Why I Picked It Up: I received this book as an ARC and immediately started reading. Truth is, I had the first book and wanted to read that one first, but my son grabbed it from me. One thing my kids know is that I will never take a book away from them, so I […]
teaching theme
Book Review: Con Academy, by Joe Schreiber
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 […]
Book Review: Open Mic: Riffs on Life Between Cultures in Ten Voices
Why I Picked It Up: In searching for strong social studies text for our Beyond the Textbook Session, I found this advanced reader’s copy in Sherry’s personal collection. It was definitely a “Jessica book,” so she happily gave me her copy. Why I Finished It: Curiosity! From the beginning I was intrigued by the stories the […]
Book Review: Page by Paige, by Laura Lee Gulledge
Why I Picked It Up: To be completely honest, Jessica actually picked this one up. We were looking for graphic novels to incorporate into a session we’re working on, and Page by Paige was one that we’d seen in a few places. The play on words in the title made me happy, so even though […]
Book Review: Steelheart, by Brandon Sanderson
Why I Picked it Up: This is a title from the 2015 Lone Star Reading List. While we didn’t have the opportunity to work with a Battle of the Books team this year, I still find myself looking to this list when I want to find something new to read. I can always count on […]
Book Review: Words with Wings, by Nikki Grimes
Why I Picked It Up: Honestly, I had to find out novel in verse that would be appropriate for grades 3-5 for our up coming High Tech Literature Circles session. I am one of those people who typically freeze up and become a little panicky, so I wasn’t having much luck. However, many of the […]