Two Middle Grade Reads

I'm sharing two middle grades today! 

(Note the appealing covers on both titles. They draw readers in!) 

How to Steal a Dog by Barbara O'Connor was one of my favorite read-alouds as a classroom teacher. As I look back on what I enjoyed about this book, I realize the qualities are similar in O'Connor's latest Wish (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2016).

Charlie is the main character, and her family life is less than ideal, so she is sent to live with an aunt and uncle she doesn't know. As she begins to life this new life, she notices an intriguing stray dog -- and vows to find and keep her. Tenderly and smartly written, Wish is a middle grade story about the importance of home-- no matter where we may find it. 

Love That Dog and Hate That Cat were also two highly circulated titles in my classroom -- especially when we wrote poetry. These novels in verse are two of my go-to titles. 

And now Creech's latest book Moo (HarperChildren's, 2016), becomes another title to add to this list. In this book, the main character Reena and her family have moved to Maine, encountering a very different type of life. An interesting neighbor named Mrs. Falala (who owns a cow named Zora) adds mystery to the story, and their connection plays a part in Reena's adjustment to her new home. Moo  shows us how a change of scenery changes everything - and how the people around us each have their own rich stories to tell. 

I highly recommend both books. And as I write about them here,  I know I will be rereading these for years to come. 

Gertie's Leap to Greatness by Kate Beasley

I'm really drawn to a book by its cover.

And when I first saw the cover of Gertie's Leap to Greatness (illustrated by Caldecott Honor Winner Jillian Tamaki), I knew I would be reading this book.

Image courtesy of Macmillan Kids

The color palette makes the book feel like a trek into the past -- reminiscent of any Beverly Cleary book.   There's a comfort promised from the beginning.

And Gertie takes over from there. In the beginning scene, she rescues a bullfrog with a kitchen tool - on a mission to have the best summer speech on the first day of school.  This opening lets readers see just what Gertie is about: determination, spunk, and a kind of surprising originality that we look for in the people around us.

The main character of of this middle grade work of realistic fiction, Gertie is starting her fifth grade year. She lives with her Aunt Rae while her father is away working on oil rigs. Gertie's mother left their family, and this fuels Gertie's drive to excel, outshine, and compete -- in every way possible in the fifth grade.

The plot moves forward in Gertie's pace -- steady and fast. Beasley's writing is the soundtrack for Gertie's movements, actions, and thoughts. We move forward with her, watching her survive, endure, and rise above all of the daily ups and downs of a fifth grader. But complicating things is the fact that Gertie's mother still lives in their town --- though she is planning on moving and starting a new life with a new family.

This need to show her mother what she's missed out on -- is what motivates Gertie to do what she does.

I admired Gertie's focus. And it makes me think of children who --- despite challenges and setbacks and less than perfect home lives -- continue to go on and strive and do --

Gertie's Leap to Greatness is a rich novel -- skillfully paced, smartly unfolding. And Gertie is that character that we won't forget -- that character that we will see and recognize in those who are themselves -- with joy and resolution.

Gertie's Leap to Greatness by debut author Kate Beasley is set for release on October 4, 2016 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (imprint of Macmillan).

Author Kate Beasley 

Photo courtesy of Macmillan Kids 

Busy Weeks, A Few Books

Beginning-of-the-year and Book Fair have kept me fairly busy lately, so blogging has been last on my priority list. But I have missed it very much. I miss the reflection and the feeling of accomplishment that blogging provides. So with this post I hope to get back in the routine.

I'll start by posting some titles I've been reading lately -- no reviews, just my thoughts:

Middle grade:

Did you love Holms' TURTLE IN PARADISE as much as I did? If so, then you must read FULL OF BEANS which takes us back to this world and introduces us to Turtle's cousin Beans. 

I read this one on a return flight, and was completely swept away in this touching story of a girl and a dog both looking for a home -- both needing one another. Grab your box of tissues before reading! 

