The Tiger Rising

Title: The Tiger Rising

Author: Kate Di Camillo

Genre: Realistic Fiction

# of Pages: 116

Books Read: 21/50

Don't read this book if you're looking for a happy read. As the wise Willie Mays points out, Rob is sad and Sistine is angry, so they really do make quite the pair of friends. In the same spirit as Bridge to Terribithia, the boy is quiet and cautious, and the girl is more adventurous and stands up to the bullies at school.

At first, I didn't really understand how the tiger is "rising" in this book. You do meet the tiger right away, when Rob discovers the cage hidden as he's waiting for the school bus. And the story does revolve around his dilemma over whether or not to let the tiger go. But it makes sense in the end, again explained by Willie May. I really enjoyed the book. The characters are so real, and their raw emotions really come alive. Even if it is more sad than happy.

The Last Olympian

Title: The Last Olympian

Author: Rick Riordan

Genre: Fantasy

# of Pages: 

Books Read: 20/50

I really appreciate how consistent the author has been throughout this series. Sometimes, you end up loving one book more than all the rest, or there's one that just isn't as impressive. I think, for the most part, I have sped through reading and loved all 5 in this series. I also like how he ties all the books together. I think if I went back and read them again, I would see foreshadowing of the end in the earlier books. It's pretty awesome.

I was reading this one on my break from lifeguarding at the beach, while sitting in the concession stand. A group of young boys (elementary school age) came up to buy candy from me. When they noticed my book sitting on the counter, they got all excited and exclaimed about how good of a book it is! I was excited, too, to be able to reply, "I know, I love it!" 

Also, if anyone can explain to me the "spaghetti" rule for the ball game 500, I would love it. (That's what these boys were playing at the beach when I was lifeguarding today)

How to Train Your Dragon

Title: How to Train Your Dragon

Author: Cressinda Cowell

Genre: Fantasy

# of Pages: 

Books Read: 19/50

I absolutely am in love with the movie version of this book! It's one of my favorite feel-good on a quiet Friday night and cuddle up with a blanket and popcorn and giggle, giggle, giggle until all the stress of the week just melts away movies! Earlier this spring, I had several students in my class assure me that the books were way better. I believed them, so I was excited to read and find out for myself!

I think I didn't enjoy the first part of this book as much as I could have, because what I was reading seemed to really conflict with the Hiccup character and plot I knew from the movie. They certainly changed a lot! So since I saw the movie before reading the book, I had to put in the extra effort to let my imagination do it's job and draw the world the author describes! But once I could let go and really got into the story of the book, I really did love it! So funny, and I love the pictures and captions sprinkled throughout the chapters. The messy, scrawled handwriting and doodles are just so perfect for the Viking characters. I almost love the book Toothless, too, because he really is just a normal, common dragon, and is special because Hiccup loves him. 

Definitely a fun read, and like I said, I loved the pictures! 

The Battle of the Labyrinth

Title: The Battle of the Labyrinth

Author: Rick Riordan

Genre: Fantasy

# of Pages: 

Books Read: 18/50

I just tore through this book the other night. I was so excited to get the request in at the library, with this one and The Last Olympian at the same time. I have loved reading this series! I finished this book in one night. (Part of the fun of being an adult is there's no one to come in at 1am or whenever and force me to turn out the lights if I don't want to, but on the other hand, I suffer the consequences when I'm tired for work the next day!)

A Bear Named Trouble

Title: A Bear Named Trouble

Author: Marion Dane Bauer

Genre: Realistic Fiction

# of Pages: 120

Books Read: 17/50

Based on a true story, this book narrates the incident in Alaska where a 3-year old bear cub from the wild broke into the Anchorage Zoo! Why did he do it? What was going through this wild animal's mind and what instincts drew him towards people and the animals at the zoo? 

On the other side of the story, 10-year-old Jonathan is an animal lover who struggles between his fierce loyalty to "Mama Goose," who is accidentally killed by the bear, and his loving curiosity about the bear cub. The narrative is a great opportunity to practice making inferences, as well as character development and making connections. I also love this book for its Minnesota connections: Jonathan's family moved to Alaska from Duluth, Minnesota! 

