Have you missed me? I've really missed being active with my blog and reading other blogs...it is not like I've been a total slacker. I've been working on exploring other technologies and activities; Goodreads (why can't that all sync here?), Facebook (why can't all the sync here?), spending a LOT of time with my daughters (always supersedes anything else...they are growing up so very fast!), I've started a book club at work that has been keeping me busy, working to connect with the other media people in my district, and keeping up with the politics of the nation.
I have pretty much given up on Twitter...I just couldn't take the stress of potentially missing something and the disappointment of only being able to check in during a small part of my day that seemed to always coincide with major sporting events.
There are a ton of good things going on out there: Check out Steve Dembo's 30 days to a better blogger or the professional development project that Will Richardson and Cheryl Nussbaum-Beach have started.
I'm happy to be back and glad you have not given up on me!
Thanks for visiting!
Goodreads
As Easy as Falling Off the Face of the Earth by Lynne Rae PerkinsMy rating: 2 of 5 stars
I was hesitant to pick up this newest Lynne Rae Perkins book as I was not a fan at all of Criss Cross but I had heard good things about this book. It was ok- compelling at times, but it never really found a good stride. A bit choppy for my tastes. But interesting. I would give it a 2.5.
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Mockingjay by Suzanne CollinsMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Well- we had to read it. Kinda disappointing, but a realistic (and pointed) outcome of war. I thought Katniss was much to introspective and indecisive compared to how she acted in the other two books. But, we had to read it!
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As Simple as It Seems by Sarah WeeksMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
I am a huge fan of Sarah Weeks and while I did enjoy this story I was left wanting more! It is a very short story (I read it in less than two hours) and it has great thematic elements and an interesting story line. It just ended too soon! I just know there is more to this story. It is a great transition book for those kids who are moving out of the elementary style chapter books and moving into the deeper emotional pull of middle school stories without adult themes. A true transitional book.
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Artichoke's Heart by Suzanne SuppleeMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a Scholastic Book Fair selection that I picked up for the library as it was highly recommended by the merchandiser. I really enjoyed it- it was a quick and engaging realistic fiction read. I gave it to Elise and she read it in record time. Nothing earth-shattering, just a good story that was very believable. Definite appeal to 7th-10th graders.
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Schooled by Gordon KormanMy review
rating: 4 of 5 starsThis was a fun, quirky story that has you cheering for the underdog and reminds us all that being open-minded and maintaining a healthy level of personal introspection is a perfect catalyst for positive change!
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Unwind by Neal ShustermanMy review
rating: 4 of 5 starsVery interesting and unique- I always appreciate Shusterman for telling a chilling tale and this one would be lovely to discuss! So many different topics ripe for discussion; abortion, parenting, government, alliances, civic duty...it would be fun for a book club!
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Found by Margaret Peterson HaddixMy review
rating: 3 of 5 starsHaddix is a VERY popular author in my school; students and teachers rave about her work. Found was the first book I tried by her and although the story line really kept me turning the pages, I never felt like I had any connection with any of the characters. So, I liked it okay, but I am not clamoring for the latest installment in the series. Others who have read Haddix have suggested I try the Among the Hidden series so I will put them on my summer reading list.
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Every Soul A Star by Wendy MassMy review
rating: 5 of 5 starsI found this book to be slow to start- but once firmly situated, I just loved it; it has a plethora of good messages to pre-teens/teens. I immediately passed it off to my youngest daughter and she has not put it down. She concurs with my assessment and tells me now she is reading slower in order to "savor" the book. I am interested to start searching for a YouTube video of an eclipse!
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Chains by Laurie Halse AndersonMy review
rating: 5 of 5 starsOooh I loved this book. It grabbed me from the first sentence and I devoured it in two days. I am a big fan of Anderson as well as historical fiction so that helped as well. It is evident Anderson did her homework in creating this novel. The story is told from the perspective of a young slave girl living in New York City during the Revolutionary War. She was awarded her freedom in Rhode Island but a cruel twist of fate thwarted her rightful standing. She must use all her wits to survive in her new home with the Locktons who are Tories. The only thing I did not like about this book is that is "to be continued...." I wanted to know the fate of Isabel and Curzon today!
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The Graveyard Book by Neil GaimanMy review
rating: 4 of 5 starsThis is a really different book- I would love for someone else to read it so we could chat about it as there are many layers to this story. Basically it is a coming of age story; the main character Bod (short for Nobody) escapes murder and comes to live in a graveyard with ghosts. He navigates through various situations in his life and learns a great deal in the process. The best part is contained the last two chapters; but I found myself re-reading parts after I finished the book. A throughly enjoyable read.
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Savvy by Ingrid LawMy review
rating: 4 of 5 starsThis is a sweet, quirky book that I did enjoy. It is fast-paced and would be a good read-aloud for upper elementary- the characters and events are what make the book sweet and quirky. What I appreciated most about this book is the idea that we all have something special about us- that something is called our "savvy". For some of us, our savvy is big and loud - others have savvy that is small and quiet. But the fact remains-we all have savvy. The other aspect of this story that I really loved was the presence of strangers and how the chance encounters proved pivotal in enhancing lives. It can make you stop and think...
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The Hunger Games by Suzanne CollinsMy review
rating: 5 of 5 starsI really really enjoyed this book! Yes, it is dark and the premise is horrifying, but the story is so well-written; Collins shakes you up without taking you down and keeps your interest so peaked with the story line that you will not be able to put the book down. While I read it I kept thinking about themes from the Wizard of Oz- I would love to chat with someone who has read this to explore those images. As a writer, I felt that Collins drew from many masters to create this work. I don't want to spoil anything with my comments, you should just go out and read this book. Trust me!
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