Mrs. Kristine Wildner has been the school librarian at Holy Apostles since 2004. She is married with three sons, ages 12, 15, and 17. Kristine has received a Bachelor of Business Administration (Risk Management) in 1988 and a Master of Arts in Health Administration in 1989 - both degrees from U.W. Madison. She is currently the Milwaukee Archdiocese Representative for the Wisconsin Chapter of of the Catholic Library Association. Hobbies include reading, writing, running, knitting, and spending time with family.
Looking for a great book? Ask me! I constantly have a stack of books waiting for me to review from Catholic Library World, Library Media Connections, Curled Up With A Good Kid's Book, Carthage College Center for Children's Literature, and Christian Library Journal. In addition, I try to always be listening to a book for fun. Hopefully I can keep this list updated! Each book is linked to a website featuring the book - some book trailers - which I love! Others publisher pages. If you happen to read the same book - make sure you stop by so we can talk about it!
September 6, 2010
FAVORITE PICTURE BOOK - The Library Gingerbread Man - love the illustrations, great tour around the library. I also really liked Joe Bright and the Seven Genre Dudes and plan on using it to introduce my genre units to 4th grade.
FAVORITE MYSTERY - All the mysteries I read this month were terrific! I guess I enjoyed the Red Blazer Girls the most - girls at a Catholic School with math clues to solve an old mystery. However, I would also highly recommend Theodore Boone and the Unknowns.
IN THE MIDDLE OF - X-isle by Steve Augarde - so far - very good - a totally teenage guy book - so it is pretty violent and some parts are mildly offensive to me - this one is best for high school students..
August 8, 2010
FINISHED My pace is slowing down a bit as I read longer books. I enjoyed The Necromancer - but it is very similar to the other books in the series - so I think it will definitely appeal to fans of the series, but I did get a little bored. On Viney's Mountain was a lovely story about a determined young lady in a unique setting in the 1800's - definitely my kind of books. Dork Diaries - definitely made me happy I am no longer in middle school - this one will not sit on the shelves - girls who liked Wimpy Kid will definitely like this one. Anthony Horowitz - popular author - rereleasing his collection of myths and legends - a brilliant marketing move with great covers - there is a definite interest in myths and legends - thanks largely to Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series.
IN THE MIDDLE OF: I'm hoping to finish listening to Nation by Terry Pratchett soon - I like it - a great survival story, but it is a little slow.Captain Mac is a biography of an arctic explorer - so far it is very good - almost made me forget how hot it is outside! Finally - I'm reading Wong's First Days of School - it really makes me think about the importance of routines in saving time and energy. I was inspired to read this book by a librarian wiki which incorporates Wong's ideas for the library http://elementarylibraryroutines.wikispaces.com
July 23, 2010
FINISHED - You can click on all these books for more information, of these books my favorites were.....
Favorite Novel - The Cardturner by Louis Sachar - a lot of bridge - but still a great inter-generational story - different than anything I've been reading lately
Favorite Picture Book - The Dinosaur Tamer by Carol Greathouse- all my boys were attracted to this book - knowing that they would have loved it when they were younger
Favorite Non-fiction - A Picture Book of Dolley and James Madison by David and Michael Adler - important people, fascinating lives, great illustrations
IN THE MIDDLE OF - A Crimson Cap by Ellen Howard - so far - great story - historically grounded - I imagine kids who loved Blood on the River by Elisa Carbone will also like this one - same time period.....but the cover.......I just don't think it will attract boys - and it really is more of a boys' story than a girls.
July 9, 2010
FINISHED - I finished reading several picture books two novels and one professional book over the past couple of weeks. To Come and Go Like Magic by Katie Fawcett was very sweet - probably not one I'll remember forever - but I did like the character developement. My very favorite so far this summer has to be Time Pirate by Ted Bell - sequel to Nick of Time - I like this one even better - especially the first part where Nick is fighting the Nazi's. Of the three picture books I read this week - my favorite has to be All Star by Jane Yolen. I already have this book at school, so shhh... it will be a gift for my nephews - Honus Wagner certainly was an exceptional athlete.