Catherine Called Birdy

Title: Catherine Called Birdy

Author: Karen Cushman

Genre: Historical Fiction

# of Pages: 212

Books Read: 16/50

The bi-line on the cover, "She's not your average damsel in distress," sums up the tone of the book fairly well. Catherine is a 14 year old ambitious dreamer stuck in the medieval era. She's expected to take small steps, sit silently, sew elaborate embroidery, know which herbs cure headaches, and most importantly, marry whomever her father needs her to marry to form a good match or alliance. But "Little Bird," as she is affectionately nicknamed by her family, doesn't want any of these things. She wants to be a puppeteer, or a traveling minstrel, goat herder, monk, crusader, artist... anything to escape her beastly father and indulge her yearning for adventure. 

The book is written as a first-person journal, which makes it so real and relatable. Little Bird's mini-rants made me laugh so many times while reading this on my deck, 21st century smoothie in hand. A great book for any independent young lady who'd rather find her own way than be told what to do! 

Touch Blue

Title: Touch Blue

Author: Cynthia Lord

Genre: Realistic Fiction

# of Pages: 186

Books Read: 15/50

This is a new book from Cynthia Lord, author of Rules. I got it through the Scholastic Book Orders last winter for my classroom library, but just now have had the chance to read and find out what the story is really about. 

As the cover shows, the setting is an island town on the East coast. Tess is the main character, and she and her family have lived on the island their whole lives. She loves to go lobster fishing with her dad, and more than anything she doesn't want her life to change. Her mom is the teacher at their one-room island school. The state is threatening to shut down the school, saying it's not worth keeping open for so few kids. This would force Tess's family and others to have to leave the island and move to the mainland, but the reverend comes up with a win-win idea that can save them! Five families on the island take in foster kids, to replace the five students who moved away last year. 

Red-haired, 13-year-old Aaron is one of these foster kids. Tess and her family try to make it clear to Aaron that they really do want him as a part of their family, but on a small island the gossip travels faster than the ocean wind. Who can blame him from feeling bitter that he had to leave his school and jazz band to start in a new place just to be a number to keep the one-room school open? In spite of a rocky beginning, Aaron and Tess manage to form a friendship, and over time, Aaron even agrees to play his trumpet for the town. Aaron is a gifted jazz musician and plays both trumpet and piano. 

The heartwarming story has all the themes of belonging, family, as well as some anti-bullying with Eben, who drives Tess crazy and picks on Aaron until they show him what's up. I enjoyed this quick read at the beach on a fittingly rainy, foggy day.

Pictures of Hollis Woods

Title: Pictures of Hollis Woods

Author: Patricia Reilly Giff

Genre: Realistic Fiction

# of Pages: 

Books Read: 14/50

I'm reminded of The Great Gilly Hopkins, but with a little bit older and more mature character. Hollis is a foster child struggling with feeling like she doesn't belong anywhere. She loves to draw and is an amazing artist, but she skips school a lot and struggles when she does attend. 

The book weaves in a series of flashbacks to Hollis's memories of the Regan family, where she was happy for a summer. Now, Hollis is living with Josie, an older lady who is starting to forget some things. I think what Hollis most likes about Josie is that Josie needs her. And like the Regans, Josie celebrates what Hollis is good at, rather than criticizing her faults. This story is one of family, love, and belonging, in a beautiful and intriguing way. I enjoyed it!

The Titan's Curse

Title: The Titan's Curse

Author: Rick Riordan

Genre: Fantasy

# of Pages: 

Books Read: 13/50

Number 3 in the series. This one I read in less than 2 days! Percy is now an 8th grader, and this time, the book takes place during the school year. It's winter on Camp Half-Blood Hill, but it's not a break or vacation for the busy heroes. I think my favorite new twist in this book is the way the author alludes to Percy developing crush-like feelings for Annabeth. Will they end up dating? Will they just stay friends? Nothing is revealed, yet, but I liked wondering! 

