RI Mock Newbery 2014 - Voting List

(I will be adding to this post as I make it through the list ... favorites at the top)


Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I LOVED THIS BOOK. I loved Nate, I loved the silliness, I loved the rollercoaster plot, I loved the ending phone call (spoiler: there's a sequel in the works). The absolute perfect book for all the misfits who want to make it to Broadway. As well as anyone who enjoys middle-grade fiction. I laughed out loud so many times, I am now following Tim Federle on Twitter.

My one reservation re: buying for school is the use of the word "fag" (and variations thereof). I feel like it's reaching the forbidden status of the R and N words - even if it's only used by jerkface characters. In fact, a Google search on the topic just brought up articles about a UFC fighter named Nate who got suspended for using the word. Any advice from other school librarians?


View all my reviews Paperboy by Vince Vawter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I had thought I was sick of coming-of-age novels, but then I read this one. SO GOOD. Reduced me to tears several times. The narrator wants so desperately to understand everything and to be understood. He types up a list of questions for Mr. Spiro (p.66):

1. Why do most grown-ups treat me like I'm not a real human being?
2. When does a kid become a grown-up?
3. What can I do to be smart like you?

Killed me. As did "So both of us ended up doing something we didn't really want to do so we could make the other feel good."(p. 212)

I feel like there were no wasted words or actions in the book. Perhaps a vestige of Vawter's newspaper days? RIYL Okay for Now by Gary Schmidt.


Far Far Away by Tom McNeal
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am not entirely sold on the singing, but other than that, what a great way to do Grimm.



 


The Water Castle by Megan Frazer Blakemore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Blakemore pulled me in right from the start, and I ended up reading this all in one day. I liked the way she weaves in the stories of the race to reach the North Pole as well as mentioning the work of some of the scientists of that time (like poor Tesla). And I LOVED the thought that maybe what we consider to be magic is just science that hasn't been discovered yet. A classroom teacher could create an entire interdisciplinary unit or three using the novel as a jumping-off point.

I do have to say that I was surprised at how abruptly it ended. As I was nearing the last several pages, I kept wondering how all the loose ends would be tied up. They weren't. Not sure if this is for mysteriousness/discussion purposes or as a lead-in to a sequel.


Locomotive by Brian Floca
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I initially read this book as a potential Mock Caldecott readaloud and crossed it off the list immediately for being too long; I generally try to read two or three titles per 30-minute class. But then it showed up on the RI Mock Newbery list, so I decided to give it another try. And I'm so glad I did.

Through his artwork, Floca manages to make you feel like you're on a train while feeding you bits of incredibly interesting information. Running a steam engine without wrecking the train and/or killing anyone was really hard work!


The Year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What I loved most about this book is that Billy is so normal, and his stressors are so mundane. Unless, of course, you are in second grade and have a hint of generalized anxiety disorder.




Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I laughed, I cried, I adored this book ... until about the final quarter when it got a little too philosophical and then got a little too far-fetched. Really, Pattie? After just a couple of months you are ready to go into a joint custody relationship with someone? Who happened to win $20,000? To go with your secret fortune that was stashed away while your kids had to sleep on the floor of a garage? What?!?

I did really love Willow, though, and her observations about other people as she strove to understand them. The first 200 pages were delightful, if also tragic and stressful.
 

One Came Home by Amy Timberlake
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 stars if that were an option. The writing is glorious. The plot is mostly linear, with some confusing flashbacks. The very end seemed unnecessary. I will definitely consider purchasing for some of my kids who request "adventure" books.




P.S. Be Eleven by Rita Williams-Garcia
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

If you haven't read One Crazy Summer, you may be very confused at the beginning of this book. But stick with it if you like coming-of-age novels with likeable main characters.

As the oldest of three girls whose mom left years ago, Delphine parentifies herself and is shocked when her dad's girlfriend calls her (in Delphine's mind) an "oppressor" of her sisters. She so wants to be grown up, but in a series of letters, her mother keeps telling her to "Be eleven."

