Guys Read, Part 2

This post is going to focus on series fiction and most of my recommendations come from success in my own library.  Series fiction is excellent for reluctant readers because it tends to grab them and keep them reading.  I love it when I can find a series to hook my boy readers.  This is (once again) a partial list of my favorites:

Middle Readers:  As my sister pointed out, you cannot have a "guys read" list without Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney.  I love this book and so do the boys in my library.  I get asked weekly when I am going to have the third book.  This book is never on my shelves.

• Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan  The first title in this series is The Lightning Thief and this is a series with a great hook.  
• Among the Hidden series by Margaret Peterson Haddix.  This is a series about the Shadow Children (illegal third child).  Very popular.  She also has a new series, the first books came out in the fall and is titled Found.  Ty and I loved this book and can't wait for the second to be published.
• Eragon by Christopher Paolini.  I am sure you all know the story - fantasy story written by a 15 year old homeschooled boy (published when he was 18).  His third book came out in October and I still have not given it to everyone on my waiting list (and I have two copies!)  Tyler is currently listening to the unabridged version on CD and loves it.
• I Witness series by Avi ( an all time favorite author of mine).  Iron Thunder and Hard Gold are two books in this series.  Iron Thunder is set during the civil war and Hard Gold during the Colorado gold rush.  But honestly, you can't go wrong with anything by Avi.
• Hatchet by Gary Paulsen  Seriously now, you would have been disappointed if I had not added this.  Again, anything by Gary Paulsen is a good choice for boys.  
• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.  I checked this book out to a student the same day I cataloged it, and it was returned on Monday.  The reader and her mother had both read it over the weekend and loved it.  I checked it out again with the same result, so I brought it home and read it myself.  I also read it in one weekend - handed it off to Ty, he stayed up late for nights trying to finish this book.  Because of the ending, we are assuming a second book will follow.  This has great plot twists, action and an unexpected ending.  Warning: contains some violence.

High School - adult readers:

• The Raven Trilogy by Stephen Lawhead (again, remember this author)  The first book in this series is titled Hood.  The third book is due out in February and Lawhead fans are counting the days.  Lawhead is a prolific author and very popular in my library.  He has several series that I can't seem to keep on the shelves
• The Circle Trilogy by Ted Dekker.  Black is the first book in this series.  Last year, I gave it to a high school senior who claimed to have made it four years without reading a book.  I am not sure if that was entirely true, but he was definitely more into football, rodeo and girls.  He needed a book for a book project and decided to "actually try reading one this time" - I gave him Black and not only did he read this book but read the whole series.  His mom bought him the series and thanked me with tears in her eyes.  Almost brings tears to mine thinking of him sitting in the comfy chair by the window. . . READING!!!  I love success!  Dekker is also a prolific author with a wide range of genres and action packed books.  
• Elvis Cole novels by Robert Crais.  Confession:  I love Robert Crais books.  They are a great choice for boys who don't like to read.  Fast plots, lots of action, a strong hero (Southern CA PI) and a mysterious, loyal friend named Joe Pike.  Warning: these books contain language and some violence, but I have not had a high school boy return one unread yet.
• Books by Jeff Shaara ( and his dad, Michael).  These are great historical fiction.  He has a series about WWII (The Rising Tide) that is a wonderful choice for history buffs.
• Horatio Hornblower series by Forester. I had a student asking for books set during the Napoleonic Wars and was thrilled (okay, I was thrilled after a panicked phone call to Lance. I mean honestly, do you know any books set during this time period?) to be able to recommend this series.  Lance and my dad are big fans of these books.

Once again, I got a little carried away.  My mind is racing.  I tell you what - guys read. . . This is so only a partial list.  More to come. . .

Guys Read

I thought I would dedicate this post to some of my favorite readers. . . the guys in my life.  I have been on a quest in the library to better understand what guys read and why.  Last year, I took a class on boys and books, and realized so much of what I was ordering, recommending and urging boys to read came from a female point of view.  

