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Sunday, March 4, 2012

Monday Reading is also my Slice # 5



Thanks to Jen and Kellee, you can hook up with this kitlit meme: It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? From Picture Books to YA at teach mentor texts!  Please visit to discover terrific books others are reading!

  It's Monday! What are you Reading? is another meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journeys, a variety of reviews to find even more books for your TBR list. 

  And-it's my fifth Slice of Life challenge at the Two Writing Teachers, Stacey and Ruth's, blog.  Amazing to read so many slices from everyone.  This is becoming part of my reading for every day, too!  Thanks to everyone for their clever and beautiful writing.

       My week has really been a totally disorganized and discombobulated week full of reading bits and pieces.  Have you ever had that kind of week when there is so much to do, especially read, and little time for it?  
                                                         This is how I’ve read:


       Still choosing short stories for the immigrant short story group.  If you’d like a list of what I've chosen, I’d be happy to share.

        I was asked to find a few picture books for talking about family things, and as I was browsing in our picture book reading room, I found books by Peter Reynolds:  Ish, Someday, and The North Star, all of which are about the uniqueness and blessings of our lives, and the need to follow our dreams.  I found this out because, silly me, I sat down and read them.  I didn’t really have time to read them, but still, they were there and looked so good.  They were.


       I have read a few chapters each night from The Boy In The Striped Pajamas by John Boyne for a book group, a lot to take in amidst the whirl, and the need to support this particular group well as we read and talk

       I re-read a number of Dr. Seuss books because I was wandering (in my mind) around trying to figure out what to write for Poetry Friday and Dr. Seuss’ birthday.  I shared about this book of Seuss’ early life in my post last Friday:  The Tough Coughs As He Ploughs the Dough, edited by Richard Marschall. 

These aren't the books I'm writing about, just some of my TBR list, or, like Miss Malone, the ones I need to take to school for students because I have read it.  It shows a bit of why I think I have so much to read.  There are more out of sight!
       I just received Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett, illustrations by Jon Klassen.  I am now in love with this book like everyone else.  It reminds me of that proverb, Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. I imagine it would provide much 'yarn' for conversation in the classroom.   


        Because I'm reading The Boy In The Striped Pajamas with a group, I thought it would be nice to give them a positive story along with it.  Most of them have also read The Book Thief, and we don't have much time.  I found a good picture book titled The Yellow Star, The Legend of King Christian X of Denmark, by Carmen Agra Deedy and illustrated by Henri Sorensen about the story of the Danish king and what he did to oppose the Nazis.  

       I’ve read so many blog posts that my brain is swirling with too much information, and no one’s is difficult to read.  But, so far, it’s been great to see and read all the slices and “wonder” what will happen next!

       And finally, I’m still reading Wonder by R.J. Palacio.  I know many have said they couldn’t stop, and I feel that way, too, but there has just been too much to do.  It’s a marvelous book, and I’ll finish it soon.  I’ve read many heartfelt reviews of it, most recently by Kevin at his blog, Kevin’s Meandering Mind two days ago. 

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Next – finish Wonder and The Boy In The Striped Pajamas.  Perhaps begin Same Sun Here so I can follow along with Jen and Colby Sharp's conversation about it at Jen and Kellee’s Teach Mentor Texts blog and Colby's blog, SharpRead


                                                     Happy Reading this week everyone!

32 comments:

  1. Hi Linda,
    You know I've heard that the stories of King of Denmark's support of the Jews were exaggerated. If you visit the Holocaust museum in Denmark his horse is turned to the wall in shame.

    As for Wonder, I feel lucky that all I need to read at one time. I hear the demands on your time :)
    Bonnie

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    1. Bonnie, the title is the "legend" and there is an explanation at the back of the book in the author's note telling that it is not true, but the story also tells of other good deeds. Thanks for the info.

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  2. Linda,

    Wow. What a collection of books. I will come back later and make a list so I can add them to our library.

    I wanted to tel you how much I appreciate your thoughts and encouragement.

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    1. I love hearing what you have to say, too, Ruth. Glad you enjoyed the words about the books!

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  3. You constantly amaze me with all you do. What a wonderful list of things to read. I keep adding to my TBR list, but I'm not getting much finished. I'm definitely going to have to buy Wonder....with all the buzz about it, it seems to be a must read!

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    1. I'm nearly finished, & now I hate it to end. You'll see when you get to it. There are a lot of good ones out there, aren't there, Deb?

