R and R

Friday, July 15, 2022

The Unforgettable Logan Foster

Saturday, July 2, 2022

In Small Town Pride by Phil Stamper Jake is a small town boy, Jake has a best friend who knows him and supports him, Jake has amazing parents and Jake is gay. When he comes out to his parents his dad wants to show his love and support for his son so hangs a huge pride flag from their flagpole. This begins a polarizing journey for Jake as there are many complaints and concerns. He decides his very small town should have a Pride Parade to open the door for other LGBTQ individuals to gain acceptance. But the mayor, who just happens to live across the street and who is up for re-election, does not support the request that now has the support of many in the community.

This story is ultimate about believing in yourself and finding ways to make your dreams reality.

Summer Reading 2022

It has been years since I have written about all the books I have been reading. However, I am still reading as many books as I can so I can recommend them to the right students. Each student has diverse tastes and likes in books and it can be a challenge! But many of our students are savvy and curious and I am finding their interests are being showcased in the kinds of books being written today. They are more reflective of life around us. They are very real and show situations and events that some students need to read about as it is their lives in these stories that they have never seen before. For others, these are about things that they never knew existed and it is a learning experience for them and, hopefully, builds empathy. Either way I am finding our students are reading more than ever!

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Ghost

By Jason Reynolds about a boy who has the biggest attitude and chip on his shoulder. But then I cannot judge what I don't know and as I tiptoe into this world it gives me a glimpse that brings me great empathy for the courage that Ghost exhibits. I know kids will love him and cheer him on.

Halfway Normal

Norah is back at school after she has been ill......a 2 year absence for cancer treatment. Teachers and parents hover, friends... some friends stay by her side... some don't. Some are even a bit resentful. But Norah meets some new ones who don't know her history and that makes her feel more normal. This book feels honest and I think kids will relate. By Barbara Dee.

Refugee

Amazing book by Alan Gratz. 3 stories connected by the need to escape unbearable situations that have occurred in history and are still occurring today. Brings understanding and, I hope, empathy to what is happening in our world.

Beyond the Bright Sea

By Lauren Wolk who wrote award winning Wolf Hollow. A mystery to solve when a young girl is determined to find out who she is and where she came from as she lives an unusual existence on a small island with her caregiver Osh. Beautifully written.

Armstrong and Charlie

1970's, Los Angeles, busing, different but not different, humorous. Loved the parents who instilled great values. When walls are broken down true friendship happens.

Superstar

You know Lester is a bit unusual when first meeting him; his reaction to school, his fascination with science, the superman he carries around with him to help ground him. But you love him so much and cheer for him just like you did for Auggie. I really liked this book by Mandy Davies.

Posted

Really really liked this book by John David Anderson who wrote Ms Bixby's Last Day. Lots of things to discuss when reading with an upper intermediate class.