Author Spotlight - Tim Green

This weekend I was so excited to go to a Children's Literature Breakfast hosted by Anderson's Bookshop.  Anderson's is an independent bookstore in Naperville, Illinois.  I met Suzanne Collins, who wrote The Hunger Games, there in the fall.

On Saturday, they had four keynote speakers who are authors or illustrators.  I was lucky enough to meet Trent Reedy who wrote Words In The Dust, Kathryn Lansky who wrote The Capture (Guardians of Ga'hoole, Book 1), Weird Al Yankovic who wrote When I Grow Up, and Tim Green who wrote Football Genius.  I get so excited to meet authors because I love the books they have written.  I love the characters and their stories and it's so interesting to me to learn about the author who wrote them.

Meeting Tim Green was probably the highlight of the day for me.  He sat at our table for breakfast so we were able to ask him questions about his book and about football.  He was so nice and ready to talk about books and sports.  He played for the Atlanta Falcons but is now a lawyer and is writing some great kids' books about sports.   I recently read Football Genius and absolutely loved it.  We love football in our house, so I loved reading about a boy who gets to meet and help one of his favorite football players win games.  I'm excited to read the rest of the series and also read his more recent baseball series.

Tim Green told me this about being an athlete in the NFL and now writing books for kids:

"I feel like I’m able to shine a light on a world that is incredibly interesting and violent and fightening and heart-warming.  I think it is such a rich, rich backdrop and I’m the only one who’s doing this...I think that’s the thing that I am most proud of about my own work, that I am able to shine a light on a place that no one else is so that it’s sports but it digs so much deeper than any sports books that are out there."  

I'm always curious about where readers like to read, so I asked him about his ideal reading spot and this is what he had to say:

"In the summertime down on my dock, at the end of the dock on a chair.  I love sitting in the sun and be out right on the water and just reading a book."

Here's a picture of me with Tim Green!

The next book in the Baseball Great series comes out on March 22, 2011.  I'm excited to be able to recommend these fun football and baseball books to any kiddo who loves sports - whether they play sports or not.  

If you can come to school and tell me the title of Tim Green's book that is coming out in March, then you will earn one sticker towards a reading reward.

Mrs. Read-A-Lot Update

Hi!  I have not been blogging on Mrs. Read-A-Lot because I wasn't able to access at school with my students.  I decided I am going to try again and see if my students can view it from school and really try and use it with them again.  

Even though I have not been blogging, I have still be reading!  I have read some really great books lately.  Here are some of my favorites:

Graceling By Kristin Cashore

The Year of the Dog By Grace Lin

Love That Dog By Sharon Creech

Seeing Redd By Frank Beddor (Part of the Looking Glass Wars series)

Fly on the Wall By E. Lockhart

I am the Messenger By Makus Zusak

Forever Princess By Meg Cabot (Part of the Princess Diaries series)

I will be back to post some cool stuff about folk literature soon.  I will even have some video!  Should be fun!

Maximum Ride: The Final Warning

Most Recently Read Book:

Maximum Ride: The Final Warning

By James Patterson

Well...I have to say this was my least favorite in the Maximum Ride series.  As far as I know this is the last book in the series and it really was not a good book.  I did listen to this entire series on CD and this book was narrated by a different narrator so maybe that makes a difference, but I really didn't like the plot.  I loved the first and second books, and the third book for the most part, but this one was bad.  In this book Max and the flock go to Antarctica to try and do some research to help stop global warming only to get captured by another mad scientist kind of creature.  I know they are out to get them, but this was a little crazy, even for this series.  The whole time we have heard about Max's mission to save the world and this just didn't seem like a good ending.  Also, I'm a big fan of the romance that has been becoming more and more evident between Max and Fang.  Patterson addressed that in this book but at the same time just kind of said Max was freaked out and ended the book never talking about it again.  Maybe there will be another or more than one other book in this series.  If this really is the final book it was a very sad way to end the series.  Ugh.

What Are You Reading Good (11/06/08)

So...what are you reading good this week? REMEMBER..tell me the title, the author, what the book is about right now. Try to really be more specific than just saying it is interesting or it is fun. Make me want to read the book! Or...really support why I shouldn't read the book, if you don't like it.

I am currently reading Travel Team by Mike Lupica.  He is a well-known sports writer who has written many young adult novels about kids who play sports.  This book is about a boy who is really short but is really good at basketball.  He's really upset because for the first time ever, he doesn't make it onto the team.  It made me really sad now that I am a mom because it would make me so sad if my son didn't make the team.  That's all I know so far!

