The Boy on the Bridge by Natalie Standiford

hardback 248 pages
publication: July 30th 2013 by Scholastic Press

A new breathtaking novel from Natalie Standiford about love and trust during the Cold War.

Laura Reid goes to Leningrad for a semester abroad as Cold War paranoia is peaking in 1982. She meets a young Russian artist named Alexei and soon, with Alexei as her guide, Laura immerses herself in the real Russia--a crazy world of wild parties, black-market books and music, and smuggled letters to dissidents. She must keep the relationship secret; associating with Americans is dangerous for Alexei, and if caught, Laura could be sent home and Alexei put under surveillance or worse. At the same time, she's been warned that Soviets often latch onto Americans in hopes of marrying them and thus escaping to the United States. But she knows Alexei loves her. Right?

As June approaches--when Laura must return to the United States--Alexei asks Laura to marry him. She's only nineteen and doesn't think she's ready to settle down. But what if Alexei is the love of her life? How can she leave him behind? If she has a chance to change his life, to rescue him from misery, shouldn't she take it?

 I read this novel right after returning from a weeks vacation in Germany visiting my best friend who was a foreign exchange student my senior year in high school. While I was there, I was able to see the world through a different lens, so to speak. I saw remnants of World War 2, peaceful protests and demonstrations about the Turkish insurgency as well as many other things that we see in the news, but don't necessarily experience first hand. This book did the same for me. It is set during the Cold War and Laura is experiencing the world through a different lens just as I did, but on a grander scale. 

Laura goes to Russia intent on experiencing the culture that she fell in love with though its language. She doesn't, however, intend to fall in love. The dynamics between Laura and Alexei (also known as Alyosha) are powerful and heartbreaking. Natalie has done an amazing job at showing just how much different worlds can be, yet be faced with the same emotions and heartbreak. I was completely sucked into the world in which Alyosha lives and shows Laura and was pulling for them the entire time.  There was so much authenticity in this novel that when I read that Natalie Standiford spent time there during college, I could feel the passion and authenticity even more. 

This beautiful love story is avaliable today so make sure to head out and get it! 

Happy reading!!

Oliver by Birgitta Sif

Hardcover, 40 pages

Published October 9th 2012 by Candlewick Press

An imaginative child who doesn’t quite fit in finds a kindred spirit in this utterly charming picture book from a debut author-illustrator.

Oliver is different. He enjoys his solitude. He likes playing with his friends, who are puppets, stuffed animals, and other toys. With his rich imagination, Oliver’s day is never dull. There are bridges to cross, sharks to fight, and treasures to find! But maybe toys don’t always give a boy everything he needs. Maybe he needs another kind of companion. Will Oliver discover a way to be, well, different? When his tennis ball rolls across the lawn into the yard of the girl next door, he just might be surprised.

Oliver doesn't quite fit in. I am sure that we have all been there. He is his own person and seems quite content with that until one day he finds out that maybe he isn't really alone after all. This is one of my new favorites. It breaks down what so many children (and by children I mean those anywhere from three to one hundred and three) deal with every day on simple terms. I love the lesson learned here. Oliver never apologizes for who he is and in turn learns that it is just fine! Beautifully written and illustrated book that has earned a place of honor on my shelf!


Happy reading!

Historical Reads in Children's Books

I have three great books for you that are easy reads and that give you insight into our country's history. They are three very different books, but ones that can be used to teach a variety of subjects from history to music! 

We the People: The Story of Our Constitution by Lynne Cheney

Time Period: Early America
Subjects addressed: formation of the Constitution

This is a wonderful book full of fantastic illustrations which depict the time in our Nations history when our Founding Fathers were creating the document which formed our nation. There are many parts of history that we are taught in our schools, but having it written in a way that just gives us the essentials along with quotes from the Founding Father's and visuals helps it all come to life. Great book to use in any history class!

White Water by Michael S. Bandy and Eric Stein

Time Period: Segregation
Subjects addressed: racism, inequality

I learn from my students every day and one of the reasons is that we have a different outlook on most things. This book shows how the concept of racism is something that (as Bill Cosby says) is a waste of time.This book also shows that sometimes just by getting a new perspective or outlook on the same situation, we can find more meaning in our lives and move past things which consume us every day. I love this book and will definitely be reading it to my classes next year.

Jazz by Walter Dean Myers

Time Period: 1800s- today
Subjects addressed: Jazz music, instruments, poetry, musicians

It is no secret that I am a Walter Dean Myers fan. When I met him a few years ago I literally almost passed out. He is a gentle giant. This book is full of wonderful information in poetic form that any Language Arts or Music teacher can appreciate. The beautiful art work that Christopher Myers (Walter's son) has created adds to the authenticity of this amazing book. There is a wonderful glossary of terms as well as a timeline in the back for you to use as resources as well. Jazz is just one type of music and through this book you are able to learn about and celebrate the different styles of Jazz though Meyers' poetry and his sons art! 


Happy reading!!

Prodigy (Legend #2) by Marie Lu

Hardcover, 371 pages

Published January 29th 2013 by Putnam Juvenile 

June and Day arrive in Vegas just as the unthinkable happens: the Elector Primo dies, and his son Anden takes his place. With the Republic edging closer to chaos, the two join a group of Patriot rebels eager to help Day rescue his brother and offer passage to the Colonies. They have only one request—June and Day must assassinate the new Elector.

It’s their chance to change the nation, to give voice to a people silenced for too long.

But as June realizes this Elector is nothing like his father, she’s haunted by the choice ahead. What if Anden is a new beginning? What if revolution must be more than loss and vengeance, anger and blood—what if the Patriots are wrong?

