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

Dear Hank Williams

I found this book while I was at our local library with my children. I was browsing, as I almost always do, the new children's and young adult section. Because my husband loves old country music, the title caught my attention. I recognized the author's name and so I picked it up and read the synopsis. I checked it out and it waited on my bedside table for a few weeks. I finally read it! This story is the story of Tate P. Ellerbee, a girl living in Rippling Creek, Louisiana with her great aunt and uncle. It is 1948 and Tate's teacher has given her class the assignment of finding and communicating with a pen pal. Tate chooses to write letters to Hank Williams, who she listens to on the radio with her aunt and uncle.  She writes to Hank Williams about school, her family, her fears, what happens during her day and what she hopes for most in this life. The book is written entirely in letters and we see the world in 1948 Louisiana through Tate's eyes. What I loved most about this book was the voice of Tate shining through these pages. There are unexpected twists, interesting characters and a lovable dog.

Clementine

When I was young, I LOVED the Ramona books written by Beverly Clearly. I recently read one of the Clementine books by Sara Pennypacker. Clementine very much reminded me of Ramona. She is smart and sassy 3rd grader, her adventures are fun to read and she is easy to relate to. In Completely Clementine, Clementine is NOT speaking to her father due to the fact that he ate a hamburger. Her mother is about to have a baby, too. She does not want summer to come because that will mean Mr. D'Matz will not be her 3rd grade teacher anymore. She doesn't want to say goodbye. How will Clementine deal with all that is changing in her life? This book reminded me of those Ramona books I loved so much as a girl.