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Friday, August 1, 2014

Bookworm Buzz

I promised to read more chapter books as part of my #bookaday goals for the remainder of the summer, but there are so many great picture books out this year, I just couldn't stop checking them out from the library. I think that I may have found my favorite of the summer so far...can you figure out which one it is? Leave a comment with your guess. As far as goals go, I have exceeded my 75 book goal and am now at 82 books! I think my new goal will be 100 books in 68 days. How is your summer reading going? Leave a comment and let me know.
I Kill the MockingbirdI Kill the Mockingbird by Paul Acampora
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I LOVED this book!  It made me laugh out loud . :) This is for my upper middle school friends and my high school friends.  Parents will enjoy it as well.  Enjoy!


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My rating: 2 of 5 stars
An interesting chapter book with a twist that I didn't see coming.  A little tough to follow the plot, it seemed unorganized at times, and I felt like several of the characters were undeveloped.  These two elements will lead readers with many questions.  Maybe it just wasn't my style.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
An oldie but a goodie!  I loved this book, it made me laugh out loud.  I know that I can find a way to use this book in a mini lesson this year.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have heard so much about the floating island of plastic in the Pacific, so I just had to read this book.  I learned so much and had many of my questions about the island answered.  There are some great additional resources listed at the back.  Enjoy!

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book will make a great addition to our text set which includes the interactive read aloud Mr. Popper's Penguins.  It will be a great mentor text for writer's workshop. Enjoy!

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Marc Brown, author of the popular Arthur series, writes a wonderful travel guide to New York City.  I can tell how much he loves NYC; it is evident in the prose and illustrations.  It will be a great mentor text for non fiction writing. Check it out from your local library and plan a trip to NYC, you won't be disappointed, with the book or the trip! 

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
It was fun to make character connections with this book. It will make a great companion book to The Night Before Kindergarten.  Our younger friends will enjoy this book!

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I love the way this book presents all of the great ways books can inspire readers.  The illustrations are unique and there are plenty of pictures to read.  I think this one will make the cut for the first few weeks of school. :)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love everything about this book.  I particularly loved the illustrations.  The message about the many different types of readers, and how the librarian is a wonderful friend to have, is strong.  This book will definitely be a part of the early weeks of reader's workshop.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I LOVED this book.  If you have had me as a teacher, you will understand why I can connect so closely with Ms. Kirby.  I really enjoyed the dedication.  This will be one of my first day of school books. :)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A must read for every teacher the night before the first day of school.  I could imagine Mrs. Merten, Mrs. Adams, Ms. Farrell and myself as any of the teachers in this book.  One of our favorite things to say is "Wait, let's try again,"  just like Flamingo.  I know that this will make the list of First Day reads. :) 

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The lesson possibilities with this book are endless, math workshop, reader's workshop, word study, art with Mrs. Hess to name just a few.  Liv and her friend Jay thought it was AMAZING and they are HS Seniors.  They saw concepts in the illustrations that I didn't see the first time I read this book, so we will really have to read the pictures in this book. I can't wait to share this one! 


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Monday, July 28, 2014

Bookworm Buzz

I have read 70 books for #bookaday. Number 70 was an ebook, my first one! My new goal is 75 books by the end of summer vacation. Glad to hear from those of you who are sharing your summer reading progress. Read on!

Absolutely AlmostAbsolutely Almost by Lisa Graff
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

An interesting story that would be great for many talk worthy discussions. I think readers will constantly be asking questions and wanting to read more to find out what happens next. I was left with a few unanswered questions which is a reflection of the type of reader I am and how I enjoy talking about the books I read with others. I enjoyed the characters but was disappointed in the behavior of several of the adults. I felt the same way after reading We Were Liars, but not to the same degree. Let me know what you think.

