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!