Which she is when screaming over the Jackson Five or pouting over the dorky clothes her grandmother (Big Ma) buys her. But not when she is struggling with questions of identity and realizations about the adults in her life.


Doll Bones by Holly Black
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

So this is more of a feelings novel, about putting away childish things and navigating changing relationships, than a scary adventure book. Not that there isn't adventure - bus rides and piracy and breakins - or scariness - creepy doll that may or may not be a dead girl. But it wasn't what I expected.

Black writes well; the prose pulled me along effortlessly (as opposed to a couple of other books I started this week). And the plot has a mix of elements that my kids will like. So I will plan to add to the collection when I can. But I will also be on the lookout for a cheap copy of "A Drowned Maiden's Hair" by Laura Amy Schlitz for those who prefer more Gothic, less realistic (and fewer cell phones).

p. 75: "He wondered whether growing up was learning that most stories turned out to be lies."


Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass by Meg Medina
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is the kind of book that should be required reading in middle and high school, not doorstop "classics." Not that I don't personally like Dickens and poor old Tess of the D'Urbervilles. But if you want to get kids thinking about characters' motives - not to mention their own when it comes to the social horrors of adolescence - and participating in a discussion, then you need to assign relevant plots with easily readable prose.

Really hope the title doesn't lead to school library censorship attempts.


The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp by Kathi Appelt
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I resisted this for a while because of the premise ... talking raccoons? And a swamp creature? Really? However, fellow librarians talked it up at our October meeting, and it's on our list of finalists, so I gave it another try. It helped that Lyle Lovett read it to me.

All in all, a mildly entertaining tale reminiscent of Carl Hiassen's books but with some fantasy thrown in. It was ok. Not sure I'd be able to get anyone to read it, though, with the exception of one preschooler (if when he hits 3rd grade he is still obsessed with raccoons).


Zebra Forest by Adina Rishe Gewirtz
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Zzzzzzzz. Well written, but not much happens besides reading "Treasure Island" a bunch of times. I am most sympathetic with Rew.






Navigating Early by Clare Vanderpool
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Vanderpool's writing is great, but as the chapters unfolded, it couldn't save the plot from becoming COMPLETELY ANNOYING. I really didn't like the Pi story, and I really really didn't like the way it had parallels during the trek through the woods. Glad to be done.

RI Mock Newbery Reads - December 2013

I will be adding to the list as I make my way through the nominees ... favorites closest to the top.


Far Far Away by Tom McNeal
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am not entirely sold on the singing, but other than that, what a great way to do Grimm.



 

Locomotive by Brian Floca
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I initially read this book as a potential Mock Caldecott readaloud and crossed it off the list immediately for being too long; I generally try to read two or three titles per 30-minute class. But then it showed up on the RI Mock Newbery list, so I decided to give it another try. And I'm so glad I did.

Through his artwork, Floca manages to make you feel like you're on a train while feeding you bits of incredibly interesting information. Running a steam engine without wrecking the train and/or killing anyone was really hard work!


View all my reviews The Real Boy by Anne Ursu
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

What does it take to be a person? Do our memories define us? What if society's memories are altered by historians? Would you rely on magic v. yourself if it were available to you? Heady themes for a kid to ponder.




Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures by Kate DiCamillo
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

At first I loved it, but as I made my way to the end, I shed a little bit of that love each time DiCamillo piled on each additional quirk. I did maintain my positive feelings, however, towards drama queen William Spiver and the excellent squirrel poet Ulysses.


Listening for Lucca by Suzanne LaFleur
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Huh? What the heck was that horrible ending? I felt like I was reading the script for one of the recent, incredibly lame Doctor Who episodes. SPOILER ALERT:

"I will just will myself into your body in the past! I will talk to your brother - after miraculously snapping him out of his PTSD - like a self-help author! I will LITERALLY FIND THE KEY to unlocking Lucca's muteness! I will get confirmation from the elderly neighbor that I have changed the past!"

What started out as a standard realistic family problem book with a supernatural twist turned into something ludicrous. So disappointing. It seems like the majority of books I'm reading lately start strong and then taper off to blah. Where are all of the editors?

Blooming Orange

Here's a nice graphic from Smart Tutor that gives seven action verbs for each level of Bloom's taxonomy.

Mock Newbery Reads - October 2013

I will be adding to the list as I make my way through the nominees ... favorites closest to the top.


Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I LOVED THIS BOOK. I loved Nate, I loved the silliness, I loved the rollercoaster plot, I loved the ending phone call (spoiler: there's a sequel in the works). The absolute perfect book for all the misfits who want to make it to Broadway. As well as anyone who enjoys middle-grade fiction. I laughed out loud so many times, I am now following Tim Federle on Twitter.

My one reservation re: buying for school is the use of the word "fag" (and variations thereof). I feel like it's reaching the forbidden status of the R and N words - even if it's only used by jerkface characters. In fact, a Google search on the topic just brought up articles about a UFC fighter named Nate who got suspended for using the word. Any advice from other school librarians?


Paperboy by Vince Vawter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I had thought I was sick of coming-of-age novels, but then I read this one. SO GOOD. Reduced me to tears several times. The narrator wants so desperately to understand everything and to be understood. He types up a list of questions for Mr. Spiro (p.66):

1. Why do most grown-ups treat me like I'm not a real human being?
2. When does a kid become a grown-up?
3. What can I do to be smart like you?

Killed me. As did "So both of us ended up doing something we didn't really want to do so we could make the other feel good."(p. 212)

I feel like there were no wasted words or actions in the book. Perhaps a vestige of Vawter's newspaper days? RIYL Okay for Now by Gary Schmidt.


The Year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What I loved most about this book is that Billy is so normal, and his stressors are so mundane. Unless, of course, you are in second grade and have a hint of generalized anxiety disorder.




Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I laughed, I cried, I adored this book ... until about the final quarter when it got a little too philosophical and then got a little too far-fetched. Really, Pattie? After just a couple of months you are ready to go into a joint custody relationship with someone? Who happened to win $20,000? To go with your secret fortune that was stashed away while your kids had to sleep on the floor of a garage? What?!?

I did really love Willow, though, and her observations about other people as she strove to understand them. The first 200 pages were delightful, if also tragic and stressful.


Beholding Bee by Kimberly Newton Fusco
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

2.5 stars. I finished this book a week ago, and I can't really remember much now; it didn't have much of an impact. I remember being dismayed by the carnival and mean old Ellis, annoyed by the otherworldliness of Mrs. Swift and Mrs. Potter, and disgusted at the way that anyone who was different - even if only physically - was hidden away in the "special" class with no supplies. But I never felt very connected to Bee.


Zebra Forest by Adina Rishe Gewirtz
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Zzzzzzzz. Well written, but not much happens besides reading "Treasure Island" a bunch of times. I am most sympathetic with Rew.





Hokey Pokey by Jerry Spinelli
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Has Mr. Spinelli earned a completely free pass from editors? I found this to be ghastly. Granted, I only made it through disc 1 of 5. The grating narration didn't help. Certainly there was imagination poured into the work. But it felt dystopian (even as it was developing a kids' paradise) and creepy. I didn't like any of the characters. I didn't care about Jack finding his bike. Or growing up. I just wanted it to end.

Mock Caldecott 2014 Reads - Batch 2

My second-grade Mock Caldecott unit doesn't quite follow the exact criteria of the official award, because I'm also reading for how much I think the story will entertain my students. Here are some that made the cut:

source: us.penguingroup.com

The Day the Crayons Quit
Author: Drew Daywalt
Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers

Really, what else can you do for a related activity but set the kids loose with crayons? Well, I guess you could have them write complaint letters. Hmm. Not sure I want to go that route. Maybe we'll talk about the color wheel and do that trick where you use opposite colors, stare at them, and then look at a white surface and see the correct colors in the afterimage.

