Not Without Hope by Nick Schulyer

Oh man, what a tragic story.  It's a tragic, true story about four young, strong, athletic, fit guys stranded at sea.  Only one survived.  His memoir is harrowing, chilling, and heart-breaking.  It's a book that will appeal to boys, but it will make all readers appreciate their good fortune, friends, and family.

As I finished the epilogue of the book and put the book down, I considered how lucky I am to be alive and healthy and safe.  The deaths of the three former football players shown below will be a constant reminder of how valuable life is.  Celebrate it with family and friends, and even when life is the darkest, carry one with hope.

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

Top Five Reasons to Read this Book:
5. The narrator is a kid who doesn't take himself to seriously, so he'll make you laugh.
4. There has never been a better time to talk about acceptance and tolerance in our schools.
3. Because the narrator is a boy, boys will like it.
2. Because the star (no pun intended) of the book is a girl (and because the narrator falls in love with her), girls will like it.

1.  and the best thing about this book is the way Stargirl remains true to herself. She is a character I'll always remember. And I'll look for bits of her in my own students.

Go on. Read this book. Try it today. Or tomorrow. Just enjoy it.

Keep reading,
stenson