Boys do read, they just don't read what girls read.  I have found that most girls will try anything, boys won't.  Elementary boys like non-fiction with lots of cool graphics and pictures.  Some examples:

• Cool Stuff 2.0 - a great boy book!  It is almost always checked out of my library
• Guinness Book of World Records - again, these books never stay on my shelves.  The quickest way to a 5th grade boy's heart is to let him check these books out (yes, for the 100th time) and show you some really gross things.  Brace yourself, it is not easy, but remember - they are reading!!
• Star Wars: the visual dictionary - yet another book that does not stay on our shelves.  I almost cry when they check this book out again, but I have to remind myself it's not about me, but about boys reading. . . 
• For Boys Only - by Mark Aronson.  Remember this author, he writes lots of well-researched non-fiction (ie Witch Hunt, Race, War is. . . )  He is a great boy's author.
• The Dangerous Book for Boys - By Conn Iggulden.  Our son read this book in two days and then wanted a knife so he could skin a rabbit (like the book taught). . .  I suggested maybe he should take a Hunter's Safety Course first.
• Anything with cars, trucks, fire engines, rescue vehicles (get the picture?)  - action!!!
• If they are in 1st grade - Dinosaurs, dinosaurs and maybe a few dragons.

Jon Scieszka, author of numerous children's books, has a great website called www.guysread.  I have mined this site for great recommendations and it has never failed.  This is a very partial list and a theme I will continue to explore.  Later, I will address series fiction for reluctant readers, books my husband loves (he is a life-saver for me in the library) and books my son reads.  

Guys are great readers, you just have to find what they like.  Remember, when your son brings home another non-fiction book with lots of pictures, no worries.  He is reading, he's just reading what he likes, not what interests you.  So plop down on the couch, and let him show you all the gross pictures and stories.  I had to read about tarantulas to Levi last week ( he told me later that he knew I skipped some parts)  He was right. . . I hate spiders, but I love my guys.

Leah

Leah is the guidance counselor at our school.  I think that is supposed to mean she helps "guide" students through choosing classes, college scholarships and post-graduation decisions.  In reality it means she guides kids through life.  At any given time, on any given day, you can find one or more students crying in her office, working on homework or napping on her couch.  She patiently  manages it all - there are some days you can even find staff members crying in her office, pulling out their hair. . . (well, you get the picture, we try to draw the line at napping on her couch, but boy is it tempting)  I know all this because she is my dear friend and I have a bullet proof glass window (don't ask me why) that looks from the library into her office.  

Leah has three dogs, several cats and has even been known to take in stray children.  Over Thanksgiving weekend,  she watched ten dogs for people in the community who were traveling. She was at my house the evening before they all arrived ( see above picture) trying to figure out where they were all going to sleep.  Did you catch what I just said???  Ten dogs!!!  I equate that to taking in ten children for a weekend and instantly want to run screaming from the house.  I am so not a dog person (I do like kids, but in moderation - please!) and Leah is still my friend, I find that amazing. . .  

Leah came into the library the day before Thanksgiving vacation to pick out some books to read.  We loaded her up in case any were not of interest to her.  She returned all the books the Tuesday after Thanksgiving and had read all but one.  Thought it might be 0f interest to post her Thanksgiving weekend reading list:

• Maise Dobbs series by Jacqueline Winspear (also the title of the first book)- she read books 2-4.  Birds of a Feather, Unpardonable Lies, Messenger of Truth. These books are set post-World War I and are about a young woman who becomes a detective after nursing dying soldiers through the war.   If you like mysteries, these are a great read.
• Steel Wave by Jeff Shaara  - I have not read this book, but Lance loves this author. He writes historical fiction.  This is the second in his series about World War II.  Since you cannot see the book, let me tell you - it is thick.  Impressive. . . ( but that should not surprise you)
• Her Royal Spyness - by Ryhs Bowen - I would classify this book as pure brain-candy.  Just an enjoyable, low-demand read.  It is a mystery that is classified as a "cozy".  
• Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult.  She didn't actually read this during break but finished it the week before.  I know this because she passed it on to me. It is nightmare inducing. Written in typical Picoult fashion, it has a  great story, strong characters and unpredictable plot twists.  Honestly, I got over half way through and wimped out.  I skimmed the last 1/3 and then read the ending.   Sorry, I'm like that. . . 

