BOOKS IN NOVEMBER & DECEMBER.

Yikes.
These holiday months have completely flown by. Where does time go?
Before I knew it, I didn't even post my November reads and it's the end of December. Ha. So,  you get two months of books. Yay!!!!!!

The Nightingale // Kristin Hannah

Genre: Historical Fiction 

Rating: 5/5 stars (see more on GoodReads)

Summary: Despite their differences, sisters Viann and Isabelle have always been close. Younger, bolder Isabelle lives in Paris while Viann is content with life in the French countryside with her husband Antoine and their daughter. But when the Second World War strikes, Antoine is sent off to fight and Viann finds herself isolated so Isabelle is sent by their father to help her. As the war progresses, the sisters' relationship and strength is tested. With life changing in unbelievably horrific ways, Viann and Isabelle will find themselves facing frightening situations and responding in ways they never thought possible as bravery and resistance take different forms in each of their actions.

My thoughts: This book was probably my favorite book that I read in all of 2016. I wish I could explain the emotion I felt while reading it. I got teary-eyed about three different times throughout the novel, which is something that is really hard for me. It takes a lot for me to actually get emotional in books these days. I love reading World War II novels and the historical fiction around them. Often times, I get annoyed with World War II novels because there are so many of them, but I love the point of view that this story was written in. It was from France's experience during the war and that is something that I am not too knowledgeable about. Because of that, I loved that perspective. I loved the two main characters. Of course I am all about Team Isabelle simply because of her tenacity and spark and passion towards life. But, I loved Viann in a way. She was endearing and kind and lovable. I love the two stories intertwining together and the theme was portrayed in this novel. This book is 400+ pages and I read it in two nights. It is a novel that you don't want to put down, one that tears at your heart strings, and binds you to the story immensely. 

Favorite Quote from the book: 

“In love we find out who we want to be, in war we find out who we are.”

The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo// Amy Schumer

Genre: Nonfiction/Autobiography

Rating: 3/5 stars (see more on GoodReads)

Summary: In The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo, Amy mines her past for stories about her teenage years, her family, relationships, and sex and shares the experiences that have shaped who she is - a woman with the courage to bare her soul to stand up for what she believes in, all while making us laugh.

My thoughts: I love Amy Schumer because 1) I think she's hilarious, 2) Her woman-pride! Yes! and 3) I feel like we would be best friends in real life. With that being said, I felt like this book was trying way too hard. I felt like she was trying too hard to be dirty. The book was a little all of over the place and kind of pointless at times. I laughed out loud at a few things, but it was not as funny as I'd hoped it to be because I felt like she was trying too hard. It was a fun, light read though. If you are sensitive to the F-word then don't read it (or listen to it! ha). 

Favorite Quote from the book: 

“I know my worth. I embrace my power. I say if I'm beautiful. I say if I'm strong. You will not determine my story. I will. I'll speak and share and fuck and love, and I will never apologize for it. I am amazing for you, not because of you. I am not who I sleep with. I am not my weight. I am not my mother. I am myself. And I am all of you.

Bud, Not Buddy// Christopher Paul Curtis

Genre: Historical Fiction (YA)

Rating: 4/5 stars (see more on GoodReads)

Summary: It's 1936, in Flint, Michigan. Times may be hard, and ten-year-old Bud may be a motherless boy on the run, but Bud's got a few things going for him:1. He has his own suitcase filled with his own important, secret things.2. He's the author of Bud Caldwell's Rules and Things for Having a Funner Life and Making a Better Liar Out of Yourself.3. His momma never told him who his father was, but she left a clue: flyers of Herman E. Calloway and his famous band, the Dusky Devastators of the Depression!!!!!!Bud's got an idea that those flyers will lead him to his father. Once he decides to hit the road and find this mystery man, nothing can stop him--not hunger, not fear, not vampires, not even Herman E. Calloway himself.

