Top 10 Tuesday – Favourite Content-Rich Read Alouds

As many of you know, my new book Powerful Thinking : Engaging Readers, Building Knowledge, and Nudging Learning in Elementary Classrooms (currently available for Pre Order!) will be released in just a few weeks! This book is all about building knowledge and nudging thinking in all areas of your curriculum. (More information about my new book at the bottom of this post!)

One of the ways I outline how to do this in my book, is by reading aloud “content rich” texts connected to your socials and science topics to engage your students and help build their knowledge and curiosity about the world around them.

Below are TOP TEN content-rich books to share with your students. Please note that many of these titles have been included (or will soon be arriving!) in the GEARPICKS Pack book subscription service this year!

Whale Fall Exploring an Ocean-Floor Ecosystem– Melissa Stewart

Absolutely fascinating information picture book by one of my favorites nonfiction children’s authors that details the end of life for a whale, also known as a whale fall, when its body sinks to the ocean floor and becomes an energy-rich food source for organisms living in the deep sea. Filled with stunning illustrations. An excellent book for exploring whales, ecosystems and oceans.

The Glorious Forest That Fire Built – Ginny Neil

Outstanding and relevant informative nonfiction story about forest succession. Readers learn that forest fires are critical to forest health and that the end of a tree’s life provides the opportunity for new life. Back matter explains the timeline of the forest cycle in more detail. An excellent book for exploring reforestation, natural disasters, and ecosystems.

One Turtle’s Last Straw – The Real-Life Rescue That Sparked a Sea Change – Elisa Boxer

The inspiring true story of how one small turtle and kids all over the country sparked an environmental movement. An excellent reminder that even the smallest straw can hurt our ocean life! An excellent book for exploring turtles, impact of plastics, substainability, environmental conservation, activism, and social justice.

Lifetime – Amazing Numbers in Animal Lives – Lola M. Schaefer

Did you know, in one lifetime, a caribou will shed 10 sets of antlers, a woodpecker will drill 30 roosting holes, a giraffe will wear 200 spots, and a seahorse will birth 1,000 babies? So many WOW facts packed into one book, this book is one of my “go to” read-alouds. I have read this in MANY classes and the math discussions this book inspires are endless! A great book for exploring fascinating facts about animals, math, number sense, and counting.

Animal BFF’s – Even Animals Have Best Friends! – Sophie Corrigan

This is such a brilliant, fun and informative read that will appeal to your young animal lovers. The book clearly illustrates shows different pairs of animals and how they benefit themselves and each other in different ways, and how they are often the best of friends. Fun pop-up facts and adorable illustrations! A great book for exploring symbiosis and animal relationships.

Two at the Top: A Shared Dream of Everest – Uma Krishnaswami

Two boyhood friends, Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary, both loved mountain climbing and dream of climbing Mt. Everest. As adults, they each tried alone, but failed. In 1953, they joined forces, faced the challenge together, and made it to the top. A remarkable true adventure story, told in a dual narrative, includes stunning illustrations and illustrated backmatter. Important to note that, for years, only Hillary was credited with the climb so good that Norgay, along with other sherpas, are recieving equal billing here. A perfect book for exploring extreme adventures, mountain climbing, perserverence, equality.

(Note: This book is a GPP Spring pick!)

Kaboom! A Volcano Erupts – Jessica Kulekjian

A quirky, funny, step-by-step story of a volcanic eruption — told from the volcano’s point of view!  The volcano’s narration is highlighted by comments from a cute, red bird who appears on every page to provide play-by-play and to introduce easily accessible volcanic facts and terms. SO cute and informative! An excellent choice for exploring earth science lessons on volcanoes, earth’s crust, minerals, rocks and erosion.

Creep, Leap, Crunch! A Food Chain Story – Jody Jensen

An introduction to the concept of the food chain for younger readers, written with a similar style as There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly or The House that Jack Built. With it’s rhythm, rhymes, and progressive patter, this is a perfect read-read aloud choice! Recommended when exploring food chains and interconnectedness of animals in nature.

Dear Ruby, Hear Our Hearts – Ruby Bridges

In 1960, 6 yr. old Ruby Bridges became the first African-American student in William Frantz Elementary School in Louisiana. In this new book, now a US national civil rights activist and icon, Ruby Bridges responds to letters from thoughtful and concerned young students from across America. It brings up very important issues and is filled with inclusivity. Powerful, hopeful and inspiring. An excellent book for exploring segratation, racism, inclusion, and civil rights.

