Harry Potter Thursday #9

Harry Potter Moment of the Week hosted by Uncorked Thoughts!  Check out the blog-hop and other cool stuff over there!

The aim of this meme is to share with fellow bloggers a character, spell, chapter, object, quote etc. from the books/ films/ J. K. Rowling herself or anything Potter related!

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Today’s Potter Question:  What is your favorite new bit of information since the series ended?

This is an exciting time for Potter-heads!  In recent weeks J.K. Rowling, Pottermore, and bookish sites everywhere have teased a new play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.  At first, everyone thought this was to be a sequel.

That is until this past week!  I follow J.K. Rowling on Twitter (becoming quite adept at the Kid-Lit-o-sphere!) and this came in my Twitter-feed.

So now you know it really isn't a prequel: Harry Potter & the #CursedChild starts #19yearslater! Go to @HPPlayLDN for more information.

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) October 23, 2015

That’s right – it is actually a 19 years later, 2-part, stage production of another story in the Wizarding World.  Coming to a British stage in 2016!

Wishlist Wednesday – 9

Wishlist Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted over at Pen to Paper. This meme is where you showcase one book that is on your wishlist and that you can’t wait to get off your wishlist and into your hands.

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Welcome to an awesome weekly meme:  Wishlist Wednesday!  This is a blog hop to share something that I am very excited to read…but haven’t read yet!

Nine weeks and I’ve already shared 8 books that I want to read.  It is a good thing that I have such amazing classmates with diverse tastes.  Otherwise, I’d never be able to come up with all these wishes!

Okay, that’s a lie.  But we’ll all pretend that it is true.  Okay?

Artsy-Fartsy (An Aldo Zelnick Comic Novel), written by Karla Oceanak and illustrated by Kendra Spanjer, introduces us to the world of young Aldo Zelnick.  He is a boy who is not great at anything, but loves to draw.  The reviews say this comic-novel (I think both comic-funny and comic-book) is the first in a series of adventures with young Aldo.

That’s right, a series.  Each book’s title starts with the next letter of the alphabet.  Kerfuffle (#11) has just been released, but I want to start from the beginning!

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Follow the link and join the blog hop!

 

Challenge Check In

Can you believe it has been four weeks of Challenge Reading already?  I certainly can’t!  Since I have been working on my challenge the last few weeks, it is time that I….

What was my challenge?

My challenge was to read through a big chunk of Amazon’s 100 Best Children’s Books.  I knew I’d never read through all 100 books this semester, so I challenged myself to 1 picture book, 1 re-read (picture book or novel), and 1 new to me book.

How have I done?

So far I’m only 1 book behind in the challenge.  There was one week (weeks 2 and 3) that I did not finish both chapter books I had chosen.  I never added an additional book in though either.  I have been good about reading both new to me and re-read books.

Road Blocks

I’ve faced a few challenges.  The first is being realistic in what I can read in one week.  We are supposed to read for 4 hours each week.  However, I’d estimate I read 5-6 hours each week.  I wonder, is this too much?

I have found that the picture books are harder to come by in our small, Wyoming town.  However, I’m doing my best with library trips and borrowing from friends.The picture books are the ones I have to plan for the most since I am relying on others to get a copy of the book.

Successes

My re-read books have all been ones that I have not read in a long time.  This has been a pleasant surprise!  There are so many books I know I read at one point, but I don’t remember everything (see The Mouse and the Motorcycle for evidence of that!).

I’ve also been pleased at finding the upper-elementary chapter books I have read.  These books are shorter and filled with characters that I relate to.  I have really found that children’s literature has very well-defined characters and I LOVE it.

Reflecting on the Challenge

Since I’ve begun this challenge, I have been really happy.  This is a great challenge for me because it includes books from nearly all genres (I don’t think there are any non-fiction books on the list).  I also love that it is a mix of all types of literature from picture books to chapter books.  Another wonderful aspect is that many of the books are award winners – a sign to me that they will be amazing.  This challenge seems to be a good fit for me.

