Mrs. Wojahn Reads

And my grand total is . . .

2011-09-01T08:12:00.000-05:00

7466 pages! I did not meet my goal of 8,000. :-( But I'm eager to hear what you've read. Stop by the library and let me know!

One week left!

2011-08-26T18:40:00.000-05:00

I've been reading a lot this last week, trying to get to my 8,000 page goal. I'm still not sure I'll make it! But the weekend's here, and we're heading up to our family's cabin. That usually means lots of reading time while my husband and sons go fishing. In the meantime, here's what I've been reading:

And one for older kids, MISS PEREGRINE'S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN.

Happy last week of summer! Don't forget the library's open on Signing Day. Bring your SIGNED book log and we'll compare lists. You can also check out a book so you're all set for your fall reading!

Two Books and Two Warnings

2011-08-16T09:38:00.007-05:00

Eek! I just did a little math and realized there are only two weeks left of summer for me and I have almost 1,500 pages to go to make my goal of 8,000 pages! I'd better get reading!

Part of why reading's been tricky for me this summer is because I've done so much traveling. In the last month, I've been home for 6 nights. And this afternoon I'm heading out for another quick trip to visit relatives in Ohio. It's all good, fun stuff, but it's not lazing around in the back yard with a book.

Nevertheless, I did squeeze in a couple more books in the car recently:

The Revenant by Sonia Gensler is a spooky ghost story set in 1893 in an Indian boarding school. It's a little old for our library, but if you are already reading books like THE HUNGER GAMES or TWILIGHT (not that it's like those books), you may be ready for this one. Check with your parents. :-)

And on a completely different note, many of you know (and love) author Gary Paulsen through his HATCHET books. But he has written about a gazillion others, and I have to admit, his funny ones are my favorites. We listened to How Angel Peterson Got His Name on our way to Wausau the other day. It's based on Gary Paulsen's own childhood in Minnesota. It's about a group of boys, lacking in both good judgment and parental supervision, and their attempts at adventure, like breaking the world's record for skiing speed . . by getting towed behind a car. It's a miracle they survive the events of the story.

But don't stop there, check out these others:

I dare you not to laugh out loud. (But PLEASE, just read the books. I don't want to be responsible for any accidents. :-) )

Still traveling . . .

2011-08-05T11:24:00.000-05:00

. . . but still reading. This week's books included two for older kids: THE HUNCHBACK ASSIGNMENTS (282 pages) and MARCELO IN THE REAL WORLD (312 pages). We listened to MARCELO. Don't forget to count audiobooks. You can look up their page counts online when you're done.

This next week, I have to send my manuscript in to my editor, so I'll be doing lots of writing. I'm also starting to get ready for the next school year--only a few weeks left of summer! Keep reading and see you soon.

Reading on the Road

2011-07-27T23:51:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone! We've been doing a lot of traveling, but I always bring a book! I also read with my sons most nights. Remember, if you read with a parents or a sibling or a friend, you can count those pages, too!
C and I just finished:

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth by Jeff Kinney

While E and I are reading:

On my own, I've read a couple of good mysteries:

For a grand total of 1012 new pages!

Oops, I forgot to post! Or . . . where did this week go?

2011-07-15T08:02:00.003-05:00

I guess I was so busy reading and writing (and reorganizing my office) I forgot to post here.

Three more books this week. One for grown-ups, SLOW DANCING ON PRICE'S PIER (368 pages), and two great nonfiction ones for kids:

Bootleg: Murder, Moonshine, and the Lawless Years of Prohibition by Karen Blumenthal

The Great and Only Barnum: The Tremendous, Stupendous Life of Showman P. T. Barnum by Candace Fleming

In fact, if you are running out of things that are "good" to read this summer, head over to the biography section of the library the next time you are there. There are TONS of fascinating stories (ever heard the saying "the truth is stranger than fiction"?). Here are a few others that have caught my eye.

Still writing, but reading, too.

2011-07-04T19:44:00.000-05:00

I'm still hard at work, revising my manuscript, but I did get in some reading this week, too.

One's for kids a little older than you, called SIDEKICKS by Jack D. Ferraiolo (he writes the PBS WordGirl series!). The other was a book for grown-up on writing, called . . . ON WRITING. It's by Stephen King.

Altogether, that was about 600 more pages. I haven't done the math, but I think I'm pretty much on target to meet my 8,000-page goal. How about YOU?