(Note: This book is a GPP Spring pick!)

Are You Big? – Mo Willems

This playful concept book by the iconic Mo Willems explores the concept of “big” by comparing relatively big things. Humorous illustrations help give perspective to the size concepts and I loved the twist at the end! A fun new STEAM book for exploring size, shape, math, and perspective.
(Note: This book is a GPP Spring pick!)

A Few Beautiful Minutes: Experiencing a Solar Eclipse – Kate Allen Fox

This book is SOOOO beautiful and SO timely! A lyrical, exquisitely illustrated tribute to the solar eclipse. I love the concept of this book but also how the author weaves the message of how an eclipses can unite people. With the eclipse just weeks away, this is the perfect content-rich read-aloud to building knowledge and inspire engaging class discussions!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you found a few new “content-rich” books to add to your class collection! For anyone interested in my new book – here are a couple of things you won’t want to miss!

Powerful Thinking – Coming Soon!

A reminder that you can pre-order a copy of my new book, Powerful Thinking, for a discount until March 31st. Books will be shipped in early-mid April.

Click HERE to Pre-Order your copy – hot off the press!

I will also be offering a two part Powerful Thinking webinar (April 9th and 16th) for those who might want an early launch into the book to explore some of the key concepts and lessons with me!

Click HERE for more information and to register.

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? Back to School 2020 with New Books, Old Books and a few Covid Books

This school year will certainly be uncharted and ever-changing territory!   Students, parents, and teachers will have nonstop questions and concerns.   With just a week left, I know that many have mixed emotions about the return to school.  But one thing I do know, when everything else about this year may feel completely upside down – the one constant you can rely on is… BOOKS!    So here are my favorite new, older, and Covid releases for “back to school 2020”.  There will never be another “back to school” quite like this one!

NEW RELEASES 

Our Favorite Day of the Year – A.E. Ali

Oh, this book.  So much to love and so many lesson ideas (my brain is swirling!) with this book!  After their teacher tells them the first day of school is her favorite day of the year, a group of kindergarten students get the opportunity to share their favorite day with their classmates. As the school year progresses, many different cultures, traditions, and observations are introduced and shared between each classmate.  LOVE!

Our Class is a Family – Shannon Olsen

One of my favorite new Back to School books this year and a perfect one for building community within your classrooms, creating a home away from home, and making students feel safe, included, and loved.

I Got the School Spirit – Connie Schofield-Morrison

A young girl greets the new school year with an abundance of positive energy!  Bouncy text, lots of sound words, and boundless enthusiasm in this one!  Would make a great first day read-aloud.  I Got the Rhythm and I Got the Christmas Spirit are the two other books in this series.

Bunny Braves the Day – Suzanne Bloom

When a little bunny is nervous about starting school, his big sister hops right in to help him overcome his fears.  I really liked how it was a sibling, not an adult, who helps ease the nerves.

Clover Kitty Goes to Kittygarten – Laura Purdie Salas

First day of kindergarten told from the viewpoint of a shy child.  This is particularly good for children with sensory issues and how to make plans to help with those school challenges.

We Will Rock Our Classmates – Ryan T. Higgins

Follow-up to the very popular We Don’t Eat Our Classmates (see below), and while not quite as cute as the first one, there is still a lot of fun and heart with Penelope Rex and the kids of Mrs. Noodle Man’s kindergarten class as they prepare for the class talent show.

Old Favorites….

All Are Welcome – Alexandra Penfold

A warm, welcoming picture book that celebrates diversity and gives encouragement and support to all kids starting and returning to school.    All children need to know they are welcome in their classrooms and feel a sense of belonging.  In rhythmic phrases, this story emphasizes the inclusiveness, acceptance, and celebration of all cultures.  The perfect book for the first week of school to promote a positive classroom and school community.

The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!– Mo Willems

Mo Willems is back with another pigeon book just in time for back to school! The Pigeon Has to Go to School is a laugh-out-loud hilarious story focusing on fears about going to school for the first time. Not preachy and a great ending. A perfect back to school read! LOVE this!

