Since it is Spring Break for me, I got quite a few books read over the past week. Just the way I like it. :)
Newbery Challenge: I read Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze and actually was surprised that I enjoyed it more than I expected. It wasn't earthshaking, but it was also not hideous like some of the other "multicultural" early Newberys have been. Another was Invincible Louisa. That one was a re-read because I went through a Louisa May Alcott phase in upper elementary and middle school and read all of her novels and several bios. I enjoyed it this time too though it seems Meigs hero worshiped a bit.
Caldecott Challenge: I only read two Caldecotts over the past week. I read the Girl Who Loved Wild Horses which isn't awful, but it would be better if the author had included source information. I also read The Village of Round and Square Houses which again, wasn't awful, but wasn't fantastic either.
Picture Books (Fiction and NF): A Party in Ramadan by Mobin-Uddin was really good. It showed a girl trying to keep her Ramadan fast in spite of attending a friend's birthday party where there will be food. The Odd Egg by Gravett is great with a surprise ending - maybe not best for pre-school since they may be startled. Underground: Finding the Light to Freedom is a fantastic way to introduce the underground railroad to young children. I am Different Can You Find Me? is a great look and find type book that has world languages as its content. Finally, Spotty, Stripy, Swirly: What Are Patterns? is a gorgeous book with fantastic photographs of patterns - both manmade and natural.
2011 Nerdy Nominees: After this week, I only have 5 more left!! I read the YA book The Watch That Ends the Night: Voices from the Titanic which was really appropriate as this is the week of the 100th anniversary of the sinking. Paired with a re-watching of the movie, it was pretty incredible. I loved the constant switching to different perspectives. The iceberg's voice was (forgive me) chilling. I loved that it was included. I also finished Wither by DeStefano which was a great dystopian book.
Graphic Novels: Luz Sees the Light was a bit preachy, but it was okay. I definitely preferred the biographical Fatty Legs: A True Story about a woman's residential school experience years ago as an Inuit.
Middle Grade: Crow by Barbara Wright was absorbing historical fiction. I can see this one potentially winning awards.
Young Adult: I think my favorite book over the week was The Running Dream. Somehow the main character really tugged at my heart. Why We Broke Up was okay, but I got annoyed sometimes by the melodrama.
For Next Week: I plan to finish up Dobry and start Caddie Woodlawn. I will also finish up Blue Jasmine by Sheth and might finally get to The Genius Files. Then who knows. I have a huge stack waiting for me. Happy reading!
LOVE The Running Dream. That was one of my very favorite books I read last year. Such a powerful story. Really enjoyed Crow too. Like you, I can definitely see it possibly winning awards. Just seems like the type of well-written, emotionally engrossing, historical fiction that awards committees enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't as high on The Watch that Ends the Night as you were (all the multiple voices kept me from connecting well to any of the characters) but I totally agree about the iceberg's voice. That was my favorite part of the book. Chilling, indeed.
I really want to read Invincible Louisa now!
Thanks for the comments. I have enjoyed chatting with you as I read. It seems we are reading many of the same books. :)
ReplyDeleteSpring break is so great for reading! You really read a lot! I have the audio of Watch That Ends the Night. I will have to finally read it once May rolls around. I have heard great things about Running Dream lately and now I really want to read it and I want to go run. I am excited to read the second Genius Files. The first book has me excited for the series. :)
ReplyDeleteI have heard a lot of good things about the Genius Files. I figured it was time to find out for myself. I am getting ready for another 1/2 marathon so the Running Dream was certainly inspirational.
ReplyDeleteI remember reading Caddie Woodlawn years and years ago. I remember enjoying it at the time, but I think I was about 10, so may not have been the best judge ;) I'll be interested to hear an adult's perspective!
ReplyDeleteI read Caddie again just before we moved to Wisconsin and found that like Little House, I really enjoyed many things about it, but found the cultural aspects troublesome in relation to the Native Americans. I don't remember exactly, but will likely have specifics to point to soon.
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