The Perfect Journal

I can't be the only one to make such a deal about finding The Perfect Journal right?  One of our first assignments for Teachers Write 2013 was to get a journal and use it.  As much as possible.  Well, this is not something I take lightly.  I am a rule follower and a good student so I ran out last night to find a special journal with just the right feel.  This is important...The Feel of it.  To many people, a journal is just a bunch of lined pages (or plain or gridded) bound together.  To those people I say, "Nay sir, nay." A journal that has the destiny to hold my thoughts, feelings, doodles, lists, MASH games (product of the 80s) is a special find indeed and not some pithy item to be taken lightly.  Am I being pretentious?  Do I think a bit too much of my own thoughts, feelings, doodles and such?  Absolutely not!  Everyone should feel this way about his/her journal.  When I was in the classroom, my students had journals and I encouraged them to decorate them and make them theirs!  Why would anyone want to spill their guts to some ole pieces of bound paper you don't care about?  I mean come on!

So, back to Barnes & Noble.  Keep up with me friends!

I find the "journal/sketch book/address book section of B&N and just started looking.  I find the best thing to do, to save a little time, is to already have the features you personally require in mind.  For me, I typically need a spiral book with lined pages, but not too wide or skinny lines.  I don't want to have to write uncomfortably tiny just to stay within the lines (which I always do), no do I want to feel like I need to fatten up my cursive to fit.  This is not an exact science here, but it's necessary to the process.  Also, the cover can't be completely plain, because I do want to get happy when I see my journal.  I want to want to write in it otherwise, what the heck's the point?  But I don't want a design that's too trendy (sorry, but I won't be picking a journal with a mustache on the front) that I know I'll be sick of looking at after a month.  No offense to the Queen, but "Keep Calm and Carry On" just isn't right for me either.  

Secondly, stand back and scan the books.  Does anything immediately pop out?  Does a certain journal cover speak to you?  Is there a design that you know you won't tire of looking at during you and your journal's relationship?  Is there a quote on the front that truly speaks to you?  Are there enough pages to keep you coming back to your book for a while or are there so many it won't be comfortable to hold the book in your lap?  Do you need a book that will fit in your purse or do you just have a big ass purse and this isn't an issue?  See, there are just so many things to consider!  Moleskin, environmentally friendly, handmade, leather bound, little stretchy closing band, a Vera Bradley design to match your favorite bag, Ryan Gosling?  Wha....Ryan...huh?  Yes, I found a Ryan Gosling "Hey Girl" journal.  Don't think I didn't think about it  for a whole half sec.  Sorry Ryan...I don't know you well enough to entrust you with my thoughts.  And also, I don't want to look like a 16 year old girl if I ever take my journal out in front of anyone.  But I love you!  The Notebook...xoxo  Don't forget that k?  Call me!  

Do you see now why it took me about 40 minutes to find what I needed?  It goes without saying that husbands (or significant others) are not likely welcome on this journey.  Mine sure wasn't.  Just like most men I know, he would have walked in, looked for paper stuck between two pages, and left.  That boy needs help.  I know.  

You're likely dying with anticipation at this point asking yourself, "Well, what did she find?  Will she show us a picture?"  Yes friends, I trust you.  Here is what I purchased:

I know what you're thinking!  "Um, Alicia...there are 3 books there.  What's up?"  Okay, well I have a reason.  Kate Messner suggested in her assignment on Monday to have a journal that you can have with you all the time, so I needed to get a wee one (or two..these came in a 2 pack!) that I could take with me.  And they're also my first moleskin journals too.  We'll see if I can pull off the "moleskin" hipster look.  They do have a certain "je ne se qua" about them and I'm most definitely not cool enough.  The other journal may seem a bit cheesy to you.  And that's fine!  My feelings aren't hurt.  I decided not to go with a picture this time because I tend to eventually tire of the design.  When I found this little gem, I realized all the phrases on the front are ideas I could use inside my journal.  Built in writing prompts!  And no, it doesn't have my previously required spiral bound spine, and it may look a bit trendy with the way it's printed (I'm thinking of those signs people are putting up in their homes of late), but that's why journal shopping is so personal.  You have to find what fits you and what speaks to you.  So for now, I did find the Perfect Journal.  Oh!  And it does have one of those stretchy bands to keep out impostors!  One day journals will have cool thumbprint ID technology thingies installed on them.  For now, we'll make do with stretchy bands.

