It's Monday!

       Another book reviewed by Jacqueline Wilson and another chance for an IPad Mini!

It's Monday! What are you Reading? is hosted by Jen at TEACH.MENTOR.TEXTS, and shared with Ricki and Kellee at UNLEASHING READERS.   

         And, also visit Sheila at BOOK JOURNEYS for more reviews. 

 Tweet! at #IMWAYR

I finished some terrific books this week, and also am reviewing one more by Jacqueline Wilson, a British author being introduced to the US.  Hope you will enter for the chance to win an IPad Mini!

novels:

Code Name Verity – written by Elizabeth Wein

          Why did I wait so long?  I've had this book for a long time, even loaned it a couple of times!  Just couldn't get started, but when I did, WOW!  How can I write anything without giving too much away.  This is historical fiction, about, and told by, two different girls fighting in WWII for the British.  One is a pilot; one is a spy.  They become friends, they have crazy and wonderful adventures, and they have terrible, heart-wrenching experiences.  Written in two strong voices, it is an extraordinary story that one does not want to end.  This is how good the writing is for the quite subtle hints of future events:  "Incredible to think what an ordinary day it was for her, to begin with." I loved every bit!

Hetty Feather and More PLUS a chance for an IPad Mini!

It's Monday! What are you Reading? is hosted by Jen at TEACH.MENTOR.TEXTS, and shared with Ricki and Kellee at UNLEASHING READERS.   

         And, also visit Sheila at BOOK JOURNEYS for more reviews. 

 Tweet! at #IMWAYR

It's been such a busy week, but good reading too.  Here are a few books I finished, including the review of the Hetty Feather trilogy later on in the post, and the entry form for the giveaway:

The Year of Billy Miller – Kevin Henkes

               I was afraid to read this book because a few others' words said it was a 'teary' book, and I wondered what that meant. It's not that I'm afraid of tough topics, it's just that I couldn't imagine how an author could write something that would bring tears for younger readers. I shouldn't have worried! The Year of Billy Miller is a lovely story that started so beautifully that I read most of it one evening, then had to leave the final part until the next morning. 

Monday Review!

It's Monday! What are you Reading? is hosted by Jen at TEACH.MENTOR.TEXTS.  And shared with Ricki and Kellee at UNLEASHING READERS.   

         And, also visit Sheila at BOOK JOURNEYS for more reviews. 

 Tweet! at #IMWAYR

Yesterday's post reviewed one of Jacqueline Wilson's books about Hetty Feather, titled Emerald Star.  You should visit to check out what's next on the blog tour, and submit your name on the Rafflecoptor entries to try to win an IPad Mini.  

      I've read a few books this week in addition to the reading for the Blog Tour and for the books I'm reading with teachers and with students.  Nothing finished, but good conversations!

Here's my reading for the week:

Graphic novel:

A Bag of Marbles – based on the memoir by Joseph Joffo and adapted by Kris, illustrated by Vincent Bailly, translated by Edward Gauvin 

       I found this book on display at my library, a serendipitous find of a serious and

The French cover!

inspiring story.   In 1973, Joseph Joffo published his memoir of his constant movement with his brother, sometimes with the older brothers, and his parents throughout occupied France in order to escape the Nazis.  He was ten years old when he first left Paris with an older brother, Maurice.  As Jews, they had to lie, sometimes cheat, but so often they also helped others, even at their own risk.  Their quick wit saved them again and again. They traveled from city to city in the south of France, called the free zone, although it was often as harsh as the northern part ruled by the Nazis. 

         This is the graphic novel adaptation that tells that amazing story.  All but their father survived, but the boys say that they learned to be courageous from stories their father told, some of which are included in the early part of the book.  The art is so detailed, showing many, many people and settings that occurred in this harrowing, four year crazy life that many led at that time.  I think middle school and up will enjoy reading this specific tale that shows one small part of WWII, not in the Death Camps, but the challenges of staying hidden from anyone’s notice. 

Greet Jacqueline Wilson's Hetty Feather + a Giveaway!

You can access Jacqueline Wilson's website right here!

         You cheeky little varmint!  I've just saved you from drowning. You might at least say thank you!  shows the sometimes fiery, sometimes lonely, always courageous Hetty, heroine of Jacqueline Wilson's Hetty Feather adventures. Until recently, Jacqueline Wilson had published three books about Hetty's life, but now there is a fourth.  They are Hetty Feather, Sapphire Battersea, Emerald Star and Diamond.  The stories chronicle, in first person, the story of Hetty Feather, a child brought up in the Foundling Hospital in London in the age of Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee Celebration, almost at the end of the 19th Century.  According to information offered at the end of the first book, this was the first special children's charity in the UK.  Anyone could bring their child to the hospital, where over 27,000 abandoned children were cared for.  As you can see from the book's story, care was not always the best  given.  I'll review the entire series Monday, Oct 28th

It's Monday - blog tour links!

Monday Reading  

It's Monday! What are you Reading? is hosted by Jen at TEACH.MENTOR.TEXTS.  And shared with Ricki and Kellee at UNLEASHING READERS.   

         And, also visit Sheila at BOOK JOURNEYS for more reviews. 

 Tweet! at #IMWAYR

         Here is information about the first days of the Jacqueline Wilson blog tour, and HERE is the website where you can learn more about this popular British writer, and register to win a new IPad Mini.  As you can see, I'll be posting about my book(s) later in the tour.  So far, terrific reads, but I'll share more later.  In the meantime, check out Karen Yingling's week of reviews and more!