5 Mousy Reads

2011-06-29T09:30:00.001-05:00

This last week I've been hard at work on my writing, and while I've read through my 200-page manuscript at least twice, I'm not counting that. So . . . I have no page update this week! Eek.

For those of you wondering, the book I'm working on is a funny mystery called MALCOLM AT MIDNIGHT. It's about a rat mistaken for a mouse and the secret society of classroom pets he meets at his new school. It'll be in bookstores in the fall of 2012. In the meantime, there have been a lot of new books starring mice lately! Even though my Malcolm is proud of his rattiness, if you're in a mousy mood, here are some new ones to check out:

Bless this mouse / Lois Lowry ; illustrations by Eric Rohmann.

by Lowry, Lois.

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2011.

Description:

151 p. : ill., map ; 21 cm.

Summary:

Mouse Mistress Hildegarde musters all her ingenuity to keep a large colony of church mice safe from the exterminator and to see that they make it through the dangerous Blessing of the Animals.

A nest for Celeste : a story about art, inspiration, and the meaning of home / Henry Cole.

by Cole, Henry, 1955-

Katherine Tegen Books, c2010.

Edition:

1st ed.

Description:

342 p. : ill. ; 19 cm.

Summary:

Celeste, a mouse longing for a real home, becomes a source of inspiration to teenaged Joseph, assistant to the artist and naturalist John James Audubon, at a New Orleans, Louisiana, plantation in 1821.

Poppy and Ereth / Avi ; illustrated by Brian Floca.

by Avi, 1937-

HarperCollinsPublishers, c2009.

Edition:

1st ed.

Description:

208 p. : ill. ; 22 cm.

Summary:

After a long, hard winter in Dimwood forest, Poppy the deer mouse finds new adventure thrust upon her while rescuing Ereth the porcupine from the mud.

Tumtum & Nutmeg : adventures beyond Nutmouse Hall / stories by Emily Bearn ; with pictures by Nick Price.

by Bearn, Emily.

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2009.

Edition:

1st U.S. ed.

Description:

504 p. : ill. ; 21 cm.

Summary:

Wealthy, married mice Tumtum and Nutmeg find adventure when they secretly try to help two human siblings who live in a tumbledown cottage with their absent-minded inventor father.

Young Fredle / Cynthia Voigt ; illustrated by Louise Yates.

by Voigt, Cynthia.

Alfred A. Knopf, 2011.

Edition:

1st ed.

Description:

227 p. : ill. ; 22 cm.

Summary:

Fredle, a young mouse cast out of his home, faces dangers and predators outside, makes some important discoveries and allies, and learns the meaning of freedom as he struggles to return home.

Coming to America

2011-06-21T08:57:00.012-05:00

I read two great books recently that were both about girls moving to the U.S. from Vietnam during the Vietnam War.

In INSIDE OUT AND BACK AGAIN, Ha is from a once-wealthy family who now lives in Saigon, the capital of Vietnam. Her family is rushed out on a Navy boat, but eventually finds themselves (somewhat) settled in Alabama.

In DOGTAG SUMMER, Tracy, who lives in California, starts to wonder about her life before she was adopted--she has memories of a life with a grandma in Vietnam. But when she finds an old ammo box in the garage, her dad is furious. Only this just makes her want to figure out her past all the more.

Related books . . .
.
(Not all are about Vietnam, but the themes are similar, and HOME OF THE BRAVE is also written in verse.)

p.s. If you are adding up my page totals, I read a book for grown-ups in the last week, too: THE PRODUCTIVE WRITER.

Scary Books

2011-06-14T09:50:00.014-05:00

Do you like scary? Then this one's for you.

Revenge of the Witch by Joseph Delaney

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tom, the youngest brother in a big family, is never going to inherit his father's farm. However, as the seventh son of a seventh son, he is qualified to become the Spook's apprentice. The Spook is a feared man who rids the County of things that go bump (and worse) in the night. Tom works hard for the Spook, learning how to bind boggarts in pits of salt and iron, the different kinds of witches (benign and malevelant) and how ghasts are mostly harmless, even if they were murderers during their lives.

But Tom ignores the Spook's instructions to stay away from girls with pointy shoes when he meets Alice. And this little mistake sets off a chain of events that has Tom fighting not only for his life, but for the lives of those he loves as well.

Want more scary? Try these:

Revenge of the Witch is also the first in the Last Apprentice series. Here's a link to the rest of the series.

