My Monday posts are generally just a highlight of what I've been reading during the week so if you'd like to see all that I've been reading, follow my Goodreads page.
Last week I reviewed:
Press Play by Eric Devine
Viva Frida by Yuyi Morales
Finished reading with my ears:
Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith by Deborah Heiligman
A solid, interesting read about the life of Charles Darwin and his wife Emma. I'm still scratching my head as to why it was marketed as YA though. Seemed more like an adult read to me.
Bomb: The Race to Build - and Steal - the World's Most Dangerous Weapon by Steve Sheinkin
I actually read this book last year, but it's required reading this week for my prizing children's literature class, so I thought I'd give the audio a go. Whether you choose to read it or listen to it, this is one fascinating read.
Still reading:
Winger by Andrew Smith
Still really enjoying this, but other reading obligations for my grad classes are making this slow-going. At least I've finally passed the page 100 mark. Baby steps, right?
Currently reading with my ears:
Monster by Walter Dean Myers
This is another selection for my prizing children's literature class. I decided to listen to the audio instead of read it because the screenplay format was not very engaging to me. I'm still finding the format a little vexing as I'm listening, but at least it's easier to picture events in my mind as I listen to the different character voices.
On my teaching blog I wrote:
5 things I loved about last week
Bomb is an amazing book - we read it for non fiction book clubs in my sixth grade class. I know what you mean about the Darwin book, though - too bad, because my sixth graders are genuinely interested in the topic...until they begin reading the book!
ReplyDeleteI struggled with Monster--I think because of the format. Occasionally I have required it in my Adolescent Lit class, but not recently. I was reading Winger so slowly that it had to be returned to the library. I'm going to try to get it again soon before I forget everything that's happening! Bomb is certainly one of my favorite nonfiction reads of the past couple of years.
ReplyDeleteI've heard a lot of good things about Winger, but haven't tried it yet! Actually all of the books you have listed are books I haven't read. Since my school only goes to 4th, I stay more primary and elementary, and venture out here and there. I'll be looking forward to seeing your thoughts on Winger!
ReplyDeleteI love all of these audio books you are listening to! I have had BOMB on my TBR list for way too long. Thanks for giving me a kick in the butt that I should read it!
ReplyDeleteI'd like to read Charles and Emma, but probably will never get to it, too many other adult books I'd like to get to. I've heard this complaint before, hope there's another book that will be good for students. I loved Bomb, all his books really, but I enjoy NF a lot. I have Winger, need to read it, too-whew, loads of good books available make my choices challenging!
ReplyDeleteI own a copy of Myers' Monster, but haven't had a chance to read it yet. Read BOMB but abandoned it a few months back, not because of the writing, but I had to return it to the library. I hope I can get back to it soon enough. It really is a fascinating story.
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