Ruth Ayres invites us the celebrate each week. Click over to her site Discover. Play. Build. to read more celebrations.
Photo Credit: Linda Jordan on Flickr
Is there ever a time when you read too much? I teach at two schools. I insist on silent reading, so I have a book going at each school. At one school, I am reading Upside Down in the Middle of Nowhere by Julie T. Lamana. Along with Armani and her family, I am suffering through Hurricane Katrina with a family trapped in their attic watching the water rise. Cynthia Rylant’s The Islander is our second read aloud this year. This book takes us to an island in Northwest Canada. There’s a hurricane and the boy searches for injured animals to rescue. This is a beautiful read aloud book because the chapters are short and keep the students wanting to know more. There is a bit of magic and strong symbolism. (You can get it for a penny on Amazon.)
At my other school, I am reading the new chapters for Wonder, Auggie and Me. Currently I am reading Shingaling, the Charlotte chapter, and getting angry about the mean girls of middle school.
Sunny Side Up came in the mail yesterday, and I finished it in one sitting. Can you imagine that such a difficult issue like drug abuse is dealt with in a graphic novel? Lots of talk around this book in the kidlitosphere. Read this wonderful post by Caroline Starr Rose on Nerdy Book Club.
By my bed is Everything, Everything, a heartbreaking young adult love story about a girl who cannot leave her home due to illness, the modern “girl in a bubble.”
And with the commemoration of 9/11, I have been reading post after post about the bravery, the tragedy, the sadness. This post from Bernadette broke my heart again with the bravery of one woman who did what she had to do to save lives.
Reading can take you to many different places. I celebrate reading, but I think I may take a break. I don’t think my heart can take anymore.
Margaret, I haven’t read any of the titles you mentioned. Thanks for sharing your current reading. Blessings for a break from sadness and a happier heart.
Do you still read MG and YA? I recommend Everything, Everything. It’s new. I actually found the book at Walmart. I heard about it at a SBCWI conference in Houston in April. A new voice that needs to be heard.
I had never heard Moira Smith’s story. Tragic, brave, gut-wrenching. I knew one person who died in the Towers and met a woman years later whose nephew, a NYFD member, died there, too. They all matter and mattered. We must never forget and we must try harder to understand. These tings are hard to read, but we need to know. Have you seen the Tom Hanks narrated video, The Boatlift? Another moving tribute to the heros who were there at Ground Zero that day. But let’s not forget the Flight 93 angels and those at the Pentagon.
I know that it is important to remember, but it’s so hard. I haven’t seen the video. Will look it up. Thanks for reading and commenting.
I celebrate with you this week and for great literature.
I’m a bit envious of all your reading. Seems like a complete joy. Upside Down in the Middle of Nowhere just got me. Wondering how you are thinking about it. I haven’t gotten Sunny Side Up yet. On the to be purchased list!
Yes, I know. The joy of having silent reading time! I didn’t intend to have so many books going at one time. It just happened. I keep stopping and starting Upside Down. It’s so tough. And wow, that attic scene! It was hard not to cry in front of my students. I had to stop there. Don’t know when I’ll pick it up again. Maybe after I read Knucklehead per Michelle’s suggestion. I bought it last year and haven’t read it yet.
I totally get this Margaret!! Maybe it’s time to read some funny…Have you read Knucklehead by Jon Scieszka or Jack Gantos’s book Dead End in Norvelt?!?! Both of those made me LAUGH OUT LOUD!!!! 🙂 Celebrating your big heart and YOU!
You are right. I need to get some laughter in there, too.
Loved your list, Margaret. I’m reading George now, and find it brilliant.
Thanks for letting me know. I picked it up at B&N but didn’t buy it. I’ll add it to my list.
It does seem that books can feel too heavy at times. But they do help us to know how to live with all our own ups and downs!!
Margaret, thanks for the titles to books I should read. I have so many in my piles. Now that the gallery is finished perhaps I will have time to read more.
Margaret, Thank you for reading y post on 9/11. I think you do need to read something funny also. Remember life is a tight rope walk. You got to keep that balance to successfully get to the other side.
I have Every Thing Every Thing & still haven’t started, Margaret. You are reading about so many challenges, and it is good to embrace them, but maybe it is time to slow down. I want to find Sunny Side Up too. You’re right, so much talk, & it’s all good!