Wonder

Wonder.  It’s not often that you find a book that can touch you in a very deep and meaningful way the way this book has touched me.  Many other readers have reviewed and recommended, touted and praised all that Wonder has to offer, yet I didn’t feel the connection. Until I read the book.  Wow.  Wonder is just special.  Adults, adolescents, teens, teachers, parents, friends, family, everyone should read this book.  It speaks about the way we each gently walk in and out of special lives, but don’t really know the impact.  I think it’s the same for this book.  For each of us who reads the book, it leaves an impact.  For each, the impact is a little different, for each the book has touched us in a different way.  I doubt you will be able to read this book without connecting to the story and the characters and having the book impact you.  Now, let me tell you a little about the book.

Auggie is navigating the world as a home-schooled student entering the public school system for the first time.  He comes from a loving family, who supports him, but they can only do so much so ease his struggles.  Auggie was born with a severe facial anomaly that few can look past at first glance.  Children, adults, friends, strangers, react to Auggie’s face on different levels.  While some show disgust, others show pity, and some simply can’t even bare to look.  As you can imagine, Auggie is slow to make friends.  The really interesting part of the story is that Auggie has an amazing personality, thoughtful nature, and an amount of perseverance and courage that we all should admire.

Through his experiences at school, home, and around the neighborhood, Auggie learns lessons about his family, friends, classmates, teachers, and teaches those around him lessons too.  Sometimes people disappoint Auggie by judging him and using him as a pawn in cruel childish games.  Other people surprise him with true friendship and understanding.  Auggie isn’t innocent either.  He can sometimes be unforgiving and let his emotions get the best of him.  Throughout the story though, Auggie grows and matures, growing into a young adolescent with a great deal of perspective on life, differences, friendship, and his own facial disability.

The story is not only told from Auggie’s point of view but those of his classmates, sister, even his sister’s boyfriend.  We also have glimpse’s of the entire story from Auggie’s caring parents.  Throughout the story, Auggie is central, but not in a ‘I am the center of the universe’ type way.  I felt the story moved along well with the alternating points of view and short chapters.  The story was, for me an easy read in the sense that it was read in one evening.  Let me be clear though, the story both breaks your heart and mends and warms it.  I recommend this book to 4-8 graders, teachers, parents, and anyone everyone in between.

Top Ten Books that Would Make Great Movies

I rather enjoy this Top Ten Tuesday meme, especially reading other people's responses.   A meme is a chance to share a post with others posting on the same topic.  This week I am trying: Top Ten Books that Would Make Great Movies.  I was thinking as I began, I usually enjoy the books more than the movies!  Isn’t it the worst when a great book becomes a mediocre movie??  I still think these books would be great on the big screen!  As always, I have chosen to highlight children's and YA book characters.  

This meme is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.  

Be sure to check out the other great Top Ten Tuesday Lists like mine.

 In No Particular Order:   

Top Ten Books that Would Make for Good Movies:

1. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins.  I loved this book with its complex characters, friendships, and loves.  I also love the idea of a boarding school.  I can just envision a mature but inexperienced Anna meeting her classmates!  I would also love to see each of the famous places visited by Anna and her friends in Paris.  I don’t know a lot about Paris, so for me, this would really enhance the book.  Most of all, it would be great to see an actor portray St. Clair with his sensitive, exciting, and oh so charming personality.  Even as an adult, I would enjoy that kind of movie, but I know teens would be into it for sure.  I bet it would meet PG-13 standards of viewing.

2. 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson. Much Like Anna and the French Kiss, I would enjoy this book because of the trek that Ginny takes across Europe.  The characters are very colorful, the places are amazing to imagine, and both would be fun to see.  I can imagine this movie with a voice-over narration from Ginny or maybe even from her Aunt Peg.  In my mind, Collin Firth (swoon!) would play her uncle.  The movie would be popular with teens and young adults.   For the movie, I might make Ginny a bit older.   Maybe 19 or 20.  I might also up the romance a bit to increase the audience.  This would put the book solidly in the PG-13 category.

