Book Talk: The Stranger Next Door

Honestly, I'm not quite sure how I feel about Pete the Cat as a co-author of this book.  Peg Kehret, I love.  Pete, I'm not so sure.  At the start of the book, I found myself annoyed, but as the book progressed, it seemed more natural.  I think this is, in part, because I am not a pet person.  And I find myself in the minority in that respect.  So, I think most people would be immediately endeared to Pete and his writing style and honesty, and the fact that humans think every time he utters a yowl he is hungry.  I, however, would just sneeze a lot.  But I digress.  As I am apt to do when I discover an author I enjoy, I gobble up EVERYTHING by that author in an effort to discern if those other books deserve a place on the shelves of our library.  The Stranger Next Door seemed to start off a bit slow, but the pattern I've seen with Kehret's books is that I don't get "into" them immediately, but about halfway through the suspense is ratcheted up and I cannot put it down.  As this is only the second book by Kehret that I have read, I can't say with certainty that this is true of all her books, but like Ghost Dog Secrets, The Stranger Next Door also has some elements appropriate for introduction during Red Ribbon Week in regards to a strong anti-drug message.  Without giving too much away.  I found it irritating not to know why Rocky, i.e. Clifford, was being whisked away from his home in such a hurried fashion, but I think that was a feeling purposefully evoked of the reader to mirror what Clifford would be feeling as well.  I guessed at what was happening, but not why and was pleasantly surprised (pleasantly doesn't quite fit the outcome...hmmm...can't think of a better word though) at the outcome.  I'm hoping to enjoy Peg Kehret's next book equally.

Book Talk: Chicken Soup with Rice

Last year was my first year in the library and I was mystified when all the students in a particular kindergarten class began to demand the book, "Chicken Soup with Rice.". Mrs. succi explained to me that this happened each year as a K teacher introduced the book to her class and they instantly fell in love. And who was I to stand in the way of love...with a book. Since we only had one copy, there was quite a waiting list and arguments would erupt if one student insisted that another had already had the book. During my summer ordering, I placed an order for a few more copies to have on hand. Both for students in the kindergarten class as well as the now first graders who are still bubbling over with soupy enthusiasm. My concern was that, since the book was originally published in 1962, it may not be available through normal channels. But I was wrong. It was easily available. Chicken Soup with Rice chronicles the main character's enjoyment of soup through each month of the year. There is rhythm and rhyme, sweet illustrations, and soup, soup, soup. You may not be able to recreate the demand that we see in our school, but if you haven't in a while (or ever before) check out Chicken Soup with Rice.

Book Talk: Janitor's Boy

We can all relate to having strong feelings toward a parent and not knowing how to act on that emotion.  Jack Rankin was feeling frustrated, and embarrassed , by his dad's job at his school as the janitor.  While we can all tell that the actions Jack took to "get back" at his dad who, of course, was not the person to blame weren't quite right, we can also tell, by the conclusion of the book that without such a sticky impetus Jack would not have otherwise learned so much more about who his dad is, as a person.  Andrew Clements does it again, writing about a sensitive topic both in school and within the family dynamic.

Book Talk: L M N O Peas

I love illustrated peas. I mean, what's not to love there? I also love alphabet books. Put them together and you have pure gold. Add in rock climbing peas and you've made my whole household happy. Well, except for my daughter who won't ingest them.

Some of my favorites:
Bikers in a Race (I love the one guzzling water from a water bottle)
Readers (obvious)
Scientists (looks like it belongs in a header of Google Labs)
Yogis (when I read it, at first, I read "...yogis in a posie..." I think that's what it SHOULD be)


In the back jacket flap, Keith Baker cites one of the reasons he likes peas being that they are easy to draw. Easy peasy? Some of the rest of the flap reminds me of a set of bath towels, washcloths, and a robe we have for our daughter: Drip pea and Soap pea.

I hope to see more peas in Keith Baker's future.

Book Talk: Bigger Than a Breadbox

Laurel Snyder's most recent publication, Bigger Than a Breadbox, did not disappoint.  I have this book loaded on our library's nooks for our student book club.  Since we started with our teacher book club in the month of October, I invited the teacher readers to read Laurel's books if they finished The Graveyard Book before the month was over.  One teacher, in particular, came to me after reading Penny Dreadful to gush over Laurel's writing style, describing it as "so smooth"!  I couldn't agree more.  She was excited to download Bigger Than a Breadbox and get started with reading it as soon as possible.  Likewise, I think our students will enjoy this book as well as the others available by Laurel Snyder.

This book deals, predominantly, with the main character and her experiences during her parents' painful and traumatic separation.  Semi-autobiographical, Laurel's writing conveys the emotion this turbulent time embodies.  The bread box itself is a magical element...or is it?  Decide for yourself when you check out Bigger Than a Breadbox.