Tuesday Update: 1,232 Pages

2011-06-07T09:42:00.002-05:00

I'm in the midst of a really spooky book right now, but I'm not quite down with it, so I'll save that for next week. I did finish this one out on the lake this weekend. Enjoy!

The Fourth Stall by Chris Rylander

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Need an excuse note? A way to get into a rated R movie? Homework trouble? If you've got a problem, Mac can solve it, along with the help of his best friend/business partner, Vince. Just visit their "office" in the 4th stall of rarely-used bathroom at school. But be prepared to pay, with money or with owed favors.

Mac and Vince's business starts to fall apart the day a third grader comes in asking for protection from a bully. Because it's not just any bully. It's the legendary Staples, a kid no one was sure even existed. And now Staples has his eye on Mac and taking down the business. Suddenly, Mac and Vince have a whole new set of problems . . . ones that aren't so easy to solve.

A fast and funny read (with lots of tense moments mixed in) about friendship and trust with a little Chicago Cubs trivia thrown in for good measure.

If you like this book, try these:

New Books!

2011-06-01T10:15:00.000-05:00

The final book order arrived yesterday at our library. Here's what much of my summer reading will consist of:

A little fiction...(don't know why the photo's sideways)

A litle more fiction...

Lots of picture books (easy fiction)...

And more picture books...

With a little nonfiction for flavor.

Can't wait to get started!

918 pages so far!

2011-05-31T12:21:00.001-05:00

Got some reading in this week, though mostly all books for grown-ups:

LOST IN SHANGRI-LA (400 pages)
AUTHOR 101 (256 pages)
279 DAYS TO OVERNIGHT SUCCESS (79 pages)

I also read The Manatee Scientists (Sitf): The Science of Saving the Vulnerable by Peter Lourie (80 pages)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's part of the "Scientists in the Field" series. Wow! If you love animals, this is a great nonfiction series to look for. Every time I read one of these books, I am ready to jump on a plane and fly off to some place in the world to help out these scientists and animals.
Some of my other favorites from the series are:

And here a link to the whole series so you can find the ones that interest YOU.

Tuesday Update: 103 pages so far . . .

2011-05-24T08:24:00.003-05:00

How is your reading going so far? I've talked to a few of you and it sounds like you are reading up a storm. (Is that why it's been so rainy lately?) Anyway, each Tuesday, I'll post my page update here. And for this week? Well, I've finished just one book, SOPHIE SIMON SOLVES THEM ALL, which I posted about below. But don't get too excited. I have two others that I'm almost done with. Maybe by next week. :-)

Let me know how many pages you are up to by writing a comment to this post. The directions on how to do that are in the brown on the bottom of the screen.

In the meantime, here's what I've read:

Sophie Simon Solves Them All by Lisa Graff

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sophie can't be bothered with things like friends. She's got more important things to think about--like complicated math equations. Only for the kind of math she's interested in, she needs a special graphing calculator: the Pembo Q-60, which costs $100. But when her classmates come to her hoping she can help solve their problems, Sophie just might find a way to get her calculator...and make a few friends along the way.
For fan of Lisa Graff (, ), mathletes, and any who feels like their loved ones just don't quite "get" them.

What counts?

2011-05-19T08:35:00.008-05:00

Hi everyone! Boy, I've been out and about the last few days and everywhere I turn, I hear about you reading! I guess I had better get started!

I have also had a few questions about what "counts" for pages read. So, I'll try to lay it out here. Please record any book you FINISH on or after May 17, including . . .

Audiobooks (books you listen to)--I can help you find out the page count on Amazon.com or any library website when you turn your reading log in.

Books you read with a grown-up

Books a grown-up reads to you

Easy fiction/picture books

Guided reading books for school

Magazines (count the article pages)

Comics

Graphic novels (like Bone, Babymouse, etc.)

Don't count the pages of books of books you don't finish, even if you've read 50 pages before you stop. Occasionally, it may be okay to read parts of a nonfiction book and just count the sections you read--it depends on the book.

Be honest. And have fun reading!

Welcome!

2011-05-18T07:39:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the summer 2011 challenge. Can you outread me?
My goal this summer is 8,000 pages.

I'll be keeping track of my reading here. You can see my progress on my ticker. You can also see more about the books I read by clicking on them.

And don't forget! If you read more than me (and keep track), you'll earn unlimited checkout for the next school year!

Happy reading!