You’re Finally Here! – Melanie Watt

In a Mo Willams “Pigeon” style, this bunny speaks directly to the reader, telling them how LONG he has been waiting for them.   Melanie Watts’ style is fun, playful, and very easy to read aloud because the humour keeps readers engaged in the story.

We Don’t Eat our Classmates – Ryan T. Higgins

Oh my goodness – SUCH a funny book!   Yes, there are many “back to school” books to choose from… but this is definitely the one I recommend.  So fresh and funny, but teaches empathy so beautifully.  A perfect read-aloud or gift for that young one who might be experiencing “back to school jitters”.

Steve, Raised By Wolves –  Jared Chapman

LOL!  This book is hilarious and would make a brilliant back to school read-aloud for any grade! Young Steve is literally raised by wolves.  Mother wolf sends him on his first day of school with this advice:  “Just be yourself!”.   So Steve proceeds to do just that – howling in class, shredding homework, marking his territory, drinking from the toilet and pouncing on his classmates!  His behavior does not go over well!  In the end, Steve saves the day and helps to find the class pet.  Great book for discussing appropriate school behavior as well as what it means to “be yourself”

The Day You Being – Jacqueline Woodson

Wow. Powerful and perfect. A beautifully illustrated and told story of encouragement and empowerment for kids who feel different from others, one that urges them to tell their stories and lift their voices.  A great back to school book for creating a positive class community.

A Few COVID Tales….

Germs vs. Soap – Didi Dragon

The perfect how-to children’s book for Covid Times, when proper hand washing is more important than ever.  Love the clever, memorable language, and playful illustrations and humour.

If You Can’t Bear Hug, Air Hug – Katie Sodmak

Super cute book that provides alternative ways to greet each other and show that we love them during this new world of social distancing.  Perfect book for the first week back to school!

A Unique Start – 6 Ft. Apart – Emily Oquendo

A perfect classroom read aloud for the first day or week back at school during the COVID-19 crisis. This book addresses some of the changes that students will see around school during the 2020-2021 school year and a great one for  parents and/or teachers who have to talk about this difficult time with their children.  Written in a very relatable way without being too preachy

Thanks for stopping by!  Hoping you found a title or two that caught your eye!

Sending positive thoughts to each and every one of you as you prepare for back to school this year.

Top 10 (okay, 14!) Back to School Picture Books for 2019

Well, it’s that time of year again.  Time to face the fact that summer is drawing to a close  and school is right around the corner.  Some of you, in fact, have already started teaching.  But there is an excitement that comes at this time of year – the anticipation of a new students to get to know and a new class community to build and nurture.  But while the start of school brings excitement for some, it can bring anxiety for others.  Sharing books about starting school and all that that entails is a wonderful way for making your students feel safe and connected. Here are my top new “back to school” picture books for sharing during “back to school”  week.

The Proudest Blue – Ibtihaj Muhammad

While it doesn’t appear to be by the cover, this is a powerful story about the first day of school that turns out to be so much more.  It is about rites of passage, the bonds of sisters, overcoming classmate cruelty and taunts, and the importance of culture and faith.  This book will be released on September 10th and I highly recommend it.  Gorgeous illustrations!   An important book to share about acceptance and pride in who you are.  (Great anchor for “Who Am I?” lessons from Powerful Understanding!)

Clothesline Clues to the First Day of School – Andy Robert Davies

You will have a lot of fun with this interactive book during the first week back.  Catchy rhymes and clear visual cues introduce young readers to the people they’ll encounter on their first day of school.  Perfect for Pre K – grade 1.

The School Book – Todd Parr

Todd Parr has done it again! With his signature bright, bold illustrations, “The School Book” is a must read for back to school this year. Positive and affirming step-by-step guide to a school day, from morning routines, to meeting new people, to learning and playing together. Love the way he weaves in a cheerful, child-friendly message of sharing, inclusion, and community. A perfect book for parents and teachers to read with any little one starting or returning to school.

All Are Welcome – Alexandra Penfold

A warm, welcoming picture book that celebrates diversity and gives encouragement and support to all kids starting and returning to school.    All children need to know they are welcome in their classrooms and feel a sense of belonging.  In rhythmic phrases, this story emphasizes the inclusiveness, acceptance, and celebration of all cultures.  The perfect book for the first week of school to promote a positive classroom and school community.