LISTENED TO: I listened to Chasing Lincoln's Killer by James Swanson - I need to move this one out of fiction into non-fiction. It certainly written in a very factual manner and I have not doubt about the facts. Also listened to We the Children by Andrew Clements - it was OK - I have to admit I missed parts of it because I was listening as I was cooking - not one of Clements' best books. Right now I'm listening to Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins - sequel to Hunger Games - so far so good! I listen when I run or drive and this one is a playaway - so I'm not missing any tracks when my Ipod skips.
JUST STARTED - I just started Lawn Boy Returns by Gary Paulsen. I think it is one that you really need to read the first book - Lawn Boy - to get into the 2nd in the series. So far, it is pretty good.
READ WITH A TEACHER - Mrs. Morrow and I both read Picture That! by Sharron McElmeel. Although the organization could be a little better - it is a terrific resource for using picture books in the upper level curriculum and encouraging higher-level thinking.
June 26, 2010
FINISHED - What a great summer! I've finished most of the books above. My favorite novels were Three Rivers Rising, Nick of Time and The Giant-Slayer. My favorite picture book was Camping With the President - a wonderful true story of President Theodore Roosevelt and his camping trip with John Muir. Inspired by The Sixty Eight Rooms, I really want to go to the Art Institute of Chicago. I also can't wait to start The Time Pirate by Ted Bell - the sequel to Nick of Time (which I read before quickly, but just now finished listening to). I also finished reading a series by Weigel Publishers American Indian Art and Culture - but I can't show the cover or a website link because it won't be published until 2011.
IN THE MIDDLE OF - To come and Go Like Magic by Katie Fawcett - so far so good. Now, if a book is set in the 1970's with specific references to that time period - does that make it historical fiction? No - it can't possibly be historical if I'm old enough to remember! The Bicentenniel was just yesterday wasn't it??
GOING TO START SOON - I'm going to start listening to Chasing Lincoln's Killer by James Swanson - hopefully this week.
June 4, 2010
JUST FINISHED - The Agency: A Spy in the House (A Mary Quinn Mystery) by Y.S. Lee - excellent historical mystery - finished this one in just a couple of days! More of a high school audience than middle school. (great website - see link above) I also finished Leigh Ann's Civil War by Ann Rinaldi - pretty good - not great - character development more than history drives the story. I also just read a short picture book - which gives the reader pause to think - perhaps a good graduation present - Instructions: Everything You'll Need to Know on Your Journey by Neil Gaiman. Finally, I finished Into the Woods by Lyn Gardner - fairy tale take off - pretty cute.
IN THE MIDDLE OF: Three Rivers Rising by Jame Richards - a novel in verse - absolutely love it so far!! It is a love story so far - but touches on the issues of class - and natural/man-made disasters
May 16, 2010
JUST FINISHED - I finally finished the Uglies by Scott Westerfeld - for a 7th grade book club. I had borrowed the book on audio - but had to return it before I finished listening. It's a very good girls' Sci Fi - beginning of a series. I also finished Every Bone Tells a Story by Jilly Rubalcaba and Peter Robertshaw - an excellent piece of non-fiction - forensic archaeology. I also finished listening and rereading Northward to the Moon by Polly Horvath - a very thoughtful realistic fiction book. Finally, I read All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque. I needed a book for some enthusiastic 8th grade boys who wanted to do another book club (or do they really just want pizza for lunch?) I guess it doesn't matter as long as they read the book! I also finished Hazel by Julie Hearn - historical fiction for teens - quite interesting - feminist themes, lots of great history - not for middle school, but I enjoyed it. I also listened to Swindle by Gordon Korman - a battle book. Now I need to write about 3 of these books! Hopefully this week I can start something new.
April 16, 2010
JUST FINISHED - Last week I finished Good Fortune by Noni Carter- a very long, excellent historical fiction book about slavery and freedom. With strong themes involving the importance of education, the risks our ancestors took to secure freedom for everyone, family ties and love - it is amazing that an 18 year old college student could have written such a terrific book. I also finished Green by Laura Peyton Roberts - not nearly as memorable, although once I got to the point where I accepted the world of the leprechauns - it got better. A fun fantasy with manageable characters - could possibly have sequels featuring the different leprechaun lands. January's Sparrow by Patricia Polacco is another excellent piece of historical fiction about slavery in a picture book format. As with Polacco's other books, they are quite mature in theme, yet will be shelved in a library with books meant for much younger students. I used the book as a 5th grade read aloud and it went well.
IN THE MIDDLE OF - I'm in the middle of listening to Northward to the Moon by Polly Horvath - sequel to My One Hundred Adventures. Horvath's attention to detail and descriptive language really make this book stand out. I'm also in the middle of Kathryn Lasky's Ashes - a WWII book about a girl living in Germany - whose father works closely with Albert Einstein.
March 20, 2010
JUST FINISHED - The Deadlies - an easy chapter book, going to be a series. Pretty big vocab for an easy chapter book - but certainly an original storyline! Also finished They Never Came Back - a very suspenseful book by one of my most favorite teen authors - Caroline Cooney. It is about a girl whose parents fled the country in the wake of financial misdealings - and abandoned their daughter. Very teen centered utilizing lots of 21st century technology within the plot line - this one was difficult to put down! About a week ago I finished Olive's Ocean and Woods Runner - both are terrific! Woods Runner is particularly good because it includes paragraphs introducing history before each chapter - which really adds to the understanding of the book.
IN THE MIDDLE OF - Just started Age 14 - a WWI book based on a true story. I'm happy to see that more books are being written about this war - there is a pretty high interest.
I'm almost finished with The Report Card - listening in the car - I am really enjoying this book - one of Andrew Clement's best I think. Will be hard to write battle questions on this one because of the focus on grades
February 27, 2010
JUST FINISHED - The Evolution of Calpunia Tate - I did enjoy the story - it is definitely for fans of historical fiction (or students needing to read this genre) Very interesting glimpse into the life of a girl who longs to pursue science when her family and society expect her aspirations to revolve around becoming a successful wife and mother. I also finished Football Genius - now I really don't like football - and I must admit that I did skip a few paragraphs when it got too detailed about football plays - but I did really enjoy the story - although it was hard to write battle of the books questions without mentioning football. Finally I read Bad News For Outlaws - winner of the Corretta Scott King Award. Wow! There is so much fascinating history that I don't know about! Definitely one for teachers to share at any time of the year - but perhaps most importantly during Black History Month.
IN THE MIDDLE OF - Love Aubrey by Suzanne LaFleur - So far - a very engaging book of realistic fiction focussing on a young girl suffering the loss of her father and sister and the abandonment of her brother. The author captures what it is like the head inside of a 11 year old girl who is going through such trauma - with interesting coping skills, flashbacks, supportive extended family. She is writing letters to Jilly - I get the feeling Jilly is not real - but who is she and how does she fit into Aubrey's past?
STILL NEED TO FINISH - Woods Runner by Gary Paulsen - hopefully will get to this by the end of the week.
GOING TO START SOON - Olive's Ocean by Kevin Henkes - I've read it before - but want to listen to it to write battle questions.
February 21, 2010
I've changed my links to author pages etc from the text to the book cover. Unfortunately, I'm doing something that I always try to avoid - reading a a couple of books at a time. Earlier this week I was reading 3 at a time + listening - now I'm bringing my reading under control and have finished one - and have started two.
JUST FINISHED - A Faraway Island - I loved it! Very well-translated - I only wish we could get the next 3 books in the series in English. I also finished a battle book - The Boys Start the War - a fun beginning to a series
LISTENING TO - The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate - still like it - but have not had much time to listen
IN THE MIDDLE OF - Football Genius - so far, so good - I know my boys love it. Working on battle questions
STARTED BUT PUTTING OFF FOR NOW - Woods Runner - I read the first part (because my other books were in the car my husband was driving) - I like it - I think it will have wide appeal - especially since 5th grade is reading My Brother Sam is Dead as a classroom novel this year.
February 14, 2010
FINISHED - The Book of the Maidservant by Rebecca Barnhouse - very good - I don't suspect a large number of readers, but very good
LISTENING TO - The Evolution of Calpunia Tate- just started - so far I like it! It won the Newbery Honor and has been checked out by HA students- so it is bound to be good
AMOST FINISHED - A Faraway Island by Annika Thor - I love it! A WWII book about two Jewish girls sent to live on an island in Sweden. I guess it is a series - I'm going to check tonight to see if any other books in the series are available yet in the US
February 5, 2010
GOING TO READ TONIGHT - a picture book - Imogene's Last Stand by Candace Fleming
FINISHED - The Georges and the Jewels by Jane Smiley - wonderful story about horses - unfortunately, derogatory statements about the Roman Catholic Church deeply disappoint me - this one won't show up in our school library.
