep kids quiet and still, etc. With the personalized learning we're doing, the vast majority of the book just doesn't fit our school culture. Her tone and humor kept me reading to the very end of the book, though!
Page 3 - "Acting like a hard job can be done easily is a sure way to do it wrong. The knowledge teachers need is complicated, it's important, and it's way more than anyone can learn in one year. The great teachers of the future know they're not great yet. They know they're making mistakes, and some of those mistakes are big. They're sorting through a million pieces of advice, each starting with the words 'All you have to do is . . . ,' until they want to lie on their backs in the school hallway and yell, "This is all the time and energy I have! Can someone please tell me what I should really spend it on?"
Page 31 - "You will realize that some parts of teaching make you very happy, while others make you very unhappy. You have the right to focus on the parts you love as often as possible, forgive your mistakes, and give yourself credit for what you're doing right. It's also okay to accept that some things are not under your control and to focus your efforts on the things that are. Wen all else fails, cursing into a cabinet works surprisingly well." (referencing an earlier paragraph)
Page 40 - She's writing about being at a workshop on getting organized. "I slumped farther down in my chair every time I heard the words color-coded or of course you have already. By the end of the presentation, only my neck and shoulders were touching the seat. I was no more organized, but I was fully convinced I had no business being a teacher - or maybe even alive - at my current organizational level." She later made another joke about the color-coded people . . . very funny!
Pages 52-55 - She writes about everyone having strengths and how important it is to capitalize on your personal strength areas. Here are the ones she references: patience and understanding, perseverance, knowledge of your subject matter, knowledge of the neighborhood, sense of humor, organization, large size, loud authoritative voice, energy, good people skills, work ethic, stage presence, confidence, character, creativity and problem-solving skills, ability to stay calm and think clearly under stress, sassy attitude, kids of your own, ambition, and a positive attitude and a passion for teaching. I like how she emphasizes positives, but acknowledges the negatives for each of us.
Page 94-95 - She advises teachers to have students write their own failure notices. Sadly, I accidentally deleted page one off my phone instead of uploading it. I don't necessarily like her script, but I love the idea of it. Here's the second page of content on this topic:
She included a poem she wrote (Roxanna Elden) titled All of the Above. I'm including it here because it's easily available online. It definitely makes a point about teaching (and standardized testing . . . ).
Tuesday, December 01, 2015
The Scottish Bride
by Catherine Coulter
Hennepin County Library audiobook 9 discs
read by Anne Flosnik
genre: historical romance
Dumb. And yet I listened to the entire thing. I almost ejected disc one and moved on to something else, but no. I kept listening. Handsome widowed vicar Tysen Sherbrooke has just inherited a castle and a title in Scotland. His ten-year-old daughter disguises herself and tags along. (Little kids - in a romance novel? Please.) His entire personality changes immediately and drastically when he encounters Mary Rose. The usual ensues. Conflict, passion, stupidity. The last portion of the story made me mad when Tysen's dilemma was between being happy (and a kind, loving father and husband) or following God . . . ahem. I mean being serious and devout in his parishoners' eyes. Yuk. Can't believe I wasted as much time on this as I did.
Hennepin County Library audiobook 9 discs
read by Anne Flosnik
genre: historical romance
Dumb. And yet I listened to the entire thing. I almost ejected disc one and moved on to something else, but no. I kept listening. Handsome widowed vicar Tysen Sherbrooke has just inherited a castle and a title in Scotland. His ten-year-old daughter disguises herself and tags along. (Little kids - in a romance novel? Please.) His entire personality changes immediately and drastically when he encounters Mary Rose. The usual ensues. Conflict, passion, stupidity. The last portion of the story made me mad when Tysen's dilemma was between being happy (and a kind, loving father and husband) or following God . . . ahem. I mean being serious and devout in his parishoners' eyes. Yuk. Can't believe I wasted as much time on this as I did.
Post 1,000! Must be Momentous
Okay, when I saw that this was my 1,000th post on this blog, I simply couldn't write about the audiobook I just finished. It was much too banal of a book. I love reading! I'm a little obsessive, finishing books that are truly not worth the time. Just for a change of pace, I'll list a few of my all-time favorites.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte - I have read it at least six times in its entirety
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde
The Holy Bible (this list is NOT in "top ten" format)
Love You Forever by Robert Munsch
The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax by Dorothy Gilman (published the year I was born!)
Slumdog Millionaire by Vikas Swarup (NOT the movie . . . never seen it. Don't want to.)
any Calvin and Hobbes collection
The Hiding Place by Carrie ten Boom
The Bone series by Jeff Smith
This was harder to do (spontaneously) than I expected! I read almost anything I come across. When I asked Louie what my favorite books were, he said "Jane Eyre" and "Pride and Prejudice." When I told him I had those already, he said, "You read the Harry Potter books a lot." Yep. I've read the entire series three times. And I've read Tolkien's Fellowship books once per decade since the 1970s. There are a lot of books I re-read . . . and a lot of others I experience once and move on from. That's why I blog. To keep track of the titles and my initial reactions.
If you're a regular reader of my blog, I'd love for you to leave a comment! I sometimes feel as though I'm writing in a void (and this is actually a storage spot for my thoughts, not an audience-driven vehicle). I love to read AND to connect to other readers!
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte - I have read it at least six times in its entirety
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde
The Holy Bible (this list is NOT in "top ten" format)
Love You Forever by Robert Munsch
The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax by Dorothy Gilman (published the year I was born!)
Slumdog Millionaire by Vikas Swarup (NOT the movie . . . never seen it. Don't want to.)
any Calvin and Hobbes collection
The Hiding Place by Carrie ten Boom
The Bone series by Jeff Smith
This was harder to do (spontaneously) than I expected! I read almost anything I come across. When I asked Louie what my favorite books were, he said "Jane Eyre" and "Pride and Prejudice." When I told him I had those already, he said, "You read the Harry Potter books a lot." Yep. I've read the entire series three times. And I've read Tolkien's Fellowship books once per decade since the 1970s. There are a lot of books I re-read . . . and a lot of others I experience once and move on from. That's why I blog. To keep track of the titles and my initial reactions.
If you're a regular reader of my blog, I'd love for you to leave a comment! I sometimes feel as though I'm writing in a void (and this is actually a storage spot for my thoughts, not an audience-driven vehicle). I love to read AND to connect to other readers!
Monday, November 30, 2015
Amazing Grace
by Megan Shull
PRMS discard, hardcover 247 pages
genre: YA realistic fiction
This was a super quick read, but I'm still getting rid of it. Published in 2005, I'm not sure it's ever been checked out. This is a great "romance" title for my younger readers. Grace Kincaid is an ultrafamous tennis prodigy and cover girl model who decides at age 15 that she wants out of the high-pressure world. Her mom sends her to an Alaskan island to live with a friend so Grace can hide out as a normal teenager. She meets fun-loving Fisher and Teague (incredibly handsome), chops wood, and starts to find herself . . . when the paparazzi get wind of where she is and she has to leave this paradise. Enjoyable, nothing profound. Sweet first romance.
PRMS discard, hardcover 247 pages
genre: YA realistic fiction
This was a super quick read, but I'm still getting rid of it. Published in 2005, I'm not sure it's ever been checked out. This is a great "romance" title for my younger readers. Grace Kincaid is an ultrafamous tennis prodigy and cover girl model who decides at age 15 that she wants out of the high-pressure world. Her mom sends her to an Alaskan island to live with a friend so Grace can hide out as a normal teenager. She meets fun-loving Fisher and Teague (incredibly handsome), chops wood, and starts to find herself . . . when the paparazzi get wind of where she is and she has to leave this paradise. Enjoyable, nothing profound. Sweet first romance.
The Memory Weaver
by Jane Kirkpatrick
Hennepin County Library paperback 327 pages
genre: Christian historical fiction
I didn't really get into this book, though I finished reading it. Skipped book club tonight, too . . . not like me. The author didn't engage me in the story, starting with a convoluted set-up - a long list of characters, a map, a prologue set in 1847, and then a story that goes from her earliest childhood memories (but not the one in the prologue) to her mother's funeral when Eliza was thirteen. There were many times when I had to force myself to read on. Either this was simply not the right book for me at this time, or Kirkpatrick's style just doesn't resonate for me. There were some nice moments and some very thoughtful observations, but overall I just didn't like the book.
Hennepin County Library paperback 327 pages
genre: Christian historical fiction
I didn't really get into this book, though I finished reading it. Skipped book club tonight, too . . . not like me. The author didn't engage me in the story, starting with a convoluted set-up - a long list of characters, a map, a prologue set in 1847, and then a story that goes from her earliest childhood memories (but not the one in the prologue) to her mother's funeral when Eliza was thirteen. There were many times when I had to force myself to read on. Either this was simply not the right book for me at this time, or Kirkpatrick's style just doesn't resonate for me. There were some nice moments and some very thoughtful observations, but overall I just didn't like the book.
Saturday, November 21, 2015
I Am Number Four: The Lost Files: Rebel Allies
by Pittacus Lore
PRMS paperback 355 pages
genre: YA adventure, SciFi
Three more novellas to whet the appetite for the Lorien Legacies! The first one (The Fugitive) is Mark James' story as he heads to the Southwest to find and save Sarah. While on the run, he connects with the mysterious Guard. The other two stories - The Navigator and The Guard - take us in to Lexa's world on Lorien and on Earth. Lots of adventure and stitching together the bits and pieces of the bigger story. Now on to The Fate of Ten!
(written nearly a month after I actually read it . . . as I'm unburying my home desk from too many scraps of paper . . . )
PRMS paperback 355 pages
genre: YA adventure, SciFi
Three more novellas to whet the appetite for the Lorien Legacies! The first one (The Fugitive) is Mark James' story as he heads to the Southwest to find and save Sarah. While on the run, he connects with the mysterious Guard. The other two stories - The Navigator and The Guard - take us in to Lexa's world on Lorien and on Earth. Lots of adventure and stitching together the bits and pieces of the bigger story. Now on to The Fate of Ten!
(written nearly a month after I actually read it . . . as I'm unburying my home desk from too many scraps of paper . . . )
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
The One Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results
by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan
Hennepin County Library hardcover 224 pages
genre: NF motivational
This is the second time I've tried to get through this short book. In some ways, it has a great message that I can take to heart. In other ways, it is simply too rah-rah, of the world, business-success-oriented. I feel bad that I've had it three days over the due date with such a long waiting list. It was on our summer Litwits reading list and I just couldn't get into it in August. And now I'm struggling to finish the last 40 pages. But it WILL go back today, whether I finish it or not.
www.The1Thing.com is apparently the motherlode of info that they gathered (and a book trailer).
I kind of wanted to record the "Big Ideas" at the end of each chapter, but I'm feeling lazy and time-crunched. I've looked a bit online, but here's one I grabbed a pic of earlier this summer:
Hennepin County Library hardcover 224 pages
genre: NF motivational
This is the second time I've tried to get through this short book. In some ways, it has a great message that I can take to heart. In other ways, it is simply too rah-rah, of the world, business-success-oriented. I feel bad that I've had it three days over the due date with such a long waiting list. It was on our summer Litwits reading list and I just couldn't get into it in August. And now I'm struggling to finish the last 40 pages. But it WILL go back today, whether I finish it or not.
www.The1Thing.com is apparently the motherlode of info that they gathered (and a book trailer).
I kind of wanted to record the "Big Ideas" at the end of each chapter, but I'm feeling lazy and time-crunched. I've looked a bit online, but here's one I grabbed a pic of earlier this summer:
There are lots and lots of these "Big Ideas" and they are worth looking at. I am going to move on with my life, however, and perhaps get back to this book at some future point in my life. Also, someone pencil-underlined throughout this library book and that was very frustrating! I almost went through it with an eraser, but . . . I'm more interested in finishing the reading first!
And I think part of my issue with this book is that if I work to identify the One Thing that matters most to me, I would have to say my faith. If I focus more time, energy, and attention on my faith, I would quit my job (and our income would drop drastically). I am not sure at this point in my life WHAT I want. I'm too young to throw in the towel (and I do love learning), but I am either mid-life crisis-ing or not listening to God's call. In any case, this book is just not the right book for me at the right time.
Monday, November 16, 2015
The Amazing Book is Not on Fire
The Phil and Dan book!
My students were so insanely excited to see this on my desk as part of the Young Adult Choices books that I took it home overnight to preview. These two guys, Dan Howell and Phil Lester, are YouTubers who have a huge following. The bits of the book that I read were quite good and/or quirky and/or very relevant for middle schoolers coming of age. One excerpt:
My students were so insanely excited to see this on my desk as part of the Young Adult Choices books that I took it home overnight to preview. These two guys, Dan Howell and Phil Lester, are YouTubers who have a huge following. The bits of the book that I read were quite good and/or quirky and/or very relevant for middle schoolers coming of age. One excerpt:
The artwork, notes, photos, etc. really add to the story of these two young men and how they got started on their YouTube careers.
Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out
by Susan Kuklin
Hennepin County Library hardcover
genre: YA NF
I confess - I ran out of time to read this and had to get it back to the library. I paged through it and it looks interesting. I have a small budget which is already gone, so I opted to get "Some Assembly Required" at Half Price Books. This one may go on a future buy list, but I may need more balance than just transgender titles . . . the GLBTQQ group in our school would love to see more books - fiction and NF - that are of interest to them.
Hennepin County Library hardcover
genre: YA NF
I confess - I ran out of time to read this and had to get it back to the library. I paged through it and it looks interesting. I have a small budget which is already gone, so I opted to get "Some Assembly Required" at Half Price Books. This one may go on a future buy list, but I may need more balance than just transgender titles . . . the GLBTQQ group in our school would love to see more books - fiction and NF - that are of interest to them.
The Fellowship: The Literary Lives of the Inklings: J.R.R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, Owen Barfield, Charles Williams
by Philip Zaleski and Carol Zalesky
Hennepin County Library hardcover over 500 pages
genre: non-fiction
9.17.15:
Ugh! I didn't spend enough time with it and now I'll have to get it again. Fascinating to read about these authors' lives!
10.6.15:
I marked a bunch of pages and have pictures on my phone, but not enough time to do anything with them right now. I don't even have this on my request list . . . I am time-management crunched!
11.15.15
For only having read a very small portion of the book (fewer than 50 of the 500 pages), I sure took a lot of photos! I'm just going to leave them on my hard drive. I'll just include two here (perhaps to motivate me to get the book again and actually read it!):
Hennepin County Library hardcover over 500 pages
genre: non-fiction
9.17.15:
Ugh! I didn't spend enough time with it and now I'll have to get it again. Fascinating to read about these authors' lives!
10.6.15:
I marked a bunch of pages and have pictures on my phone, but not enough time to do anything with them right now. I don't even have this on my request list . . . I am time-management crunched!
11.15.15
For only having read a very small portion of the book (fewer than 50 of the 500 pages), I sure took a lot of photos! I'm just going to leave them on my hard drive. I'll just include two here (perhaps to motivate me to get the book again and actually read it!):
No Sweat: How the Simple Science of Motivation Can Bring You a Lifetime of Fitness
By Michelle Segar
Hennepin County Library, paperback, 221pages
Genre: non-fiction, self-help
This book is amazing. I seriously thought about buying my own copy (and still might). Her examples and research really resonated with me. I need to get this back to the library, so I'm going to make note of the things I most really to remember.
- doing what you enjoy is a better motivator for exercising - and it works
- MAPS are Meaning, Awareness, Permission, and Strategies
- start by taking any and every opportunity to move, in any way possible, at whatever speed you like, for any amount of time
- your MEANING for exercise creates your relationship with and approach to exercise
- move exercise from a chore to a gift
- AWARENESS helps you identify what's been standing in your way and discover physical activities that motivate you
- do what feels good, build positive experiences with physical activities
- people tend to approach things that feel good and avoid things that feel bad
- research shows that when you choose to make movement a regular party of your life for personally compelling reasons and choose to move in ways that feel good to you, you are more likely to stick with exercise and maintain weight loss
- count everything and choose to move!