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  4. I love your post and all your books you've read and are going to read. I adore Extra Yarn as well, what a simply beautiful book! Have a great reading week!

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    1. I'm looking forward to using Extra Yarn whenever it seems right. It is terrific, isn't it?

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  5. I loved The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. What grade are you using this title with? Also, I would love to know what short stories you've selected when you are ready to share.

    Have a great week among the pages!

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    1. Don't have time now, but will post the list. Susan, I'm teaching the book to high end readers in the 5th grade. They are prolific readers and are doing fine so far with the book.

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  6. What a list! You exemplify a reading life! I am in awe of you and your list. Right now, slices are my reading and I am enjoying every single one. My one regret is I can't read every single one every day.

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    1. There are so many, aren't there, Elsie. I just know I'm missing some great ones!

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  7. Okay...now I feel like a reader-loser! Wonder was such a moving book....how is it going with "Striped Pajamas"? As you mentioned, this is a book that needs a lot of reading help.

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    1. Tomorrow will be the big conversation, when things start to happen, Tara. The group has only read about 7 chapters & their speculations are so innocent. I am trying to give some hints of serious things to come.

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  8. Linda,

    What a great link. I sent it on to other librarians in our district. I will certainly hunt those books up. What a great resource.

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    1. Thanks for sending, Ruth. There are so many good ones available today, & from the past too!

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  9. I want to cozy up in that chair with those books. :) There are some goodies in there!
    Ruth

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    1. Too many I really want to start-too little time, I guess. I also need to clean off the chair & sit in it!

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  10. I'm in awe of all you are reading! I've been barely keeping my head above water trying to slice and read slices every day! I hope your students realize what an amazing teacher they have!

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    1. But Jennifer, you've also been so very busy with the move, etc. I just read your post-what a past few days you have had, plus it's the very time the challenge started! I am in awe back at you!

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  11. I am impressed by how many titles you are reading at one time. I can only handle 1 or 2 at a time, and they can't be too similar. I have not thought of keeping a running list of all I am reading. That will be my next challenge. Well done, you've inspired me.

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    1. You can keep track on Goodreads if you'd like. It's fun, & you can set goals, etc. I read differently all the time, so I'm used to it, but with the slices this week, it's been quite a challenge! Thanks for coming by!

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  12. Boy in the Striped Pajamas is quite a story. I too am in the midst of Wonder, and finding it hard to stop, but need to as life goes on around me. I need a reading vacation! :)

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    1. Wouldn't that be just 'wonder' ful? I am determined to finish tonight, no matter how long I stay up!

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  13. I am going to have to check out Extra Yarn. My dog is named "Roosevelt" after Eleanor Roosevelt, and that quote about lighting a candle rather than cursing the darkness is one of my favorites (I think Adlai Stevenson said it in regards to Eleanor Roosevelt at one point).

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    1. Yes, I think you're right about the quote, Christy. She was amazing, wasn't she? I hope you do check out the book-very fun. I wonder what older students would make of it? I think they might enjoy it more than younger ones.

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  14. My heart aches just thinking of Boy in the Striped Pajamas. I didn't see the end coming until very close to the end. Ugh. I've never read it with kids or have had a kiddo read it. I'm sure it will be an interesting book club discussion! Yay for Extra Yarn!!!! I'm glad you love it. I love it, you know. I hope you get to join us for Same Sun Here but enjoy Wonder! :)

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    1. Just a little bit to go with Wonder, then I'll start Same Sun Here. I can at least then read what you & Colby are saying! I'll let you know about the Boy In The Striped Pajamas Group. I taught it last year but with older students.

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  15. After reading what people are reading today I feel I need a reading vacation. Good think spring break is coming!

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    1. I just loved your poem & commented to you! See my comment about Wonder!

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  16. I know what you mean about having so many delectable books and the struggle to find the time to really relish them and go over each one with such delight and pleasure. Right now, I've been reading a lot of picture books for our new bimonthly theme on Girl Power and Women's Wiles which we would be launching this coming Sunday, I've also read a number of award-winning Filipino picture books in preparation for my presentation for the Children's Lit conference in Boston this June. I'm also trying to finish Patrick Ness' The Knife of Never Letting Go - while a riveting read, I struggle to keep my eyes open every night - which is basically the only time I can get to read chapters of it. I hope to be able to finish it soon, though.

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  17. Myra I really don't see how you do all you do, the reviewing & reading, plus your profession too. Amazing. But it is quite fun, isn't it? Thanks for stopping in.

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