Caldecott Winners

I've decided to begin collecting a copy of each Caldecott winner for my children and future grandchildren. When I looked at the list, I discovered I already had a few. Some were gifts, others were found in tiny book stores. I don't care about hardback copies; paperback works just as well. Many of these are not considered "popular" but have timeless characteristics that carry them through generations. Read what the Caldecott Medal is all about here.

Here's the list: 1938-present

Well, I thought I could copy and paste the list, but I couldn't so go to the link to see the complete list. I have Where the Wild Things Are, Lon Po-Po, Officer Buckle and Gloria, and Fables.

I can't wait to start ebaying and thrift store searching for other titles! If you know any cheap resources, let me know. I'm not sure if any are out of print...must check Amazon.

Where Does It Go?

Time- it gets away from me before I even know it's happening!

I have recently read Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. Enjoyable story about a woman's quest to "find herself" through Italy, India, and Indonesia. Many parts were entertaining and educational; others were a strain to filter through the cultural references. Visit her site to read many other reviews.


I just began a book found on the bargain table at Waldenbooks. It claims to be an international bestseller and the title is familiar but I can't place where I've heard it. Interred With Their Bones by Jennifer Lee Carrell Since I teach a unit of Shakespeare to my students, I think I'll enjoy the references.

Finally, I have to read the most recent book in the young adult series by James Patterson, Max

Any recommendations from my readers?

Making a Dent

I've read quite a few books since my last post. As noted, I received books from interlibrary loan. That was a good experience. I requested 3 and got all 3 within a couple weeks. The downside to it was the cost- $2.60 per book. I guess it's better than buying in the store.

On vacation, I read The Senator's Wife by Sue Miller. I heard about it here.

Then, I started Deadline by Chris Crutcher. This book is on the 2010 high school Sequoyah masterlist. I read all the middle school and high school Sequoyah nominees so I can make recommendations to students. Wow, this book is thought provoking! Well, anything by Chris Crutcher will make you stop and think. Basic plot is an 18 year old senior finds out he has a deadly form of cancer and refuses treatment. He also decides not to tell his family. His family doctor is not legally allowed to tell the family, either. The story that unfolds is about how this kid, who knows his life is short, makes the most of his senior year. It's a tear jerker like none other. But, I think our older teenagers could really pick up on the lessons here. What really makes life important, making decisions, etc.

I then moved to The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan. This book is seriously weird! I really didn't care for it but it is freaky in a way that junior kids will love it. No vampires, just people called the Unconsecrated.

Wintergirls is my latest read. It is by Laurie Halse Anderson, one of my favorite authors. In true Anderson fashion, the book is loaded with figurative language and imagery. I am writing down quotes to use for teaching next year. The subject matter is scary and emotionally wrenching. It deals with anorexia and cutting, two habits common among our teenage girls (and some boys). I really liked the writing style despite the disturbing material. It will be VERY popular in my junior high when our library gets a copy!

So, the summer reading list is getting shorter. Has anyone read a good book lately?

Reading Update

Update: I finished the books from my last post. Multiple Blessings was a quick read- 2 days tops. I waded through the Danielle Steel book. It had a different twist than her other books but still had that adult book feel. I am so used to young adult books that I have a hard time with adult books with complex plot and descriptive detail.

I used interlibrary loan for some of the titles on my summer reading list. I haven't done that since college when I needed articles for a research paper. We'll see how it goes. I only requested 3 since I was afraid I'd get them all at once and have to speed read.

We're leaving on vacation next week so I'll be scouring our public library to find a few for the road. I love road trip reading!

What I'm Reading Now

Just finished My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

RUN, don't walk, to your nearest book store or Wal-Mart and get this book! I haven't been this moved by a book in a long time. There is no way the movie will be better; read the book!

Picked up these today at the library:

Multiple Blessings- by Jon and Kate Gosselin
Despite their recent strife, I'm still fascinated with their lives.

Matters of the Heart- by Danielle Steel
I read EVERYTHING by her!

Summer Reading List

Now that the glorious season is here, my reading gear will go up a notch. I love reading a good book with my kids splashing in the pool around me!

I'm just starting my summer reading list and I need help from all of you!

Here is what I have so far:
1. The Senator's Wife- Sue Miller
2. The Wintergirls- Laurie Halse Anderson
3. My Sister's Keeper- Jodi Picoult --Just bought it at Wal-Mart today!
4. City of Ashes and City of Glass (book 2&3 in a series)- Cassandra Clare
5. Graceling- Kristin Cashore
6.?
................

Leave me a comment with your suggestions for summer reading. I need to broaden my horizons so it's okay to suggest something other than vampires :)

Mortal Instruments: Book One

I've grown bored of books with only vampires and have moved on to a combination of vampires, werewolves, faeries, and other fantasy sort of creatures. This led me to the first book in a new series called The Mortal Instruments. At the pleading of 3 8th graders, I read City of Bones in one weekend. I enjoyed it more from a curiosity standpoint than anything. I wanted to know what had propelled these 3 to beg me to read it. It certainly was intriguing with a combination of magic, fantasy, romance, and all kinds of mythical creatures. Thankfully, the 2nd and 3rd books are already released so I can move on to the next one without the months of wait time that usually prevail. The author, Cassandra Clare, has a website dedicated to all of her stuff but this series has it's own site here.