It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

These are memes started by Teach Mentor Texts and Book Journey, and I'm excited to particpate, along with many other bloggers, in reviewing books I read the previous week. I'll be reviewing picture books through adult books.

It's kind of funny that I read books this week that feature a rat and a cat!

 

 

Malcolm at Midnight by W.H. Beck, illustrated by Brian Lies

 

 

 

I really enjoyed listening to this delightful mystery about Malcolm, a smaller than average rat, who becomes the newest fifth grade pet at McKenna School. Malcolm will steal your heart! He meets a secret society in the school called the Midnight Academy, which is made up of classroom pets who look out for the nutters (kids). Unfortunately, since rats have a bad reputation, Malcolm lets the misunderstanding go uncorrected that he's a mouse. One day the Academy leader, an iguana named Aggy, disapp...moreI really enjoyed listening to this delightful mystery about Malcolm, a smaller than average rat, who becomes the newest fifth grade pet at McKenna School. Malcolm will steal your heart! He meets a secret society in the school called the Midnight Academy, which is made up of classroom pets who look out for the nutters (kids). Unfortunately, since rats have a bad reputation, Malcolm lets the misunderstanding go uncorrected that he's a mouse. One day the Academy leader, an iguana named Aggy, disappears, and Malcolm is under suspicion for committing the crime. He must prove that he is a rat of merit and valor and rescue Aggy. This book reminds me of a cross between The Rats of Nimh and Tale of Desperaux (which is a book read aloud in the story). I liked the point of view, and I think kids will love the idea of a secret classroom pet society. It's perfect for grades 3-5.   Warriors: Into the Wild by Erin Hunter (Did you know Erin Hunter is actually FOUR people?)

 

adventure, animals, cats, fantasy-science-fiction, intermediate-kids-book, leadership, series I really enjoyed this fantasy about a house cat (kittypet) who longs for a more exciting life, so wanders into the wood. He ends up joining Thunderclan as a young apprentice. In this warrior clan of feral cats, he become Fireclaw, and is recognized by the leader, Bluestar, as having brains as well as a talent for fighting. Firestar becomes involved in a showdown with a rival group, Shadowclan, and its evil leader, while trying to decide whether Yellowfang is worth defending. My students have lov...moreI really enjoyed this fantasy about a house cat (kittypet) who longs for a more exciting life, so wanders into the woods. He ends up joining Thunderclan as a young apprentice. In this warrior clan of feral cats, he become Fireclaw, and is recognized by the leader, Bluestar, as having brains as well as a talent for fighting. Firestar becomes involved in a showdown with a rival group, Shadowclan, and its evil leader, while trying to decide whether Yellowfang is worth defending. My students have loved this series, and one of the girls in my class this year directly asked me to read Into the Wild, so it gave me an incentive to finally read it. Now I know what all the fuss was about! Great start to an exciting series! Come back Wednesday to read reviews of the nonfiction books I read this week in my Nonfiction Wednesday post:     CURRENTLY READING:       How apropos that I started this book on Super Bowl Sunday, and it's set in New Orleans!   CURRENTLY LISTENING TO:     ON DECK:   It seems like this book has been on deck for a couple weeks, but I really am going to get to it this week!!