The Baby-Sitters Club (graphic novels) adapted by Raina Telgemeier
When I was growing up, I adored The Baby-Sitters Club series. I spent birthday money on the books, I checked them out from the library, I borrowed them from whoever I could. I even paid the $5 advertised in the back of the book to be a fan club member. I still have a box full of paperbacks in my office here at home. Let me say it again, "I adored the BSC."
I've spent the past five years watching middle schoolers read about drugs, sex, alcoholism, abuse, and other topics that are (in my opinion) inappropriate for preteens. What happened to reading that could be fun and relevant without having an explicit sex scene on page 86? (In case you can't tell, I bought a book specifically for my classroom and THANK GOD I read it prior to putting it in my class.) I want kids to understand that reading can be entertaining without being lewd or crass.
Imagine my delight when I placed an order back in October and saw that the first four BSC novels are now available in a graphic novel form. They tell the same stories, albeit abridged, but use a medium that pique the interests of today's kids. However, a group of fourth graders came in the library today and checked out the actual novels since they had read the newer versions.
I know that these books aren't ever going to end up in the "Classics" section of a bookstore, but they're clean fun for kids. According to Wikipedia, 17 million copies were sold between 1986 and 2000, which goes to show that kids in the 80s, 90s, and the 00s (and now the 10s?) like them.
Keep reading, kids.
Target Age Range: upper elementary, early middle school (and ladies in their 20s reliving their childhoods)
Monday, January 30, 2012
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Substitute Creacher...or as I would call it: Mrs. Rühl's Life in Verse
Substitute Creacher by Chris Gall
I received a shipment of new books at work this week, and was making AR tests for a few when I came across this read. It's cute in a familiar way--bad kid turns into a monster to right his wrongs. Mr. Creacher subs for a class of unruly students, and he warns them of terrible outcomes to students he previously taught.
I liked the story, particularly the art work, but what made me write about it today is a poem about one of Mr. Creacher's former students, Sara. Now if you've worked or lived with me in the past ( . . . or present), it might be correct to say that I'm a cluttered person. As a teacher, I used to have issues with keeping my desk neat. Said issues may or may not have been severe enough that students would warn me about keeping it clean. "Mrs. Rühl, you're desk is getting too messy again. You're going to get in trouble again!" Fortunately, as a librarian, I have multiple desks and tables in the library and in my office, so there isn't a mountain of clutter piled high.
Anyway, this part of the book spoke to me in volumes. And I chuckled outwardly after reading it.
I received a shipment of new books at work this week, and was making AR tests for a few when I came across this read. It's cute in a familiar way--bad kid turns into a monster to right his wrongs. Mr. Creacher subs for a class of unruly students, and he warns them of terrible outcomes to students he previously taught.
I liked the story, particularly the art work, but what made me write about it today is a poem about one of Mr. Creacher's former students, Sara. Now if you've worked or lived with me in the past ( . . . or present), it might be correct to say that I'm a cluttered person. As a teacher, I used to have issues with keeping my desk neat. Said issues may or may not have been severe enough that students would warn me about keeping it clean. "Mrs. Rühl, you're desk is getting too messy again. You're going to get in trouble again!" Fortunately, as a librarian, I have multiple desks and tables in the library and in my office, so there isn't a mountain of clutter piled high.
Anyway, this part of the book spoke to me in volumes. And I chuckled outwardly after reading it.
Have you heard about Sara?
She crammed all her stuff
inside of her desk--
but enough was enough!
Her desk was so full
that it started to shake.
It rattled and lurched
like a minor earthquake.
Kids ran for their lives
ant the teachers threw fits,
and then Sara's desk
blew itself into bits.
She crammed all her stuff
inside of her desk--
but enough was enough!
Her desk was so full
that it started to shake.
It rattled and lurched
like a minor earthquake.
Kids ran for their lives
ant the teachers threw fits,
and then Sara's desk
blew itself into bits.