My thoughts: Because I teach sixth grade, I am always trying to read a young adult novel. I read this book back when I was in elementary school, but I wanted to re-read it because I am participating in a book challenge with my fellow teachers and students. This book is such a classic. I love Bud's character so much. He is spunky, intelligent and relatable on many levels.  The voice in this novel is strong as it talks about a young black boy in Flint, Michigan during the Great Depression. It was poignant, well-written and an enjoyable young adult novel. I would recommend it to my students (and their parents!). 

Favorite Quote from the book: “There comes a time when you're losing a fight that it just doesn't make sense to keep on fighting. It's not that you're being a quitter, it's just that you've got the sense to know when enough is enough.” 

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child // John Tiffany, J.K. Rowling, & Jack Thorne

Genre: Fantasy (play) 

Rating: 4/5 stars (see more on GoodReads)

Summary: Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, a new play by Jack Thorne, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. The play will receive its world premiere in London’s West End on July 30, 2016. It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children.While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places.

My thoughts: Everyone has their opinion on this "new" Harry Potter book. However, I'm not sure I would even consider it as Harry Potter #8. It is witten as a play, which was a little difficult for me at first to read, but once I got into it, I kind of loved it. I loved that I could picture the actual play in my mind as I read. (I tend to do this anyway when I am reading. I picture it as a movie). It is not even written by JK Rowling fully, so I wouldn't even put it in the series, if that makes sense. All in all, I enjoyed the novel/script. It was not my favorite, but it is always enjoyable to re-visit that magical world that I loved as a child and still love today. 

Favorite Quote from the book: "DUMBLEDORE: Harry, there is never a perfect answer in this messy, emotional world. Perfection is beyond the reach of humankind, beyond the reach of magic. In every shining moment of happiness is that drop of poison: the knowledge that pain will come again. Be honest to those you love, show your pain. To suffer is as human as to breathe.”

Rain, Reign // Ann M. Martin

Genre: Realistic Fiction (YA) 

Rating: 5/5 stars (see more on GoodReads)

Summary: Rose Howard has Asperger’s syndrome, and an obsession with homonyms (even her name is a homonym). She gave her dog Rain a name with two homonyms (Reign, Rein), which, according to Rose’s rules of homonyms, is very special. Rain was a lost dog Rose’s father brought home. Rose and Rain are practically inseparable. And they are often home alone, as Rose’s father spends most evenings at a bar, and doesn’t have much patience for his special-needs daughter.Just as a storm hits town, Rain goes missing. Rose’s father shouldn’t have let Rain out. Now Rose has to find her dog, even if it means leaving her routines and safe places to search. Rose will find Rain, but so will Rain’s original owners.

My thoughts: This was such a fantastic novel. I loved it so much! Having a nephew with Aspergers and students who have it yearly, I feel that I am pretty knowledgeable about it. I was curious to see how Martin’s character would be written. She definitely did her homework, or has previous experience/knowledge on the subject, because she hit the nail on the head with this character. So many of Rose’s characteristics were familiar to me, and I love that Martin wasn’t just writing how she thought a character would be, this character was spot on for Aspergers. The relationship that Rose has with her dog Rain, who her father brought home one rainy night, is more than your average child/pet relationship. They have this really amazing bond that goes above and beyond a normal friendship, and I loved this bond so, so much.

Favorite Quote from the book: Talking about her dog: "I wrap (rap) my arms around her and feel her soft fur (fir) against my cheek. "I love you," I tell her.

BOOKS IN APRIL.

Yea. April was a busy month. It seriously just flew by. With testing and field trips, teaching sixth grade was a blur this month. I didn't even have very much time to read--I finished four books--and two of them were teaching. Yes, I am now a book nerd who states that four books was not near as many as it should be. I have a problem. I started a couple others, but won't finish them until next month. Any who, are you bored yet?