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The ebook that I read was The Adventures of Ai, by Craig Bouchard. It isn't on Goodreads just yet, so I will review it for you myself with the appropriate links. This book is just right for my middle school and high school friends. The story is a combination of memoir and legend told in unique time shifts, including concepts of math, poetry, history and art. There are some interesting elements of the legend that made me want to learn more about Japanese culture and mythology. The lesson to "never be afraid to try your best," and to "follow your dreams," comes through in a unique way. Readers will enjoy the photographs and the epilogue. I was left with some questions that I would want to ask the author, and wonder if there are more Adventures of Ai on the horizon. I think readers would want to learn more about Ai and what happens AFTER the story ends. There is a free game to download for iTunes or on Google play . If you read the book, or play the game, let me know what you think. Perhaps playing the game will make you want to read the book! Post a comment and let me know what you think!
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Saturday, July 26, 2014

Where's Williams

I think this is becoming a habit. Two blue tickets to the first correct guess as to where I am tonight! #selfiesaturday!

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Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Bookworm Buzz

Well, I've done it! 68 books read so far this summer, which was my goal for book-a-day. It has been 33 days, less than half of the days in summer. I am going to read more chapter books, and maybe some books just for me, and try to get to 75. I think that this will be a good goal. Remember, once you reach your summer reading goal, DON'T STOP!! Set a new goal and keep reading. :) Pigsticks and Harold and the Incredible JourneyPigsticks and Harold and the Incredible Journey by Alex Milway
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really loved this book and recommended it to my niece who will be entering 3rd grade this fall.  It is a good introduction to the graphic novel genre and the story is HILARIOUS!  I can see us including it in a text set or book groups about fictional hamsters.  I imagine that there will be many more tales of Pigsticks and Harold in the future.  Mrs. Richards needs to add this one to her list!


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My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book will make a nice addition to the Patricia MacLachlanauthor study book group.  If you liked some of her recent chapter books, you will like this one. 

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
A great introduction to the science fiction genre for 3rd and 4th graders, and cat lovers won't be disappointed.  I imagine that there will be many adventures for these characters in the future.


Eerie Elementary #1: The School Is Alive! (A Branches Book)Eerie Elementary #1: The School Is Alive! by Jack Chabert
My rating: 3 of 5 stars



View all my reviews Snowy OwlsSnowy Owls by Jennifer Zeiger
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another great non fiction book which many 5th graders will enjoy for the Birds of Prey research project. 4th graders will love the information and the photos. It would be a great non fiction companion read to the Patrick Jennings Book Odd, Weird & Little. Mrs. Richards will have to add this one to her list!

View all my reviews Gregor Mendel: The Friar Who Grew PeasGregor Mendel: The Friar Who Grew Peas by Cheryl Bardoe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An oldie but a goodie. This book will make a great read aloud for when we study heredity. I can't believe it has taken me so long to find it and you guessed it, Mrs. Richards will have to get this one too!

View all my reviews Rosie Revere, EngineerRosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I can see so many lesson possibilities with this book; we can use it in reader's workshop, writer's workshop, poetry workshop, math, science and during open circle. My Liv wants to be an engineer and she LOVED this book. The lesson is key; it's not about making mistakes, it's about how you celebrate and learn from them. :)

View all my reviews A Boy Called DickensA Boy Called Dickens by Deborah Hopkinson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am a self admitted Charles Dickens freak, so naturally I was drawn to this book. I will use this book as part of my reader's workshop launching unit to show you all how I vary my reading diet. I love to learn about the lives of authors and this book does not disappoint. I will have to remember my Charles Dickens action figure when I share this book with students. I wonder if Deborah Hopkinsonwill be writing a book called "A girl called Austen." I have that action figure too! Perhaps I will ask her a question on her Goodreads page! :)

View all my reviews Allegiant (Divergent, #3)Allegiant by Veronica Roth
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Not quite what I was hoping for DESPITE the ending.  I wanted a bit more from the characters.


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My rating: 3 of 5 stars
An interesting read, not quite sure how we could use it, perhaps in poetry workshop.  The illustrations were lovely.

