It's Monday. Here's What I've Been Reading

It's #IMWAYR. Check out TeachMentorTexts and Unleashing Readers to find out about more fabulous books!

There is always an upside to everything, and for me, this job action we're in the middle of here in British Columbia, translates into more reading time. I read during our recess and and lunch time lockouts, and continue while on strike picket duty.

 

I finished Countdown by Deborah Wiles. All I can say about this book is WOW! I loved and was blown away by it. I loved the integration of biography, pamphlets, news headlines and fiction. I loved that Wiles provided background knowledge to ensure a deeper understanding for this whopping great read.
★★★★★
 

I read Fake ID by Lamar Giles. I like this book about a teenager in the witness protection program because of his father's criminal activity. Nick Pearson and his family end up in Stepton, Virginia. It's their last chance because his father has screwed up twice already while in the program. On his first day at his new school he meets a girl, Reya; gets beaten up; and is saved by Eli Cruz, the school journalist and Reya's brother. Soon Nick discovers that someone in Stepton is hiding a dirty secret and is prepared to murder to keep it. When Eli ends up dead, Nick and Reya set out to figure out what is going on. This is a fast paced mystery and action novel. I can think of a number of upper intermediate boys and girls who will love it. However, I do have some reservations about this title. Without giving too much away, I'm not happy with Nick and his father's solution for changing their lives.
★★★

I also finished The Day Joanie Frankenhauser Became A Boy by Francess Lin Lantz. It's a tale of a tomboy who gets the chance to live life as a boy. At first she is delighted, but gradually discovers that being a boy is not as wonderful as she thought it must be. One of the things I love about this book is that it provides a great segue into an analysis of gender roles.. I think it will make a fabulous lit circle for students in grade 3 and up if I can only find some paperbacks in print. 
★★★★★



I've started reading A Snicker of Magic by Natalie LLoyd. Magical realism is my fabourite genre so it's easy to say that at this point, I'm in love with a book.   

I've read too many picture books to keep track of. The one that has stood out I'll blog about for Non-fiction Wednesdays.

I'm still listening to, and enjoying Terrior by Tamora Pierce.

Up next is Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood.