Here is a list of my top ten favorite books that I read this year. It was really hard to choose, and even more difficult to put them in order, but I think I succeeded.
1. Rooftoppers and Cartwheeling in Thunderstorms by Katherine Rundell
Both of these books are beautifully and imaginatively written. I’m definitely a Katherine Rundell fan. Rooftoppers reminds us to never ignore a possible, that a mother is a place to put down your heart, and that love and courage can be two words for the same thing. Cartwheeling in Thunderstorms reminds us that everyone starts out with some strange in them and that it’s important to be who you are. Can’t wait for The Wolf Wilder to come out in August!
2. We Were Liars by e. lockhart
The ending! Amazing! I’ve had many conversations with students about what the ending means. Interesting that everyone has a different opinion and a unique perspective. I hear this book has been optioned for a movie. Can’t wait!
3. The Eighth Day by Dianne K. Salerni
Science Fiction, Adventure, and Fantasy all in one book! I told my sixth graders about this book in the spring and everyone wanted to read it. I ordered 5 (!) more copies, and every one of them has been checked out. Can’t wait to read book #2, The Inquisitor’s Mark.
4. The Thickety: A Path Begins by J. A. White
Witches and magic. Can’t wait to read book #2, The Thickety: Whispering Trees.
5. Loot by Jude Watson
This book includes mystery, adventure, resourceful and creative kids, and a twist at the end. This book did not stay on the shelves after I told my sixth graders about in in the fall. A must read!
6. Seeing Red by Kathryn Erskine
A historical fiction novel set in 1972 in Stony Gap, Virginia. At the beginning of the book, Red Porter’s father, his idol, passes away. His mother wants to sell the family home and business and move to Ohio to be near her family. Red is determined to stay. This book deals with race relations, women’s liberation, gender roles, family relationships, keeping secrets, and loss and grief. This book fits nicely with the seventh grade USII curriculum. It’s a heavy story, but it will make you think...and it will stay with you long after you have finished it.
7. The Secret Hum of a Daisy by Tracy Holczer
A book about healing from a loss, making a place for yourself, and connecting to other people. A really nice story.
8. Nightingale’s Nest by Nikki Loftin
Twelve year old Little John is spending the summer helping his father with his tree removal business. One day, he hears a beautiful song, and he sees a girl, Gayle, singing in a tree. He becomes friends with her and finds out that she is living with a foster family. Her magical spirit offers him comfort from the troubles in his life...grief over the death of his younger sister and the financial problems his family faces. Little John isn’t the only one who has heard Gayle’s song. Mr. King, the owner of the home where he and his father are working has heard it too. Mr. King makes Little John an offer he almost can’t refuse. In exchange for a recording of Gayle’s voice, Mr. King will give Little John a large sum of money. Can he betray his friend?
9. Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein
A fun story! Kyle loves games. His hero, Mr. Luigi Lemoncello, has designed the new town library and announces a contest to allow 12 students the chance to be the first to spend the night in the library. Kyle enters the contest. To see if he wins, you’ll have to read the book.
10. El Deafo by CeCe Bell
Set in Roanoke, this graphic novel tells the story of CeCe who has a hearing impairment and must wear hearing aids to school. She is sure that all of her classmates will notice, and is embarrassed. Through a series of events, she quickly learns that our differences are our superpowers.
Ok, I cheated a bit. This is really a list of eleven books. I said it was hard to choose!