IN THE MIDDLE OF - The Book of the Maidservant by Rebecca Barnhouse - excellent historic details!
LISTENING TO: Every Soul A Star by Wendy Mass - three different points of view - a neat story about children who meet at a campground about to witness a solar eclipse. I gave up listening to The Ear, The Eye and the Arm - just couldn't get into the story.
January 26, 2010
FINSHED - Kaleidoscope Eyes - loved it - checkout the link to the book trailer! Celia's Robot - a fun sci-fi for elem. age kids, A Gift of Days - gave it to our principal and picture books listed above (not counting picture books read during school)
ALMOST FINISHED - The Georges and the Jewels - very good - especially if you love horses! Read an exerpt on this link
LISTENING TO: The Ear, The Eye and The Arm - just can't get into this one - but I'm going to keep trying
GOING TO START NEXT: Not sure! Library Media Connections is sending me a box of advanced readers. Started The Book of the Maidservant today while reading with 6th graders - not sure if I will be able to finish it before other books take priority. Will probably finish in February
January 3, 2010
JUST FINISHED - The Maze Runner by James Dashner - wonderful Sci Fi! Make sure you check out the related game on the website. Re-read The Magician's Elephant - also a wonderful website to accompany the book
LISTENING - In the middle of The Ear, The Eye and the Arm by Nancy Farmer - a little slow - I need to review this one again
IN THE MIDDLE OF - The Duel by Judith St. George - very good biography/history
December 8, 2009
JUST FINISHED - When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead - loved it!! Gave ARC to Mrs. Morrow to read - hope she likes it as much as I did. Also just finished a short NF book - What Bluebirds Do by Pamela F. Kirby.
LISTENING - In the middle of Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson for book club
IN THE MIDDLE OF Sherlock Holmes and the Baker Street Irregulars #2 - The Mystery of the Conjured Man I might not have time to finish this one because I need to read and write about Comfort by Joyce Hostetter by Tuesday, next week for Christian Library Journal.
November 24, 2009
JUST FINISHED - Indigo Notebook by Laura Resau - very good - especially exciting at the end, That's Nat series by D. Mackall - Christian easy chapter book series kind of like Junie B. Jones - I like Junie B. and Sara Pennypacker's Clementine better.
LISTENING - in the middle of The Uglies by Scott Westerfeld - see the book trailer (Fever 1793 was damaged from the library - requested another copy)
IN THE MIDDLE OF: Cultures of the World series - just finished Ukraine, in the middle of Algeria - need to read Armenia, Luxembourg and Lithuania this weekend to write a series review next Tuesday. Not an easy series - but very good for country reports for middle school.
November 9, 2009
JUST FINISHED - Ring of Fire by Baccalario - interesting premise - beginning of a series and Can the Earth Survive - nonfiction series and Simple Machines - easy nonfiction series.
LISTENING - finished an abridged version of All Quiet on the Western Front, will finish Jane Eyre (not abridged) tomorrow. Will start Fever 1793 later this week - using for book club
IN THE MIDDLE OF: That's Nat series by Debbie Mackall - a Christian Junie B. Jones beginning chapter series. Also started Indigo Notebook by Laura Resau
October 20, 2009
Last week I finished another wonderful novel in verse - Crossing Stones by Helen Frost.
Right now I'm in the middle of reading The Brothers Story by Katherine Sturtevant - very good historical fiction, but definitely for high school readers.
I'm also in the middle of reading many easier books for reviews - just started on the newest Christian set featuring some of my all time favorite characters - The Berenstain Bears.
I've finished reading A Tree Grows in Brooklyn - I'm definitely going to use it as a book club selection. Now I'm listening to All Quiet on the Western Front and Jane Eyre.
October 7, 2009
I forgot about a few books I was able to squeeze in over the past few weeks - fun to read because I didn't have to write about them!
Shark Girl by Kelly Bingham - a novel in verse - very good!
The Magician's Elepant by Kate DiCamillo - another excellent book from one of my favorite authors - although I think I still love Edward Tulane even more! They're already planning to make this one a movie!
I'm listening to A Tree Grows in Brooklyn - I've already read this book at least 3 times throughout my life, and am still enjoying the chance to listen in the car. Actually, I think this is my all time favorite book. I might use it as a book club selection for 8th grade girls.
