What Are You Reading?

“It’s Monday! What are you Reading?” is hosted by Sheila at Book Journey. It is a chance for book lovers to share their reading accomplishments as well as what is on the proverbial nightstand. She even does a giveaway. Subsequently Jen and Kellee at Teach Mentor Texts added an opportunity for those reading kidlit to join the fun. Since I read both I will post to both. Check them out, join the conversations, and discover more great books.

Must haves for my classroom library are marked with *.

The Mystery of the Fool and The Vanisher by David & Ruth Elwand

*Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson
This was the first of her books I read and I could not put it down. I now can’t keep any of them in my room as the kids are lined up to read them, girls and boys alike. She writes these historical fiction books with a balance of action, history, and relationships – something for everyone.

Bunnicula by Deborah & James Howe
Somehow I had managed to go all these years without reading this book. Now I have, and will check the color of my vegetables if we ever have a bunny in the house.

*Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson
See Fever 1793 above.

Homeless Bird by Gloria Whelan

Racing in the Rain: My Life as a Dog by Garth Stein
I expected a heartwarming look at life through a dog’s eyes. I was not ready for the intensity of life experiences the human characters were to experience. Some people can be so evil!

Infinity Ring Book One: Mutiny in Time by James Dashner
I think the adventure of these books will draw kids in and could help to reinforce their understanding of history (or totally confuse them – one or the other!)

*Sabriel by Garth Nix
I had a student in mind as I was reading this and he loved it, even with a female protagonist. Great fantasy / adventure for strong readers. Now I need to see if I can get the rest of the trilogy through my library for my Kindle.

The Magician’s Elephant by Kate DiCamillo

Good Girls by Laura Ruby
Our librarian recommended this one. Not one either of use would keep on our shelves, but perhaps for the right student. Excellent reminder that choices you make can come back to haunt you.

Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard
I was not impressed and won’t read the rest of the series, but at least I have an idea what they are about.