Here is that optical illusion and some others.

source: hachettebookgroup.com

The Dark
Author: Lemony Snicket
Illustrator: Jon Klassen

When I saw these two had teamed up, I almost fainted. Which is why I already read this book to my kids last year, when they were first graders. I loved the range of predictions as to what would happen when Laszlo went into the basement: from "I think it's his parents playing a trick on him!" to "I think he's going to be dead!" And then I got to show them these videos:

Grr, the other one is coming up as Not Found in Blogspot, even though I can view it on Youtube. It's the "Light / Dark" song with the guy cutting a hole in the wall ...

source: missmoorethought
otherwise.com

Miss Moore Thought Otherwise
Author: Jan Pinborough
Illustrator: Debby Atwell

Even if this book were terrible, how could I not want to read it? It's about a Miss Moore who believes in libraries for children! Luckily, the book is great. I've read several picture-book biographies this summer, and I think this is the best of the bunch. Kid-friendly, but fairly complete in its storytelling of a life. And the title tag line just works so well.

Take a look at Nicholas Knickerbocker's treasures!

source: us.penguingroup.com

Time-Out for Sophie
Rosemary Wells

I anticipate many dramatic stories of younger siblings and their bad behavior. Open to any ideas for accompanying activities.

source: disney.go.com

Unicorn Thinks He's Pretty Great
Bob Shea

Goofy but with a message ... get to know people (or, in this case, animals) before you judge them. Will pair well with Bear & Bee.

I'm trying to incorporate music into my lessons this year, so I think I will teach the kids The Unicorn Song. Although I do remember being very sad when I heard it when I was little. Those poor frisky unicorns. But hey, they weren't listening or following directions ... see what happens, kids?? Consequences!

The World is Waiting for You

source: randomhouse.com

Author: Barbara Kerley
Photographers: Various

I am not sure if this book would qualify for the official award, not because it is illustrated with photographs (see Betsy Bird's 2010 post about this), but because the photos weren't taken specifically to go with the text. Regardless, they are gorgeous and inspiring. I loved this before I even realized that it alternates between kids having fun and adults doing the same activities as a career. This may be the new go-to graduation gift!

Play the Virginia Career View game.

Mock Newbery Reads - September 2013

I will be adding to the list as I make my way through the nominees ... favorites closest to the top.


The Water Castle by Megan Frazer Blakemore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Blakemore pulled me in right from the start, and I ended up reading this all in one day. I liked the way she weaves in the stories of the race to reach the North Pole as well as mentioning the work of some of the scientists of that time (like poor Tesla). And I LOVED the thought that maybe what we consider to be magic is just science that hasn't been discovered yet. A classroom teacher could create an entire interdisciplinary unit or three using the novel as a jumping-off point.

I do have to say that I was surprised at how abruptly it ended. As I was nearing the last several pages, I kept wondering how all the loose ends would be tied up. They weren't. Not sure if this is for mysteriousness/discussion purposes or as a lead-in to a sequel.


A Tangle of Knots by Lisa Graff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lots of characters to keep track of as you figure out how they're connected. Same narration style throughout, but I think that's fine, since it's third-person. (I hate when authors alternate viewpoints but everyone sounds the same.) Nitpick: I don't like the concept of Fate in our world, so I reject it in this one.

Good quote: p. 204: "If Marigold had learned anything that week, it was that trying hard and being a good person didn't always meant that good things would happen to you. But maybe it did mean that others might try on your behalf."

I think a lot of my rising 4th and 5th graders would like this one. I just hope they don't freak out about the world "Damn."


View all my reviews The Matchbox Diary by Paul Fleischman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When you find your eyes full of tears after you close a book, when you didn't even realize it was packing an emotional wallop, then it was probably a pretty well done book.

Lovely structure: a great-grandfather telling the story of his life through little objects nestled inside matchbooks. It's a classic tale of early-20th-centry immigration to an America decidedly NOT paved in gold, presented in a new way.


One Came Home by Amy Timberlake
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 stars if that were an option. The writing is glorious. The plot is mostly linear, with some confusing flashbacks. The very end seemed unnecessary. I will definitely consider purchasing for some of my kids who request "adventure" books.




P.S. Be Eleven by Rita Williams-Garcia
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

If you haven't read One Crazy Summer, you may be very confused at the beginning of this book. But stick with it if you like coming-of-age novels with likeable main characters.

