Books I've Read Recently:

Tangerine by Edward Bloor
We did our unit on narrative writing while reading this book. The kids got very in to the Erik/Paul rivalry. I love the different elements of this book, and highly reccommend it for 7th grade readers. Great Story!!

The Cabinet of Wonders by Marie Rutkoski
WOW! I got this book for my Alan Review! Here is what I submited:

The Cabinet of Wonders, The Kronos Chronicles, Book 1 by Marie Rutkoski Family/Friendship
Farrar, Strauss, Giroux, 2008, 263 pp. $16.95 ISBN-10: 0-374-31026-2

A romping fantasy that follows 12-year-old Petra Kronos on a quest to find and take her father’s stolen eyeballs, this book was a joy to read. Finally, Rutkoski has delivered a fantasy heroine to join the ranks of Harry and Percy Jackson.

When Petra’s father returns home from Prague minus his eyeballs, Petra leaves home with only her pet tin spider, Astrophil, and her father’s secret journal. Petra discovers she has magic powers, along with meeting many new friends, all while working in the palace for the evil Prince Rodolfo. Will Petra make it home with her father’s eyes? Or will the prince discover her plan to save the world by destroying his precious clock?

This book is a real page-turner, and Petra is so lovable, you are routing for her all the way! A fantasy book, set in historical Bohemia, The Cabinet is a very interesting and enjoyable read. Sixth graders and up will love this story, and parents will love the excellent vocabulary.

Stephanie Stidham
Fayetteville, AR

Another recent read is Zach's Lie by Roland Smith. My boys LOVED this one, we read it as a read aloud in Read 180, and they were foaming at the mouth for more. We didn't get anything else done until we were finished with this book. This was really exciting news since Read 180 is a class for kids who hate to read! It is spies, espionage, intrigue, drugs, Witness Protection Program, etc. Lots of good boy themes in there, with a love story attached for the girls! Great reading.

I think that might be all of my recent reading for now! Check back in later!
Stephanie