Summer time

I think this summer is going to be all about how many garden beds can I make in a few short months. I used to wake up in the middle of the night worried about a class project now I wake up thinking about where to put plants or garden beds. Thank god my kids are old enough to be left in the house without killing each other.

We will have a visitor this summer our nephew Connor. Rob's brother has guard stuff this summer so we he Connor. I hope he likes to water flowers. He loves to play with Sam and Adam, he will have fun.

How cute is Adam at pioneer day. He rocked the Virginia Reel. Next Catanzaro shin dig fun.

Stupid fast

Loved this book. I don't read lots of sports books but this one hooked me from the start.

After being called Squirrel Nut since fifth grade the main character is about to turn 16 and he realizes that he is not just fast but he is stupid fast. His talent is recognized by the football team and coach. The problem is that he can't believe them because his home life is so screwed up.

Sam read this one and he liked it. That's high praise. Definitely teen as it contains some bad language and sexual references. Although the language is what I would expect from teens hanging out with friends.

Hole in My Life by Jack Gantos

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I highly recommend listening to this book as gantos reads it. It's amazing how he turned his life around by making conscious choices to change. Lots of drug references so not a quick pick for most tweens. Would I let my kids listen to it--yes. What a great invitation to talk about important choices. My kids did listen while in the car going about town. The rapes are vividly written.



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School library

So what does a school library look like? Well it is not Mrs. Sample smoking cigarettes and hiding them in her desk drawer. I still remember heading down to the basement library of St. Raphael and smelling cigarette smoke The 70's are gone Here Iid what one looks like today It is active with students completing different tasks.

I have third graders making a Dewey chart. First graders are running through a readers theatre. And fifth graders are finding quotes from Brainy Quotes that they can hang in their middle school lockers to inspire them and keep their spirits high through the first year of middle school.

Fifty shades of Gray

I hope it gets better because the writing is terrible.

The flight of Gemma Hardy

Never skip to the end of a book. Sometimes that ruins the book-surprise. This is a clean adult book although an older teen would enjoy it. After thinking about it I realized that it is new adaptation of Jane Eyre. My mom would love it.

So poor Gemma has lost both of her parents and her loving uncle has died. Now she is left with horrible cousins and a brutally mean aunt. It follow Jane Eyre from the beginning to the end updated all along. Even though you know what will happen it is a light easy read. Not nearly as dramatic as Bronte's Eyre.

My Life in Pink and Green by Lisa Greenwd

First I have to say how awesome it is that I can post from my phone. Great news for my three loyal readers.

How many times has Maddy told me to read this book? About a gazillion! But last week was Children's Book Week so I got to spend time with students actually reading quietly in the school library. So weird. It's usually a pretty hoppin place.

Anyway the main character at the age of 12 is kind, considerate and sweet. Lucy wants to help her family save their pharmacy. Since they got rid of the fishing area there might be a chance. Now she can make over all the high school girls who color their hair green-oops. Can Lucy save her family?

Clean read for girl tween.

Walnut Creek

To my loyal 3 followers. I am now at Walnut Creek Elementary until June 1. So far the kids have been so respectful and I know a few of the teachers because my three went to this school for two years. I am excited because I would like to participate in Childrens Book Awards

Waiting for the Magic by Patricia MacLachlan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


What a great read aloud for any 2-4th grade class. The dogs save the family and bring it back together with a little magic.



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Karma by Cathy Ostlere

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Oh,how I loved this book!



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I have read a lot of okay books lately. Nothing wrong with that, but sometimes I want a book that I can't put down and this one did the trick. For some reason I love books that are written in verse and two voices and teen angst, I was not disappointed.

It is hard enough that this young girl must wear a sari to school sometimes, but her other choice includes clothes from the 80's-that can't be good. Her mother is so homesick for India and her family that she commits suicide. Now her father takes her to India to marry her off but war breaks out when Gandhi is assassinated. She is separated from her father and wonders India until she is saved by a knight in shining armor with big ears.

I love that the ending is realistic allowing me to come up with my own happily ever after.

Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


I couldn't get into it or finish it. i was bummed. I couldn't figure it out. I don't want symbols just tell me why you broke up. Geez



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The Twins' Blanket by Hyewon Yum

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Sharing with family members sure can be difficult



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Bunheads by Sophie Flack




I read this book in one day and it was a very blissful day. Just plain fun with interesting insight on the dance world. I could have been a ballerina-in another life.



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Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


The whole family listened to and loved this book. It is an amazing story!



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The Adventures of Sir Gawain the True by Gerald Morris

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This book is so much more understandable than other King Arthur books.



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Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans by Kadir Nelson




The illustrations are beautiful. Told in the first person and very casual.



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Worst of Friends by Day, Larry

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I learned more about these two important historical figures than I knew previously. I just listened to "Jefferson's Sons" which has a much different view and sound than this book. This book is simple with information about the friendship of the two leaders. The illustrations are great. I think this would be a good book to read along with "Jefferson's Sons" to compare the mood and characters.



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The Wonder of Charlie Anne

The Wonder of Charlie Anne by Kimberly Newton Fusco

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I really liked Charlie Anne. Her mother died a year before and the only peace she feels is when she is talking to her mother at her grave site. Now, her father and oldest brother are going north to build roads during the Depression. Their demanding cousin Mirabel has come to take care of her and her two sisters and younger brother while their father is away. But slowly Charlie Anne finds peace when Mr. Jolly across the road takes a new wife along with her daughter. Together they cross racial line to mend the hearts of some people.



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Hello Tyler Run!