In this highly-anticipated sequel, Lu delivers a breathtaking thriller with high stakes and cinematic action.

  To see my review on Legend (the first in this series) click here. 

Marie Lu knows how to keep readers on the edge of their seats and drooling for more! This is one of those books I have been waiting on the right time to read because I knew I wouldn't want to get up from it and deal with anything (feeding my children included), so a 4 hour car ride was perfect. My husband kept looking at me during my grunts, groans, fist pumps, and other noises but all in all... he is used to it! 

This amazing sequel to Legend picks up with June and Day and their quest to turn the Republic into something that they can be proud of and they find an unexpected ally... the Elector! Day and June face obstacles and deal with the emotions of a new relationship (which they still have a hard time defining) all while trying to decide if what they are doing is really for the best. There were many questions answered in this amazing novel, but of course- more were brought up and I am DYING for the next book now! (Is it November 5th yet?!) 

As with the first one, I can't get enough of these characters who are beautifully written and easy to invest yourself in. I am sure that someone has drawn the parallel between the ill-fated love before, but as with so many stories, Day and June do have that Romeo and Juliet touch. On the surface they are very different (different social classes, ways they live, up-bringing, etc.) but there is so much more beneath the surface. I know that I am not the only one so heavily invested in these two and if you haven't read the first one (or this one)... hurry up! You won't regret it! 

I am so happy that I do have one thing to tide me over until November 5th though!!

Life Before Legend (Legend 0.5)

Find out more about June and Day in this never-before-seen glimpse into their daily lives before they met in Marie Lu’s New York Times bestselling LEGEND series. As twelve-year-olds struggling to survive in two very different worlds within the Republic’s stronghold, June was starting her first day of school at Drake University as the youngest cadet ever admitted, and Day was fighting for food on the streets of the Lake sector. LIFE BEFORE LEGEND contains two original stories written by Marie Lu that give readers a sneak peek into the lives of their favorite characters in a thrilling new context.

Happy reading!

Friday's Finds at the Library

I have made it a point this summer to take the kids to the library. I am not sure why I haven't in the past. Maybe it was because Jaxon was under two and the thought of a toddler in the library was a bit more than I can handle (remember.... I teach middle school, not the little ones). But this year, we have been all over it!  


I knew I had created monsters when I took them for the first time. There was no doubt. The sweet old lady at the counter told us that we could check out 20 books at a time and Jaxon promptly looked up at me and said, "I'm sorry but 20 just isn't enough!!!" (He is 3.) I was so proud and the the little old lady snorted (I gave him a high five for making the old lady snort!). 


So on Friday's I will feature what we have checked out for the week and give a little blurb about each. By the way... I did tell the kids that I get at least 4 of those check outs so I will have some others to review too! Here is what we are reading this week...

 Bright and Early Thursday Evening by Audrey Wood

This book was (in a word) ... interesting. The kids loved it and thought it was hilarious. It was highly imaginative, but I am still trying to figure out what the heck happened! :)

How Do Dinosaurs Say Merry Christmas? by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague

My son loves dinosaurs so when he saw these, we had to have them. Along with the cute story of what dino's do and don't do at Christmas, we also had a lot of fun attempting to say the scientific names of all of the dinos!

How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Chanukah? by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague

Another dino book! This one brought about lots of discussion of what Chanukah is and surprisingly my 7 year old was able to answer. She learned about it in Montessori! Such a smartie pants!!








How Do Dinosaurs Get Well Soon? by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague

Dinosaurs are not unlike little children I have learned... and are seemingly much better patients! This one (as with the others) brought about lots of laughs and even some comparisons of them as the sickly ones!

The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle

Such a classic. This was a Jaxon pick and come to find out they had read it at school, so he "read" it to us! It was the greatest and cutest thing ever!

Solo by Paul Geraghty

We are penguin lovers, so this one jumped right into our basket! Solo is born and when her Papa penguin doesn't return from finding food, Mama has to go out to find it. There was a lot to learn along with this heartwarming story which led us to looking up more about penguins after we finished it!

No Haircut Today! by Elivia Savadier

This book had us all laughing. The tantrum Dominic throws and the mom's reaction are spot on! We loved the drawings too. Kylie is even trying to copy them now. Such a little artist!

Hans My Hedgehog: A Tale from the Brothers Grimm by Katie Coombs (retelling)

Hans is half boy, half hedgehog and when you mix in a little bit of fairy tale (including the kings and the issues that come with them) hilarity is sure to unfold! We had fun making predictions as to what was going to happen next with this one and the kids got a big kick (rolling on the floor laughing... literally) when all was revealed! Loved it!

Grumpy Goat by Brett Helquist

Grumpy Goat is, well, GRUMPY! He has a change of heart though and learns that he has friends even when he doesn't necessarily deserve them. This book lead to a great discussion on how to treat others no matter how they treat us!

A Wild Father's Day by Sean Callahan

When these kids give their dad a card, he takes the writing seriously and takes them on a super fun day full of WILDNESS!! This book is full of fun and laughter and leaves you wondering what would happen if you took words seriously inside a card!

Jag by LeAnn Rimes

This book is all about conquering your fears. Sometimes we are scared to do something and it hinders us from seeing the big picture and then, hopefully, we learn from that fear and find the good that comes from conquering it. Jag helps us see that sometimes we aren't alone in that fear and we have someone there who will help us... in the most unlikely place!




We are off to the library today for more so I will let you know what other gems we find next week!!

Happy reading!