Sea of Monsters

Title: Sea of Monsters

Author: Rick Riordan

Genre: Fantasy

# of Pages: 279

Books Read: 12/50

It's official. I am in LOVE with this series! Seriously, I'm hooked! I know that I'm supposed to be blogging about a variety of genres, but I can't not read all the Olympians books. 

I liked seeing Percy grow as a character in this book. He learns not to assume things, and he realizes that he can't give up hope when things get hard. Tyson, Percy's half-brother, is easily my favorite character in this book. He's so loyal and just loves his friends unconditionally. In addition, he's gone through so much hardship, but refuses to let everyone assume he's bad just because he's a Cyclops monster. Instead, he uses his talents for good! 

The Lightning Thief

Title: The Lightning Thief

Author: Rick Riordan

Genre: Fantasy

# of Pages: 400

Books Read: 11/50

This is the book I chose to read-aloud at TOPS this summer. It's full of adventure, and I think the idea of a sixth-grade boy finding out he's a hero is pretty intriguing. Plus, the series is based on Greek mythology, which students do learn more about in sixth grade.

It's a pretty long book, so my class didn't get to finish it, but I took it home and finished the book on my own. My favorite aspect of this series is the chapter titles. Each one gives a little preview of the action to come, but in a bizarre way that makes me laugh and wonder, "What the heck?" 

I got the movie to watch, too. It's pretty good, but I don't like that they cast older teenagers as Percy, Grover, and Annabeth. I think it takes away some of the coolness when the teenage heroes are high school students, because they're older and it's not quite as exciting as 13 year olds defeating evil and saving the world. 

Ruby's Slippers

Title: Ruby's Slippers

Author: Tricia Rayburn

Genre: Realistic Fiction

# of Pages: 340

Books Read: 10/50

Time for my latest "book at the beach." This is another one read mostly while on break from working as a lifeguard at the beach. It's a great beach read, too. A middle-school age girl learns a lesson about friendship and self-confidence through dealing with a bully, family drama, and being the new girl.

Ruby and her mother move from rural Kansas to suburban Florida. At her new school, every student has a cell phone, and all the girls wear sundresses and perfect accessories. Ruby, on the other hand, wears dirty converse sneakers, carries an ABBA lunchbox, and doesn't know how to use email, much less a cell phone! I love the quirky characters, and the book has a great message. Very fun!

House of the Scorpion

Title: House of the Scorpion

Author: Nancy Farmer

Genre: Science Fiction

# of Pages: 380

Books Read: 9/50

House of the Scorpion is a delightfully dreadful book. Set in a future where drug cartels have won, where science has succeeded, and where love is still the best thing possible, this book is an opportunity to consider a plethora of moral questions.

Matt, the main character, is a clone. In his world, the country of Opium, located geographically between the United States and Mexico, clones are legally considered animals, and something to be feared and loathed. Yet Matt doesn't act or feel like an animal. He loves, fears, and wishes just as any other little boy would. 

The book is full of vivid pictures of both the cruelty and wonders that take place over the course of the story. I imagine the characters lounging around the immense mansion, chattering away in animated Spanish, the aura of luxury and power around them. Then there are the scenes I would NOT want to see in a movie. Like when Matt is taken away from Celia, the woman who has raised him, and the servant now in charge of him, Rosa, takes away his furniture and instead lays down animal bedding and sawdust. 

A great way to wake up my brain and enjoy a rainy day at home. In other news, I finished re-reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and went and saw the movie (Part 2) last night. I thought about making a blog post about the book, but decided since I've read it a bunch of times before, it can't really count towards my 50 goal. 