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
We are going to have a lot of fun using this book in poetry workshop!  We will have to get Mrs. Mac involved and see if she can play the Helen Reddy version for you!

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this story and can imagine more tales of Extraordinary chicken to follow.  A good introduction to the graphic novel genre for 2nd and 3rd grade readers.

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Love the illustrations! Predictable text will make younger readers feel independent and will help them build confidence and stamina.


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Sunday, July 20, 2014

Juicy Nibble

Can you guess where I am today? Leave a comment....blue ticket to the first correct guess. Two blue tickets if you can guess the name and number on the back!

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Friday, July 18, 2014

Bookworm buzz

The book-a-day challenge continues and I have read 55 books over the past 27 days.  My goal is to reach 68 books to mark the 68 days of summer AND to review them all on Goodreads and here, on the blog.  How is your summer reading going so far?  Leave me a comment and let me know what you are  reading.  Let me know if you have read any of my reviews and have been motivated to read a specific book.  Don't forget to use the local library, that is where I have been getting all of my books this summer.  Make friends with a librarian, they are cool people!
GastonGaston by Kelly DiPucchio
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I LOVED this book.  So many great messages, themes and mini lesson possibilities.  my friend Donna, at the library, recommended it to me and she was right!  One of my favorites all year!


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My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Some of you will think this book is HILARIOUS!  There are some great mini lesson possibilities with this picture book.  

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A great book for the first week of school and it would be fun to pair it with Planet Kindergarten.  A great message and some interesting talking points.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book will make for some great mini lessons and some very interesting discussions.  I can see adding this to our yoga book set.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely LOVED this book.  It reminded me of a the Langston Hughes story "Thank you, Ma'am," which is always one of my favorite stories to read with students. We can make some GREAT text to text comparisons with these two stories and then find some non fiction books about gardening to make some connections across genres.  The lesson possibilities are endless!

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
A fun book with some interesting characters.  I especially like the creativity of the fourth monster chef and the way she solved the problem. Enjoy!

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
A collection of short stories from several of our favorite authors and all of them are about recess!  Students will love this book and Mrs. Richards will have to buy several copies for us.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this series and I know that 4th graders will too!  They are a great introduction to sci-fi/fantasy in graphic novel format.  Fans of Amulet will love Zita.  Ben Hatke has an awesome website too, check it out!

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love Patrick Jenningsand this book is no exception!  I can imagine an author study with this book and several other Patrick Jennings books that can be paired with non fiction books about animals which can lead to some great research writing.  There are many talk worthy points in this book for 4th graders and the cross curricular possibilities are endless.  I think Mrs. Richards is going to have to get us some copies of this book as well!

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is one of my favorite books of the year!  Every year, 4th graders LOVE to read about Galapagos George and this picture book will make a great addition to this text set.  I loved the structure of the book and the illustrations were amazing!  Mrs. Richards will DEFINITELY need to get us this book!

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is another one of my favorite non fiction picture books of the year and 4th graders will love this book too!  I didn't know there was SO much to learn about dung beetles.  This book will make a great addition to a text set about biology and heredity.  It was just plain fun and had me laughing out loud!  Imagine that, non fiction that makes you laugh.  Try it, you will like it, I promise! :)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
It has been a great summer for non fiction reading.I learned so much about sea slime, I didn't know there was this much to learn about sea slime.  The pictures were very interesting as well.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The summer of non fiction continues with this great book about bears. There are some great mini lesson possibilities with this book, especially in writer's workshop.  It will make a great addition to the biology/heredity text set as well.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love when adult books that are adapted for children are written well and with the target audience in mind.  This is the true story of a service dog and his soldier.  Dog lovers and non dog lovers will enjoy this story of Tuesday and Luis.  The photographs are beautiful.  This is a great book for asking questions and starting discussions about current events and history.  


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Poetry Please

My Aunt and Uncle
An unexpected surprise
Important to me

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