What I'm Reading Wednesday

Was it the great Sir Mix-a-Lot that once said, "I like big books and I cannot lie"? I think those are the lyrics, right?

When I walked out of school last Wednesday, I brought home a huge crate of goodies from my classroom. I had to pack an additional bag just to carry all of the books I brought home to read over the summer.  

First on the list this summer was, "Absolutely Almost" by Lisa Graff. This is an incredibly sweet story about a little boy named Albie finding his path through a very confusing school year. While reading, you'll laugh with Albie and be heartbroken as well. I found myself having similar emotions as to when I read "Wonder" for the first time. I was Team Auggie and Team Albie all the way!

I look forward to sharing this book with my students and having conversations about the way we treat others and what it really means to be, "cool".  

What I'm Reading Wednesday ... on a Thursday

A great stress relief for me is reading a hilarious book. The perfect night cap to a nonstop day at school if you ask me! Really... there's nothing like finding a book that literally makes you laugh out loud. 

If you haven't been introduced, let me have the honor. For your comedic pleasure, allow me to introduce, Amy Poehler. 

Aren't ready to commit? Enjoy a 5-minute excerpt from her book on YouTube. 

Seriously. If you're a fan of Amy's, SNL, Parks & Rec, or comedy in general.... you're going to enjoy this book. 

What I'm Reading Wednesday

Back in December, my book club read the first book in the Cormoran Strike series, The Cuckoo's Calling. After a little hiatus (life can get busy!) we met again on a beautiful patio overlooking the lake and picked our book for the month. 

In this second book of the series, Cormoran is investigating the disappearance of a shifty author in the London area.  I'm hoping the twists and turns start to pick up soon like the first one. I really enjoyed The Cuckoo's Calling and I hope to say the same for this one!

Buy it here. 

Next on my list to read....

Buy it here. 

What are you currently reading? Do share!

What I'm Reading Wednesday

Currently, I am experiencing book withdrawals. You know, when you finish a book and you aren't ready to start another one but you have the longing to be wrapped up in the story line and drama of another piece of literature. Yes, that's me right now. 

On Monday, I finished reading/listening to (I did a combo this month) "The Cuckoo's Calling" by Robert Galbraith (a.k.a. J.K. Rowling). Near the end of the story, things started escalating and I actually shouted out loud, "WHAT!"  Rowling's book follows detective Comoran Strike as he investigates the mysterious death of famous supermodel, Lula Landry. I have a sneaky feeling we might be hearing from Strike again soon. I can only hope!

 

 Buy it on Amazon here. 

In my classroom, we just wrapped up Out of My Mind and have moved on to a new pick by Gordon Korman titled, "Ungifted". We are only about 20 pages in, but the kids seem to really enjoy the story so far.

Buy it on Amazon here.  

What are YOU reading this week?

Happy Wednesday!

What I'm Reading Wednesday

Do you ever get so swept up in everything you aren't doing and can't quite find time to do that your brain starts to play ping pong? That's what is happening to me right now. So instead of dwelling on all the stress, I'm watching Full house in my cozy socks and catching up with you, readers. 

In Book Club:
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time. This was highly recommended by two friends so I suggested my book club read it as well. I'm listening to the audio version this month (it still counts!!) and I really think it's adding to the story.

In my classroom:
Out of My Mind. Once I got my students past the idea that Melody was not the fish pictured on the cover, the questions and compassion started rolling out. Haven't read it? YOU MUST.

Professionally:
 I'm participating in a district-wide book study on Text Complexity. We are reading the book titled, "Text Complexity". I believe, based on the title, you have figured out what this one is about. Well you're wrong! It's about a group of teachers working to solve a mystery about who stole the cookies from the cookie jar. Okay, okay... I'm kidding. It's about raising rigor in reading and the common core. I had you there for a minute though!

Personally:
The Energy Bus. Talk about a real booster of energy! This book is filled with ways to encourage positivity with those around you whether its professionally or in your personal life. I've posted the "10 Rules", but it will really make sense if you read the book. Go for it, I dare you!

Have a great Thursday!
Linking up with Juice Boxes & Crayolas. 

What I'm Reading Wednesday

Throughout the school year, my students are always telling me to read this book, and that book, and THIS book... so finally, I've had time to read some of those books. Wahoo!

"Because of Mr. Terupt" was a very popular title in my room and was passed around to many students. It's an incredible story about the connection made between a class and I highly recommend it. 

Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea

Last night, I started "The Name of This Book is Secret" because of its popularity in my classroom. It's a unique series and I'm only about 20 pages in, but I'm enjoying it so far. :)

The Name of This Book is a Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch

What are you reading, folks?

Linking up with Juice Boxes & Crayolas!

My Reading Life Lately

Thanks to this beautiful season called summer and the conclusion of my online summer classes, I've had lots of time to curl up with a good book.. or two.. or three. Earlier this year, I had the honor of listening to Donalyn Miller speak at a conference where I live. She mentioned the power of having a reading community: others you can talk to about books, share ideas, share titles, etc. All of the titles I've read lately are from book club picks or suggestions from friends. How lucky am I? 

Here's a look at a few titles I've read lately. 

The Expats by Chris Pavone

The Expats was a book club choice and I highly recommend it! Read as Kate, a former C.I.A. agent, begins to unfold secrets about the husband she thought she knew...

The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman

A friend of mine wrote a riveting review of The Light Between Oceans on Good Reads and I knew I HAD to read it. Now my book club is reading it this month. Grab the tissues... you will need them.

The Silent Wife by A.S.A. Harrison

I picked The Silent Wife because my Real Simple magazine suggested it would cure my Gone Girl withdrawal. I was foolish to believe this would compare to Flynn's book, but it's still a compelling read about a troubled romance filled with deception.

Tell me folks, what are you reading now-a-days?

2 Minutes: The Third Chapter

Before I dive into the third chapter of My Future Book That Doesn't Have a Title, I must remind my readers that someday I plan to write a book. I'm obviously making great progress because I don't have a title and I'm only on the third chapter. I can imagine that publishers are just waiting around the block for me! (insert extreme sarcasm here). Oh well, writing is fun and sharing my downfalls and learning experiences is fun for me. Maybe this is why I love teaching writing so much? It doesn't have to be some elaborate process. Instead, writing can be relaxed and enjoyable all the time. Okay, hopping off my soapbox.

Chapter 3: 2 Minutes

"What color is your desk, Ms. Furnell?" -student

Before I started teaching, I had this fantastic book of teacher checklists. One of the checklists included what to do if you had 10 minutes of spare time, 5 minutes of spare time, 2 minutes of spare time, etc. I thourougly read the chapter and thought, "Wow! I can really accomplish a lot in just a few minutes." I made a mental note to save that for my future when I had my own classroom. 

Fast forward to the present. I currently have my own classroom and I have yet to open that book or reference that checklist again. I preface this next part by saying, I sincerely hope that I am not the only one who is guilty of this. Every day, I have a 45 minute plan time and somehow, on some days that end in "y", (okay, I'm exaggerating) those 45 minutes slip away from me oh-so-easily. Perhaps during that said plan time, I could be grading papers? planning for the next week? researching new teaching practices? making copies? planning lessons to engage all of my learners? There are literally thousands of productive things I could be doing. 

As I'm watching the clock, I think... oh! I've got plenty of time to do this and that. But then, you realize that there are 2 minutes left of plan time and you have yet to accomplish anything productive. So what do you do? Well, folks - you get everything done on your to do list in 2 minutes. Here's a real life scenario that probably would never be published in an actual book because it's a terrible example. Recently, I tried go to the bathroom, make copies on a slow copy machine, dig materials out of a storage closet, oh, AND pick my kids up from specials. Is this the best way to use your plan time? No. Because you would have seen me running down the hallway at (not) lightning pace. I'm sure several of my coworkers have seen me running and considered sending me to the office. 

I wouldn't necessarily say this is good advice to follow, instead we'll catalog this chapter under the "What Not to Do" file. Let's face it folks, we can get lured away from that stack of papers easily - are there snacks in the teacher's lounge? Yes. See? You're already distracted!

What I'm Reading Wednesday

It's been a few months since I've updated you on my current read! Sheesh, once again I've neglected to inform you about my book club. For the month of May, we decided to pick a book that didn't involve family drama or murder (our last few picks...) so we went the nonfiction route. A friend of mine recommended "Spoken From the Heart" by Laura Bush. 

I just finished reading about Laura and President Bush's wedding and the birth of their twin girls Barbara and Jenna. If you're weary about reading a book regarding politics, I'll leave you with the Las Vegas Review Journal's recommendation on the back, "It doesn't matter if you are Republican or Democrat, the history and legacy this admirable woman leaves behind will forever be part of our country's tapestry."