- treasure hunt: Opportunities To Move (OTM)
The long cut
The phone moment
Active waiting
The movement snack
Couple's cruise
Boogie break
Green getaway
It's a gift
Friend fitness
Family fun
Walking meeting
Recess
The soulful stroll
Coffee walk
Doggy destinations
Office sprints
Cleaning calisthenics
Be a sport
Gym genius
The leisurely stroll
Walk the airport, airplane
One-minute workout
The snow shuffle
- reward substitution helps change movement from a chore to a gift
- listen to your body's messages and do what you like
- "gift" yourself with movement and and every way you can
- make it a game to discover OTMs
- pages 117-8 great takeaways, bit I don't want to record them all here.
- walking is wonderful
- giving yourself PERMISSION to prioritize your own self-care - to feel better every day - provides the fuel for your daily roles and goals and powers your sense of well-being
- avoid caretakeritis (pic):
- make self-care a priority! (Pic)
- give yourself permission to stop following should
- give yourself permission to make daily self-care a top priority
- pretend if you need to take care of yourself
- change your mindset
- what sustains us, we sustain (pic)
- you are the energy center of your life
- amazing paradox: giving to yourself means giving more to others
- the gift of physical movement becomes essential fuel for what matters most
- are you thriving or just surviving? What do you need right now?
- check in on your priorities
- great take-aways on pages 187-8 (pics)
- use learning and negotiation STRATEGIES to sustain the lifelong gift of physical activity
- #1- use learning goals to get intrinsic motivation, persistence, and resilience
#2 - begun with the end in mind
#3- use sustainable self-care as an essential strategy for well-being
#4- integrate one new behavior at a time
#5- strengthen the core - build consistency before quantity
- #6- bring your learning to life
- great takeaways on pages 182-3
- Sustainability training
- make a self-care negotiation plan
- phase one is planning and previewing
- give physical activity clout
- plan the weekly logistics
- create a continuum of success where you are successful if you for in at least one planned activity
- decide to confront challenges, not roadblocks
- bring friends and family on board
- use if-then planning
- dance with your challenges- be flexible and improvise
- hesitate before you respond to a request
- listen to your body's messages
- learn the links- make physical activity relevant and compelling
- evaluate and recalibrate with compassionate non- judgment
- the learning process never ends
I took photos of a bunch of other pages, but this is enough for now. I really enjoyed this book and it is helping me to make healthier choices for myself!
Above posted 11.16.15, below added 2.2.16:
Notes on random paper from last fall include my most important projects right now:
MOVE however possible, at whatever speed you like, for any amount of time.
I also had some notes that were in response to questions in the book . . . I really should just buy and own a copy of it!
Notes on awareness (and my "whys" for exercise) - Dread is too strong a word. Aversion of indifference (or mild dislike) is more accurate. I kind of DO think there's a "right" way to exercise and if I don't do it that way, why bother? I usually don't exercise in ways that don't feel good to me! (But then I'm disappointed in myself for not doing what I "should" do.
I made a list of ways that I LIKE moving my body . . . and I hope to exercise in those ways.
Then I made a note that said "Ch. 5 pg. 84" but I'm not sure why. Maybe that's where I was when I started reading this book in the summer. Then I got it again and finished it in the fall. And now I'm getting rid of scraps of paper in my office. Done?
Hennepin County Library, paperback, 221pages
Genre: non-fiction, self-help
This book is amazing. I seriously thought about buying my own copy (and still might). Her examples and research really resonated with me. I need to get this back to the library, so I'm going to make note of the things I most really to remember.
- doing what you enjoy is a better motivator for exercising - and it works
- MAPS are Meaning, Awareness, Permission, and Strategies
- start by taking any and every opportunity to move, in any way possible, at whatever speed you like, for any amount of time
- your MEANING for exercise creates your relationship with and approach to exercise
- move exercise from a chore to a gift
- AWARENESS helps you identify what's been standing in your way and discover physical activities that motivate you
- do what feels good, build positive experiences with physical activities
- people tend to approach things that feel good and avoid things that feel bad
- research shows that when you choose to make movement a regular party of your life for personally compelling reasons and choose to move in ways that feel good to you, you are more likely to stick with exercise and maintain weight loss
- count everything and choose to move!
- treasure hunt: Opportunities To Move (OTM)
The long cut
The phone moment
Active waiting
The movement snack
Couple's cruise
Boogie break
Green getaway
It's a gift
Friend fitness
Family fun
Walking meeting
Recess
The soulful stroll
Coffee walk
Doggy destinations
Office sprints
Cleaning calisthenics
Be a sport
Gym genius
The leisurely stroll
Walk the airport, airplane
One-minute workout
The snow shuffle
- reward substitution helps change movement from a chore to a gift
- listen to your body's messages and do what you like
- "gift" yourself with movement and and every way you can
- make it a game to discover OTMs
- pages 117-8 great takeaways, bit I don't want to record them all here.
- walking is wonderful
- giving yourself PERMISSION to prioritize your own self-care - to feel better every day - provides the fuel for your daily roles and goals and powers your sense of well-being
- avoid caretakeritis (pic):
- make self-care a priority! (Pic)
- give yourself permission to make daily self-care a top priority
- pretend if you need to take care of yourself
- change your mindset
- what sustains us, we sustain (pic)
- you are the energy center of your life
- amazing paradox: giving to yourself means giving more to others
- the gift of physical movement becomes essential fuel for what matters most
- are you thriving or just surviving? What do you need right now?
- check in on your priorities
- great take-aways on pages 187-8 (pics)
- use learning and negotiation STRATEGIES to sustain the lifelong gift of physical activity
- #1- use learning goals to get intrinsic motivation, persistence, and resilience
#2 - begun with the end in mind
#3- use sustainable self-care as an essential strategy for well-being
#4- integrate one new behavior at a time
#5- strengthen the core - build consistency before quantity
- #6- bring your learning to life
- great takeaways on pages 182-3
- Sustainability training
- make a self-care negotiation plan
- phase one is planning and previewing
- give physical activity clout
- plan the weekly logistics
- create a continuum of success where you are successful if you for in at least one planned activity
- decide to confront challenges, not roadblocks
- bring friends and family on board
- use if-then planning
- dance with your challenges- be flexible and improvise
- hesitate before you respond to a request
- listen to your body's messages
- learn the links- make physical activity relevant and compelling
- evaluate and recalibrate with compassionate non- judgment
- the learning process never ends
I took photos of a bunch of other pages, but this is enough for now. I really enjoyed this book and it is helping me to make healthier choices for myself!
Above posted 11.16.15, below added 2.2.16:
Notes on random paper from last fall include my most important projects right now:
- finish Alex & Stacie quilt
- get house put back together
- faith / being Jesus-centered
- health - get BP below 140/80
- plan Yellowstone vacation
- clear clutter in home
- get ready for school year
- move on MakerSpace
MOVE however possible, at whatever speed you like, for any amount of time.
I also had some notes that were in response to questions in the book . . . I really should just buy and own a copy of it!
Notes on awareness (and my "whys" for exercise) - Dread is too strong a word. Aversion of indifference (or mild dislike) is more accurate. I kind of DO think there's a "right" way to exercise and if I don't do it that way, why bother? I usually don't exercise in ways that don't feel good to me! (But then I'm disappointed in myself for not doing what I "should" do.
I made a list of ways that I LIKE moving my body . . . and I hope to exercise in those ways.
Then I made a note that said "Ch. 5 pg. 84" but I'm not sure why. Maybe that's where I was when I started reading this book in the summer. Then I got it again and finished it in the fall. And now I'm getting rid of scraps of paper in my office. Done?
Saturday, November 14, 2015
The Freedom Summer Murders
by Don Mitchell
Hennepin County Library hardcover 196 pages
genre: YA NF history
I also read this one a few weeks ago. It was depressing, naturally. Very well-written and informative, it focused on the three young men murdered in June 1964 in Mississippi. James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner were killed by KKK members (in cahoots with, if not led by, the sheriff!) because they were trying to register black people to vote and teach about their rights as Americans. I don't know if it's more sad that this happened or that people got so upset because two of these men were white . . . what an awful chapter in American history! But it's important to know about things like this. The book was very well-done. My heart breaks for those boys' moms.
Hennepin County Library hardcover 196 pages
genre: YA NF history
I also read this one a few weeks ago. It was depressing, naturally. Very well-written and informative, it focused on the three young men murdered in June 1964 in Mississippi. James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner were killed by KKK members (in cahoots with, if not led by, the sheriff!) because they were trying to register black people to vote and teach about their rights as Americans. I don't know if it's more sad that this happened or that people got so upset because two of these men were white . . . what an awful chapter in American history! But it's important to know about things like this. The book was very well-done. My heart breaks for those boys' moms.
Secrets of a Civil War Submarine: Solving the Mysteries of the H.L. Hunley
by Sally M. Walker
Hennepin County Library audiobook 3 discs
read by J.R. Horne
genre: YA NF history
I listened to this a few weeks ago, but I really enjoyed it. It is impressive that people continued to go down in this submarine in the 1860s even after it sank three times! After being on the ocean floor for over 100 years, it was an historic and scientific find. The author's research and the narrator's vocal work brought the story of the Hunley to life very effectively. I found the first section on the Civil War work to make and use a submarine to be more compelling than the scientists' efforts to uncover what happened to it almost 150 years later . . . but it was all very interesting. I am no history buff, but I recognize the importance of finding and researching this machine and the men who developed it and went to war in it.
As a side note, I think of the developments in naval technology from the Civil War to WWI (and what I read in the Lusitania book) . . . absolutely amazing!
Hennepin County Library audiobook 3 discs
read by J.R. Horne
genre: YA NF history
I listened to this a few weeks ago, but I really enjoyed it. It is impressive that people continued to go down in this submarine in the 1860s even after it sank three times! After being on the ocean floor for over 100 years, it was an historic and scientific find. The author's research and the narrator's vocal work brought the story of the Hunley to life very effectively. I found the first section on the Civil War work to make and use a submarine to be more compelling than the scientists' efforts to uncover what happened to it almost 150 years later . . . but it was all very interesting. I am no history buff, but I recognize the importance of finding and researching this machine and the men who developed it and went to war in it.
As a side note, I think of the developments in naval technology from the Civil War to WWI (and what I read in the Lusitania book) . . . absolutely amazing!
Monday, November 09, 2015
The Story of Classical Music
by Darren Henley
Hennepin County Library audiobook 4 discs
read by Marin Alsop
genre: YA / kid non-fiction, music history
This was very interesting and I *love* that there are so many excerpts - over 150 music clips. You could *not* get that from a print book! I did NOT like the obnoxious sound effects they included, especially the sound of a tape fast-forwarding. Some of the background noises also seemed incongruous to the narration. Despite these flaws, the story was clear and interesting and the musical selections were fantastic! It made me want to grab a lot of classical CDs and listen to the full works! This is one I'd re-listen to so I could glean even more . . . there were some composers I'd never heard of, though most were familiar names.
Hennepin County Library audiobook 4 discs
read by Marin Alsop
genre: YA / kid non-fiction, music history
This was very interesting and I *love* that there are so many excerpts - over 150 music clips. You could *not* get that from a print book! I did NOT like the obnoxious sound effects they included, especially the sound of a tape fast-forwarding. Some of the background noises also seemed incongruous to the narration. Despite these flaws, the story was clear and interesting and the musical selections were fantastic! It made me want to grab a lot of classical CDs and listen to the full works! This is one I'd re-listen to so I could glean even more . . . there were some composers I'd never heard of, though most were familiar names.
The Big Burn: Teddy Roosevelt and the Fire that Saved America
by Timothy Egan
Hennepin County Library audiobook 9 discs
read by Robertson Dean
genre: YA Non-fiction history
This was a fascinating book! I almost want to get the print version to see photographs, but probably won't. I already admired TR as a president, but I am so very glad that he and the Progressive party pushed through so much national wildlife space. I was horrified (but ultimately not surprised) at the big business people (timber, mining, railroads) and the politicians in their pockets who did everything in their power to strip the new Forest Service of money and support. The fire of 1910 decimated millions of acres and some towns, especially in Idaho. This was a well-researched and well-written history. I had never even heard of Gifford Pinchot before! The thought of "conservation" being a new concept is so odd now . . . but I also see the unfolding of history and attitudes, even extending to my childhood with Smokey the Bear and now a more "natural" attitude toward fire and its role in forests. Interesting stuff! The vocal work was very well-done.
Hennepin County Library audiobook 9 discs
read by Robertson Dean
genre: YA Non-fiction history
This was a fascinating book! I almost want to get the print version to see photographs, but probably won't. I already admired TR as a president, but I am so very glad that he and the Progressive party pushed through so much national wildlife space. I was horrified (but ultimately not surprised) at the big business people (timber, mining, railroads) and the politicians in their pockets who did everything in their power to strip the new Forest Service of money and support. The fire of 1910 decimated millions of acres and some towns, especially in Idaho. This was a well-researched and well-written history. I had never even heard of Gifford Pinchot before! The thought of "conservation" being a new concept is so odd now . . . but I also see the unfolding of history and attitudes, even extending to my childhood with Smokey the Bear and now a more "natural" attitude toward fire and its role in forests. Interesting stuff! The vocal work was very well-done.
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Supernaturalist
by Eoin Colfer
PRMS hardcover 267 pages
genre: YA SciFi
Cosmo - a "no-sponsor" (aka orphan) who has lived all his life at the Clarissa Frayne Institute for Parentally Challenged Boys finally breaks loose one day and is rescued by some other youths
Stefan - a driven older teenager who is trying to avenge his mother's death, leader of the Supernaturalists
Rosa - talented mechanic, fearless, beautiful, Cosmo is tongue-tied around her
Ditto - a "Bartolli baby," he looks like a little kids but is in his 20s. He has the gift of sensitivity and the ability to take away pain. He works as a healer
Parasites / Un-spec fours - blue creatures that change identity and role throughout the story (hope that's not too much of a spoiler!)
Set in the future, one of the things I liked best about this story was the author's view of what the world would be like. It was interesting, but also kind of depressing. The rich get richer and the poor get poorer. My book club kids will discuss this tomorrow, so I'm glad I finished reading it! I enjoyed it, but am curious to hear what the kids will say.
PRMS hardcover 267 pages
genre: YA SciFi
Cosmo - a "no-sponsor" (aka orphan) who has lived all his life at the Clarissa Frayne Institute for Parentally Challenged Boys finally breaks loose one day and is rescued by some other youths
Stefan - a driven older teenager who is trying to avenge his mother's death, leader of the Supernaturalists
Rosa - talented mechanic, fearless, beautiful, Cosmo is tongue-tied around her
Ditto - a "Bartolli baby," he looks like a little kids but is in his 20s. He has the gift of sensitivity and the ability to take away pain. He works as a healer
Parasites / Un-spec fours - blue creatures that change identity and role throughout the story (hope that's not too much of a spoiler!)
Set in the future, one of the things I liked best about this story was the author's view of what the world would be like. It was interesting, but also kind of depressing. The rich get richer and the poor get poorer. My book club kids will discuss this tomorrow, so I'm glad I finished reading it! I enjoyed it, but am curious to hear what the kids will say.
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Slave Day
by Rob Thomas
PRMS deleted, paperback, 246 pages
genre: YA realistic fiction
This caught my attention as I was weeding books. Published in 1997, I don't think it has ever been checked out while I've been here. "Anyone can be bought, if the price is right . . . The school geek. The beauty queen. The cranky teacher. The star football player. They're all equal on Slave Day."
I'm too lazy to copy the rest of the text on the back cover. This book kept me reading, wanting to see where the story was going. Themes of racism, peer pressure, academic dishonesty, economic disparities . . . there was so much potential here! I think the story got bogged down in too many characters and storylines. I wanted to know more about Mr. Twilley, Keene, Tiffany, and the half dozen or so others who carried the story. The resolution was weak.
