Forward Me Back to You

Forward Me Back to You by Mitali Perkins is the best book I read this month.  Kat and Robin are teens from very different backgrounds who meet at a church youth group.  They end up becoming friends and going on a service project to Kolkata for two different reasons.  This story delves into international adoption and human trafficking.  Though written with the young adult audience in mind, most adults will also enjoy the story.  I appreciated the way the author dealt with two series topics.  Perkins also does a good job showing how being authentic with others is a way to heal.  

these 6 things

These 6 Things by Dave Stuart Jr. is a book for every teacher.  Though geared to educators in grades 6-12, any teacher who wants to get better at the art of education will learn something by reading this book.  Chapter 2 about Cultivating Key Beliefs is something that would be the place to start.  I had heard Stuart speak before and this gives some concrete ways to build credibility, belonging, effort, efficacy and value in your classroom.  It gives strong reasons to teach knowledge along with ways to increase the amount of reading, writing, listening and speaking in your class, no matter what content area you teach.    

I Must Betray You

I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys is a book that is worth reading.  Set in communist Romania in 1989, Cristian learns the harsh reality of living there.  He is blackmailed by the secret police because he wants to help his grandfather.  Sepetys does an excellent job with creating realistic characters and setting the scene so you can get the view of what life is like under communist control.  It made me grateful that I do not live in such a place.  It is cataloged as a book for young adults at my library, but good for all adults.

 

plenty of booklists

Looking for book ideas for children?  One resource for you is the Colorin Colorado page.  If you go to the Books and Authors section, you will find a plethora of book lists by theme and sometimes age, as well.

Another webpage that I have been looking at more lately is called What We Do All Day.  It is written by a mom who wants her children (and others) to spend much time reading and doing things that do not involve screens. 

Over and Under the Canyon

Kate Messner and Christopher Silas Neal have a new picture book, Over and Under the Canyon, that is worth looking for at the library.  A  mom and her son spend the day hiking in the canyon.  The pair see many animals on their way to their destination, a place where the wild plants decorate the landscape with color.  After dark, they see a hairy scorpion glow and hear the great horned owls.  Share this book with elementary children to help them understand the diversity of life in the canyon.

Nathan's Song

Nathan's Song by Leda Schubert is based on the story of her grandfather.  Nathan was a Jewish boy who lived in Russia.  He loved singing and wanted to become an opera singer.  His family saved money, and Nathan headed for Italy to study.  Unfortunately, Nathan boarded the wrong ship-to New York!  Though he never got to Italy, Nathan was able to use his singing ability to earn money, eventually singing on Broadway.  An immigrant story I recommend for ages five to one hundred.