One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt I've been hearing teachers on twitter RAVE about this book for about a year now. I wasn't sure based on the summary that it was a book I would like, but I was looking for a good read. I started this book using a sample from Amazon Kindle. By the time I was done with the sample, I had to click buy. I had to know more. Quick Summary: Carley Connors is thrown into foster care because her mother is in the hospital. She is placed with a family that is so far on the other end of the spectrum from her own that she doesn't know what to do with herself and wishes she could escape. But it doesn't take long before this sweet family with three boys, a Red Sox loving dad, and a loving mother creep into Carley's heart. Pros: Well-written is always key to a successful book in my opinion. The writing style expresses the personality of Carley and added her humor to every page. The book is broken into short chapters, which makes the pace seem fast. It would be a great first read for a reluctant reader. Cons: The only negative to this book is that Carley comes from an abusive family. Her step-father was abusive enough to put her mother into the hospital. There is also signs that the mother was abusive to Carley. The content is mild, but it may be a little shocking to a more sheltered reader. Classroom Uses: This book has potential as a read aloud if you preview the content with students. It would also make a GREAT Book Talk to interest readers, just read the first two chapters to them. Or use it as a mentor text to talk about short chapters and developing a character's voice. Verdict: Should I read it? Yes! With a box of tissues by your side. Can I share this tomorrow with my students? Middle School Students: I would say best for 7th grade and up. 5th-6th graders may be new to abusive family content. High School Students: Yes, especially 9th-10th graders. Carley is an 8th grader in the book. --- Allison Petersen @alcp
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Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Roswell One of my most trusted and avid readers, who will be a 9th grader this fall, recommended this book to me. I gave it a shot. I am always looking for more books to share with my middle school audience. Quick Summary Honestly, peas and carrots don't really seem to go together as much as people think. One is round and green, the other is (usually) cut square and orange. Eleanor and Park don't seem to fit together either - Eleanor is a red head who considers herself "large," and Park is a small Asian guy. But in Rainbow Roswell's novel, the two seems to go together like peas and carrots, as the saying goes. When they first meet, they aren't so keen on each other, but they are both in need of some support. As typical teenagers, they both want to escape their home lives and find solace in their relationship. Pros: The characters were well written and seem alive because of their normalcy. The story grips you with an interesting prologue that leaves you wondering where this story is going. The author is creative in her use of point of view switch - each character has his or her own point of view and side of the story. Through all of it, the love story works and presents a real relationship - one made up of music and 80's pop culture references. The two have a "nerd streak," which will attract young readers who can relate to them. Cons: There is strong language in this book that seemed unnecessary. There is also bullying of Eleanor by the mean girls at school, and she has very low self esteem and a negative body image. Eleanor's family situation is one of abuse and neglect, which creates a hostile environment. The ending leaves you hanging without tying up loose ends, which really made me feel lost and unsure as I finished the story. Some of the content may be too deep for a middle school student. Verdict: Should I read it? Yes! Enjoyable, well-written, and moving! Can I share this tomorrow with my students? Middle school Students - Nope, too young. High school Students - Yes, with a warning of content. There are always exceptions - I might recommend this one to an 8th grade student who I know is a strong reader and is experienced with this kind of content. --- Allison Petersen @alcp |
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