the book stack

11 Comments

No surprises here…

{Linger and Forever by Maggie Stiefvater (Scholastic)}

I did read Forever in less than 24 hours. I’m intrigued by Maggie Stiefvater’s craft. I’m not much of a paranormal reader, and yet she hooked me and kept me reading because of her craft. I feel like I’m a better writer because I’ve read her books.

I’ve had a little hankering for mystery. So I just started this middle grade novel…

{The Shadow Collector’s Apprentice by Amy Gordon (Holiday House, 2012)}

So far the characters are pulling me into the story.

And this creepy little book from Candlewick…

{The Scary Places Map Book: Seven Terrifying Tours by B.G. Hennessey and Erwin Madrid (Candlewick, 2012)}
There are maps and directions, leading the reader on seven terrifying tours. It is interactive and the voice is bold. I’m still dreaming up ways to use this treasure in writing workshop. I’m looking forward to posting some teaching points I could associate with this book…but I have to do some more thinking first. The bottom line is it is a cool twist on creepy books.
A little professional reading is sneaking in. It’s a sign of acceptance + excitement of the new school year…
{Side by Side: Short Takes on Best Practice for Teachers and Literacy Leaders by Heather Radar (Choice Literacy, 2012)}

Oh boy…this may be a new favorite professional book. The writing is honest and genuine and speaks to the heart of literacy leaders. I’ve just read a few essays and can’t wait to read more. It is just what I need to fuel me for another school year. 
How about you? What’s in your book stack?
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11 Comments »

  1. Ooo, those middle grade ones look great! I'm reading Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore and a bunch of Clementine books 🙂

  2. I think that Forever was a HORRIBLE title choice! I refused to buy it until I had read it, thinking about the Judy Blume book with the same title. I was ridiculously intrigued by the different color print, though.

  3. My students have been urging me to read the Mercy Falls series – perhaps I'll get around to this this summer. Side by Side is on my PD list – once I finish Pathways to the Common Core and figure out how to get the rest of my department to read it as as book group come September.

  4. I had not heard about Side by Side yet but recognized Heather Rader's name from Choice Literacy emails. I am glad that you have been enjoying a lot of great reading this summer!

    I only read Shiver but then never got around to reading the other two once they were released. I think that I should reread Shiver before the other two in order to better remember it. I did love it though. I have also heard that her Scorpio Races is amazing.

  7. I found the different color print intriguing also. Funny, Judy Blume didn't even cross my mind when I picked up Forever (and I read all of her books as a teenager).

  9. Hi writer/reader friend!
    I finished State of Wonder (Ann Patchett) this morning, read a big chunk of hubby's book study book Focus (Schmoker) while the van was being worked on before lunch. Read Shiver a while back, Linger a couple days ago, but couldn't find Forever at the bookstore today. Youngest and I did buy the next 2 in the Alex Rider series though, so that's probably next.
    I also have this intriguing story of a girl struggling with her mother's death that is waiting for me to finish rereading…I have a feeling someone else is waiting for me to finish that one too! 😉

  10. I'm glad to hear you are enjoying the Stiefvater books even though you are not a paranormal fan… I loved Scorpio Races but I was avoiding that series because I don't enjoy paranormal, either.

  11. I only read Shiver, I never got to Linger and Forever; I am interested to hear what you think.

    I didn't know about The Shadow Collector's Apprentice- it looks interesting.

    Happy reading this week! 🙂