Now, the issue of the Perfect Journal Pen...that is for an entirely different blog post...

Okay...It's time...

...to start writing for me again!  Right??  So far today, I have wasted about two hours redoing my blog design, trying to figure out how to automatically add a cutesy signature to my postings (still haven't gotten it), and redesigning a header in Photoshop (which I don't know how to do), and finally ended up half-assing it in Powerpoint.  I still don't like it!  Lame!  What is the point?  Why am I stalling?  I'm not really sure...let's back up.

I have a lot of catching up to do friends.  I have spent too much time away from my little blog, not just because lots of cool things have happened, but I miss it.  And I feel like something is missing and I have a good reason to come back.  One of my lovely TCE teacher friends sent me a message a couple weeks ago.  She found an awesome summer writing challenge for teachers and librarians and wanted to know if I would participate.  Check it out here:  http://www.katemessner.com/teachers-write/.  That's right!  A summer "class" to get back to writing.  I thought about it and decided it would be the perfect kick-in-the-butt I needed.  So, here I am.  Starting a post about starting to post again.  

I love the first rule of Teachers Write 2013: 

It seems very fitting for my situation.  During the school year, I'm working on school writing and reading mostly.  The summer is a great time to get back to what I miss...writing for myself!  And I have a story I've been playing with for a while that I'd like to revisit and see what can happen with it.  With Teachers Write, I'll be able to get some real critique from some experience writers!  (If I have the guts to share.  That's yet to be seen).

P.S. I found a way to put my signature here, but it's not quite right.  And it's not automatic.  But it's okay for now.

2012 Blue Bonnet Nominees

Along with the fantastic selection of 2x2 books, Texas also has a list of books for upper elementary students.  The Blue Bonnet Award is given to those twenty fiction and non fiction books that are of high literary quality and student interest.  The books are geared for students in grades 3-6.  Once students have read five of the books, they can vote on their favorite.  The author with the highest number of votes is the winner of the award.

See the complete list here!

Just Being Audrey by Margaret Cadillo

I must admit a bit of favoritism toward this title.  I have always loved Audrey Hepburn, but this biographical story of her life not only shows the stylish actress most of us know her as, but also her confident, comfortable spirit she had even while growing up.  The book follows her life story into her philanthropic work with children and her remarkable appeal for UNICEF assistance.  And I would be doing this book a disservice not to mention the illustrations.  They are incredible!  Each picture is exactly Audrey!  A beautiful book to inspire a new generation of young people.

Postcards from Camp by Simms Faback

What a fun read!  A great book to share with a young reader heading off to camp with a case of the nerves.  Michael is going to camp and has a tough time at first.  He and his dad trade postcards and letters including Michael's attempt at a ransom note begging his dad to come get him from camp.  The writers incorporates real photos and fun drawings and even a pull-out letter and ghost story.  Lots of fun details to look at on each page.  May be fun to do this prior to a postcard writing activity.

Hot Diggity Dog by Adrienne Sylver

Wow!  Did you know Americans eat two billion hotdogs in the month of July alone?  It's enough to lay end to end and wrap around the Earth seven times!  Never would I have thought I'd learn so  much about hot dogs!  This is a great look into the origins of the famous treat.  Kids who love learning lots of fun facts will love this book and could be inspired to look into one of their favorite foods too.

Clever Jack Takes the Cake by Candace Fleming

A sweet new fairy tale!  Jack is a poor boy but wants to make a good impression on the Princess at her birthday party.  So, he trades all his has to make her a beautiful cake, but along the way to the party, four and twenty blackbirds, a troll, a dancing bear, and a dark forest take apart his cake.  What can Jack possibly have now for the Princess's birthday?  Find out in this fun story.

Thunder Birds: Nature's Flying Predators by Jim Arnosky

This is the kind of book you have to see to believe.  Jim Arnosky and his wife are both avid bird watchers and nature enthusiasts.  This book is a collection of information and incredible painted pages from their traveling experience.  Some of the images are even life-sized with long pull-out pages (and I just learned these are called gatefolds...cool!).  Gorgeous work combined with very interesting facts for young (and more mature) readers alike.

Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie by Julie Sternberg

Poor Eleanor.  She is having a bad month...a very bad month indeed.  As bad as pickle juice on a cookie!  Her babysitter Bibi is moving away and now she has to meet and get to know another one before the start of another school year.  She is not happy.  The new babysitter just isn't like Bibi.  Can she ever learn to move on from Bibi?  

