Destined to Live: A True Story of a Child in the Holocaust by Ruth Gruener

Destined to Live: A True Story of a Child in the  Holocaust

By Ruth Gruener

             The author Ruth Gruener does a wonderful job of recounting her time in Poland during World War II. Her given name is Aurelia Gamzer and she is a proud Jewish girl. Before the German's occupied Poland Aurelia who would be called Luncia. Her parents were hard workers in their candy shop. However, the occupation changed everything for the family. The moved out of their spacious beautiful home to the ghetto as they called it. She would live on very little and have to deal with living in hiding. She eventually will get to America but will realize what she went through was not as bad as her other friends who were Jewish too.

        I usually don't read books about the Holocaust or the Nazi invasion. It is history, but to read about so many people dying because they were not what Hitler saw fit as a human being makes me sad. I hate to read about children being hurt, tortured or killed. I decided to break down and read this book. To tell you the truth I am so glad I did. It was a true account of a young girls life. I was so interested to see what she went through and her thoughts. I am not sure how she did it, but she overcame all this to survive. Loved this book.

     As for students reading this........ I think this is a must for those who enjoy reading about WWII and the Holocaust. The story has a happy ending and everyone loves to have a happy ending. The language in the  book is very understandable. There are a few words that are either German or Polish to describe a few things, but the context clues help you understand what is being said. I would definitely recommend this book. It is a short read and quick too. I would love hear comments about this story from others. A must read for any teacher and student. 

Backlash by Sarah Darer Littman

Backlash

By Sarah Darer Littman

       

            Backlash  by Sarah Darer Littman has to be the best book I have read all summer. I have to say that says a lot considering I am only half way through summer reading for my classes. This is the book that I would definitely recommend to anyone. I would even suggest parents read this book. Love, love, love.

         The story centers around social media and how young people can be cruel to one another. The story is about a high school student name Lara who tries to kill herself after a Facebook posting of horrible awful things. The comments have depressed Lara that she feels the only way out is to overdose on pills. The comments come from a boy name Christian. As the story continues Lara's younger sister can't understand why their council woman mother and father don't see the drama that is always surrounding Lara. Sydney has her issue with being put to the side.

        Lara's former friend Bree is glad they are no longer friends. She just couldn't take the craziness of Lara and her whining. She takes a picture and posts it on social media about Lara. She is torn about things that are going on. Bree can't seem to understand how the two families were once close and no longer associated with one another. 

      This one incident will cause much backlash and feelings to be hurt. Lara will have to deal with the consequence. Syd will have to figure out how to be noticed in her family. Bree will have to live up to her mom's overbearing ways. Liam, Bree's brother, will have to figure out how he got caught in a situation that doesn't even include him. 

     The story Backlash by Sarah Darer Littman is a true to life story that we could read in the papers or see on television and movies. Today's young people are into social media and don't understand the consequences it brings when they post things online. Littman does a great job of writing a story that many young people could probably relate to. She shows the evil of social media and how it only takes one person to set a chain reaction.

    I would definitely recommend this story to all readers. As mentioned earlier I really think parents would get a wake up call in reading this about the evils of social media. I am planning on pushing this book to be read by my students. I would hope that the story would make them see how Facebook could effect others. Great book.

Gracefully Grayson by Ami Polonsky

Gracefully Grayson

By: Ami Polonsky

            The story Gracefully Grayson by Ami Polonsky is a great story. As an adult reader it is a great story as a young struggling reader depending on their interest will make this boring or great. The author did a great job of telling this story of young Grayson.

  

          The story is about a young boy named Grayson Sender in the 6th grade. He is in middle school and lives with his Uncle Evan and Aunt Sally. He has been sent to live with them due to the fact that his parents were killed in a car accident while he was at daycare. He has two cousins that are there at the apartment too. He doesn't seem to get along with Jack or I should say Jack doesn't get along with Grayson. Jack thinks he is a freak. Now younger Brett sees nothing but his cousin. 

          Grayson must try to figure out who he is. He daydreams about wearing outfits that appeal to girls. He has no idea why but hides who he really feels he is. He has really no friends at school and is befriend by Amelia for a short time. However, he seems to find something inside him to try out for a play being directed by his Humanities teacher Mr. Finn. He is unsure what part he wants to try out for until he auditions. He says Persephone. Now he must deal with the repercussion from schoolmates and his family.

        As the story continues on we learn some interesting facts about Grayson from letters him mother wrote to his grandmother Alice who is currently living in a nursey home. Grayson is very isolated and doesn't seem to socialize well with anyon. These letters are the key to finding out who he is.

      The story reminds me of the Bruce/Caitlyn Jenner story. Well not to the same extreme, but is current to what is going on in the news. I really enjoyed this story about Grayson. It would be a great little story for students who are trying to find themselves to read. I would definitely recommend it to my students and others. 