It's a fun book for Halloween, or if you have students who are driving you crazy. Of course, you can also use it if you have a student who needs to learn some organizational skills.
Target age range: elementary grades
Saturday, January 21, 2012
One for the Money
One for the Money by Janet Evanovich
I may have been one of the last women in the continental United States who had never read a Stephanie Plum book, but now I'm off that list. Thanks to Rhonda, my dear librarian friend, for her Facebook comment about reading the newest book, Explosive Eighteen, since that was what finally got me to flip open the cover of one. So keep in mind that I'm well aware that this review is circa 1994, but I was ten at the time and had no business reading this book then anyway.
Fun and breezy, One for the Money was definitely what I would consider a "beach read," but there's nothing wrong with that--even in January. Plum is newly unemployed, has just had her car repossessed, and needs food in her fridge. She finds herself in a position to apply for an office clerk job, but jumps at the chance to make fast cash by bringing in those who have skipped bail. Her first "client" happens to be her ex, Joe Morelli, a cop in trouble for supposedly shooting an unarmed man.
Plum quickly finds herself in a number of scrapes, but these are minor since a lunatic boxer has his heart set on torturing her. Pride and the drive to prove herself keeps her from running to the cops, and her life dangerously spins out of control.
Follow Stephanie as she tries to convince Joe to turn himself in while avoiding the wrath of a crazed fighter. I realize that statement makes this sound like a thriller, but don't let it fool you. The characters' dialogue is spicy and full of humor, which lightens the plot. Like I said, it's a fun read. I've already borrowed the next one from the library.
Target age range: adults
I may have been one of the last women in the continental United States who had never read a Stephanie Plum book, but now I'm off that list. Thanks to Rhonda, my dear librarian friend, for her Facebook comment about reading the newest book, Explosive Eighteen, since that was what finally got me to flip open the cover of one. So keep in mind that I'm well aware that this review is circa 1994, but I was ten at the time and had no business reading this book then anyway.
Fun and breezy, One for the Money was definitely what I would consider a "beach read," but there's nothing wrong with that--even in January. Plum is newly unemployed, has just had her car repossessed, and needs food in her fridge. She finds herself in a position to apply for an office clerk job, but jumps at the chance to make fast cash by bringing in those who have skipped bail. Her first "client" happens to be her ex, Joe Morelli, a cop in trouble for supposedly shooting an unarmed man.
Plum quickly finds herself in a number of scrapes, but these are minor since a lunatic boxer has his heart set on torturing her. Pride and the drive to prove herself keeps her from running to the cops, and her life dangerously spins out of control.
Follow Stephanie as she tries to convince Joe to turn himself in while avoiding the wrath of a crazed fighter. I realize that statement makes this sound like a thriller, but don't let it fool you. The characters' dialogue is spicy and full of humor, which lightens the plot. Like I said, it's a fun read. I've already borrowed the next one from the library.
Target age range: adults
The Son of Neptune
The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan
I've been a fan of Percy Jackson since he first appeared in The Lightning Thief. Greek mythology was my favorite subject to cover while teaching reading to seventh graders--and it was undoubtedly their favorite subject to learn. Needless to say, I was pretty disappointed when Percy's series ended, but Riordan brought him back in his new series, Heroes of Olympus. Like the first set of books, this deals with Greek gods and goddesses, but intertwines Roman gods into the plot. The first book in the series, The Lost Hero finds readers wondering where Percy has disappeared to, but introduces new, equally impressive characters.
However, these characters aren't in the second book (they'll be in future novels). Percy's back in Son of Neptune, although memory loss keeps him from knowing who he is, or rather, who his father is and why that's important. He makes his way into a Roman camp of demigods that's similar to Camp Half-Blood, although he's welcomed halfheartedly. Percy befriends Hazel and Frank, and the three are soon on a quest to Alaska to rescue Thanatos, Pluto's/Hades's right hand man, so the dead can stay dead. Imagine thwarting monsters to have them come back to life right in front of you. That's one of the challenges the demigods face in this book.