If I Built a School – Chris Van Dusen

Chris Van Dusen’s If I Built a House is one of my go-to read-alouds to inspire imaginative writing so I was thrilled to see his new book about an imaginary school!  Told in a bouncy rhyming text, a boy describes all the fantastic and amazing things he would include if he was building his own school – money and reality no object!  Puppies and zoo animals would greet you at the door, students would have movable hover desks, every library book would come to life when you opened it, you’d race on submersible bikes in the school’s pool!   What fun!  A perfect anchor book for some inspiring back to school imagination pocket writing and art!

Pirates Don’t Go to Kindergarten! – Lisa Robinson

Very sweet story about “Pirate Emma” transitioning from preschool to kindergarten and getting to know new classmates, a new classroom, a brand new teacher, and a new routine.  Packed with pirate language and lively illustrations, this story is a perfect “connect” book for any buccaneer that might not be feeling very brave when starting a new adventure.

Lola Goes to School – Anna McQuinn

A simple, comforting story about a little girl preparing for the first day of school.  While many similar books begin on the actual first day of school, I like how this one focuses on the preparation day before – choosing clothes, packing backpacks and lunches.   This one leaves you with such a positive, uplifting feeling that gently eases any worries young readers may be feeling about starting school.

Sorry, Grown-Ups!  You Can’t Go to School – Christina Geist

This book is an entertaining story with some reverse psychology intended to make kids want to go to school.   The role reversal outlines all the fun things that a child would be excited about – new backpacks (with secret pockets), playing games, reading on the cozy carpet, science experiments, and recess, all of which drive the adults nuts with longing!  Bright, playful illustrations. (the lack of diversity is my only criticism)  This book is fun and would certainly help to ease nerves as the school year begins.  

Butterflies on the First Day of School – Annie Silverstro

Rosie is excited about the first day of school but then when the day actually arrives, she discovers she has “butterflies in her tummy.”   As the first day unfolds, each time Rosie opens up and talks to a new classmate or her teacher, butterflies – which only she can see – escape out of her mouth and fly into the sky.   As the butterflies fly out, Rosie’s confidence begins to grow, and new friendships and experiences are forged; she even finds the courage to help another shy little girl with butterflies of her own.  I love how this “butterfly” metaphor is developed into a clear analogy for kids – opening up to others to let the butterflies out.

The King of Kindergarten – Derrick Barnes

A gentle, joyful introduction to what to expect in a Kindergarten classroom and a sweet story about making friends, playing together, loving school, and putting positive energy into the world.  Such a lovely message in this one!   The artwork is stunning and the story is charming and uplifting.  Love this one!

The Pigeon Has to Go to School! – Mo Willems

Mo Willems is back with another pigeon book just in time for back to school! The Pigeon Has to Go to School is a laugh-out-loud hilarious story focusing on fears about going to school for the first time. Not preachy and a great ending. A perfect back to school read! LOVE this!

How To Read – Kwane Alexander

While not specifically about starting school, this ode to reading by the amazing team of Kwane Alexander and Melissa Sweet would make an excellent first week read-aloud.   I so loved the “how to” format filled gorgeous poetic language and literary techniques: “Once you’re comfy, peel its gentle skin, like you would a clementine…Next, did your thumb at the bottom of each juicy section and POP the words out.”  Vibrant, collage illustrations but I did find the busy layout and embedded font sometimes difficult to follow on some pages.   Great for read-aloud and wonderful anchor book for writing similes, personification and imagery.

Back to School: A Global Journey – Maya Ajmera

I so love this beautiful, joy-filled book filled with stunning color photographs of children around the world studying, learning, exploring, and having fun together.  A perfect book for any lesson on global education and includes back notes and maps about each photograph.  Seeing children’s joy about school and learning is so inspiring!   I would pair this book up with The Way to School by Rosemary McCarney.

Thanks for stopping by!  Hope you found on or two “Back to School” books that caught your eye!  Happy “New Year”, teacher friends!

Top 10 Tuesday – Ten Spring Releases I am Eagerly Awaiting!

It’s been a few weeks since I posted, but now report cards are written and marking is done, I’m  happy to be sharing some new releases ( picture books and novels) that I’m excited about!   I have listed release dates and all are available for pre-ordering.  While I haven’t actually READ these yet – some have amazing track records, some are from favorite authors, while others just caught my eye!  I’m “inferring”  I shall love them all!