Book Talk: All the Lovely Bad Ones

All the Lovely Bad Ones by Mary Downing Hahn takes place at a quiet Vermont inn where siblings Travis and Corey go for the summer to help their grandmother.  Shortly after arriving, they learn that the inn has a past that allegedly involves ghostly presences.  Their grandmother indicates that she's happy to report that there are no ghosts but that ghost stories do attract more tourists, so Travis and Corey take it upon themselves to "awaken" the spirits, posing as ghosts themselves and playing tricks on the visitors.  Little do they know, they actually can (and do) awaken the spirits.  What unravels is a story of the past that taught me some interesting historical facets of the state of welfare in our country's past.  I LOVE learning new things within the context of a fiction story.  Whether it be historical fiction, a great ghost story, or a melding of the two.  All the Lovely Bad Ones is not to be missed!  I'm enjoying digging deeper into Mary Downing Hahn's vault of ghost stories.  Happy Halloween!!

Deep and Dark and Dangerous

Mary Downing Hahn's "Deep and Dark and Dangerous" brings readers deeper into the dark, dangerous lake side world.  Ali's mother and aunt have been away from the lake for so long and Ali wants to know what has kept them away.  Unfortunately, she and her young cousin, Emma, find out first hand.  They also work to solve a mystery and put both their mother's consciences at ease.  I like how Mary Downing Hahn's books don't leave you hanging.  At the end, there is a resolution that puts the reader at ease and also seems a logical conclusion.  "Deep and Dark and Dangerous" is all of those things.  Hahn also portrays family relationship intricacies in a realistic and deep way.

The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall

I finished reading Mary Downing Hahn's "The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall" last week.  I love when I can identify the cover art's origin within the pages of a book.  It can be chilling to take a second, closer look at the cover and this book is an excellent example of that.  Mary Downing Hahn is known for her ability to tell a ghost tale for children and do so appropriately and well.  She scares your socks off without making it too difficult to sleep at night.  But her characters often have difficulty sleeping at night.  Last summer, I listened to "Wait Til Helen Comes" on audiobook in my car and had trouble getting out of the car for wanting to find out what would happen next.  Likewise, in "The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall," I didn't want to put the book down.  I liked how it was set in the past, whereas "Wait Til Helen Comes," "All the Lovely Bad Ones," and "Deep and Dark and Dangerous" (booktalks coming soon) were all set in the present with ghostly visitors from the past.  When our school merged grades four and five last year, Mary Downing Hahn was on the list of authors suggested by the middle school librarian to add to our collection, but I wasn't yet familiar with her work so I hadn't added many titles just yet.  I had "Wait Til Helen Comes" in the collection already and this past summer added "The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall."  Consequently, TGCH is also a featured book at this fall's upcoming book fair.  Our fair will begin on Thursday, November 10th.  Any shoppers who would like to shop our fair online can do so beginning on the 11th as well and running all the way until Monday, November 28th.  I'm hoping to hook students with "The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall."

Red Ribbon Week Book Talk: Ghost Dog Secrets by Peg Kehret

I picked up Ghost Dog Secrets, assuming it had a lot more to do with ghosts.  I've been reading different spooky stories to think more about All Hallow's Read.  Let me begin by saying that I read Peg Kehret's Ghost Dog Secrets in less than a day.  I began the day finishing Bigger Than a Bread Box and I ended the day starting a new book, The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall by Mary Downing Hahn.  In between I read GDS (as I will now refer to it).  I could not put it down.  As a reader...and a person...I'm a girl.  I tend toward "girl" books.  I'm making an effort to choose more "boy" books to balance out my booktalks.  And, of course, I love all books so it's not hard to do.  Back from my side note, I would classify GDS as a "boy" book, mostly because its main characters are boys.  This story and the teacher who, according to the students' perceptions, gets easily sidetracked, demonstrates the power of problem based learning and service projects for a classroom to make learning "real."  Beyond all that, without giving too much away, this book ties into Red Ribbon Week seamlessly.  But not until the end.  Supporters of the Humane Society, SPCA, and rescue dogs owners will especially love the story of the journey these boys undertake to rescue not just one dog, but also to prevent the future cruelty towards others.  Filled with suspense, this book is a realistic portrayal, too, of the potential dangers associated with confronting a real problem.

