My Current To-Read List

I have a very LONG list of books to read. Below are just a FEW books I am hoping to read by the end of 2016.

1. Sam the Man and the Chicken Plan by Frances O'Roark Dowell











2. Me and My Big Mouth (Zack Delacruz, #1) by Jeff Anderson

3. Garvey's Choice by Nikki Grimes (this one is written in verse)

4. Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm











5. Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George

Nine, Ten

I recently read Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story by Nora Raleigh Baskin. This is one of three recent books about September 11th published. Towers Falling would is another great middle grade novel while The Memory of Things: A Novel is more appropriate for middle school and high school readers.

Nine, Ten takes place a few days before September 11th. We meet four kids, all at the airport. Aimee is nervous about her mom's new job and going to a new school far from home. Naheed is getting funny looks at her new school about the head scarf she wears. Will is still reeling after the unexpected death of his father, and Sergio, who lives with his grandmother, is dealing with his feelings about his own father who abandoned him long ago. These four young people live in different parts of the United States and come from different backgrounds and experiences. We get to know each of these young people in the days just before September 11th.

This is an interesting look at the events of September 11th and how that day--sunny and bright--forever changed our country. It is also the story of kids...kids adjusting to new schools and kids adjusting to challenges they should not have to face at such young ages.

Seaglass Summer

 I just finished Seaglass Summer written by Anjali Banerjee. This book tells the story of Poppy's month-long visit to Nisqually Island, Washington to stay with her veterinarian uncle. Poppy LOVES animals, but due to her mother's allergy to anything with fur, Poppy has never been able to have a pet. She dreams of being a veterinarian herself one day, and is so excited to spend this time with Uncle Sanjay at the Furry Friends Animal Clinic. She quickly learns the the joy of working with animals--and the challenges.

I enjoyed reading chapter after chapter of Poppy's adventures at the vet clinic, as well as the time she is able to spend with Uncle Sanjay, Stu (Uncle Sanjay's sweet but gassy dog), and her new friend Hawk. Poppy learns a lot about herself and what she is able to accomplish when she puts her mind to it.

I would highly recommend this story and have already gifted it to a few of my animal-loving friends.

Waylon! One Awesome Thing

When I first saw this book, I immediately wanted to read it because I have a nephew named Waylon. I also had read Clementine and this book is written by the same author, Sara Pennypacker. Turns out, Clementine makes an appearance in this book, too. I believe it is the first in a series.

Waylon is a fourth grade science whiz. He has many ideas including human gills and teleportation. He even starts recording his ideas in a journal. He loves dogs and likes to be friends with everyone. However, things in Waylon's life start to change. Arlo Brody, a boy in Waylon's class, wants to group all the boys into two groups. Waylon would prefer to just be friends with everyone, except for the scary new kid, Baxter. At home, Waylon's sister is distancing herself from the rest of the family. Waylon just wants things to be like they used to be. Waylon's world feels out of control...but something happens that just might bring it all back together.

If you like characters like Clementine, Henry Ribsy and Hank Zipster, you might really enjoy Waylon!

The War That Saved My Life

When another teacher gave me this book, which was on my "to read" list, she said once I started it I would not be able to put it down. She was right. The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley was SO GOOD. It was a combination of historical fiction and family drama and tells the story of a young girl who discovers her own self-worth.

Ada has been kept inside a one-room flat by her mother because of her twisted foot. She watches the world go by outside of her city window and is emotionally abused and neglected by her mother. World War II is looming, and in preparation, children are sent out of the city and to the country to escape the expected bombs. When Ada's little brother Jamie is sent to the country to escape, Ada takes a huge chance...and escapes with him.

Ada and Jamie are reluctantly taken in by Susan Smith. Ada and Jamie discover the new world around them. Ada teaches herself to ride a pony, she begins to learn to read and she discovers all she does not know. Susan begins to love the children and the three of them form a family.

As the war comes closer to the village, Susan, Ada and Jamie prepare for the bombs and realize that the war might not be the thing that threatens to separate them.

I loved this story. Ada grows so much from the beginning to the end and it is amazing to see her progress. This book is very well-written and I would highly recommend it!

Graphic Novels

I have recently read three incredible graphic novels all featuring quirky, smart, strong young girls. Click the link below and listen to my first screen-cast/book talk.

http://www.touchcast.com/smarquardt/graphic_novels/?ref=smarquardt&p=channel