Showing posts with label poetry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label poetry. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Book Characters that Brave the Page and Write {book list}

Brave the Page Book Characters that Write letters, books, poems, or songs.  This booklist has biographies (amazing bios), juvenile books, middle grade fiction, classics, award winners, and much more with the BEST Book Characters that write. YA lit, Children's Lit, Alohamora Open a Book Alohamoraopenabook http://alohamoraopenabook.blogspot.com/

All the cool kids talk about NaNoWriMo aka the month of November is National Novel Writing Month.  It's a fun way to look at creative writing.  To go along with the new book Brave the Page, I created a book list for you with AMAZING books that the main character writes letters, novels, poetry, or even raps.  These characters and books should definitely inspire any budding writer to give NaNoWriMo a shot, or at least start creating with the power of words now.  

Brave the Page is an awesome resource with tips, tricks, and inspiration from authors on how to start working on that goal of writing a book. 

Stephen King said, "If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot." 

If you need some writing inspiration, give these books a read.  

Characters/Books that Brave the Page

12 books where the main character or a main character is a writer of books, poetry, poems, songs, letters, published author, and not.  NOn-fiction, fiction, middle grade, ya lit, classics, and more. book list booklist alohamoraopenabook

A beautiful and insightful look into Madeleine L'Engle's life never before seen poetry, letters, and even rejections for publications.  A fabulous biography for anyone interested in writing. 

12 books where the main character or a main character is a writer of books, poetry, poems, songs, letters, published author, and not.  NOn-fiction, fiction, middle grade, ya lit, classics, and more. book list booklist alohamoraopenabook

A group of high school students build friendships and connections as they prepare for a boys vs. girls poetry slam.  This book is written in free verse. 

12 books where the main character or a main character is a writer of books, poetry, poems, songs, letters, published author, and not.  NOn-fiction, fiction, middle grade, ya lit, classics, and more. book list booklist alohamoraopenabook

This classic children's literature book is a must read.  Leigh, a 10 year old boy, writes letters to his favorite author. The writing helps him cope with the challenges he is facing. 

12 books where the main character or a main character is a writer of books, poetry, poems, songs, letters, published author, and not.  NOn-fiction, fiction, middle grade, ya lit, classics, and more. book list booklist alohamoraopenabook

This illustrated novel is such a quick sweet read as a brother writes letters to his sister.  Not only is this book comical, but anyone with a sibling may feel the tugs on their heart.  

12 books where the main character or a main character is a writer of books, poetry, poems, songs, letters, published author, and not.  NOn-fiction, fiction, middle grade, ya lit, classics, and more. book list booklist alohamoraopenabook

 Twinkle, a shy aspiring filmmaker is directing a movie for an upcoming festival.  Her story is told through letters as she learns about love and the challenges of directing a movie. 

12 books where the main character or a main character is a writer of books, poetry, poems, songs, letters, published author, and not.  NOn-fiction, fiction, middle grade, ya lit, classics, and more. book list booklist alohamoraopenabook

Once upon a time there was a girl named Maud who adored stories.  Years later, she ended up not only owning many books, but she wrote 24 books including the Anne of Green Gables series.  

12 books where the main character or a main character is a writer of books, poetry, poems, songs, letters, published author, and not.  NOn-fiction, fiction, middle grade, ya lit, classics, and more. book list booklist alohamoraopenabook

Of course I had to include this classic; classics stand the test of time and they are definitely inspiring.  If you don't recall, Jo, the literary sister, loves to read and write.

12 books where the main character or a main character is a writer of books, poetry, poems, songs, letters, published author, and not.  NOn-fiction, fiction, middle grade, ya lit, classics, and more. book list booklist alohamoraopenabook

Nisha, a 12 year old living in India during the 1947 partition is forced to flee her home.  She tries to make sense of it all by writing to her deceased Muslim mother. 

