Esperanza Rising

This is another Newbery honor book definitely worth mentioning. This is a "riches to rags" story based loosely on a real person. The author, Pam Munoz Ryan, sweeps the reader up in the amazing transformation of young Esperanza and her family. I also found the snatches of Depression Era history very well entwined with the story. The emotions that I felt for the people of this story were raw and tender. This would be a great story to read aloud along with a unit on the Depression or Mexican-American cultural awareness.

Princess Academy

This book was given a Newbery Honor and so it is not on my list of required books to read. However, it is definitely worth mentioning because I thought the story was sweet and would be a fantastic read for young girls. Any little girl that loves princesses would love this book. However, I also love that the girls in this story are brave and strong as well. The main character, Miri, is a delightful character that is easy to relate to. Love this one!

Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!

So, I went a little out of order but, I just finished this book. This was a fairly quick read. It's a collection of monologues written in medieval era language. It is written for students to perform or recite. I loved the flow and rhythm of the words in these stories. They remind me of Shakespeare. Fantastic for a unit on Medieval times. These humorous stories connect to each other because each is about the life of a child during this time.

Unique and charming book! Loved it!

The Higher Power of Lucky

Lucky is a spunky, courageous girl who is looking for her Higher Power. She lives in a tiny town in the middle of the Mojave Desert.

I love that Lucky is always carrying a kit for making her scientific discoveries. This book has characters that are not typical which is fantastic for discussions in the classroom. This book would coincide well with any science unit, especially to help girls feel more comfortable with science. This book is also sensitive to students who have lost a parent, have divorced parents, or blended families.

The Graveyard Book

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman was fantastic! This book is about a young boy who escapes death and is taken in by the folks in a graveyard where he grows up. The man Jack, who murdered his parents, is still out to get him however, and the tension in this story carries throughout the book.

I would definitely read this aloud in a classroom. I would recommend this book to any student, especially a student that loves the Harry Potter series.

*Note - Neil Gaiman is the author of the New York Times bestselling book, Coraline.

When You Reach Me

So I have finished the first book on my list. (I actually finished two but haven't had the chance to write).

When You Reach Me, by Rebecca Stead was surprising. I couldn't figure out what the book was really about until almost the end (which I guess is was the author's intent from the beginning). What I thought was simply a sweet story about a young girl growing up in the city and dealing with the challenges of being a pre-teen, actually ended up somewhat differently. This book has hints of mystery and intrigue which after I read the first couple of chapters, kept me reading to find out the ending.

I would read this book aloud in a classroom, any grade over about 3rd would be appropriate. I would also recommend this book to any student.

The Challenge

I am going to read all 89 Newbery Medal winners before I become a teacher, which is December 2011 (or August 2012 if I count the first year I will be officially teaching).

I have only read four in the past year so I have 85 to go. I would also love to read the honor books but that is a challenge for another time...

I am going to start with the 2010 medal winner, When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead and go backwards chronologically to 1922 (the first year the medal was given).

After I complete each book, I will include a brief summary, my thoughts, and also possible teaching ideas.

Happy reading to me!