Wow! I stuck to my guns and this is the least I have read in ages. I did work on my research paper this week, so I haven't read very many books at all, but I am making progress on my paper.
Newbery Challenge: I finished
Caddie Woodlawn this week which was the 1936 winner. I was very disappointed in the way that the Native Americans were referenced. Even with the Woodlawn family being very "sympathetic" to the local tribe, they were still very patronizing and used a lot of offensive terminology. For a much better representation of the times, I would recommend Louise Erdrich's Birchbark House and the rest of that series. If you are interested in learning more about the stereotypes and offensive matter, please go to
Debbie Reese's blog.
Graphic Novel: A highlight of the week was getting a sneak peek at the newest story from Ben Hatke -
Legends of Zita the Spacegirl courtesy of NetGalley. I love it when I find strong female characters like Zita. She is full of ideas, courage and strength. She has once again fallen into a difficult situation, but she doesn't give up. She takes each new challenge head on. I think my kiddos are going to love this new set of adventures. We will all be cheering her on.
Picture Book:
Click Clack Moo: Cows that Type is always fun to read and I am getting ready to celebrate Doreen Cronin at our First Grade Book Club so we watched the
ASL version of the book in class this week. It was cool to see the signs while hearing the story. Those animals are just too funny!
Young Adult: I was excited to get
Pandemonium from the library. It is the sequel to
Delirium and was also pretty fantastic. Again though, it had a challenging ending. The author is really good at frustrating the reader in the final moments.
For Next Week:
I will finish
Bird in a Box by Pinkney, begin the next Newbery -
Roller Skates, and read some Doreen Cronin books. Other than that, I am going to keep plugging away at my research paper, so I might not get much else read. So it looks like another slow week, but at least I get to read a few. Happy reading!
Oh! Click Clack Moo! Our Union Chair at our school always brings that out when times are tough. It always gave us a laugh and something to consider too ...
ReplyDeleteI am interested, (if you can share) what is your topic for your research paper? I always feel bogged down with (post-graduate) school work, but sometimes research can just take you to unexpected places of learning! Good Luck with your paper! :)
My research topic is best practices in elementary library media centers. Kind of a broad topic, but researching it has given me tons of new ideas. Thanks!
DeleteI had the same problems you did with Caddie Woodlawn. Agree completely about the merit of The Birchback House. What a great series! Can't wait to read the new Zita. Loved the first one. I am super curious as to what happens at the end of Pandemonium. I have heard several people mention it. Just finishing up Delirium now.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter was sooooo angry at the end of Delirium. She won't even read Pandemonium now because of it. I enjoyed it though.
DeleteI just wrote a post about being in the middle of Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver, and referenced Delirium. It didn't dawn on me until reading your post that Pandemonium is out! I have already preordered it, so it's downloading right now!!!!
ReplyDeleteI know, I was just assuming I would have to wait a long time for Pandemonium, but Twitter friends told me it was out. I was pretty jazzed to get it. Have fun!
DeleteI must say for having a busy week, you still got a lot of reading done! I haven't yet re-read Caddie Woodlawn for the Nerdbery . . . but I suspect my reaction will be the same. Click, Clack, Moo! is a favorite . . . I still remember hearing it read before it was published by Scott Simon and Daniel Pinkwater on Weekend Morning Edition. Such a fun one to revisit!
ReplyDeleteOh, I would love to hear that clip from Morning Edition. They do such a great job.
ReplyDeleteWe read a Cronin-Lewin book this week too. I never tire of that combination. They make me giggle every time!
ReplyDeleteMaria@novalibrarymom.com
Legends of Zita looks great!!! I love Zita. I will definitely have to reread Spacegirl before this one, but I'm excited for it! I loved Pandemonium but I agree - major cliffhanger. Ugh. I was so angry with Lauren Oliver after I finished it - in a good way of course, but still mad!
ReplyDeleteA first grade book club sounds great. Our elementary has book clubs starting in fourth grade (well, and some classes have small clubs around required reading books).
ReplyDeleteI still like Caddie Woodlawn, but I like the Birchbark House series as well.