2012 Book Challenge

Gearing up for a 2012 Reading Challenge. In 2011 I accomplished my personal goal of reading 100 books - I actually read 112! (YEAH). This year for 2012,  I want to participate in a challenge that will allow me to link up with other readers and hear their comments about books.  There are five levels to the challenge ranging from reading 5 books to 20+ at level V.

For 2012 I am striving for Level V by reading the following books:

1. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins 
2. Divergent by Veroncia Roth 
3. Delirium by Lauren Oliver 
4. Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment by James Patterson 
5. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead 
6. The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa
7. The Scorpio Races by Maggie Steifvater 
8. The Maze Runner by James Dashner 
9. Every Last One by Anna Quindlen 
10. The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks 
11. Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank 
12. The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde 
13. This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen 
14. Paranormalcy by Kiersten White 
15. A Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood 
16. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley 
17. Naked in Death by JD Robb 
18. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky 
19. You Against Me by Jenny Downham 
20. Life of Pi by Yann Martel 
21. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott 
22. Angels & Demons by Dan Brown 
23. The Iron King by Julie Kagawa 
24. I heart you, You haunt me by Lisa Schroeder 
25. The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Juniot Diaz 
26. The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler 
27. The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa 
28. Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys 

On her blog www.readingwithtequilla.com, a list of 266 recommended books was posted.  From the list I have already read 38 of the books. Wow! That is more than I would have guessed... maybe all that reading is paying off. Here is my list of books I have already read:


Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins,  Graceling by Kristin Cashore, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling , The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K Rowling, Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden, South of Broad by Pat Conroy, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Paper Towns by John Green, Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater, The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson, Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor, Eragon by Christopher Paolini, Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman, The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger, Looking For Alaska by John Green, Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi, Fire by Kristin Cashore, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling, I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak, Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher, Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen, XVI by Julia Karr, A B C's by Dr. Seuss, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling, Matched by Ally Condie, White Cat by Holly Black, A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole, Across the Universe by Beth Revis, I am not a serial killer by Dan Wells, The Pledge by Kimberly Derting, Trickster's Choice by Tamora Pierce, Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin.

Top Ten Books of 2011 - Top Ten Tuesday

This week's topic - Top Ten Books of 2011
I must start by saying that I am listing the top ten reads for me this year which are not necessarily books that were published in 2011. Although I do enjoy reading new YA fiction to share with my students, I also enjoy reading classics and other genres, particularly books that I have not read as an English literature major and as a high school English Teacher.

Here is my list - in no particular order... taken from my goodreads.com account since I have tracked my reading this year on that website, all 112 books that I have read.

Virginia Woolf - TO THE LIGHTHOUSE. I had to read this for a graduate class I was taking and I loved it. It was the only Modern Novel we read during the course of the semester that I truly enjoyed.

Hillary Jordan - WHEN SHE WOKE. Science Fiction is not usually my genre of choice, but this modernistic rendition of THE SCARLET LETTER was engaging and compelling throughout.

Aimee Bender - THE PARTICULAR SADNESS OF LEMON CAKE. I was surprised how much I enjoyed this story. To be able to taste feelings, an extraordinary and yet terrible gift all in one.

Greg Donaldson - ZEBRATOWN. A nonfiction book about the town where my family lives. I kept waiting to read my husband's name, but thankfully he was omitted.

Carmen Deedy - 14 Cows for America. I do not normally read picture books, but picked this one up at the local public library and read it to my sophomore classes on September 11th anniversary. I wanted them to think about how the actions of one man from a small African village could impact others.

Tatiana de Rosnay Sarah's Key. This book was one of those reads that I loved and hated at the same time. Many times when I read a book about a historical time period where atrocities are detailed, I become very depressed and think of what should have been done to stop the bloodshed and the horror. I loved the story about Sarah. The modern story that was mixed in I could have done without.