I don’t know that I will need to adjust my challenge for the latter part

of the semester.  I feel like I set a reasonable goal – 3 books a week, with one being a picture book – when I set out.  It has been difficult not pushing myself to read all 100 books.  But I am working to hold back.  Otherwise, what would I read at Christmas?

Check In Final Thoughts

• I have picked an amazing challenge for me that covers many different genres and types of books.  The fact that I am mixing re-reads with new to me books has been fun.
• It is hard not to push myself to read all 100 books.  I’m working at being realistic with my reading and leaving my future self something to read.

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How has your challenge gone?  Which books on my challenge list do I need to be CERTAIN get read this semester?

Let’s talk below….

IMWAYR – Challenge Week 4

This week I have been reading more books in my 100 Children’s Book Challenge.  Head over to the 100 Children’s Book tab for my full list!

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I  cannot believe it has been four weeks of my reading challenge!  I’ve read quite a few books, but not quite as many as I had planned.  Tune in later in the week for a check in on the challenge!

This week I actually utilized our local library’s e-book loan system.  (I know…I didn’t even buy them!)

The first book I read was one off of my “Old Favorites” list.  The Mouse and the Motorcycle, by Beverly Cleary, tells the story of Ralph S. Mouse – a courageous, rebellious mouse – and his new friend, Keith – a young boy staying in Ralph’s motel with his parents.  The two bond over a toy motorcycle and become friends.  When Keith gets sick, it is Ralph and his motorcycle who must journey out and save the day!

I remember that I loved this book as a kid.  I also know that there is a movie out there – I know I’ve seen it!  I fell in love with Ralph S. Mouse all over again.  I recommend this book to all kids, lovers of imagination, and daring mice just waiting for their lives to begin!

My second novel this week was a “New To Me” read.  Are You There, God?  It’s Me, Margaret, by Judy Bloom, is the story of almost 12-year-old Margaret and her life as a new student in a suburban 6th grade.  Bloom tackles all the struggles of the 6th grade with finesse and characters who really stand out.

I could not believe that I had never read this before!  How on Earth did I miss out on Are You There, God?  I felt like the awkward 6th grade girl I once was.  This masterpiece should be read by all girls.  Even if they are 12 (+20) years old now!

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This week’s picture book comes from the “Old Favorites” list.  Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs is a fantastic story about a world where the weather is food.  Lots of crazy things happen, including amazing illustrations.

I actually had never read this one until I was an adult.  We bought it one year for the “things to play with at Aunt & Uncle’s house” box.  It has really great illustrations and is a fun little story.  Everyone should read it once.

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Well, that’s what I read!  What did you read this week?  Have you read these books before?  What should I read next?

Let’s chat in the comments!

Harry Potter Thursday #8

Harry Potter Moment of the Week hosted by Uncorked Thoughts!  Check out the blog-hop and other cool stuff over there!

The aim of this meme is to share with fellow bloggers a character, spell, chapter, object, quote etc. from the books/ films/ J. K. Rowling herself or anything Potter related!

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Today’s Potter Question:  The Quibbler needs a new headline story.  What do you come up with?

Inside this week’s Quibbler:

Hagrid and Maxime – A Love Story

Join us as we visit Rubeus Hagrid and Olympe Maxime at their honeymoon chalet in France!  Will they have children?  What Wizarding School will they work for?  How do they deal with the wizard paparazzi?

Pick up the Quibbler today!

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What headline would you like to see in the Quibbler?

Let’s talk below!

Wishlist Wednesday #8

Wishlist Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted over at Pen to Paper. This meme is where you showcase one book that is on your wishlist and that you can’t wait to get off your wishlist and into your hands.

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Welcome to an awesome weekly meme:  Wishlist Wednesday!  This is a blog hop to share something that I am very excited to read…but haven’t read yet!

This week’s Wishlist Wednesday is a book that I added to my wishlist after surfing around Amazon.

Wyatt and his friends are on a class trip to Washington, D.C.  Action.  Adventure.  The need to stay out of trouble!

