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Kathryn Reads KidLit
I am an upper elementary teacher who loves reading and sharing books with my students and fellow educators.
Wanderville
I was excited the first quarter of this book, thinking it seemed like it would be a good introduction to the Orphan Trains that I know very little about. While there is not a lot of time devoted to a historical presentation about the Orphan Trains, I don't know how accurate a depiction this book is, so I might hesitate to recommend it until I have done more research. After the children leave the train, the story and storytelling go downhill fast, in my opinion. I am sure there will be students who enjoy it, but it won't be high on my list of book recommendations. It is clearly the beginning of a series. Grade 3?+ Read June, 2014
How's It Going?: A Practical Guide to Conferring with Student Writers
4.5 if I had the option. Very practical ideas and descriptions of basics of the writing workshop and more depth about the ins and outs of conferring. I would like to reread next fall once I am a couple months into my writing workshop to remember all the things that I was nodding my head and writing sticky notes about. Read June 2014
The Junction of Sunshine and Lucky
A good story about accepting who you are and being proud of where you come from and what makes each person "shine." I can see a lot of my kids enjoying this story! Grades 4+ Read June, 2014
Upside Down in the Middle of Nowhere
The first 3/4 of the book I felt were very realistic (obviously having never lived through anything like that!) and I think that students will definitely have a better sense of what a tragedy like the bursting of the levees can have. The chaos, confusion, and raw nerves are presented in a very believable way from the perspective of a 10 year old girl. I wasn't thrilled with the last 1/4 of the book, but I think that is the nature of me as a reader, not necessarily a reflection on the book. There is death and dead bodies, but nothing real graphic and an alcoholic, briefly abusive, uncle who has a minor role. Grades 4+ Read June, 2014
Countdown
I really enjoyed learning more about this time period, and the realistic impact it had on children directly affected by actions taken on the international stage. My son zoned out a bit during the history lesson/context building portions, so I think it would take the right kid to fully be invested in this book. Grades 5+ Listened to June, 2014
Sway
I liked the idea, but found some of the writing techniques a little annoying. I do think a lot of kids will enjoy it. Grades 4+ Read June, 2014
The Riverman
I don't generally post my books on Goodreads at 1:30 in the morning, but I don't normally stay up totally engrossed and invested in a book like I was with The Riverman. I just loved that he so captured the thoughts and feelings of kids this age in such a believable and authentic way - the uncomfortable and confusing and not always sensible emotions and thought processes I feel like I remember. All that and a unique and engaging story! I am not sure yet if I will feel comfortable recommending to my 5th graders - sexual references including comments about getting girls to "give it up" make me nervous about suggesting it....this may be one I strongly suggest our Jr. High teacher read and share instead. Read June, 2014
Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy
I really was not ready for this one to end. The story was unique and interesting and I loved Ophelia and the Boy - I hope there isn't a sequel, as I want to imagine their next chapters myself. I will be recommending tomany students. Grades 3?/4+ Read June 2014
A Tangle of Knots
I enjoyed the separate stories that eventually are connected. Some of my kids might struggle with the confusion if they aren't ready for that type of story just yet. Read june, 2014
The Thickety: A Path Begins
My thoughts on this book are all over the place. I thought it had an interesting premise and at the beginning was very intriqued by the idea of the Thickety itself. As I read, I was often confused as I snatched at bits of information about the setting - I didn't feel like it was being artfully slowly revealed to create a bigger understanding, just randomly doled out. The religion of the island also had me wondering if I was to be drawing parallels to other historical religious groups, if so, I didn't do a very good job. The writing was fine, but in the end, I only really cared about the little brother and the boy friend. When the final action-filled scene set up the sequel, I did not rush to order it. Some of my kids might enjoy it. Read June, 2014
Joey Pigza Loses Control
We love Joey and enjoy Gantos's reading on the audio version. I feel like I am listening to a kid telling his own experiences, with realistically less-than-perfect family situations. Grades 4+ Listened to June, 2014
The Cay
My son read The Cay in bookclub and was adamant I had to read it - he finally downloaded the audiobook and insisted I couldn't read anything else until I listened to it. So, yes, there it appeals to a certain type of kid! It appeals to me as a teacher and reader in the same way that much historical fiction does - it can teach kids lessons about themselves and our world as it is today through the safer lens of history. Grades 4?+ Listened to June, 2014
Jinx
An enjoyable read, I think that my kids will love this one and will be very accessible to most of my 5th graders. I am excited to read the next book in the series to see where Jinx and his companions adventures take them next. Grades 4+ Read June, 2014
The Boy on the Wooden Box
This memoir of a Schindler's list child will be a great read for those students who become interested in WWII. The writing is straightforward and it seems like enough context and description is given so that it will be accessible and understood by kids grades 5+ Read June, 2014
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From Norvelt to Nowhere
I really liked Dead End in Norvelt and liked this follow-up, just not as much. I do think that my kids will like this book just as much as the first, despite Miss Volker's history lessons (which I enjoyed and which led to some googling - Rugby, TN added to list of places I've learned about from books and would like to visit and read more about). Also, despite Miss Volker's age, there is a lot of action, always something happening. I have heard the audiobook, with Gantos reading, is excellent - which I have seen with his Joey Pigza books - and I will be suggesting my son listen instead of read. Grade 4+ Read June, 2014
The Secret Hum of a Daisy
This is a quiet book, reminding me of my favorite Sharon Creech stories - the characters are sorting themselves out and learning to understand each other. The writing was beautiful in a way that kept me in the moment. I saw some reviews that complained that it was too predictable, and I guess for an adult reader it is, but this isn't a book that you read to find out where Grace will live, you read it to experience how Grace will get to a place where she can live again. Possibly grade 4+, but certainly 5+ Read June, 2014