Hate That Cat by Sharon Creech

Hate That Cat

By:Sharon Creech

             Hate That Cat  by Sharon Creech is the sequel to Love That Dog. I don't really have to read the first one, but it would be wise to understand Jack the main character in the story. Sharon writes the two books in verse. It is an easy read for students who are trying to find a book to read. 

              The book is about a young boy name Jack who is trying to find his poet voice. He has lost his dog and now has no pets. However, he knows he hates cats. The black cat that scratched him at the bus stop is to thank for that. Unknown to him that every poet he hears about writes about cats. He is baffled by this. He can't understand their love when he literally hates cats. He communicates through this book with his teacher about his poems and trying to be a poet. We also find out about his mom. 

              I would recommend this book if you like verse. I think it was a fairly good book. I wouldn't say the best, but it kept my interest enough to finish it. I would definitely give this to a struggling reader to read. The book is a quick read and the reader will learn about poetry throughout the story.

I Survived Series

I Survived Series

By: Lauren Tarshis

            This has to be one of my all time favorite series of books. Lauren Tarshis does a great job of hooking readers into reading her books. These short little novels are about major events in history, but coming from the eyes of characters who could of possibly been there, but weren't. Historical fiction as reader teachers call it.

    

          Tarshis has a book for the following events: Titanic, Chicago Fire, The Great Shark Attack, Pearl Harbor, Nazi Invasion, Sept 11, Japanese Tsunami, The Battle of Gettysburg, Pompeii, Hurricane Katrina, and San Francisco Earthquake. The events of the story are true to fact, but the characters are people readers can possibly relate to. The stories are quick reads and very interesting. If you are interested in history than this is the series for you. You find yourself going to find a new book in the series. I can say that this year I had more students read these books than ever before. I was very excited.

          I would highly recommend these books to all readers. I hope Lauren Tarshis comes up with more books about events in history in this format. I hope you enjoy the book trailer for I Survived the Attack of Pearl Harbor, 1941.

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El Deafo by Cece Bell

 El Deafo

By:Cece Bell

               Another graphic novel review, El Deafo by Cece Bell. El Deafo is a Newberry Honor Book.  I am not a big fan of graphic novels, but am learning to enjoy them more and more. I am also understanding how pictures would be beneficial for struggling readers. I think a great aid for ESL students.

             El Deafo is a novel that reminded me of my childhood. The author Cece Bell who is also the main character mentions things like: Little House on the Prarie, John Boy from The Waltons, Hostess Cherry Pies, etc. Cece is a girl who loses her hearing from sickness. She tries to transition to the hearing world and creates El Deafo aka her Superperson. She journals her adventures of trying to fit in a world of hearing and dealing with looking odd with wires going to her ear due to her Phonic Ear amplifier.

            The story deals with many things that kids can relate to. For example looking different than others is something Cece tries to figure out. Another is moving to a new neighborhood and school. Many kids go through this and this could possibly hook students to read this. The graphics are good, and Cece does a great job of telling her story.

            I would definitely recommend this to other students and teachers. My only fear is that it is lengthy. El Deafo might be a book you build up to a class and show the book trailer that I have added to the blog. Enjoy and let me know what you think.

Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai

                                                       Inside Out & Back Again
                                                       By: Thanhha Lai


             The story authored by Thanhha Lai is a wonderfully written story in verse. The story is about a young Vietnamese girl name Ha and her family. She is living in the war torn country of Vietnam. The war has taken her father and hopefully not the rest of her family. Ha is learning that she may not like hat is going on, but must obey what her mother ask. She is learning that war is a horrible thing, and must flee to America with her family on a boat during a Communist strike. The boat she is on is finally rescued by Americans. The family is taken to Tent City in Florida. There her family hopes to find a sponsor so they can get to live the American life. The American Cowboy sponsors the family, and life for the family becomes on of transition and change. Ha must learn that things are not always happy and great. She learns that she hates everything and hopes things will change. Luckily for Ha she is introduce to a few friends Steven, Pam, and her English tutor Miss Washington. Will Ha learn to love America and take advantage of everything that is offer. Will Ha make it through life in America?

        I would definitely recommend this to students who love to read stories in verse. The story is a cute coming of age in America story. The author shares in her notes that part of it is related to her experiences, which makes this very believable.

           

Trash by Andy Mulligan

                                                              Trash by Andy Mulligan

       
     I came across this book through SSI summer school. I am teaching summer school for 6 days and this was the read aloud included in the material. Now just looking at this book, I don't think....no wait I know I would of never picked up this book. However, thankfully I started reading this out loud to the students.

     Andy Mulligan does a great job of hooking a reader into this book. As a reader I was wanting to know what was going on and what these characters were going to do. As you read the story there are some lulls but then you are wanting to know what is going on.