I am currently listening to Maximum Ride: The Final Warning by James Patterson.  This is the fourth and final book in the Maximum Ride series.  Once I start a series, I like to finish it, or at least keep up with, especially if I like it.  If you remember, this series is about the group of bird-kids who are trying to escape from mad scientists.  They pretty much escaped but I think now someone else is going to come after them.  It's kind of slow in the book right now, but still entertaining.  I love Max as a character, she cracks me up!

The Sea of Monsters

Most Recently Read Book:

The Sea of Monsters

By Rick Riordan

Last night, I finished the second book in the Percy Jackson series: The Sea of Monsters. This series is about Percy Jackson, who is a demigod. A demigod is someone who is part Greek god and part human. I love these books because they incorporate ancient Greek mythology and real life as we know it. I think these books are great for students who like action and adventure.

Chasing Vermeer

Most Recently Read Book:

Chasing Vermeer

By Blue Balliett

This is the first book in this mystery series by Blue Balliett.  I didn't realize this was a series and I listened to The Wright Three first, so now I had to go back and listen to Chasing Vermeer.  I like this series about young kids who live in Hyde Park in Chicago and get involved in solving mysteries about art, in this case the Vermeer painting called A Lady Writing.  It's amazing all the thinking that Blue Balliett has to put into her writing.  She incorporates art, puzzles, writing and exploring.  Now that I have read Chasing Vermeer and The Wright Three I have to go read the third book in this series, The Calder Game, which was recently released!  

Author Spotlight - Gordon Korman

I just saw Gordon Korman present at one of my middle schools. I have to tell you, it is so fun for me to meet authors. I love reading books and to get to meet an author is a great experience because you really get to hear where a story comes from and how he or she goes about writing.

Gordon Korman wrote his first book when he was in 7th grade! He explained that his teacher gave an assignment asking students, basically, just to write...and he did. When he finished his book, he mailed it off to Scholastic, and by luck, they published his book. From there, he just kept on writing and has now written a lot of books.

The entire 7th grade read his book, Schooled. It was interesting to hear him talk about books he has published and how he came up with the idea for Schooled. He explained that some of his stories come from experience, and others come from his imagination. He was doing a presentation at a school when he noticed some students who were home-schooled. He noticed that they seemed out of place amongst the other students and that is where he came up with the idea of a character like Capricorn Anderson, for Schooled.

This picture turned out kind of dark, but you can see him on the stage if you look closely.  

Here I am with Gordon Korman! You can see I am wearing my tie-dye t-shirt in honor of the 60's theme of the book.

Gordon Korman also talked about his newest book that will be released in December. The book is called One False Note. This new book is the 2nd book in series, The 39 Clues. There will be ten books in the series, and each book is going to be written by a different author. Rick Riordan wrote the first book, and Gordan Korman wrote the second. I am really anxious to check this series out.

Maximum Ride: Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports

Most Recently Read Book:

Maximum Ride: Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports

By James Patterson

I love this series! I think this is such a fun series with great characters. Max, the main character, is really funny and is always making me laugh. This is the third book in the series about a group of kids who are part bird and who are trying to escape from and bring down the mad scientists who created them in order to save the world. I liked this book as much as the others. There was lots of action, a little more drama...and definitely more romance, which I love. Not too much gushy romance, just a little, but it made the book more interesting to me. There were a few twists and turns along the way. I think this is a must read...after you read the first two in the series, that is.

What Are You Reading Good? (10/30/08)

So...what are you reading good this week? REMEMBER..tell me the title, the author, what the book is about right now. Try to really be more specific than just saying it is interesting or it is fun. Make me want to read the book! Or...really support why I shouldn't read the book, if you don't like it.

I am still reading The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan.  I've been reading two other books at the same time so I feel like it's taking me a long time to get through this one, but so far the adventure is still pretty fun and getting more and more interesting!  

The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger, is one of the other books I have been reading lately.  I actually read this book when I was in high school.  I remember not really liking it, but it is truly a classic that many high schools require students to read.  I thought I would try and reread it to remember what it was about and to see if maybe as an adult I would think of it differently.  So far, it is pretty much what I remember.  It's about a boy in high school and what is happening in his life.  I also wanted to read it because in the book I just finished, King Dork, the character refers to The Catcher in the Rye.  I'll have to wait until I finish it to decide what I think about it.   I would love to hear what anyone else has to say about Catcher.  

I am now listening to Maximum Ride: Saving The World And Other Extreme Sports.  This book is the 3rd book in this series by James Patterson.  If you remember, this is the series about the bird-kids who are trying to save the world from mad scientists.  I love the adventure in this book...and this one even has some romance!  Very fun!