Attachments// Rainbow Rowell

Genre: Realistic Fiction 

Rating: 5/5 stars (see more on GoodReads)

Summary: Beth Fremont and Jennifer Scribner-Snyder know that somebody is monitoring their work e-mail. (Everybody in the newsroom knows. It's company policy.) But they can't quite bring themselves to take it seriously. They go on sending each other endless and endlessly hilarious e-mails, discussing every aspect of their personal lives. Meanwhile, Lincoln O'Neill can't believe this is his job now- reading other people's e-mail. When he applied to be "internet security officer," he pictured himself building firewalls and crushing hackers- not writing up a report every time a sports reporter forwards a dirty joke.When Lincoln comes across Beth's and Jennifer's messages, he knows he should turn them in. But he can't help being entertained-and captivated-by their stories. By the time Lincoln realizes he's falling for Beth, it's way too late to introduce himself.

My thoughts: We read this for April Book Club and I loved it! As usual, I loved our discussion regarding this book as well. I seriously look forward to meeting with these girls every month. Come join our party. I loved the flawed, imperfect, relatable characters. I loved the fact that I could read through it in no joke, one day. I loved the cute, romantic story behind it. I pictured it being a cute romantic comedy movie. Read it. I loved it!

Favorite Quote from the book: 
“He knew why he wanted to kiss her. Because she was beautiful. And before that, because she was kind. And before that, because she was smart and funny. Because she was exactly the right kind of smart and funny. Because he could imagine taking a long trip with her without ever getting bored. Because whenever he saw something new and interesting, or new and ridiculous, he always wondered what she'd have to say about it--how many stars she'd give it and why.” 

Teaching Argument Writing// George Hillocks, Jr.

Genre: Nonfiction/Academic 
Rating: 4/5 stars (see more on GoodReads) 
Summary: Argument writing can be difficult to teach, but it may be the most important set of skills we teach in English. According to the National Common Core Standards, by the end of high school, students should be able to write arguments to support claims with clear reason and relevant evidence-and they should be able to do so well.Designed for middle and high school students, the activities in this book will enable students to write strong arguments and evaluate the arguments of others.


My thoughts: I read this book while in college studying my teaching career. I never finished this book, and this year I wanted to focus on teaching writing to my students, so I picked this one back up. I always say that as a teacher, try to master ONE thing a year. The things that we have to teach to our sixth graders is quite extraordinary and filled, so imagine trying to master every thing in every subject! Not gonna happen. But, anyway, I wanted to focus on teaching my students to use argument writing and evidence correctly, so this one was a good reminder. This is a great book!! One I would recommend to anyone who needs to learn to teach or write argumentative essays!

Favorite Quote from the book: “In the minds of some people, writing is one thing, but thinking is quite another. If they define writing as spelling, the production of sentences with random meanings, and punctuation, then they might have a case. But who would accept such a definition? Writing is the production of meaning. Writing is thinking.” 


Unbroken//Laura Hillenbrand

Genre: Nonfiction/Biography 
Rating: 5/5 stars (see more on GoodReads) 
Summary: On a May afternoon in 1943, an Army Air Forces bomber crashed into the Pacific Ocean and disappeared, leaving only a spray of debris and a slick of oil, gasoline, and blood. Then, on the ocean surface, a face appeared. It was that of a young lieutenant, the plane’s bombardier, who was struggling to a life raft and pulling himself aboard. So began one of the most extraordinary odysseys of the Second World War.

The lieutenant’s name was Louis Zamperini. In boyhood, he’d been a cunning and incorrigible delinquent, breaking into houses, brawling, and fleeing his home to ride the rails. As a teenager, he had channeled his defiance into running, discovering a prodigious talent that had carried him to the Berlin Olympics and within sight of the four-minute mile. But when war had come, the athlete had become an airman, embarking on a journey that led to his doomed flight, a tiny raft, and a drift into the unknown.