I deleted it from the collection because of its age and lack of circulation. It was the right decision for other reasons! (But the references to getting a modem so one can dial in to a work computer . . . a little too old school.)
PRMS deleted, paperback, 246 pages
genre: YA realistic fiction
This caught my attention as I was weeding books. Published in 1997, I don't think it has ever been checked out while I've been here. "Anyone can be bought, if the price is right . . . The school geek. The beauty queen. The cranky teacher. The star football player. They're all equal on Slave Day."
I'm too lazy to copy the rest of the text on the back cover. This book kept me reading, wanting to see where the story was going. Themes of racism, peer pressure, academic dishonesty, economic disparities . . . there was so much potential here! I think the story got bogged down in too many characters and storylines. I wanted to know more about Mr. Twilley, Keene, Tiffany, and the half dozen or so others who carried the story. The resolution was weak.
I deleted it from the collection because of its age and lack of circulation. It was the right decision for other reasons! (But the references to getting a modem so one can dial in to a work computer . . . a little too old school.)
Sunday, October 25, 2015
The Illustrated Mum
by Jacqueline Wilson
PRMS hardcover 282 pages
genre: YA realistic fiction
This book is in great shape, but I don't think it's ever been checked out of my collection. Pretty sure I'll weed it. Besides the British slang / terms, it's a really sad story about two girls - Star and Dolphin - being "raised" by a mom who is mentally ill. Marigold has manic states, bouts with alcohol, goes off with strange men for days at a time, doesn't provide for her children.
Dolphin is younger and befriends Oliver at school. She can be fierce, but is actually a very scared little girl. Star has taken care of her for most of her life, but now that Star's dad is back in the picture, Dolphin is left with Marigold. Who goes off the deep end.
Such a sad book! And even more sad - there are kids who live this kind of life. With a copyright date of 1999 and few (if any) checkouts, this one goes.
"Illustrated" mum is in reference to all of Marigold's tattoos, which she gets whenever inspiration strikes her, even if she can't be bothered to buy food for her children.
PRMS hardcover 282 pages
genre: YA realistic fiction
This book is in great shape, but I don't think it's ever been checked out of my collection. Pretty sure I'll weed it. Besides the British slang / terms, it's a really sad story about two girls - Star and Dolphin - being "raised" by a mom who is mentally ill. Marigold has manic states, bouts with alcohol, goes off with strange men for days at a time, doesn't provide for her children.
Dolphin is younger and befriends Oliver at school. She can be fierce, but is actually a very scared little girl. Star has taken care of her for most of her life, but now that Star's dad is back in the picture, Dolphin is left with Marigold. Who goes off the deep end.
Such a sad book! And even more sad - there are kids who live this kind of life. With a copyright date of 1999 and few (if any) checkouts, this one goes.
"Illustrated" mum is in reference to all of Marigold's tattoos, which she gets whenever inspiration strikes her, even if she can't be bothered to buy food for her children.
Friday, October 23, 2015
Not by Sight
by Kate Breslin
Hennepin County Library paperback 369 pages
genre: Christian fiction, historical, romance
I loved this! Although the ending was predictable, I got swept up in the story and have already requested Breslin's other published book. Taking place during WWI, Grace Mabry is a wealthy young lady who wants her brother home from the front. She attends a costume ball she was not invited to so that she can hand the young men (conscientious objectors) a white feather - symbol of cowardice. She hopes to shame them into joining the war effort so that the war will be over sooner. Okay, that sounds kind of silly, but it's really just the set-up so she can make eyes at our hero, Jack Benningham - "dashing heir to the Earl of Stonebrooke." I enjoyed the intrigue (what's Clare's story?) and the verbal sparring between Grace and Jack. It wasn't a very substantive story (I didn't mark any pages for tonight's book club discussion), but I liked it!
Hennepin County Library paperback 369 pages
genre: Christian fiction, historical, romance
I loved this! Although the ending was predictable, I got swept up in the story and have already requested Breslin's other published book. Taking place during WWI, Grace Mabry is a wealthy young lady who wants her brother home from the front. She attends a costume ball she was not invited to so that she can hand the young men (conscientious objectors) a white feather - symbol of cowardice. She hopes to shame them into joining the war effort so that the war will be over sooner. Okay, that sounds kind of silly, but it's really just the set-up so she can make eyes at our hero, Jack Benningham - "dashing heir to the Earl of Stonebrooke." I enjoyed the intrigue (what's Clare's story?) and the verbal sparring between Grace and Jack. It wasn't a very substantive story (I didn't mark any pages for tonight's book club discussion), but I liked it!
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Ms. Marvel
story by Willow Wilson
art by Adrian Alphona and Jacob Wyatt
Hennepin County Library hardcover unpaged
genre: YA superhero graphic novel
At first, I didn't care for this book. But it quickly became a story I couldn't put down and decided I *must* buy for my school. Sixteen-year-old Kamala Khan sees herself as a Jersey City girl, not a Pakistani who does what her parents want. She loves superheros, gaming, and being independent. When she becomes Ms. Marvel and tries to do the right thing, she has some classic coming-of-age moments in the midst of the action adventure against "The Inventor" (aka Birdman). Great story!
art by Adrian Alphona and Jacob Wyatt
Hennepin County Library hardcover unpaged
genre: YA superhero graphic novel
At first, I didn't care for this book. But it quickly became a story I couldn't put down and decided I *must* buy for my school. Sixteen-year-old Kamala Khan sees herself as a Jersey City girl, not a Pakistani who does what her parents want. She loves superheros, gaming, and being independent. When she becomes Ms. Marvel and tries to do the right thing, she has some classic coming-of-age moments in the midst of the action adventure against "The Inventor" (aka Birdman). Great story!
Wednesday, October 07, 2015
Kazumi Magica 1: The Innocent Malice
by Masaki Hiramatsu
art by Takashi Tensugi
Hennepin County Library paperback 144 pages
genre: YA manga, adventure, magic
I got this based on a student's recommendation. I hated it. I asked the student what it was that she liked about it. "The adventure, trying to help people."
It is geared to a middle-school audience (based on the main characters, who are far more physically developed than most middle school girls but identify as middle school). Three girls can do magic and turn into super-fighters with special powers. The story opens with a girl in a suitcase, naked. Yeah.
The story develops that a female police detective was trying to increase her rank and esteem, so she planted a bomb, kidnapped Kazumi, removed her clothing (it's never clear why), put her in the suitcase, and set up an elaborate switched-suitcase scheme.
I don't like manga in general - the art, the exaggerated facial expressions, the back-to-front reading. The reason I buy as much of it for my collection as I do is that it is popular and some readers absolutely devour the books! I don't think I have money for this title. I'd be more likely to buy the Black Butler series (requested a few years ago).
Sixth grader (Class of 2022) was S.I.M.
art by Takashi Tensugi
Hennepin County Library paperback 144 pages
genre: YA manga, adventure, magic
I got this based on a student's recommendation. I hated it. I asked the student what it was that she liked about it. "The adventure, trying to help people."
It is geared to a middle-school audience (based on the main characters, who are far more physically developed than most middle school girls but identify as middle school). Three girls can do magic and turn into super-fighters with special powers. The story opens with a girl in a suitcase, naked. Yeah.
The story develops that a female police detective was trying to increase her rank and esteem, so she planted a bomb, kidnapped Kazumi, removed her clothing (it's never clear why), put her in the suitcase, and set up an elaborate switched-suitcase scheme.
I don't like manga in general - the art, the exaggerated facial expressions, the back-to-front reading. The reason I buy as much of it for my collection as I do is that it is popular and some readers absolutely devour the books! I don't think I have money for this title. I'd be more likely to buy the Black Butler series (requested a few years ago).
Sixth grader (Class of 2022) was S.I.M.
Tuesday, October 06, 2015
A Brother's Journey: Surviving a Childhood of Abuse
by Richard B. Pelzer
CHS media, hardcover, 261 pages
genre: memoir
I borrowed this from Chaska H.S. for a student, but couldn't return it without reading it myself. Richard was Dave Pelzer's (A Child Called It) younger brother. He was the "Little Nazi" who helped their mom in her regime of abuse toward Dave. Once Dave was out of the house, Richard became her target.
These books are horrifying, though the writing is not especially good. I think what fascinates (and repels) is that a human being could have been so evil and no one stopped her. Some have said that the brothers have exaggerated if not outright lied about the abuse. I don't have trouble believing the abuse itself. Humans are amazing in their ability to inflict pain on others. It's heart-breaking when parents do these kinds of things to their own children.
This book leaves me with the question of how social workers, teachers, nurses, etc. can break the cycle earlier. How can we rescue kids, build up families before a child is in the ER?
CHS media, hardcover, 261 pages
genre: memoir
I borrowed this from Chaska H.S. for a student, but couldn't return it without reading it myself. Richard was Dave Pelzer's (A Child Called It) younger brother. He was the "Little Nazi" who helped their mom in her regime of abuse toward Dave. Once Dave was out of the house, Richard became her target.
These books are horrifying, though the writing is not especially good. I think what fascinates (and repels) is that a human being could have been so evil and no one stopped her. Some have said that the brothers have exaggerated if not outright lied about the abuse. I don't have trouble believing the abuse itself. Humans are amazing in their ability to inflict pain on others. It's heart-breaking when parents do these kinds of things to their own children.
This book leaves me with the question of how social workers, teachers, nurses, etc. can break the cycle earlier. How can we rescue kids, build up families before a child is in the ER?
Monday, September 28, 2015
Harry Potter - all of 'em
by J.K. Rowling
Over the last month-ish, I've re-read all seven HP books. I'm not sure why, since I've had such a huge pile of other books to read. I think it's a de-stress mechanism. But I stayed up 'til midnight last night to finish The Deathly Hallows. That was stupid. I need more sleep. I did, however, enjoy reading the books!
Funny. I have a blog entry from 2010 on HP #1-7. That must have been the first time I re-read them all. Then this entry from 2015. Now I'm listening to the audiobooks. Jim Dale does a marvelous job narrating them! The holds / wait times are long. I requested Sorcerer's Stone earlier in the summer (while working at Mackin) and listened to it sometime in August. Then I requested Chamber of Secrets. I got that last week and just finished listening (mostly in my car, but sometimes while doing chores). Now I'll request Azkaban.
All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes
by Betsy St. Amant
Hennepin County Library paperback 305 pages
genre: Christian realistic fiction
This was nice, but a little boring. Most of the conflict was the main character's insecurities and doubts. Kat Varland and Lucas Brannen have been best friends for about a decade (teenagers to mid-20s). They're both super nice and smoking hot, but the new "feelings" they each have for the other are ignored because they don't want to ruin their friendship. Sigh. Cupcakes and an LA competition, some snarky people, yada yada. Book club discussion is tonight. It will be interesting to hear others' reactions. I am tempted to recommend it to Stacie just for all the baking (and a recipe at the end that looks really good).
page 139 - "What if her destiny, God's plan for her life, was to remain at Sweetie Pies? What if she was already living out her calling and just needed to be content where God had placed her? Put aside her dreams, put aside her desires, and bloom where planted?" I can relate to wondering if I'm following God's plan or not!
page 305 - I hated that the story ended with her smashing a cupcake into his face. Really?! And he had made it for her all by himself. That's just rude.
Hennepin County Library paperback 305 pages
genre: Christian realistic fiction
This was nice, but a little boring. Most of the conflict was the main character's insecurities and doubts. Kat Varland and Lucas Brannen have been best friends for about a decade (teenagers to mid-20s). They're both super nice and smoking hot, but the new "feelings" they each have for the other are ignored because they don't want to ruin their friendship. Sigh. Cupcakes and an LA competition, some snarky people, yada yada. Book club discussion is tonight. It will be interesting to hear others' reactions. I am tempted to recommend it to Stacie just for all the baking (and a recipe at the end that looks really good).
page 139 - "What if her destiny, God's plan for her life, was to remain at Sweetie Pies? What if she was already living out her calling and just needed to be content where God had placed her? Put aside her dreams, put aside her desires, and bloom where planted?" I can relate to wondering if I'm following God's plan or not!
page 305 - I hated that the story ended with her smashing a cupcake into his face. Really?! And he had made it for her all by himself. That's just rude.
Men of Stone
by Gayle Friesen
PRMS hardcover 216 pages
genre: YA coming-of-age, realistic fiction
Liked:
PRMS hardcover 216 pages
genre: YA coming-of-age, realistic fiction
Liked:
- characters, especially Ben, with three sisters and a distant mom / friends Fish and Stan / great-aunt Frieda coming for a visit
- each character's passion (dancing for Ben)
- the connections between what he's learning in school and Frieda's story of Russia during the war
- great cover photo
- clever connection of "men of stone" theme between soldiers during the war, bullies, and Ben when he decides to get revenge
- not enough to draw in most middle school readers (this one will be deleted and donated)
- Ben's determination to do things on his own
- not having a good resolution to Stan's story line
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Lumberjanes: Beware the Kitten Holy
by Noelle Stevenson and Grace Ellis
artwork by Brooke Allen
Hennepin County Library paperback
genre: YA graphic novel
I'm tired and can't think straight. I liked, but didn't love this. Liked: spunky female characters, quirky story line, kept my interest. Didn't like - the line in the "pledge" that's blacked out and replaced with "then there's a line about God or whatever" . . . why not just write the pledge with what would be true for these characters? It also seemed to end rather abruptly (or perhaps it's just the pause before the next issue). In any case, good not great sums it up for me. Tough girls at a scouting-type camp. Odd boys who seem very Jekyll/Hyde. A mystery. Adventures.
artwork by Brooke Allen
Hennepin County Library paperback
genre: YA graphic novel
I'm tired and can't think straight. I liked, but didn't love this. Liked: spunky female characters, quirky story line, kept my interest. Didn't like - the line in the "pledge" that's blacked out and replaced with "then there's a line about God or whatever" . . . why not just write the pledge with what would be true for these characters? It also seemed to end rather abruptly (or perhaps it's just the pause before the next issue). In any case, good not great sums it up for me. Tough girls at a scouting-type camp. Odd boys who seem very Jekyll/Hyde. A mystery. Adventures.
Saturday, September 12, 2015
Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania
by Erik Larson
read by Scott Brick
Hennepin County Library audiobook 11 discs
genre: non-fiction, history
This was incredibly well-researched and well-written. It was also extremely depressing. Author of The Devil in the White City, Larson has once again done his homework and relies upon a tremendous amount of primary source material (letters, diaries, telegrams, record books, etc.) to piece together the events leading up to the U-boat attack on the passenger liner on May 7, 1915. It made me so sad to hear the politics and "could have beens" behind this terrible tragedy. Brick's vocal work is wonderful, drawing the listener in. The captain of the Lusitania (William Thomas Turner) and the captain of U-boat 20 (Walther Schwieger) are brought to life powerfully.
It is interesting to tie the events of WWI in this story with what was happening in The Family Romanov which I read earlier this summer.
read by Scott Brick
Hennepin County Library audiobook 11 discs
genre: non-fiction, history
This was incredibly well-researched and well-written. It was also extremely depressing. Author of The Devil in the White City, Larson has once again done his homework and relies upon a tremendous amount of primary source material (letters, diaries, telegrams, record books, etc.) to piece together the events leading up to the U-boat attack on the passenger liner on May 7, 1915. It made me so sad to hear the politics and "could have beens" behind this terrible tragedy. Brick's vocal work is wonderful, drawing the listener in. The captain of the Lusitania (William Thomas Turner) and the captain of U-boat 20 (Walther Schwieger) are brought to life powerfully.
It is interesting to tie the events of WWI in this story with what was happening in The Family Romanov which I read earlier this summer.