Kudos to Riordan for once again creating a book that hooks younger readers, particularly males. Pop culture references appear throughout the book (at one point, Thanatos whips out an iPad to check a list, and Frank prays there's not "an app for reaping souls"), making the novel relevant to readers. I love that Riordan's books open doors for children to research other topics or check out similar reads. This one is no different in that aspect; I'm sure many have compared the differences in Roman and Greek gods after starting the series.
Lovely read. Good thing three more are coming in this set. And, hey, the final in his Egyptian gods series, Kane Chronicles, is due out in May.
Target age range: 10 and up
I've been a fan of Percy Jackson since he first appeared in The Lightning Thief. Greek mythology was my favorite subject to cover while teaching reading to seventh graders--and it was undoubtedly their favorite subject to learn. Needless to say, I was pretty disappointed when Percy's series ended, but Riordan brought him back in his new series, Heroes of Olympus. Like the first set of books, this deals with Greek gods and goddesses, but intertwines Roman gods into the plot. The first book in the series, The Lost Hero finds readers wondering where Percy has disappeared to, but introduces new, equally impressive characters.
However, these characters aren't in the second book (they'll be in future novels). Percy's back in Son of Neptune, although memory loss keeps him from knowing who he is, or rather, who his father is and why that's important. He makes his way into a Roman camp of demigods that's similar to Camp Half-Blood, although he's welcomed halfheartedly. Percy befriends Hazel and Frank, and the three are soon on a quest to Alaska to rescue Thanatos, Pluto's/Hades's right hand man, so the dead can stay dead. Imagine thwarting monsters to have them come back to life right in front of you. That's one of the challenges the demigods face in this book.
Kudos to Riordan for once again creating a book that hooks younger readers, particularly males. Pop culture references appear throughout the book (at one point, Thanatos whips out an iPad to check a list, and Frank prays there's not "an app for reaping souls"), making the novel relevant to readers. I love that Riordan's books open doors for children to research other topics or check out similar reads. This one is no different in that aspect; I'm sure many have compared the differences in Roman and Greek gods after starting the series.
Lovely read. Good thing three more are coming in this set. And, hey, the final in his Egyptian gods series, Kane Chronicles, is due out in May.
Target age range: 10 and up
Sunday, January 8, 2012
The Book that Eats People
The Book that Eats People by John Perry
This was the book for last week's story time with kindergarten and first grade. I used it to introduce a cyber safety lesson (books can't really hurt you, but giving out personal info online can blah blah). However, it's a fun read for kids, since many of them ask for a "scary" book. Usually that is difficult with younger groups because you don't really want to scare them too badly, but this is fun/scary.
The text isn't really frightful per se, but if you change your inflections when reading, it can be suspenseful. As indicated by the title, the book --this book-- eats people. And it's always hungry. You should always assume it's hungry. The book eats a number of children who had peanut butter smudged fingers and who turned their backs on the book, but at the end, students are given four tips to avoid being consumed.
A 2012 North Carolina Children's Book Award nominee, The Book that Eats People is fun and delightfully illustrated. The kids kept their attentions on the book as each page turned, which can be difficult for a five year old. Like I said, I used it to introduce a computer safety lesson, but turn out the lights and give this one a read.
Target Age Range: 6-9 years old
This was the book for last week's story time with kindergarten and first grade. I used it to introduce a cyber safety lesson (books can't really hurt you, but giving out personal info online can blah blah). However, it's a fun read for kids, since many of them ask for a "scary" book. Usually that is difficult with younger groups because you don't really want to scare them too badly, but this is fun/scary.
The text isn't really frightful per se, but if you change your inflections when reading, it can be suspenseful. As indicated by the title, the book --this book-- eats people. And it's always hungry. You should always assume it's hungry. The book eats a number of children who had peanut butter smudged fingers and who turned their backs on the book, but at the end, students are given four tips to avoid being consumed.
