Category Archives: books

Blankets is a graphic novel by Craig Thompson. Without a doubt this is something I’d like to have on the curriculum in my classroom. I can see it inspiring a lot of students to express themselves in new ways. There … Continue reading →

I just finished reading Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak. With the straightforwardness of the story and the clear relevancy to students’ lives I could see this being a mainstay in many classrooms.  The big questions it raises would be a., What … Continue reading →

I just finished reading this fascinating page turning account by Jon Krakauer of the 1996 disaster on Mount Everest. I can see this book appealing to a lot of students on a lot of levels. Its something I would very … Continue reading →

I just finished reading Nancy Farmer’s House of the Scorpion.  A story of friendship, family, survival and hope. I’m not completely sold on having this as a classroom textbook but I would definitely consider it if I had a class … Continue reading →

I just finished reading The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill. I thought Aminata Diallo was one of the best characters I’ve come across in fiction; totally believable in every way. The book raises a lot of professional questions for … Continue reading →

Feed by M.T. Anderson is another book I would love to have students read. This a dystopian novel revolving around a teenage couple living in a world where the internet is viewed via a chip inserted in the brain. I … Continue reading →

I finished reading the book The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian by Alexie Sherman. This is a text I will  try to get into any classroom I’m working in. The story is of a teenage native American … Continue reading →

Today I finished the first book in the twelve book series called Cirque du Freak by Darren Shan. I think it would be an excellent early junior high school book. Its exciting, with a compelling story and cast of characters. … Continue reading →

I just finished the book The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. I thought the book was very well done although there were sections here and there that seemed like the author was just writing to fill space rather than … Continue reading →

I just finished the book Hominids by Robert J. Sawyer. I really liked this book. It was fast paced, well written, had some insightful cultural commentary. There is one scene in the book that would raise a red flag if … Continue reading →