Ahead of Zamperini lay thousands of miles of open ocean, leaping sharks, a foundering raft, thirst and starvation, enemy aircraft, and, beyond, a trial even greater. Driven to the limits of endurance, Zamperini would answer desperation with ingenuity; suffering with hope, resolve, and humor; brutality with rebellion. His fate, whether triumph or tragedy, would be suspended on the fraying wire of his will.

My thoughts: Of course this novel is inspirational and so rewarding. I honestly don't know what else to say about this novel other than this man is seriously my hero. The novel is SO MUCH better than the movie. I am inspired and moved to be a better person because of this novel.

Favorite Quote from the book: “A lifetime of glory is worth a moment of pain. Louie thought: Let go.” 



Words Their Way// Donald R. Bear, Shane Templeton, Marcia Invernizzi, Francine Johnston

Genre: Nonfiction/Academic
Rating: 4/5 stars (see more on GoodReads) 
Summary: Words Their Way's developmentally-driven, hands-on instructional approach has been a phenomenon in word study, providing a practical way to study words with students. The keys to this research-based approach are to know your students' literacy progress, organize for instruction, and implement word study. 

I am thinking of changing my spelling for my sixth graders and this is something that I am debating on doing with my students. After reading this book, I may be convinced. It is so much work, but it is the perfect differentiation for students of all levels. And since I have so many levels (from 3rd to 10th grade reading) in sixth grade, this may be exactly what I need to do. This is a great book for parents, teachers, tutors, etc. who want to help their child with their spelling. 

My thoughts: 

I am thinking of changing my spelling for my sixth graders and this is something that I am debating on doing with my students. After reading this book, I may be convinced. It is so much work, but it is the perfect differentiation for students of all levels. And since I have so many levels (from 3rd to 10th grade reading) in sixth grade, this may be exactly what I need to do.

Favorite Quote from the book: Many phonics, spelling, and vocabulary programs are characterized by explicit skill instruction, a systematic scope and sequence, and repeated practice.” 

Other Book Reviews: A Man Called Ove // Go Set a Watchman // These Is My Words //  Intuitive Eating // Happier at Home // Happiness Project // Wild // Elizabeth Smart: My Story // Daring Greatly // Rising Strong // Dad is Fat // Quiet // My Accidental Jihad // The Boys in the Boat 

What books did you read in April? 
Did you enjoy them? Do you want to read any of these books? 

Surviving a High Energy World

I would love your feedback on this!! Comment away :)

Book club pictures are the best. Ha! Introverts do love to socialize when they have the energy!!

As I have stated before, I have been a reading fiend. Once a month, the last Tuesday of every month, I meet with a book club and we discuss a book (come join us!). It is a blogging/online book club, as well as in real life meeting. Currently, I am reading six books. Only one of them is for book club. So...I'm reading a lot. Obviously. The book that I read most recently is the novel "Quiet" --the power of introverts in our world. (see more info on the book at the bottom of this post).  This novel sparked something in me and I feel like I need to write about it. I LOVED discussing this book with these ladies this time. For me, it was my favorite discussion thus far. 

One of the reasons why I love reading and why I love to teach my students about reading is because I have seen the influence that a book has over a person. I have read books that have moved me in a way that nothing else has: the beautiful figurative language, the strong characters that are portrayed, or for instance, this novel, which included research that was fascinating and thought provoking. I did not fall in love with this book. That is not why I am writing.  It was good and I enjoyed myself, but it was not my favorite book (which is why I only gave it 4 out of 5 stars). I am writing because this book reiterated to me that I am an Introvert, despite what others may think. I want to point out, however, that I am a moderate introvert. I was raised in a loud family with two very extraverted parents and many extraverted siblings. On the spectrum of introversion and extroversion, I think I am in the middle, just slightly leaning toward introvert, if that makes sense. I feel like this book could have been even more beneficial for my extraverted husband or extravert peers to read. For me, most of it just recapulated what I already knew! 