Wednesday, September 09, 2015
Seeker
by Arwen Dayton
Hennepin County Library hardcover 429 pages
genre: YA fantasy, action
This was a little too violent and dark for me. An interesting story, with unique characters in the Dreads and the Seekers. Also a strong sense of history, with more to be unveiled in future books. The main teen characters, Quin, Shinobu, John, (and to a certain degree Maud, the Young Dread) weren't as fully developed as I would have liked. The athame stones, lightning rods, whipswords, and other out-of-time items were creatively written. But the ugliness in the story of what these Seekers are being trained for was a complete turnoff. I won't read book two or buy this one for my collection.
Hennepin County Library hardcover 429 pages
genre: YA fantasy, action
This was a little too violent and dark for me. An interesting story, with unique characters in the Dreads and the Seekers. Also a strong sense of history, with more to be unveiled in future books. The main teen characters, Quin, Shinobu, John, (and to a certain degree Maud, the Young Dread) weren't as fully developed as I would have liked. The athame stones, lightning rods, whipswords, and other out-of-time items were creatively written. But the ugliness in the story of what these Seekers are being trained for was a complete turnoff. I won't read book two or buy this one for my collection.
Tuesday, September 01, 2015
The One Thing: the surprisingly simple truth behind extraordinary results
by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan
Hennepin County Library hardcover 225 pages
genre: non-fiction motivation
I admit defeat. This book is simply not the "right one" for me right now. It's also five days overdue at the library and I cannot renew it. So I'll have to cycle back to it at some point. The end-of-chapter "Big Ideas" would probably be sufficient to get the gist of the book. So far, I have found it to be oversimplified (but that's kind of the point).
page 35 - "Achievers operate differently. They have an eye for the essential. They pause just long enough to decide what matters and then allow what matters to drive their day." I need to be more like this and less swept along by the various and sundry things that crop up in my day!
Chapter 4 "Big Ideas" - Go small, go extreme, say no, don't get trapped in the "check off" game - I think I need to scan and save the blurbs with this . . .
page 79 - "When you gamble with your time, you may be placing a bet you can't cover." So true!
page 91 - Dweck and mindset. Interesting that I recently read an article that doesn't praise her work, but questions it.
There was also an interesting section on willpower. So many ideas running through my brain and so little time to process and discuss! I only got as far as page 104. I am torn about requesting it again . . . Perhaps I'll make note of it in my library bin and see if I have time in a few months to tackle it.
Hennepin County Library hardcover 225 pages
genre: non-fiction motivation
I admit defeat. This book is simply not the "right one" for me right now. It's also five days overdue at the library and I cannot renew it. So I'll have to cycle back to it at some point. The end-of-chapter "Big Ideas" would probably be sufficient to get the gist of the book. So far, I have found it to be oversimplified (but that's kind of the point).
page 35 - "Achievers operate differently. They have an eye for the essential. They pause just long enough to decide what matters and then allow what matters to drive their day." I need to be more like this and less swept along by the various and sundry things that crop up in my day!
Chapter 4 "Big Ideas" - Go small, go extreme, say no, don't get trapped in the "check off" game - I think I need to scan and save the blurbs with this . . .
page 79 - "When you gamble with your time, you may be placing a bet you can't cover." So true!
page 91 - Dweck and mindset. Interesting that I recently read an article that doesn't praise her work, but questions it.
There was also an interesting section on willpower. So many ideas running through my brain and so little time to process and discuss! I only got as far as page 104. I am torn about requesting it again . . . Perhaps I'll make note of it in my library bin and see if I have time in a few months to tackle it.
Monday, August 24, 2015
Red Queen
by Victoria Aveyard
Hennepin County Library hardcover 383 pages
genre: YA fantasy adventure
This was really good! I could hardly put it down. The Reds - people with red blood - are kept in subservience, poverty, and desperation. The Silvers - people with silver blood and special abilities - stay in power with periodic shows of their "superiority" with mandatory attendance at competitions.
Mare Barrow is a red, but she's different. And when she attracts the attention of some very special Silvers, crazy things happen. I must buy this for PRMS!
Hennepin County Library hardcover 383 pages
genre: YA fantasy adventure
This was really good! I could hardly put it down. The Reds - people with red blood - are kept in subservience, poverty, and desperation. The Silvers - people with silver blood and special abilities - stay in power with periodic shows of their "superiority" with mandatory attendance at competitions.
Mare Barrow is a red, but she's different. And when she attracts the attention of some very special Silvers, crazy things happen. I must buy this for PRMS!
A Perfect Ambition: The Worthington Destiny
by Dr. Kevin Leman and Jeff Nesbit
mine paperback 306 pages
genre: Christian realistic fiction
I wish I hadn't had to buy this, but it wasn't available in libraries . . . It was formulaic and ended in a huge cliffhanger. Ugh. I hate that.
page 26 - "People in general believed what they wanted to and ignored what they didn't want to know about." Too true!
page 27 - interesting way to introduce a secondary character . . . is it Will, or someone new? Yeah, someone new.
page 84 - I had just been thinking there was no way the firstborn kid in a dynastic family wouldn't carry "the name." Andrew, son of William Jennings Worthington VI? Question answered . . . William Andrew Jennings Worthington VII. Yep.
page 153 - Democrats / Republicans / neither
page 161 - Dem / Rep and religion - " . . . she wished that people would stop equating their religious beliefs with their political beliefs." Billy Graham a democrat? Didn't know that. Interesting ideas here.
page 283 - "multitasking was a myth." Fits with the ideas in professional books I've been reading.
page 291 - What?! Talk to Sean, immediately! He needs to know the truth about his parentage!
page 301 - Ugh . . . dirty politics and money and power. Again, talk to Sean.
Cliffhanger - really?! Don't feel compelled to read it though I'm curious.
mine paperback 306 pages
genre: Christian realistic fiction
I wish I hadn't had to buy this, but it wasn't available in libraries . . . It was formulaic and ended in a huge cliffhanger. Ugh. I hate that.
page 26 - "People in general believed what they wanted to and ignored what they didn't want to know about." Too true!
page 27 - interesting way to introduce a secondary character . . . is it Will, or someone new? Yeah, someone new.
page 84 - I had just been thinking there was no way the firstborn kid in a dynastic family wouldn't carry "the name." Andrew, son of William Jennings Worthington VI? Question answered . . . William Andrew Jennings Worthington VII. Yep.
page 153 - Democrats / Republicans / neither
page 161 - Dem / Rep and religion - " . . . she wished that people would stop equating their religious beliefs with their political beliefs." Billy Graham a democrat? Didn't know that. Interesting ideas here.
page 283 - "multitasking was a myth." Fits with the ideas in professional books I've been reading.
page 291 - What?! Talk to Sean, immediately! He needs to know the truth about his parentage!
page 301 - Ugh . . . dirty politics and money and power. Again, talk to Sean.
Cliffhanger - really?! Don't feel compelled to read it though I'm curious.
Friday, August 14, 2015
The Smartest Kids in the World and How They Got That Way
by Amanda Ripley
Hennepin County Library audiobook 7 discs
read by Kate Reading
genre: non-fiction, education
This is worth a re-read. Ripley, a journalist, followed three American teenagers who studied abroad (Finland, Poland, and South Korea). She also interviewed countless exchange students who came to America, teachers, principals, parents, and politicians. Her thorough research brought out some very interesting differences between the United States and other countries who are outperforming us in education.
One of her biggest findings had to do with expectations - in other countries, adults have high expectations of students, especially in math, and students strive to achieve. Not so much in the U.S. where classes are much easier than in other countries.
She pointed out that it is harder to become a teacher in these other countries, with fewer, more exclusive universities offering programs that lead to teaching degrees. Those countries with higher expectations of their teachers also give them more autonomy in their classrooms.
She suggested that in other countries, students have freedom to fail and learn from the consequences. In the U.S., there are so many second chances, lowered standards, and work-arounds that students aren't really ready for the real world or the rigors of the work place. Rigor came up a lot, especially in regard to exit exams.
She did point out that Finland, Poland, and South Korea are much more homogenous than the U.S., but she also shared statistics from other countries with higher populations of immigrants that are more successful than U.S. schools. She also pointed out that the U.S. spends much more money per pupil than most other countries, but has worse results.
The system in South Korea sounds horrible to me. That country (according to the author) has the highest suicide rate among adults in the entire world! The hagwons (cram schools) sound too intense to be believed. As much as I am passionate about education, this doesn't sound like a good solution.
One student observed that "meeting expectations was mostly a matter of hard work" in talking about exit exams and systems (like Korea) that have high expectations of students. The author observed that "kids are kids" - in every country she visited, they like to play video games, talk to friends, etc.
I thought I had made other notes about this book . . . perhaps I'll uncover a scrap of paper and need to add to this. This book gave me a lot to think about in terms of my role with my students. I can't reform the country's education system, but I can do my best to stretch my students.
The author and reader both did excellent work on this.
Hennepin County Library audiobook 7 discs
read by Kate Reading
genre: non-fiction, education
This is worth a re-read. Ripley, a journalist, followed three American teenagers who studied abroad (Finland, Poland, and South Korea). She also interviewed countless exchange students who came to America, teachers, principals, parents, and politicians. Her thorough research brought out some very interesting differences between the United States and other countries who are outperforming us in education.
One of her biggest findings had to do with expectations - in other countries, adults have high expectations of students, especially in math, and students strive to achieve. Not so much in the U.S. where classes are much easier than in other countries.
She pointed out that it is harder to become a teacher in these other countries, with fewer, more exclusive universities offering programs that lead to teaching degrees. Those countries with higher expectations of their teachers also give them more autonomy in their classrooms.
She suggested that in other countries, students have freedom to fail and learn from the consequences. In the U.S., there are so many second chances, lowered standards, and work-arounds that students aren't really ready for the real world or the rigors of the work place. Rigor came up a lot, especially in regard to exit exams.
She did point out that Finland, Poland, and South Korea are much more homogenous than the U.S., but she also shared statistics from other countries with higher populations of immigrants that are more successful than U.S. schools. She also pointed out that the U.S. spends much more money per pupil than most other countries, but has worse results.
The system in South Korea sounds horrible to me. That country (according to the author) has the highest suicide rate among adults in the entire world! The hagwons (cram schools) sound too intense to be believed. As much as I am passionate about education, this doesn't sound like a good solution.
One student observed that "meeting expectations was mostly a matter of hard work" in talking about exit exams and systems (like Korea) that have high expectations of students. The author observed that "kids are kids" - in every country she visited, they like to play video games, talk to friends, etc.
I thought I had made other notes about this book . . . perhaps I'll uncover a scrap of paper and need to add to this. This book gave me a lot to think about in terms of my role with my students. I can't reform the country's education system, but I can do my best to stretch my students.
The author and reader both did excellent work on this.
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Mary: the Summoning
by Hillary Monahan
Hennepin County Library hardcover 252 pages
genre: YA horror
I don't like horror stories, but I can see how this would appeal to readers who like to be creeped out. Four girls "summon" Bloody Mary in a mirror. One of the girls, Jess, is the instigator. But when Mary "escapes" the mirror and comes after her best friend Shauna, things get out of hand. Ironically, my least favorite part involved Jess' personality and "friendship" choices. I'll probably buy this for my collection, but I will never re-read it. Though it's a debut novel, it definitely could have a follow-up book . . .
Hennepin County Library hardcover 252 pages
genre: YA horror
I don't like horror stories, but I can see how this would appeal to readers who like to be creeped out. Four girls "summon" Bloody Mary in a mirror. One of the girls, Jess, is the instigator. But when Mary "escapes" the mirror and comes after her best friend Shauna, things get out of hand. Ironically, my least favorite part involved Jess' personality and "friendship" choices. I'll probably buy this for my collection, but I will never re-read it. Though it's a debut novel, it definitely could have a follow-up book . . .
Sunday, August 09, 2015
Red Madness: How a Medical Mystery Changed What We Eat
by Gail Jarrow
Hennepin County Library hardcover 157 pages plus extras
genre: YA non-fiction, history, medicine
This was very well-written! It was interesting and drew me along as she uncovered the story behind the illness Pellagra. I may have heard of it before, but didn't have much knowledge at all. Often times, a purely chronological approach frustrates me as a reader but this one kept me wanting to find out what caused the illness and how it was cured. Fascinating stuff for early 1900s America! Joseph Goldberger (and others) were truly medical heroes for the work they did in discovering this dietary deficiency disease. The "4-D" of dermatitis (skin rash), diarrhea, dementia, and death were devastating for far too many people for too long (especially poor people).
Hennepin County Library hardcover 157 pages plus extras
genre: YA non-fiction, history, medicine
This was very well-written! It was interesting and drew me along as she uncovered the story behind the illness Pellagra. I may have heard of it before, but didn't have much knowledge at all. Often times, a purely chronological approach frustrates me as a reader but this one kept me wanting to find out what caused the illness and how it was cured. Fascinating stuff for early 1900s America! Joseph Goldberger (and others) were truly medical heroes for the work they did in discovering this dietary deficiency disease. The "4-D" of dermatitis (skin rash), diarrhea, dementia, and death were devastating for far too many people for too long (especially poor people).
Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don't
by Simon Sinek
Hennepin County Library audiobook 7 discs
read by the author
genre: non-fiction leadership
Random notes:
I did not love the author's reading of his book. He has such a strange accent and way of pronouncing some words. Catch his stuff at http://99u.com/videos/20272/simon-sinek-why-leaders-eat-last or not.
Sigh. Some of this is such old ground that I've had covered in other books. I suppose a review can be helpful, though. Brain chemicals - dopamine, endorphin, serotonin, cortisol, and oxytocin - and how they affect humans. Yep. Still can't tell them apart, but I understand that there's a biological basis for why we do what we do.
Generations and how their life experiences affect how they lead and think in a business environment. Greatest generation, Boomers, Generation X, Gen Y/Millenials. (Interesting summary of generations at http://www.marketingteacher.com/the-six-living-generations-in-america/)
Rule 1 - Keep It Real (personal contact)
Rule 2 - Keep It Manageable (150 or fewer people in a group)
Rule 3 - Meet the People You Help (see the personal impact / we are social animals)
Rule 4 - Give Them Time, Not Just Money (more value)
Rule 5 - Be Patient -( trust takes more than 7 days to develop but should be there in less than 7 years)
Develop a culture of sharing / collaboration (e.g. Post-It notes and 3M's culture around "mistakes"). Innovation happens in a culture of sharing. Create a strong circle of safety. We follow the leader if the leader has integrity. Lots of Marine Corp examples. Made me curious . . .
There were leadership lessons.
1 - So Goes the Culture, So Goes the Company
2 - So Goes the Leader, So Goes the Culture.
3 - Integrity Matters
4 - Friends Matter
5 - Lead the People, Not the Numbers
One of my biggest issues with a book like this is that I'm not the leader at PRMS. I can be a leader in my classroom and I can impact PRMS, but ultimately my principal has the leader's burden on her shoulders. This book was primarily geared toward business, although Sinek used a lot of military examples as well. Overall, interesting but not very helpful. Lots of good real-world examples (both positive and negative).
I'm kind of amazed that there is so much of this author's content online . . . . including TED talks. I guess he's a really big deal.
Hennepin County Library audiobook 7 discs
read by the author
genre: non-fiction leadership
Random notes:
I did not love the author's reading of his book. He has such a strange accent and way of pronouncing some words. Catch his stuff at http://99u.com/videos/20272/simon-sinek-why-leaders-eat-last or not.
Sigh. Some of this is such old ground that I've had covered in other books. I suppose a review can be helpful, though. Brain chemicals - dopamine, endorphin, serotonin, cortisol, and oxytocin - and how they affect humans. Yep. Still can't tell them apart, but I understand that there's a biological basis for why we do what we do.