12 books where the main character or a main character is a writer of books, poetry, poems, songs, letters, published author, and not.  NOn-fiction, fiction, middle grade, ya lit, classics, and more. book list booklist alohamoraopenabook

Bri, a high school student, wants to become a rapper and escape the difficult inner city life she and her family currently have.  The book and the writing is absolutely fantastic.  The  audiobook brings the book and the rapping to life; it's a must listen to.  

12 books where the main character or a main character is a writer of books, poetry, poems, songs, letters, published author, and not.  NOn-fiction, fiction, middle grade, ya lit, classics, and more. book list booklist alohamoraopenabook

Xiomara is constantly writing her frustrations, passions, and everything in between in her leather notebook.  She dreams of participating in a Poetry Slam with her own poems.  This is another must listen to as the author reads it, and she's amazing since she is a Poetry Slam Champion.  

12 books where the main character or a main character is a writer of books, poetry, poems, songs, letters, published author, and not.  NOn-fiction, fiction, middle grade, ya lit, classics, and more. book list booklist alohamoraopenabook

 A book written in free verse (aka a quick and fast read even reluctant readers will enjoy) about love, friendship, sports, and high school.  Noah decides to stop taking a backseat to his life; he decides to Swing and finally make his voice heard.

12 books where the main character or a main character is a writer of books, poetry, poems, songs, letters, published author, and not.  NOn-fiction, fiction, middle grade, ya lit, classics, and more. book list booklist alohamoraopenabook

Lara Jean writes letters to all the boys she has loved.  This book will have you cringing for her, and cheering her one as well.  This light romantic-ish contemporary ya lit is fun to read and there's even a Netflix movie out to watch after. 


Twelve awesome books where a main character writes and expresses him or herself.  Any books I should add to the list???

This book list consists of children's chapter books to adult classics with young adult and juvenile non-fiction biographies making strong appearances as well.  Basically, there is bound to be at least one, if not many, of these books you must read or listen too.  They are fantastic, and who knows... they may just inspire you to participate in NaNoWriMo this year. 
 
If you do participate, you must check out Brave the Page; it's an excellent resource that is fun to read.  

Thank you Penguin Random House for the Brave the Page book to read.  All thoughts on any of the books listed above are mine alone.  

Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Long Way Down gets 5 Stars {poetry, newbery, printz, award book, contemporary lit}

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds gets 5 stars in this book review.  Newbery Medal Winner, Printz Honor book, this Free Verse Contemporary Lit is a fast read, perfect for the reluctant reader, and a book with depth and meaning.  A great read aloud for the classroom. Young Adult, high school, teachers, librarians, great book, Alohamoraopenabook, Alohamora Open a Book, Alohamoraopenabook http://alohamoraopenabook.blogspot.com/ books for boys

Reluctant readers is a term to describe those that don't enjoy reading. Reluctant readers often have reasons for not enjoying reading.  Maybe they have only read for assignments and never found anything that interest them.  Maybe they struggle to read for one reason or another, or they struggle with comprehending what they are reading.  Once upon a time I was a reluctant reader.  I struggled understanding what I read b/c of a learning disability.

Obviously, I'm not a reluctant reader any longer, and I most definitely feel it is never too late to become a reader.  A way to help those reluctant readers become readers is to find books that are fast reads, that grab the readers attention, and keep them turning the page.  Graphic novels and books written in free verse are usually great choices for reluctant readers.  

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds is a young adult novel written in free verse poetry.  Now, don't let the word poetry scare you.  Free verse poetry is basically short thoughts that take out a bunch of the filler words not needed to understand the characters or story.  It's tough to write a great book in free verse, but Reynolds did it well.  Hence, the reason Long Way Down won Newbery and Printz Honor awards.  The two most prestigious awards for an author, Jason Reynolds came in as a runner-up.  Amazing!  That's something that rarely happens.  