Civil War

Happy May! I cannot believe that school is winding down. Someone will have to grab me a box of tissues if I keep thinking about it. Since state testing is over for the year (wahoo!), we're able to go back to having fun in the classroom again. On Monday, we kicked off our Civil War unit. Instead of using our social studies time for this unit, I'm using my Communication Arts block because we're tying in so many reading strategies and skills.  I decided early on that I wanted my students to participate in the Civil War simulation by Scholastic. Side bar: it's currently $5.00 as an e-book!!! 

Have you done a simulation before? This will be my first attempt, but I'm really excited to get the students talking and writing about Civil War experiences. Before diving into the simulation, I wanted my kids to have a little background on what caused the war, important people, and common vocabulary. 

To begin, I divided my classroom into the North and the South. The simulation has students assume a roll of a Union or Confederate solider - I decided to tie in a little geography as well. 

I assigned each table a region of the United States. I know what you're thinking! Yes, we used a modern map to assemble our regions. Considering many states nowadays were not states in the 1860's, this led to a great conversation! 

As a small group, students had to cut out the states in their region and assemble them like a puzzle. I put three regions on the northern side and two on the south. I needed the Union to have more students, so the west was flexible. :)

Region... Assemble!

After small groups assembled their region, I laminated and hung them above their tables. If you've been a follower of my blog, you know about my pods. You can read about those here.  In short, I like to name my pods, or groups, terms that I want the students to remember for-ev-er. 

Now, we have 5 regions of the United States hanging in our classroom and we made a HUGE red, white, and blue paper chain that cuts the classroom right down the middle. The picture below was taken during M.A.P. testing and prior to the regions hanging. Trust me, the classroom is a more cheerful place now. 

Pre-Regions Hanging - During MAP testing, yuck!

Whew! Are you still with me? 

The paper chain thoroughly intrigued my students and they were DYING to know if they were in the North or South. I was mean and made them wait through Spring Break before I told them. 

This week, we have been A Classroom Divided Against Itself. Well, for an hour and half every day then things go back to normal. :) Our week, prior to the simulation, has consisted of these activities:

• Jigsaw of important and influential people from the Civil War: Abraham Lincoln, Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, Ulysses S. Grant, Frederick Douglas, etc. 
• Video of the causes of the Civil War, afterwards we completed an Cause & Effect diagram
• Mapping out the union and confederate states on a map

I've also read aloud a few picture books about the Civil War. I LOVE reading aloud to my students and now I feel like we have the time available. Some of the titles we've read and plan to read are:

The Silent Witness

Pink & Say

Abe's Honest Words

On Monday, we are going to put together our Civil War journals for the simulation. Look for an update next week complete with fun pictures and feedback from my students. 

What have you done in your classroom to study the Civil War? Do share! 

A Moment

My 5th graders and I are completely captivated by Wonder. I had so many bloggers share their experiences while reading this story with their class a few weeks ago. Today, I had a "moment" with my students.

Let me paint the picture for you, my students were chomping away on their birthday cookie cake and I was reading aloud from the front of the room. I begin reading about Auggie's first Halloween at Beecher Prep. If you're familiar with this story, you know what part I'm referring to. I won't spoil it for everyone else. As I read about Auggie's heartache, I looked up and realized I had 21 sets of eyes locked on me. Eyes that were wide open with horror, amazement, and empathy.

I closed the book to stop reading for the day - gosh I'm mean - and looked up at my students. All eyes and voices were begging me to continue and I said, "Doesn't that just break your heart?" In unison I heard a sympathetic "yessss!" in reply.... and one, rather loud, "NO." I was a little taken back and I asked the student, "what makes you say no?" He responded simply, "It's fiction. He isn't real."

Being the reader that I am, I wanted to hop on my soapbox and say, "YES HE IS! YOU BE NICE TO AUGGIE! HE DOESN'T DESERVE THIS."

I refrained. Instead, I hopped on another soapbox, one about the power of fiction writing. I told my little naysayer, that yes he was right - it is fiction and Auggie isn't real, but what Palacio has done for us is create a character that is so lifelike and relatable that we can't help but feel emotions for them. Powerful writing holds your attention and makes the characters (real or imagined) feel as if they're sitting in your living room. I asked my students if they've ever thought about the characters while they aren't reading? I asked my students if they've ever put themselves in the characters position? Suddenly, I realized that my little naysayer has sparked a beautiful conversation in my room about the power or storytelling and reading. I shared personal experiences with my students where I, too, had worried and wondered about the fate of characters. I asked a gentleman who is in book three of the Harry Potter series if he thought of Harry and his pals outside of the book and he quickly nodded his head in agreement.