Generations and how their life experiences affect how they lead and think in a business environment. Greatest generation, Boomers, Generation X, Gen Y/Millenials. (Interesting summary of generations at http://www.marketingteacher.com/the-six-living-generations-in-america/)
Rule 1 - Keep It Real (personal contact)
Rule 2 - Keep It Manageable (150 or fewer people in a group)
Rule 3 - Meet the People You Help (see the personal impact / we are social animals)
Rule 4 - Give Them Time, Not Just Money (more value)
Rule 5 - Be Patient -( trust takes more than 7 days to develop but should be there in less than 7 years)
Develop a culture of sharing / collaboration (e.g. Post-It notes and 3M's culture around "mistakes"). Innovation happens in a culture of sharing. Create a strong circle of safety. We follow the leader if the leader has integrity. Lots of Marine Corp examples. Made me curious . . .
There were leadership lessons.
1 - So Goes the Culture, So Goes the Company
2 - So Goes the Leader, So Goes the Culture.
3 - Integrity Matters
4 - Friends Matter
5 - Lead the People, Not the Numbers
One of my biggest issues with a book like this is that I'm not the leader at PRMS. I can be a leader in my classroom and I can impact PRMS, but ultimately my principal has the leader's burden on her shoulders. This book was primarily geared toward business, although Sinek used a lot of military examples as well. Overall, interesting but not very helpful. Lots of good real-world examples (both positive and negative).
I'm kind of amazed that there is so much of this author's content online . . . . including TED talks. I guess he's a really big deal.
Saturday, August 08, 2015
My Heart and Other Black Holes
by Jasmine Warga
Hennepin County Library hardcover 302 pages
genre: YA fiction, coming-of-age, suicide
I was nervous about a book dealing with suicide. Middle schoolers are as much at risk for depression and suicide as older teens are (and they are much less able to think / talk through things in general). This is beautifully written. Aysel (pronounced like "gazelle" without the initial letter) and Roman meet online to be suicide partners. As they meet to plan how they will end their lives, they start to like one another and find joy in their time together. Their pain, their fears, their past all start to get unpacked as they talk. I don't want to wreck the story for another reader. It's a pretty quick book, but very much worth the time and energy. Still struggling whether I will or won't buy it for my collection. Tough stuff to deal with.
page 40 - "What people never understand is that depression isn't about the outside; it's about the inside. Something inside me is wrong. Sure, there are things in my life that make me feel alone, but nothing makes me feel more isolated and terrified than my own voice in my head."
page 180 - "I wonder if joy has potential energy. Or if there is potential energy that leads to joy, like a happiness serum that lingers in people's stomachs and slowly bubbles up to create the sensation we know as happiness."
page 228 - "I guess he's right: I am a flake. But maybe meeting Roman has helped me to understand myself better. Yes, I'm broken. And yes, he's broken. But the more we talk about it, the more we share our sadness, the more I start to believe that there could be a chance to fix us, a chance that we could save each other."
Hennepin County Library hardcover 302 pages
genre: YA fiction, coming-of-age, suicide
I was nervous about a book dealing with suicide. Middle schoolers are as much at risk for depression and suicide as older teens are (and they are much less able to think / talk through things in general). This is beautifully written. Aysel (pronounced like "gazelle" without the initial letter) and Roman meet online to be suicide partners. As they meet to plan how they will end their lives, they start to like one another and find joy in their time together. Their pain, their fears, their past all start to get unpacked as they talk. I don't want to wreck the story for another reader. It's a pretty quick book, but very much worth the time and energy. Still struggling whether I will or won't buy it for my collection. Tough stuff to deal with.
page 40 - "What people never understand is that depression isn't about the outside; it's about the inside. Something inside me is wrong. Sure, there are things in my life that make me feel alone, but nothing makes me feel more isolated and terrified than my own voice in my head."
page 180 - "I wonder if joy has potential energy. Or if there is potential energy that leads to joy, like a happiness serum that lingers in people's stomachs and slowly bubbles up to create the sensation we know as happiness."
page 228 - "I guess he's right: I am a flake. But maybe meeting Roman has helped me to understand myself better. Yes, I'm broken. And yes, he's broken. But the more we talk about it, the more we share our sadness, the more I start to believe that there could be a chance to fix us, a chance that we could save each other."
Ink and Ashes
by Valynne Maetani
Hennepin County Library hardcover 380 pages
genre: YA mystery, action, relationships, coming-of-age
The cover of this book looks intense and I expected another hard-core teen novel. It was surprisingly mild. The protagonist is 17 years old and never been kissed. There's almost no swearing at all. Some of the story seemed slow in developing.
That said, it kept me interested until the end. Trying to figure out who was doing frightening things to Claire, why they weren't targeting her brothers, how these things fit in with her father's past . . . It was an interesting book.
I feel as though I ought to write a synopsis here, but I don't feel like it. Amazon says, "Claire Takata has never known much about her father, who passed away ten years ago. But on the anniversary of his death, she finds a letter from her deceased father to her stepfather. Before now, Claire never had a reason to believe they even knew each other. Struggling to understand why her parents kept this surprising history hidden, Claire combs through anything that might give her information about her father . . . until she discovers that he was a member of the yakuza, a Japanese organized crime syndicate. The discovery opens a door that should have been left closed. The race to outrun her father's legacy reveals secrets of his past that cast ominous shadows, threatening Claire, her friends and family, her newfound love, and ultimately her life. Winner of Tu Books New Visions Award, Ink and Ashes is a fascinating debut novel packed with romance, intrigue, and heart-stopping action."
I liked it and may buy it for school. The Japanese culture aspect was interesting - the author's explanation at the end added to the story.
Hennepin County Library hardcover 380 pages
genre: YA mystery, action, relationships, coming-of-age
The cover of this book looks intense and I expected another hard-core teen novel. It was surprisingly mild. The protagonist is 17 years old and never been kissed. There's almost no swearing at all. Some of the story seemed slow in developing.
That said, it kept me interested until the end. Trying to figure out who was doing frightening things to Claire, why they weren't targeting her brothers, how these things fit in with her father's past . . . It was an interesting book.
I feel as though I ought to write a synopsis here, but I don't feel like it. Amazon says, "Claire Takata has never known much about her father, who passed away ten years ago. But on the anniversary of his death, she finds a letter from her deceased father to her stepfather. Before now, Claire never had a reason to believe they even knew each other. Struggling to understand why her parents kept this surprising history hidden, Claire combs through anything that might give her information about her father . . . until she discovers that he was a member of the yakuza, a Japanese organized crime syndicate. The discovery opens a door that should have been left closed. The race to outrun her father's legacy reveals secrets of his past that cast ominous shadows, threatening Claire, her friends and family, her newfound love, and ultimately her life. Winner of Tu Books New Visions Award, Ink and Ashes is a fascinating debut novel packed with romance, intrigue, and heart-stopping action."
I liked it and may buy it for school. The Japanese culture aspect was interesting - the author's explanation at the end added to the story.
The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion, & the Fall of Imperial Russia
by Candace Fleming
Hennepin County Library hardcover 253 pages
genre: YA non-fiction, history
This is an extremely well-written and interesting book about the Romanov family and what happened in Russia at the end of their rule. The photographs and primary source excerpts (letters, diaries, etc.) are invaluable to understanding what happened. I especially love that the author balanced the Romanov story with what was happening in the lives of peasants and workers. The contrast could not be more stark! It stuns me that Nicolas II and Alexandra had no clue how impoverished their people were. And I am very creeped out that the empress' fascination with icons and religion allowed her to be so swayed by Rasputin.
As much as I enjoyed this book, I probably won't buy it for PRMS. My students don't use non-fiction books much (except for history day research) and I can't possibly afford all the titles that might be useful. Sad truth.
Page 234 - makes me want to re-read The Kitchen Boy. "He (Yurovsky) ordered the kitchen boy, Leonid Sednev, to pack his things. . . . In truth, the commandant did not want the fourteen-year-old to be among the murder victims." I know TKB (Zimmerman) is fiction, but it was one of the first books I ever read relating to the Romanov murders and it captured my attention.
In her bibliography, Fleming writes about the importance of primary resources. "The heart of all research is the firsthand accounts and eyewitness testimonies of those who lived through an historical event." Perhaps I should buy this book for my collection, just to share the power of primary sources for my young researchers! She goes on to talk about the power of first-person accounts and different perspectives. Good stuff.
Hennepin County Library hardcover 253 pages
genre: YA non-fiction, history
This is an extremely well-written and interesting book about the Romanov family and what happened in Russia at the end of their rule. The photographs and primary source excerpts (letters, diaries, etc.) are invaluable to understanding what happened. I especially love that the author balanced the Romanov story with what was happening in the lives of peasants and workers. The contrast could not be more stark! It stuns me that Nicolas II and Alexandra had no clue how impoverished their people were. And I am very creeped out that the empress' fascination with icons and religion allowed her to be so swayed by Rasputin.
As much as I enjoyed this book, I probably won't buy it for PRMS. My students don't use non-fiction books much (except for history day research) and I can't possibly afford all the titles that might be useful. Sad truth.
Page 234 - makes me want to re-read The Kitchen Boy. "He (Yurovsky) ordered the kitchen boy, Leonid Sednev, to pack his things. . . . In truth, the commandant did not want the fourteen-year-old to be among the murder victims." I know TKB (Zimmerman) is fiction, but it was one of the first books I ever read relating to the Romanov murders and it captured my attention.
In her bibliography, Fleming writes about the importance of primary resources. "The heart of all research is the firsthand accounts and eyewitness testimonies of those who lived through an historical event." Perhaps I should buy this book for my collection, just to share the power of primary sources for my young researchers! She goes on to talk about the power of first-person accounts and different perspectives. Good stuff.
Monday, August 03, 2015
How It Went Down
by Kekla Magoon
Hennepin County Library hardcover 325 pages
genre: YA realistic fiction
I really liked this book, though I was able to read it in one sitting (riding home from the lake). There are LOTS of characters, so it could get quite confusing to read in separate sittings. Tariq Johnson is killed by a white man in front of lots of witnesses, but they saw and heard things differently. Those different perspectives make a very rich story about inner city kids and the power of gangs.
My favorite characters were Jennica (Noodle's girlfriend until she decides she wants out of "the life", Tyrell (Tariq's best friend and only other holdout to the 8-5 Kings gang), and Tina (Tariq's little sister with a very unique perspective on situations. This was a very good thinking story - the author shows the different ways people interpret the same situation. It kind of made the cops look like the bad guys, though . . . I look forward to discussing this with the others at Litwits.
Hennepin County Library hardcover 325 pages
genre: YA realistic fiction
I really liked this book, though I was able to read it in one sitting (riding home from the lake). There are LOTS of characters, so it could get quite confusing to read in separate sittings. Tariq Johnson is killed by a white man in front of lots of witnesses, but they saw and heard things differently. Those different perspectives make a very rich story about inner city kids and the power of gangs.
My favorite characters were Jennica (Noodle's girlfriend until she decides she wants out of "the life", Tyrell (Tariq's best friend and only other holdout to the 8-5 Kings gang), and Tina (Tariq's little sister with a very unique perspective on situations. This was a very good thinking story - the author shows the different ways people interpret the same situation. It kind of made the cops look like the bad guys, though . . . I look forward to discussing this with the others at Litwits.
Vanishing Girls
by Lauren Oliver
Hennepin County Library hardcover 357 pages
genre: YA mystery, coming-of-age, relationships
I didn't like this book but I recognize its merit for older teen readers. My issues?
1. Immediately got the sense that I was being jerked around as a reader. Reminiscent of We Were Liars (Lockhart) and The Raft (Bodeen), I knew there was something behind "what happened" in the accident. I could never really get into the character's stories, because I was trying to psych out what was real and what wasn't. Is she actually in a coma and dreaming this? Did one of the sisters die? Why is the author yanking the reader's chain?
2. The alcohol, illegal drugs, dangerous choices . . . yeah. Don't want this "normal teenage behavior" in my middle school collection. This is more appropriate for older, more jaded readers.
3. The sisters' love/hate relationship was incomprehensible to me. I "get" the older / perfect vs. the younger / "bad girl" dynamic, but why did Dara (younger) keep dragging her older sister into things? And why did Nicole go along with it?
4. Nicole "protecting" her little sister did way more harm than good. I understand that parents who are getting a divorce may not be aware of what is really going on, but they were seeing a therapist and ignoring warning signals. It also just bugged me that Nicole was addressed by "Nick," which made me initially think it was a brother/sister thing.
Okay. It wasn't that bad, but I personally just didn't like it. Parker is a great character. The FunLand bits were good. The Madeline Snow disappearance was interesting.
Hennepin County Library hardcover 357 pages
genre: YA mystery, coming-of-age, relationships
I didn't like this book but I recognize its merit for older teen readers. My issues?
1. Immediately got the sense that I was being jerked around as a reader. Reminiscent of We Were Liars (Lockhart) and The Raft (Bodeen), I knew there was something behind "what happened" in the accident. I could never really get into the character's stories, because I was trying to psych out what was real and what wasn't. Is she actually in a coma and dreaming this? Did one of the sisters die? Why is the author yanking the reader's chain?
2. The alcohol, illegal drugs, dangerous choices . . . yeah. Don't want this "normal teenage behavior" in my middle school collection. This is more appropriate for older, more jaded readers.
3. The sisters' love/hate relationship was incomprehensible to me. I "get" the older / perfect vs. the younger / "bad girl" dynamic, but why did Dara (younger) keep dragging her older sister into things? And why did Nicole go along with it?
4. Nicole "protecting" her little sister did way more harm than good. I understand that parents who are getting a divorce may not be aware of what is really going on, but they were seeing a therapist and ignoring warning signals. It also just bugged me that Nicole was addressed by "Nick," which made me initially think it was a brother/sister thing.
Okay. It wasn't that bad, but I personally just didn't like it. Parker is a great character. The FunLand bits were good. The Madeline Snow disappearance was interesting.
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Daddy Long-legs and Dear Enemy
by Jean Webster
Hennepin County Library paperback 348 pages
genre: fiction, relationships
I read this after our book club of April 2015 (and watched the movie of Daddy Long-legs as well). I didn't realize I hadn't blogged it until going through my never-ending pile of paper scraps . . .
I was surprised by the author's descriptions of "feeblemindedness" and other non-PC language. Since this was written in 1912 (over 100 years ago!), it shouldn't have surprised me so much.
My notes (from a few months ago) are limited, but I jotted some character names:
Jervis Pendleton
Jerusha Abbott (Judy)
Sallie McBride (her friend from college)
I remember thinking that I liked the book Dear Mr. Knightley better than this "original." I definitely liked both books better than the movie.
The second book in this volume, Dear Enemy, is more about Sallie and her love-hate relationship with the doctor of the orphanage. Judy and Jervis are off in happy-ever-after married life. Sallie is running the orphanage with the help / hindrance of the Irish (?) doctor. I liked it, but didn't love it.
I believe these excerpts are both from Dear Enemy. I should have grabbed some of the sweet / funny / wonderful scenes, but these were ones that jumped out at me. How much has changed in literature in 100 years!
Hennepin County Library paperback 348 pages
genre: fiction, relationships
I read this after our book club of April 2015 (and watched the movie of Daddy Long-legs as well). I didn't realize I hadn't blogged it until going through my never-ending pile of paper scraps . . .
I was surprised by the author's descriptions of "feeblemindedness" and other non-PC language. Since this was written in 1912 (over 100 years ago!), it shouldn't have surprised me so much.
My notes (from a few months ago) are limited, but I jotted some character names:
Jervis Pendleton
Jerusha Abbott (Judy)
Sallie McBride (her friend from college)
I remember thinking that I liked the book Dear Mr. Knightley better than this "original." I definitely liked both books better than the movie.
The second book in this volume, Dear Enemy, is more about Sallie and her love-hate relationship with the doctor of the orphanage. Judy and Jervis are off in happy-ever-after married life. Sallie is running the orphanage with the help / hindrance of the Irish (?) doctor. I liked it, but didn't love it.
I believe these excerpts are both from Dear Enemy. I should have grabbed some of the sweet / funny / wonderful scenes, but these were ones that jumped out at me. How much has changed in literature in 100 years!
Lunch Lady and the League of Librarians
by Jarrett Krosoczka
Hennepin County Library paperback unpaged
genre: Children's graphic novel fiction
I didn't enjoy this one quite as much (because the librarians are evil and planning world domination), but once again a trio of students watch / help the lunch ladies save the day. I really may need to buy this series . . .
Hennepin County Library paperback unpaged
genre: Children's graphic novel fiction
I didn't enjoy this one quite as much (because the librarians are evil and planning world domination), but once again a trio of students watch / help the lunch ladies save the day. I really may need to buy this series . . .
Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute
by Jarrett Krosoczka
Hennepin County Library paperback unpaged
genre: Children's graphic novel fiction
I don't remember where I first heard about this author, but I love the video of him sharing his books and honoring his childhood lunch lady. The lunch ladies are crime-fighting superheroes at an elementary school. I am tempted to buy it because it's just plain fun (and some of my less-skilled readers would probably find it at their level). It's a delightful little tale.
Hennepin County Library paperback unpaged
genre: Children's graphic novel fiction
I don't remember where I first heard about this author, but I love the video of him sharing his books and honoring his childhood lunch lady. The lunch ladies are crime-fighting superheroes at an elementary school. I am tempted to buy it because it's just plain fun (and some of my less-skilled readers would probably find it at their level). It's a delightful little tale.
I Didn't Do My Homework Because . . .
by Davide Cali with artwork by Benjamin Chaud
Hennepin County Library hardcover unpaged
genre: Picture book
What a cute, clever book about a boy who comes up with wild excuses for why he can't hand in his homework. "My brother and I were kidnapped by a circus." The illustrations are detailed and fun to examine.
Hennepin County Library hardcover unpaged
genre: Picture book
What a cute, clever book about a boy who comes up with wild excuses for why he can't hand in his homework. "My brother and I were kidnapped by a circus." The illustrations are detailed and fun to examine.
Teach Like a Champion: 49 Techniques that Put Students on the Path to College
by Doug Lemov
Hennepin County Library audiobook 10 CDs + 1 DVD
genre: non-fiction, teaching profession
I didn't finish this book . . . but I found it quite interesting. Lemov did quite a bit of research in classrooms across the country. He took the examples of teachers who dramatically improved their students' learning experience and distilled common factors. Things like "No Opt Out" give teachers tools for getting students who say "I don't know" a safe way to participate and learn. I watched a part of the DVD and appreciated seeing examples. I simply don't have time to read everything I have from the library right now. I may return to this one . . . however, most of the example so far (first fifth of the book) apply to whole-classroom instruction. This is something we are getting away from at my school. I am going to focus on other books right now.
Added 8/14/15 (original post was 7/29/15):
Found a note with a quote that came from this book . . . "Reluctant students quickly come to recognize that 'I don't know' is the Rosetta Stone of work avoidance." The section that I listened to with the advice on how to make certain that students participate in a positive way has really stuck with me. I may need to get this book back and spend time with it. Just this little piece - not letting kids off the hook if they respond, "I don't know" is huge.
Comments below added 10/6/15
I found a scrap of paper. "Demography is not destiny" - this is interesting in that so many researchers say that where and to whom kids belong (nature vs nurture) determines a lot of what their future lives will be like.
Also, I made a note that the author highlighted an exemplary professional. The example was of Julie, an administrator who left her home at 5:50 a.m. (so she could ride a bus with her students) and returned home at 8:00 p.m. Wow. She may be an excellent educator, but she's a crappy mom. How can a parent justify being away from family for more than 14 hours a day on a regular basis? That's horrible!
Hennepin County Library audiobook 10 CDs + 1 DVD
genre: non-fiction, teaching profession
I didn't finish this book . . . but I found it quite interesting. Lemov did quite a bit of research in classrooms across the country. He took the examples of teachers who dramatically improved their students' learning experience and distilled common factors. Things like "No Opt Out" give teachers tools for getting students who say "I don't know" a safe way to participate and learn. I watched a part of the DVD and appreciated seeing examples. I simply don't have time to read everything I have from the library right now. I may return to this one . . . however, most of the example so far (first fifth of the book) apply to whole-classroom instruction. This is something we are getting away from at my school. I am going to focus on other books right now.
Added 8/14/15 (original post was 7/29/15):
Found a note with a quote that came from this book . . . "Reluctant students quickly come to recognize that 'I don't know' is the Rosetta Stone of work avoidance." The section that I listened to with the advice on how to make certain that students participate in a positive way has really stuck with me. I may need to get this book back and spend time with it. Just this little piece - not letting kids off the hook if they respond, "I don't know" is huge.
Comments below added 10/6/15
I found a scrap of paper. "Demography is not destiny" - this is interesting in that so many researchers say that where and to whom kids belong (nature vs nurture) determines a lot of what their future lives will be like.
Also, I made a note that the author highlighted an exemplary professional. The example was of Julie, an administrator who left her home at 5:50 a.m. (so she could ride a bus with her students) and returned home at 8:00 p.m. Wow. She may be an excellent educator, but she's a crappy mom. How can a parent justify being away from family for more than 14 hours a day on a regular basis? That's horrible!
Monday, July 27, 2015
Pure Grit: How American World War II Nurses Survived Battle and Prison Camp in the Pacific
by Mary Cronk Farrell
Foreward by First Lieutenant Diane Carlson Evans
Hennepin County Library hardcover 133 pages plus glossary, timeline, etc.
genre: YA non-fiction, history
This wasn't as gripping as I expected. Perhaps because I've read enough accounts of WWII experiences so that I'm a bit jaded? The writing was very appropriate for middle-school. The photographs and documents included in the book were superb. I especially liked the first-person accounts that were included, though I got quite confused at which nurse was which.
The most enlightening part was chapter 19 "Forgotten." On page 119, "After four grim years of war, Americans wanted heroines to raise their spirits. But no framework existed in the 1940s for people to understand women who had acted with enduring courage and strength on the battlefield and as prisoners of war - women who had acted like men." The expectation that these women would just settle down and "return" to some kind of normal life after what they had been through . . . mind-boggling. Many of their children didn't know about their war service until decades later.
Foreward by First Lieutenant Diane Carlson Evans
Hennepin County Library hardcover 133 pages plus glossary, timeline, etc.
genre: YA non-fiction, history
This wasn't as gripping as I expected. Perhaps because I've read enough accounts of WWII experiences so that I'm a bit jaded? The writing was very appropriate for middle-school. The photographs and documents included in the book were superb. I especially liked the first-person accounts that were included, though I got quite confused at which nurse was which.
The most enlightening part was chapter 19 "Forgotten." On page 119, "After four grim years of war, Americans wanted heroines to raise their spirits. But no framework existed in the 1940s for people to understand women who had acted with enduring courage and strength on the battlefield and as prisoners of war - women who had acted like men." The expectation that these women would just settle down and "return" to some kind of normal life after what they had been through . . . mind-boggling. Many of their children didn't know about their war service until decades later.
Water from My Heart
by Charles Martin
Carver County Library hardcover 363 pages
genre: Christian fiction, adventure, romance
*Spoiler alert - some of the excerpts toward the end give away plot points.*
I didn't love the first half of this book. Charlie Finn is a drug runner who keeps people at arm's length. The chapters alternating between his past and his present just serve to make him less likable in his old work (playing poker while at Harvard and high finance with Marshall) as well as the evils of being a drug runner in the Miami area.
But halfway through the book, he gets violently ill (from fresh salsa) in Nicaragua. He meets Pauline and her daughter Isabella. And the story gets better and better from there until the end. So worth the read! I wish the author had focused (and/or the editor deleted liberally) the negative and repetitive first half.
page 144 - When he asks Pauline how she can stand to help people when they have so little going for them. "When I first traveled to the States to study, I was struck by how everyone I encountered spent their days working feverishly to make enough money to buy a better tomorrow. Here, people are content - they buy what they need today and leave tomorrow to God." So true! Our culture seems to be busy busy busy going somewhere and it's all about having money and control. But none of us can control our futures.
page 186 - This was just a giggle to me. Charles Martin doesn't come across as a strong Christian author. But this sentence caught my attention. "What I didn't realize at the time was that my half-fast proposal . . . " At first I thought it was a typo, then I realized he didn't want to use the vernacular. I had to read "half-fast" a few times before I realized it was a deliberate choice to avoid swearing!
page 216 - The first encounter with the title - "Aqua de mi corazon" - "Water from my heart" I loved the story of her father and digging the well.
page 242 - Charlie describing the emotional release that can come from crying. "The proof lies in the source. They did not fall from my head. They poured up and out of my heart."
page 270 - "I might not be in league with other evil men, but over my life, I'd looked away, gone on my merry way, done nothing to prevent or hinder - or rescue. While not an active instigator, I'd been passive. An accomplice even. That passivity had only served to multiply. Maybe that was the toughest thought to swallow. The effect of my life had been to multiply evil, not fight it. Not eradicate it." When we talk about our legacy at church, I think about what I want to achieve. What really matters. I couldn't live with myself if I felt that the effect of my life had been to multiply evil.
page 296 - This is when he talks to the bones of Alejandro Santiago Martinez and his wife, down in the well. He had already given her mother's locket to Pauline. Moving, touching. I like this scene. It's like a confessional.
page 306 - When the water is rising and he is stuck. "The sin of my life had been and remained indifference, and in that instant, I was indifferent to my own death."
page 311 - When Zaul asked Charlie to teach him how to do wood working. "For growing up with such privilege, there was a lot Zaul had not done. Evidence that money did not buy experience." I think this is so true of a lot of privileged kids! Some of my students have so little experience with chores, yard work, or other life experiences that middle class and poorer kids have to do!
page 314 - "I realized that Leena shined a light everywhere she went. She was a walking headlight. A coming train. A rising sun. Unafraid, she walked into the darkness, and when she did, the darkness rolled back as a scroll." I want to be a woman who shines light into the darkness! I love this imagery.
page 315 - I can so relate to this! Charlie is agonizing over his role in the closure of the Cinco Padres Coffee . . . and "Get it off my chest and dump it on hers under the guise of being truthful when in reality I just wanted to make myself feel better?" Sometimes, it's hard to know what your motives are in telling someone the truth. If it will hurt them, you have to weigh carefully what to say and how to say it. "Like gasoline in a Styrofoam cup, it was eating me from the inside out."
page 322-3 - Wow. Almost to the end of the book and we learn about a momentous, life-changing day in Charlie's life when he was seven or eight years old. That would have helped to make his character and personality traits a bit more logical for readers like me. I don't usually like a book if I don't like the protagonist. This one took me a while to warm up to!
page 344 - Makes me think of Sunday's sermon on hope. "I'd been letting the pain of my past dictate the hope and promise of my future. . . . If she was right and hope was the currency of love, then I'd been broke a long time."
page 359 - author's notes at the end were really interesting! I'm glad Marin included them. "Indifference is the curse of this age. We need to hear that. Indifference is evil, and it could not be further from the heart of God."
page 361 - LOVED this part about the real-life man named Moises and the faith he lives. I love the report of signs and wonders in his community in Nicaragua. "With a budget of zero, Moises has planted seven or eight churches and invests his time, encouragement, and leadership in some thirty more. He gives when he has nothing - which is all the time."
Yep. This was a really wonderful book!
Carver County Library hardcover 363 pages
genre: Christian fiction, adventure, romance
*Spoiler alert - some of the excerpts toward the end give away plot points.*
I didn't love the first half of this book. Charlie Finn is a drug runner who keeps people at arm's length. The chapters alternating between his past and his present just serve to make him less likable in his old work (playing poker while at Harvard and high finance with Marshall) as well as the evils of being a drug runner in the Miami area.
But halfway through the book, he gets violently ill (from fresh salsa) in Nicaragua. He meets Pauline and her daughter Isabella. And the story gets better and better from there until the end. So worth the read! I wish the author had focused (and/or the editor deleted liberally) the negative and repetitive first half.
page 144 - When he asks Pauline how she can stand to help people when they have so little going for them. "When I first traveled to the States to study, I was struck by how everyone I encountered spent their days working feverishly to make enough money to buy a better tomorrow. Here, people are content - they buy what they need today and leave tomorrow to God." So true! Our culture seems to be busy busy busy going somewhere and it's all about having money and control. But none of us can control our futures.
page 186 - This was just a giggle to me. Charles Martin doesn't come across as a strong Christian author. But this sentence caught my attention. "What I didn't realize at the time was that my half-fast proposal . . . " At first I thought it was a typo, then I realized he didn't want to use the vernacular. I had to read "half-fast" a few times before I realized it was a deliberate choice to avoid swearing!
page 216 - The first encounter with the title - "Aqua de mi corazon" - "Water from my heart" I loved the story of her father and digging the well.
page 242 - Charlie describing the emotional release that can come from crying. "The proof lies in the source. They did not fall from my head. They poured up and out of my heart."
page 270 - "I might not be in league with other evil men, but over my life, I'd looked away, gone on my merry way, done nothing to prevent or hinder - or rescue. While not an active instigator, I'd been passive. An accomplice even. That passivity had only served to multiply. Maybe that was the toughest thought to swallow. The effect of my life had been to multiply evil, not fight it. Not eradicate it." When we talk about our legacy at church, I think about what I want to achieve. What really matters. I couldn't live with myself if I felt that the effect of my life had been to multiply evil.
page 296 - This is when he talks to the bones of Alejandro Santiago Martinez and his wife, down in the well. He had already given her mother's locket to Pauline. Moving, touching. I like this scene. It's like a confessional.
page 306 - When the water is rising and he is stuck. "The sin of my life had been and remained indifference, and in that instant, I was indifferent to my own death."
page 311 - When Zaul asked Charlie to teach him how to do wood working. "For growing up with such privilege, there was a lot Zaul had not done. Evidence that money did not buy experience." I think this is so true of a lot of privileged kids! Some of my students have so little experience with chores, yard work, or other life experiences that middle class and poorer kids have to do!
page 314 - "I realized that Leena shined a light everywhere she went. She was a walking headlight. A coming train. A rising sun. Unafraid, she walked into the darkness, and when she did, the darkness rolled back as a scroll." I want to be a woman who shines light into the darkness! I love this imagery.
page 315 - I can so relate to this! Charlie is agonizing over his role in the closure of the Cinco Padres Coffee . . . and "Get it off my chest and dump it on hers under the guise of being truthful when in reality I just wanted to make myself feel better?" Sometimes, it's hard to know what your motives are in telling someone the truth. If it will hurt them, you have to weigh carefully what to say and how to say it. "Like gasoline in a Styrofoam cup, it was eating me from the inside out."
page 322-3 - Wow. Almost to the end of the book and we learn about a momentous, life-changing day in Charlie's life when he was seven or eight years old. That would have helped to make his character and personality traits a bit more logical for readers like me. I don't usually like a book if I don't like the protagonist. This one took me a while to warm up to!
page 344 - Makes me think of Sunday's sermon on hope. "I'd been letting the pain of my past dictate the hope and promise of my future. . . . If she was right and hope was the currency of love, then I'd been broke a long time."
page 359 - author's notes at the end were really interesting! I'm glad Marin included them. "Indifference is the curse of this age. We need to hear that. Indifference is evil, and it could not be further from the heart of God."
page 361 - LOVED this part about the real-life man named Moises and the faith he lives. I love the report of signs and wonders in his community in Nicaragua. "With a budget of zero, Moises has planted seven or eight churches and invests his time, encouragement, and leadership in some thirty more. He gives when he has nothing - which is all the time."
Yep. This was a really wonderful book!