P.C. Cast The House of Night Series. My son told me that if I was going to waste my time reading vampire stories I should at least read quality like Ann Rice, but I was so enthralled with these stories and I do not even know why. I try to avoid teenage romance novels, but these had me from the start. I read the first six and then took a break. Looking to read the remaining three this year.

Ray Bradbury Fahrenheit 451. What a wonderful read. Even though the novel is short, it is packed full. I am sure that I will have to read this one many more times to truly grasp all it has to offer.

Kelly Gallagher Readicide. As an educator, I strive to continually expand my knowledge to be a better teacher. This book is a must read for any teacher looking to make a difference in reading experiences for students.

Eleanor Brown The Weird Sisters. A story of three sisters who learn what is most valuable. A great story. Although even after I have read it and discussed with my friends, I still cannot figure out who the narrator is. Anyone figure it out, let me know.

It's Monday ... What are you reading?

It is Monday again, and a wonderful Monday at that. It is 8:19 am and I am still in my jammies on the couch updating my blog. No School Monday!

So, what am I reading today? Currently there are two many books in my reading pile, books that I have started (some months ago) and others that are waiting to be opened.
Today I plan on tackling CROSSED by Ally Condie and CUTTING FOR STONE
by Abraham Verghese. I also have to finish MACBETH and THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER.

We will see in what direction the reading winds take me today.

Enjoy... It's Monday... What are you reading?

The Pledge

The Pledge by Kimberly Derting

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Authors exert a great deal of time and energy in writing a novel. They must develop the characters, create a beleivable conflict and engage the reader in dialogue, both internal and external, that draws us into the lives of the characters.



Even after reading all 318 pages of this novel, I am not sure whether or not the author did that for me. There were times when I was so engaged in the story line I couldn't wait to find out what happened. This was coupled with the times that the story was too predictable and my first thought was to no longer waste my time reading.



As I think about which of my students I would recommend this book to, it would be to female students who love romance and adventure. The others I would tell to leave it be on the bookshelf.



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Shatter Me

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Two weeks ago I showed the movie trailer of this book to my students and decided I needed to read this book. I am thrilled that I did.



At first the story line seemed so "unreal" that I wasn't sure I was going to be able to enjoy the story. I was wrong. The entire story was engaging and extremely enjoyable. The plot moved at a pace that kept me wanting to learn more about the characters and the conflict that was ready to overpower the main character.



A wonderful read. I will read more from this author.



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Daughter of Smoke and Bone by: Laini Taylor

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


For someone who does not read much of the fantasy/magic genre, I truly enjoyed this book. The plot was fast paced and the characters had a depth that allowed them to be "real" even though they are magical creatures.

There were a few spots in the book where the plot seemed to trip upon itself, leaps in the storyline that I had to go back and reread to follow.



Like all books, there are always one or two quotes that speak with such truths that I try to mark them in the text to remember then later. This book was no different.

At one point in the story, on page 335 Akiva and Karou are having a discussion and Karou says "Love is a luxury." and the response is "No. Love is an element." How true! Regardless of who you are love is as necessary as all the other elements found in nature.



A beautiful story and I await the next installment.



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Red Glove by Holly Black

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The second book in this series did not disappoint. One problem I have with book series is that when I read the first book and it is a while before the second book comes out, I tend to forget key plot elements that lend to my understanding.



The story of Cassel and his family is fascinating. The power of the workers is immeasurable, yet their loyalties are questionable. A fun read for those who are interested in suspense, intrigue and teenage angst all in the same mix.

Looking forward to reading the next installment (hope there is one) to continue to delve into the family saga.



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Friedrich by Hans Peter Richter

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A wonderful story of the friendship between two boys during WWII. Written in the form of short vignettes. Each one providing a glimpse into the changes with Germany that so dramatically affected families.



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The Red Garden by Alice Hoffman

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


An interesting story of the formation of a town and then the stories of generations of inhabitants and how their lives are interconnected to the past. The character's depth was profound in parts yet limited in other parts of the novel.