3. The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall.  I chose this book because I think middle grade and elementary children deserve a wholesome movie with likable, believable, and adventurous characters.  This book is 100% in the realistic fiction genre and would have audiences with each of the 4 ages of girls.  Think of the adventures, trouble, and good clean fun of this book.  I am sure this movie might not be a blockbuster, but it would be child centered and parent approved.  I think this movie would easily pass for PG.

4. Origami Yoda series by Tom Angleberger. This makes me smile because I could see this book being an awkwardly animated movie, just like the book.  The hand-drawn look of the pages of the book would be a perfect way to tell the story of Origami Yoda, Tommy, Dwight, and each of the classmates featured in Angleberger’s book.  Lovers of Star Wars would be an instant audience, as would lovers of underdog stories.  Maybe this is a stretch for a movie, but I love the idea.  Tween boys lack movies without weapons and fighting as well as movies that have important life themes like bullying, friendship, and social awkwardness.  Movies for this age set rarely represent kids who are able solve problems and think creatively!  A movie for the under 13 crowd equals a PG rating !   

5. The Agency series by Y.S. Lee. This series features Victorian Spies, romance, and suspense.  I would enjoy a beautiful costume movie with dark shadows, suspenseful music, very suggestive (but not over the top) romance, and great stories.  I love the elegance of Downton Abbey and would see this as a suspenseful, undercover agent version.  One book in the series even offers a story inside the Queen’s palace with the protagonist, Mary working as a maid.  The books were mature and definitely of the YA variety with mentions of late night romps and Mary being a young lady, not really a teen.  I would see this being offered as a PG-13 movie for teens and young adults.

6. Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown. This is a nearly 50 year old book. Wow!  If you ever taught 2^nd or 3^rd grade or had a child in those grades you’ve probably met Flat Stanley. I personally love his story.   He was crushed in a household accident but gained the ability to be folder up into an envelope and sent across the globe.  Stanley visits friends and relatives, but in later books goes on many, many adventures.  Kids love this book because they create their own Flat Stanleys to be traveled through the mail or on vacations.  (Photos snapped and collected along the way!)  Can you imagine, with today’s digital technology, being able to portray Stanley as a flat but personality filled child traveling across the globe?  The thought makes me smile.  I don’t know who could resist a movie like this for children of all ages and adults who read the book in the last 50 years.  I easily could see this movie as being rated G.

7. Berlin Boxing Club by Robert Sharenow. I chose this book because there are not many historical fiction accounts of what happened in Berlin before and during WWII.  This book looks at not only the war experiences of a teen jew in the months leading up to WWII, but also the cultural experiences of all teens and children in Nazi Germany.  The scenes in the schools, the inclusion of a transsexual, the portrayal of ‘die Kristallnacht’, and the brutal realities of war all are tangible while reading, but would be very powerful in a movie as well.  All set with a backdrop of a true German celebrity of Nazi Germany, boxer Max Schmeling.   The inclusion of boxing, training, and fighting act as the perfect metaphor for German Jews, but would also lend to beautiful cinematography.  Violence, Mature Content, and Language might lead this movie to be PG-13 or even R.

8. Bigger than a Bread Box by Laurel Snyder.  What I love about this book was the realistic fiction story with a small bit of fantasy.  Rebecca finds a magical breadbox that will magically grant her wishes, as long as her wish can fit inside the breadbox.  As a child, I always knew magic wasn’t real, but still hoped that I could have one little piece of magic, like this, for myself.  The plot would easily play out on the big screen with family, friends, and neighbors all playing a part in Rebecca’s story.  Children would enjoy this magical little story, but also would definitely learn from the tale.  Things aren’t always what they seem when one person’s gain is another person’s loss.  This movie would probably be PG given the child’s point of view in this story.

9. Travel Team/Summer Ball by Mike Lupica.  Maybe I would just enjoy a Mike Lupica story turned into a movie because the stories are so good.  Lupica is a talented writer having honed his skills through years and years of writing non-fiction, MG novels like these basketball books, and countless articles, commentaries, and features for the New York Daily News, not to mention his other work featured in magazines, newspapers, and websites.  His storytelling is what I might like most about him though. He tells stories like he is creating something very personal and real.  He sounds like he is speaking from experience (he is) and that means something to readers.  A movie based on these 2 books would be received by children, parents, and sports lovers as a story with hope.  Plus the cameos from a few star athletes would be nice for fans.  The books are very cleanly written and would easily garner a PG rating.

10. Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick. To me Wonderstruck read like a movie.  The black and white images flying through the book at a quick pace made me imagine an old cinema. Could you see this movie (ala Wizard of OZ) being filmed in either black and white or in color depending which part of the story is being told?  I also think the black and white scenes could be silent?  I love the idea!  Connect this with the heartwarming story, amazing scenes in old theatres, mystical museums, and cold winters and you could have quite a magical experience.  This movie would be PG for it’s not so scary or mature content.

Of course if you want to experience any of these ‘movies’, make sure you read the book with an active and creative imagination.  Books are usually better than the movies anyway!  Make sure you leave a comment and if you have a Top Ten Tuesday I will be sure to visit yours as well.

It's Monday: What Are You Reading (3)

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? From Picture Books to YA!  is a meme hosted by Jen and Kellee at Teach.Mentor.Texts. 

I hope all of you enjoyed your week of reading, I know I did.  First I read Sean Griswold’s Head.  I thought this book was very sweet, but dealt with a serious subject of parental health issues.  It’s not something often covered in YA books, since YA sometimes are a bit on the self centered side.  This book offered a variety of perspectives on health, fitness, education, friendship, and the vulnerability of teen romance.  I quite enjoyed reading it.  I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to YA readers.  I also read Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher.  It was a very powerful book, about teen suicide.  I strongly think this book could be used as a tool with teens.  I finally read and enjoyed Absolutely True Story of a Part Time Indian. I heard so much about this book but it didn’t cross my path until this week.  I couldn’t put it down; it was a quick read, not to say it wasn’t mature and full of emotion!  I read it before dinner, handed it to my husband who read it in one sitting after dinner.   If you haven’t picked up this book, I strongly strongly recommend it.  Finally I read Super Slugger: Wall Ball. Set in a snowy April, this tell the story of classmates and baseball teammates.  The story was rather mediocre, but I did enjoy the book’s inclusion of Poetry Month in the classroom, and a teacher who was passionate about sharing poems.  I think this series could be popular with 3^rd - 5^th graders.

YA/MG Reads:

 

Thirteen Reasons Why

by Jay Asher

- 4 stars on goodreads

reviewed here

The Absolutely True Diary 
of a Part-Time Indian

by Sherman Alexie

- 5 stars on goodreads

Super Sluggers: Wall Ball

by Kevin Markey

- 3 stars on goodreads

Sean Griswold's Head

by Lindsey Leavitt

- 4 stars on goodreads

And a Few Picture Books:

 

Fairly Fairy Tales

by Esmé Raji Codell

- 5 stars on goodreads!

Dog Loves Books

by Louise Yates

- 4 stars on goodreads

How Do I Love You?

by Leslie Kimmelman

& Lisa McCue (Illustrations)

- 4 stars on goodreads

 

Dinosaur Dig!

by Penny Dale

- 3 stars on goodreads

 

2 more Fly Guy Books

by Tedd Arnold

- 3 stars each on goodreads

2 more books about Bears

- 3 stars each on goodreads

1 more book about Tigers

-3 stars on goodreads

and several rather dull books 

about Numbers, Dogs, and Trains 

- 2 stars each on goodreads

This Week I Will Read:

Take a Bow by Elizabeth Eulberg

(Carried over from last week.  I still love Elizabeth Eulberg.  

To be honest, I bought this book and I can't find it!  

I am sure it's at the bottom of a bag somewhere!)

The Penderwicks #2 and #3 by Jeanne Birdsall

(I so enjoyed the first of the Penderwick books.  

I am hoping these are just as delightful!)

Curveball: The Year I Lost my Grip by Jordan Sonnenblick

I am sure I will also read anything else that catches the eye of my 3 year old in our book piles, from the library, and many, many, many rereads of our favorites.  Make sure you leave me a message in the comments and share what you are reading too.  I always love suggestions!  And, If you have a list, I will be sure to visit to see what you've included. 