1. Flora and the Peacocks – Molly Idle (release May 3rd)

Molly Idle gifted us first with Flora and the Flamingo and then Flora and the Penguin.  Darling, dancing Flora is back, and this time, she is dancing with a pair of colorful, moody peacocks.  Can’t wait to read this one!

Book Trailer:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e75i9Q40STM

2. The Bear and the Piano – David Litchfield  (April 5)

I judged this book by it’s cover and decided it was a MUST read!  I can just imagine holding this cover up and asking the students “What are you wondering?”  My brain is swirling with wonderings!

3. Twenty Yawns – Jane Smiley  (April 1)

This looks like a sweet bedtime story and I adore Lauren Castillo’s illustrations so I’m keeping my eye out for this one!

4. Elephant and Piggie – The Thank You Book – Mo Willems  (May 5th)

I’m a huge fan of this hilarious, tender series and can’t wait to add this to our library collection!

5. Duck, Duck, Porcupine! – Salina Yoon (May 17)

I have enjoyed Salina Moon’s Penguin and Porcupine books so am looking forward to this book, told entirely through dialogue.

6. Flying Frogs and Walking Fish: Leaping Lemurs, Tumbling Toads, Jet-Propelled Jellyfish, and More Surprising Ways That Animals Move – Steve Jenkins (May 3) 

If you know me, you know I love Steve Jenkins.  Not just a little love – but overflowing book love for S. J.  His nonfiction books he writes with his wife (sigh) Robin Page are fascinating, engaging, stunning, and down-right glorious.  Here’s his latest.

7.  Booked – Kwane Alexander  (April 5)

 If you have not yet read or shared Kwane Alexander’s riveting novel in verse The Crossover, which won the Newberry in 2015 – it is a MUST READ!  In this much anticipated follow up novel, basketball is replaced with soccer.

8. My Seventh Grade Life in Tights – Brooks Benjamin

Lots of buzz about this charming, feel-good story of a tween boy who wants to be a dancer.

Book Trailer:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IOwYpsPLyI

9. Red: The True Story of Red Riding Hood – Liesl Shurtliff (April 12)

If you are a fan of True Stories series by Liesl Shurtliff  (Rump and Jack),  you will be excited about Red!  If you teach middle school, these hilarious fractured fairy tales make the BEST read-alouds!

10.  Raymie Nightingale – Kate DiCamillo  (April 12)

Magic happens when you read Kate DiCamillo’s books.  Everything she writes is crafted masterfully and filled with heart-breaking, poignant moments and gorgeous, gorgeous language. This is the story of  a summer friendship.  Let the magic begin!

Thanks for stopping by!  Which book has caught your eye?

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? – Picture Book Month Favorites

      

It’s Monday and I’m happy to be participating in a weekly event with a community of bloggers who post reviews of books that they have read the previous week. Check out more IMWAYR posts here: Jen from Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki from Unleashing Readers

It’s hard to believe that November is almost over and in a few hours, the countdown to Christmas will begin!  It has been wonderful celebrating picture books this month with you and I hope that you have been inspired to use some of these wonderful books to enhance your lessons and bring some picture book joy to your students!  Here are some of the books I’ve featured on my Facebook page this month plus a few extras!

The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Class – Justin Roberts

I know a book is going to be great when the word “transform” is written in the last line: “And now the world could transform and a change could be made by the smallest girl in the smallest grade.” This is a wonderful story about Sally, who, despite her small size, notices things going on around her – hurtful things. An inspiring story about making a difference and standing up for change – no matter what size you are! Vibrant pencil-crayon illustrations and rhyming text. A perfect primary read-aloud! Love!

