I didn't go into #bookaday thinking I'd actually read a book a day but I'm actually close to having read a book a day and they are longer books that I've been hoping to read for a while. Here is this week's reading. It has been so nice to catch up. I think I'll end 2013 totally behind in my reading life, but at least I got back to it over break.
So glad that Jen and Kellee created this great Monday blog tradition. Visit their blogs for the link-ups!
Fangirl
is definitely one of my favorite books of the year. For days after I finished, I kept thinking about the characters and wishing I wasn't finished. I read it in 2 sittings (night before bed and early, early morning.) A great read. I read Eleanor and Park earlier this year and loved it. This one is just as wonderful in a very different way Rainbow Rowell is my new author hero. So glad to have discovered her in 2013!
Africa Is My Home: A Child of the Amistad
by Monica Edinger was another highlight of my reading week. I have to admit that I knew very little about the Amistad but Monica Edinger made me care deeply about this event in history and the children who were involved. A fascinating story that I am so glad to have read. It is probably one I will reread as it is amazingly brilliant.
I met author Erin Soderberg at #ncte13. Because I've been so far behind on my reading, her new book The Quirks: Welcome to Normal
has been on my stack. I ended up reading it as one of my #bookaday books and loved it. It is a fun new series about a family with unique "quirks". They move to a very normal town and try to fit in. This book had everything in it that I loved about stories when I was younger. That whole idea that something magical could be happening. The Littles, The Borrowers, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, I Dream of Jeanie, Escape to Witch Mountain and Bewitched were some of my favorite. I got that same feeling when I read this--loving the idea that someone I know may have magical powers! This is a new series and the 2nd is due out in February. I think it is perfect for grades 3 and 4. I can't wait to share this one with my students!
Cold Spell (Fairy Tale Retelling)
by Jackson Pearce --I love fairy tales, especially Snow Queen books since I read Breadcrumbs. This is a fun YA version of the Snow Queen and it was a fun, quick read! I'll definitely read more by this author.
And right now, I am in the middle of Winger
. Amazing read. I wasn't able to read it in a day but I am loving it and so glad I fit it in over break!
So glad that Jen and Kellee created this great Monday blog tradition. Visit their blogs for the link-ups!
Fangirl
is definitely one of my favorite books of the year. For days after I finished, I kept thinking about the characters and wishing I wasn't finished. I read it in 2 sittings (night before bed and early, early morning.) A great read. I read Eleanor and Park earlier this year and loved it. This one is just as wonderful in a very different way Rainbow Rowell is my new author hero. So glad to have discovered her in 2013!
Africa Is My Home: A Child of the Amistad
by Monica Edinger was another highlight of my reading week. I have to admit that I knew very little about the Amistad but Monica Edinger made me care deeply about this event in history and the children who were involved. A fascinating story that I am so glad to have read. It is probably one I will reread as it is amazingly brilliant.
I met author Erin Soderberg at #ncte13. Because I've been so far behind on my reading, her new book The Quirks: Welcome to Normal
has been on my stack. I ended up reading it as one of my #bookaday books and loved it. It is a fun new series about a family with unique "quirks". They move to a very normal town and try to fit in. This book had everything in it that I loved about stories when I was younger. That whole idea that something magical could be happening. The Littles, The Borrowers, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, I Dream of Jeanie, Escape to Witch Mountain and Bewitched were some of my favorite. I got that same feeling when I read this--loving the idea that someone I know may have magical powers! This is a new series and the 2nd is due out in February. I think it is perfect for grades 3 and 4. I can't wait to share this one with my students!
Cold Spell (Fairy Tale Retelling)
by Jackson Pearce --I love fairy tales, especially Snow Queen books since I read Breadcrumbs. This is a fun YA version of the Snow Queen and it was a fun, quick read! I'll definitely read more by this author.And right now, I am in the middle of Winger
. Amazing read. I wasn't able to read it in a day but I am loving it and so glad I fit it in over break!
Hi Franki, I have heard so much about Fangirl. I usually try to stick to books my 4th graders will read, but I may have to find a copy of this one. I also have The Quirks from NCTE, but have not been able to read it yet. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed both Fangirl & Winger. I'm glad you read Africa is My Home. That is one that I mean to read, but haven't gotten to it yet. I think I will move it up in priority. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteGreat list of books Franki. I still have to get to Winger.
ReplyDeleteAppreciate your thoughts on these books - Fangirl looks fun.
ReplyDeleteHi Franki! I've heard a lot about Fangirl but haven't read it...yet. I added Quirks to my TBR. Have a happy new year!!!!
ReplyDeleteI need to read Winger for my next book group as well so I am glad to hear people are liking it. I also have heard lots about Fan Girl but have not read it. Will have to check that out as well. Thanks
ReplyDeleteWinger is so amazing...best book I read this year, hands down!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Rainbow Rowell! Fangirl is a definite favorite and I adored Eleanor and Park too. Such good stories and strong characters. Sounds like Cold Spell will go well with Rudnick's Gorgeous or Werlin's Unthinkable and Impossible. The Quirks look so fun too! I will have to look for Soderberg at the library this week. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI was fortunate enough to have an entire day for Winger. LOVE. I haven't read Cold Spells yet, but I really enjoyed Sisters Red. I need to get back to that retellings series! Happy New Year! ~Megan
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Rainbow Rowell is an awesome author. I just read Eleanor and Park over vacation, which is just as good as Fangirl.
ReplyDeleteLoved Fangirl and have the just right girl to pass it on too...going to try the Quirks with my fourth grader. Thanks for sharing...
ReplyDeleteWow - What a gorgeous cover - for Africa is my Home. I think I need to read this book. I am reading Fangirl very soon - two more books ahead of it. Can't wait!
ReplyDeleteThe Quirks sounds fun! Reminded me a little bit of Patricia Polacco's "Graves Family." I haven't read any of Rainbow Rowell's books yet, hopefully I get to that soonest! Africa is my Home also caught my eye, I would have to find that one. :) Have a Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteThanks for talking about Fangirl - my daughter was thinking of reading it, now we both will be. I saw The Quirks at the book store and almost picked it up - guess I will have to go back : ) Happy New Year!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the Quirks recommendation! I can't wait to check this one out. Always on the lookout for titles for transitional readers!
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