It’s Monday, what are you reading? I am joining in a meme at Jen Vincent’s site Teach Mentor Texts. Follow me to her site to see more Monday book reviews.
Some of my colleagues and I have started a book club for reading middle grade books. We’ve had a hard time selecting books to read, so we decided that the hostess for the next meeting would pick the book. Coty picked Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen. I have never read it, and it was published in 2001. I also missed the movie but will soon remedy that. I flipped over Flipped. The story is told from two points of view, Bryce and Julianna. I enjoyed reading their different perspectives on the same events. Once I read Bryce’s story, I had to read Juli’s. This is a romantic novel in the best, most innocent sense. The back and forth of feelings is so real. And the lessons are valuable. I think sixth grade girls would love Flipped. Not sure if the boys would have the same reaction. Girls tend to enjoy relationship drama more than boys. I recommend Flipped for your summer reading. It’s quick and delightful. Makes you want to go climb a tree.
A huge fan of The Mixed up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankwiler, I had not read The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place. Another great read! I am a fan of realistic fiction. This book is written in the snarky voice of Margaret Rose Kane. (Can’t help but love her name.) At first I didn’t like that she was having such a rough time at camp, but then along came the Uncles and their eccentricities. For 45 years, Margaret’s uncles had been building three towers in their backyard using glass jars, watch and clock parts, and scrap metal. When neighbors decide the towers must go, Margaret works to save them. I think middle graders will enjoy this book because of its colorful characters and sense of purpose. We all want to know what happens to the towers.
What are you reading?
Konigsberg is a hard sell with my students now, as much as I love Mixed Up Files. Flipped is often used as a class novel, and the students do enjoy that. I should watch the movie, since it’s been a while since I have read the book.
I agree about Konigsberg and don’t really know why. I’ve used The View from Saturday and the last time I did, students quickly lost interest. Does Flipped interest boys as well as girls?
I’ve had some students read FLIPPED, but I haven’t yet. I’ll need to do that after your glowing review! I loved The View From Saturday, but haven’t read this one yet. Happy reading!
I haven’t read Flipped, but wonder if it would be a sell for boys? I’ll try to check it out, Margaret. I love Konigsberg, we’ll miss her quirky characters! This is a great book as are all of hers. Thanks for sharing…
Margaret, if you look at my post, you’ll see there’s a second group that shares the ‘It’s Monday’ meme, Kellee & Ricki at Unleashing Readers. I don’t know why Jen’s post didn’t hook up today. They usually are joined in the links. You can link up at the other one, though.