Another thing that doesn't happen everyday, but far more often than earning a Newbery and a Printz, is getting 5 out of 5 stars from me in a book review.  Though, I guess it's not super surprising since it's quite the award winning book.  #sogood


Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds gets 5 stars in this book review.  Newbery Medal Winner, Printz Honor book, this Free Verse Contemporary Lit is a fast read, perfect for the reluctant reader, and a book with depth and meaning.  A great read aloud for the classroom. Young Adult, high school, teachers, librarians, great book, Alohamoraopenabook, Alohamora Open a Book, Alohamoraopenabook http://alohamoraopenabook.blogspot.com/

Long Way Down is a fantastic book.  The story is interesting b/c the entire story takes place in an elevator.  The story is enlightening into the life of an inner city teen.  The story has depth with great character development and discussions of expectations and revenge.  The story is a fast read many readers and reluctant readers alike will enjoy.  This story would be a great book for high school teachers to use, read, and discuss in the classroom.    

Happy Young Adult Powerful Fast Free Verse Reading!

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds

Rating: 5/5 stars
Best For: 13-18 years old, 8th to 12th grade. 

Clean Read: Violence.  
Worth a Check Out: Yes. Readers who like The Crossover will like this one.
Buy It or Not: Yes. Definitely a purchase for a library collection, English Teacher, and those looking for a great book.
Read Aloud: Yes. This fast read would make a great classroom read aloud for a high school or 8th grade classroom.    

Lesson Ideas: Inner city, poetry, family relationships, revenge, expectations, obligations. 

Did you read this well deserved Newbery and Printz Honor book?   What did you think? 


A few quotes I loved from Long Way Down b/c they made me laugh, I could relate to them, or there was depth to it. 

"People always love more when they are dead." 

"Laughed so hard I farted." 🤣

"Head lock that felt like a hug." Oh siblings and their special way of showing love. 

"You coming?"  Read the book to get the depth of this last question. 


Did you have a favorite quote?

  

Thursday, June 15, 2017

Freedom Over Me gets 4 Stars {newbery honor, picture book, poetry}

Freedom Over Me: Eleven Slaves Their Lives and Dreams by Ashley Bryan Newbery Honor book gets 4 out of 5 stars in my book review. American History. Slavery. Poetry. 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. Alohamora Open a Book Alohamoraopenabook https://alohamoraopenabook.blogspot.com/

Freedom Over Me: Eleven Slaves, Their Lives and Dreams Brought to Life by Ashley Bryan won a Newbery Honor this year for this poetic historical picture book. 


Freedom Over Me: Eleven Slaves Their Lives and Dreams by Ashley Bryan Newbery Honor book gets 4 out of 5 stars in my book review. American History. Slavery. Poetry. 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. Alohamora Open a Book Alohamoraopenabook https://alohamoraopenabook.blogspot.com/

This book is about 11 slaves, their lives, their past, their dreams, and how much they cost.  The author, Bryan, came across a document of the Fairchilds Appraisement of the Estate document.  The document is shown above.  This document is what inspired Bryan to research, studied, and wrote what inspired her in free verse poetry.  


Freedom Over Me: Eleven Slaves Their Lives and Dreams by Ashley Bryan Newbery Honor book gets 4 out of 5 stars in my book review. American History. Slavery. Poetry. 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. Alohamora Open a Book Alohamoraopenabook https://alohamoraopenabook.blogspot.com/

Bryan also painted all of the illustrations, including the one shown above and below.  The first page of poetry tells the life as a slave with the Fairchilds and their wishes for freedom.  The second page on each slave is a poem about their past. 
  
Freedom Over Me: Eleven Slaves Their Lives and Dreams by Ashley Bryan Newbery Honor book gets 4 out of 5 stars in my book review. American History. Slavery. Poetry. 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. Alohamora Open a Book Alohamoraopenabook https://alohamoraopenabook.blogspot.com/

Freedom Over Me gets 4 out of 5 stars in my book review.  I think the story concept is fabulous.  I love the idea of life of slaves on an estate.  I love the idea of a book teachers can use in multiple sittings; I love that a teacher could teach at the same time language arts as well as social studies.  I love that the information is written poetically; free verse is usually really great for a read aloud and reluctant readers.  