Finally, tonight I'm going to finish The Museum of Mary Child by Cassandra Golds - a haunting fairy tale of sorts with a Christian theme running throughout.
September 20, 2009
I am reading and listening to stories I really love right now. Reading Leo and the Lesser Lion by Sandra Forrester and Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert O'Brien (a 6th grade battle book). Leo and the Lesser Lion is historical fiction taking place during the Depression - a wonderful story of a girl and her older brother. Mrs. Frisby is an Science Fiction Animal Fantasy - not normally something I can connect with - except O'Brien draws his characters as a reflection of humans, so I can easily relate to the characters and situations. I recently finished a new Civil War book - Black Angels by Linda Beatrice Brown - also very good. I'm hoping to get a student to read also before I write the review. I'm also reading many picture books, poetry and professional books for librarians. Going Going Gone by Alan Katz, Library Lessons for Little Ones by Aileen Kirkham, and Rules of the Game by Majorie Maddox, and Zero is the Leaves of a Tree by Betsy Franco. I'm really hoping to be able to complete the 40 book challenge our teachers have set forth for our middle school. I guess it's time I start keeping track.
September 5, 2009
Now that we're all back in school, I'm back to reading the piles of books sent to me to review. I could never list all the picture books I read, so I'll skip those for now - unless I find one that I feel is truly outstanding. I've read a few newer books of poetry, and am hopefully going to finish a fantasy tonight - Sylvie and the Songman by Tim Binding. This is his first novel for children. It's an enjoyable fantasy, but not one to make me put aside other activities. I'm actually looking forward to reading something else. I just finished listening to Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie - loved it! I think I must have seen the movie as a child, because I guessed the ending and I am almost never able to guess the solutions to mysteries. Now I'm halfway through a children's mystery - The Dollhouse Murders by Betty Ren Wright. I'm still procrastinating on reading Classroom Instruction - children's books are so much better!
August 24, 2009
Over the last few weeks I found a truly wonderful book by a Newbery author - Trouble by Gary D. Schmidt. The storyline is quite serious, but so beautifully written. It's a story of a very wealthy middle school boy whose older brother (perfect in every way in the eyes of the world) is killed by an inattentive Cambodian driver. It's a story of forgiveness, romance, adventure, a dog, mountain climbing, and surprising twists and turns. I certainly hope Gary D. Schmidt keeps writing for young adults, he is my favorite author right now.
I'm now back to reading strictly for reviews. My shelf is full again from books various organizations have sent me to read and review. Right now, I'm reading the new John Feinstein mystery - Change-Up: Mystery at the World Series. I think it will be very popular - especially with children reading for their mystery genre assignments - or those who love sports books. I'm also listening to a classic mystery - Ten Little Indians by Agatha Christie - a little confusing at the beginning (especially when listening and it's not easy to go back and re-listen) but now that I'm at the end - I want the story to continue! So I'm going to borrow Murder on the Orient Express next!
My other reading has been professional - Classroom Instruction that Works by Marzano (need to finish this one) and Readicide by Kelly Gallagher - which Mrs. Morrow read and provided comments for the review.
August 12, 2009
Summer is coming to an end, and although I know I'll have books sent to me this week and waiting for me at school to read and write about - I'm still determined to complete my free choice reading. I finished The Hunger Games - wow! this is one of the few books I've read that I could hardly put down. I also loved The Wild Girls by Pat Murphy - it's a wonderful story of two middle school girls and their summer filled with family difficulties and a writing class. Finally, I read a newer historical fiction book by Laurie Halse Anderson - Chains. A story about a slave to British Loyalists at the time of the Revolutionary War, the perspective is unique and the story compelling as the young girl survives through horrible circumstances and finally figures out where her loyalties really lie. I've recently reviewed a number of revolutionary war and slavery books - so I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I also listened to two stories - Far North by Will Hobbs and Kenny's Dragon by Tony DiTerlizzi. Far North is a survival adventure story, sure to appeal to kids who couldn't get enough of Hatchet and Gary Paulsen's Brian series. Kenny's Dragon is a simple story of a dragon and a boy who befriends and protects him. It's more of a tribute to Kenneth Grahame's Reluctant Dragon than anything else.