Two things attracted me to this title: the fact that Gordon Korman wrote it and the cover. In this book, a boy obsessed with video games goes too far in his singular focus on playing his favorite game and he must cope with the consequences. Great storyline filled with unexpected events! 

I always enjoy reading Byron Barton's picture books -- I love their simplicity, vividness and use of scale. This one is a bilingual book and has a funny twist at the end. 

Recently I tried a new recipe for the second time. It still wasn't great-tasting. But because I read The Cranky Ballerina, I realize that this is okay. I am a better reader than I am a cook. This one's about finding your passion and how when we are doing what we love, we are truly happier.



In my library, I am getting back to my regular schedule after book fair wrapped up last week. This week I will review book care, procedures, and talk about finding books that are "just right" for independent reading. I also plan to get library centers and Makerspace started.

What books are you reading and what are you focusing on in your library?

The Haunting of Falcon House by Eugene Yelchin

Although I do enjoy a variety of genres, I am not as quick to pick up a thriller-- unless, that is,  I know the work of the author.  

I recall Jonathan Auxier's The Night Gardener and Kenneth Oppel's The Nest. Both made me hang on every word (and jump a little). Both were very well-written. But I knew Auxier's work as well as Oppel's so I was willing to push past fear to enjoy the story.

That is the case with The Haunting of Falcon House (Henry Holt/Macmillan, 2016). I know the work of Eugene Yelchin: Breaking Stalin's Nose (Newbery Honor Medal 2012) and Arcady's Goal. Both of these books engaged my imagination and attention, and I would reread both today. Happily. 

The cover drew me in first. The deep red background and gilded font evoke images of royalty -- daunting castles with thick velvet curtains, opulent crowns and gowns, and all that accompanies being a king, queen, or, in this case, Prince Lev, the royal figure in the center of the story. With his eyes turned to see something out of the corner of his eyes, and his and the dark hands reaching up behind him, readers are compelled to open the book and turn to the first page. 

Yelchin begins the story with background: an author's note with a tale from his childhood. The inspiration for the book came from drawings he found as a boy and kept until he was an adult. Yeltsin found the drawings in St. Petersburg, drawn by Prince Lev-- who Yelchin made the main character of the book. The sketches are interspersed throughout the pages, helping carry the narrative Yelchin so eloquently pens. Readers will stare at the pages in hopes of understanding them, wanting answers, and turning to Yelchin to answer them within the story. 

The Haunting of Falcon House is both mystery and coming-of-age novel. Prince Lev has been sent to Falcon House to assume his place as patriarch of the family lineage. But he is greeted with gloominess and uncertainty, and despite his dreams of taking over the bloodline and assuming his place, he must first understand exactly what is happening in Falcon House. There will be many questions, but Yelchin's narrative gives readers a reason to wait for answers. 

At the end of the story, Yelchin provides an afterword, and more notes/references.

Read more about Yelchin's books for children here.

SCHOOL'S FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

Today is the first day of school for me, and for many other educators and students all over the country. So I thought this would be the perfect day to write about this picture book! 

Rex, Adam. School's First Day of School. Illus. by Christian Robinson. New York: Roaring Brook, 2016. Print. 

You'll know author Adam Rex from FRANKENSTEIN TAKES THE CAKE and COLD CEREAL. 

If you read LAST STOP ON MARKET STREET or LEO: A GHOST STORY, you will recognize the artwork of Caldecott Honor Winner Christian Robinson.

I have read this book several times, and I am not done rereading it. In taking a look at it for this post, I appreciated it even more. 

Its charm starts with the cover. This is a little town I'd like to visit. Everyone gathers around the school, the bus is approaching, and families are excited. 

When you open to the title page, see how the story starts with the construction of the school. (But don't go too fast past those endpapers! Enjoy them!) We see only the shell, but it's taking shape. As author Adam Rex writes, it is being built "Brick upon brick". 

Upon its completion, readers see the front of the building, almost as if we are walking up to it on that first day ourselves. 