However, there were a few things I would've liked to see differently.  The text is a little bland; the poems didn't grab or entice me to keep reading.  I also didn't like that the appraisal document that Bryan included and was inspired by only has 10 slaves on the list.  John never appears on the appraisal, but Bryan included him.  This little fact is bothersome.  Why add a slave that wasn't on the document, or why not add the slave to the document if you liked the sound of eleven slaves for a book?  This little detail is of course going to be noticed, so I feel Bryan should have at least included the reason for her action in the author's note.
  
Freedom Over Me: Eleven Slaves Their Lives and Dreams by Ashley Bryan Newbery Honor book gets 4 out of 5 stars in my book review. American History. Slavery. Poetry. 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. Alohamora Open a Book Alohamoraopenabook https://alohamoraopenabook.blogspot.com/

Overall, this is a beautiful picture book. I feel it could've been better, but it is definitely a great purchase for a school or public library collection.  If you love American History or teach 5th grade or Social Studies this book would be a good purchase as well.  

Happy American History Picture Book Reading!

Freedom Over Me: Eleven Slaves, Their Lives and Dreams by Ashley Bryan
Rating: 4/5 stars
Best For: 10-14 yrs old, 4th through 8th grade
Worth a Check Out: Yes.
Buy It or Not: Not.
Read Aloud: It's a big long for a one sitting read aloud, but you could read it in small group settings over a couple different sittings.
Lesson Ideas: American History and poetry. 



Any other ideas on how you would use this book in the classroom? 

Monday, April 3, 2017

Sold gets 4.5 Stars {YA, Contemporary Fiction}


Sold by Patricia McCormick gets 4.5 out of 5 stars. This adult read, or possibly high school YA read about a tough subject, sex-trafficking, Nepal, heavy topic that will allow for a lot of discussions. Good tough read. Women's Rights, Children's Rights, abuse, poverty. Alohamora Open a Book www.alohamoraopenabook.blogspot.com

Abuse. Sex Trafficking. Children. Poverty. Nepal.  Sold by Patricia McCormick is a valuable and enlightening read about those tough subjects; it is a heavy and depressing read as well.  Parts of it reminded me of The Kite Runner, but that may be because of the heaviness of the book. 

The following book description from Amazon will give you a little better idea of the plot. 

"Lakshmi is a thirteen-year-old girl who lives with her family in a small hut on a mountain in Nepal. Though she is desperately poor, her life is full of simple pleasures, like playing hopscotch with her best friend from school, and having her mother brush her hair by the light of an oil lamp. But when the harsh Himalayan monsoons wash away all that remains of the family's crops, Lakshmi's stepfather says she must leave home and take a job to support her family. 

He introduces her to a glamorous stranger who tells her she will find her a job as a maid in the city. Glad to be able to help, Lakshmi journeys to India and arrives at "Happiness House" full of hope. But she soon learns the unthinkable truth: she has been sold into prostitution.

An old woman named Mumtaz rules the brothel with cruelty and cunning. She tells Lakshmi that she is trapped there until she can pay off her family's debt-then cheats Lakshmi of her meager earnings so that she can never leave.

Lakshmi's life becomes a nightmare from which she cannot escape. Still, she lives by her mother's words-Simply to endure is to triumph-and gradually, she forms friendships with the other girls that enable her to survive in this terrifying new world. Then the day comes when she must make a decision-will she risk everything for a chance to reclaim her life? 

Written in spare and evocative vignettes, this powerful novel renders a world that is as unimaginable as it is real, and a girl who not only survives but triumphs."


Sold is a valuable read about a part of the world, and a horrible truth many young girls, 12,000 girls every year according to McCormick's Author Note in the back, have to go through.  Sold is a tough read, but I'm glad I read it. 