Friday, July 24, 2015
"Virals
by Kathy Reichs
Hennepin County Library audiobook 8 discs
read by Cristin Milioti
genre: YA murder mystery
I started to read this in eBook format, but didn't get far. Then I got the audiobook and kept renewing it. Finally, I was in "just get it done" mode. A lot of my middle schoolers (and a few adults) have raved about this series. I'm not sure if it's the story itself or the reader's voice, but I didn't love it. Considering how much I love the TV show Bones, I thought I would love stories by Reichs. This just didn't work well for me.
Tory (Victoria) Brennan is the fictional Temperance Brennan's niece. Mom died and Tori went to live with her father Kit (Christopher), who didn't even know that he had a child! Tori is 14, intelligent, and missing her mom. A science nerd, she befriends Hiram, Ben, and Shelton, who are also science geeks. Most of their parents work in animal research on nearby Loggerhead Island, where Professor Karsten is in charge. They live on Morris Island but go to school in Charleston.
The "young-ness" of the story was part of what bothered me, though it's very middle-school appropriate. Whitney and the cotillion were ridiculous. Just say no, Tory. The wolves, research, many break-ins, skeleton, clues, bad guys . . . there was enough action to keep the story moving. Just not sure I feel like reading book two.
Hennepin County Library audiobook 8 discs
read by Cristin Milioti
genre: YA murder mystery
I started to read this in eBook format, but didn't get far. Then I got the audiobook and kept renewing it. Finally, I was in "just get it done" mode. A lot of my middle schoolers (and a few adults) have raved about this series. I'm not sure if it's the story itself or the reader's voice, but I didn't love it. Considering how much I love the TV show Bones, I thought I would love stories by Reichs. This just didn't work well for me.
Tory (Victoria) Brennan is the fictional Temperance Brennan's niece. Mom died and Tori went to live with her father Kit (Christopher), who didn't even know that he had a child! Tori is 14, intelligent, and missing her mom. A science nerd, she befriends Hiram, Ben, and Shelton, who are also science geeks. Most of their parents work in animal research on nearby Loggerhead Island, where Professor Karsten is in charge. They live on Morris Island but go to school in Charleston.
The "young-ness" of the story was part of what bothered me, though it's very middle-school appropriate. Whitney and the cotillion were ridiculous. Just say no, Tory. The wolves, research, many break-ins, skeleton, clues, bad guys . . . there was enough action to keep the story moving. Just not sure I feel like reading book two.
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Everybody Sleeps (But Not Fred)
by Josh Schneider
Hennepin County Library
genre: picture book
This one is fun! The artwork is great - there are fun details in each picture (I think the chicken coop is my favorite). Although this is ideal for a parent to read to a child at bedtime, I can see uses for it in a classroom. I don't love the rhyming text, but it works for this story.
Hennepin County Library
genre: picture book
This one is fun! The artwork is great - there are fun details in each picture (I think the chicken coop is my favorite). Although this is ideal for a parent to read to a child at bedtime, I can see uses for it in a classroom. I don't love the rhyming text, but it works for this story.
In Real Life
by Cory Doctorow and Jen Wang
Hennepin County Library paperback 175 pages
genre: YA graphic novel, gaming
This is a definite "buy" for my collection. Most kids will skip the intro (which talks about economics and the power of the internet for organizing) but totally "get" the story. Anda is a girl gamer who hasn't connected with many friends in her new community. When she gets started playing Coarsegold (an online MMRPG), her world starts to open up. Her online persona begins to change her IRL identity. Parental clashes, a realization of other people's lifestyles, and moral dilemmas confront her. Great story, wonderful art!
Hennepin County Library paperback 175 pages
genre: YA graphic novel, gaming
This is a definite "buy" for my collection. Most kids will skip the intro (which talks about economics and the power of the internet for organizing) but totally "get" the story. Anda is a girl gamer who hasn't connected with many friends in her new community. When she gets started playing Coarsegold (an online MMRPG), her world starts to open up. Her online persona begins to change her IRL identity. Parental clashes, a realization of other people's lifestyles, and moral dilemmas confront her. Great story, wonderful art!
Wolfie the Bunny
by Ame Dyckman, illustrated by Zachariah OHora
Hennepin County Library
genre: picture book
I liked this one the best of the picture books I've read so far. Mama and Papa bunny find a wolf pup in a basket outside their door and adopt him. Dot shouts, "He's going to eat us all up!" At every juncture, mama and papa are crazy about their new child and Dot tries to sound the alarm. When Dot and Wolfie (dressed in a bunny outfit) go to the carrot market to get more food, a bear grabs Wolfie and shouts "Dinner!" Dot's reaction is beautiful.
This one has some nice applicable lessons about sibling relationships.
Hennepin County Library
genre: picture book
I liked this one the best of the picture books I've read so far. Mama and Papa bunny find a wolf pup in a basket outside their door and adopt him. Dot shouts, "He's going to eat us all up!" At every juncture, mama and papa are crazy about their new child and Dot tries to sound the alarm. When Dot and Wolfie (dressed in a bunny outfit) go to the carrot market to get more food, a bear grabs Wolfie and shouts "Dinner!" Dot's reaction is beautiful.
This one has some nice applicable lessons about sibling relationships.
My Teacher Is a Monster! No, I Am Not.
by Peter Brown
Hennepin County Library
genre: picture book
Bobby's teacher is portrayed as a hideous green-skinned monster as she gives directions, yells at Bobby when he throws paper airplanes, etc. But when he runs into her outside of school, helps rescue her hat, quack with the ducks, etc. she becomes a normal human teacher.
Cute, interesting. Still not sure I'll buy one for my collection.
Hennepin County Library
genre: picture book
Bobby's teacher is portrayed as a hideous green-skinned monster as she gives directions, yells at Bobby when he throws paper airplanes, etc. But when he runs into her outside of school, helps rescue her hat, quack with the ducks, etc. she becomes a normal human teacher.
Cute, interesting. Still not sure I'll buy one for my collection.
The Book With No Pictures
by B. J. Novak
Hennepin County Library
genre: picture book
I don't know if I'm just too far removed from reading to young ones or what . . . this didn't really float my boat. The enjoyment comes from the humor in having the reader say silly words and sounds (and then object to it). I'm trying to think of how this could be used in the context of my teachers and their classrooms. Perhaps our Litwits discussion will give me some ideas.
Hennepin County Library
genre: picture book
I don't know if I'm just too far removed from reading to young ones or what . . . this didn't really float my boat. The enjoyment comes from the humor in having the reader say silly words and sounds (and then object to it). I'm trying to think of how this could be used in the context of my teachers and their classrooms. Perhaps our Litwits discussion will give me some ideas.
Dog vs. Cat
by Chris Gall
Hennepin County Library
genre: picture book
Enjoyed it but didn't fall in love with it. Mister and Missus pick out a dog and a cat and have them share a room. Challenges arise. Then a newcomer arrives - a baby! The artwork is interesting. I love the last page. Not sure it's something I'll add to my collection on my limited budget.
Hennepin County Library
genre: picture book
Enjoyed it but didn't fall in love with it. Mister and Missus pick out a dog and a cat and have them share a room. Challenges arise. Then a newcomer arrives - a baby! The artwork is interesting. I love the last page. Not sure it's something I'll add to my collection on my limited budget.
Talon
by Julie Kagawa
Hennepin County Library hardcover 446 pages
genre: YA fantasy romance
I liked this. I may even read the next book in the series, if my "to be read" pile ever shrinks! I think I need to buy some of this author's YA books for school.
Talon is the secret dragon organization. Dante and Ember are "twins" - nest mates, but in their human form they are brother and sister. Sent to Crescent Beach, CA for the summer to learn how to assimilate with other humans and prepare for the next stage of their training, Ember fully embraces the experience. In fact, she starts falling in love with Garrett, a human.
Garrett is a soldier in the Order of St. George. They are sworn to destroy all dragons. He and his partner Tristan are sent to Crescent Beach on a mission to locate a "sleeper" dragon and destroy it before it can fully mature.
Throw in rogue Dylan (aka Cobalt), the evil trainer Lilith, and lots of action and romance. Fun read!
Hennepin County Library hardcover 446 pages
genre: YA fantasy romance
I liked this. I may even read the next book in the series, if my "to be read" pile ever shrinks! I think I need to buy some of this author's YA books for school.
Talon is the secret dragon organization. Dante and Ember are "twins" - nest mates, but in their human form they are brother and sister. Sent to Crescent Beach, CA for the summer to learn how to assimilate with other humans and prepare for the next stage of their training, Ember fully embraces the experience. In fact, she starts falling in love with Garrett, a human.
Garrett is a soldier in the Order of St. George. They are sworn to destroy all dragons. He and his partner Tristan are sent to Crescent Beach on a mission to locate a "sleeper" dragon and destroy it before it can fully mature.
Throw in rogue Dylan (aka Cobalt), the evil trainer Lilith, and lots of action and romance. Fun read!
Friday, July 17, 2015
Crossover
by Kwame Alexander
Hennepin County Library hardcover 237 pages
genre: YA (though HC lib marks it "Children's") realistic fiction, basketball
Twins Josh (aka Filthy McNasty) and Jordan (aka JB) tell their story in prose poetry. Lots of basketball and brotherly dynamics. The thread of their father's career and health run throughout. JB's girlfriend Alexis (Miss Sweet Tea) changes the relationship between the two boys.
I didn't love it, but will probably buy it for my boys who love sports and don't love to read. My favorite parts were Josh's love of English and use of vocabulary words. Also, having mom as the Assistant Principal - no fun for any kid.
Hennepin County Library hardcover 237 pages
genre: YA (though HC lib marks it "Children's") realistic fiction, basketball
Twins Josh (aka Filthy McNasty) and Jordan (aka JB) tell their story in prose poetry. Lots of basketball and brotherly dynamics. The thread of their father's career and health run throughout. JB's girlfriend Alexis (Miss Sweet Tea) changes the relationship between the two boys.
I didn't love it, but will probably buy it for my boys who love sports and don't love to read. My favorite parts were Josh's love of English and use of vocabulary words. Also, having mom as the Assistant Principal - no fun for any kid.
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Trillium
by Jeff Lemire
Hennepin County Library paperback unpaged
genre: YA graphic novel, Sci-Fi romance
I didn't love it or hate it. Interesting story. Nika, xeniologist from 3797, accidentally goes to Peru in 1921 and runs into William, a WWI soldier still suffering from PTSD (though it wasn't called that, of course). The temples and the Trillium flower have strange powers.
I struggled a bit with the part of the book where you were to read one story line by flipping the book upside down and then the other storyline right side up. I also didn't get the logic of when they switched lives - how did it also switch a few key other people, but not everyone in their respective worlds? Why did Commander Pohl go so kill-crazy?
Anyhow, I like graphic novels a lot, and this author is an Eisner-winner, but I don't think I'll be buying this one for school. The artwork is also not a style I love.
Hennepin County Library paperback unpaged
genre: YA graphic novel, Sci-Fi romance
I didn't love it or hate it. Interesting story. Nika, xeniologist from 3797, accidentally goes to Peru in 1921 and runs into William, a WWI soldier still suffering from PTSD (though it wasn't called that, of course). The temples and the Trillium flower have strange powers.
I struggled a bit with the part of the book where you were to read one story line by flipping the book upside down and then the other storyline right side up. I also didn't get the logic of when they switched lives - how did it also switch a few key other people, but not everyone in their respective worlds? Why did Commander Pohl go so kill-crazy?
Anyhow, I like graphic novels a lot, and this author is an Eisner-winner, but I don't think I'll be buying this one for school. The artwork is also not a style I love.
We All Looked Up
by Tommy Wallach
Hennepin County Library hardcover 370 pages
genre: YA realistic fiction, coming-of-age
(Spoiler alert! Ending of book info at the bottom!)
This one is definitely more for a high school reader than my middle schoolers. An asteroid is heading for Earth, with a 66.6% chance of it hitting and ending all life. Things that used to have great meaning suddenly don't. Lots and lots of alcohol, sex, and strong language.
Peter - handsome kind athlete, trying to decide what really matters
Stacy - his superficial girlfriend
Andy - slacker who just wants to get laid before he dies
Bobo - Andy's best friend and drug dealer - seriously messed up
Misery / Samantha - Peter's sister, Bobo's girlfriend - so incredibly lost
Anita - smart girl who has always done what she is supposed to do, but really wants to be a singer
There were other characters, but these are the main ones. The story is told third-person, but from their perspectives.
Liked: the growth and interaction of these characters, the realness of their struggles
Disliked: the darkness of so much of the conversation and behavior
page 27 - What a horrible library! Sounds like it's stuck in the 50s . . . "no one other than the librarians, toddling about behind the desk and in the circulation room, begrudgingly lending out their precious books. They seemed to see students primarily as things to be shushed." Okay, I know this is irrelevant to the overall story, but it's a sensitive spot to me.
page 172 - When Anita and her mom are fighting about the Bible and what is going on. It saddens me when people use the Word as a way to prove their point or to control others, rather than as instruction. Her parents don't demonstrate Jesus' love at all.
page 335 - When Anita, Eliza, and Misery are talking in the hotel room. "And there in the darkness of the hotel room, scarcely more than twenty-four hours before the maybe end of the world, the three of them managed to laugh together. It turned out that no amount of terror could stop the great human need to connect. . . . Real winning was having the most to lose, even if it meant you might lose it all." I love this scene because it gets at the heart of what really does matter most in life. There are a lot of great conversations between the characters in this book.
page 346 - Peter and Eliza in the car after the big scene at the apartment . . . Eliza telling her made-up story about the world and second chances and mercy . . . poignant scene, especially considering what follows.
Spoiler: I love that the author ended the story without saying whether the asteroid does hit or passes by. A lot of the tension in the book was the "what if" factor - what if the asteroid doesn't hit and life goes on? What if we will all die in X days? I don't skip ahead to the end, so that tension was present to the very end of the book. Excellent!
Hennepin County Library hardcover 370 pages
genre: YA realistic fiction, coming-of-age
(Spoiler alert! Ending of book info at the bottom!)
This one is definitely more for a high school reader than my middle schoolers. An asteroid is heading for Earth, with a 66.6% chance of it hitting and ending all life. Things that used to have great meaning suddenly don't. Lots and lots of alcohol, sex, and strong language.
Peter - handsome kind athlete, trying to decide what really matters
Stacy - his superficial girlfriend
Andy - slacker who just wants to get laid before he dies
Bobo - Andy's best friend and drug dealer - seriously messed up
Misery / Samantha - Peter's sister, Bobo's girlfriend - so incredibly lost
Anita - smart girl who has always done what she is supposed to do, but really wants to be a singer
There were other characters, but these are the main ones. The story is told third-person, but from their perspectives.
Liked: the growth and interaction of these characters, the realness of their struggles
Disliked: the darkness of so much of the conversation and behavior
page 27 - What a horrible library! Sounds like it's stuck in the 50s . . . "no one other than the librarians, toddling about behind the desk and in the circulation room, begrudgingly lending out their precious books. They seemed to see students primarily as things to be shushed." Okay, I know this is irrelevant to the overall story, but it's a sensitive spot to me.
page 172 - When Anita and her mom are fighting about the Bible and what is going on. It saddens me when people use the Word as a way to prove their point or to control others, rather than as instruction. Her parents don't demonstrate Jesus' love at all.
page 335 - When Anita, Eliza, and Misery are talking in the hotel room. "And there in the darkness of the hotel room, scarcely more than twenty-four hours before the maybe end of the world, the three of them managed to laugh together. It turned out that no amount of terror could stop the great human need to connect. . . . Real winning was having the most to lose, even if it meant you might lose it all." I love this scene because it gets at the heart of what really does matter most in life. There are a lot of great conversations between the characters in this book.
page 346 - Peter and Eliza in the car after the big scene at the apartment . . . Eliza telling her made-up story about the world and second chances and mercy . . . poignant scene, especially considering what follows.
Spoiler: I love that the author ended the story without saying whether the asteroid does hit or passes by. A lot of the tension in the book was the "what if" factor - what if the asteroid doesn't hit and life goes on? What if we will all die in X days? I don't skip ahead to the end, so that tension was present to the very end of the book. Excellent!