This list is not to be guilt inducing about how much you are not reading. . .  just more options for when life finally slows down and you can read. . . I just re-read that - how silly!  Life will probably never slow down.  Maybe you can add some of these titles to your vacation reading list.  

Comfort Food

There are certain days when I must have comfort foods. I start the day dreaming of homemade mac n cheese with crusty french bread or a pot of chicken noodle soup with hot biscuits. For me, it is the same way with books. As the weather grows colder and more evenings are spent at home in front of the fire it has made me evaluate my "comfort" list. Once again, this is a partial list, but here are some of my favs:

• Mary Stewart - wrote in the 1950's and 60's - I love her books - high vocab, great stories, easy reads. . . comfort. I can't pick just one - love these "gothic" titles . . . Madame, Will you Talk?, Nine Coaches Waiting, My Brother Michael, Airs Above Ground, The Moonspinners.
• Dick Francis - writes racing (horse) mysteries. Love his vintage stuff (pre-1980). Some of my favorites: Dead Cert, Proof (first Dick Francis I ever read), Whip Hand, Long Shot, Risk.
• Charlotte Bronte: Jane Eyre - I read this book every year. It is a beautiful story and a great handbook for learning to live in a complaint-free world.
• Rosamunde Pilcher: Just saying her name, makes me long for the warmth of an Aga with a kettle boiling. I read my first Rosamunde Pilcher in high school and was not impressed. I like neat books with everyone living happily ever after. . . I picked her up again a few years ago and was hooked - nothing grand, just a good solid story - comfort food. Am currently reading The Shell Seekers. Just finished The Blue Bedroom and other short stories - reminded me of warm summer days reading my Grandma's Good Housekeeping and Ladies Home Journal.
• L.M. Montgomery: Need I say more? Besides the Anne and Emily Series, my favorites of hers are Kilmeny of the Orchard and Blue Castle.
• Kate Douglas Wiggin: Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm - consider this dessert - like a good chocolate cake or vanilla ice cream. Sweet comfort.

My laundry is threatening to overtake me, my floors need to be swept and my dishes done, yet all I can think of is food and good book. Ahhh! Happy comfort reading!!

The Book vs. The Movie

Over the Thanksgiving weekend, my niece Lauren and I attended the Twilight movie. This was a plan that had been in the works for some time and we both went with great trepidation as we feared it would not live up to the book.

One of the things I loved about the books was that they were so clean. I know, I know they are about vampires - teen vampires none the less, and I know there is some controversy in Christian circles about these books. I think now is a good time to remind everyone, that the books were never intended to impart a Christian message. After reading YA fic for three solid months, for me, this book was refreshing in its innocence ( as innocent as vegatarian vampires can be :)) There is no sex, no teen drinking or drugs, and no language. The series drags a bit and it is good to remember that they are written about teens, for teens. I just happen to love YA lit and love teens so this book was a good fit for me.

Did the movie live up to our expectations? Frankly, no. Edward is supposed to be perfect. I could not think of an actor who could adequately portray him. . . Supposedly, 75,000 people wrote in to protest his being cast in the role, so I am not alone in this opinion. Was the movie good - I thought so. I enjoyed the treat of hanging out with Lauren, it was fun to see so much of my hometown and I am pretty sure I saw my parents road ( seriously!) filmed as the Cullen's drive. Should you see it or read the book? That is entirely up to you. . .

Fortunately. . .

Last week, in the library, I read one of my favorite books t0 the fifth graders.  It is by Remy Charlip and starts out like this. . . 

"Fortunately, one day, Ned received an invitation to a surprise party."