I give Sold 4.5 out of 5 stars.  It's a powerful story written in free verse with a good plot.  The characters and character development were well done; I felt for the characters and all of their emotions.  I was sickened when Lakshmi realized what she was sold into prostitution.  I felt sorrow for the way the girls were treated.  I was disgusted with Lakshmi's father-in-law for selling his daughter for a coat and his debt.  I felt pain for the many girls that get tricked into prostitution, abused, and are afraid or feel they can't get out.  I felt emotions, and that was well done by McCormick.

The free verse writing makes for a fast read which is perfect for the reluctant reader.  The free verse poetry writing style can sometimes be distracting, but Sold wasn't.  I actually felt the writing style allowed the reader to think a little harder on what was happening. 

The only reason I took off a half a star was the ending.  I felt the power of the book and storyline had a deflating ending.  I also feel the triumphant story the book description claims is false as well.  Sold is an enlightening and powerful story, but not a story of triumph in my opinion. 

I liked Sold a lot.  Because of the heaviness of the book, and the topic of prostitution and sex trafficking I would say 9th grade is the youngest I'd have read this book.  it's a tough book about a tough subject, but a high school English teacher could have some great discussions with it... if it was approved.  

If you are looking for a good audio book, the authentic accent makes you really feel like you are in Nepal.  Whether you are reading this book or listening to it it will definitely open your eyes to things that are unfortunately happening far too often.        

Have you read Sold?  What did you think?

Sold by Patricia McCormick
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Best For: YA and up. 
Worth a Check Out: Yes!
Buy It or Not: Depressing read, not sure you'll want to reread it. 
Read Aloud: Powerful read aloud in a family setting, or possibly high school English if approved. Would make a great book club read. 
Lesson Ideas/Discussion Points: Women's rights, children's rights, sex-trafficking, abuse, poverty, Nepal



Happy reading


Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Hungry for Math: Poems to Munch On gets 2.5 Stars {picture book} {concept} {poetry}

Hungry for Math: Poems to Munch On by Kari-Lynn Winters.  This books has some really great math poems teachers would love to use or put on  their classroom walls (homeschool or traditional school).  2.5 out of 5 stars for this math poetry book.  There's a handful of really good poems and then quite a few just okay poems.  picture book, rhyming, funny, poetry, Alohamora Open a Book http://alohamoraopenabook.blogspot.com/

To start off, I am a math nerd.  I actually love math, and am one of the few elementary school teachers (and definitely librarians) that think math is fun.  I own a couple great math books, and used them in various lessons when I was an classroom teacher. The Greedy Triangle was one of my favorite books for teaching the names of shapes; it's perfect for 4th and 5th grade.

I also love some fun and entertaining poetry.  I know many kids, including reluctant readers, that can devour a Shel Silverstein book.  Poetry is powerful.  

Combining poetry with my love of a fun picture book and math has the potential for a lot of awesomeness.  

Hungry for Math: Poems to Munch On by Kari-Lynn Winters, Lori Sherritt-Fleming, and Peggy Collins is a math concept poetry book with cute colorful pictures and some great poems like the one below.      

Hungry for Math: Poems to Munch On by Kari-Lynn Winters.  This books has some really great math poems teachers would love to use or put on  their classroom walls (homeschool or traditional school).  2.5 out of 5 stars for this math poetry book.  There's a handful of really good poems and then quite a few just okay poems.  picture book, rhyming, funny, poetry, Alohamora Open a Book http://alohamoraopenabook.blogspot.com/

I give Hungry Math 2.5 out of 5 stars in my book review.  I love that this book is bringing math and literacy together.  I love the colorful and fun pictures..  I think there are a few poems that are really great, and teachers in the upper elementary grades could really use them.  All of the great poems are at the front of the book, but the second half of the book doesn't have the best poems.

As far as layout is concerned, the pictures are really great.  However, some of the longer poems are spread out among 4 pages or 2 page spreads.  I think the poem would be better for readers and more powerful if they were on one page spread (2 connected pages).  It's easy to lose speed and the rhythm of the poem when turning the page.  

