Reading Between the Lines

Goddess Power: A Kids' Book of Greek and Roman Mythology: 10 Empowering Tales of Legendary Women by Yung In Chae PhD My rating: 5 of 5 stars Excellent resource for the classroom during the Mythology unit! View all my reviews

Chirp by Kate Messner My rating: 5 of 5 stars I am so grateful to have received an ARC of Chirp by Kate Messner from Netgalley. Kate Messner is one of the gurus of teaching ELA that I respect, follow, and incorporate her ideas into my lessons. Her summer writing camp for teachers encourages us as educators to explore our own writing and try new techniques. Chirp is an amazing and touching story of Mia, who is struggling with secrets and hurt. Mia spends the summer in Vermont at her Gram’s cricket farm. She hopes to rest and snack her summer away, but soon changes directions as she joins Warrior Camp and Launch Camp. Launch Camp is similar to Shark Tank and Warrior Camp is a gymnastics camp. Mia loved gymnastics, until she suffered an injury to her arm, but also her mindset. At Warrior Camp, Mia makes friends and becomes detective when Gram’s cricket farm is suffering from surprising controversial events happening. Launch Camp is an amazing opportunit...

White Rose by Kip Wilson My rating: 5 of 5 stars White Rose is a historical novel written in verse based on the life of Sophie Scholl. Kip Wilson researched and then wrote this book to honor those who stood up for their beliefs and ultimately gave their lives. Each page takes us deeper into the nonviolent resistance group, White Rose, which consists of a group of Germans who disagree with Hitler’s ideals and reign. These young college students pass out pamphlets resisting following and trying to open other German’s eyes. Sophie and their group are so courageous and stand strong in every aspect of their resistance in order to make a difference. I could not put down White Rose and learned of it from a trusted colleague who recommended this read. My heart hurt with the ignorance and unfair decisions. Sophie and the White Rose group should not be forgotten for they were leaders amongst blinded followers. I will never forget my high school history teacher...

The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern My rating: 0 of 5 stars The Starless Sea was a read unlike any other. You must read slowly or you will miss the beauty of the tale. I have not read Night Circus, but will add it to my TBR list. Erin Morgenstern takes the reader from Zacary reading book pages to falling into the book all while seeking but also hiding from what he and the characters he meets along the way may find behind the next door. Read slowly and intentionally, as you will need to keep track of character changes and story twists. I found myself a bit scattered at times and rereading to keep track of the venture. Be sure to follow the significance of the bee, key, and sword. At times, the humor made me grin, such as when Mirabel sarcastically replies to Zachary, “...I hatched from an egg that a Norwegian forest cat sat on for eighteen moons. That cat still hates me.”(p152). She then reveals the truth of her existence. The doors and stories brin...

Truman by Jean Reidy My rating: 5 of 5 stars Truman is a touching story of the connection between beings, love, and the bravery to reach outside of your comfort zone to reach your goals. View all my reviews

One of Us Is Next by Karen M. McManus My rating: 5 of 5 stars One of Us is Next did not fall short of my expectations! Karen McManus is an author I can always count on to challenge my thoughts and emotions throughout the plot. Of course, I like to think of myself as quite the solver of crimes, but the twists and turns take you on an adventure you did not expect with suspects and underlying stories twisting together to create this crazy guessing game. After One of Us is Lying and Simon’s death, I was convinced Bayview High would have learned some lessons about technology use and gossip forums, but this is not the fact of the matter, as a Truth or Dare game enters into the student body social media connections and just like “lemmings” the students latch on and do not let go. Simon’s revenge forum ignites with students waiting for the truth or dare, secretly interested in what they may find out and enjoying the dare task completion. The principal is in ...

Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall My rating: 5 of 5 stars Beautiful book with rich text giving warm feels. The loneliness felt in the beginning replaced with partnership, family, and new adventures. A Caldecott medalist and agree the illustrations are absolutely beautiful with the watercolors, light, circle of life, etc. My students and I enjoyed this book and added it to our classroom library for future 7th graders to analyze engage with a beautifully told and illustrated artistic gem. View all my reviews