If You Give a Mouse an iPhone – Ann Droyd

Getting sucked into screen time is certainly a topic we can all connect to! This is a hilarious spin on the classic series by Laura Numeroff. A boy gives Applesauce, the mouse, an iPhone to keep him quiet for 10 minutes. Of course, Applesauce wants the phone for much longer and ends up missing out on the fun activities surrounding him. If you are a parent trying to explain to their children why they should NOT get an IPhone – this might help your cause! Great illustrations, great fun! A great companion to Anne Droyd’s “Goodnight Ipad” (similar spin on Goodnight Moon)

Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3nVxt6_lAc

The Storm Whale – Benji Davies

This beautifully illustrated book invites readers to infer both from the carefully sel…ected words and stunning artwork. The story is about a Noi, a young boy who discovers a whale on the beach after a storm. His father is a busy fisherman (and is a great hugger) and, despite their 6 cats, Noi is often alone. He decides to take the whale home and hide it in his bathtub. There is a tenderness to this quiet tale of loneliness, family and friendship.  Will make a wonderful book to practice questioning and inferring. 

Blizzard – John Rocco

This book is based on John Rocco’s childhood experience duing the now infamous blizzard of 1978, which brought 53 inches of snow to his town in Rhode Island. Brief text and dynamic illustrations: the wonder of a winter storm told through the eyes of young boy. I LOVED John’s Rocco’s book Blackout (2012 Caldecott Honoree) about a family’s experience one summer during a power outage. I think I may love this one just a little bit more.

Louise Loves Art – Kelly Light

This is a book that celebrates creativity, imagination and the challenges and joys of having a younger sibling!  Louise loves art – when she is not drawing, she is thinking about what she is going to draw next.  One day, she is preparing her latest masterpiece for the “Gallery du Fridge”, when her younger brother wants to join in but has a slightly different plan for her painting!  I liked the way the text told Louise’s story and the illustrations told her brother’s.  The illustrations are bright and lively and I liked how Louise modeled self control when her brother clearly ruined her special art.  This would be a perfect “connect” book!

Waiting is Not Easy – Mo Willems

Love this latest in the Elephant and Piggy series by the great Mo Willems.  This one deals with the challenges of having to wait for something!  Poor Elephant  is not having an easy time waiting for a special surprise that Piggy has in store for him.  This would be a perfect book to practice making connections with your primary class – especially with the Christmas season coming up… Who doesn’t have a hard time waiting for Christmas to arrive?

The Hockey Sweater – 30 Anniversary Edition by Roch Carrier

With the passing of Pat Quinn, one of the most beloved faces of Canadian hockey this month, it seemed fitting to post a book celebrating this great sport. The Hockey Sweater is a true classic Canadian book and this year they have re-issued it as an “anniversary edition” (30 years!) Same classic story but filled with extra materials, still photos from the animated movie and best of all, quotes from celebrities who have read and loved the book. The story centers around a boy living in a small town in Quebec, his hockey hero #9 Maurice Richard, and the famous rivalry between the Montreal Canadians and the Toronto Maple Leafs. It is a story of hockey, family, community, heroes, passion and dreaming big.  This book would make a perfect Christmas present for the special hockey players in your life. (All three of mine have their own copy!) LOVE this book.

What We See When We Read – Peter Mendelsund

Visualizing, or “making metal pictures” when you read is a strategy I have spent years teaching students about. In this fascinating book, graphic and book jacket designer Peter Mendelsund explores how we are better able to understand the act of reading through visualizing. In a “scrapbook” approach, a collage of short text, pictures, sketches and concepts he creates a visually interesting and thought-provoking look at the process of reading. Lively, quirky and thought provoking. This is a quick read (I read it cover to cover on the Victoria ferry) and reinforced the very foundation of what I know to be true: “The reader writes the story” (Annie Proulx)

The Misadventures of Sweetie Pie – Chris Van Allsburg

It is actually painful for me to admit this – but I did not really like this book.  I love everything (and I mean EVERYTHING) that Chris Van Allsburg has EVER written.  I was SO excited seeing this new release on display in my favorite book store, but after reading it, I was left feeling so very disappointed.  Sweetie Pie is a pet hamster who longs to be free and run wild with other wild creatures. We follow Sweetie from the pet store to the owner’s house and finally to the classroom when he becomes the class pet.   Over Christmas, one of the students takes Sweetie Pie home – and forgets about him! I felt as if this whole book was about the abuse of this poor animal and about selfish children who didn’t care about him or anything!  I could not see myself reading it to my class as I don’t think there would be anything positive to discuss.   I am often teased by friends and colleagues that I “love every book” I read.  This book,  sadly, I did not even like!

 Hooray – this is my 100th Post!    Thanks for stopping by today!   Please leave me a message and let me know which book caught your eye!