There's nothing funny about the history of the United States. Unless, Michael Harroit tells it.
I'm completely blown away by his (seemingly innate) abThere's nothing funny about the history of the United States. Unless, Michael Harroit tells it.
I'm completely blown away by his (seemingly innate) ability to tell the hard truths with humor. My brain is a little bit bigger, too. I learned that slaves were not the first Africans to come to the "new world". Now, I know where "punch line" came from.
One of the things that hit the hardest was the simple fact that slave labor was, in no way, only manual labor. Yes, I should have realized it, but didn't. These resilient, strong, intelligent folks figured out how to farm some inhospitable land.
To me, this is a book filled with amazing people who made major contributions, largely untold. Until now.
Of course I added this to my favorite classroom libraries, but that just isn't nearly enough. I offered to purchase this book for any student interested in adding it to their personal bookshelves. I'm thrilled to say that demand is high....more
Breece is a hella baller, but he got a little too big for his britches. Now, he has a hard lesson to learn: talent doesn’t mean ‘good teammate’. But fBreece is a hella baller, but he got a little too big for his britches. Now, he has a hard lesson to learn: talent doesn’t mean ‘good teammate’. But first, he has to get over himself. Breaking the window of his new neighbor, wrestler Brick Layer, starting that ball rolling.
Repairing the damage he caused, Breece was surprised to feel a sense of pride in his workmanship. The fact that he almost enjoyed the chore and the chance to talk with basically the worst of the bad guys was surreal. Breece knew about wrestling, sure. He’d watched his share of matches. Nothing more than meets the eye.
It did not take much training with “Mr. Layer” for Breece to see how very mistaken he had been. Turns out, there are a whole lot of life lessons to be learned, right alongside of moves, lingo and the real reason wrestlers walk the ring.
I love every single thing about this Middle-Grade marvel from the dagger-sharp dialogue to the beguiling behind-the-scenes wrestling secrets (there’s nobody better than Mr. Boyd to share them). Even “my” self-professed reluctant readers will be intrigued by the premise and they will definitely dig Mr. Boyd’s raw and gritty writing. I absolutely cannot wait to share WrestleDreamia!...more
End of the year re-reading, as I try to catch up on current book-ish tasks. What a nice surprise, I enjoyed this a much this time as when I originallyEnd of the year re-reading, as I try to catch up on current book-ish tasks. What a nice surprise, I enjoyed this a much this time as when I originally read it, way back when....more
Hunting season in 1971 was something Tavey had really been looking forward to. In all of his eight years, he had never been so excited to go into the Hunting season in 1971 was something Tavey had really been looking forward to. In all of his eight years, he had never been so excited to go into the woods with his dad. Now, legally, he takes the rifle. Of course, his dad has to be with him, and he can’t carry a firearm if Tavey does, but that just makes good sense.
The first day, though, is for getting reacquainted with the land. Tavey has always loved this part. His dad sure knows a lot about the outdoors and he’s great at explaining things. This year, Tavey is surprised with his very own compass and even leads the way back to camp.
The cool, crisp morning of the hunt finds Tavey’s enthusiasm intact. He and his father spot plenty of wildlife, but it isn’t until they are returning to camp that Tavey sees the gray squirrel sitting on a branch. And then, the plans…change.
Tavey doesn’t rush back to the cabin. He’s not eager to greet his hunt-club-cousins. He’s not sure how the men and boys that have always felt like family, will see him now.
Hunting is a relatively unique topic in Young Readers’ Historical Fiction, but Tavey’s First Hunt is a nostalgic reminder of the gift of conversation. A story about fathers and sons; family, forged outside of bloodlines. It’s about how each human, along with every animal, is but a single part of an exponentially larger whole. It’s about appreciating the things you agree on and respecting choices when opinions and desires differ. Mr. Boyd’s story, set in scenic woods, around fifty years ago, is enhanced by Mr. Mexia’s illustrations, creating an idyllic, charming Middle Grade marvel....more
I turn to Notaro when I feel slightly out of sync. I have the need to know that there other women in their fifties that simply cannot accept the fact I turn to Notaro when I feel slightly out of sync. I have the need to know that there other women in their fifties that simply cannot accept the fact that they aren't twenty-seven years old anymore. And, oh look, someone else has a list of words she cannot say during meetings. I really thought I was alone on that one. ...more
During my first visit this school year, I noticed that, like me, many students enjoyed THE BLIND SIDE by Michael Lewis. I got this for 'my' students.
During my first visit this school year, I noticed that, like me, many students enjoyed THE BLIND SIDE by Michael Lewis. (And yes, many more loved the movie.) It seemed only logical that we'd all enjoy hearing Mr. Oher's story, straight from Mr. Oher.
I BEAT THE ODDS was so very much more than I expected. I adore Mr. Oher's voice and his incredibly objective outlook. He manages to separate social workers from the bogged-down Child Protective Services and share how he saw the lady assigned to his family: then and now. I'm not sure I've heard anything as pure as Mr. Oher's retelling of catching up with her, as a grown man.
And there's football, sports fans!
This is one of those gems that I wish I could give to every single child in the Foster Care System and each one of 'my' students. I'll definitely donate more than one copy to my favorite classroom library and I'm going to tell 'my' students that it is "Remarkably Read-able!"...more
I really like the way WHEN A KILLER CALLS was written. It reminds me of Ann Rule, wherein, we are given the facts but nothing is too graphic or explicI really like the way WHEN A KILLER CALLS was written. It reminds me of Ann Rule, wherein, we are given the facts but nothing is too graphic or explicit. But, it isn't "just the facts". The emotional turmoil of the victims, their families and almost everyone working the case is not ignored.
Yes, I already have another Douglas/Olshaker book on my shelves. ...more
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