Stargirl

Title: Stargirl

Author: Jerry Spinelli

Genre: Realistic Fiction

# of Pages: 186

Books Read: 8/50

I've always assumed this book was about a girl. And it is, but the main character is actually a boy named Leo. Leo tells Stargirl's story, beginning with the start of the school year, when she is the odd new girl, to a few months later when she is the most popular girl in school, to later when everyone hates her. When I first read the summary on the back, which summarizes the book as a love story, I was just a couple chapters in. I found myself thinking, "Love story? How could Leo and Stargirl ever end up together?" They do seem like an unlikely couple, yet by the middle/end of the book, I feel as glowy as I do watching a cute romantic movie.

I feel like this book would be great for a book club of mature middle schoolers. There's so much potential to discuss the lessons this book teaches! Themes of individualism, empathy, loyalty, friendship, and courage all lead up to a view into a typical high school through a very atypical lens. 

Eleven

Title: Eleven

Author: Patricia Reilly Giff

Genre: Realistic Fiction

# of Pages: 164

Books Read: 7/50

From the cover illustration, I always thought this book was science fiction. Even the back cover summary makes it sound a little eerie and mysterious. And while this book is a mystery, it's a contemporary realistic fiction novel. I was reminded of Kate DiCamillo's Because of Winn Dixie by the dynamic between the two main characters. Sam and Caroline form a friendship because each needs the other, yet Sam in particular is reluctant to tell all his other friends, because well afterall, she's a girl. (haha) The other book I am reminded of is The Face on the Milk Carton, mostly in the beginning, when Sam first discovers that he might not belong in his family. 

Sam is a very real character, with very real weaknesses. He can't read, write, or spell, and doesn't know why. He has to get special help at school, but even that doesn't seem to open the door to reading for him. I feel so sorry for him, and can hardly imagine going through life not being able to decode all the things we read on a daily basis. Sam's gift is his ability to build things with wood. His grandfather is a skilled carpenter, and Sam shares his talent. 

I really liked this book; much more than I thought I might. I do need to catch up if I'm going to make my 50 book goal- it's hard to believe it's nearly July now! 

Dive Book One: The Discovery

Title: Dive Book One: The Discovery

Author: Gordon Korman

Genre: Fiction- Adventure

# of Pages: 141

Books Read: 6/50

Now that it is officially summer vacation, I'm finding more time to read, and also more time to do other things, like drink coffee and watch the morning news. This week I'm working on finishing up Dive, the first in a trilogy by Gordon Korman. I think that in order to fully understand the whole story, I would need to read the whole trilogy, but this is a great start! It was a fun book to read by the beach on my breaks from lifeguarding. 

Dive is set on the Caribbean island of Martinique. 4 kids have been chosen for a special summer internship, supposedly to help a scientific expedition. However, for most of the first half of the book, the ship captain keeps leaving them behind on shore! The book is a mystery; what are they really looking for underwater, and why are the 4 kids really there?

Kaz is a hockey player from Canada who recently injured another player and wants this summer to be an escape from the grief and guilt he's feeling. Dante is an incredible photographer, but isn't the greatest diver and seems to be having trouble with his vision. Adriana's rich parents needed something for her to keep busy with over the summer, and while that might not be the best start, Adriana's expertise in history and natural grace in the water prove to be an asset to the team. Star is the best diver among them, and is the first to tell you so. Her fiesty personality and determination are no match for her physical disability, due to her cerebral palsy, on land. The characters are a diverse group, and with so much diversity there's something for any reader to relate to. 

My favorite part of the book wasn't the main story, but rather in a side story interspersed between chapters. In the side story, we're taken back to a ship in 1665, where a young boy works as the captain's boy. Life at sea in the 1600's was very difficult, and the captain and crew lived by a very unjust social code. Samuel struggles with much more than the characters in the contemporary story, and the history is just so interesting.

Girl in Blue

Title: Girl in Blue

Author: Ann Rinaldi

Genre: Fiction- Historical Fiction

# of Pages: 310

Books Read: 5/50

First I was on an adventure-boy-hero kick, now it seems I'm reading a string of historical fiction novels with strong female main characters! It is my intent to read a wide variety of books this summer, so soon I'll have to look for some of the fantasy, mystery, or realistic fiction on my list! I also know that many of my students love humorous books, so I'll be sure to read some, too!

