Poetry, young adult, "straight" romance. So much of this isn't what I read and yet I loved this book.Poetry, young adult, "straight" romance. So much of this isn't what I read and yet I loved this book....more
I'm sad to not like this book. I know that feelings towards the queer community, and the internalized fears, are still part of the narrative but this I'm sad to not like this book. I know that feelings towards the queer community, and the internalized fears, are still part of the narrative but this was hard to read just the same....more
One of the best books I've read this year. You are left with a sense of closure in the end even if you could have read another 100 pages no problem. AOne of the best books I've read this year. You are left with a sense of closure in the end even if you could have read another 100 pages no problem. An interesting premise, finely executed....more
I had to look up so many words and phrases... a Parthian shaft? It's a cutting remark, it's throwing shade! Which I guess the nerd in my just kept thiI had to look up so many words and phrases... a Parthian shaft? It's a cutting remark, it's throwing shade! Which I guess the nerd in my just kept thinking about Lucy Maud's real life, and the world before the Great War - just thinking about the history and trying to read between the lines for the feminist that Lucy Maus was...
In short, I had fun reliving a story I knew from the television, because it is different and fresh still to read. Timeless....more
So I admit this was like reading an action novel (could have been a hundred pages less in same ways but still it was packed with explosions and jumpinSo I admit this was like reading an action novel (could have been a hundred pages less in same ways but still it was packed with explosions and jumping). I even woke up one night dreaming about this book and didn't know if I was in the book or not. There is still some teen novel eye rolling I did but overall I just enjoyed myself....more
We all know the sequel is never as good as the original but I feel Westerfeld is developing a more complex character and setting. I'm interested in seWe all know the sequel is never as good as the original but I feel Westerfeld is developing a more complex character and setting. I'm interested in seeing what happens in the third book but I already know I like Tally Youngblood a million times more than Katniss Everdeen even if the two have similar issues of being completely clueless teenage girls....more
I find Handler an author I have a hard time keeping up with, I feel things are often over my head or that I am missing just a little bit of info to understand it all - much like life. ...more
Something in the introduction made me want to be a writer and I think that if I was to use this book in class it would be to teach writing, not readinSomething in the introduction made me want to be a writer and I think that if I was to use this book in class it would be to teach writing, not reading. Such a voice, and "slice of life" narrative that is tightly written. ...more
I did not know what to expect when I kept seeing this book emerge in articles and on book shelves and in conversations but I always take that as a sigI did not know what to expect when I kept seeing this book emerge in articles and on book shelves and in conversations but I always take that as a sign that I need to read the book right now. I filled it up with notes - mood, tone, foreshadowing - I would teach this in a second, if I taught middle school. We should all read Wiesel's Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech; deeply relevant for why the Holocaust must be studied today and for the rest of time. ...more
Not an easy book to read aloud to a bunch of 12-year-old kids but they are so interested. I did cover a couple of things with post-it notes and skippeNot an easy book to read aloud to a bunch of 12-year-old kids but they are so interested. I did cover a couple of things with post-it notes and skipped reading somethings aloud but kids who care can always read the other copy of the book in the classroom. If I was going to teach 6th grade again I would totally be reading this one again. Amazing conversations we are having about friendship, race, fitting in, and physical dominance. I hope the kids are as inspired as I am....more
Did not work so well as a read aloud (need something above their level not on it) but will get some more copies so it can be part of a book club optioDid not work so well as a read aloud (need something above their level not on it) but will get some more copies so it can be part of a book club option. As we have referred back to the book as we study the people of the Western Hemisphere kids are making more connections and I liked the premise a lot....more
More like 4.5 stars but only because I don't hand out 5 stars very often. Reminded me of To Kill a Mockingbird because the narrator is a young 11-yearMore like 4.5 stars but only because I don't hand out 5 stars very often. Reminded me of To Kill a Mockingbird because the narrator is a young 11-year old girl and maybe an unreliable narrator but that's what made it such a page turner. Truly some of the best writing I've seen in a while. ...more
As realistic as a story like this could be (although Big Jack showing up towards the end was a bit thin). Still I think this will be so engaging for sAs realistic as a story like this could be (although Big Jack showing up towards the end was a bit thin). Still I think this will be so engaging for students and is an excellent example of powerful writing....more
It's hard to find books about dogs where they are still alive in the end, so for that I am thankful for this one. A good match for struggling readers It's hard to find books about dogs where they are still alive in the end, so for that I am thankful for this one. A good match for struggling readers because it is a serious read but not overwhelmingly so and there's enough in the end to engage the student in wondering about what happens next....more
Condescending. Completely unaware of the white privilege that has made his life possible and that is laced into his writing, not that I believe this iCondescending. Completely unaware of the white privilege that has made his life possible and that is laced into his writing, not that I believe this is Sean's actual work either (copyright gives credit to the Franklin Covey Co.) ....more
I found it hard to read the descriptions of the First Nations, might be useful in a discussion on perspective and misconceptions of people who are difI found it hard to read the descriptions of the First Nations, might be useful in a discussion on perspective and misconceptions of people who are different then us......more
Young Adult romance novels are not my cup of tea - even when there's this really compelling idea behind them. Kind of like Wait Until Dark and Rear WiYoung Adult romance novels are not my cup of tea - even when there's this really compelling idea behind them. Kind of like Wait Until Dark and Rear Window but without Audrey Hepburn or Grace Kelly....more
Did you shin guards were invented by an African American ballplayer? What about wearing a helmet when batting? Did you know about the women who playedDid you shin guards were invented by an African American ballplayer? What about wearing a helmet when batting? Did you know about the women who played along side men in the Negro League? Neither did I. This beautiful book is rich in text and image, powerful read....more
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