SOL #12 - March 12th Books

Today is Day 12 of the Slice of Life March - a daily writing challenge held at "Two Writing Teachers" and run by Stacey and Ruth. It is challenging - not so much the writing as finding the topic each day to focus on.

I loved Andrea's post "Books, Books and More Books" on the 9th. It was well written and had me chuckling and nodding in agreement.I too collect books - I have 8 bookcases and still more books in boxes.

Not even a day later though, I was out buying more books at Chapters - books I really don't need - I really need to cull or read what I do have.

But spend I did and got quite a variety of books (most from the bargain section):

A bio written by Michael Moore for my husband

"The Happy Book" for my student teacher
(at least not all the books are for me!)

"The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green - a YA novel I have been wanting to read since last year

Another book by Elizabeth Berg "The Last Time I Saw You" - an author I  do enjoy

2 art books: "Paper Made" by Kayte Terry (101 Paper projects)
                    "The Art of Drawing and Painting Horses - something I would like to master

As well, I got several other books from the bargain bin, as well as 3 magazines (one the Somerset Studio art magazine - love the art in it).

Magazines are another weakness. I inherited the magazine gene from my mother and have passed it onto my daughter and even my husband. At least I recycle them - they either go to school for different projects or are given to friends.

I have several books on the go -   what I read will depend on my mood :

"The Hobbit" - have to finish it soon if we want to see the movie on the big screen!
"Into the Abyss" by Carol Shaben - a true story I clearly remember about a plane crash in Alberta
"In the Garden of the Beasts" byn Erik Larsen - another WWII book, a true story

I will probably put these on hold though while I read John Green's story!

What is your favourite read of the year so far? I just finished " The House I Loved" by Tatiana de Rosnay, author of Sarah's Key - I enjoyed it.

SOL #5 - March 5th

Day 5 of the Slice of Life March brought to us by Stacey and Ruth of  "Two Writing Teachers."  It is a very positive, enjoyable challenge so far. And I have met through words, so many lovely people. What a range of interesting slices each day!

I had several ideas for today but when I arrived home and discovered a huge parcel in the mail for me I knew what I would write about.

Several weeks ago I joined in on a book and bookmark swap through "Teach Mentor Texts" ( an excellent blog written by Jen and Kellee). I mailed off my book for my swap mate and today my book arrived from Vicki.

Vicki included 2 books:

"Are You ready For Me?" by Claire Buchwald and Amelia Hansen
and
"Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute" by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

"Are You Ready For Me?" is even signed by the author - such a treat for me! It is a sweet book that prepares a child for the work involved in adopting a puppy. There is even a contract at the end that lists all the possible promises children and parents need to make.
I am considering getting a dog -  when I retire - it even had me questioning whether I would be ready! (maybe I will go for an older dog. lol)

Vicki's note stressed how similar we were in our favourite reads of last year - "Wonder" and "The One and Only Ivan". A kindred spirit!

I hope my book swap partner will like the book I sent her.

If there are more swaps I certainly plan to join in!

A New Book Challenge

While visiting "Create with Joy", a new book challenge for March was described. It sounds like a great way to read some of my many to be read books!
So I will be joining in the fun for March. Check here for more information.



I haven't read as much as I would have liked but have read the following this past month:

"Whitethorn Woods"  by Maeve Binchy   I hadn't read any of her books until "A week in Winter" which I did enjoy. I enjoyed this one and because it was told in different voices, it was easier to put down and start.
This book was a TBR book and met the Monthly Key word  challenge for January  ( "white")

"Rebel Heart" by Moira Young   I had the first book ("Blood Red Road") and enjoyed it. A former student who I had given the first book to, gave me this one to read - during recport card week!

I have read a number of books at school - many are re-reads.

I am currently focused on reading 2 books:

"The House I Loved"  by Tatiana De Rosnay  (key word for Feb.: house and a TBR book))

"The Hobbit" - I have had it for years and never finished it. Have to if I want to see the movie.


There are other books in a pile to be finished and will get to them shortly.

It's Monday! What are you Reading?

(I am not able to upload any pictures - don't know what's wrong with Blogger. Ugh!! This is not the first time this has happened.  I want to publish this now - will add pictures later I hope)

Over the past couple of weeks I was on holidays and did not read as much as I hoped. But I did get to read "The Book Thief".


 It was an amazing read. I have read a number of books relating to the Second World War this year yet this was by far the most memorable.

I also read:

Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai
I enjoyed it. Some reviewers did not like the story told in verse, but I rather liked it, as it made the impact of all she underwent more stark.

Hurry, Freedom by Frieda Wishinsky - a Canadian Flyer Adventure about the Underground Railway.
I have a few books in the series and had not read any so thought I'd see what it was like. An interesting twist on time travel and the two children learn about the Underground Railway by being part of an escape. An easy chapter book read.

More Stories Julian Tells by Ann Cameron
Julian is quite the story teller and I enjoyed this as much as the first one. Can see using these books for writer's workshop.

Neville by Norton Juster
I won this through a teacher blog and I so enjoyed it. Fun illustrations as well.

The Very Lonely Firefly by Eric Carle
I collect his books but had not read this or had one for my class library. I found this at Goodwill and loved the illustrations and simple storyline.

Christopher Changes His Name by Itah Sadu
I think all children wish for a different name at sometime and this is a fun look at what happens when Christopher changes his name.


I am still reading:
 "Guided Math" by Laney Simmons (which I will be using to improve my math programme)

Daily Five and Cafe by the 2 Sisters

I just started "Number Sense Routines" by Jessica F. Shumway which is going to help build numerical literacy in my class this year.

After reading "The Book Thief" , I am not sure what to read next. This summer has been filled with such powerful YA reads. Any suggestions??

Be sure to check here and here for some great book choices.

What are you going to Read This Summer?

Another interesting linky, this time from The Clutter-Free Classroom - what are you planning to read this summer?

I am planning to focus on writing this summer. So several books on writing are just waiting to be read or reread - the main 2 are these:

"Day by Day" by Ruth Ayres and Stacey Shubitz

I receive the weekly newsletter from Stenhouse and it is always filled with great info, as well as opportunities to preview books online. This is one of them - I want to review it.


"The Art of Teaching Writing" by Lucy Calkins

I also plan to take part in the Summer Writing Camp (check out the info here at "Two Writing Teachers' blog - a great resource). It will be a perfect opportunity to develop my own writing skills and be involved in a writing community. It starts June 4!

Summer is my time to catch up on all the books I have been either piling beside my desk at home or listing in a notebook, that others have recommended.  Here are a few I am anxious to get into:

The Outlander by Gil Adamson

The Pact by Jodi Picoult

Alice I Have Been by Melanie Benjamin

Women Food and God by Geneen Roth

The Dressmaker of Khair Khana byGayle T. Lemmon


I am also planning on reading as many YA and picture books as I am able. I plan to frequent the library more often and check out books that I can use as mentor texts.

All in all, I am so looking forward to a summer of reading.

Be sure to check out the great lists from others here.

Favourite Books - Linky Party Fun

My Favourite Books

Jen Runde is holding a linky party on favourite books! That is my weakness – books and magazines. I can’t pass a book store without stopping in and buying at least one book! Costgo is the worst though – I tell myself I will not buy another book. Yeah right! There is always some new book that has been recommended, that looks too good to pass up or has been on my list to read.
Here are some of my favourite books:

1. Childhood Favourites:
My favourite books in childhood were the Anne of Green Gables series. I loved Anne Shirley! I wanted to be a teacher and a writer, just like her.

2. Classroom Favourites:
I love Kate DiCamillo’s books – Because of Winn Dixie, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane and Tale of Desperaux are my all time favourites to read aloud
I always read these to my Grade 3 classes and the children love them.

3. “Reading to my own Children” Favourites:
My favourite book that I read to my children was “Love You Forever” by Robert Munsch. I used to sing the song to my youngest every night. I read every night to my children – it didn’t matter the book, as long as we were snuggled together and enjoying the store.

4. Professional Favourites:
One of my favourites is “Conversations” by Regie Routman. I also like her “Reading Essentials. I turn to “Strategies the Work” by Stephanie Harvey and Anne Goudvis as well as “On Solid Ground” by Taberski for reading comprehension.
I have used “The Daily Five” and “Café” by The Two Sisters for the past 2 years and although I don’t follow them exactly, there are many great things in these books.

5. Guilty Pleasure Favourites
I love the Sue Grafton books – am waiting for the next one eagerly! I also read Kathy Reichs and Debbie Macomber (2 completely different writers!)
Right now I am into reading young adult fiction and have just finished Lois Lowry”s “Gathering Blue” (listed as a companion book to “The Giver”). Really enjoyed it.
I have lists to read and piles of books to read and usually have several on the go.

Right now I am also working through “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron.

What are your favourite books??

Day 3 - Photo a Day

A simple self-portrait - the backdrop is one of my favourite pieces of artwork, made of handmade paper, with me doing what I love to do - taking photos!

I love reading and for me, reading is my refuge and has been throughout my life. In school, my goal every year is to ensure that children love reading and love to read. I can'timagine a life without reading. My library overflows everywhere in my home!

This pile is a few of the books I have read recently or am reading:

Have read and loved:

Teach Like Your Hair's On Fire by Rafe Esquith (I will be rereading parts this summer - lots of inspiration for a teacher!)

The Necklace by Cheryl Jarvis (Loved the idea of 13 women sharing a necklace and how it impacted their lives)

The Nine Lives of Charlotte Taylor by Sally Armstrong (just finished - a very powerful historical/biography of an early Canadian pioneer)

One Simple Act by Debbie Macomber (Looks at how generosity can change your life)

I am reading now:

Child of Dandelions by Shenaaz Nanji (the life of a child effected by war - I teach at a very multicultural school and I try to read about children in other lands)

You Could Live a Long Time: Are You Ready? by Lyndsay Green (I saw an interview with her and was struck by her take on retirement. A very interesting read!)

Burden of Desire by Robert MacNeil (Have only just started - another historical book of the Maritimes, this time of the Haliax harbour ship explosion)

Waiting close in the wings:

206 Bones by Kathy Reichs

Women Food and God by Geneen Roth

Little Bee by Chris Cleave

(Plus another hundred or so books I want to read sometime! lol)