I spent January and February weeding the fiction section at school. Inevitably as I scanned the shelves I'd find a book that caught my eye and put it aside to read. Unfortunately, none of them were great reads and some weren't appropriate for a K-5 school. That all being said, I did do some reading over February break and I have some ADULT recommendations along with a quick review of Harriet the Spy.
The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak is a book I've heard about for the last few years and finally read. After taking some time to adjust to Death as the narrator, I quickly realized what all the buzz was about. Leisel is a displaced nine year old foster child when the story begins in Germany in the early 1940s. I read in awe as she grew into a plucky teenager. Encouraged by her foster parents, her neighbors (in particular, Rudy) and a surprise visitor, Leisel realizes the power of words long before she can read. I felt much like I did after I read The Gurnesey Literary and Potato Peel Society - dumbfounded by complete disregard for human life and the desire for power.
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein is the story of Enzo, Denny and eventually Denny's wife and daughter. Enzo, the narrator, happens to be a dog. Denny is a semi-professional race car driver. Metaphors abound as Enzo explains life and observes the nice and not so nice people who populate this book. If you're a dog lover it's worth a read but be prepared to learn a whole lot about racing cars.
Luna by Julie Anne Peters, is fascinating. I debated about adding this to the list but decided to simply because if you've ever wondered what it's like to be transgendered; that is to say, to feel as if you were born in the wrong body, this book does a masterful job of explaining. Written for high school students, Peters gives the reader characters you alternately root for and against. Simply put, Luna is a celebration of self acceptance.
Undiscovered by Debra Winger. A meandering memoir celebrating Winger's various roles as daughter, mother, and actress.
Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh. Didn't read it as a kid; read it now because Suann has such fond memories of it. When I mentioned that Harriet was just plain mean Suann didn't remember that part, just thought it was cool Harriet figured out ways to spy on a bunch of different people. (And she had a notebook.) As I read I kept waiting for Harriet to see the light. I think she finally did on the last page but it was too late and too weak a resolution for me.
The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak is a book I've heard about for the last few years and finally read. After taking some time to adjust to Death as the narrator, I quickly realized what all the buzz was about. Leisel is a displaced nine year old foster child when the story begins in Germany in the early 1940s. I read in awe as she grew into a plucky teenager. Encouraged by her foster parents, her neighbors (in particular, Rudy) and a surprise visitor, Leisel realizes the power of words long before she can read. I felt much like I did after I read The Gurnesey Literary and Potato Peel Society - dumbfounded by complete disregard for human life and the desire for power.
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein is the story of Enzo, Denny and eventually Denny's wife and daughter. Enzo, the narrator, happens to be a dog. Denny is a semi-professional race car driver. Metaphors abound as Enzo explains life and observes the nice and not so nice people who populate this book. If you're a dog lover it's worth a read but be prepared to learn a whole lot about racing cars.
Luna by Julie Anne Peters, is fascinating. I debated about adding this to the list but decided to simply because if you've ever wondered what it's like to be transgendered; that is to say, to feel as if you were born in the wrong body, this book does a masterful job of explaining. Written for high school students, Peters gives the reader characters you alternately root for and against. Simply put, Luna is a celebration of self acceptance.
Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh. Didn't read it as a kid; read it now because Suann has such fond memories of it. When I mentioned that Harriet was just plain mean Suann didn't remember that part, just thought it was cool Harriet figured out ways to spy on a bunch of different people. (And she had a notebook.) As I read I kept waiting for Harriet to see the light. I think she finally did on the last page but it was too late and too weak a resolution for me.