When You Reach Me

I decided to read When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead because it won the Newbery Medal for 2010. It's about 12-year-old Miranda, living in New York in 1979. We learn all about Miranda's life--her life as a latchkey child with her single mom, the crazy "Laughing Man" who lives on the corner, and her lunch-time, no-pay job at the sandwich shop down the road. Life is pretty good for Miranda until her best friend Sal suddenly stops talking to her, and then she starts finding mysterious notes that imply that a tragic death of a friend will happen.

This was a really good book. I loved the perspective it was written from--really from the mind and heart of this 12-year-old. The character said the most typical yet thoughftul things in her narrative throughout the book. I really became connected to her and her experiences as I read. It was also a kind of clever book in the way things came together. It was a really enjoyable, quick read.

Rating: * * * (3/3 = Loved it)

Extra Credit

Extra Credit is one of Andrew Clements's newest school stories, and since I've read a lot of them before, I wanted to read this one too. It's the story of a 6th grader named Abby who is given an extra credit project to help her pass 6th grade. She is given a pen pal in Afghanistan and has to correspond, writing at least 3 letters to display in the classroom. The book follows Abby as well as Sadeed in Afghanistan in their unique pen pal assignment.

This was a cute book. I think it'd be a great book for kids to learn a little more about another culture as well as to see evidence of intolerance in both America and Afghanistan. The story was fun, and as always with Andrew Clements's books, it just told a story of what might really happen with kids in school nowadays.

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)

A Town Like Alice

I read A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute for book club. It is about a young English woman named Jean who works in Malay and becomes a prisoner of war. Along with other women and children, she is part of a Japanese death march all across the country during World War II. This book tells of what happens to her during the death march as well as after she survives.

This book was the quickest read of the books I've read lately. It involved me a lot more, even though parts of it still seemed to throw in unnecessary details or accounts. I liked the historical aspect of it even though it wasn't based on completely accurate historical events. It was a nice story that really gave a glimpse into the life of a prisoner of war. It was also a bit of a chick flick at times, which I enjoyed.

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)

Enchantment

A friend recommended Enchantment by Orson Scott Card and lent me the book. Enchantment is the story of Ivan, who spends his childhood in Russia but then moves to America with his parents. As a child in Russia, he came across a mysterious woman sleeping on a pedestal in the woods near a relative's home. Years later, he feels drawn to go back and see if that woman is still there. The book tells the story of what happens as he becomes part of her 9th century world.

I liked this book. It was kind of slow for me at the beginning, but once I got into it, I was very anxious to see what would happen by the end. It was a unique story, unlike other books I've read. The characters were very likable and believable. It was also an interesting read because there was some references to Russian folk tales as well as a period in history I didn't know much about.

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)

Midnight Rider

My little sister Molly recommended Midnight Rider by Joan Hiatt Harlow as one of her favorite books. Since I tend to love children's historical fiction, I decided to read it. Midnight Rider is the story of 14-year-old Hannah, living in 1775. When she is forced to work as an indentured servant after being orphaned, Hannah finds herself in the home of a British general. Along with her own desires for freedom, Hannah soon becomes sympathetic to the cause of the American colonies. With her horse, Promise, Hannah becomes a midnight rider to help the cause she feels matters most.

I really enjoyed this book. Like most historical fiction books, it was so enlightening to read because of all the historical facts and characters included in the story. It was fun to read this story's take on what individuals may have felt through their experiences during the American Revolution.

Rating: * * * (3/3 = Loved it)

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days

Last year, lots of my students loved the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books. I wasn't convinced, but one day while my students were at recess, I picked up one of the books on a student's desk to glance through it. And it was hilarious. I decided I might as well give them a try. So, here I am, reading book 4 in the series after being on hold at the library for at least a month. The Diary of a Wimpy Kid books are about a boy named Greg and his middle school life, entertaining family, and weird friends. The books are written in the form of a diary with little doodles.

This book was entertaining. I couldn't help but laugh aloud at times. I really think this author is a complete goof, and I have no idea where he comes up with this stuff. But it's funny. The best thing about these books is that they take less than an hour (easily) to read. (Then I don't feel that bad about wasting my life reading it.) An enjoyable read.

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)

Savvy

I chose to read Savvy by Ingrid Law because it was a Newbery Honor book. This book is about Mibs Beaumont, who is anxiously awaiting her very near 13th birthday. In her family, turning 13 is special because that's when you discover your savvy. One of her brothers can control electricity; another can start hurricanes. Then, days before her birthday, her dad ends up in the hospital in critical condition--leaving Mibs without her parents on her big day. This book follows Mibs's adventure as she comes to discover her savvy.

This book was okay. It took me a long time to get through (even though it's not a long book). It had some fun ideas, and a few really likeable characters (particularly Will Junior, who crushes on Mibs). Overall, though, I didn't feel like the plot or story line was exceptionally strong. I liked reading it most of the time, but I didn't feel there was anything too wonderful or special about it. I really feel like Newbery award winners (medals/honors) are hit and miss. Some I absolutely LOVE, and others, I really don't know why they were winners. Good thing I'm not a judge.

Rating: * (1/3 = It was okay.)