As the oldest of three girls whose mom left years ago, Delphine parentifies herself and is shocked when her dad's girlfriend calls her (in Delphine's mind) an "oppressor" of her sisters. She so wants to be grown up, but in a series of letters, her mother keeps telling her to "Be eleven."

Which she is when screaming over the Jackson Five or pouting over the dorky clothes her grandmother (Big Ma) buys her. But not when she is struggling with questions of identity and realizations about the adults in her life.
[Big Ma's departure seemed abrupt, and I didn't think it came across that her absence had much of an impact on the family. (hide spoiler)]


Doll Bones by Holly Black
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

So this is more of a feelings novel, about putting away childish things and navigating changing relationships, than a scary adventure book. Not that there isn't adventure - bus rides and piracy and breakins - or scariness - creepy doll that may or may not be a dead girl. But it wasn't what I expected.

Black writes well; the prose pulled me along effortlessly (as opposed to a couple of other books I started this week). And the plot has a mix of elements that my kids will like. So I will plan to add to the collection when I can. But I will also be on the lookout for a cheap copy of "A Drowned Maiden's Hair" by Laura Amy Schlitz for those who prefer more Gothic, less realistic (and fewer cell phones).

p. 75: "He wondered whether growing up was learning that most stories turned out to be lies."


The Center of Everything by Linda Urban
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It irritates me when information is held back even as you're being told how important it is. For example, why is Ruby upset? What was her wish?

The concept of fate and "signs" also makes me roll me eyes ... although I can see how a kid would believe in them.

And I can get confused when every few pages shift back and forth between present and past, as well as between characters, some of whose heads I'm not sure why we're in (like Hansel ... unless it's for comic relief?)

Finally, space-time continuum theories give me a headache.

All that being said, I ended up liking the one ok, mostly because of the realizations Ruby comes to:

p. 171: "What if there is no such thing as supposed to?"

p. 190: " ... all she can do is her best at any particular moment. And that sometimes this will lead to things feeling, great, and sometimes it will not. And that is as supposed to as it gets."

Navigating Early by Clare Vanderpool
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Vanderpool's writing is great, but as the chapters unfolded, it couldn't save the plot from becoming COMPLETELY ANNOYING. I really didn't like the Pi story, and I really really didn't like the way it had parallels during the trek through the woods. Glad to be done.




White Fur Flying by Patricia MacLachlan
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Bleccch. I don't really like dogs, but that hasn't stopped me from liking other dog-based books (Winn-Dixie, Cracker, even MacLachlan's Waiting for the Magic). However, I really really don't like unbelievable characters, whisper-thin plots, and oh-so-convenient resolutions.

The narrator and her sister are just too too wise about the ways of the world and the reasons for human behavior. The realization on p. 79 of why Phillip wouldn't talk and where he had gone ... seriously? And the rescue dog being a "rescuer" ... retch.

The positive is that I was able to read the entire thing in less than a half hour.

First Day Activity Idea

I found a fun activity on Education World last year when I was looking for a way to get one of my more unruly classes to practice listening and following directions. You can pass it off as a game, which automatically will pique the interest of some of your harder-to-engage kids.

Each student receives a slip of paper with an instruction: When they hear/see someone else doing X, that is their cue to follow with Y. For example:

After somebody stands up and does five jumping jacks, then you will clap your hands four times.

Last year, I created a Prezi to introduce myself and go over class rules. I tried to use eye-catching Creative-Commons-licensed photos (the dog and the toilet paper did elicit reactions), but looking at a presentation is only so interactive, even when I'm asking the kids related questions.

So this year, I am going to use the information - as well as some location reminders - as part of the game, and have everyone in grades 3-6 play it on the first day. For example:

After somebody walks to the return cart and says, "This is where you return your books if you miss morning pickup," then you will go to Ms. Moore's desk and hold up the sign-out log.

We'll be practicing listening and following directions (most of them need a LOT of practice in these areas!), as well as working in some physical activity. And perhaps some whole-class discussion in case we need to do "colder / warmer" for the kids who forgot where to find anything in the room. Then we'll recap with an updated Prezi for those kids who need visuals.