The Wright Three

Most Recently Read Book:

The Wright Three

By Blue Balliett

I didn't realize this book was the second in a series...but it didn't really matter that I read it out of order.  This is a historical fiction book, which means parts are based on true facts or part of history.  This books happens to be about three kids who help to save a house that was designed and built by Frank Lloyd Wright, a very famous architect.  There are plans to tear down the house but the kids find a way to save it.  They have a mystery to solve because they think they see someone in the house.  This book was a very fun adventure mixed in with the history part and even some math and art things, too!  Plus, this book is set in Chicago.  I love to read books that are written in Chicago.  I can't wait to go back and read the first book in this series, Chasing Vermeer.  

Amelia Rules: When The Past Is A Present

Most Recently Read Book:

Amelia Rules: Volume Four, When The Past Is A Present

By Jimmy Gownly

This was my first ever graphic novel!  One of my students was reading this book and it sounded like a cool series to me.  I have to say, graphic novels are definitely hard for me to read.  I read comics as a kid, but graphic novels are a different, if you ask me.  They definitely use the pictures and placement of words and characters to explain what is happening in the book.  It was hard for me to jump from one even to the next in this book just because I'm not used to it.  The reader definitely has to do more work as far as filling in all the gaps that are left out when the book is told mostly with the graphics and dialogue.  I really liked this book though and I think the characters are really fun.  Amelia does rule!

Brisingr Is Here!

This weekend the third book in the Inheritance Cycle, by Christopher Paolini was released: Brisingr!  Many people were eagerly awaiting the release of this book.  The first book in the series is Eragon...you may have seen it, it's a blue book with a cool blue dragon on the front cover.  It's about a boy, Eragon, who discovers a dragon egg that hatches for him.  From there on, he is off on a long adventure to help defend his country and its people by becoming a dragon rider.  The second book is Eldest.  This book has a red cover with a red dragon on it.  I was in the middle of reading this book when I had to abandon it because it was just taking me too long to read.  I definitely like the story but I think I just needed a break from it.  I think I am ready to go back to it though so I can get on to reading Brisingr which is the final book in the series.  I know fantasy lovers were very excited for this third book to be released.  If you are an Eragon  and Eldest fan, you may want to try and get your hands on Brisingr...and then let us know that you think!!

What Are You Reading Good? (7/07/08)

It's been a while since I posted!  Summer is a fun time and my family has been really busy.  My son completed the Summer Reading Program at our local library.  He earned a free kids' meal at Panera and some other food places and he got a free book!  There still might be time sign up at your local library and earn some free stuff!!!

So...what are you reading good this week?  REMEMBER..tell me the title, the author, what the book is about right now.  Try to really be more specific than just saying it is interesting or it is fun.  Make me want to read the book!  Or...really support why I shouldn't read the book, if you don't like it.  

I finished Green Glass Sea, by Ellen Klages.  It was a very interesting historical fiction book about a girl who lives in a  secret government town where all the adults are working to create the atomic bomb.  I really like the genre of historical fiction.

I also finished Fablehaven, Book Two: Rise of the Evening Star, by Brandon Mull.  I love this series and am excited to read the third book.  This is a fun series for anyone who likes fantasy.  This is the second book in the series but is just as good as the first!

Currently, I am reading Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie, by Jordan Sonnenblick.  This book falls into the category of teen issues.  It is about a boy named Stephen whose little brother was just diagnosed with cancer.  That means his family just found out his little brother has cancer, which is a serious disease that people sometimes die from.  It is a really well written book because I feel like Stephen is talking to me.  I can't imagine what it might be like to have a family member with cancer, but I think it would really hard to have a little boy have to deal with cancer.  No fun!  So far this book is really interesting but easy to read at the same time.  

What Are You Reading Good? (6/2/08)

What are you reading good this week?  Please share what you are reading.  Tell me the name of the book, the author, what the book is about so far, and if you like it!

 

I just finished Fablehaven By Brandon Mull.  I am now a fan of this series!!!!  I can't wait to read the books that come after this first one.  Fablehaven is the story of a brother and sister, Seth and Kendra, who are sent to spend a few weeks with their grandfather while their parents are away on a cruise.  Seth and Kendra learn that their grandfather lives in Fablehaven which is one of many special preserves for magical beings.  They meet fairies and a witch and lots of other cool fantastical creatures.  They also get themselves into some exciting and scary adventures.  This was a great book!

