Monthly Archives: August 2013

Time of Wonder

Time of Wonder by Robert McCloskey Even if the name Robert McCloskey doesn’t ring any bells, you’ve probably heard of some of his books, maybe Make Way for Ducklings or Blueberries for Sal .  This goes double if you have … Continue reading

Posted in Primary Grades | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Wanderer

The Wanderer by Sharon Creech Sophie is off on an adventure.  She’s sailing across the Atlantic with assorted uncles and cousins to see Bompie, her grandfather.  It is her voice that brings us into the story and carries us through … Continue reading

Posted in Middle Grades, Tween | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Titanic #3: S.O.S

Titanic #3: S.O.S. by Gordon Korman As the Titanic is taking on water, the story of its passengers is broken up by occasional reports from nearby ships.  The entirety of the book is devoted to the sinking of the Titanic, the … Continue reading

Posted in Middle Grades | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Titanic #2: Collision Course

Titanic #2: Collision Course by Gordon Korman Picking up where Unsinkable left off, Collision Course continues the story of Paddy, Alfie, Sophie and Juliana.  Paddy has been discovered as a stowaway and must spend most of his time evading capture. … Continue reading

Posted in Middle Grades | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Titanic #1: Unsinkable

Titanic #1: Unsinkable by Gordon Korman Unsinkable begins on the deck of the RMS Carpathia, where the few survivors of the Titanic watch the sea where the great ship once sailed.  Beginning in this manner allows Korman to inform readers … Continue reading

Posted in Middle Grades | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Carry On, Mr. Bowditch

Carry On, Mr. Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham Oh how shamefully I admit to you that even selecting this book made me cringe with memories of enforced high school summer reading lists. I never did have to read it in … Continue reading

Posted in Middle Grades, Teen, Tween | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Come On, Rain

Come On, Rain by Karen Hesse This is the quintessential book about summer rain, especially if you’ve lived in an urban area.  The writing is so beautiful and evocative that you could read this in the frosty middle of winter … Continue reading

Posted in Little Ones, Primary Grades | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

I Survived: The Shark Attacks of 1916

I Survived: The Shark Attacks of 1916 by Lauren Tarshis This is one in a series of books that focus on slightly horrifying historical events.  It’s like historical fiction, tabloid style.  But at least it gets some kids to read … Continue reading

Posted in Middle Grades, Primary Grades | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi Right from the start the book has an air of intrigue and foreboding. Charlotte states in a foreword that she has been accused of murder and found guilty.  When we begin the … Continue reading

Posted in Middle Grades, Teen, Tween | Tagged , | Leave a comment

The Tail of Emily Windsnap

The Tail of Emily Windsnap by Liz Kessler Despite the fact that Emily Windsnap has lived her life on a boat, she’s never actually gone into the water.  Nothing could be more of a shock than what happens the very … Continue reading

Posted in Middle Grades, Primary Grades | Tagged , | Leave a comment