I am always bothered by parts of novels where violence occurs that to me is unnecessary. This novel contained a few of those instances. They did not add to the story but instead detracted from it.



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What My Mother Doesn't Know by Sonya Sones

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The falling in and out of love of a teenager in high school mixed with her antics to keep her mother from knowing anything. Anything like... her dress for the dance. Her love for her new boyfriend. Falling out of love with her new boyfriend. Her hurt over her parent's constant fighting. Her new boyfriend that she doesn't even want her friends to know about.





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The Turn of the Screw by Henry James

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


The suspense developed by the author at the beginning of this novel was amazing. I was intrigued from the very beginning and my suspense was held until the end. I am going to be honest and say the ending was a bit of a disappointment. The author never came back to the original storyline laid out from the start and I felt that I was left with more questions than answers at the end.



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Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


A funny, engaging story about a young boy growing up in a model town established by Eleanor Roosevelt. The mischief of a twelve-year old boy mixed with the nostalgia of an original Norvelter leads to a summer of growth and learning.



Part autobiographical and part fiction, the novel at times makes you laugh out loud and at other times stop and think about history and our part in it.





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Zebratown: The True Story of a Black Ex-Con and a White Single Mother in Small-Town America by Greg Donaldson

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


A non-fiction work that tells the story of a former prison inmate who relocates from New York City to Elmira. It is the story of his years out of the prison system and the life he tries to build in this town.



I found parts of the book interesting, particularly the historical pieces of the area. Other parts were more disturbing.





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The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


How many people wish they had the courage to right a wrong done to them? How many people actually do it?



In this novel, Alex is date-raped while she is sleeping after a night of drinking. She did not give consent. She did not say yes. Her case is going to be heard by the Mockingbirds. An organization started by her older sister to right the wrongs done to students in a school where teachers do not pay attention to what is really going on.



At the end of the novel, you must read the author's note. This is based on an incident that happened to her when she was a freshman in college. The author, Daisy Whitney, has taken a traumatic event, and turned it into a work of literature to help others.



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Three Little Words by Ashley Rhodes-Courter

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


An amazing story of fortitude and resilience. Breaks my heart that so many children in our country are forced to deal with living conditions that are deplorable and relationships that are harmful. To make a difference in the lives of children - a positive difference - is truly a gift that no one should discredit.



A wonderful quote from the novel that the author used in a speech. The quote is by Moliere, "It is not only what we do, but also what we do not do, for which we are accountable."



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Tempted by P.C. Cast

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


It is not very often that I get engrossed in a book series. Normally, I will read two books in the series and be bored with the characters and tired of the predictability of the plot. This series, however, has kept me entertained and engrossed in the storyline and the characters. Even though the characters and vampires or fledlings, their connections with each other are believable and valid. They show true emotions that bring validity to their characters.

I am almost disappointed in how fast I have been plowing through this series that leaves me with only two books to finish.



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If I Stay by Gayle Forman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A wonderful story of love, tenderness, passion, youth and letting go. The power of thought and the power of love are two major themes found in this novel. The author creates characters who are real in every sense of the word. You can feel Mia's love for her family and her friends, sensing their pain and anguish as they await her decision - a decision that she didn't even know she was able to make.





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Blue Moon by Alyson Noel

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Loved EVERMORE - Liked BLUE MOON. Yet this is what usually happens for me when I am reading a series. It is hard to maintain the enthusiasm throughout a series when the characters become predictable and the story takes a turn from the fascinating to the mundane.

The story of the love between Ever and Damon is thwarted in BLUE MOON by another immortal, turned rouge, Roman. What lost me, in this 2nd book in The Immortal series, were the actions on Ever. They seemed juvenile and self-centered, taking away from the character traits laid out for her in the first book.

Haven't yet decided if I will continue to read the series.



