M is for Mischief

M Is for Mischief: An A to Z of Naughty Children by Linda Ashman


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was really fun, with creative pictures and rhyme. Parents and kids will get a kick out of this book, and it could spark some good conversations about appropriate behavior and being a good citizen. Kids who are already mischievous might just get ideas, though. I've had a few smart-alec students who might try to copy some of these behaviors. I'm not sure I'll read it at school, but I'd read it to my kids.

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This is Just to Say

Here's a review of my favorite poetry book since I started reading Beehive Nominations for 2010.

This is Just to Say: Poems of Apology and Forgiveness by Joyce Sidman


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book of poetry was my favorite so far! The poems in this book were written by 6th graders and their teacher. The first half of the book is poems of apology--the students wrote poems to someone they hurt about what they did to hurt that person. Some are funny, and some are heart wrenching. Many show an incredible depth and maturity, especially given the young age of the authors. The second half of the book is poems of forgiveness, written by the people the first group of poems were written to. There are a couple of poems with strong language, but overall, this book really impressed me and makes me want to teach a poetry writing class!

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The Graveyard Book

I finished this book last night. Here's my review. This novel is appropriate for 5th grade and up, though the book begins with a grisly murder of a family, leaving an infant boy orphaned and alone. The murder is bloody for a child's book, and some children may be disturbed by the images invoked.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This story felt a bit slow for the first 2/3 of the book. It was interesting--an intimate look at the unseen life that could go on in a graveyard--and the character Bod was endearing. There were many times when I felt like the reader missed out on moments of conflict that would have strengthened the narrative and kept the plot moving. In fact, that was probably this novel's greatest weakness--lack of conflict. From about page 180 on, it got more interesting. The climax of the novel relied on the descriptive "down time" that had felt so slow earlier on, so that gave those slow scenes more meaning. Books that cover a long length of time seem to have this flaw--they feel episodic and less cohesive, and the reader must read with faith that everything will tie together in the end. This novel did tie together, and I liked it much better by the time I got to the end of it. Overall, entertaining.

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Cabinet of Wonders

This book is appropriate for 5th grade reading level and up.

The Cabinet of Wonders by Marie Rutkoski


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this book! I am very picky about novels that I read in my free time. I expect a novel to grab me right away. I expect interesting characters and an involved plot that is driven by character choices. This novel had all of that. Easily rivaling Harry Potter with its magical qualities and endearing characters, this novel is enchanting, heart-wrenching, and well worth your time!

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The library is open!

Hello, Bella Vista students! Our library is now open! You'll be able to check out books, but be sure you can check them back in! During the first week of library services, we'll read "What Happened to Marion's Book?" to the students. Parents, ask your children about the things they need to do when they borrow a book from the library--then ask them about the things they shouldn't do.



What Happened to Marion's Book? by Brook Berg


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Marion is a little hedgehog who needs to learn how to care for her library books! This book is great to help students learn about taking responsibility for the books they borrow from the library. A great read at the beginning of the school year.

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Reading Goals

It's important to set goals because they give you direction. Ever spent a summer without any goals? You sit around and do nothing until your mom gives you something to do, right? I have set a goal this school year to read all of the Beehive nominees for 2010. The first book I read in an effort to accomplish this goal was "The Cabinet of Wonders" by Marie Rutoski. I will write my book review soon.

Set a few goals this year! Your first goal, of course, should be to read the books you need to read for your classes. Having a hard time deciding what books to read in your free time? Check with your librarian for ideas!

Want to go places you've never been and meet people you've never met? Want to learn something new and experience something out of the ordinary? Read a book!