Alice Paul and the Fight for Women's Rights by Deborah Kops

Finished the book

A seventh grade student came into the library and asked me if we had any books on Alice Paul. I am embarrassed to say that I did not know who Alice Paul was. I did some research and found this book. This book is inspiring and educational. In addition to learning about a number of women that I did not previously know, I also discovered that the Equal Rights Amendment is still not ratifies. I will DEFINITELY be purchasing this book for the library. 

Alice Paul and the Fight for Women's Rights by Deborah Kops

Interest Level: YA
Reading Level: 8.0
Lexile: 1050
Genre: Biography

Currently on pg.50, chapter 3

Alice Paul (January 11, 1885 – July 9, 1977) was an American suffragist, feminist, and women's rights activist. She was one of the main leaders and strategists of the 1913 campaign for the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution which prohibits sex discrimination in the right to vote. A 7th grade student asked me if we had any books on Alice Paul. We did not. I found this book, checked it out from the public library, and are reading it with the intent of buying it for the library. So far, it is getting 2 thumbs up.

The Uncommoners: The Crooked Sixpence by Jennifer Bell

Interest Level: 3-6 grade

Reading Level: 5.0
Lexile: 700
Genre: Fantasy

Currently on pg. 50, chapter 8 & Done

I give up. This book has not grabbed me. I thought the concept of the story was interesting, everyday items can do magical things. I have many books on my nightstand that I want to read. So, I feel 50 pages is plenty.

Lily and Dunkin by Donna Gephart

Finished the book

I highly recommend this book. I think that Gephart tells a very age appropriate tale about a transgender middle school student. The character of Dunkin and his struggle with bi-polar disorder adds another dimension to the plot. Dunkin gives Lily a chance to see that everyone has their own struggles. Gephart does a great job of developing Lily and Dunkin into characters that you care and route for. It is an interesting place in which we join Lily on her journey to be her true self. She knows that she is a girl. Her mother, sister, and best friend support her. It is her father that she needs to see her for she truly is. Of course, there are the small minded 'Neanderthals' at school that she has to copy with. Dunkin's story unravels at a pace that you learn about him and his disorder as the plot advances. The climax of the winter dance leaves the reader smiling. I am so glad that this book is in our middle school library.

Lily and Dunkin by Donna Gephart

Interest level: 5-8 grade

Reading Level:4.3
Lexile: 680
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Currently on pg. 78, chapter A Hopeful Feeling

Lily Jo was born Timothy and desperately wants to just be able to be herself. Dunkin's real name is Norbert. He is new in town. He has a painful secret. As if that wasn't enough, he is bi-polar. One summer the two meet.

In my search for a middle school female to male transgender novel, I found Lily and Dunkin. I am enjoying the book so far. It has already become a book that I carry everywhere hoping for a chance to read a page or two.

Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter by Kate Clifford Larson

Finished the book

I found this book very informative. I never knew anything about Rosemary Kennedy. I knew that there was a special needs Kennedy, sibling to John F., Ted, Joe Jr., and the rest. I didn't know anything more than that she existed. I like at the end of the book how her sister Eunice was quoted as saying, "...more than any one single individual, Rosemary made the difference." Larson goes on to end the book with, "Through the loving, indomitable spirit of Rosemary, the Kennedy family found one of its greatest missions, and in doing so changed millions of lives."