Ready or Not

Most Recently Read Book

Ready or Not

By Meg Cabot

Meg Cabot is one of my favorite authors.  She wrote the Princess Diaries series and lots of other fun books.  She is definitely a girly-girl author who writes about girls and their crazy lives...and usually boys.  This book, Ready or Not, is a sequel to All-American Girl.  The main character saves the President in the first book and starts dating the President's son Michael.  In this book she defends young American's rights...and has some fun along the way.  I would recommend this to students in high school because of some of the issues that are discussed.  I definitely recommend checking out Meg Cabot's other books if this one seems interesting to you!

The Tail of Emily Windsnap

Most Recently Read Book

The Tail of Emily Windsnap

By Liz Kessler

This was a very fun book about a girl, Emily, who goes swimming for the first time ever and finds out she becomes a mermaid when she is in the water. She lives on a boat on the ocean with her mom. Her dad totally disappeared when she was a baby and she knows nothing about him. When Emily realizes she is a mermaid, she goes swimming in the ocean...yes, she goes fast and can even swim underwater!...and she meets another mermaid her age, Shona. Shona shows her lots of tricks and becomes her best friend. Emily tries to find out more about her dad but her mom can't remember...it's a fun adventure. Do you think Emily finds her dad? You'll have to read it to find out! This book is actually a series and there are other books about Emily's adventures if you like The Tail of Emily Windsnap!

What Are You Reading Good? (5/26/08)

Every Monday, I will be posting a new "What Are You Reading Good?" for the week. This is your chance to share what you are reading good for the week.  As a student, you should be reading about one book a week, depending on how long the book is. A Harry-Potter-sized book might count as three books because it is so long and so it may take you three weeks to finish.  Try and set a goal for yourself and see if you can meet it! 

I have just started reading The Tail of Emily Windsnap by Liz Kessler.  This story is about a girl who has never been swimming or totally underwater, even in a bathtub, in her whole life!  Finally, she begs her mom to let her take swimming lessons and when she gets in the pool her legs feel really weird and she can't control them...because she has changed into a mermaid!  Right now, she is pretty freaked out and not sure what to do about.  She is scared to tell her mom so she is trying to keep it a secret from her.  It doesn't seem like she really has friends so I wish she would tell her mom.  I hate keeping secrets unless they are fun secrets.  I can't wait to see what happens!  

Meg Cabot is one of my favorite authors.  She wrote the Princess Diaries series (made into Disney movies) and other fun books.  I have to admit, these are totally girly books, but they are fun!  This is the second book in the All-American Girl series.  In the first book, All-American Girl, the main character accidentally saves the president from being shot and becomes famous because of it.  She also ends up falling in love with and dating the president's son.  How cool is that?  In this book, so far, she is trying to decide if she is going to go to Camp David, the private hangout for the president (for real), with her boyfriend and the President for Thanksgiving.  Who wouldn't want to go to Camp David?  I hope she choses to go!  

What are you reading good?  Please share with me and other blog-readers.  I love to share what I am reading, to hear what others are reading, and to get ideas for books I want to read.  Let me know if you have questions about the books I am reading or about anything in this post. Don't forget, keep reading good!  

Books as Movies 2008

Did you know that so many of the movies you see were really books first??  Sometimes movies are made into books, too.  Here is a list of books that were made into movies for 2008. Personally, I like to read the book first and let myself imagine the story first...and then go see the movie.  Some of these movies are already out...but that doesn't mean you can't still read the book first and then go check out the movies.  Also, did you know that you can check out movies at the library?  How cool is that?  They have VHS or videos, and they also have DVDs.  The best part? Totally FREE!  Just remember to return them on time, sometimes you can't check them out for as long as books.  Let me know how you thought the movie compared to the book!!

Spiderwick Chronicles - February 2008

Nim's Island - April 2008

Prince Caspian - May 2008

Indiana Jones - May 2008

Kit Kittredge: An American Girl - June 2008

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 - August 2008

This series is definitely a favorite!  It's great for teen girls and is a fun story of friendship.

City of Ember - October 2008

This is the beginning of an awesome science fiction series about a very interesting community.

The Secret Life of Bees - October 2008

This is a great story of a girl whose mom died when she was little and she runs away to find out more about her.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - November 2008

I am a huge Harry Potter fan and I am sad that the series has ended...but at least we have the movies to look forward to!

The Road - November 2008

Twilight - December 2008

Twilight is one of my absolute favorite books!  It is a fantastic, vampire, action, love story!  How cool does the cast look?  It is awesome!  I dare you to read it!

Marley and Me - December 2008

The Tale of Desperaux - December 2008