Why I Picked It Up: This book is on the 2016 Lone Star List. This list is one of a few places I start when looking for a new YA or middle level book to read. Plus, Sherry and I are working on taking another Battle of the Books team to next year’s competition! Why I […]
Descriptive Writing
Book Review: Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast, by Josh Funk
Why I Picked It Up: My son and I were studying in the children’s section in Barnes & Noble, when he looked up and pointed at a display shelf and hollered, “MOM! Totally a book for you!” It’s official, my son is completely aware of my quirky taste in books and there are varied authors […]
Book Review: Ranger in Time: Rescue on the Oregon Trail, by Kate Messner
Why I Picked It Up: This book had two different things to recommend it to me. We tend to read either YA novels or picture books, and so we’ve been looking for younger elementary chapter books. We are also getting ready for the upcoming Texas Council for the Social Studies Conference at the end of the month, […]
Book Review: The Bear Ate Your Sandwich, by Julia Sarcone-Roach
** Contact us if you would like to have one of our engaging mentor text sessions come to your campus! ** Why I Picked It Up: The whimsical randomness of this title called my name as I was looking for newer picture books over the summer. The idea of blaming a bear in the case of […]
Book Review: 13-Story Treehouse, by Andy Griffiths, illustrated by Terry Denton
Why I Picked It Up: Continuing the quest for high interest reads for 3-5 grade students, 13-Story Treehouse looked like a strong option. It came with a recommendation from all three of the Rogers boys, so I requested it from the library, sight unseen. I was not disappointed. When I picked it up from the library, the cover […]
Book Review: Hippos Are Huge, by Jonathan London
Why I Picked It Up: Is it weird to have a fascination with hippos? I can’t say that I think they’re cute or that they’re my favorite animal, but they’re so peculiar – dare I say boring? Therefore, I am fascinated by people who would go out of their way to write a book about […]