A 2012 North Carolina Children's Book Award nominee, The Book that Eats People is fun and delightfully illustrated. The kids kept their attentions on the book as each page turned, which can be difficult for a five year old. Like I said, I used it to introduce a computer safety lesson, but turn out the lights and give this one a read.
Target Age Range: 6-9 years old
Friday, December 30, 2011
The Geeks Shall Inherit the Earth
The Geeks Shall Inherit the Earth: Popularity, Quirk Theory, and Why Outsiders Thrive After High School by Alexandra Robbins
I thought I'd throw in a nonfiction read for those who like to read it. The fact that I prefer fiction is probably why I thought this was not only an informative read, but actually interesting. Robbins does a good job of telling her subjects' stories in narratives that read like fiction (there's dialogue, development, etc.). The book focuses on the school lives of six different people throughout the United States; these people are the "Cafeteria Fringe" or outsiders in their school/social communities. Joy is a new girl from Jamaica, Blue is a gamer, Eli is a nerd, Noah is a band geek, Danielle is a loner, Regan is a lesbian, and Whitney is a self-proclaimed popular bitch. All of these people face hardships in their social lives, even though they have different experiences and different places on the social spectrum. Robbins issues each subject a challenge during the school year that will [hopefully] change their social lives without forcing them to conform or change their own personalities in order to fit into a group.
Honestly, I think that this book should be required reading for any student attending school to be a teacher. It's not uncommon knowledge that middle and high school is hellacious for students who don't fit the social mold--are you rich enough/smart enough/thin enough/hip enough/athletic enough/vapid enough--but this looks into the problems that administrators and teachers have when it comes to allowing such behavior. Not all teachers and principals are guilty of protecting the social hierarchies established by teens, but some do grant favors or look the other way based on who is popular. I'm not naïve enough to think that reading a piece of literature will change one's ways, but perhaps it can influence one to stop and think about his/her actions.
Oh, and I loved how an entire section was devoted to why 7th grade is the worst year of school. Might I add that I really love my new job? :p
Target age range: adults
I thought I'd throw in a nonfiction read for those who like to read it. The fact that I prefer fiction is probably why I thought this was not only an informative read, but actually interesting. Robbins does a good job of telling her subjects' stories in narratives that read like fiction (there's dialogue, development, etc.). The book focuses on the school lives of six different people throughout the United States; these people are the "Cafeteria Fringe" or outsiders in their school/social communities. Joy is a new girl from Jamaica, Blue is a gamer, Eli is a nerd, Noah is a band geek, Danielle is a loner, Regan is a lesbian, and Whitney is a self-proclaimed popular bitch. All of these people face hardships in their social lives, even though they have different experiences and different places on the social spectrum. Robbins issues each subject a challenge during the school year that will [hopefully] change their social lives without forcing them to conform or change their own personalities in order to fit into a group.
Honestly, I think that this book should be required reading for any student attending school to be a teacher. It's not uncommon knowledge that middle and high school is hellacious for students who don't fit the social mold--are you rich enough/smart enough/thin enough/hip enough/athletic enough/vapid enough--but this looks into the problems that administrators and teachers have when it comes to allowing such behavior. Not all teachers and principals are guilty of protecting the social hierarchies established by teens, but some do grant favors or look the other way based on who is popular. I'm not naïve enough to think that reading a piece of literature will change one's ways, but perhaps it can influence one to stop and think about his/her actions.
Oh, and I loved how an entire section was devoted to why 7th grade is the worst year of school. Might I add that I really love my new job? :p
Target age range: adults
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Winter Garden
Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah
According to my Goodreads account, I've read over 60 novels this year. However, I'm rather disappointed in myself as of late because I've put reading aside in favor of technology (er, video games). What is the world coming to when a librarian does that? As my pre-New Year's Resolution, I promise to keep up with my blog as opposed to spending time with anything beginning with the word "Nintendo." If James Patterson can watch and then blog about movies on a regular basis while essentially writing a book a month, I can keep up with this. Besides, I got a Kindle Fire a couple of weeks ago, so (yay) technology can still be a part of my life.
