Justice

It has been awhile since I have posted. . . still reading like crazy, so I'm back. . .

I have been pondering social justice, loving well and my role in it all. So I thought I would share some of what I have been reading on that subject. I also have a HUGE stack of new YA titles by my side of the bed, but that will have to wait for another day.

Social Justice Reading List:

Isaiah 58 - the Bible has quite a bit to say about loving well and living a just life. I have been reading through the gospels (Luke this year) and just read this chapter in Isaiah. Read it. Then read it again and again. It will get you thinking.

Quaker Summer by Lisa Samson - I am not typically a fan of Christian fiction. I find the plots boring, the characters sappy and the stories completely unrealistic. Then I read this book, it was thought provoking and real. I am looking forward to exploring more written by this author.

Love Mercy by Lisa Samson - My friend Leslie recommended this title (yes, it is the same author as above). I devoured this book. It is the story of a suburban housewife who begins to explore the issues of social justice. The first part of the book is her very open and real struggle as her family begins to move in a new direction. The second part of the book is the story of her and her daughter's journey to Africa - visiting AIDS patients and orphans. This book was so deeply personal for me that it is almost hard to write about. If this topic is of interest to you - add this book to your reading list.

Justice in the Burbs by Will and Lisa Samson - again by the same authors. Will and Lisa, parents of three, had the typical suburban life - huge house, nice cars, private school for their kids. God began to move them out of that life into a life of inner-city community and service to others. This is the story of their journey, as well as a guide for others longing to live a just life (even in the burbs). This title makes me laugh because the burbs would be inner-city for me. . . but it has been thought provoking as I look for ways to use my time and resources to serve those in inner-city small town. The needs are there, am I willing?

Enough: Contentment in an age of Excess by Will Samson - I have not read this yet, but it is on my list. . .


Crazy Love - by Francis Chan - working my way slowly through this book and have been listening to his sermons online. He constantly speaks out about justice and how we use our time, money and ourselves to serve God by serving others.


The Road of Lost Innocence by Somaly Mam - Warning: this is one of the most difficult books I have read this year. The first night I read it, I had nightmares. It is the story of a young girl sold into the sex slave trade in Cambodia. After ten years, she escapes and dedicates her life to rescuing other girls. She has exposed the human trafficking trade in Asia and works tirelessly to rescue and rehabilitate young girls (some as young as five years old). This is a story that needs to be told and needs to be heard.


14 Cows for America by Kimeli Naiyomah - this is a children's book about a young African man living in NYC during 9/11. He returns to his village in Kenya and tells the story of our hurting nation. He seeks to give something that has great meaning, so he gives his cow, which equal life and wealth in his tribe. Others follow suit and the village gives 14 cows to America. I read this book aloud in the library this week. It is a beautiful story. My students were captivated. For students in a ranching community, this story had great meaning. My favorite quote from the book: " Because there is no nation so powerful, it cannot be wounded, nor a people so small they cannot offer mighty comfort." Beautiful. . .

Roomful of giggles

Those of you who know me, know I love Mo Willems. I originally thought the Elephant and Piggie series were his best work ever. I can't even pick a favorite book. I love them all (okay, I Love my new Toy is my #1 followed by Elephant and Piggie Play Outside.) My high school aides act like they're 6 years old when we get his books in the library. They sit next to me while I catalog, reading Mo Willems and giggling. I laugh along with them. . . his books are irresistible.

So, I thought Elephant and Piggie could not be replaced in my affections, and then I met the pigeon. Seriously, you have to read these books. If you don't have small children, rent one. . . I read Pigeon wants a Puppy today to the second grade. It was one of those moments where you wish you could capture the laughter and expressions - priceless. They begged for one more story, so we read Pigeon wants to stay up Late. And then because we couldn't stop ourselves, we read Elephant and Piggie Play Outside . One little boy almost fell out of his chair he was laughing so hard. Please don't make us pick our favorite, we only stopped reading because our time was up. . .

Needless to say, there is not a single Mo Willems book left in my library. . .

The Thirteenth Tale

Last week, a colleague walked into the library and asked me if I had read The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. I had not. She told me I had to read it, set the book on my counter, visited for another minute and then walked out.

