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Tuesday, December 29, 2015

The Gold Rush Kid by Mary Waldorf

Interest Level: 5th - 8th grade
Reading Level: 6.7 grade
Lexile: N/A
Genre: Historical Fiction

Finished the book



I chose to read this book because Wyatt, a student, suggested it. I agree with Wyatt. I give it 4 out of 5 stars. I recommend it to anyone that enjoys historical fiction. It is a coming of age story told by Billy McGee about his family's journey from Skagway, Alaska to the Canada's Yukon Territory. After the death of their mother, Billy and his sister, who is posing as a boy, make their way through the harsh winter to the Yukon to find their father. Their adventures make for a great story.


Friday, December 18, 2015

Lost in the Sun by Lisa Graff

Finished the book

I very much enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it. The book dealer that I have used in the past states that the interest level for this book is 3rd-6th grade. The concept of a 6th grader feeling responsible for the death of a fellow child is, I believe, more for middle school students. 
The ending of the book was a tiny bit of a let down. However, I understand why Graff ended it the way she did. An amazing story!

Lost in the Sun by Lisa Graff

Currently on pg. 272, chapter twenty-four

This book is SO good. As I watch Trent begin to mentally heal from the accident that resulted in the death of another child, I have started to root for him. I find myself grabbing this book at every possible moment. I want Trent to find some peace.

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Lost in the Sun by Lisa Graff

Interest Level: 6th - 8th grade
Reading Level: 4.3 grade
Lexile: 700L
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Currently on pg.36, Chapter Three

Trent is in middle school. He has an older and younger brother. His parents are divorced. His step-mother is pregnant. And last February 12th, he hit Jared Richards in the chest with a hockey puck. Jared had a heart defect and the blow killed him. Now Trent carries around a "journal," his Book of Thoughts. But instead of writing in it, he draws. Mostly he draws a whole bunch of different ways that people can die.

Monday, December 7, 2015

Blister by Susan Richards Shreve

Interest Level: 3-7 grade
Reading Level: 5.9 grade
Lexile: NR
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Finished the book


I have mixed feelings regarding this book. I can understand the challenges that Jack Reed faces. Although, I do not agree with the way he dealt with those challenges. The main character Alyssa/Blister is dealing with a lot of stuff, only some that I have personally experienced. This book reminded me that people dealing with crises do what they can to get through the day. There is a saying, "Don't judge me until you walk a mile in my shoes or live a day in my life." I would recommend this book for 6th graders and older. I would also say that 4th and 5th graders may find it helpful if they are dealing with some of the issues Blister is: death of a sibling, a parent with depression, moving, and parents separating.

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt

Finished the book
MOST EXCELLENT BOOK! A sad story but true to life and magnificently written. I would highly recommend this book to 7th graders and adults.