There were many moments in this novel that stood out to me, specifically, the idea that Introverts, biologically, respond to stimuli differently than extraverts. Another thing that stood out to me is this idea that people's relationships with introverts can be quite complicated. Introverts, as well, have this need to "act more extraverted" in "order to survive in this world", which is an interesting notion that I want to focus on. 

First, this idea about introverts responding to stimuli blew my mind. For me, it was a lightbulb that went off and I found myself proclaiming: "Oh my gosh! Yes!" Introverts brains get "overstimulated" if they are pushed to do too many social things or things that they don't want to do. In a way, almost, introverts completely shut down when they become over stimulated. This happens to me all of the time. Sometimes I need preparation when I know I have A LOT going on or going to happen. I need to mentally prepare myself so that I don't become overstimulated. I feel like I am an introvert who does a lot of things (at least moreso than other introverts that I know!). I feel like I keep myself busy with gym and work and social activities. I find that I push myself outside of my comfort zone all of the time, because, socializing makes me feel good, even if I am drained after wards (which is the definition of introversion by the way. Introversion is not just "shy"--it is a person needed to decompress after moments of socializing). For me, specifically, I feel like how I respond to stimuli simply depends on how I feel. I am an emotional person, who struggles with mental health, so that is going to affect things automatically. But, I am, and I would venture to say many other introverts are, like a child in that sense. I need to eat right, exercise, and get enough sleep in order to function. It is a running joke in my marriage and in my family to "LET SIERRA SLEEP!" because you do not want to be around me when I haven't had enough (good luck having children, Sierra!). But, my response to outside stimuli and lots of it, depends on how I feel. Sometimes I am spontaneous and can deal with lots of stimuli, sometimes, I cannot. Introverts, almost always, decide when to leave a party or an event. They are going to gage how they feel and then leave once they have become tired.

Second, people's relationships with introverts can be an interesting, I daresay, a complicated one (especially if you are an extreme extravert). I recently read a study saying that most marriages are commonly between an introvert and an extravert. I enjoyed this book, but I did feel as though the author was generalizing. She kept talking about how introverts "hate talking in front of people" and have "anxiety when socializing" and I don't think that is necessarily true. I am introvert. I am a very extraverted introvert, but, alas, I am still more of an introvert. I don't mind talking to people. I don't mind public speaking. There is an entire spectrum of introversion and extraversion and I did feel that she was generalizing exponentially. I have seen this idea of introversion and extraversion in relationships numerous times. Take my own marriage for example. After a long day of teaching, I am exhausted (some days more than others). Always, I need about 30 minutes to decompress. Whether thats driving home, sitting in my classroom in silence, or checking out on social media, I need to "check out" in some way. I have been guilty of this many times in my relationships. I "use up" all of that stimulus energy in my classroom. Introverts who are teachers (and there are many!) are performing/teaching all day. We are standing in front of a class, working and talking and managing coworkers and students all day. Whether, they are meaning to or not, they are going to use their energy at work (no matter what the job is!). Because this is not their natural state, an introvert is going to want to come home and nap or lay down or do something to rejuvenate (also, I have a theory that introverts spend more time on social media!).  I have seen my husband (he's an extravert) become frustrated at this at points. Because I use so much of that energy at my job, then at the gym, that when I come home, I tend to be mentally done. I don't want to talk or connect or do, well anything, because I have been doing that all day. I know that sometimes T feels like I used all of my energy for outside sources instead of for him, so I have to remember that to "Save up" some energy for him, as crazy as that sounds.