Overall, there are some great poems, but I don't think it's enough to purchase one for my classroom library.  However, I think it would be a great book for an elementary school library to own and allow teachers to reference.  

Amazon has the following book description

"Kari-Lynn Winters and Lori Sherritt-Fleming team up again for another poetry collection for young readers with the emphasis on math concepts including measuring time, patterns, counting, symmetry, numbers, shapes, estimating and more! 

He was hungry for math, always ready to munch.
Math for his breakfast, math for his lunch.
He'd pig out on pie charts and bar graphs galore,
binge on skip-counting, and still ask for more.
Shapes — he discovered — were less filling fare.
He'd taste test a rhombus, sparing room for a square.
He'd devour the dollars atop his dessert,
then slurp on the coins he'd slopped on his shirt.
At night, in the dark, he'd gnaw on base ten,
toss back some clocks, and crunch numbers again." 


Be honest, do you love or hate math?


Happy Poetry and Math reading and Happy Using Literature to Teach Math!




I received this book from Myrick Marketing in exchange for my honest review.  All thoughts and reviews are my own. 

Friday, September 9, 2016

The King and the Sea gets 2 Stars {Picture Book}

The King and the Sea by Jeinz Janisch is full of 21 very short stories about a King. In my book review this book gets 2 out of 5 stars.  Picture book Alohamora Open a Book http://alohamoraopenabook.blogspot.com/

The King and the Sea by Heinz Janisch is full of 21 very short stories about a king who comes across various animals, insects, nature, or inanimate objects.  He tries to to assert his power over all of the various items, and the stories end up sounding more philosophical than funny kid literature.  

I give this book 2 out of 5 stars.  I think the simple pictures, and the short text compliment each other as shown below.  I do like the idea of short stories about one character, but I don't think it was done quite right.  I think the text and the stories were trying to be funny, but they weren't obviously funny and the connections were difficult to make.  The book was kind of boring, and though it is trying to be a book for children it is not written at an elementary school level. 

I know in School Library Journal's book review they stated The King and the Sea is best for Kindergarten through 3rd grade, and that it would be a solid choice for a school library.  However, I think otherwise. 


The King and the Sea by Jeinz Janisch is full of 21 very short stories about a King. In my book review this book gets 2 out of 5 stars.  Picture book Alohamora Open a Book http://alohamoraopenabook.blogspot.com/

Goodreads has the following book description

"“Buzz off,” said the king, shooing the bee from his flower.
“Don’t you know I’m the king?”
“And I’m the queen,” said the bee, stinging the king’s nose.
These stunningly illustrated, ultra-short stories are seemingly simple but ultimately profound tales.

In each story, the king has an encounter which he tries to rule over. But of course the rain doesn’t stop just because a king orders it, and tired eyelids can be much stronger than a king’s will. The king sees that his power has limits; the world is diverse and much of it operates under its own rules."


Happy Extremely Short Story Philosophical Picture Book Reading! However, if I were going to read a collection of short stories I would read Aesop's Fables or Jon Scieszka's The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales. 

I received this book from Myrick Marketing for my honest review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.  

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Voice of Freedom Fannie Lou Hamer, Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement gets 4.5 Stars {Caldecott Honor, Non-Fiction, Biography}

Voice of Freedom Fannie Lou Hamer, Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Ekua Holmes won the Caldecott for amazing paper collage illustrations.  This non-fiction biography informational book is written in poetry verse and the pictures fit the text perfectly.  4.5 out of 5 stars in my book review. black history, MLK day, Martin Luther King, Black History, inspiring, courage, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, or 9th grade would benefit most.

Voice of Freedom Fannie Lou Hamer, Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Ekua Holmes won a Caldecott Honor this year, 2016.  I normally don't include the illustrators name in book reviews, but the Caldecott is an award given to the best illustrated book and the illustrator is the one who won this high honor. Therefore, Ekua Holmes is mentioned for her amazing work in her first picture book illustration. 