"But, unfortunately, the party was in Florida and Ned lives in New York."

"Fortunately, a friend loaned him an airplane."

"Unfortunately, the motor exploded. . ."

This is a great read out loud story - I wish I could capture the looks on kids faces as they listen to this book.  It is laugh out loud, so if you think a library should be quiet, it is not the place to read it.  We then proceeded to write out own version of Fortunately . . . is has been fun for me to see the different directions the two classes are heading.  I will keep you posted as our stories progress.

As for the Villers' family . . . Fortunately, my cousin Liesl is coming to stay for the weekend.

But, unfortunately, my house is a disaster and I must go clean. . .

Thoughts on Plato and Censorship. . .

Okay, I am going to blame this on Eric and Plato.  For those of you following that saga, he is continuing to read Plato.  According to him, "It's intense, but getting easier to understand." Well, for whatever reason,  I have been thinking through my own philosophy of reading.  I work in a public school, live in a conservative community and am very involved in the reading choices of my children.

 

That being said, I am adamantly opposed to censorship.  My first year on the job, I got into several interesting situations, trying to decide which books were best for which students.  I quickly came to the conclusion that each family is the best judge of what should be read in their home.  Now, at the beginning of each year, we send home a note giving families the freedom and the right to be the judge of their child's reading choices.  I am going to do the same thing here.  I may recommend a book and you may decide it is offensive or not for you, if that is so, stop reading it and take it back. . . it is your choice.  I have a wide-range of interests and am willing to read  many different authors and genres.  I read a lot of YA (young adult) fiction which is often edgy and meant to be thought provoking.  Remember: if the book doesn't fit - take it back.  I'll never know.

Lance has been reading Gentle Ben by Walt Morley to the kids.  I find myself hanging out in the kitchen puttering around just so I can hear the gentle cadence of his voice weaving the story of Mark Andersen and his friend (a brown bear) Ben.  It is a tale that has broad appeal.  Our six, nine and twelve year old are all wrapped up in the story and love this special time with their dad.  

I find that in the library,  High School students tend to quit what they are doing and listen in when I am reading to the middle school classes.  Studies are showing that older kids love to be read to but it rarely happens.  Below you will find a list of some of our favorite read-alouds.  This is just a partial list (there will be more to come) - would love to hear some of your favorites!!

• Goodnight Moon - I think we read this every night to our kids "In the great green room, there was a telephone and a red balloon and a picture of. . ."  Oh, I LOVE this book!
• Mike Mulligan and the Steam Shovel :  Auntie Heidi bought this book for Ty when he was a baby - we read it lots.  Levi found it about 6 months ago and it is his current favorite.  He never tires of the story of Mike and Mary Anne.
• Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle -  Just finished reading this with Tommi and Levi.  Ty and I had read it several years ago.  We had a hard time picking our favorite cure - think mine was the answer-backers cure. . . (Lance and I are tempted to try it - who would have thought, parenting advice from Mrs. Piggle-wiggle!).
• The Phantom Tollbooth - My dad read this when he taught sixth grade, my father-in-law read it to his sixth graders, I read it to mine when I taught and my sister also read it to her sixth grade class. . . it's a family thing! :)  Actually, it is a great book!!  Ty and I read it about two years ago.  I have recommended it lots in the library - has great vocabulary and a quirky story.  I still remember my dad reading this to my sister and me.
• At the Back of the North Wind - This is a timeless classic by George McDonald.  My parents read this to us and Lance and I bought the CD from Focus on the Family for our kids.  They have listened to it over and over.  A beautiful story. . .
• Diary of a wimpy kid -  by Jeff Kinney I had to add this - don't know if it is really a great read-aloud or not but Ed read it to Em, and I know I giggled through the whole book. If you have middle schooler, know a middle schooler or just think they are weird - you need to read this book.
• The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane : this book by Kate DiCamillo might rank as my favorite read-aloud of all time.  I have read this to my kids, and read it to third grade every year in the library.  It is a wonderful, wonderful book!
• Great Joy - also by Kate DiCamillo.  I read this one to all grades in the library at Christmas.  Just pulled off the shelves today so I would have it ready to read next month.  This is a picture book - beautiful story and illustrations.  I can't wait to read it to my nieces and nephews.