July 31, 2009
Finally! I can read the books I've been really wanting to read all year long! This summer has convinced me of the importance of letting children choose their own books - I've had to read just what is sent me all summer long and I'm enjoying reading simply for fun so much more! I'm done with book reviews (until next week). I'm still working on The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins- excellent, excellent book - I can see why it is so popular. Check out the website, watch the video - and hope that my boys and I don't fight over the sequel when it arrives. Almost done - will finish this weekend for certain.
I read one last review book - When The Whistle Blows by Fran Cannon Slayton. Another fantastic book - I can't recommend it more highly. Please take the time to watch the video linked to the title above.
Working around the house, I've been listening to playaways - The Possibilities of Sainthood by Donna Freitas - a fun teen girl book and Hana's Suitcase by Karen Levine. Take a look at this website - it's a true story of the holocaust and recent historical research in Japan - what a story!
July 23, 2009
I've been traveling, so that means I've been reading! I'm actually so far ahead with reading books for reviews that I'm giving myself permission to read a book just for fun, until I can catch up on my writing. Here's what I've finished over the last week or so.
Matisse on the Loose - simplistic plot - best for 3rd-5th grades - funny situations - lots of physical comedy
Crows and Cards - I didn't really enjoy this story - it was well-written, funny - but I just couldn't get into the plot - gambling, superstitions, etc.
Tracktown Summer - This book is excellent! It's a realistic fiction book about a boy living on a lake in the summer with his dad. Lots of suspense, some violence, complex family relationships, etc.
So, now I'm going to read The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. My own older children and many students have told me this is one you can't put down. Actually, my oldest son has taken my copy to reread - so I'm going to have to take it back! The sequel comes out on Sept. 1 - I've already ordered it and will make sure it is available for HA students on the first day of school.
July 16, 2009
I've read and listened to some terrific books over my travels the last week or so.
I finally finished the Newbery award winner this year - The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman (actually I listened to this one) It takes a while to get into it - but it really is an excellent story. The link above will take you to the website of the author reading the entire book! I wish I would have known about this! The audio copy I had of the book was a bit muffled - so I couldn't catch all the words - so I know how students must feel when they don't know all the words. (note - it takes several hours to listen). It took a lot of concentration because I had very little to connect from real life or other books to this one. I can see why it won the Newbery - it is unique, and well-written, not as morbid as you would think from the title.
I also finished reading two new releases - Faith, Hope and Ivy June by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor and Born to Fly by Michale Ferrari. Both were very good. Two very different authors in terms of experience - Naylor has written hundreds of books, while this is the first for Ferrari. I think 4-6th grade girls will enjoy both.
I'm now going to start one more book released just this month - Matisse on the Loose by Georgia Bragg. I'm looking forward to reading a mystery again.
July 8, 2009
I've finished listening to two books over the past couple of days - which means I've done a lot of driving - The Maze of Bones and Crash by Jerry Spinelli. Crash is a 6th grade battle book that I've never read before. I always like the lessons Jerry Spinelli has in his books about respecting, understanding and befriending people who are just a little different from the mainstream.
I've also finished The Sorceress and written the first draft of my review. It is always difficult for me to put the plot of a fantasy into a nutshell for a review - that's why I'm glad this one is for Curled Up with a Good Kid's Book because I'm allowed more words in my reviews. I think I like this one best of the series so far.
I've also finished a couple of non-fiction books - Mr. Lincoln's High Tech War: How the North Used the Telegraph, Rainroads, Surveillance Ballloons, Iron-Clads and High-Powered weapons, and more To Win the Civil War by Thomas B. Allen and Roger MacBride Allen - and How to Deal with Competitiveness by Rachel Lynette.
I did enjoy reading the Lincoln book, but must admit that to really understand and remember all the contents I would have to reread and study the material. Certainly, much more concentrated reading, thinking and connecting is important for really understanding and retaining content - especially for me in regards to war strategy. While Civil War and Lincoln history are one of my lifetime interests, weapons and strategy are not. It is an excellent resource and I can definitely see middle school students using it as an excellent research resource.
How to Deal with Competitiveness is a simple picture book. It explains competitiveness in a clear way - so that children can name the experiences they face each day in school at at recess. Certainly not the magic answer to overly competitive situations, it would be an excellent discussion starter on the topic.
July 4, 2009
Hurray! I finished The Magician by Michael Scott and am now working on The Sorceress. Michael Scott's fantasies take creatures and people from myth, legend and history and weaves them within his fast-paced fantasies to create some wonderful stories. The first book in the series - The Alchemyst - is on our HA battle of the books list for 6th grade. This year, even some of our more reluctant readers tackled this book and I'm so proud of them!