Anyway, back to my current novel. Winter Garden started out a bit slow for me, but halfway through it, I was hooked. A blend of contemporary fiction, historical fiction, and fairy tales, this book takes readers on two sisters' journey to find their mother's love. Anya Whitson, mother of Meredith and Nina, has always rejected her daughters' attempts to reach out to her; it has happened so often in their lives, that they have stopped trying. However, after the death of her husband and much prodding from Nina, Anya begins to express herself through a powerful fairy tale she has not told her daughters since they were children.
The fairy tale takes readers to Russia in the 1940s during the siege of Leningrad (now St. Petersburg). Vera, an optimistic, dreamy girl in a time when dreams were questioned and crushed, is forced to grow up once her father has been taken by the Black Knight. She finds herself in love with a prince, and she takes many risks in order to raise a family with him. Anya tells the story throughout the book, stopping when she can no longer go on. As the story becomes far more detailed and specific than Meredith and Nina have ever heard it, the two begin to wonder if there is more to the tale than just fantasy.
So should you pick it up? Yes. I like to read Hannah's books because they always center around a female protagonist who has some sort of realistic struggle (in many of her novels, it's family-related). I like her books, but it's--how to put this?--easy reading. Maybe a better way to put it is they are 'light' reads. Winter Garden has some very hard parts to read. Hannah has created characters that readers can feel genuine sympathy towards, especially when one considers that it's based on something that really happened. I've also always been a sucker for historical fiction (does anyone remember when I spent the entire summer of 2007 reading novels and biographies about Tudor England and nothing else??), and once the WWII Russia part of the story kicked in, I devoured the book. And, hey, it's winter time. The title says you should read it right now.
Target age range: Adult
According to my Goodreads account, I've read over 60 novels this year. However, I'm rather disappointed in myself as of late because I've put reading aside in favor of technology (er, video games). What is the world coming to when a librarian does that? As my pre-New Year's Resolution, I promise to keep up with my blog as opposed to spending time with anything beginning with the word "Nintendo." If James Patterson can watch and then blog about movies on a regular basis while essentially writing a book a month, I can keep up with this. Besides, I got a Kindle Fire a couple of weeks ago, so (yay) technology can still be a part of my life.
Anyway, back to my current novel. Winter Garden started out a bit slow for me, but halfway through it, I was hooked. A blend of contemporary fiction, historical fiction, and fairy tales, this book takes readers on two sisters' journey to find their mother's love. Anya Whitson, mother of Meredith and Nina, has always rejected her daughters' attempts to reach out to her; it has happened so often in their lives, that they have stopped trying. However, after the death of her husband and much prodding from Nina, Anya begins to express herself through a powerful fairy tale she has not told her daughters since they were children.
The fairy tale takes readers to Russia in the 1940s during the siege of Leningrad (now St. Petersburg). Vera, an optimistic, dreamy girl in a time when dreams were questioned and crushed, is forced to grow up once her father has been taken by the Black Knight. She finds herself in love with a prince, and she takes many risks in order to raise a family with him. Anya tells the story throughout the book, stopping when she can no longer go on. As the story becomes far more detailed and specific than Meredith and Nina have ever heard it, the two begin to wonder if there is more to the tale than just fantasy.
So should you pick it up? Yes. I like to read Hannah's books because they always center around a female protagonist who has some sort of realistic struggle (in many of her novels, it's family-related). I like her books, but it's--how to put this?--easy reading. Maybe a better way to put it is they are 'light' reads. Winter Garden has some very hard parts to read. Hannah has created characters that readers can feel genuine sympathy towards, especially when one considers that it's based on something that really happened. I've also always been a sucker for historical fiction (does anyone remember when I spent the entire summer of 2007 reading novels and biographies about Tudor England and nothing else??), and once the WWII Russia part of the story kicked in, I devoured the book. And, hey, it's winter time. The title says you should read it right now.
Target age range: Adult
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