BOOK OF THE WEEK: Heartbeat by Sharon Creech

If there is one thing that Annie likes to do, it is run. She likes to run for herself and hear her steady heartbeat. It seems like running is the only thing that makes sense among all the changes that are happening in her life: her mom is pregnant, her grandpa is forgetful, and her best friend, Max, is always moody. Annie knows that she cannot control any of these things, but what she can control is her running. But will running really help her get through all these changes that are happening in her life? Is she running away from these changes so that she does not have to deal with them?
This book is interestingly written in poetry form, so it took a little while to get used to it, but once I did, I could not put it down! I think middle school students would be able to relate to strained frienships at a time when all you need is a friend to talk to, especially when there is an unexpected turn of events. In times like these, it's nice to know that family and friends will always be there for you.

Also by Sharon Creech: Walk Two Moons

Also check out Sharon Creech's website: www.sharoncreech.com

BOOK OF THE WEEK: Do the Funky Pickle by Jerry Spinelli

Eddie, Sunny, Salem, and Pickles are four students who form an unlikely friendship at Plumstead Middle School. The school dance is coming up,and Eddie wants to ask Sunny, but he is very much in love with her and cannot bring himself to ask her to the dance. When he finally gets enough courage (with a little help from Pickles) to ask Sunny, she says no, and Eddie is unsure about what to do next. He asks Salem for advice, and together they write a letter to Sunny explaining how Eddie feels about her. Somehwo the letter is taken, rewritten to sound hurtful and mean, and posted in the school hallway message board for all to see, including Sunny. Now Eddie is really in a bad place. What part did Weasel, a bully at school, have in rewriting Eddie's letter to Sunny? Will Salem and Pickles be able to help Eddie straighten things out with Sunny? Will the frienship between Eddie and Sunny survive? Will the four friends be able to maintain their friendship?
I could hardly put this book down! It kind of hit home because I work with middle school students, and there definitely can be a lot of drama in middle school! I think students would be able to relate to the characters and situation in the book. Frienships and secret crushes are big in middle school, and it could be nice (and funny) to read about how someone handles these situations.
Other books in this series are:

• Report to the Principal's Office
• Picklemania

Jerry Spinelli also wrote the books in the Stargirl series.

Check out his website: www.jerryspinelli.com

BOOK OF THE WEEK: Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary

It started in second grade when Leigh Botts' teacher read his class a book by Mr. Boyd Henshaw, who became Leigh's favorite author. Leigh continues to write to Mr. Henshaw, and when he gets to sixth grade, he has an assignment to write about a favorite author, so he automatically thinks about Mr. Henshaw and asks him about his life and career. Mr. Henshaw advises Leigh to keep a journal to help with his writing. It is through these letters and Mr. Henshaw's responses that Leigh deals with his parents' divorce, being the new kid in school and not having any friends (except Mr. Fridley the custodian), and trying to figure out who is taking his lunch. This book is told through Leigh's letters to Mr. Henshaw and entries in Leigh's journal. These letters, his journal, and Mr. Fridley help Leigh realize that if he wants things to change, he is going to have to change a little bit of himself as well. Things will not happen unless he does something to help make them happen.
I liked the way this book was written-a series of letters and jounal entries. We never actually read Mr. Henshaw's responses to Leigh's questions or letters, but we infer what he said from Leigh's other letters. I think this is a good book to read if someone is dealing with divorce and being new to a school. Things will not just be handed to you simply because you want them; you have to work at what you want to get what you want.

Check out Beverly Cleary's website at http://www.beverlycleary.com/

A Collection of Books by Judy Blume

Check out my 15 book collection at this link!

Also take a look at Judy Blume's website at http://www.judyblume.com/

BOOK OF THE WEEK: Louis Braille: The Boy Who Invented Books for the Blind by Margaret Davidson

Told in narrative form, complete with dialogue and illustrations, this is the biography of Louis Braille, who invented braille, and alphabet for people who are blind. It tells about his life as a very young boy and how he first became blind, his struggles, overcoming those struggles, and being determined to invent an efficient alphabet to make books for people who are blind and help them learn. Throughout his life, Louis did not give up and did not let anything get in the way of achieving his goal.

I think it's interesting how people can feel dots and understand what they mean. It was also interesting to read about how braille came about and how Louis did everything and anything he could to help people who are blind have materials to read. I think students might be interested in how braille was invented...after all...I often see students touching the classroom number signs outside their classrooms and "reading" the braille on the signs.

http://www.jacketflap.com/persondetail.asp?person=101651

BOOK OF THE WEEK: Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key by Jack Gantos

Joey Pigza has a hard time sitting still, paying attention, and following the rules. It's hard for him, especially when his medication wears off after lunch. Joey knows he is a good kid. His classmates and office staff like him, and he's a nice boy, but sometimes he just can't control himself, and that's when he gets in trouble or accidents happen. It seems like the harder he tries to do something good, something bad ends up happening instead, but it is not his fault. He just needs the right dose of his medicine. Mrs. Maxy, his teacher, and Mrs. Jarzab, the principal, say that the school downtown will help him learn to make good decisions, behave, and stay focused, but will going to that school really help Joey?
I could not help rooting for Joey! He seems like someone I would have wanted to know: nice, funny, and not afraid to tell people what is on his mind. He really is a good kid, and he does try hard to be good and stay out of trouble, but he can't help it when things go wrong. I think students would also root for Joey and even laugh as he gets himself into a few sticky situations and tries to get out of them.

Another book about Joey Pigza is Joey Pigza Loses Control.

http://www.jackgantos.com/

BOOK OF THE WEEK: Rowan of Rin by Emily Rodda

Rowan is a bit of a coward and a weakling; he knows this, and so do the people of Rin, who are known for their courageous nature. More than anything Rin wants to be able to live up to his father, who died a hero saving his family. His chance comes when something is disturbing their source of water from the mountain, and the six bravest citizens of Rin dare to climb the mountain and fight the dragon that lives there. They have a map, but only Rowan can see it; when anyone else holds it, it disappears. Will Rowan be able to keep up with the brave members of the expedition to fight the dragon and save Rin and its citizens?

I don't typically read these types of stories, but I really enjoyed this one. I could empathize with Rowan; who hasn't felt scared at one time or another? Even though the people (even his mom)doubt him, he is determined to help save Rin at any cost. I think students would like this story, especially if they enjoy reading fantasy stories that involve fire-breathing dragons.

http://www.emilyrodda.com/

BOOK OF THE WEEK: The Tale of Despereaux: The Graphic Novel by Matt Smith and David Tilton based on the book by Kate DiCamillo

Despereaux is a mouse unlike any other mouse: he is not afraid of anything and craves adventure. After falling in love with a princess and getting banished from his town to the dungeon, Despereaux is captured by rats. He manages to escape and vows to act bravely and courageously when faced with danger. he does this by saving the princess. This is also the story of Roscuro, the rat who does not fit in with the other rats; Princess Pea and her father are saddened by the death of the queen. and Mig wishes she lived as royalty in the castle. Mig got her wish; she lives in the castle, thought not as royalty but as a servant. This is their story and how they overcame their struggles and supposed places in life to get what they truly wanted and deserved.

I had not read a graphic novel before reading this book, and it was not easy to get used to this style of writing and novels. There is not much text, so I had to depend a lot on the pictures to get the full story and realize when there was a change in scene. It's a good thing the pictures are pretty detailed and brightly colored! I think students would like this book because of the way it is written: like a comic book.

www.katedicamillo.com

http://davidtilton.com/portfolio/home.html

http://www.thetaleofdespereauxmovie.com/

BOOK OF THE WEEK: The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron

Lucky is constantly on the look out for her higher power-something that will give her strength when she feels down and hit rock bottom. She especially wishes she had found her higher power when she notices that Brigitte's (her guardian) suitcase is out, her passport is next to it, and there is a brochure for a culinary school in France. Has Brigitte decided that Hard Pan is not the place for her and she has decided to return to France? Will Lucky succeed in getting Brigitte to realize that she would miss Lucky terribly if she moved back to France? Will Lucky become a ward of the state if she does not convince Brigitte to stay with her in Hard Pan?
Lucky was my favorite character in this book. She was always worried that Brigitte would leave her. All Lucky wanted was to have someone who loves her stay with her, and she knows that Brigitte is the person she wants around for a really long time. You just want to root for her so that she gets what she deserves-someone to love and care for her. I think students would be able to empathize with Lucky and cheer her on.
http://www.susanpatron.com/

BOOK OF THE WEEK: Frindle by Andrew Clements

According to Ms. Granger, objects are called what they are because people give meaning to the name of the object. This gives Nick an idea...the new name for "pen" will be "frindle." Nick starts a sort of revolution by renaming the pen frindle. What was meant to be a little trick to play on his teacher turns out to be a national phenomenon as more and more people accept frindle as the new name for what was formerly known as the pen. Ms. Granger tries to get Nick to straighten things out, but will he be able to get everyone to call a frindle a pen?
Nick is a very strong-willed boy, and will stop at nothing to prove his point.
Who hasn't tried to outsmart their teacher? Nick was able to do this, and in the long run, he came up with a new word that many people accepted. Nick showed that if you really work hard at it, you can prove your point, and that you should stick to what you believe. I liked this book because it made me think about when I was Nick's age and wanted to outsmart my teachers. It also made me laugh and think, "I was never brave enough to do what Nick is doing." As a teacher, I was thinking he would get in trouble, but thinking back to when I was Nick's age, I was rooting for him not to get in trouble. Is it possible to root for people on opposite teams at the same time?

http://www.andreclements.com/

MEDIA SPOTLIGHT: iCarly: iHate Sam's Boyfriend (Nickelodeon)

iCarly is a show about three friends, Carly, Sam, and Freddie, who produce their own webshow, iCarly. In this episode, Sam has a new boyfriend, and Carly and Freddie are fine with their relationship. They're happy for Sam...until it starts negatively affecting iCarly, and that's when Carly and Freddie know that they have to do something about it if iCarly is going to survive.

As an adult, this show seems a bit cheesy, but it did make me laugh out loud. I think tween girls might like it because it's a fun show that looks at doing what is right and wrong and it shows it in a funny way. The characters in the show portray average students who do something out of the ordinary (how often do you meet a group of friends who produce their own webshow?), and I think they would be able to relate to or empathize with them. I think it might show students that even ordinary people can stand out in a crowd and shine brightly.

http://www.icarly.com/

BOOK OF THE WEEK: The Clique by Lisi Harrison

Massie and her friends (Dylan, Alicia, and Kristen) are excited about starting seventh grade Octavian Country Day School. Massie is sure they will be at the top of their social game...until she is forced to spend the day with Claire, the daughter of her dad's college friend. Claire and her family are staying in Massie's guest house until they find a house of their own, and Massie vows to make things difficult for Claire. She is nothing like Massie and her friends, especially when it comes to fashion. When Massie sets out to accomplish her goal, Claire is down, but she is definitely not out as she pulls some tricks of her own on Massie. But when both girls are in the same uncomfortable situation, Massie sees that Claire is not all that different from her. Could this be the beginning of a beautiful friendship?

This is the first of a series, and I must admit that it kind of left me hanging in the end. It reminded me of when I was in seventh and eighth grade and how there were different groups, and that for the most part, people remained in their own groups. Our teacher tried to get us to intermingle, and we did, but we always went back to what felt comfortable. This age was tough, and I remember feeling insecure. I'm glad it's over and that I don't have to do that ever again...I'll just teach in a middle school! I think students (girls, mainly, judging by the cover) will like this book because they can relate to being popular or wanting to fit in with the popular crowd at school. I think they'll be able to put themselves in either place (popular or unpopular) and think about how they would handle the situations that Claire and Massie must face. Who doesn't want to fit in with the in-crowd or try to get revenge on them?

http://www.lisiharrison.com/

BOOK OF THE WEEK: Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

Greg Heffley is just starting middle school, and he is not looking forward to it, so his mom suggests that he keep a journal of the events that take place at school. Reluctantly, he agrees. In his journal, Greg writes down the day to day events of his life in middle school. Greg writes about trying to fit in with the cool kids at school, but everything he tries does not seem to work, and he ends up making himself look a bit foolish in front of them, and he is constantly being teased. Greg also has to deal with overbearing parents, his older brother who constantly picks on him, and baby-sitting his younger brother. Greg deals with all this in addition to trying to look cool in front of girls. Oh middle school!