I'm still listening to The Maze of Bones. I get it a little confused with the Michael Scott books because it takes place in Paris within the Catacombs. I want Dan and Amy in 39 Clues to use their powers, but they don't have any! It is a fantastic mystery though! I would think a good reader in 3rd grade or older would enjoy the series - and the related computer games (see links below). The other book I've read over the last few days is Every Human Has Rights. It has so many ties to social studies and religion curriculums, I hope teachers can use it well with their students.
June 28, 2009
This has been a good weekend for reading and listening. I finished listening to The London Eye Mystery - a good mystery for middle school, but all the details of the mystery seemed a bit rushed at the end. Now I've started listening to the first book in the 39 Clues series - The Maze of Bones. This series is written by several different authors - my youngest boys love it. There are computer games to play to find clues.
I also finished Mrs. Lincon's Dressmaker - excellent biography - but then again - I've very keen on anything having to do with Lincoln. I finished my review of this book and am just waiting for my oldest son to edit and give me his feedback. I also finished Outrageously Alice by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. I know the Alice series is very popular, but it's just a little to mature in subject matter for the audience it's written for - so I'm going to donate it to the public library. I just have to write the review - hopefully I'll have it done by Tuesday.
So now I'm back to reading The Magician by Michael Scott - my goal is to finish it by Wednesday and start The Sorceress.
June 25, 2009
I finally finished Bran Hambric - now I need to work on the review. It was difficult to get used to reading the manuscript/galley. I'm hoping to find a student to help me with the review. The You Tube videos by the author are fun to watch. I am also listening to The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd it's a little hard to get into at first as it is told from a boy whose perspective is different than most - but now I'm really into the mystery and can't wait to find out what happens. I can't go back to another fantasy yet - until I finish the review of Bran Hambric - or I'll get mixed up with the different fantasy worlds and magical powers - so now I'm going to start something I know I'll love - my favorite genre - historical fiction - Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker by Lynda Jones.
June 24, 2009
Writing a review today of The Anne Frank Case: Simon Wiesenthal's Search for the Truth by Susan Rubin - a picture book for older readers - again good topic for research.
June 22, 2009
I finished When Elephants Fight - (excellent choice for a research topic), and started and finished a short chapter book - Did Fleming Rescue Churchill? A Research Puzzle by James Giblin - a quick story - excellent lessons on research. I took home a bunch of books from school today; hopefully I'll find the time to read them. I have several others that need to be read for reviews - so I'll see how much time I have.
June 19, 2009
Busy week! Working to close down the library and almost done! I just finished listening to The Devil's Arithmetic by Jane Yolen - very good Holocaust/time travel/shared memory book.
I've put The Magician on hold to read a manuscript of Bran Hambric, The Farfield Curse by Kaleb Nation. So far, it has plot similarities with Harry Potter, but with a lot of humor mixed in.
This weekend I hope to finish When Elephants Fight - as my review is due on Monday!!
June 14, 2009
I finished listening to Dicey's Song. Spending lots of time in the car lately I guess. It is very good, but a little slow - not a lot of action, and very sad. I can see a quiet girl enjoying this book. It won the Newbery award in 1983.
Still working on The Magician and When Elephants fight (see June 11 and June 8)
June 12, 2009
Still reading the books listed on June 8, but read a quick easy novel with a reference library skills theme - The Secrets of the Rock by Phyllis Perry. I'm waiting to see the lesson plans associated with this book. Not sure if I will use it in class yet.
June 11, 2009
Now I'm reading two books at once - still reading When Elephants Fight (see June 8) but I started The Magician by Michael Scott (2nd in the series of The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel). I need to review the third book, so I figure I better get started on the second. So far - I like it!
June 8, 2009
JUST FINISHED: - Another Faust by Daniel And Dina Nayeri -fantasy - definitely a high school book -very good - will be released in August
CURRENTLY READING: - When Elephants Fight by Eric Walters and Adrian Bradbury - non-fiction - really makes you think about the suffering of children as a result of war going on right now arond the world - so far - very good
CURRENTLY LISTENING: Dicey's Song by Cynthia Voight - so far, this one's a little slow - update June 11 - this one's getting better!