It really helps that this is my first year RETURNING to schools rather than starting at new ones, so the kids have already (supposedly) learned my rules and routines. We'll see how many times we need to play the game before everyone has remembered them!

Mock Caldecott 2014 Reads - Batch 1

I am already looking forward to second quarter of the school year, because I'll be doing a Mock Caldecott with my second graders again. I have been reading dozens of books that reviewers and other librarians thought might be worthy of the reward. Here are some that I think my kids will enjoy:

source: ruzzier.com

Bear and Bee  
Sergio Ruzzier

A sweet demonstration of how our preconceived notions and prejudices are mostly just silly. I will be recommending to my guidance counselors.

You can download activity sheets from Ruzzier's site.

source: goodreads.com

Exclamation Mark
Author: Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Illustrator: Tom Lichtenheld

As a grammar and punctuation nerd, I am excited to have the kids see that such things can be FUN.

What's My Mark? game
Rags to Riches game - easier
Rags to Riches game - harder
Punctuation Paintball game

source: childrensbooksalmanac.com

Lucky Ducklings
Author: Eva Moore
Illustrator: Nancy Carpenter

Based on a true story, this will remind most readers of Make Way for Ducklings.

Evidently, ducklings fall down grates a lot. I was trying to find a video of the Montauk even to show, but will have to settle for this one for now:

source: randomhouse.com

The Mighty Lalouche
Author: Matthew Olshan
Illustrator: Sophie Blackall

Put together the post office, boxing, French phrases, and an underdog story, and you have this charmer. J'ADORE the names given to Lalouche's opponents: Ampere, the Piston, the Pointillist, the Misanthrope. And the paper cutout watercolor art is lovely.

Brainpickings.org has samples of old-timey photographs that Blackall used for inspiration.

source: harpercollinschildrens.com

That Is Not a Good Idea
Mo Willems

Can Mo Willems do no wrong? From the silent movie design to the Greek chorus of baby geese to the twist ending, this is another instant classic. I'm excited to share this with the students, because we read lots of Pigeon and Elephant & Piggie books last year when they were in first grade.

I am a huge Buster Keaton fan and think this is the perfect opportunity to introduce him ... see 10:00 for a scene with dialogue cards.

source: peachtreepub.
blogspot.com

Tiger in My Soup 
Author: Kashmira Sheth
Illustrator: Jeffrey Ebbeler

Super bold artwork shows how a boy's imagination works overtime as he begs his older sister to read him a story. Cool perspectives and visual treats (like the T I G E R cascading into his bowl of alphabet treats as she serves him lunch) make for a striking book.

pbkids.org has an alphabet soup riddle game.

Tweet Tweet

It's my first summer since 1987 where I don't have to show up to a job on a regular basis! Glorious. I'm trying to use the time to reflect, plan, and catch up on lots and lots of reading including getting a start on potential Mock Newbery and Mock Caldecott nominees ... and getting around the that pile of ALA/AASL publications under my desk.

Going through the November/December 2012 issue of Knowledge Quest, which focused on Personal Learning Networks, made me feel guilty for not having checked Twitter in months.

Last year, when I was split between my old office job and a part-time school library position, even though I was putting in at least 50-hour weeks, I still seemed to have time to hop online, follow lots of links, and take place in #titletalk and #levelupbc chats.

This year, however, my first as a full-time librarian, brought 60-hour weeks, and several things fell by the wayside. Including using Twitter as a large component of my PLN. However, I gained a new component: the 16 other librarians in my department. Who are awesome. As Cathy Jo Nelson states in her article "RIF or VIP? Having a PLN Can Help," PLNs are not "limited to just social networks and 2.0 tools." Sometimes I think we forget that.

Kind of how our kids forget that sometimes opening a book will get them a vetted answer to their question much more quickly than a Google search.