You have no idea how hard it is for me to quit. . . but I will force myself.  The ideas are pouring. I warned you, I read A LOT - I will be back at a later date with more lists, more recommendations and more books!!!

Never judge a kid by his cover. . .

Today was fairly busy in the library.  During a quiet moment, I looked up and saw one of my High School students reading intently.  "Eric" (not his real name) is a tough, athletic senior with a "reputation" ( I'm not sure for what, but I know he has one).  Over the past year, we have developed a relationship of sorts as we talk books.  He is a prolific reader, his taste leaning towards sci/fi and fantasy.  He reads anything I suggest that Lance has read, and has found they have very similar tastes.

I asked him what he was reading and he held up The Republic of Plato and I in all my intellectual wisdom said, "wow".  I mean this kid is reading Plato??  I knew there was more to him than meets the eye, but I was impressed.  I was also hoping he wouldn't ask me if I had read it. . .  About five minutes later, he looked up at me and began to explain what he was reading.  I won't even attempt to quote him because he lost me after the second sentence.  As he walked out of the library clutching his book, he said, ". . . this is like, um, totally mind-blowing"

My response:  "Wow. . ."

Dear friends. . .

"Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.  No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. . ." 1 Jn 4:11-12.  Our pastor preached on this passage a couple of weeks ago and it started me thinking. . . am I loving like Jesus loves??

Last week, it was a quiet morning in the library and I was tidying shelves.  A book in the biography section was calling out to me.  Not literally, but close.  I had bought the book about six months earlier and knew I should read it.  It had received amazing reviews, was on bestseller lists, and was even being made into a movie.  The problem was . . . the cover.  I know, I know, you are not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but I do. (Hint to any publishers out there - so do most kids).  I finally picked the book up and began to read.  At lunchtime, I closed the door, turned out  the lights and continued to read. . . it was that good.  

I was reading the book The Soloist by Steve Lopez.  Without spoiling the book, it is story of an LA Times columnist who comes across a homeless man playing a two stringed violin.  On the ground are names written in chalk.  One of the name is Yo-Yo Ma.  As Lopes begins to talk to this man he learns that he was at Julliard at the same time as Ma.  He is intrigued, thinks there may be a story with this violinist and thus begins the amazing journey with Nathan Ayers.  The book is fascinating, heart wrenching and eye-opening.

As this book was written about a homeless man it seemed to tie in with my new quest to learn what it means to love like Jesus.  As often happens, another book fell into my lap. . . Irresistible Revolution: living as an ordinary radical by Shane Claiborne.  I am about 1/3 of the way through this book and it is not for the faint of heart.  It will shake you to your spiritual core, causing you to question what your faith means and looks like to the world. 

Not all my reading is this intense, in fact, most of it is not.  I typically read to escape, but maybe this is what this is all about - I am reading this time to escape my own sense of complacency and spiritual apathy.

So many books, so little time!

How do you decide what to read, when to read or what is worth your time?  I have always read anything from the back of cereal boxes to children's lit.  I LOVE to read. . .  The only genre, I typically give a pass is sci fi or fantasy but occasionally I will pick one up and read it.  

Lance reads lots of sci/fi / fantasy so it makes recommending that type of genre easy for me.  I encourage students to try at least 15 pages, to see what if it will keep their attention, if it is of interest or worth pursuing.  If it isn't. . .  STOP - who has time to read an uninteresting book?? 

Where to read?  Anywhere - never travel without a book - throw one in your purse, your car, your knitting bag.  You never know when you will be able to grab a minute to read.  Last year, I did family devotions in the car while waiting for the bus.  I always have a book with me while waiting at the bus stop to pick kids up.   I take one to appointments.  Who likes to wait?? Use the time to READ. . .