We get closer to the entry, and in this spot, readers hear the voice of the school for the first time. In this picture book, the school is the main character. Those of us who work in a school understand this. Our buildings have personality and feel like they are indeed full of life. 

We meet the Janitor, who dutifully wipes the windows and converses with the school. The school and the Janitor have a connection. The school is a child needing reassurance, and the Janitor, who spends so much time in the building, provides it.

We see the gym, wide and expansive. And a stage! 

And then the children arrive, on bikes, skateboards, in a bus, and by foot. Stare at this double page spread for awhile. There is so much to notice. 

We see children at playtime on the jungle gym. Here the children reveal the purpose of the equipment to the School. And isn't this so true about our own schools? The building comes to life with children as they use the space. 

Eventually there is discord on the playground, hurting School's feelings. And a reluctant student also causes School to be discouraged. But as the day progresses, there is remorse, joy, and laughter (see spilled milk in cafeteria). And a natural progression of a day. 

School learns shapes, and enjoys art class. And when the day is done, School debriefs with Janitor, telling him all about his day -- just like a child would, running home to tell Mom or Dad about everything. School reveals its hope and expectancy at the end. And a gratitude to be School. 

Reading this book made me more thoughtful about my own school. It comes to life with children. And has a personality to it. That's undeniable. 

I'll share this book with readers in my library during the first week of classes, and I wonder what connections they will make. I know they will be profound. 

This title will be added to the "Back-to-School" sections of libraries and bookstores, and to many, many lists heretofore -- but though it will be part of a group, SCHOOL'S FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL  stands out. 

There's more to this one. 

That's why I will probably reread it again tonight, after a great first day of school. 

Happy first day everyone! 

Back-to-School Prep (and a Few Books)

In the Library: 

Well, we're in mid-August and the year kicks into gear this coming week! Like many librarians, I am excited about seeing everyone again and playing a part in all of the awesome learning that will happen in our spaces! But I am also wondering how I will get everything done! This will require dedication (and TWO planners)! 

I accomplished a lot last week! I thought through what was coming up, and made lists about what needed to get done first. When is the best time to do something? What comes first? What is MOST important? Looking back, I figured it out for myself. Much of what I did was part of the important (and invisible) work that librarians do: mission statements, goal-setting, planning, etc. But I also fixed up my office space: it needed a bit of a touch-up decor-wise. Although I don't spend a lot of time here, having a quiet space that is nice to look at makes me happy! Also, the library is reasonably ready for teachers (and district visitors) next week. It's rather like having the entire family over for Sunday dinner for the first time! (Although I am not cooking actual food -- just great learning!) Some new posters and signs went up, although I have ordered a few more.) 

And, lastly, my bulletin boards are done (thanks to an AMAZING parent volunteer)! With guests coming into the building this week, this is important! (Also, it gives me a chance to showcase new books). 

This coming week I will get my schedule set up, talk with teachers, and map out campus and curriculum needs. The most important thing that will happen this week is that I will reconnect with everyone! I anticipate discussions about summers, families, and books! 

How will it all get done? I know it will take time, diligence, and focus. But motivating me forward is the sheer love of learning, books, libraries, and more importantly, my goal to support every learner in my school. 

On my bookshelf:

Recently I read: 

This is a middle grade fantasy with a storytelling quality that stands out -- complete with "witches", magic, moonlight, and love for family.  A nice witch named Xan rescues abandoned children and sends them to better lives --while feeding them starlight. But then comes baby Luna and everything changes. It's a fairy tale wrapped up in a story about a girl coming into her own. Devote several hours to it. The imagery is powerful! 

Marie Tharp loved maps as a child. She traveled a lot with her father, and this fed her passion for exploration. She pursued her dream of becoming a scientist, and then set on a goal to map the seafloor. Told in first person, this nonfiction picture book is engaging as well as informative, and it will no doubt inspire more research into the life of this amazing scientist!