Benjamin Franklinstein Lives by Matthew McElligot and Larry Tuxbury 

Science geeks beware!  What would you do if you found Benjamin Franklin "living" in your basement?  What would you do if he woke up and began running around town looking for electricity to eat?  Well, of course you'd try to help him...and try to win the science fair at school at the same time.  This is exactly what Victor does too.  A very funny book full of great drawings and quotes directly from Benjamin Franklin himself.  A great combination of humor and science.

The Cheshire Cheese Cat: A Dickens of a Tale  by Carmen Agra Deedy & Randall Wright

How do you get Charles Dickens into the young minds of readers today?  Include him in a story involving cats, mice, a raven, and cheese!  Skilley isn't your ordinary "mouser" and Pip sure isn't your ordinary mouse.  With Charles Dickens in the background madly trying to craft an opening line for his latest work, perhaps you've heard of it, A Tale of Two Cities, Pip and Skilley are involved in a most unusual relationship.  But when Skilley's archenemy intrudes on the new friends, things get a bit scary for all the animals involved.  What they have to do to survive will take readers on a fun ride.

Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke

2012 2x2 Nominees

Visit the 2x2site

If you aren't familiar, the 2x2 list is compiled to provide young readers (ages 2 - grade 2) great books to read!  This year, I have a particularly vested interest in the list.  :)  So, to keep myself informed and to keep myself from forgetting, I thought I would share the list with you along with my thoughts about the books!

Rrralph by Lois Ehlert

Super fun book not only because of the story, but the visuals!  Each picture is made up of what appears to be recycled materials including zippers, pop tabs and buttons.  Very fun!  I could see this being used along with a fun art project for kids.

In this cute story, a little boy truly listens to his dog and hears him talking back.  Lots of fun dog sounds for kids to imitate too.  

Mine! by Shutta Crum

What young reader couldn't use a lesson about sharing?  Probably all of them!  A young toddler thinks all the toys are his NOT his little brother's.  Until, their dog gets a hold of one of the toys and forces them all to share.  Very few words with great illustrations could allow students to make up the story.  And probably most adults would do well to relearn this lesson too.  

No Dogs Allowed by Linda Ashman

What kind of a restaurant won't allow dogs?  How about birds?  Elephants??  This book would be great to practice predicting skills with young readers.  A restaurant owner turns away a little boy and his dog from eating at the restaurant.  Pretty soon, he has turned away all of his customers who have all gathered together to enjoy a lovely day.  He is forced to learn how to be accepting and compromising if he wants to have any business.

Me...Jane by Patrick McDonnell

Caldecott Honor book 2012

REALLY LOVE THIS ONE!  Notice the beautiful silver sticker?  This book is also a Caldecott Honor book.  This is the story of a young Jane Goodall and her stuffed chimpanzee Jubilee.  Jane marvels at the world around her, especially the animals and makes a promise to herself that she will help animals when she grows older.  To Patrick McDonnell's credit, he uses story bits from Dr. Goodall's autobiography to keep this story true to her life.  A fantastic way to introduce Dr. Goodall and her work to young readers.  I can see myself reading this one to a class...but not without my own stuffed chimp.  :)

Same, Same but Different by Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw

Heartwarming and sweet.  Two boys, one living in America and one living in India, become pen pals and learn about each other's very same but very different lives through their letters and their artwork.  Lovely work that would pair so nicely with a pen pal activity for young readers.  

I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen

2012 Theodore Seuss Geisel Honor Book

A New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book of 2011

Poor Mr. Bear loses his hat!  He goes through the woods looking for it, politely asking all the animals he sees.  Oops!  He overlooks it!  But goes back to find it thanks to a friend who makes him stop and think.  Gorgeous pictures and a good way to practice predicting and also a good way to talk with kids about lying.

Red Sled by Lita Judge

Love the pictures in this book too!  A little boy leaves his sled outside and a bear borrows it!  The bear and his friends have quite an adventure.  This book is full of great sound words too.  Very fun for kids to hear and see the value of onomatopoeia.  

The Cazuela that the Farm Maiden Stirred by Samantha R. Vamos

2012 Pura Belpre Illustrator Honor Book

A young girl is cooking rice pudding (cazuela) and all the animals on the farm have a job to do to help her.  Great introduction to Spanish words as well as practice with sequence.  Beautiful, colorful pictures!  And at the end is a recipe for arroz con leche.  Yummy!