 

13 Reasons Why Review

In Thirteen Reason's Why, Hannah has sent a set of tapes to the people who touched her life in her high school. The series of tapes reveal her thoughts as she makes the decision to commit suicide. She feels alone and betrayed by some of her classmates, used and forgotten by others. The series of tapes sets the tone for this book along with a narrative from Clay, who is the 7th person to receive these taped messages from Hannah. Clay doesn't understand how he could be involved in Hannah's death, but is compelled to listen not only because of threats from his dead friend, but also to discover more about her life, retracing her pain, anger, and hurt.

This was a very painful book to read. Your heart will break as you feel everything from pain, anger, relief, and sympathy. There were many times in the book I was angry with Hannah, for her actions as well as the others involved. The characters were a very sincere representation of teenage classmates who are often self-centered and can be cruel.

The story is told in a unique way, with transcribed audio of Hannah's tapes plus Clay's first person point of view as he listens, reacts, reflects, and remembers. Author Jay Asher provided many unique characters in this style which also forces readers (much like the listeners on Hannah's tapes) to continue with the story to discover more and more truths. In this way Asher has created a very active reading experience.

Not all readers will enjoy the experience of reading this book. In fact, I don't know that I 'enjoyed' it per say. I did share experiences with the characters in a deep and meaningful way. The book was a unique look into the lives of teens, their thoughts, and their experiences. I sincerely don't regret reading this book either. I can think of many of my teen students to recommend this book. It is thought provoking and real. Recommended to teen readers, teachers, school staff, parents, and YA readers.

Top Ten Characters

Another Meme this week.  A meme is a chance to share a post with others posting on the same topic.  This week I am trying: Top Ten All Time Favorite Characters In Books.  I have chosen to highlight children's and YA book characters.  

This meme is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.  

Be sure to check out the other great Top Ten Tuesday Lists like mine.

 In No Particular Order:   

Top Ten All Time Favorite Characters In Books

1. Ramona Quimby by Beverly Cleary– I think of Ramona like a best friend from childhood.  We shared so many days reading together, snuggled under blankets, laying in the sun, and everywhere in between.  Ramona was truly the first character that I connected with on a very, very personal level.  It wasn’t because Ramona and her books were ultra-deep, rather they were common.  I mean that as a sincere compliment.  Every child has lived through shameful misunderstandings at school, jealously towards siblings, and worries about being a big girl.  Being 8 years old and reading about Ramona helped me to be a little less self-centered and realize we all struggle to grow up, we all feel crazy sick when we have the flu, and we all love our families, our pets, our books, and our stuffed animals in a way we think no one else could possibly understand. Wow, even writing this makes me want to go back and reread all of the Ramona books.  : )

2. Brian from Hatchet series by Gary Paulsen – I will admit that Hatchet is my beloved favorite book ever.  Some will argue that what makes the book so amazing is the epic battle of Man vs. Nature, with Nature being the star of the show.  I disagree.  To me, Brian is the driving force of the story because we learn from him, want him to succeed, and share his pain, suffering, and finally triumph.  I just love this kid and would read his adventures forever.  Brian is clever, resourceful, thoughtful, and strong.  I admire Brian for many attributes that I, myself don’t have.  Maybe that’s part of the reason why I like him so much.

3, 4, & 5.Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger by J.K. Rowling – These three friends all make my list because I was blessed enough to see them grow, mature, and persevere in an amazing journey.  Each one is very likable to me. First, there is Harry who is smart, powerful, choosing goodness over evil, and guiding us on his journey to find himself and those who seek to ruin him.  I always felt like Harry invited us along on story, sharing himself not only with the cast at Hogwarts, but also with readers.  No doubt, Harry was written to be likable.  Truly, he was able to make me believe in the magic, for that I am very, very grateful for the experience. Then of course, there were the two friends who are way more than sidekicks.  Ron and Hermione weren’t just along for the ride in the Harry Potter series.  They took risks and matured alongside Harry too.  Ron is loyal and funny, scatterbrained, and nervous.  Love him.  And Hermione who is smart and serious, beautiful and delicate, but showed amazing strength and aptitude! These three friends are favorite characters of mine because of their individual strengths, but also because of all they did together.