    The story is about three teenagers who come across a wallet full of money. Gardo, Raphael, and Rat try to figure out how the money of wallet came to the dump.  However, the wallet is not the only thing causing a stir. It seems the police are wanting something out of the trash dump. The police offer a reward for a bag. Unfortunately Gardo is leary of the police and does not fess up to finding anything in the dump except a shoe. This gets him in trouble. He takes a beaten at the police station and leaves. Gardo and Raphael enlist the help of Rat. They go on their own journey of trying to find out what is so important about this bag the police are looking for. During their trip they encounter many people some who will be helpful and others who will be out for their own reward.

   I would definitely recommend this story to others. I didn't think I would like it, but really loved the story. The boys have a heart and learn why this bag is so important. I can say at times the book can be lulling but you don't put it down because you want to know what the heck is about to happen.  Great suspense and action. A definite boy book.

  Just a FYI, there is some profanity in the book. However, it is very limited. I can count the words probably all on one hand.

Graphic Novel: Smile by Raina Telgemeier

To start this blog off, I am not a graphic novel fan, but thought I would give it a try. I bought a book at the book fair last week and it was one I have seen kids read. The graphic novel is Smile by Raina Telgemeier. The book has been sitting on my couch for the last three days. I finally broke down and read it. I am so glad I gave it a chance. I loved it. Telgemeier tells the story about herself. She is the main character. I am assuming this is a story from her life as a middle school student. The story starts off with Raina knocking her two front teeth out. The story centers around the different things that happen with these teeth. Her friends, if you want to call them that are very "mean girl." They are far from nice and Raina continues to allow them to be apart of her life. However as she goes through her teeth dilemma she starts to realize things aren't really that great for her, but she starts to see things through her experiences. I loved this story because it reminds me of what some students go through. It just makes you realize that kids really do have it rough in their mind because they don't have the skills to cope with it. Also some kids want to grow up faster than others. It is nice to see a character to find themselves and to have a voice. I would recommend this to every teacher to read. Graphic novels remind me of comic books. Comic books remind me of the Archie books I read when I was younger. This book has a purpose and a theme. Students will love this book because it is a quick read, but they could read the pictures too so they can see how the main character reacts to the different things in the story. Love it love it love it.

One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

Katherine Applegate's book One and Only Ivan is a great book. I have seen the book many times at book fairs and finally took it upon myself to buy this. Well it helped that it was buy one book and get one free. I know you don't judge a book by the cover. I did that and so regret it. Ivan is the main character of the story. He is a gorilla who lives in an exhibit that helps his owner make money. Ivan becomes friends with Stella an elephant, Bob a homeless dog, and Julia a young girl who comes to the exhibit because her dad George works there. The story is about Ivan who has no recollection of his life as a child, but is unsure about being animal or human. He is a side show for Mack his owner. He doesn't seem to be pulling in money like he use to so Mack buys a baby elephant named Ruby. Ruby is unsure of what to think but learns to become friends with everyone and Stella takes Ruby on as family. As time goes on a tradegy happens and everyone tries to figure out how to overcome it. Ivan makes a promise and hopes to be able to keep it. Will Ivan figure out if he is more human or animal? Will Ivan be able to keep his promise? Read this and you will find out all the answers. I would definitely recommend this Newberry Medal winner. Katherine Applegate's story of these animals is very touching. If you like books about animals and how they can overcome things, this is the book for you.

Bluford Series

So I have been reading the Bluford series with my READ 180 students. These books have been in my room for several years. I finally broke down and decided to read the series. Let me tell you it was the best decision I made. Now I can really tell all my students now and in the future about these books. They are really great books. Students can relate to some of the issues that each book portrays. The characters in the books all have contact with one another. Darcy is one of the main characters that definitely represents many of the students in school. I would call this the Sweet Valley High of the 2010. I would say this series is definitely a must for struggling readers who are into high school drama or just trying to find something to connect to, I would say read this series. I luckily have several students reading the series. One told me why did you wait so long to tell me about these books. School is almost out and I don't have the books. Well luckily for them I do have an answer for them. Bluford has the audio books online. It is free and anyone who loves these books can have access to them without having the book. A definite must for all those who are looking for books for their struggling middle school or high school students.

The Selection Series by Kiera Cass

The Selection by Kiera Cass is one of the best series I have read in a long time. The series reminds me of "The Bachelor." The story about a young girl who applies to be put into a pool of women to be courted by Prince Maxim. As she goes through this process she is not wanting any part of this. She is trying to get over her first love Aspen. As the process goes on in all three books you learn to love the America Singer. She is a rebel in her own right. During the story you find out a lot about all the girls. They all have different ideas of how things will be if they are princess. They also learn that not everyone is nice, and that there are other agendas out there. The love triangle of Maxim/America/Aspen tears America's heart in tow. She finds it hard to decide where her heart belongs. She likes the friends she has made in Maxim, but she misses her love Aspen. As time goes on and a surprise visit from Aspen that doesn't go away makes life at the palace difficult at times. She titter totters between her love loyalty. I would recommend this to those who love stories about a strong female character. America is a modern day heroine.