Edwin Speaks Up by April Stevens

I LOVE EDWIN!  This little guy will capture your heart!  Edwin's ferret family is preparing for his first birthday and needs to buy some ingredients to make his cake.  Unfortunately for Edwin, his family is quite large and his mom is quite forgetful...even forgetting poor Edwin!  But Edwin isn't!  He tries to help and babbles to his family, but they don't realize what he's saying is true.  This will be a FUN read aloud book.  And yes, you'll have to say the word poop more than once :)

Stars by Mary Lyn Ray

A book about the wonder and power of stars and where you can find one.  Would be fun to brainstorm with kids all the places they see stars before reading.  

Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker

In this story, all of the construction site trucks have finished their busy days and will be resting for the night.  Kids can learn the names of the different trucks and what they do.  Rhymed lines make this a fun read aloud for sure.  It would be fun to talk with kids about their nighttime rituals before bed too.

Blackout by John Rocco

2012 Caldecott Honor Book

I think this one may be my most favorite on the list so far.  The power goes out in the city and everyone is stuck.  What to do without video games or lights or power to cook dinner?  The families travel to the top of their apartment roof and find the light!  They can see the stars!  The whole neighborhood comes outside to enjoy the stars and each other's company while they wait for the power to come back on.  They realize they can have lots of fun without electricity; they can just enjoy being together.  I thought this one would be fun to read with kids while holding flashlights in the dark.  A great message in this book.

No Sleep for the Sheep by Karen Beaumont

Poor Sheep can't sleep!  He wants to go to bed for the night in his comfy barn, but his farm animal friends keep showing up making loud noises.  Very fun look at farm animals and the sounds they make.  Great rhyming and repetition for young readers.  This will be a fun read aloud for sure.

The Astonishing Secret of Awesome Man by Michael Chabon

Superhero Awesome Man has some awesome powers to defeat any bad guy that gets in his way.  With the help of Moskowitz the Awesome Dog, and maybe a little help from his mom, Awesome Man saves the day.  This would be a fun book to use with children and have them guess his secret.  AWESOME!

Wiener Wolf by Jeff Crosby

Sweet Wiener Dog!  He's bored at home living in his cushy home with Granny.  He longs for adventure and the outdoors, so he hitches a ride to the forest and discovers his inner Wiener Wolf!  It doesn't take long for him to realize what he's missing back at home with Granny, but he craves the pack life too.  Super cute especially for a serious dog lover like me.  

Cat Secrets by Jef Czekaj

Very interactive, this would be a great read aloud for young kiddos.  The cats can't reveal their secrets unless the reader proves he or she is really a cat with meows, purrs, stretching, and even napping!  (I admit...I had to try it even though I read it by myself.  I'm sure my dogs think I'm nuts).  :)  Can't wait to share this one!

The Woods by Paul Hoppe

Awww...a boy with an imagination reminiscent of Where the Wild Things Are.  You just can't go to bed without your bunny, but what happens if you lose your bunny??  Oh no!  You have to venture into the woods, even if you run into bears and dragons and monsters!  How can you ever make it back safely?

Perfect Square by Michael Hall

A perfect companion to an art lesson, this book takes a perfect square paper and transforms it into all kinds of creative, beautiful things.  Personally, I wanted to get some square paper and use my imagination! What a fun activity for kids.  Love it!

Dog in Boots by Greg Gormley

Dog is inspired by all the fairy tales he reads including Puss in Boots.  So, he has to find a pair of boots as lovely as the ones in his book.  Unfortunately, he can't do all the things he wants to with his new boots, so he has to learn to be happy with what he has had all along.  

A Sad Ending & an Exciting Beginning

Wow!  Is the school year really over?  Yep, it's come and gone and with it some HUGE momentous changes for me and some of my friends.  The 2011-2012 school year could very well be the last year I am a classroom teacher!  With this understanding comes fear, trepidation, and jubilant celebration! That's not to say that I don't love teaching and haven't loved spending the last 9 years (WOW!  9?!) of my life dedicated to "stomping out stupidity," but I now have the opportunity to try out one of my dreams.  It's gonna happen!

