Things I'm wondering about...

Hello, Hello, Hello!!!

What a great morning for reading! It's overcast and early and a cool enough to open the windows, crawl under the sheets, and dive into the most recent book I picked up. It's called The Westing Game and its author is Ellen Raskin. It's a fun mystery, with exaggerated (and funny) characters and clever word plays.

The book has a great reputation, but I got to tell you...I don't think many 8th graders would like it. When I showed the book to Ms. Sbrocco, she shivered. Apparently, she hated that book as a kid and could never, ever get into it. I can see why...unless you really like to read, I don't think it's going to be that interesting and fun for you.

However, those of you who love to read mysteries, especially classic murder mysteries like Agatha Christie's and Sherlock Holmes stories, will enjoy this. It's clever, and it's fun to figure the clues out as the book moves along.

Enough about me, I have some questions...

1. WHAT ARE YOU READING? I know Jimlaine's read a few books I've never heard of, and I know Kayla enjoyed a couple of Jacqueline Woodson's books, but what else is everyone reading?

2. Why hasn't anyone taken my advice and read American Born Chinese, the coolest graphic novel book EVER?

3. Will Patrick share part of his book with us? Hope so, PL...

Be well and be a reader,
Stenson

Summer Reading

Hi all! Summer vacation is officially under way, and it's time to share summer reading highlights (and lowlights).

For the first time, I picked up a graphic novel at the library. American Born Chinese tells a great story, carries a powerful message, and has the COOLEST illustrations, not to mention creative comic book storytelling.

The author, Gene Yang, won the 2007 Michael L. Printz award for this book. If I had any sort of important award to hand out, I'd give it to him in a heartbeat. But I don't, so all I can do is share the title in hopes that many of you will get out there and get your hands on it.

So, here are three things I'm wondering...

1. Who will read American Born Chinese by Gene Lang? Graphic novels are cool. Read it and tell me what you think.

2. What else you are reading? Share with us!

3. Slowly but surely, I'm making it through my summer list. What's on yours?

Hoping to hear from you--

Stenson

After Studying Anne Frank and the Holocaust

Hi all! I don't know if it is a coincidence or not, but there are many books about WWII poppping up in the list of books you guys are posting about.

1. Brendan L. pointed out that a handful of boys read the book Soldier X (by Don Wulffson) this year. Those guys could tell you more about it, but it is book that reads quickly because the story is so interesting. A man, who is a teacher, fought in the war, but for the GERMANS!

2. Kaitlyn M. suggested Dancing in the Streets in Brooklyn (by April Lurie). It isn't about the war but the story is set during the end of the war (1943-1944ish), so readers learn about the war. There is even a love story too!

There are also a bunch of books out there written about people who lived through the Holocaust. Like Don Cheadle, the actor and human rights activist, said: it's hard to learn about a horrible situation if you are only reading the facts, but you can really learn a lot from someone's story. That's what a story can do...teach you about history, other people's lives, and other places people live.

Please let me know if there are other books worth reading about WWII or the Holocaust. It would be fun to get a big list!

Keep Reading, Everyone! And if you post, I'll keep replying and our conversation about books will continue. And that's a good thing...

Stenson