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Evermore by Alyson Noel

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Teenage romance novels! My least favorite genre... or is it? As much as I hate to admit it, I was drawn into this novel and could not put it down. I finished it in one day and then had to buy book #2 on my Kindle so I could begin reading that one.

This is one teen romance novel where it doesn't always work out perfectly. The couple doesn't have to have sex right away (actually Damon has been waiting like 400 years... ).

An enjoyable novel. Looking forward to reading more in the series.



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Matched by Ally Condie

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A YA novel that provokes thought provoking characters and events. The main character of the novel is being "matched" with her perfect life partner in a Society where everything is controlled. Individuality is discouraged as well as thinking for oneself and questioning the decisions of the Society.

What happens when one does begin to question? To wonder about the what ifs....

Cassie begins to ask questions when there is a glitch in her microchip and she sees not just Xanders' face as her Match but also, for a brief second, Ky's face.

An intriguing story- the first in a trilogy.



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Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


The story of a young girl who must relive the day of her death over and over. Each day, however, she makes changes to her routine - changes to her behavior... wondering what she must "get right" in ordr to finally stop February 12th from recurring again.

She realizes and finally learns profound lessons that she wishes she had learned before... lessons that would have changed the course of her life.



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Adoration of Jenna Fox

Adoration of Jenna Fox

Watch an animoto.com video made to encourage students (and adults) to read THE ADORATION OF JENNA FOX. Very cool to be able to share animotos on blog.

White Cat by Holly Black

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


It took me about 80+ pages to really begin to enjoy this book. The premise of the book is that 1% of Americans are "workers" meaning they can perform some kind of magic when they touch you with their hands. They can make you sleepwalk, forget things, fall in love. The most dangerous workers can kill you with a touch or transform you into another being or object.

The plot revolves around a family of workers with Cassel being the youngest of three brothers. The father is dead and the mother is in jail. The family works for a crime family, as most "workers" do so that their skills can be used for criminal activities. Cassel however is the only member of his family without the gift and he, to make up for it, runs a bookie business from his dorm room at his private school.

As the story progresses the intricate pattern of relationships evolves and the reader realizes that the manipulation of circumstances runs deep and maybe being loyal to family is not all of the characters main concern.



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Wildthorn by Jane Eagland

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I have always been interested in Victorian literature and the Victorian era. This novel, set during that time is the story of a young girl whose dream it is to be a doctor. But, the times in which she lives dictates that "proper" lifestyle for a female - a doting mother, a loving wife - not an educated woman with a mind of her own.

So, what happens to the main character is that her outspoken nature has aroused the anger of her uncle and her cousin's future husband who arrange for her to be moved into an asylum without the knowledge of her mother. Part of the novel is her recounting her life with her family and then her time in the mental institution.

What was disturbing was the practices within the institution that are referenced in the novel were accepted forms of dealing with the mentally impaired. Shocking!

A story of freedom, free will, and alternative lifestyles during a time of constricted social mobility for women.



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The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Purchased this book as part of my debut author 2011 challenge. I knew the book was about paranormal activity - alchemy, elves, faerie realm. It also focused a great deal on teenage romance and drama, two of my least favorite topics (even as a high school teacher).

The plot and the characters, at times, were predictable. The idea that it would be so easy to share "secrets" you have held for 3 years while not trusting the one adult who has cared for you were a bit unrealistic. The ending was a bit anti-climatic.





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Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Even though I read every word of this book - I can honestly say I am still not sure what happened. So many of the key details are omitted and left to the reader's imagination that I feel part if the story is lost.

The character's change of heart and bullying of his best friend are hard to take.