This year in CISD, something quite remarkable occurred.  Three librarian positions opened up.  THREE!  In the world of education, this is perhaps as common as Haley's Comet.  It just doesn't come around all that often.  I knew this was my chance to stay with a district I love and fulfill a dream I have had since beginning graduate school four years ago.  So, I took those first few steps and started the process.  After four interviews, I was wiped!  And I was disheartened.  I had not been accepted.  Excuse me?  Did they not see how amazing I am!??  Sheesh!!  I was bummed and was trying to come to terms with another year in the classroom when a good friend of mine reminded me of something I knew but had forgotten: "Alicia, God has a plan.  And His timing is perfect.  When He closes a door, He opens a window."  Debbie...you are an incredibly faithful and wonderful woman!  Ah ha!  Now I could see!    I couldn't yet see what was in store for me, but I could see that I needed patience.  Which was difficult I have to admit!  I was so close to being a librarian, but yet so far.  So, I waited and suddenly, I was smack dab in the middle of God's great plan.

Long story short...a 4th opening suddenly appeared, I got an interview the next day, (thanks completely to my INCREDIBLE principal) I had a call-back interview that same afternoon, and I had a job offer 15 minutes later.  It was there all along!  God's plan being built right in front of me!  But I was acting all human and impatient-like and not noticing it.

Sidenote:  Thirty seconds after getting the call and accepting the job (and after jumping and screaming and celebrating at Chili's with my two amazing girlfriends) the other school called me and offered the job there.  It was a scene from my life I will never forget.  I should really find a way to get this into a movie at some point.  It was that incredible!  Jenny...Kate...I'm so glad you were there to see it!

So, I had to say goodbye to a campus I have come to think of as my home for the last six years, and make my transition to my new campus where I am already being welcomed with open and loving arms.  I am still floating on a cloud I think.  I am in for some big changes, but knowing that God has a plan for even those things gives me comfort.  I don't know if you have ever been in the middle of God's wakeup call before friends, but it's life-changing.  He truly is there watching over us, preparing great things.  I hope that the next time I am faced with such a moment, I will be able to put my humanity aside for a moment and see it.  But if I can't, I hope that I have a friend there next to me, reminding me and supporting me the whole time.

Love!

I Got Inked!

Alicia? Inked?? Yes folks, it's true! I am proud to say that I have a fantastic tattoo and am so glad. All of you know that my pups are my kids and so I wanted to commemorate my love for them. If that sounds strange, you don't have pets. :)

So, I decided on a design and thought and thought some more and read reviews of tattoo shops and did not go into this decision on a whim - another thing I'm glad I did. I did have to wait until after Disneyworld (another blog post I really need to do!) because I needed to be shoeless for a bit, so this weekend I decided it was time. As we were waiting for Lucas (my artist) to get ready, Dusty asked me if I was nervous and I really wasn't. I think I had prepared myself and was sure of myself that I didn't have any nerves when it came down to it. And I took that as a good sign.

So, here ya go friends...some pics of my experience. I feel I need to apologize for my strange looking toenails and the one naked one. If you've ever trained for a long run, you'll understand toenail issues happen and they're not pretty. Just be thankful this tattoo isn't on my other foot...trust me, there is one funky, scary, sad toenail there that I would never show to those I love. :) Is that TMI? Oh well...too late.

Oh yea...the day after I underwent permanent body art for my dogs, Oakley decided my iPhone needed to be her new chewtoy. That's puppy love for ya ;)

#56-58

#56 The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray (Gemma Doyle series book Three)

The Gemma Doyle conclusion! Overall, I enjoyed this trilogy, but had a tough time getting through this last book. The storyline was fun and complex and perfectly followed the end of the second book, but I felt some parts of the story really dragged on. I found myself putting the book down and thinking, "Can we just finish this already?" But, I do hate to give the book a bad name. I am very glad I read it and certainly would have felt incomplete had I not finished this last book in the series.

#57 Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella

Must admit...did not actually read this one. I listened to it on CD during a trip across Texas. It was perfect for that! As Sophie Kinsella books are, it was light-hearted, fun, humorous and a sweet ending. Exactly what I was looking for.

Lara Lington's great-aunt Sadie has passed away and she must attend her funeral. She has never met her great-aunt and is wrapped up in her recent breakup to really care. But while at the funeral, Lara meets Sadie. No, Lara isn't going crazy, Sadie's ghost appeals to Lara asking about her necklace. Once Lara comes to terms with seeing and hearing a ghost, she learns of Sadie's incredible story of living through the 20s and even does some 20s living herself.

