It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

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!