That being said, I do love how social networks make the world a smaller place. Recently, the sister of a high school friend tagged me and a bunch of other readers/librarians/teachers in a Facebook post. One of those others was someone I follow on Twitter (Alyson Beecher)! Turns out they went to college together. Amazing. And interacting with authors always gives me a thrill ... I almost fainted when Donelyn Miller, the Book Whisperer, retweeted something of mine last year.

So ... I am off to check out the latest #tlchat posts on Twitter.

And ... I am back.

Here are some of the people I follow who just in the last couple of days posted relevant, helpful information. I suggest you follow them too if you don't already. They'll pretty much keep you up-to-date on the profession.

@AuntyTech
@joycevalenza
@jenniferlagarde 
@MatthewWinner
@coxtl
@SEMSLibraryLady
And you should also check out some of my grad school friends and colleagues:

@kidreads
@melanieroy21
@EdTechTara

RICBA Nominees 2014

I will be adding to the list as I make my way through the nominees ... favorites closest to the top.


The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow. I loved it. Not sure if kids will appreciate its somber tone, but I sure did. Killer comments close out many of the tiny chapters: "Old age is a powerful disguise." ... "I always tell the truth although I sometimes confuse the facts."

Actually, now that I think about it, it's almost like a novel in verse, even though it's written as prose. Applegate's writing is a hell of a lot more poetic than so many of those "verse" novels out there that just seem to have returns sprinkled randomly through sentences.

And it's based on a true story.


The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Well-crafted story that sucked me in immediately - a page-turner with a twist that I appreciated. Kind of annoyed that it's already set up to be a trilogy, though. I hope Nielsen continues to write well and doesn't phone it in by the end.

Speaking of trilogies and similar plotlines, I wonder if I could push "Westmark" to my students.


Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Convoluted mystery set in a small town with kooky residents, written with fantastically vivid language. Examples:

- "I wouldn't say stole, but I did borrow it pretty strong." (later referred to as a "surprise borrowing")

- "The cafe relaxed."

- "I hear whispers the way a knife-thrower's assistant hears knives."

- Rumors "swirl like ink around an octopus."

- He looked "like time had grabbed his face with both hands"

- "My earth found its axis and my starts found their sky."

Wonder by R.J. Palacio
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I completely second Brandi Rae's review, and rather than trying to paraphrase, she said I could just use it for mine:

"For the most part I really enjoyed this. Auggie was born with many extreme facial deformities. After extensive surgeries, he is starting 5th grade; attending a public school for the first time. This was thoughtful, funny, touching ... the rotating points of view were varied enough that upper elementary would like it as well as lower middle school (good 5-7 book). There were some flaws (I did find the ending ridiculous). But overall, a good book ...."


The Templeton Twins Have an Idea by Ellis Weiner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I found the meta-narration, vocabulary/idiom explanations, and ludicrous "review" questions to be delightful! And how could I not like a book that introduces kids to cryptic crossword puzzles? Not sure if I should read it aloud, or if the asides would only work when written. Will definitely promote it, though.



Double Dog Dare by Lisa Graff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really liked this one. Convincing kid perspectives, humor, pathos.







The Year of the Book by Andrea Cheng
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sweet depiction of a bookish girl experiencing growing pains, including a friendship crisis and an "embarrassing mom." Would be interesting to see if students made the inferences to figure out what's happening at Laura's house before it's spelled out. I have read almost every book Anna refers to ... will have to put "My Louisiana Sky" on the list.


Bill the Boy Wonder: The Secret Co-Creator of Batman by Marc Tyler Nobleman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Holy introduction to intellectual property rights, Batman! I will definitely be using this book as a springboard for lessons.




Liar & Spy by Rebecca Stead
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

An engaging read, but at the end I felt let down. Other reviewers have stated that feeling manipulated fits in with the overall theme. And I guess I should have thought a little more about some of the things that made me say "What?" Anyways, good parts included smile therapy, big picture v. dots, and spelling reform via Bob javascript:void(0);Edwards Who Draws. And I always did find the taste bud map suspect.