This was a great summer read! Fun, easy, breezy!

#58 Paper Towns by John Green

Quentin Jacobsen has loved Margo Roth Spiegelman his whole life...but she doesn't know it. Ever since they were kids, he has been fascinated by her adventurous spirit and wild ways. When she climbs in his window one night asking him to join her for a car ride, the real adventure begins. Q begins to see a bit more of the real Margo. When Margo goes missing, Q finds clues to try to piece together her location. The clues and the journey he embarks upon bring him more than he could've asked for.

This was my first John Green book. I have a friend who absolutely raves about his work, so I decided to try it out myself. He is an incredible writer...my friend was right on! He is witty, smart, so clever, funny, and so very creative. He weaved a tight storyline and it was fun to go along with Q while he found these crazy, obscure clues looking for Margo. I didn't care for Margo at times though. She seemed as if she believed the world revolved around her and didn't watch out for people's feelings. And the ending was so-so (but I like a nicely wrapped, happy ending which doesn't always fit a good book). I completely enjoyed the book though and will be looking for more John Green in the future. Highly recommended friends!

#52-55

#52 Heist Society by Ally Carter (Heist Society Book One)

Fun read!! My 6th grade girls will love this book. Katarina Bishop's father loves art. He loves it so much, that he has made a career of stealing it. Katarina, being her father's daughter, has a knack for the same lifestyle. But instead of following in her infamous father's footsteps, she's decided to stay in boarding school and follow the rules...until she's kicked out of school for a crime she didn't commit. She ends up back in her father's world of art dealers and stealers, but this time she has to make a difficult choice. Stay out of the thief life or jump back in to save her father. This story takes the reader on a fast-paced exciting adventure through different countries and landmarks. And a little romance along the way is always nice. Very fun!

#53 The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks

Remember Allie and Noah from The Notebook? Remember crying while turning the pages and looking up at your husband with a newfound love while he looked back at you with a look of bewilderment? Oh! Was that just me? Well, in this story, Noah and Allie's children continue their story. Wilson is married to Jane, one of Allie and Noah's daughers. They've been married for 30 years and Wilson realizes that his wife has fallen out of love with them. The everyday tasks of life, a job, and four children has taken its toll on their relationship. Wilson decides it is up to him to save his marriage. With the help of his romantic father-in-law Noah, he sets out to win her back while his own daughter plans her wedding.

In typical Sparks' fashion, a quick read, a fun read, and a sappy read. But hey! This girl ain't complainin'! Sometimes, that's exactly what you need.

#54 A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray (Gemma Doyle series Book One)

Thank you Libba Bray! A terrific trilogy you've got here! This first in the series introduces us to Gemma Doyle. Gemma grew up in India, but ends up in a London finishing school after foreseeing her mother's murder in a disturbing vision. The visions that plague Gemma leave her scared and unsure. Once at Spence, her knew home and school, she tries to make friends, but can't quite find her place...until she blackmails a group of girls to let her into their clique. An Indian boy named Kartik warns Gemma to resist the visions, but when Gemma is given a diary with detailed secrets of The Order, she can't ignore what she knows is real. Gemma is able to take herself, and anyone else she wishes, into a secret realm where she has powers beyond her wildest dreams. Gemma begins to understand her role in the realm is more than she realized and her mother may not be who she thought she was either.

I would absolutely share this with my girls! Very adventurous and beautifully crafted. Set in the late 19th century, it is thrilling to read about a time period so different from our own, but yet so similar.

#55 Rebel Angels by Libba Bray (Gemma Doyle series Book Two)

After an exciting first book, this second in the trilogy does not disappoint. It is now Christmas at Spence and Gemma, Felicity, Ann and Pippa (kinda) are thrilled to spend the holidays in London. But even though they leave Spence, they don't leave their adventures in the realm behind. In fact, Gemma's visions become stronger and the mystery of The Order more intense. Kartik warns Gemma of danger and the magic found in the realm while the danger she faces may be too much for herself and her friends to handle.

I have a hard time reviewing series books for the obvious fact that some facts can spoil the first book for a new reader. I realize I've given very few details here, but trust me...if you enjoyed the first Gemma book, you'll enjoy this one as well.