This book was a quick read, and was "laugh-out-loud funny." It made me think of when I was in middle school and wanted to fit in and not make myself stand out in a crowd. I think students will enjoy the book not only because it is funny or because it has pictures, but also because they can relate to what Greg is going through because they themselves are having similar experiences at this time. As a teacher, I like that students are reading it because they are interested in it and are enjoying the book. Since it is now a major motion picture, I hope that it will spark their interests to read the book (hopefully before watching the movie) and then note differences between the two and see which they like better...the book of course!

http://reviews.schoollibraryjournal.com/bd.aspx?isbn=0810993139&pub=sl

http://www.wimpykid.com/MovieTrailer.html

BOOK OF THE WEEK: Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis

Bud Caldwell is a 10-year-old orphan who lives in Flint, Michigan during the Great Depression. Since his mother died when he was six, Bud has been in and out of several foster homes, and he decides that enough is enough when Todd Amos, his foster brother at his most recent foster home, beats him up and makes it look like Bud beat him up. Instead of going back to the orphanage, which he calls The Home, Bud decides that it is time for him to run away and find his father, whom he has never met. The only clues he has are fliers advertising a band: Herman E. Calloway and the Dusky Devastators of the Depression. He knows that there is something about Herman E. Calloway, and he is certain that Herman is his father; there are just too many similarities between him and Bud. When Bud finally meets Mr. Calloway (as is proper for a child to call a grown-up), he is not met with welcome arms, and soon Bud discovers just how he and Mr. Calloway are connected, and it is not at all what he thought. In the process, he discovers where he belongs, who he is, and finds that he is now surrounded by people who will love and care for him the way he deserves.

I think tweens will like this book because they can sympathize with Bud as he experiences different unjust situations. They also root for Bud as he defeats his enemies and gets closer to finding his father. As a teacher, I like that this book is historical fiction because we can discuss some of the historical aspects of the story such as the Great Depression, establishing unions, and pullman porters. It is also filled with figurative language and vocabulary. We can also have great discussions about setting, characters, theme, and other literary elements.

Winner of the Newbery Award and the Coretta Scott King Award

http://www.randomhouse.com/features/christopherpaulcurtis/budnotbuddy.htm

BOOK OF THE WEEK: Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

Isabella Swan, who goes by Bella, moves from sunny Arizona to Forks, Washington. While her mother, Renee, is travelling with her new husband, Bella lives with her father, Charlie. When Bella starts school at her new high school, she quickly begins to attract the attention of the students around her. She is intrigued by a boy named Edward Cullen. Bella's new friends tell her that the Cullens (Edward and his siblings) keep to themselves. After an unpleasant encounter with Edward, Bella and Edward quickly fall in love. With the help of a family friend named Jacob Black, Bella discovers that the Cullens are vampires. Edward's and Bella's love for each other is tested when another vampire coven comes to town to hunt Bella. Edward and his family defeat the coven and save Bella's life.

This book is very popular among tween, teen, young adults, and adults. There is something magical about reading about a love that can be described as pure and dangerous. Twilight is written in Bella's point of view, which enables the reader to feel what she is feeling. The book was an easy read, and I can see why my middle school students like it. I initially wanted to read it to see what all the fuss was about, and I now understand where "Team Edward" and "Team Jacob" come from. It is very easy to get engrossed in the life of the three main characters (Bella, Edward, and Jacob). I think Twilight is a good book for my students to read, but I am concerned when they continue reading the other books of the Twilight saga because some of the content becomes PG-13. With that being said, I am glad that the students who don't usually like to pick up a book are reading!

http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/twilight_reviews.html

http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/

MEDIA SPOTLIGHT: Hannah Montana: "Miley Get Your Gum"

Miley uses Oliver's aversion of gum chewing as a tactic to enable him to get over his crush on Hannah. When Oliver promises that his feelings for Hannah are stronger than his aversion to gum chewing, Miley reveals to him that she is really Hannah. She explains to him that she did not tell him about her double identity because she thought that his feelings for Hannah might be for her (Miley). They talk things through and decide that they will be friends and nothing more, and they are both perfectly fine with that.

I think tweens like Hannah Montana because she is funny. She gets herself into sticky situations, and with help from her friends, she manages to cleverly get herself out of them. He songs are also catchy and have a good tune. I think that students could also learn a lesson at the end of each show. In this particular episode, Miley and Oliver learned about the importance of friendship.

http://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/hannah-montana

BOOK OF THE WEEK: Blood Red Horse by K.M. Grant

This adventurous book is about the journey of two brothers, Gavin and Will de Granville, their father, Sir Thomas de Granville of Hartslove, and a horse, Hosanna. It takes place in the third installment of the Crusades. It starts when Gavin and Will are young, and Will (the younger of the two brothers) is finally able to choose his very own stallion. The young men soon fight in the Holy War led by King Richard the Lionheart. The journey to the Holy Land is tough and harsh; knights and horses lose their lives along the way. After a two year Crusade, the two brothers return home to find that things are not how they left them. Gavin finds that the steward who was left in charge was trying to seize control of the estate, so they release him of his duties. Will is made an earl and Gavin becomes a count and marries Ellie, to whom he was betrothed.

Tweens and adults alike can relate to this book in one way or another because at one time or another everyone has felt like an outcast. Hosanna the horse is the unsung hero of the story. Gavin and other trainers consider Hosanna an outcast because he is smaller than other stallions and seems incapable of carrying out a horse's duties, but Will sees something special in Hosanna. It isn't until a jousting tournament that the people realize exactly what Hosanna is capable of accomplishing. Tween, as well as almost anyone, can relate to being underestimated and then proving people wrong when they come through with flying colors.

BOOK OF THE WEEK: Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman

This is about a girl named Catherine, but her friends and family refer to her as Birdy. She is a strong-willed and determined 14-year-old girl who keeps a journal of her life in England in 1290. In her journal, Birdy writes about her miserable life as a girl in England and how she must learn to be a proper lady and the duties of a wife (embroidery, remedies, cooking, sewing, etc.) when that is the last thing she wants to be and do,and all she wants is to run around outside and avoid being betrothed to any of the suitors that her father keeps bringing to their house. When Birdy finds out that she is betrothed to a less than desirable older suitor, "Shaggy Beard", she runs away only to discover that sheis who she is and no matter how horrible she thinks her situation is, she should always be herself, andshe should use that to her advantage when she is with her future husband. When she returns, Birdy is pleasantly surprised to discover that Shaggy Beard died in a brawl and that his son, Stephen, wants to honor the contract in his father's place. Things are looking up for Birdy, and she seems to accept things as they are and make the best of the situations that you are dealt.

This book is pretty much Birdy's diary and her account of the events of her fourteenth year, so it is completely in her point of view. It is dated for everyday that she writes in it, such at 21st day of February, and then writes the events of her day. Since it is her diary, it shows her feelings and what she really thinks about people and what happens to her and to them. You can completely sympathize with her when things don't go her way and laugh with her when she outsmarts others. Because it's written as a diary, I didn't think it was going to be that interesting, since it's a historical fiction book, and history is not all that interesting to me, but I actually really ended up liking it and found myself laughing out loud on several occasions in the book. I think students will enjoy it as well because I think they will be able to relate to her in one way or another: she is not allowed to do what she wants to do, she is treated unfairly and unkindly by her father, but her mother is caring and loving. She also plays some funny tricks on people and does some interesting things to get out of doing chores and to make herself undesirable to her suitors. After all has been said and done, she learns an important lesson about herself and who she is, and how being herself is the best thing she can do.

http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6301742.html

http://www.karencushman.com/books/books.html

BOOK OF THE WEEK: Mary, Bloody Mary by Carolyn Meyer

Princess Mary Tudor tells her story of riches to rags: one moment she was destined to become the Queen of England and at the next moment she lost everything that was rightfully hers: her title, her elegant clothes and expensive jewelry, and even communication with her mother, Queen Catherine of Aragon. Mary is eventually treated like a servant in her own home. She tells of her father's (King Henry VIII) dramatic change of personality as his relationship with Anne Boleyn grows stronger. With the help of her favorite maid, Salisbury, a few close friends, and letters from her mother, Mary endured the humiliation (even being forced to be the maid of her half sister, Elizabeth) and remained strong and resilient for as long as she could.