Dogs on Duty: Soldiers' Best Friends on the Battlefield and Beyond by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Solid introduction to the concept of dogs as military assets, including historical context and individual profiles. Accessible and interesting. I may need to get two copies, since my students love both dogs and war books. Design note: the red and blue pages denote patriotism, but make it kind of hard to read the black text.


Brother from a Box by Evan Kuhlman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Fairly fast-paced tale of a boy and his new brother ... who happens to be a robot from France. Trying to get him to fit in at school provides plenty of fish-out-of-water episodes. However, the spy/kidnapping aspect seemed a little rushed, and I'm not sure I buy the resolution. But it's good enough to add to the collection; I know kids will read it.



Nic Bishop Snakes by Nic Bishop
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A bit all over the place, but amazing photographs and lots of interesting facts. I am sure my kids will love it.




The Flying Beaver Brothers and the Evil Penguin Plan by Maxwell Eaton III
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Very cute ... I felt like I was watching a silly cartoon. The sound effects are the best: Flarp! Boosk!




True by Katherine Hannigan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The pros: Delly not meaning to get in trouble (sometimes as a teacher I need reminders that my more ... challenging ... kids have the best of intentions), her made-up words, her family dynamics.

The cons: The entire "development" and "resolution" of Ferris' problems. I didn't get it, I didn't buy it.

During the first half of this book, I was thinking 5 stars. The second half brought it down to these 3. Saved from a 2 only because I liked the first half so much.


King of the Mound: My Summer with Satchel Paige by Wes Tooke
My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars

I liked it ok. Good introduction to segregation and the Depression for students who might not be familiar with the time period. Lots of baseball will inspire them to learn more about Satchel Paige. Given that so many kids are asking for Jackie Robinson books because of the "42" trailers, I will definitely add to the collection.



The Whole Story of Half a Girl by Veera Hiranandani
My rating: 2 of 5 stars


I'm almost halfway through the RICBA list, and this is the first title I've read that I think I won't be buying for my libraries. I just don't think it's going to appeal to my kids. It didn't really appeal to me ... I skipped it on the Mock Newbery list last year.

I will keep it in mind for students going through identity crises. Although I don't think it really offers much counsel.

One interaction that struck me: when Sonia describes her old school to Alisha, whose reaction is "That's not real. It can't be real." Oh, for a flexible schedule and a computer lab ... although I suppose these days I should be wishing for a makerspace.


Barnum's Bones: How Barnum Brown Discovered the Most Famous Dinosaur in the World by Tracey Fern
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I realize that picture book biographies are constrained by a certain number of pages, but I feel like this one was very uneven in terms of summarizing swathes of time (journey and shipwreck) v. including little details (picking up some leaves). As I read, I had questions that I wish had been answered in an author's note:

- When did people start studying fossils?
- Where were the first dinosaur bones discovered?
- Why was natural history such a big deal at this time in history?
- Why did it take seven years to clean and mount the T. rex?

I did enjoy the illustrations, which gave the book a swashbuckling feel.


Jake and Lily by Jerry Spinelli
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Some of Spinelli's works are masterpieces that trigger shattering sobs and make you ache for the characters. This is not one of them. Which is not to say that it's hilarious and makes you cheer for the characters either. Instead, it's just blah. I think the only emotion elicited was pride in having managed to finish in one sitting so I wouldn't have to pick it up again.

The concept of alternating narrators intrigued me at the beginning, but I didn't get a sense of what were supposed to be vastly different personalities. And the sage Poppy was a little much.

Not sure if I will buy or not. The goober bullying stuff is an important message, but I'd rather it delivered in a better package. I can't see my kids really sticking with this one.


Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

If I'm going to read about a takeover plot, I'll take The False Prince, thank you. Made it through the first several chapters and decided that April vacation is too short to spend it reading any more books that I don't love.




Ungifted by Gordon Korman
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

The more I read, the less I liked. What could have been an interesting book was flat and full of stereotypes. Every gifted kid was a misfit? Really? And nearly everyone at the academy regarded Donovan as the second coming? Because he named the robot and could use a joystick? Ooooh, how NORMAL. Korman didn't bother giving the alternating voices much voice, either. I can't justify spending library money on this dreck.