Friday, July 10, 2015
I'll Give You the Sun
by Jandy Nelson
Hennepin County Library hardcover 371 pages
genre: YA realistic fiction, coming-of-age
What an incredible book! Told from the points of view of twins (but at different times), Noah's 13-year-old self and Jude's 16-year-old self shape our understanding of what has happened. There is so much going on in this book, I don't even know how to blog about it. My reaction when I finished was wonderful / horrible / amazing / sad . . . Pages 288-9 is the only part I marked. It was hard for me to read when Noah had his meltdown after Brian kissed Courtney and Noah confronted his mom. So much emotion is wrapped into this book - love, fear, hope, betrayal, truth, and lies. I think it's a bit too mature for my middle school readers, but perhaps I'm wrong. The more sophisticated readers would love it! But it may be too much of a reach book for the majority of my readers.
Big themes: art and art history, homosexuality, superstitions, surfing . . .
Coolness: the parrot asking where Ralph is, Oscar's British self, Guillermo's mad genius
Hennepin County Library hardcover 371 pages
genre: YA realistic fiction, coming-of-age
What an incredible book! Told from the points of view of twins (but at different times), Noah's 13-year-old self and Jude's 16-year-old self shape our understanding of what has happened. There is so much going on in this book, I don't even know how to blog about it. My reaction when I finished was wonderful / horrible / amazing / sad . . . Pages 288-9 is the only part I marked. It was hard for me to read when Noah had his meltdown after Brian kissed Courtney and Noah confronted his mom. So much emotion is wrapped into this book - love, fear, hope, betrayal, truth, and lies. I think it's a bit too mature for my middle school readers, but perhaps I'm wrong. The more sophisticated readers would love it! But it may be too much of a reach book for the majority of my readers.
Big themes: art and art history, homosexuality, superstitions, surfing . . .
Coolness: the parrot asking where Ralph is, Oscar's British self, Guillermo's mad genius
Wednesday, July 08, 2015
Bone Gap
by Laura Ruby
Hennepin County Library audiobook 7 discs
read by Dan Bittner
genre: YA mystical fiction
* Spoiler at the bottom!
The more I listened to this story, the more I got drawn into it. What an incredible story! It's unlike anything I've read before. It's told from multiple points of view - Finn, his brother Sean, Rosa, Petey (Priscilla), and Charlie Valentine. It is mostly Finn's story. From getting beaten up by the five Rood brothers to riding a mysterious horse through the night, Finn experiences life intensely. Called "Moon Face," "Side Track," and other names, Petey learns the truth.
Words I jotted while listening in my car: mystical quality, imaginary, magic, dream, unreal, scarecrow, corn, cold . . .
Is the man/professor a vampire?
I'm frustrated / mad at Sean! He should listen to his brother and believe him!
Loved the resolution! Loved learning what is up with "Bone Gap."
This is such an odd, interesting story. Not sure if it will appeal to my students. I'm curious to talk about this at our Litwits gathering!
Face-blindness / the corn and crows being alive and communicating / Polish
Hennepin County Library audiobook 7 discs
read by Dan Bittner
genre: YA mystical fiction
* Spoiler at the bottom!
The more I listened to this story, the more I got drawn into it. What an incredible story! It's unlike anything I've read before. It's told from multiple points of view - Finn, his brother Sean, Rosa, Petey (Priscilla), and Charlie Valentine. It is mostly Finn's story. From getting beaten up by the five Rood brothers to riding a mysterious horse through the night, Finn experiences life intensely. Called "Moon Face," "Side Track," and other names, Petey learns the truth.
Words I jotted while listening in my car: mystical quality, imaginary, magic, dream, unreal, scarecrow, corn, cold . . .
Is the man/professor a vampire?
I'm frustrated / mad at Sean! He should listen to his brother and believe him!
Loved the resolution! Loved learning what is up with "Bone Gap."
This is such an odd, interesting story. Not sure if it will appeal to my students. I'm curious to talk about this at our Litwits gathering!
Face-blindness / the corn and crows being alive and communicating / Polish
Sunday, July 05, 2015
Strike: The Farm Workers' Fight for Their RIghts
by Larry Dane Brimner
Hennepin County Library hardcover 162 pages
genre: non-fiction YA
This was a quick read and very interesting. I had never even heard of Larry Itliong (a Filipino who was active in the labor union movement before Cesar Chavez was on the scene). This book was very informative and somewhat heart-breaking, as all David and Goliath stories are when David suffers so much and Goliath is supported by politicians, the media, etc.
The perspectives of Governor Ronald Reagan and President Nixon make me sad (and help me understand why my mom was so passionate in her political perspectives). Also when Chavez started hanging out with Charles Dederich, the change in his own leadership style saddens me. I wonder what his wife thought about that. Chavez was tape-recorded saying, "Every time we look at them (the farm workers), they want more money. Like pigs, you know." Later in the afterward, the author writes, "For me, the most troubling aspect of Chavez was his relationship with Synanon founder Charles Dederich and Dederich's apparent influence over him."
I think the author did a wonderful job researching this book and kept a balanced tone throughout. Also in the afterward, she wrote "The critics' views notwithstanding, Chavez deserves credit for a lot of accomplishments, but he didn't achieve them alone." I love that she included the perspectives of Itliong, Philip Vera Cruz, Dolores Huerta, and Pete Velasco. I don't know that I would buy this for my collection, because I have such a small budget and I'm spending more on fiction than non-fiction (because of how students research). That makes me sad, because this is a very well-written and informative book.
Hennepin County Library hardcover 162 pages
genre: non-fiction YA
This was a quick read and very interesting. I had never even heard of Larry Itliong (a Filipino who was active in the labor union movement before Cesar Chavez was on the scene). This book was very informative and somewhat heart-breaking, as all David and Goliath stories are when David suffers so much and Goliath is supported by politicians, the media, etc.
The perspectives of Governor Ronald Reagan and President Nixon make me sad (and help me understand why my mom was so passionate in her political perspectives). Also when Chavez started hanging out with Charles Dederich, the change in his own leadership style saddens me. I wonder what his wife thought about that. Chavez was tape-recorded saying, "Every time we look at them (the farm workers), they want more money. Like pigs, you know." Later in the afterward, the author writes, "For me, the most troubling aspect of Chavez was his relationship with Synanon founder Charles Dederich and Dederich's apparent influence over him."
I think the author did a wonderful job researching this book and kept a balanced tone throughout. Also in the afterward, she wrote "The critics' views notwithstanding, Chavez deserves credit for a lot of accomplishments, but he didn't achieve them alone." I love that she included the perspectives of Itliong, Philip Vera Cruz, Dolores Huerta, and Pete Velasco. I don't know that I would buy this for my collection, because I have such a small budget and I'm spending more on fiction than non-fiction (because of how students research). That makes me sad, because this is a very well-written and informative book.
Wednesday, July 01, 2015
A Casual Vacancy
by J.K. Rowling
Hennepin County Library audiobook 15 CDs
read by Tom Hollander
genre: adult fiction
I only made it through seven of the CDs (not even halfway!). I have wanted to read this since it came out, but my curiosity could not overcome my dislike. Hollander's vocal work was wonderful, but the story was just too negative. Referred to as a "big novel about a small town," this book reminded me of Sinclair Lewis' Main Street. Nasty, small-minded people. Very little to like about it.
I had to make notes because there were so many characters:
Simon - abusive / running for parish council
Ruth - nurse
Andrew - angry teen / wants Gaia / BFFs with Fats
Paul - little brother
Cubby / Collin Wahl - administrator / teacher, mocked by kids, nervous disorder, inordinately attached to Barry Fairbrother
Tessa Wahl - school counselor, has some deep dark secret
Stuart "Fats" Wahl - nasty teen boy
Barry & Mary Fairbrother - he dies of a brain aneurism at the outset of the story (leaving the casual vacancy of the title), she struggles with grief and being a single mom
Howard Molisand (?) - I never quite caught their last name, deli owner, nasty human being, obese
Shirley - wife, also nasty but covers it in smothery sweetness, adores her son
Miles Molisand - pathetic boor, appeases his parents, smug lawyer
Samantha - his wife, chesty and showy and terribly unhappy
Lexi
Libby
Paminda & Vikram Jawanda - She is a g.p. and was a close ally of Barry's on the council. He is a stunningly gorgeous heart surgeon.
Sukvinda - one of their children, feels unworthy and is bullied badly. She cuts herself. Gaia seems to be her only friend.
Gavin - commitment coward, partner in law with Miles, target for Samantha's rage and frustration
Kay - social worker, trying to get Gavin to treat her as a partner
Gaia - Kay's daughter, stunningly gorgeous, unhappy to have moved from London to Pagford
Terri - druggie mom who can't parent
Crystal - her teen daughter who is managing the best she can, with lots of the F word and misbehavior, was on Barry's rowing team and lost an advocate when he died
Robbie - 4 years old and still in diapers
So much nastiness - Simon's abuse, Sukvinda's cutting, Andrew's use of porn, the F word, . . . and general meanness, selfishness, and greed. I found myself not really caring about these people, except perhaps Crystal. But there is too much of this story to extract one thread. The smallness of Pagford and everybody being in everybody else's business just didn't hold my attention enough.
Kudos to Rowling for branching out from her Harry Potter books, but I'm not yet a fan of her adult fiction.
Hennepin County Library audiobook 15 CDs
read by Tom Hollander
genre: adult fiction
I only made it through seven of the CDs (not even halfway!). I have wanted to read this since it came out, but my curiosity could not overcome my dislike. Hollander's vocal work was wonderful, but the story was just too negative. Referred to as a "big novel about a small town," this book reminded me of Sinclair Lewis' Main Street. Nasty, small-minded people. Very little to like about it.
I had to make notes because there were so many characters:
Simon - abusive / running for parish council
Ruth - nurse
Andrew - angry teen / wants Gaia / BFFs with Fats
Paul - little brother
Cubby / Collin Wahl - administrator / teacher, mocked by kids, nervous disorder, inordinately attached to Barry Fairbrother
Tessa Wahl - school counselor, has some deep dark secret
Stuart "Fats" Wahl - nasty teen boy
Barry & Mary Fairbrother - he dies of a brain aneurism at the outset of the story (leaving the casual vacancy of the title), she struggles with grief and being a single mom
Howard Molisand (?) - I never quite caught their last name, deli owner, nasty human being, obese
Shirley - wife, also nasty but covers it in smothery sweetness, adores her son
Miles Molisand - pathetic boor, appeases his parents, smug lawyer
Samantha - his wife, chesty and showy and terribly unhappy
Lexi
Libby
Paminda & Vikram Jawanda - She is a g.p. and was a close ally of Barry's on the council. He is a stunningly gorgeous heart surgeon.
Sukvinda - one of their children, feels unworthy and is bullied badly. She cuts herself. Gaia seems to be her only friend.
Gavin - commitment coward, partner in law with Miles, target for Samantha's rage and frustration
Kay - social worker, trying to get Gavin to treat her as a partner
Gaia - Kay's daughter, stunningly gorgeous, unhappy to have moved from London to Pagford
Terri - druggie mom who can't parent
Crystal - her teen daughter who is managing the best she can, with lots of the F word and misbehavior, was on Barry's rowing team and lost an advocate when he died
Robbie - 4 years old and still in diapers
So much nastiness - Simon's abuse, Sukvinda's cutting, Andrew's use of porn, the F word, . . . and general meanness, selfishness, and greed. I found myself not really caring about these people, except perhaps Crystal. But there is too much of this story to extract one thread. The smallness of Pagford and everybody being in everybody else's business just didn't hold my attention enough.
Kudos to Rowling for branching out from her Harry Potter books, but I'm not yet a fan of her adult fiction.
The Shadow Hero
by Gene Luen Yang, artwork by Sonny Liew
Hennepin County Library, paperback 152 pages plus extras
genre: YA graphic novel, superhero
What an intriguing book! I wish I had read it before TeenLitCon. Yang is a fascinating man and his work is stunning. A little bit of history (both about Chinese Americans and about the Golden Age of comic books), this is the story of four ancient spirits and the fall of imperial rule in China. More than that, it's the story of a boy named Hank who aspires to nothing more than to be a grocer like his father. His mother, however, wants him to become a superhero. This is a delightful story on many levels. I will definitely buy it for my collection. The extras include a full-color reproduction of the first issue of The Green Turtle, published by Blazing Comics in 1944.
Hennepin County Library, paperback 152 pages plus extras
genre: YA graphic novel, superhero
What an intriguing book! I wish I had read it before TeenLitCon. Yang is a fascinating man and his work is stunning. A little bit of history (both about Chinese Americans and about the Golden Age of comic books), this is the story of four ancient spirits and the fall of imperial rule in China. More than that, it's the story of a boy named Hank who aspires to nothing more than to be a grocer like his father. His mother, however, wants him to become a superhero. This is a delightful story on many levels. I will definitely buy it for my collection. The extras include a full-color reproduction of the first issue of The Green Turtle, published by Blazing Comics in 1944.
Monday, June 29, 2015
Afterlife with Archie
by Roberto Aquirre-Sacasa with artwork by Francesco Francavilla
Hennepin County Library paperback unpaged
genre: YA graphic novel, zombies
I grew up reading and loving Archie comics! In this one, a horrible accident leaves Jughead's beloved Hot Dog dead. When he brings the dog to Sabrina (the Teenage Witch), she defies her aunts and reanimates the dead creature. Mayhem ensues. Not sure if kids nowadays are familiar with Archie, Veronica, Betty, and the rest of the gang, but they'll love the gore and mayhem. Yep. I'll buy this one for PRMS.
First book off the Litwits 2015 list! About time I got started!
Hennepin County Library paperback unpaged
genre: YA graphic novel, zombies
I grew up reading and loving Archie comics! In this one, a horrible accident leaves Jughead's beloved Hot Dog dead. When he brings the dog to Sabrina (the Teenage Witch), she defies her aunts and reanimates the dead creature. Mayhem ensues. Not sure if kids nowadays are familiar with Archie, Veronica, Betty, and the rest of the gang, but they'll love the gore and mayhem. Yep. I'll buy this one for PRMS.
First book off the Litwits 2015 list! About time I got started!
The Eyes of the Amaryllis
by Natalie Babbitt
PRMS hardcover 128 pages
genre: YA historical, supernatural
Wow. When I was weeding books like crazy this spring, it was hard. This is another that looked brand new, but it was published in 1977 and is stamped "Pioneer Ridge Freshman Center." So I read it to see if it should have been kept. No.
Jenny goes to stay with her Grandma Geneva at the house on the coast. Jenny is going to help grandma, who injured her ankle. Grandma is obsessed with checking the shoreline for items sent to her by her long-dead husband . . . whose ship sank decades earlier. Jenny gets sucked into the allure of being free at the beach, even though it involves middle-of-the-night searches of the shoreline for "a sign." (The tides dictate the day.) One day, she finds the figurehead from the ship - the Amaryllis was named for the flower and had the masthead of Geneva. Blah blah blah. At least it was short.
PRMS hardcover 128 pages
genre: YA historical, supernatural
Wow. When I was weeding books like crazy this spring, it was hard. This is another that looked brand new, but it was published in 1977 and is stamped "Pioneer Ridge Freshman Center." So I read it to see if it should have been kept. No.
Jenny goes to stay with her Grandma Geneva at the house on the coast. Jenny is going to help grandma, who injured her ankle. Grandma is obsessed with checking the shoreline for items sent to her by her long-dead husband . . . whose ship sank decades earlier. Jenny gets sucked into the allure of being free at the beach, even though it involves middle-of-the-night searches of the shoreline for "a sign." (The tides dictate the day.) One day, she finds the figurehead from the ship - the Amaryllis was named for the flower and had the masthead of Geneva. Blah blah blah. At least it was short.
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