Lastly, this idea of needing to be extraverted in our society can be detrimental, in some ways. I did agree with what the author said regarding the need to be extraverted in this world. One of the reasons why I only gave it a 4 out of 5 stars was because of this fact. To me, it felt like the author felt defeated due to her experience of introversion. She was whiny and defensive and that bothered me a bit. With that being said, I do think that in the United States, introverts are, in a sense, forced to be more extraverted. You don't want to socialize? Well, buck up and do it anyway! You are too tired? Who cares! We are all tired. It's this idea that we HAVE to learn to be social in order to adapt in this world, or at least, fake it. I half agree with this statement. I think it is imperative to have basic social skills in our society. I think that it's important that we learn to work with people and understand other people. With that being said, I don't think that introverts have to work with people all of the time. There are many circumstances and jobs and lifestyles where one can be an introvert and that is okay. We NEED introverts in order for this society to run. Can you imagine if all of us were extraverted? Talk about chaos.

I instantly thought about my students when it came to this topic. I have an entire spectrum of introversion and extraversion in my classroom, every single year. I think about those students who are so introverted that they prefer to work alone. And I don't think that's okay. I force them to be in partners, not because I am trying to force them to be extraverts, but to learn how to communicate, talk, and work with others. On the other side of the spectrum, I have some students who can't work alone ever, which is detrimental as well. I make them work alone at times too. Like everything, there is a balance in all things.

I think there is, also, a misconstrued idea about introverts in our western society. Often times, extraverts seem more confident simply because they tend to be more vocal, life of the party, etc. But I do not believe this notion at all. I think that many extraverts are incredibly self conscious, they just do not show it or they overcompensate by acting MORE confident, if that makes sense. Introverts can come across as more timid, which to some people, is translated into lack of confidence, but that is not always the case.

Although I do believe that it is important for introverts to learn to talk and socialize and put themselves out there, I also think it is important to allow introverts to be who they are. Would we ever diminish an extravert to not be as social, or stop having so much fun? Absolutely not. I believe that our introversion and extraversion is engrained in us. Obviously, different parts of life will determine how introverted or extraverted one is. For example, my husband has become much more introverted since being married to me. Marriage causes more introversion. Life changes and trials causes more introversion from extraverts. Your nurture and upbringing is going to affect it, but I do believe it is nature.

• I know some introverts (myself included at times) who are exhausted from all of the chaos that our world brings. In our society, we value "busy-ness." We value someone working hard and playing hard and constantly going. There is nothing wrong with staying inside on a weekend or hiking alone (yes, I do both). Surviving in a world that doesn't slow down can be exhausting to an introvert. I am very busy and I push myself too hard at times. I have to remind myself to get my "introvert" time so that I don't crash. 
• Allow an introvert time to rejuvenate. If they say that they do not want to go out or are tired, allow them this time. If they seem depressed or down, though, maybe encourage them to go out with you. Invite them to do things. They won't always say no! Usually when introverts are tired, they really mean they are tired. (For example: Friday nights, I am usually dead! And I just want that time to rejuvenate). 
• Approach an introvert. Talk to them. Often times, introverts just need someone to connect with, and they often want to talk about things that matter.
• Don't judge a book by it's cover. Introverts are not less confident than extraverts. Often times, they just don't have anything to say. That doesn't mean that they are struggling. 

What other things would you add when dealing with introverts?

What are all of your thoughts on this? 

Genre: Self Help/ Nonfiction 

Rating: 4/5 stars (see more on GoodReads)

Summary: At least one-third of the people we know are introverts. They are the ones who prefer listening to speaking, reading to partying; who innovate and create but dislike self-promotion; who favor working on their own over brainstorming in teams. Although they are often labeled "quiet," it is to introverts that we owe many of the great contributions to society--from van Gogh’s sunflowers to the invention of the personal computer.Passionately argued, impressively researched, and filled with indelible stories of real people, Quiet shows how dramatically we undervalue introverts, and how much we lose in doing so. 

Other Book Reviews: A Man Called Ove // Go Set a Watchman // These Is My Words //  Intuitive Eating // Happier at Home // Happiness Project // Wild // Elizabeth Smart: My Story // Daring Greatly // My Accidental Jihad // Rising Strong