This book is supposed to be hilarious.  Some of the reviews say it is not a book for kids, but rather for adults.  All I know is that I enjoy the humor of Dave Barry, first person narratives, and books about middle school shenanigans!

Can’t wait to get this one in my hot little hands!

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Follow the link and join the blog hop!

 

IMWAYR – Challenge Week 3

This week I have been reading more books in my 100 Children’s Book Challenge.  Head over to the 100 Children’s Book tab for my full list!

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So I started the post last week with the confession that I had not finished my third book.  I teased my mystery book and here is the review for you now!!

The Watsons Go To Birmingham – 1963, by Christopher Paul Curtis, was certainly worth the read!  After my professor’s enthusiastic recommendation, I immediately ordered the paperback.

The story follows the Weird Watsons:  Kenny (middle child and hilarious narrator of the story), his older brother Byron (aka Daddy Cool, a real “hoodlum”), younger sister Joetta (Joey), Momma (Wilona, a Southern belle who fell hard for a jokester), and Dad (Daniel, a typical American dad).  The family lives in Flint, Michigan where they encounter all the normal things all families encounter.  First there is Byron and his friend Buphead who get into trouble.  There is Kenny who befriends the new kids in school, and proceeds to share what little he has with them.  Joey who cries at the drop of a hat and is most certainly the baby of the family.

They do not head to Birmingham until later in the novel.  By this time, I have fallen in love with the humor of Kenny and his realistic narration.  While they are in Birmingham visiting Wilona’s mother (with intentions of Byron staying with her for the summer), the 16th Street Baptist Church Bombing of 1963 occurs.

I expected this novel to be steeped in civil rights history.  However, it truly is the story of the Weird Watsons and the crazy, normal things that happen to families.  I strongly recommend this Newbery winner to everyone.  Thanks for the recommendation Professor!

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For my other novel this week, I read another graphic novel.  This week I combed through my list and found an all time favorite.  The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, retold by Eric Shanover and illustrated by Skottie Young, is one of my favorite adaptations of the classic Oz story.  Shanover and Young work diligently to stay true to the L. Frank Baum original text.  Skottie Young, an artist who works on various Marvel comics, brings a beautiful world to life.

I mean, look at this art work and tell me that it isn’t beautiful!

  

Definitely read it, and the following books they have completed together, as well.  A great into to the world of graphic novels!

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Finally, for my picture book this week, I decided to read some Dr. Seuss.  The Amazon list includes a collection that includes five books.  I was only able to read four of them, but here they were! 

The Cat in the Hat – the classic story that started them all.  Two siblings stuck inside alone on a rainy day encounter a giant cat who brings chaos, and fun, to the house.  Add in one fish who is a rule follower and you have a classic!

Green Eggs and Ham – Sam I Am, I do not like Green Eggs and Ham!  This is my favorite Seuss book (aside from How the Grinch Stole Christmas) and I have the book nearly memorized.  I did sit and read the book aloud to my corgi though.  Yup, nerd city here!

Hop on Pop – I honestly think I never read this one before.  It’s cute rhymes and poetic meter would make an interesting analysis of poetry for young readers and writers.  This is one I am wanting to own for my own classroom.

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish – I was super bummed out that my local library didn’t have the copy of this classic in stock.  I guess someone else wanted to read about silly fish and other silly things this week!  Thankfully, I have amazing co-workers who graciously offered their copy for me to read.  I actually had offers from no less than 5 co-workers!  Thanks to you all for your support of my reading habit!

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So, that’s where I am at on my Challenge!  I had hoped to read another novel, but with a crazy week at work and a not fun sinus headache this weekend, this is what I read.

What did you read this week?  What should I put on the list for this coming week?  Which of the “new to me” books do I need to get in my hands?  Let’s talk below!

Harry Potter Thursday #7

Harry Potter Moment of the Week hosted by Uncorked Thoughts!  Check out the blog-hop and other cool stuff over there!

