A Soft Place to Land by Susan Rebecca White

Recommended by my niece, ASPTL celebrates the joys and frustrations of being a sister. As is often the case when I read a book, I look for someone to root for. I'm still thinking about it. The story is complex (partly inspired by Sully's dramatic Hudson River landing of a plane) and the characters are flawed but ultimately, they do the best with what they have. Is that good enough for the reader? It was for me.

Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine

Eleven year old Caitlin and her father are suffering from a tremendous loss - their brother and son has been killed by an another angry student at his middle school. At first glance you might ask if this is appropriate for elementary school - if you have a mature fifth grader the answer is yes. This is about so much more than a senseless shooting. Caitlin has Asperger's syndrome and her brother Devon interpreted the world for her. As she faces the biggest obstacle of her life she's relying on the school counselor and friends who don't quite get her. Erskine does a masterful job celebrating friendship, forgiveness, and empathy. Join Caitlin as she searches for closure - you won't be disappointed.

Iron Thunder by Avi

Another Nutmeg nominee, Iron Thunder is a historical fiction novel based on the battle between the Monitor and the Merrimac. . Tom Carroll is but 13 years old in 1862 when his mother asks him to find a job to help put food on the table. And what a job he finds - errand boy for Captain John Ericsson - inventor of the first ironclad ship. Will something made of iron float? Will it be capable of fighting of the rebel "sea monster," known as the Merrimac. Plenty of action including Tom being wooed by a rebel spy.

Seaglass Summer by Anjali Banerjee

Poppy has the summer of her life planned - while her parents fly off to India to visit relatives, Poppy has convinced her uncle to let her stay with him on on island off the coast of Washington state where he is a vet. Poppy wants one thing in life - to be a vet like her uncle. Interestingly she's never had an animal as her mother is allergic. There are plenty of lessons to be learned - both from humans and animals alike. Join Poppy, Uncle Sanjay, Hawk, Duff, Mr. Pincus and a whole host of other characters as she learns the ins and outs of island living.

Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer Holm

Jennifer Holm, author of the Baby Mouse graphic novels has written an engaging story about Turtle - a young girl trying to find her place in the world. It's the 1930s, money is scarce and when her mother takes a job working for a woman who doesn't like kids, Turtle is shipped off to Key West, Florida to live with an aunt. Turtle is a resourceful girl (you have to be when you're constantly battling with a cousin named Beans) and gets a big old helping of family history as summer passes. And oh yes - there's a treasure map.

Notes From the Dog...Gary Paulsen

Gary Paulsen does a lovely job telling the story of Finn, an awkward fourteen year old boy who doesn't have a lot of friends and is reluctant to take a risk making one (or two). Enter Johanna, a graduate student who is house sitting next door. It turns out Johanna has a lot on her plate - she has cancer, just broke up with her boyfriend and is training for a triathlon. Somehow she convinces Finn to plant her a garden. Read Notes From the Dog to find out if friendship blooms. (For fifth grade and up.)

For You Mom, Finally by Ruth Reichl

I have read most if not all of Reichl's memoirs - she is a wonderful storyteller and For You Mom, Finally is no different. Unfortunately, it's only upon deep reflection we can truly understand the lessons of our mothers - especially mothers who grew up in 1940s and 50s; women who didn't have the opportunities women today do and wanted desperately to make sure their daughters did (whether they made it explicit it or not). Reichl uses a box of old notes and letters to help tell her mother's story - she is gentle and forgiving. For You Mom is beautifully written. (As an aside, my favorite Reichl book is Garlic and Sapphires about her time as the restaurant critic for the New York Times. Amazing stories.)

Eleven by Patricia Reilly Giff

Slowly but surely I'm working my way through the Nutmeg nominees. Eleven by Patricia Reilly Giff isn't a book I would have normally picked up but am glad I did. Part mystery, part human interest story, Eleven tells the story of Sam, an eleven year old boy who discovers some unsettling news about his past. Not a great reader, he reaches out to the new kid - Caroline, for help putting the pieces of his life into a coherent story. It is a story about friendship, about family, about unconditional love - well worth a read.

Food Rules...Michael Pollan

Fascinating food for thought (that is too obvious a pun to pass by)...a lot of it makes sense, some of it isn't any fun....and while I don't abide by them all the rules, I do occasionally glance at the book and wonder how I'm doing.

Tip It! The World According to Maggie Griffin...for adults

For those who know me, they know I watch Kathy Griffin religiously - I admire her willingness to take on issues (Don't Ask Don't Tell) and her ability to see the absurd in everyday life. Oh sure, I spend some time asking myself, "Did she just say that?" but all in all it's good fun. I read her Official Book Club Selection last year and was pleasantly surprised to see her mom's Tip It! at Barnes and Noble the other day. Maggie Griffin is a saint - not because she puts up with her daughter but because she understands and accepts Kathy for who she is. The respect these two have for each other is wonderful. And it seems they follow a simple rule - don't take life too seriously and when life gets you down - tip it.

Andrew Clements...No Talking

Andrew Clements has mastered writing for the third through fifth grade population. In each book he creates characters that kids can identify with. No Talking explores the power of words and the importance of listening. Oh sure, he throws in some cooties and boys are better than girls stuff along with a humorless principal but ultimately the message he delivers is - it's not always who wins but what we learn along the way.

From Fluff to Substance

My mind, partly mush from the fluff of last weekend, is now engaged in Sue Miller's latest, Lake Shore Limited. I've also downloaded Anne Tyler's Ladder of Years to my Kindle. Looking forward to reading some beautiful language and well woven family drama. (I think it's only a coincidence that a beach is on both covers.)

A Gas of a Book

I was a bit surprised when Mrs. Belmonte pulled Doctor Proctor's Fart Powder out of the box. I couldn't remember ordering it but am glad I did. While the story is light, the language funny, author Jo Nesbo has given the reader plenty to think about when it comes to being different and dealing with bullies. We all need friends like Lisa and Nilly.

Nutmeg Books

Every year the kids of Connecticut have an opportunity to vote for their favorite book from a list of ten novels. At North Mianus we celebrate with the 5th Grade Nutmeg Book Bowl. For a list of the 2011 nominees, click here.

My summer reading will include finishing up the Nutmeg books (I reviewed a couple in April). Yesterday I read The Thing About Georgie by Lisa Graff. Put simply, it is an incredibly sweet book about a fourth grade boy who is a dwarf and how he deals with his place in the world. And yet there are far more layers. What does it take to be a good friend? What will it take to be a good older brother? Are there conditions on the love his parents have for him based on his dwarfism? Good stuff all around.

Rivals by Tim Green

Just finished this book . Green creates a good 21st century baseball story* along with a little bit of mystery. Towards the end of the book I think I found a mistake. If you read Rivals and think there is a mistake also, email me. A little prize will go to the first student who discovers what I did. (I just emailed the author to see what might have happened. I'll let you know if I hear back.)

*I grew up on Matt Christopher.

Crunch by Leslie Connor

Leslie Connor has written a thoroughly delightful book titled Crunch. It is a story of family, friendship and bikes. Good stuff to discuss throughout.

Fluff for the Weekend!

I stocked up my Kindle with fluff - a perfect way to start summer vacation. My writing will be limited as typing with a ruptured disc is still a bit painful.