6. Biscuit the Puppy by Alyssa Satin Capucilli– Woof! Woof! If you have a little one or teach the youngest school aged kids, you know Biscuit.  I love his soft warm yellow fur and his small cries of Woof! Woof!  He always seems to be gentle and kind, loving and sweet.  There is just something about him that makes you feel comfortable.  Whether he is making new friends, going to bed, going to the doctor, a new school, or sharing a snack, Biscuit is a joy.  Preschoolers and Kindergarteners love his stories, and beginning readers love the accessible words and predictable patterns offered in these short and sweet books.

7. Heather Wells by Meg Cabot– (Please note that techniquly Cabot's Heather Wells series is an adult series.) Heather Wells is a former teen sensation.  She finds herself struggling along, living with her ex-fiance’s brother (who she kinda has a thing for), working at a residence hall, struggling to fit into her size 12 jeans, and solving murder mysteries on the side.  Heather Wells is flawed, but lovable.  She makes bad choices, but somehow triumphs.  I love the play on her size, her former stardom, and her painfully tragic lovelife.  She is more mature than college students she works with, and this too gives Heather a unique dynamic.  Of everyone on this list, maybe I like Heather because she is the only character who still is in a current series.  I can’t wait for the next 2 books to come out in this series.

8. Laura Ingalls from Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder – Laura Ingalls was another heroine whose life felt somehow familiar.  Her dynamic with her family, her struggle to decide between right and wrong, and her hardships living on the prairie all connected with me.  Okay, maybe I didn’t live on the prairie, but Laura made me feel like I could have done so.  I have read and reread these books a number of times and always enjoy Laura’s spirit and intelligence.  She taught me a lot about being proud of your strengths, helping others, and valuing family.

9. Wilbur from Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White – It’s Wilbur’s innocence that really makes him lovable to me.  He is born into a world not willing to care for him.  He makes friends with Fern and the most unlikely group of animals.  He also makes famous the farm that is ready to make a meal from him.  Wilbur’s tale is full of hardship and sorrow, but this simple pig always finds a way to put on a brave face and survive despite the odds.

10. D.J. Schwenk from Dairy Queen Series by Catherine Gilbert Murdock – D.J. is the dairy farm tomboy who navigates family hardships, romantic heartbreaks, sports, and learns lessons about herself along the way.  She is full of surprises, but always manages to be herself, not changing for her family, friends, or boyfriend. However she does mature and strengthen throughout her 3 book series.  She isn’t girly or silly, she doesn’t need saved by friends or a boyfriend, she is amazing and the Dairy Queen books are well worth the read. Reviewed Here!!

What Are You Reading?

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? From Picture Books to YA!  is a meme hosted by Jen and Kellee at Teach.Mentor.Texts. 

It’s my first time with this meme, but since I have been reading a lot, I feel I have a lot to share.  I was able to get so much accomplished this week, just because it was the perfect storm of reading and having a big bounty of books come in from my reserve list at the library, both digitally and on the shelf.  I read four YA/MG novels in one day/night.  It felt good, I forgot what it feels like to zone out and connect with books like that. So, here was my past week of reading:

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl

by Jesse Andrews– 
reviewed here


Anna and the French Kiss 
by Stephanie Perkins– 
reviewed here


Hound Dog True 
by Linda Urban– 
review coming




One and Only Ivan 
by Katherine Applegate– 
review coming

 
AND MORE: 

The Trouble with Chickens  
by Doreen Cronin– 
review coming

Chloe and the Lion 
by Mac Barnett, Adam Rex– 
review coming


Ollie 
by Jarrett J. Krosoczka – 
     4 stars on goodreads


Good Night, Laila Tov   
by Laurel  Snyder – 
5 stars on goodreads


Naptime 
by Elizabeth Verdick – 
4 stars on goodreads



Roadwork 
by Sally Sutton– 
3 stars on goodreads


LMNO Peas 
by Keith Baker – 
4 stars on goodreads

Let's Count the Raindrops 
by Fumi Kosaka-
4 stars on goodreads


Boy and Bot 
by Ame Dyckman- 
4 stars on goodreads

This week I plan to read a few new picture books borrowed from the library along with:

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu

13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Neversink by Barry Wolverton 

I am most looking forward to reading  Wonder, but also looking forward to all the others. And in other news, I am only 12 book behind in my goal to read 300 books this year.  (I count all picture books, board books, and graphic novels in my goal of 300.)