From September to May, I read a fairly steady diet of YA and cross-over lit (books written for adults, but read by teens). This may sound like work, but, in all honesty - YA is my guilty pleasure. I love this genre. Feeling like I should read one more novel, I started the book that same night. My plan was to give at least 25 pages (my advice to kids), skim the rest and return it. I was hooked from the first page. There were some sentences that took my breath away. Brilliantly crafted in Gothic style, it was reminiscent of Wuthering Heights (hated it) and Jane Eyre (one of my favorite books of all time), this story captivated me. The ending completely surprised me - me . . . I almost always read ahead to the ending of a story (this book was no exception) and I was still surprised!

This is not a book I would have read from the summary on the back. It was only read to appease a friend, but I am so glad I gave it a try.

S0, in the continuing spirit of stepping out of our comfort zones . . our book club has chosen to read Hyperion by Dan Simmons. Lance and Dave selected it for us and most of us are looking forward to being forced out of our tried and true genres - will keep you updated on what our group thinks of this book. Why don't you read it with us?

Studies show . . .

Last week, SLJ extra posted an article stating that studies show that an orderly home affects early literacy skills. I skimmed the article and felt immediately justified in my need for an orderly home. I keep trying to tell myself that I can't do it all and that some things must go, but I still crave order at home. Note: I did not say, I crave a spotless home (just check my baseboards and closets to verify that). I just need the appearance of a picked up, orderly home. I had been pondering the article in my mind over the weekend, when my two youngest invited me to a birthday party at their "house". They had been playing downstairs all weekend and for the most part we had left them alone. I grabbed a load of laundry and headed down.

This is what I found. . .


And this. . .

When I opened the door to the toy closet (under our stairs), I found . . . Tommi in her orderly space. That is a picture of Lance and I at Heidi's wedding hanging on the wall - too cute!

Levi (the pretend birthday boy) in his. Yes, that is a toy gun on the wall. My children are very well-prepared. . . there was also a lantern, binoculars and extra sets of clothes.

One last shot of my creative midgets in their orderly small space. . .

Does this mean they will be life-long readers? I hope so, we read to them often, model reading ourselves, and do our best to create a home that offers order in the midst of a chaotic life.

One last (totally random) note: I told the kids we had to head into town to run some errands and they needed to get dressed. Levi could not bear to get out of his jammies, so he pulled on a pair of camo pants and a bright orange and blue sweatshirt over his dino p.j.'s. Perhaps, the next study should show the affects of fashion choices on intellectual aptitude. . .

"Our Community Reads"

This past week was crazy in the library. We are in the middle of setting up for the book fair (if I say anymore about that I will start to whine. . .), it's the end of the trimester for elementary and it was Valentine's week. In the middle of this, we hosted an "Our Community Reads" lunch in the library.

I love this program. We had 22 High School students and 17 adults from our community signed up. Marty (public library director) and I chose five books. The adults and students are matched by the titles they choose. In the past, we have had all types of books: sci fi, historical fiction, non-fiction, bios and YA lit. This time around we decided to focus on social justice issues - something that is near and dear to the hearts of our Love Alliance group. It was so cool to look around the library and see teens and adults, many of whom had just met, discussing issues and the books they are reading. Several of the adults and students are planning on reading more than one title. Success!

The Books (the issues):

The Soloist by Steve Lopez (mental health and homelessness)

Sold by Patricia McCormick (Sex trade, slavery)

Irresistible Revolution: living life as an ordinary radical
by Shane Claiborne (social justice, poverty)

Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson (literacy, education)

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (Holocaust)

Words cannot describe the joy I felt I as listened to students and adults talk about these issues and wrestle with ways they can change the world around them. I am so proud of our students and community. So, I am going to encourage you to take a moment this month to educate yourself about a social justice issue. Warning: It may change your life.

Confessions. . .

You may have noticed that I added Wuthering Heights in my "Good Books I've read recently". I lied. . . Not about reading the book - I read it for my book club (we're all still scratching our heads over that selection). I lied about the fact that I thought it was good. I didn't. Sorry. This is a very un-librarian thing to admit. It's true, I did not like the book. Finishing it was a bit like finishing the marathon, brutal, but I was SO proud of myself when I read that last sentence and put the book down - I had made it!! Further confessions (this will give you some clue as to the caliber of our club): Our "president" did not even finish the book and the average rating (on a scale of 1-10) was a 3. Our discussion was good, most of us were glad we had read it (there are lots of literary references to this book and now we know what people are referring to. . .), but not many of us understood what makes this book a classic. Any ideas???

Our next month's selection: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

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!!

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. . ."

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. . .