I give Voice of Freedom Fannie Lou Hamer 4.5 out of 5 Stars.  This really is a fantastic biography book written in poetry verse.  The text is beautiful, though at times a bit confusing hence the .5 rating subtraction, and the pictures are stunning.  I love the simple yet complex and full of depth paper collage illustrations. They fit the poetry verse text so perfectly.

All in all, I really enjoyed this informational picture book.  I loved learning about a new aspect of the civil rights movement.  I loved having the first person perspective; this perspective allowed me to really connect with what Fannie was feeling and experiencing.  I loved how the picture book covers Fannie's life from 6 years old to a year before her death so that I could really see the whole picture.  I'm amazed Fannie's mother had 20 kids.  I can't even imagine being pregnant that many times. ;)  I really enjoyed this book, and I think the colors and pictures are well deserving of the Caldecott award.  

I did mention that the text was a tad confusing at times.  I feel that the lowest grade level I would go with this book is 5th grade b/c of the text, but I really only say 5th grade b/c they study US History.  Therefore, a class or parent read aloud or study of this book would be best for 5th graders.  I do think 6th grade through 9th grade would benefit the most from this book, and it is a perfect book for a class study during Black History Month or during a Martin Luther King Day celebration. Though, I also think it's a great book for any month or day recognizing amazing women and the many things they accomplished. Fannie was amazing; she is tough and smart. 

Fannie's determination, persistence, courage, and dedication were truly inspiring.  Go check this great non-fiction book out!  

Amazon had the following book review from School Library Journal: 

"This welcome biography brings to light one of the civil rights movement's most inspiring leaders. The youngest of 20 children, Fannie Lou Hamer grew up in a family of sharecroppers in the Mississippi Delta. Forced to leave school after sixth grade, she joined the rest of her family in the fields picking cotton. Still hungry for knowledge, she found strength in the love of her family and through her Christian faith. Weatherford describes the hardships that Hamer endured. For instance, in 1961, while she was having a small tumor removed, a doctor performed a hysterectomy without her consent; at that time, Mississippi law allowed poor women to be sterilized without their knowledge. Hamer was in her 40s when young activists spoke at her church; until that point, she hadn't known that she could vote, and she volunteered to register. Though she faced threats and in 1963 was brutally beaten, she spent the rest of her life rallying others. Told in the first person from Hamer's own perspective, this lyrical text in verse emphasizes the activist's perseverance and courage, as she let her booming voice be heard. Holmes's beautiful, vibrant collage illustrations add detail and nuance, often depicting Hamer wearing yellow, which reflects her Sunflower County roots and her signature song, "This Little Light of Mine." Pair this title with Don Mitchell's The Freedom Summer Murders (Scholastic, 2014), which features a short chapter on Hamer, for a well-rounded look at this tumultuous, turbulent era. VERDICT Hamer's heroic life story should be widely known, and this well-crafted work should find a place in most libraries."

Happy fantastic biography picture book reading and happy stunning illustrations viewing! 

Do you know much about Fannie Lour Hamer?  I didn't before reading this book, but I am now a big fan!

Friday, May 29, 2015

Summer Reading Book Lists for Kids Who Don't Like to Read in 10th and 11th Grade

Summer Reading Book List for Reluctant Readers in 10th and 11th Grade.  This book list is for all of the kids that don't like to read.  This book list has 12 great books from a variety of genres that everyone can find one to enjoy.  Many of them are a series.  Alohamora Open a Book http://www.alohamoraopenabook.blogspot.com/ Romance, Dystopian, Action, Adventure, Graphic Novels, Historical, Fairytales, Realistic Fiction, Divergent, Hunger Games, Nicholas Sparks, Crank in Free Verse Poetry, Non-Fiction (Ripley's and Guinness) Boys, Girls, Teens, High School YA Young Adult

The past few weeks I've been talking about reluctant readers aka kids that don't like to read.  