The aim of this meme is to share with fellow bloggers a character, spell, chapter, object, quote etc. from the books/ films/ J. K. Rowling herself or anything Potter related!

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Today’s Potter Question:  Share your favorite McGonagall moment.

First, I must say, Minerva McGonagall is my favorite Hogwarts staff member.  She has some amazing lines.  She is a firm, but caring, educator and she only wants the best for Harry, Ron, Hermione, and all herGryffindors.  The fact that in the films she is played by Maggie Smith (one of my all time favorite actresses) makes her even more perfect.

One of my favorite McGonagall moments comes in Harry Potter and the Prisioner of Azkaban.  Harry is asking for an exemption to having his Hogsmead waiver signed by a guardian.  While McGonagall, and all the staff, love Harry, she will not be swayed.  Rules are rules and Professor McGonagall ensures that everyone is treated fairly.

‘I’m afraid not, Potter,’ she [Professor McGonagall] said. ‘You heard what I said. No form, no visiting the village. That’s the rule.’

‘But – Professor, my aunt and uncle – you know, they’re Muggles, they don’t really understand about – about Hogwarts forms and stuff,’ Harry said, while Ron egged him on with vigorous nods. ‘If you said I could go –’

‘But I don’t say so,’ said Professor McGonagall, standing up and piling her papers neatly into a drawer. ‘The form clearly states that the parent or guardian must give permission.’ She turned to look at him, with an odd expression on her face. Was it pity? ‘I’m sorry, Potter, but that’s final word. You had better hurry, or you’ll be late for your next lesson.’ (8)

She is the type of teacher I want to be someday.  What a great and well developed character!

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What is your favorite McGonagall moment?  Let’s talk below….

Wishlist Wednesday #7

Wishlist Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted over at Pen to Paper. This meme is where you showcase one book that is on your wishlist and that you can’t wait to get off your wishlist and into your hands.

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Welcome to an awesome weekly meme:  Wishlist Wednesday!  This is a blog hop to share something that I am very excited to read…but haven’t read yet!

This week I want to feature a professional development book.  We read a piece by Donalyn Miller earlier in the semester.  She has been an amazing inspiration to me!

I want to learn more about Ms. Miller and her philosophy of choosing what you read.  Her thinking has influenced how I feel about teaching reading.  This book will be a great chance to explore her thoughts some more!

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Follow the link and join the blog hop!

 

IMWAYR – Challenge Week 2

This week I have been reading more books in my 100 Children’s Book Challenge.  Head over to the 100 Children’s Book tab for my full list!

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I’m in the second week of my challenge and I’ve already failed myself!  Okay, failed maybe isn’t the right word….I didn’t make my goal though.

This week I read a picture book called Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker.  This is a very cute book in the same typical style of Goodnight Moon.  The book describes what all the machines have done that day and shows how they go to sleep for rest.  The illustrations – especially the big machines all curled up with their blanket and stuffed animals – were gorgeous too!

This is a great book for kids (and adults) who like the big machines and construction equipment.

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This week my first novel was actually a graphic novel.  Thanks to various KidLit Bloggers who are promoting graphic novel month, I decided that it was the week to take Coraline, by Neil Gaiman, off of my husband’s shelves.

Coraline is a young girl who discovers an “Other” world through a portal in her new house.  She thinks the Other Mother, and the Other world, are pretty good because she gets what she wants.  However, things go South for Miss Coraline.  She must escape the Other Mother’s clutches, her creepy button eyes, and the hand with long fingernails that is chasing her.

This is a good book for older readers.  The graphic novel version, illustrated by P. Craig Russell, is especially creepy.  I thought I would start October off with a creepy book and this one fit the bill!

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My second novel this week is in process.  Life got away from me, and I really believe I scheduled too much reading…at least for this past week.  So, look for the Book That Took Two Weeks (aka my mystery read….) in next week’s #imwayr post!

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What did you read this week?  Any ideas for my next week reading from my challenge list?  Let’s talk below…