This little incident only lastly about seven minutes, but it was probably the most important and most authentic conversation we had all day. I realized that my students were reading (and listening) because they truly enjoy stories. They aren't reading for the sake of levels or because they have to, they're become life long readers and I wish nothing more for them.

My Favorite Delivery

...when, what to my wondering eyes should appear?

An Amazon box full of eight (I mean 12) tiny reindeer (I mean books). 

Next time I complain about my bank account, someone come and slap me - figuratively. I just can't help filling up my shopping cart with great books to bring to my students. I'm planning my first Book Drawing tomorrow to select the lucky students to check these little guys out first. 

I'm thinking about "Wonder" for my next read aloud. Has anyone read it? Thoughts? My second choice is Skeleton Creek. Then, I may get my students hooked on another series. 

Thoughts teacher friends?

The Book Whisperer

After relaxing in my sweats cozied up to Netflix the past two days from snow, I had the honor and pleasure to listen to Donalyn Miller speak at the Write to Learn Conference here in Missouri! You may be familiar with her from her book The Book Whisperer, which I know have a signed copy! (insert dorky smile here).

Buy it on Amazon here. 

Throughout her presentation (all day!), I kept thinking that everything she was talking about was realistic and do-able. I have sat in workshops before and felt like there was no way I could manage it all  or do that in my classroom. Today was different. She spoke to us like educators and shared practical strategies and ideas. 

I'll share more of the ideas and thoughts pouring out my head soon.
Happy Friday!

What I'm Reading Wednesday

What a delightful treat to be featured on Ashley's blog One Fine Day. Check out my picks in her weekly special "Need Read Greed". 

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Is everyone all right out there? Check your pulse. Are you sure you're okay? I haven't updated you on my Book Club's recent selections. How have you been surviving these past few months? Sheesh! How selfish of me. Don't fret - I've got all the picks I've neglected to update you on right here. 

February: The Kitchen House

January: The Fault in our Stars

December: The Improper Life of Bezellia Grove 

Whew! Rest easy. You're updated now. 

Happy reading!

Chocolate Rhubarb

Do you have a reserved time for read aloud time in your classroom? During my year in second grade, we read a story, if not several, each day and my students loved it. I worried as I transitioned into an upper grade that my students wouldn't quite love read aloud time as my second graders. Boy, I was wrong. Whether I'm thumbing through a picture book to jump start a unit or caught in the middle of an incredible chapter book - my students enjoy it. Fifth graders may get pegged as the "older" kids, but they are still suckers for a good book, too. 

Our current read aloud is Drizzle written by Kathleen Van Cleve. We picked this book because in Missouri it is recognized as a Mark Twain Nominee. We reached Part Two this afternoon and I knew I had to share it with my fellow teachers - because you might not be aware of this little gem!

Here's what you would find on the back of the book:

"Eleven-year-old Polly Peabody needs to make it start raining. For her entire life, it has rained at exactly one o'clock every Monday afternoon on her family's magical rhubarb farm, until one Monday, when it stops. And then Polly's brother gets sick, really sick. Polly has to figure out how everything is connected and make it rain before her beloved Aunt Edith sells the farm.  She has help from the farm itself, in the form of the plants and insects, including her best friend, Harry, a chocolate-tasting rhubarb plant.  They all push Polly to confront her fears.  But is it enough, and more importantly - is there enough time?"

I had my reservations prior to starting this book. Honestly! I thought, "a magic farm? chocolate rhubarb? a best friend that is a plant? oh boy!" It wasn't one I would have picked up in the library on my own. Thankfully, I have smart students who can spot a good book from a mile away. Not to mention, it's FULL of rich language  to use during writing time. 

I'm even anxious to get back to school tomorrow to continue on - my mind is swirling with the possibilities and FATE of this poor farm!

What are your favorite read alouds?

What I'm Reading... Thursday

Earlier this year, my book club picked Bill O'Reilly's thriller, "Killing Lincoln" as our monthly book. We were all captivated by the novel! Not only was it historical but riveting at the same time. On October 2, O'Reilly released his lastest historical thriller, "Killing Kennedy" about out beloved former President John F. Kennedy. I'm roughly 50 pages in and I'm HOOKED. I glued my buns to my couch to watch the entire mini series on the Kennedy's... now I can't peel my eyes from this one. Prior to Lincoln's book, I was never a fan of historical literature. I'm a changed woman! Hand 'em over... I want to read about the past!