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Summary from www.amazon.com
Gr 9 Up–Vera Dietz and her troubled neighbor, Charlie, were best friends since childhood until they started to fall for one another junior year and everything broke apart. Evil Jenny Flick decides that she wants Charlie and that Vera is in the way. When Jenny offers Charlie oral sex and he refuses, she broadcasts his secret about his father's domestic abuse to the whole school and blames Vera. In “retaliation,” Charlie reveals the fact that Vera's mother was a stripper before she deserted the family and then starts a perilous relationship with Jenny. In chapters that alternate scenes in the present with “history,” plus various points of view, Vera's story begins at Charlie's funeral where she hides the truth about Jenny's part in his death.

Across the Universe by Beth Revis

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Science fiction is one genre that I tend to avoid. The plot found in these novels always seems "too out there" for me. This book, however, was truly a delight to read. The characters, Elder and Amy, were presented in a way that made them come alive to the reader.

Even though the novel is set on a ship traveling through space to a new Earth that will be colonized - it explores issues that have plagued humans for generations... personal differences, freedom of thought, and how far a ruler should go to rule.

A wonderful novel for eliciting discussions on leadership. I would have loved to have had this book available two years ago when reading and studying WWII. The similarities between Eldest and Hitler would be an interesting compare and contrast for students.





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I Am Not A Serial Killer by Dan Wells

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I found this novel at the library and was intrigued from the beginning with the title and the novel did not disappoint. It is the story of John Wayne Cleaver (named after John Wayne the actor, but feels John Wayne Gacy is more appropriate).

John is fascinated with death and serial killers. Every time he has a report to write for school - he chooses a serial killer. His fascination is obsessive! On top of that he is also showing signs of serial killer tendencies - fascination with fire, hurting animals and stalking people. He shares his deepest thought with his psychiatrist and develops rules to monitor his own behavior.

He feels that he is able to handle so many of his own fears due to the fact that he can explore death - in his mother's mortuary.

But then, a serial killer stalks his town...



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Liar by Justine Larbalestier

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The story of a pathological liar who attempts to tell the truth and twists what is real until the very end. This novel is written from a first person point of view that alternates between before the death of her "boyfriend", after his death and then bits of family history. The family history parts are interspersed throughout the novel to provide depth and understanding to the character.
At times the plot was a bit predictable, but then the author would throw a twist into the story line that make you want to keep reading.
Enough said... I do not want to give it away!



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Desires of the Dead by Kimberly Derting

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Book #2 in The Body Finder series and this one was even better than the first. The author, Kimberly Derting, is able to mix teenage love and drama found in schools with the incredible ability the main character has - the ability to sense dead bodies.



I hope that there are more books in this series. I will be adding them to my classroom library.



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After by Francine Prose

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The Barnes & Noble Review

Blue Angel novelist Francine Prose speaks to younger audiences in this unsettling drama about one high school's experiences following a shooting at a neighboring school.





When nearby Pleasant Valley experiences fatal gun violence, Tom Bishop and the other Central High students endure a startling transformation in the name of "safety."





Mrs. Kinnaird's Comments - I read this novel (along with many others I have been reading lately) focusing on school shootings. This book, however, took a very different twist. It was very "big brother" in the format of George Orwell's 1984. The students at the school must experience consequences for the actions of students at a neighboring school where a shooting took place.



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The 100 Thing Challenge: How I Got Rid of Almost Everything, Remade My Life, and Regained My Soul by Dave Bruno

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Living with only 100 personal items. Could I do that? Even as I read the book I thought about how much we all possess. Then, as I drove down the road on a recent trip, I counted in four different towns storage facilities. We truly are a culture of consumerism. We buy so much stuff that we have to spend more money to store everything and then we forget we have it and we go out and buy more. CRAZY!



I have thought about putting together a list of 100 items I could live with if they were the only 100 things I could have. It would be a difficult list to put together because I am used to all of my stuff.



SUMMARY:

Dave Bruno is a blogger who promotes a simple lifestyle. Then one day, as he looks at his overcrowded garage and his overflowing closet, he decides he is not living the life he promotes on his blog. He decides to give himself a personal challenge of living with only 100 things (personal possessions) for one year. This is his story of his personal challenge.