Book Talk: Leo the Snow Leopard

A new book from Turtle Pond Publications, which brought us such beautiful stories of animal rescue as: Owen and Mzee, Knut, Miza, and Winter's Tail (which has been made into a movie in case you hadn't heard!) comes Leo the Snow Leopard. What first struck me was that Leo was found in the Karakoram mountain range in northern Pakistan. Sound familiar? Have you read "Three Cups of Tea?". I have. And the location itself instantly hooked me. I was already familiar with the harsh conditions and imagining a goat herder taking the time to observe that a baby snow leopard was indeed orphaned and without a mother was touching from the beginning. Hearing of the transfer teams run in with a land slide and the need for bridges to be built to aid their travel reminded me of Greg Mortenson's ordeal as well. Reading about Shelby, a potential mate for Leo at the Bronx Zoo, teaching him "how" to be a snow leopard made me think of Nala in the movie The Lion King, reconnecting with Simba after he had been away from the pride for so long. This nonfiction tale is both informative and heartwarming. I would recommend this and other Turtle Pond books as well.

Book Talk: When I Grow Up (by Weird Al Yankovic)

I borrowed the book "When I Grow Up" by Al Yankovic from the public library mostly because it is by (Weird) Al Yankovic. But I am certainly glad I did. I think it will make the perfect addition to our school library collection, and certainly to our collection of potential Celebration Books. The main character has trouble settling on just one career...don't we all? Some of my favorites:

Snail Trainer
Gorilla Masseuse
Professional Pickle Inspector
Deodorant Tester

While "silly" at times, Billy is right...he just might have time for them all. The perfect book for a retiree dedication, or anyone entering the work world for the first time, "When I Grow Up" is not to be missed.

Book Talk: The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z.

Wow! I had a tough time putting this book by Kate Messner down. I have been following Kate on twitter for a while now and I have always heard such wonderful things about her books but had not yet read any of them. I got both The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z and Sugar and Ice from the public library to see if these are books we should get for our school library. Sugar and Ice was due back and in high demand so I could not renew it, but I finished The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z. just in time. I love the figurative language that Kate Messner uses in her writing. Teachers liking fir strong examples of figurative language should take a look at The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z.

• So many colors get thrown together here, like they're all shouting to be heard at once. (at the farmer's market) 
• Tiny little seashells in the stone. Ocean shells. On top of a mountaintop that feels like it's miles in the sky. (fnding fossils) 
• Especially snow that happens when you least expect it and just sprinkles down for a little while. It feels like a secret.

Kate's very realistic portrayal of a leaf project and one student's extreme procrastination hits close to home for many students. And offers the opportunity for many, many leaf jokes by Gianna's younger brother. The main character's very real obstacles makes the reader feel even more involved in the story and wanting to learn the outcome of what will happen to Gianna, Zig, Nonna, and all of the other characters.

Robert Frost and his poem, "Birches" bear special significance in this story.  Reading the lines of his poem interweaved with Messner's writing makes me want to climb, ponder, and hug a tree.  I would love to lay down beneath a tree and take a good, long gaze at the beauty of the branches reaching to the sky and the intricacies of the leaves we so often take for granted, or bitterly resent raking.  This book is inspiring.  Pick it up today.

Book Talk: The World According to Humphrey

I finished reading "The World According to Humphrey" and enjoyed the perspective it offered.  The story is told...according to Humphrey, the class hamster of Room 26.  The book shows growth of the characters and the joy that a class pet and the act of bringing that pet home can bring.  Humphrey touched the lives of those around him in ways they may never know.  As a teacher, it also makes us think about all the many things happening in our students' or co-workers' lives that have an impact on their daily actions that we do not know about, good...and bad.  I'm excited to introduce this book to students.  In reading it, I discovered that we have several of the Humphrey books, but not all of them, so that will be remedied soon.  I also put it on display by my desk as a "book I'm reading now" and a classroom aide mentioned that the book is a "One School, One Book" selection.  Which got the wheels turning in my head (get it?  like a hamster wheel...).  I don't think we're quite ready for a program like this at Pine Road, but perhaps this book could be a Nook Book Club selection and we could skype with students from this neighboring school.  So, I have to get on that...but, in the meantime, check out Humphrey and his world.

Book Talk: Miss Fox's Class Shapes Up

In our library, we currently have three of the Miss Fox's Class titles by Eileen Spinelli: Miss Fox's Class Earns a Field Trip, Miss Fox's Class Goes Green, and Peace Week in Miss Fox's Class. And, though I'm sure there are more I should check out immediately, I've found one tomput on our "to order" list immediately: Miss Fox's Class Shapes Up. In this 2011 publication, Miss Fox notices that students in her class are tired, hungry, and out of breath running from...the fence. Woven throughout the text are healthy reminders for good nutrition, and great ideas for fun exercise as well as some tips to wind down at the end of a busy day for a good night's sleep. I think our Health and Physical Education teachers would love this book! And, so do I! As the story develops, the class really comes together as the students help each other to meet their healthy goals. In one of the illustrations, beautifully drawn by Anne Kennedy, there is a cozy reading corner with "Get Fit Lit". I love the idea of incorporating some Get Fit Lit when introducing this book to students.