I highly recommend this one. If you're wondering, yes it talks about everything: Jackie, Marilyn, Cuba, Civil Rights... and on and on. 

In my classroom, we are reading another incredible story. The book is "Out of My Mind" by Sharon Draper. It happens to be a Mark Twain Nominee this year (for you Missouri teachers!) as well. It's about an 11-year old girl with cerebral palsy. The story of Melody is fictional, but as the author says on her website, she represents so many individuals with intelligent brains and uncooperative bodies. While reading yesterday, I could feel the tears forming in my eyes while reading about Melody's obstacles. It's an incredibly phenomenal story. I HIGHLY recommend this as a read aloud. I have had five kids check it out at the library and finish it on their own because they couldn't wait! 

Check out "Out of My Mind" on Sharon Draper's website here. 

Off I go to tackle my mountain of laundry and feed my growling stomach. It's almost Friday, folks!

What I'm Reading Wednesday

Buy it Here!

Has anyone read this one yet? Well, after 20 pages or so... the girl was already gone. Flynn didn't mess around with jumping into the suspense.  The story takes place in our great home state of Missourah - that's how it's pronounced right? Just kidding. It takes place in Missouri and my book club picked it for the month of September. It's excellent so far. 

Now, I've just gobbled up my bowl of chili and my book is calling my name. Happy Wednesday! 

Sleep: The Second Chapter

Some of you may remember that one day I want to write a book. This will be the book of all books. It will be a book that will offer advice to new teachers that's practical and pointless at the same time.

Well, great news folks -  I've thought of another chapter for my book! At this rate, I'll have my book written by the year 2035. You'll be able to read it on Mars with your grandchildren. Enough about the future! Let's move on to chapter two of My Future Book That Does Not Have a Title:

Sleep

I remember a professor in college suggested that we keep a notepad by our beds. That way, if we had any brilliant ideas in the middle of the night we could jot them down. I thought, "Wow! That's a brilliant idea. I'll do that too." Sadly, I don't have any ideas in the middle of the night. More importantly, once I've entered into the sleepy-time twilight zone, I'm no longer a contributing member of society. I'm dead to the world. If you call me past my bedtime, I'll probably answer, "What?" and maybe hang up on you. It's not your fault! The sleepiness has just taken over me. It's a slippery slope folks. 

I tested out this notepad strategy. Unfortunately, I found out that my brain definitely doesn't function when I'm in sleep mode. That notepad that was next to my bed wound up full of scribbles. Scribbles do nothing for my productivity.  They also don't typically generate any bright ideas. It was as if a toddler came in my room and wrote their to do list down. The sad thing was, I was usually jotting down my ideas before I'd even entered this self-titled sleepy-time twilight zone. Over the years, I've realized that very few things are successful while I'm in sleep mode. For example,  I've also tried to send text messages in the wee hours of the morning. Guess how that turns out? Not well. Usually someone will get a message that has to be decoded by Nicholas Cage.

I'm not a doctor, but I'm pretty sure that doctors recommend around 7-8 hours of sleep per night. That's a little stingy if you ask me. I'm one that thrives on sleep. If I'm tired... guess what? I go to bed. I have never been able to stay up all night and finish a book, work really late at night, or pull an infamous "all-nighter". I was on the one cooking breakfast for my crazy roommates who had stayed up all night. I was well rested like a normal human cooking egg sandwiches for the zombies upstairs. I am what some might call a morning person. That's why you'll probably receive texts or calls from me in the EARLY hours of the morning. Again, sorry friends... I assume that if I'm awake, you are too!

I wish I could stay up late. Actually no, that's a lie. I don't wish that at all. I wish I wasn't a huge dump of a human when I don't get sleep. Some people turn angry, grumpy, or weird on no sleep. Not me! I'm just extremely boring and no fun. You might as well put a label on me that says, "No Fun Happening Over Here."  If you're someone who can operate under little to no sleep, I congratulate you. My friend and I were nick named Grandma #1 and Grandma #2 at the age of 16 because of our early to bed policy. Let's just say, I'm 24 and not a lot has changed. 