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XVI by Julia Karr

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Debut Author Challenge Book...

For 2011, I joined the debut author challenge and this was the first book I read as part of the challenge.

Not normally a science fiction fan, this book offered interesting insights into how young girls (those about to turn 16) could be viewed by a society run by the government that promotes sexual promiscuity among young teenage girls.

Reading the novel made me remember parts of 1984 by George Orwell and the overwhelming power that governmental control can have on an entire culture.

An enjoyable read at times... the storyline centering on Nina (the main character) and the man her mother was having a relationship with (Ed) was, to me, the focus of the novel. The intricacies of how she was going to be able to overcome his power over her life and her sister's life, was intriguing. Without the help of her friends, she would not have survived.

A testament to the power of friendships - for teenagers.

PLOT SUMMARY:
The novel is set in 2051. Nina is getting ready to turn 16 making her a sex-teen. She must get XVI tatooed on her wrist to let all men know that she is now of legal age for sex. Nina's mother is murdered, but noone seems to really care because she is only a two-tier. The society in which they live is government controlled and is based on a tiered system, with ten being the top tier.
She has a younger sister who she is now responsible for since her father was killed when Nina was born. But is her father dead? What will she do about her newfound feelings for Sal? She does not want to be sexually active and be used by men, but she also wants a boyfriend to love her.
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Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


There are some books that you can read dozens of times and they will touch your heart... this is one of those books. The lessons that we need to learn in life, many times, are not the lessons we as educators teach in the classroom from the textbook - but the lessons we share with our students. Will they always understand the significance of the lesson when it is presented... probably not. Will they appreciate it years down the road... I do believe they will.

TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE is a poignant book about the power of friendship. Life lessons to be taught. Life lessons to be learned. What it always boils down to is - Relationships.



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Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


A teenage romance novel set in Paris...the characters learn to deal with disappointments, betrayals, friendships and family. The main character Anna must come to terms with being sent to France for her senior year of high school to attend the American School in Paris. And of course, there is all the teenage romance drama that comes from 100 students living in dormitories together. But, more than that, below the surface is a story of teenagers learning to let go of their parents protection and depending on themselves to make difficult decisions.




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The Last Summer Of The Death Warriors by Francisco X. Stork




I heard about this book through a twitter chat. I was intrigued by the story line from the very beginning.

It is a story about two young boys - one dieing of cancer and the other dieing slowly from the hate that he feels towards the man that was responsible for his sister's death. What is extraordinary about this novel - is the power of friendship and understanding that develops between these two boys.

I always think it is interesting when we begin to see, hear or notice similar themes in various aspects of our lives. Books that I have been reading lately make me think of the power of friendship and how it can really have a tremendous impact on one's life.

I would recommend this book to my students who are struggling with a decision - and show them through literature, that one can take a very difficult situation that fills one with anger and from that situation develop an understanding that takes one to forgiveness.



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Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I finished this book - my second time reading it in the past year. I felt it was necessary to reread before I begin presenting it to my 10th grade class when the new semester starts at my high school at the beginning of February.

This time, I really paid attention to the connections she (meaning the main character) made to others... focusing on the different definitions that characters in the novel had regarding friendship. I think this can be a powerful force for discussions in the classroom - What makes a friend a friend? What do you look for in friendships? How many times are we friends with someone because of what we can give to them as opposed to what they can provide for us? (Social status, etc)

Looking forward to reading with students - and hoping that someday I can be the teacher that they feel comfortable enough to share what is bothering them - like her art teacher. I want my classroom to be a safe place where you are able to express your opinion freely and openly.



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The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Every once in a while we come across a book that is simply a great read. And this book is one of those. I found the author's voice refreshing and the storyline had me hooked from the very beginning. I finished the book in 24 hours and was disappointed each time I had to put it down.

The mixture of mystery and teen age romance was well done.

I have already recommended the book to my daughter to read... I hope she enjoys it as much as I did.



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