If you have a reluctant reader check out these 7 Ways to Turn a BOOK HATER into a BOOK READER! It's full of awesome and easy ways to help your 'I Don't Like to Read" kid, student, or friend.  


With those steps and the...

Book List for Reluctant Readers in Kindergarten and First Grade
Book List for Reluctant Readers in Second and Third Grade
Book List for Reluctant Readers in Fourth and Fifth Grade

Book List for Reluctant Readers in Sixth and Seventh Grade

Book List for Reluctant Readers in Eighth and Ninth Grade

and the book lists I'm giving you today and next Friday will help you find the perfect and best book, the right book, for any reluctant reader you may know.

There are a lot of kids who don't like to read.  I was one of them.  All of those reluctant readers are missing out on a ton of awesome and entertaining books, but more importantly those individuals are missing out on the benefits readers experience.   

Readers...

  • Are Less Stressed
  • Have a Larger Vocabulary
  • Have Stronger Thinking Skills
  • Have Better Focus and Concentration
  • Have Better Speaking Skills
  • Appreciate Other Places and Cultures
  • Keep Brain Stimulated
  • Have Better Memory 
  • Improves Creativity
  • Are Better Writers

There are many reasons to be or become a reader, and I know every one, no matter the age, can become one.  

For a couple more weeks I will be sharing with you book lists for reluctant readers aka people that don't like to read.  I have broken the lists down by age.  Today, you get...



Books for Reluctant Readers in

Tenth and Eleventh Grade


Tenth

Boys:


This is a series with content that will grab readers, get them thinking, and keep them entertained. 
For my review of the book click here. 


We all remember this  book and how popular it is in any school library.  Check-out or buy (only $6.50 in paperback) any year of this book.  It'll grab your attention, and the content is broken into shorter segments with a lot of pictures which is perfect for reluctant readers.

Girls:


This book has the fun of a romance story that Sparks is known for, but there is more depth and twist to this novel that isn’t found in some of his other books.  There is also a movie based on this book, like many of his books.  If a reluctant reader likes an author let he/she read everything by that author.
For my review click here.  


This is a well written book that is first in a series of modern day fairy tales with a twist.  Reluctant readers will love the connection with fairy tales they grew up knowing, and they’ll love the romance and action found throughout this book and series.
For my review click here.  
               
Both:


This action pack dystopian series has popular movies based on them; book based movies will always attract reluctant readers.  This book is full of action and some violence/gore, but it is a captivating read.  
For my review click here


Hopkins has written several books in several different series, but they are all with the same free verse poetry.  This series, and Crank is the first, is a favorite.  The content of these books include drugs, violence, and sex, but it is a series that attracts reluctant readers b/c of how fast the reads are and how the story grabs the reader from the beginning.

Eleventh

Boys:


This classic is my favorite Tolkien book. The story is great, and there is even a recent movie series based on this book.
For my review click here.


Select any year or any edition.  This book has a lot of pictures, and it is full of true facts which boys love and find interesting.  Reluctant readers will read this book; it doesn’t have to be a chapter book to be reading.  it's all about getting the reader started. 

Girls:


This is a large series that has captivated some very reluctant readers already.  If you like the TV show you will enjoy this series; though, most high school girls looking for a fun and easy read will enjoy this novel/series.


This fabulous book and series is a clean quick read full of high school, fun, love, and a girl playing football. It’s fantastic!
               
Both:

The first book is my favorite in the series, but this dystopian trilogy is still pretty great.  Well written full of action and some love, and there is even a movie (and movies to be) based on this series.

For my review click here


March by John Lewis 
 Graphic novels in general are perfect for reluctant readers so you could pick any graphic novel (history, superheroes, classics like Pride and Prejudice, funny, etc.).  March is a great historical graphic novel that is a series both boys and girls who like history will enjoy.  
For my review click here


There you go, awesome books for even the most reluctant reader in 10th and 11th grade or older. 

Happy Summer Reading for everyone!