There is one piece of advice that I can offer you if sleep is becoming a burden in some way. I had an epiphany one morning after a lonnng day of work:

I came home late from work one afternoon during my first year of teaching. I remember I had several phone calls to catch up on. I hopped on my bed and began catching up with a few of my girlfriends. After chatting for awhile, I fell asleep. The next thing I knew it was the next morning and I was STILL wearing the same clothes from the day before. A few things crossed my mind:

1. I'm already dressed for work! Will anyone notice?

2. I skipped dinner. Ugh. 

3. This isn't right! Something has to change!

I was right, something HAD to change! I wasn't going to allow myself to fall asleep in my work clothing. No, no, no... that would never happen again. You're probably thinking I'm going to suggest coffee, more sleep, a red bull, or turning off my computer earlier. Nope! I have something very simple for you.  After that dreaded morning of waking up in my work clothes I made a change in my afternoon routine. From that day forward, I began putting on my pajamas as soon as I got home every evening. Now, if I did happen to fall asleep at 6:00 PM (before the sun sets) I was already wearing my pajamas. See folks? That's why they pay me the big bucks. I have big ideas!

What I'm Reading Wednesday

Seriously, I can't get enough of the Olympics. I actively avoid twitter and any newsworthy website during the day so the primetime events aren't spoiled for me. Every night at 7, I turn on the tube and make sure my night revolves around Olympic events. 

I'm now completely involved in the Fab 5's everyday lives. Their instagram pictures and twitter feeds are so heartfelt and full of joy. I just can't help but get sappy when I read them. I'm not even a Corn Flakes fan, but I'm on my way to the store to pick up one of these little numbers. I kind of need the Olympics to end so I can have a life back - emphasis on the kind of. 

In my ACTUAL life, not the life I've revolved around London 2012, I met with my book club tonight. It was a great evening at Panera after a wedding packed weekend and a short but certainly sweet visit to STL to visit my bf. 

We finished the Kite Runner and had much to talk about. It's an incredible story full of heartbreak, friendship, loss, shame, and so on. Sometimes, it seems like the more challenging the story the is... the easier it is to talk about. I received several comments about The Kite Runner that many have read it as well. 

Since school is starting this month (captain obvious), we decided to keep it light and go for humor. A few months ago I pinned "Let's Pretend This Never Happened" by Jenny Lawson. We decided to give it a whirl this month. 

Turns out Jenny Lawson has a pretty hilarious blog of her own. You can follow her life and her rants over at her blog The Bloggess.

I read one page and was already laughing out loud. I think this will be the perfect companion book for the month of August! What books are on your shelf this month?

Conference Recap #1: Strong Female Characters

Happy Sunday, friends! As I mentioned here, I attended a jam packed literacy conference this past week/weekend. It was hosted by the National Council of Teachers of English and held right here in the great state of Missouri. I was surrounded by educators from all over the country. Several traveled from Georgia, New York, Iowa and so on.

Over the next couple of days, I'll be sharing the AWESOME information and ideas I took away from the conference. I had to pick between 5 (give or take) sessions each time slot. Sometimes it was a tough choice. A real coin flipper!

First, I'll talk about the session titled "Strong Girls Read Strong Books: The Jennifer Project" This was presented by an excellent group of educators from the University of Iowa. In this session, the Iowa educators presented their research on females in stories. In their home districts, book clubs were created outside of school with females to promote a love of literacy. In addition to listening to their fascinating research, we were given a reference list of oodles of great books to read.

To begin the session, we were asked the question, "What is a strong girl?" Followed by, "What is a strong female character?" Is there a difference? What strong female characters can you think of? Immediately, we all thought of Katniss from The Hunger Games. Any Hunger Games fans can agree that Katniss is one strong and independent soul. I jotted down this note in my journal, "A strong character doesn't mean she is loud or assertive. She can be quiet but strong willed and determined." Sometimes, strong characters can even be those females who we can all relate to.

Don't we all wish that we had an infinite bank of money to purchase books with? My classroom library consists of many books because of garage sales, scholastic bonus points, and generous donors. I'm always searching for powerful books to include in my library and boy-oh-boy... I've got some great titles for you. Click on the title and I've linked it to Amazon for quick purchase. Now, I just need to win an Amazon giftcard for $1,000.

Amber was Brave, Essie was Smart by Vera B. Williams

Night Flight: Amelia Earhart Crosses the Atlantic by Robert Burleigh

Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai

The Firefly Letters by Margarita Engle

The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron

Dyamonde Daniel series by Nikki Grimes (a speaker at the conference!)

Ninth Ward by Jewell Parker Rhodes

My Mother's Voice by Joanne Ryder

Call me Hope by Gretchen Olsen

Mockingbird by Katherine Erskine

Do you have any titles that you would like to share? Please post them in a comment. I would love to hear about rich literature that you're using in your classroom.