JOURNEY and QUEST are the first two in this trilogy by Aaron Becker. How many times have I walked someone over to these books and seen their eyes light up when they look at the stunning illustrations? Countless. And how many times have I said "Wow!" when we read the wordless story together? Innumerable. RETURN (the last book in the trilogy) was released this week, and it will take readers to more joy and wonder. I can't wait to share it with readers. 

I highly recommend each of these three books! 

Thank you for reading my blog! And if you are a librarian or teacher, I wish you a fabulous year! 

Picture Book Stack Wrap-Up

My summer ends this week, and I have so much yet to do.  There is a lot to keep up with in getting ready for the upcoming year, and I am still trying to wrap up other projects that I have started. But books are the constant, and I am continually reading, thinking about, and wanting books!

I've tried to keep with picture books as much as I could, although I'm sure I've missed some. (There is one book in particular that I cannot wait to read, but I will reveal that at the end of this post!)

This is a stack I read through recently, and I thought I'd share them here:

DEAR DRAGON: Written by Josh Funk

Illustrated by Rodolfo Montalvo

This book is all about friendship and letter-writing. It's a really delightful communication between two pen pals with a plot twist at the end. Josh Funk's previous book is LADY PANCAKE & SIR FRENCH TOAST. Fun food book!

SPOT, THE CAT - Written and illus. by Henry Cole

I still remembering read Cole's A NEST FOR CELESTE and crying along with it- a truly memorable book for me. But Henry Cole writes and illustrates picture books, too! (See UNSPOKEN.) This one is a wordless and engaging book about a cat on an adventure. The detailed drawings of the city will bring you back to this book again and again. I really could stare at these pages for hours. 

BRING ME A ROCK! Written and illus. by Daniel Miyares

Grasshopper King wants to build himself a tower of rocks, so he orders his subjects (other bugs) to bring him big rocks. But one little bug brings him a little rock, and that makes the King very unhappy. Pay attention to the end. This one's about how everyone can make a difference, and sometimes our small but necessary contribution is just the thing that is needed.  I always recommend FLOAT (another Daniel Miyares book), so I was really anxious to read this one. 

I CAN HEAR A PICKLE (AND SMELL, SEE, TOUCH, AND TASTE IT, TOO!)

Written and illus. by Rachel Isadora

When teachers ask for a picture book about the senses, I have another title to recommend. Little ones are the characters here, each taking part in a scene that illustrates the use of all senses -- sight, touch, taste, smell, and sound. Love the green endpapers, and that the text and pictures are laid out far apart enough so young readers can point to favorite parts as they read.

MISS MARY REPORTING - Written by Sue Macy

Illus. by C.F. Payne

Do you enjoy sports books? And biographies? Check out MISS MARY REPORTING and get a bit of both - but in the form of a picture book! It will inspire research! I'm thinking about book pairings for this one. 

RAIN FISH by Lois Ehlert 

You only need one reason to read this book: Lois Ehlert is the author and illustrator. Ehlert's collage work is always fascinating. Her latest book is about those little bits and scraps of things that float around in the water after a storm: "Rain Fish". Brilliant! 

SHAPE SHIFT - Written and illus. by Joyce Hesselberth

Using repetition and lively mixed media illustrations, this book is all about finding shapes in our world and how rectangles, trapezoids, circles, crescents, etc. are everywhere! Can't wait to recommend this one to my teachers! 

WHOOSH! LONNIE JOHNSON'S SUPER-SOAKING STREAM OF INVENTIONS

Written by Chris Barton

Illus. by Don Tate

Both Chris Barton and Don Tate are fellow Texans, and I am always eager to see what they do when they pair up. This book is about Lonnie Johnson, the real life-inventor of the Super Soaker water gun. Barton gives us a backstory of Lonnie's childhood and his early penchant for making and tinkering and his later life as an engineer and inventor -- and all the trials that go along with it. Check out the endpapers and fold-out page! 

I hope you will check out these books from your library! 

And one picture book I can't wait to read is: