Secrets of my Hollywood Life

Okay, so I'll admit I bought this for students in my classroom b/c it was sooooo pretty AND it was suggested for fans of Meg Cabot's books, or Ann Brashareare's Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. I wasn't sure if it was as negative as the 'Clique' books, but I knew it couldn't be any worse. The good news is, they're gobbling it up, BUT it does border on self centered teen affliction, OMG era we seem to be stuck in right now. My question is this, Is it better to get kids to read, or is it better that they read this?

Magic Tree House Books We All Remember the Memories

Whether you're old or young you love Magic Tree House books. Our favorite characters are Annie and Jack. They have adventures in every book in the series. Mariah's favorite is when it is Christmas time at Magic Tree House and Annie and Jack got frozen! They were unfrozen in time for a great Christmas!

Numbering All the Bones

Okay, I know you're not loving this at first, but you're going to make some major connections here. These connections aren't going to be pretty, in fact, some you'll find shocking and hurtful, but if you're studying the horrors of the Civil War, this book is an essential read. I love that we'll be reading it together, as we can make so many connections from life, text, world, and sadly, after our trip to the museum, you will truly understand why we've read this. I hope you give it a chance...but what are you feeling right now? Remember this would be historical fiction, it is AR, and it is worth 5 points, and a 4.2 level, (not that you would care, because you'll love this book)...

And Speaking of Walter Dean Myers...

Did you know he was the leader of writing about urban youth? He also wrote one of many biographies about Muhammad Ali that I cherish. I've seen a lot of you with Slam, Monster, and Fallen Angels...so, tell me what you think? He recently came out of retirement to write Sunrise of Fallujah, which I have if you're interested...The man is a legend.

The Bluford Series

Apparently these books are awesome...reminiscent of Walter Dean Myers' look at urban life through literature, young readers are eating these books up. What has been your experience with the series? One student just wrote the author/publisher and received a poster and their newest book to be released. Do you think their subject matter is appropriate for teens here? What are your thoughts?

What About You?

What books or series would you like to see on this blog? It doesn't have to be AR, just literature to get young folks blogging. Even the Clique series if we must...:)

Gordan Korman Rocks!!!

I know Gordan Korman has reached so many of you young readers in numerous ways with his various series books. Which are your favorites? Did you know he has a new series out? What do you think of it? Did you enjoy his visit to Talawanda? Which do you relate to? Which do you prefer and why? Which were you surprised that you didn't like? Give me some feedback!

What's the deal with the Twilight series?

There seems to be some misconception that these are girl books. Let me tell you I have just as many guys testing on them as girls. But what is the attraction to them? What makes S. Meyers such an amazing author? I'm interested in your feedback.