 |
Last updated: 4/1/10
|
 |
Mrs. Diana's Site
I have decided to try blogging. Mostly, I want to share with parents and students some of the great books I have read. Stay tuned for more. If you would like to share a review with your fellow students, email it to me for inclusion here. For more great suggestions, check out Mrs. Axelrod's Blog , Mrs. Jacob's Blog and Mrs. Glena's blog.
Keep reading!
Mrs. Diana
What I'm reading now
|
1. Stand Tall
Stand Tall by Joan Bauer
Being tall enough to play basketball, does not mean you are an athelete, as Tree, the tallest boy in his seventh grade class can tell you. That is not his only problem, his parents are divorced, his life split between their two houses, and his grandfather must undergo surgery to amputate his leg, the result of an old Vietnam War wound. With his Grandfather and his new friend Sophie at his side, tree learns what it means to stand both phsyically and emotionally tall. This is a story about coping with loss, and rising to stand tall.
posted 10/26/2009 11:08 AM
| comment
| view comments (0)
|
|
2. Zlata's Diary: A Child's Life in Wartime SarajevoE
Zlata's Diary: A Child's Life in Wartime Sarajevo by Zlata Filipovic
Eleven year old Zlata was living a normal life in Sarajevo when her country became a war zone. Her diary begins just like any young girl's might, concerned with school, friends, lessons. Then the war begins, and at this young age, her thoughts must turn to daily bombings, lost friends and relatives, food shortages and the constant danger of war. This is a true diary of a young girl who had her world turned upside down. Can you imagine that happening to you?
posted 10/26/2009 10:53 AM
| comment
| view comments (0)
|
|
3. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part - Time Indian
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part - Time Indian
By Sherman Alexie
Arnold Spirit is living in a poor family on a reservation outside Spokane. He was born with water on the brain, and has been a target of bullies all of his life. He is a decent basketball player, and loves to draw. His cartoons are scattered throughout the book. When he opens a text book to find that his mother used it, he is angered that his school is so old, and so poor. Throwing the book, he accidentally hits the teacher, breaking his nose. Later, the teacher visits him and encourages him to attend a school off the reservation. Arnold (Junior) decides to make the transfer, and attends an upscale suburban school even though he often has to walk or hitch to get there. He struggles, not fitting in with the students at his new school, and seen as a traitor by his friends on the reservation.
I would recommend this book to older students, especially boys. There is a fair amount of basketball description, and Arnold is both sad and funny. There is a little language, but nothing out of character for a 9th grade boy. Many 8th to 9th graders will identify with Arnold's struggles to find himself and his place in the world.
posted 8/4/2009 12:32 PM
| comment
| view comments (1)
|
|
4. Bronx Masquerade by Nikki Grimes
Bronx Masquerade by Nikki Grimes
When an English class begins to study the Harlem Renaissance the teacher creates open mic Fridays for the students to share their own poetry. Each chapter is told from one of the student's point of view, followed by that student's poem. The story unfolds in pieces, as the reader peeks into each character's thoughts about himself and his/ her classmates. It is an interesting study in the difference between what is felt inside, and what is perceived by others. The chapters are short, and the poetry speaks volumes. It might inspire you to put down a few of your own thoughts. It also might make you wonder if your perceptions of those around you are accurate.
posted 8/4/2009 12:32 PM
| comment
| view comments (0)
|
|
5. Sunrise Over Fallujah byWalter Dean Myers
Sunrise Over Fallujah byWalter Dean Myers
Myers takes on a bit of recent historical fiction in this novel. Robin Perry (dubbed "Birdy" by his fellow recruits) joins the army, and by 2003 is headed to Operation Iraqi Freedom. As part of a civil affairs unit, Robin expects to interact with the Iraqi people to build trust. He often ends up in dangerous situations, wondering about "an enemy we can't identify and friends we're not sure about." The book is written for teens, and though some of the language is strong, in real life, in a combat zone, it is probably stronger. It gives just a glimpse of an American soldier's life in the opening months of the war. A good choice if you like war stories, Myer's other work, or recent history.
posted 8/4/2009 12:31 PM
| comment
| view comments (0)
|
|
6. All the Lovely Bad Ones By Mary Downing Hahn
All the Lovely Bad Ones By Mary Downing Hahn
Do you love a little scare? This is a slightly scary ghost story about Travis (12) and his younger sister Corey. They love a good prank, though the adults they meet don't always agree. Sent to spend the summer with their Grandmother at her bed and breakfast, they can't resist the urge to "help" the guests see some of the ghosts rumored to inhabit the place. Their mischief sets off a real ghost story, much more frightening than they could have imagined. Not too scary as ghost stories go. I like this one.
posted 7/26/2009 12:34 PM
| comment
| view comments (0)
|
|
7. Tending to Grace by Kimberly Fusco
Tending to Grace by Kimberly Fusco
Cornelia Thornhill knows that she love books, and has read many. Her self imposed silence, and stuttering keep others from seeing the girl on the inside. Left in 9th grade by her neglectful mother at her great aunt's house, Cornelia learns about herself and her eccentric aunt. A lovely, powerful story about finding your place in life.
posted 7/26/2009 12:33 PM
| comment
| view comments (0)
|
|
8. Happy Kid by Gail Gauthier
Happy Kid by Gail Gauthier
At the beginning of 7th grade, Kyle is just trying to begin a quiet year after the bus incident in 6th grade. His concerned mother gives him a book: "Happy Kid: A Young Person's Guide to Satisfying Relationships and a Happy and Meaning-filled Life" offering to pay him for each chapter, in hopes that he will make some new friends.He starts reading only to earn enough money to buy breakfast at school, but the book takes on a life of its own. Kyle's middle school experiences ring true. A wonderful, funny story of growing up.
I think it would make a nice addition to summer reading.
posted 7/26/2009 12:33 PM
| comment
| view comments (1)
|
|
|
|
 |
