Geo Librarian

FLUTTER: The story of four sisters and one incredible journey by Erin E. Moulton Philomel Books, 2011 ISBN: 978-0-399-25515-1 Grades 3-6 Reviewed from personal copy. Big things are about the happen at Maple's house. Mama's going to have a baby, which means now there will be four Rittle sisters instead of just three. But when baby Lily is born too early and can't come home from the hospital, Maple knows it's up to her to save her sister. So she and Dawn, armed with a map and some leftover dinner, head off down a river and up a mountain to find the Wise Woman who can grant miracles. Now it's not only Lily's survival that they have to worry about, but also their own. The dangers that Maple and Dawn encounter on their journey makes them realize a thing or two about miracles-and about each other. I have mixed feelings about this book.  I did enjoy it, but as a teacher, there were parts where I wanted to jump into the book and tell the girls not to ...

I've been pretty busy the last couple of days with school and the numerous things that need to be done, but I have finished another book.  I'm also about a third of the way into The Secret Life of Ms. Finkleman .  I also plan to start Grace Lin's Dumpling Day s about which I have been hearing many good things.  Miles to Go for Freedom is on my list as well.  I need at least one good nonfiction read.  head on over to Just Deb for some Middle Grade fun. The Familiars written by Adam Jay Epstein and Andrew Jacobson HarperCollins, 2010 ISBN:  978-0061961106 Grades 3-6 Reviewed from purchased ebook. BLURB: Is the kingdom's fate in the hands of an orphan cat?  Running fast to save his life, Aldwyn ducks into an unusual pet store. Moments later Jack, a young wizard in training, comes in to choose a magical animal to be his familiar. Aldwyn's always been clever. But magical? Jack thinks so and Aldwyn is happy to play along.  He just has t...

With Monday off of work I managed to get more reading done than I expected I would.  I finished two books.  I won't be able to get as much reading done for the rest of the week, but I hope to finish at least two more. Jake  written by Audrey Couloumbis Random House Books for Young Readers, 2010 ISBN: 978-0375856310 Grades 3-6 Reviewed from purchased e-book. Nominated for Beehive Book Award Fiction. Opinions expressed are solely my own. BLURB :  A heartwarming holiday story from Audrey Couloumbis, the Newbery Honor–winning author of Getting Near to Baby.  With beautiful writing and an endearing young narrator so honest and full of hope that you can't help but fall in love with him, Audrey Couloumbis tells a story, of a young boy and the grandfather that he’s just getting to know, that will make readers laugh and cry and, most of all, appreciate the gift of family. It's a few days before Christmas when ten-year-old Jake's mom breaks her leg, e...

I love middle grade books, in fact, I think they are my favorite genre.  So, of course, I have to participate in this fun readathon.  Since I go back to school this week I won't be able to read as much as I'd like, but I hope to finish at least a few books.  Here's the list I will be reading from: It's Raining Cupcakes by Lisa Schroeder The Secret Life of Ms. Finkleman by Ben H. Winters The Familiars by Adam Jay Epstein & Andrew Jacobson (e-book) Jake by Audrey Couloumbis (e-book) Miles to Go for Freedom by Linda Barrett Osborne (nonfiction) Glory Be by Augusta Scattergood Dumpling Days by Grace Lin Depending on my mood, there are a bunch of others I will consider as well, books I need to read for the Beehive Book Awards (Children's Literature Association of Utah).

I've found some more fun challenges to participate in for 2012.  The first is the YA/MG Fantasy Challenge hosted by The Book Cellar .  To participate I will be doing the following: - Read 10 YA or MG fantasy that are released in 2012 - Post a review on a personal blog or Goodreads - The challenge runs from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012 I already have a bunch of books that I am looking forward to reading next year.  I'm excited to be a part of this. The Marvelous Middle Grade Read-a-Thon will take place Jan 2-Jan 8, 2012. This one is being hosted by Deb Marshall at Just Deb .  I hope to get a bunch of my middle grade books read during this week.  I will not be able to read all week though since I go back to work (school) that week, but I will do what I can.  For every book I read I will donate a book to my school library.