#51

#51 A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick

This book surprised me. After I was about 100 pages into it, I posted to Goodreads and Facebook "This is one twisted tale." I still believe that...this is dark and twisty folks, but I now see that it is more than just that. The characters have been marinating in my mind this week and are more than simply one-dimensional, freaky, heartless beings. (Although there's a lot of that going on too.)

The story follows three characters: Ralph, Catherine and Antonio during the early 1900s. Most of the story occurs in a bleak, isolated, often snow-covered Wisconsin town. Ralph is looking for a "reliable wife" and places an ad in the newspaper. Catherine responds and heads to Wisconsin. (So much easier than what most of us go through to find a mate huh?) Come to find out, Catherine is quite a bit more than she seems, and by quite a bit I mean she's a very bad girl with very bad intentions. However, it's not all her doing...enter Antonio. Antonio, tall, dark and handsome, has a direct connection to Ralph and a reason to wish him harm. (Ssshh...I not tell you how...) Much to her surprise, Catherine does grow to love Ralph and has to decide if her initial intentions for his demise should continue.

These are not good characters friends. They are horrible to one another and themselves. Destructive, hurtful, downright naughty. But, doesn't everyone deserve love and kindness and forgiveness?

I'd recommend this one friends, but be prepared for some surprises along the way. And if you're like me, the biggest surprise came at the end when I actually started to root for these guys.

A friend of mine suggested to I read Goolrick's memoir The End of the World As We Know It because much of his inspiration for this novel came from his real life. I think I may need to check into it. Let's be honest. What's a good story without some good drama and conflict?

#50

# 50 Incarceron by Catherine Fisher (Incarceron Book 1)

What comes to mind when you hear the word "incarceration?" Prison right? Bars on the doors, no windows, prisoners, isolation. Get rid of all you know, or think you know, about prison before reading this book. This is a prison you can't imagine. It is alive, it changes, it is unpredictable, it thinks, it's a nightmare. Finn is a prisoner in Incarceron. He can't remember ever not living in the prison, but has strange, fuzzy memories of life Outside. Has Finn ever been Outside? He has a strange tattoo and a desire to find a way out. He believes in Sapphique, an enigmatic character all prisoners believe escaped Incarceron in the past. But how can he escape when the prison is always watching and listening?

Claudia lives Outside in a world of imprisonment, doomed to an arranged marriage she dreads, raised by a father she fears. She knows her father is the warden of Incarceron, but what that truly means, she doesn't understand.

Finn and Claudia both find a special key and discover a connection to one another. Finn's desire to escape becomes Claudia's quest.

I don't typically enjoy science fiction titles, but this may be the exception. There was just enough action and believable character development, but not too much weirdness to turn me off to the book or confuse me. Whey are sci-fi books so hard for me to read? Maybe it's a character flaw, but this one I'd recommend to my young readers.

Oh, and the second in the series? Sapphique! I'll be looking for it in the library this summer!

#48-49

#48 Human.4 by Mike A. Lancaster

I have been searching and searching for a pair of dystopian books to share with my kids next year in literature circles. With the surge of dystopian tales flooding the YA bookshelves, I've had my hands full picking titles and reading up. This one grabbed my eye, literally, by the cover and I'd seen it advertised on my fave sight goodreads.com. Doesn't it look creepy!?

Picture a normal town, normal citizens, normal annual festival. In this town, the annual talent show is the draw of the year. Kyle Straker and three other people volunteer to be hypnotized at the event. When they awaken from their hypnosis, everyone in the town seems to be in a hypnotic sleep themselves. No one is moving, no one is blinking, but everyone is exactly where they were before the hypnosis started. Kyle and his mobile friends walk through town and see the same thing everywhere: people they've always known stuck as if on pause in a movie. When everyone "awakens," they are zombies. They walk around and move, but they do not seem to notice Kyle and the three others. It's as if they have been reprogrammed. But what really happened? And what will happen to Kyle and his friends?

And yes, the cover of the book is explained. I sure don't want to spoil that for you friends!

Did I mention the story-telling method? Very cool. The story is told in first person from Kyle's point of view; however, his story is recorded on cassette tapes and the book is the transcript. This is all explained on the first page of the book. I thought it a very unique and fitting way to tell the story.