I really enjoyed reading Girl in Blue, but I would hesitate to recommend it for many of my students. The story and the tough issues addressed seem more fitting for middle school or even high school readers. 

Set during the Civil War, sixteen year old Sarah needs a plan to escape her father's farm in Flint, Michigan. Her father has promised her in marriage to a man over twice her age, which is the last straw for Sarah in a lifetime of abuse. She wants to serve her country, as many young people do during this time. Most girls however, would enlist as nurses, if at all. Sarah, however, is determined to enlist as a soldier, and in order to do so, must disguise herself as a man. 

Disguised as Neddy Compton, Sarah becomes a soldier and marches to Washington, D.C. Her duties include serving in the hospital, where she becomes good friends with Dr. Hammond, the surgeon there. She does go to battle, and does shoot and kill enemy soldiers. Later, her true identity is discovered, and she is in big trouble. With Dr. Hammond's help, Sarah becomes a spy! She's now helping "the cause" of the Union army in a new role, as a female spy. It is in this position that Sarah finds herself in the most danger. She even falls in love! Sarah is transformed from a stubborn girl into a skilled woman and a true heroine. 

A couple months ago, I read another book by the author, Ann Rinaldi, titled Numbering the Bones. This book also takes place around the same historical time period, but in a much different setting. Numbering the Bones is the story of a Southern plantation at the end of the Civil War. The young girl in this story also learns the price of war, and also finds freedom. I liked this book because it showed how slaves weren't automatically free at the end of the war. I think Ann Rinaldi does a great job showing the weaknesses in historical accounts. Often, the history we learn in school is glamorized to show only the triumphs. By reading about a character, I can make connections and see how today's world is different in many ways, and in other ways, very much the same.

The Starfisher

Title: The Starfisher

Author: Lawrence Yep

Genre: Fiction- Historical Fiction

# of Pages: 150

Books Read: 4/50

Wow! What an amazing book- I'm so glad I decided to take the time to read this one! I wasn't so sure at first; it didn't look especially interesting from the cover and summary on the back, but this was an eye-opening and thought-provoking read.

Tonight my power went out just as I was about to cook dinner, so instead I made a sandwich and got out some books from my closet. Laying next to the window, I read this fairly short book all tonight. 

Joan Lee is a 16 year old girl struggling to fit in when her family moves to a new town. Set in 1927, her parents are Chinese immigrants who run a laundry business in a small town in West Virginia. Joan and her siblings were all born in America, so they have the struggle of balancing their identity honoring both their Chinese heritage and their American one. 

The author tells a vivid and serious story as the Lee family faces hate and prejudice in their new town. Some thugs yell derogatory comments to them in the train station, and later vandalize their house. Joan has trouble making friends at her new school, in fact her only friend is a fellow outsider. Bernice is an outsider for a very different reason. Her family were theater performers, and most of the townspeople look down on her for it. Joan learns an important lesson about friendship from Bernice.

One of the funniest scenes in the book is when Joan and her little sister Emily have tea with Miss Lucy, their landlady. They've never had tea as dark as Miss Lucy's, and they're used to drinking their tea plain, so they're not sure what to do when Miss Lucy offers them sugar and milk. Emily boldly asks for 6 spoonfuls of sugar in hers, and so does Joan! 

This story is an important opportunity to place myself in someone else's shoes. I don't know exactly what it's like to be an immigrant, or a child of one. I also don't know what it's like to go to the grocery store and only be able to afford bread and lettuce, like Joan does in one early scene. I can however, appreciate the message of strength, friendship, and hope this story offers. I hope I get the chance to share this one with my students someday soon! 

Boston Jane

Title: Boston Jane

Author: Jennifer L. Holm

Genre: Fiction- Historical Fiction

# of Pages: 

Books Read: 3/50

Mom says I'm cheating by starting my 50 books before summer, but I say I'm just keeping motivated with a head start! I've just spent the weekend visiting family in Ely, Minnesota ("The coolest small town in America"), which is always prime time for reading and relaxing!