When I saw the title of this book, I remembered when I was in elementary school and I thought of the "myth" or "legend" of how saying Bloody Mary a few times in a dark room would make her appear. I was scared to death of this! With that in mind, it was interesting to learn about the life of Bloody Mary from a historical fiction standpoint. I have heard some of my students mention this myth/legend, and I think that the title would grab their attention like it did mine.

BOOK OF THE WEEK: This is What I Did by Ann Dee Ellis

Everything was fine for 13-year-old Logan...last year. This year he is really having a hard time fitting in at his new middle school, especially since there are rumors about him and his role in a heinous crime last year. With the support of his family, an unlikely friend, and his therapist, Logan learns to speak up for people who can't stick up for themselves.

This book is written differently...it's in prose that goes back and forth between different events, but told completely from Logan's point of view. I was hooked immediately and finished it in a day. At the very beginning I had a hard time getting used to the writing. I liked the way it was written because I had never encountered anything like it before. It was also a little suspenseful...I kept asking myself...what happened? Why is he so upset? I'd get clues here and there, but it wasn't until the end that all the pieces of the puzzles fit perfectly in place, and I thought, "Oh wow! That's intense!"

I think students would be able to put themselves in the story, at least as one of Logan's classmates. I think they'll be able to identify with him, especially since fitting in is a top priority for many middle schoolers. Since it's not written like most books, it might take a little bit before they get used to the writing style, and the suspense will keep them interested in the story.

http://www.anndeeellis.com/ (Click on Book Shelf, and then choose This Is What I Did)

MEDIA SPOTLIGHT: "Boom Boom Pow" by Black Eyed Peas

Just last week our middle school had a dance, and this was one of the songs that someone requested. I must admit that I like this song. I've heard it on the radio while driving in my car, and I've turned up the volume. It is very catchy, the lyrics are not complicated (I can understand them!), and it has a good beat. The video is futuristic, and the group mentions that they're the latest and greatest thing in 3008, and that everyone else is sooo 2008.

The students rushed out onto the dance floor when they heard the opening notes. We heard the clean version at the dance (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KnTlrDbcw). I looked up the video on YouTube, and there were a few curse words in it (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUEXT6Pva9o), and I probably would not have noticed them if I hadn't been deliberately looking for them, and I don't think that the students noticed them either, at least not at the dance!

BOOK OF THE WEEK: Holes by Louis Sachar

Stanley Yelnats and his family have never been lucky; they've been cursed, and it's all because of Stanley's no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing-great-great-grandfather. Stanley has always been in the wrong place at the wrong time, and it is no different when he is accused of stealing Clyde Livingston's sneakers from a charity auction for the local homeless shelter. Stanley serves his sentence at Camp Green Lake, where he will dig holes to build his character. As Stanley learns what it takes to survive at Camp Green Lake, he also learns about himself and about being a good friend. Will he also be able to break the Yelnats family curse?

From an English teacher's point of view, I like the book because it is filled with similes and metaphors, which are always part of district and state tests, so it's nice to see the kids recognize them while we read it out loud and see how a published author uses them in writing. It also has flashbacks and the kids get bits and pieces of information and it's awesome to see them say, "OH!" when they put all the pieces together, and then slowly but surely everyone realizes how everyone and everything is connected even thought some of the events happened over a hundred years ago.

From a reader's point of view, I think anyone would be able to relate to the characters in one way or another. Stanley is in middle school, which is an awkward time for people. I think anyone can relate to feeling insecure and wanting to fit in. It's also a good story about learning about who you are and who you want to be. Plus...there's a movie based on it (which I haven't shown my students...there's just no time!)!

http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA287131.html?q=Holes

I'm A Blogger!

Hello!

Very recently I've been thinking about blogging, and how I should try it...well now thanks to LIBR 264 Materials for Tweens, I'm on my way to officially becoming a blogger! Yay/Oh no! This is pretty exciting for me, especially since this is totally out of my comfort zone, so wish me luck and happy blogging to me and all!