It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

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

 

Books I read this week:

 

PICTURE BOOKS

 

 

Odd Duck by Cecil Castellucci, illustrated by Sara Varon

 

2013-book, character-development, conflict, early-reader, friendship, graphic-novel, individuality, mock-caldecott-2014, picture-book, problem-solution, theme   This is a really cute early graphic novel/picture book about individuality. Theodora is convinced she's a completely normal duck and is satisfied with her life until an odd duck moves next door. Except who is really the odd one? An unlikely friendship ensues, and both ducks learn a little more about each other and themselves.

 

 

Ike's Incredible Ink by Brianne Farley

 

2013-book, books-for-children-about-writing, character-who-writes, creativity, picture-book   I laughed when Ike found all kinds of ways to procrastinate instead of sitting down to write. I think anyone who tries to make writing a part of daily life has experienced this frustration. After quite an adventure trying to make his own ink, he finally finds inspiration. This would be fun to share with kids during writing workshop to talk about writer's block. I liked the illustrations.

 

MIDDLE GRADE BOOKS

 

 

Ghost Hawk by Susan Cooper

2013-book, adventure, audio-book, friendship, ghost-story, historical-fiction, human-rights, intermediate-kids-book, journey, mock-newbery-2014, native-american, point-of-view   I admire Susan Cooper greatly, so I was happy to come across these videos of her.  Someday, I would like to meet her!       I've been a fan of Susan Cooper since 6th grade when I read the Dark is Rising series, and I count it as one of my all-time favorite series. Jim Dale narrates the audio version, and at first, as much as I love Dale, I didn't think it was a good choice. However, his voice eventually evoked the mystery and magic the story needed. The book starts with Little Hawk's coming-of-age trip to the woods alone with only a bow and arrows, his handcrafted tomahawk, and a gift from his father - a knife. If he...more I've been a fan of Susan Cooper since 6th grade when I read the Dark is Rising series, and I count it as one of my all-time favorite series. Jim Dale narrates the audio version, and at first, as much as I love Dale, I didn't think it was a good choice. However, I realized eventually his voice evoked the mystery and magic the story needed. The book starts with Little Hawk's coming-of-age trip to the woods alone with only a bow and arrows, his handcrafted tomahawk, and a gift from his father - a knife. If he survives, he will be a man. I thought this adventure was going to be the bulk of the story - a Native American Hatchet-like tale. However, that was only the beginning. The craft choice Cooper makes halfway through the novel is fascinating, and it works beautifully. Little Hawk's life becomes entwined with John Wakely, a ten-year-old settler, embroiled in the tension building between the natives and colonists. This is an age-old tale and heartbreaking, but Cooper gives it new life and continues to be a master storyteller.

 

 

Salt: A Story of Friendship in a Time of War by Helen Frost

 

2013-book, friendship, historical-fiction, human-rights, intermediate-kids-book, mock-newbery-2014, multicultural, native-american, novel-in-verse   I read this right after I finished Ghost Hawk by Susan Cooper. The conflict between Native Americans and settlers was so sad. The two cultures just could not coexist, which really was tragic. This is a story told in verse about Anikwa and James, both 12-years-old, enjoying each other's company and respecting each other's cultures until the coming of the War of 1812 when they come to distrust each other. Families, homes, and land are torn apart and the two friends have to figure out if their frie...more I read this right after I finished Ghost Hawk. The conflict between Native Americans and settlers was so sad. The two cultures just could not coexist, which really was tragic. This is a story told in verse about Anikwa and James, both 12-years-old, enjoying each other's company and respecting each other's cultures until the coming of the War of 1812 when they come to distrust each other. Families, homes, and land are torn apart and the two friends have to figure out if their friendship can be repaired. I love the form Helen Frost decided upon - poems shaped like patterns of Miami ribbon work for Anikwa and images of stripes on an American flag for James. The theme of salt is interesting, too, with poems dedicated to it woven throughout the book. One of my favorite lines is by Anikwa's grandmother: "We can't stop things from changing. I hope the children will remember how our life has been." ADULT BOOK Stitches: A Handbook On Meaning, Hope and Repair by Anne Lamott 2013-book, adult-nonfiction, essays, nonfiction, nonfiction-challenge-2013       My favorite two lines: one a quote borrowed from Ram Dass, "ultimately we're all just walking each other home" and "The world is always going to be dangerous, and people get badly banged up, but how can there be more meaning than helping one another stand up in a wind and stay warm?" Lamott pleads with us to take care of each other, forgive each other and ourselves, and embrace imperfection. I also liked her descriptions of how sensitive she is and how to treat sensitive people. I teach gifted c...more My favorite two lines: one a quote borrowed from Ram Dass, "ultimately we're all just walking each other home" and "The world is always going to be dangerous, and people get badly banged up, but how can there be more meaning than helping one another stand up in a wind and stay warm?" Lamott pleads with us to take care of each other, forgive each other and ourselves, and embrace imperfection. I also liked her descriptions of how sensitive she is and how to treat sensitive people. I teach gifted children and have a gifted child, and sensitivity and heightened emotions are characteristics of gifted children. It's good to remember we can't say "lighten up" or "relax" and expect that they will suddenly stop feeling to that capacity. Our culture is not exactly built around sensitivity. Lamott always makes me think, laugh, and reflect.   CURRENTLY READING       CURRENTLY LISTENING TO       What are YOU reading this week?