Boston Jane is the eleven-year-old only daughter of a widowed doctor living in Philadelphia in the 1800's. She's a tomboy who loves spitting and throwing manure piles with her friend Jebediah. She eats cherry pie every day, and her stained aprons show it! She also loves helping her father in his practice. He's taught her how to sew a small, neat stitch, and shares his progressive ideas as he encourages his daughter to be an independent thinker. 

All of this changes when her father's new apprentice arrives. William is the most handsome young man Jane has ever met, and she is completely smitten. Encouraged by William and challenged by the snooty girl down the street, Jane enrolls in Miss Hepplewhite's School for Young Ladies. In school, Jane learns that a lady must be quiet, polite, and clean. She begins to change her tomboy ways, and soon she is quoting her schoolbook like it's the Bible. At this point in the book I can't help but wonder, "Why is her father allowing his daughter to continue this?" Also, what happened to her friend Jebediah? He all but disappears from the story at this point. 

When Jane is 13, William finishes his apprenticeship and leaves to go West to "make his fortune." Jane starts writing him letters, hoping to find that he'll return her loving affection. This part of the book reminds us how difficult communication was in those days. Letters would take months to get to the recipient, and often could be lost entirely. I want to see Jane interested in her father's practice again. With the spunk of her childhood and her brains and hard work as seen in finishing school, I think Jane would make a great female doctor! (But of course, women didn't do much other than become wives in those days) When she is 15, she receives the letter she has been waiting for! William asks her to come West and become his wife. 

The rest of the book takes place on the long trip by ship, and Jane's surprising experiences when she arrives in Oregon. I especially appreciate the book's portrayal of the interactions between the settlers and Native Americans. Jane is used to having servants cook for her, draw her bath, and other daily chores. At first, she expects the "savages" to fill this role, thinking they are the servants. She is surprised to be told no, that the Indians are friends, and please don't call them savages. I was pleased by the ending of the book. Jane learns that being a lady doesn't mean one can't have an opinion, but that a true lady is kind, resourceful, and cares for those she loves. 

I just discovered there are two more Boston Jane books! Jennifer L. Holm also is the author of the Newberry honor book, Our Only May Amelia. 

Stormbreaker

Title: Stormbreaker

Author: Anthony Horowitz

Genre: Fiction-Adventure

# of Pages: 

Books Read: 2/50

I know I'll want to read a variety of genres this summer, and I wouldn't even say adventure/mystery is even my favorite (though action movies certainly are at the top of my movie preference list!), but this teenager-turned-spy plot isn't too bad! Set in London, England, Alex Rider finds himself forced to help save the world from an evil villain with an unknown plot. 

I can see boys absolutely loving this series. Alex Rider gets to have a 007-like experience, complete with gadgets, a mysterious boss, and a crazy enemy. Herod Stayle even has a huge jellyfish as a pet. 

39 Clues: The Maze of Bones (#1)

Title: The Maze of Bones

Author: Rick Riordan

Genre: Fiction-Adventure

# of Pages: 220

Books Read: 1/50

I've been intrigued by this series ever since it was first published. I'm intrigued by the cards and codes a reader can play along with online. I didn't try it out myself (yet), but I think it's really cool! Another aspect of this series that I love is that each book is written by a different author. There are some amazing writers out there, and they are all collaborating to create this adventure series. 

This book is the beginning, so the characters and story are introduced. Amy is your typical bookworm older sister, and younger brother Dan is decidedly quirky and curious. They're off on a National Treasure style race for clues following the death of their wealthy grandmother. They're orphans, and they have a bunch of creepy family members as their enemies trying to beat them to the prize. Reminds me a little too much of Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events, but I'm still loving the book! Like the movie, National Treasure, there are tons of references to real people and events in history. This book centers around Benjamin Franklin, and I found myself learning tons of cool facts. I'm curious to see where else in the world this series takes its characters, and what other historic figures get a shout out!