Will I use it in literature circles? No, probably not. Is this a great work of literature? No, it's really not. Was it cool story to read? Yeah. I did find the ending of the book a bit too fast. All the big events that occur in the book wrap up so quickly, I almost felt letdown in the end. Fear not friends, I have not lost hope. Though I will continue to enjoy my search. I'm still on the lookout for a dystopian book that also holds some literary worth, not simply a good story. Something that I can also use to show kids good writing techniques, plot depth, that sort of nerdy LA stuff. Do you know of one?? Please let me know!

#49 The Water Wars by Cameron Stracher

Cool book cover huh? Strange...I have mentioned the book cover on both of these books. I try not to "judge a book by it's cover," but it is hard with cool covers like this.

In my quest to find good literature circle titles, I have been looking for dystopian books, but I've also tried to find books with a strong environmental theme. After reading Ship Breaker, I was determined to find it a suitable companion. The Water Wars stood out to me when I found it. The story is set in the future, but it does not overwhelm with strange technologies or crazy inventions like food pellets or hyperdrive cars. Even though it is a futuristic story, it deals with a primitive need: water. Water has become scarce. If you are not wildly wealthy, you have to rely on the government for water, and it's hardly real water. Vera and Will are siblings. They have to rely on the government-controlled water for survival. Vera meets a boy named Kai who comes from a very wealthy family. Kai has clean water to share and Vera is completely enamored, as anyone would be. Kai and Vera become friends and he shares a special gift with Vera. TEENY TINY SPOILER ALERT!! He can "smell" water. He has found a clean, undiscovered water source the government does not know about.

As you can imagine, the government and big corporations don't let this go on for long and when Kai and his father are kidnapped, Vera and Will take off to look for their friend. Along the way, pirates, harpoon guns, cross-country travel, dog fighting in a jet, attempts at big corporation take-down, torture, typical fast-paced YA lit adventure I like.

Will I use this for my lit circle? I'm not sure yet, maybe. Again, I'm trying to find just the right one. This was a fun read, one I'll highly recommend to my kids, but I'll keep looking.

#46-47

#46 Trapped by Michael Northrop

Where is the absolute worst place you can imagine to be stuck during the worst snowstorm on record? Yep...you got it. A high school. Scotty and a couple of his friends arrive at school just like every other day, but soon the snow begins and doesn't stop. They don't have a way home like nearly every other student in the school, so they stay along with a teacher and a few other students. The snow continues for days, trapping them inside. The pipes begin to freeze, the heat goes out, the roof begins to creak and moan with the weight of the snow, and the kids have to do anything they can to survive.

I mostly enjoyed this one. The idea of being stuck in a school with no way out is pretty horrible and the events between the kids struggling to survive are really pretty interesting. The ending bothered me. It was so abrupt and a bit of a letdown after so much buildup and drama. I wouldn't say, "Don't read this one," but if there are other books on your nightstand, read those first.

#47 Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult

The name "Jodi Picoult" in my book is synonymous with "Must Read." Her latest title is no exception. Critics would argue that her books are not works of art and will not turn into classical literature, but if you want a compelling and gut-wrentching read, there is no one better. I do have to put forth a warning. If you have had experience with losing a child, especially due to miscarriage or stillbirth, this book may be too much to handle. (No, I'm not giving anything away, believe me). Having no children of my own, I think I can handle her books a little easier. I think it's why I always cry when reading a dog book, but can hold myself together with a Picoult book.

Zoe and Max have been desperately trying for nearly a decade to have a baby. After learning of their own fertility issues, they try alternative methods of conceiving, spending thousands and thousands of dollars on IVF and all different types of medical treatments. When Zoe delivers a stillborn baby at 28 weeks, their marriage crumbles and they divorce. Zoe meets a guidance counselor named Vanessa and they become instant best friends. Vanessa helps Zoe cope with the loss of yet another child and a marriage. Zoe and Vanessa fall in love and decide to marry, having to leave their home state to do so legally. The two decide they want to have a child together, but quickly face opposition from Max due to religious and financial reasons.

I love love love that Picoult doesn't shy away from hot button issues. I love that she tells stories from different perspectives, as she does again in this book, and I love that when I read one of her books, I want to talk about it with someone. This would make a fabulous book club read. This book had a unique feature, a CD. Picoult co-wrote the lyrics with the singer and the music adds another layer to the already complex story.

Highly recommended reading from me to you. But as stated, her books require a total investment from the reader. You have to begin knowing you'll be giving your time and emotion to the plot. If you're up for it, have at it! And please let me know what you think.