Last week I reviewed:
Starters by Lissa Price
Last week I also finished reading:
Grasshopper Jungle by Andrew Smith
I don't even know how to describe this book other than it defies labels. You just have to read it for yourself. I don't even think I can review this one. I'm going to have to ruminate over it for a while.
Picture books I really enjoyed last week:
Rooting for You by Susan Hood, illustrated by Matthew Cordell
When a little seed is scared to sprout, his underground friends encourage him to keep growing so he can become what he is meant to be. Less an educational book about how seeds become plants than a book that shows the benefit of taking risks in life to become who you were meant to be. The ending was absolutely perfect. It just made me feel good.
This is a Moose by Richard T. Morris, illustrated by Tom Lichtenfeld
A thoroughly enjoyable read all around: great illustrations and hilarious story. I could see this being a read aloud hit. My favorite part is duck's realization at the end.
Sparky! by Jenny Offill, illustrated by Chris Appelhans
I feel like you can't go wrong when you write a story about a pet sloth.
Currently Reading:
Thrive: 5 Ways to (Re)Invigorate Your Teaching by Meenoo Rami
Currently reading with my ears:
Boston Jane by Jennifer L. Holm
Panic by Lauren Oliver
Current giveaway (ends today):
The Secret Side of Empty by Maria E. Andreau
Posts last week from my teaching blog, Use Your Outside Voice:
The day the music died
#MRA14 in tweets
What are your thoughts on Grasshopper Jungle? Seems a bit controversial for school. The content seems VERY adult! Would you agree?
ReplyDeleteHmm. Boston Jane- Loved reading this ages ago... Lovely picture books this week! Happy reading to you!
ReplyDeleteI'm reading Thrive too--hoping to finish and review sometime over the next week. I found Grasshopper Jungle at the library last week--so excited that I no longer have to wait in line for a student's copy. I will probably cave and order Sparky this week. I have a soft spot for sloths!
ReplyDeleteI requested Sparky! from my library and can't wait to get it. I have Grasshopper Jungle at home, just waiting for me to finish all the books I am muddling through. I excited to finally see what all the fuss is about. ~Megan
ReplyDeletehttp://wp.me/zUn5
I am starting Thrive, as well! We are all in the Thrive boat together…thriving!
ReplyDeleteI was about to start Grasshopper Jungle last night, and then I got distracted. I am glad to see your review. It inspires me to get on it! Have a great reading week!
I loved Sparky! too. Had to buy it to own. Just too funny. I love the look of the Moose title - humorous read alouds are loved by my students!
ReplyDeleteBeth, I am so anxious to read Grasshopper Jungle. I saw the cover a few weeks ago and instantly knew it was a perfect match for me. At least I hope so. It's probably because I like green covers. Although I have heard that green covers don't sell as well as other colors. I root for the underdog.
ReplyDeleteThis is a Moose reminded me of Oliver Jeffers' This Moose Belongs to Me. I received a review copy of The grasshopper jungle and am looking forward to reading the novel for our Sci Fi reading theme in a few months' time. The Meenoo Rami PD book sounds like a great read. :)
ReplyDeleteI think I am going to investigate Thrive. I have seen several people reading it recently. I thought Sparky was cute though the ending was not quite how I had envisioned it. I have Grasshopper Jungle checked out right now, but have had many books standing in line ahead of it. Soon though.
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