Clever Jack Takes the Cake by Candace Fleming

2010-09-30T10:36:00.000-05:00

What would you do if you were invited to the princess’s tenth birthday party but didn’t have money for a gift? Well, clever Jack decides to bake the princess a cake.

Now he just has to get it to the castle in one piece. What could possibly go wrong?

(32 pages)

Dust Devil by Anne Isaacs

2010-09-30T10:21:00.002-05:00

Swamp Angel has a reputation as the greatest woodswoman and wildest wildcat in all of Tennessee. But when she grows too big for that state, she moves to Montana, a place so sizeable, even Angel can fit in. It’s there that she wrestles a raging storm to the ground and, at its center, finds herself a sidekick—a horse she names Dust Devil. And when Backward Bart, the orneriest, ugliest outlaw ever known, starts terrorizing the prairie, seems like Angel and Dust Devil may be the only ones strong enough to stop him.

And the Winners Are...

2010-09-12T11:36:00.000-05:00

Belated congratulations to everyone who participated this summer. It was fun to hear about the books you were reading!

Special congratulations go out to M.S. and J.B. in Mr. Gonyea's class and C.S. in Mr. Winters! All three of them clobbered me in page totals and all three are now enjoying unlimited checkout with their Golden Library Cards!

Great job reading!

Here It Is! My Grand Total

2010-08-31T21:58:00.005-05:00

Well, summer's over! Didn't it go fast? I'm so excited for our new school year, though.

If you've been following the snail ticker on the right, you'll know that I beat my summer goal of 8,000 pages. I have two books left that are so close, but they aren't don't yet, so I'm not counting them. That means that my total is 8,376! I can't wait to see all of you and hear what you've been reading.

So, tomorrow, bring your signed reading log to the library. Everyone who participated this summer gets to pick out a book as a prize. And those of you who read more than 8,376 pages (and I know there are at least 2 of you who are really close!)...well, we need to add something to your library card!

As far as this blog, I plan to keep adding the books I've read to it. So, if you've been using it to get some book ideas, you can keep checking back. I'll be posting more books throughout the school year.

See you tomorrow!

The End of Our Challenge

2010-08-28T19:10:00.003-05:00

I had a question via email asking if you can still count your reading, even though last Wednesday was my last update.

YES! Keep reading! Our last day of summer is Tuesday, August 31. You can count pages read up until midnight that night (however, I do NOT recommend staying up until midnight the night before the first day of school :-) ). I'll be reading, too. I haven't posted lately because I've been reading two long books that are taking me a while. But I hope to have them done by Tuesday.

See you in September!

Wedneday Weigh In

2010-08-25T09:08:00.004-05:00

It's my last check in! Can you believe school starts in a week?

Some of you may be wondering how this work. On signing day (next Wednesday), stop by the library with your summer reading log--remember to have a parent sign it. We'll compare lists. If you have more pages than me, you've got unlimited book check out for the school year! If it's less, you still get to pick out a book from my prize shelf. Oh, and you should check out a library book that day, too so you have something to read right away on the first day of school.

As far as my update, I stayed up until 12:30 last night reading a book called MOCKINGJAY. It was the end of a trilogy and I just HAD to know how it ended. It's a little old for our library, but it's 400 pages...which means I'm at 8,376 pages. I've reached my goal of 8,000!

Now, we still have a week left, so keep reading. I know I will be! I"m going to try to finish HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN--I've never read it! What will you be reading?

Book trailers for the week...

SPACEHEADZ by Jon Scieszka

SAVVY by Ingrid Law

No Easy Way: The Story of Ted Williams and the Last .400 Season by Fred Bowen

2010-08-23T09:12:00.001-05:00

Ted Williams, Red Sox legend, hit .406 for the season in 1941— a feat not matched since.

(32 pages)

2010-08-21T07:55:00.003-05:00

Another book for grown-ups: THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN by Garth Stein. So good! (326 pages).

Signed, Abiah Rose by Diane Browning

2010-08-20T08:51:00.000-05:00

Abiah Rose has always wanted to paint pictures. “Best not, Abiah Rose,” everyone says. Back in the 1800's in American, serious painting was “not girl’s work.” Best not show your paintings. Best not sign them either. But still Abiah continues to make her mark on each of her paintings: a small, hidden rose.

(goodreads.com)

(32 pages)

Wednesday Weigh In

2010-08-19T08:53:00.002-05:00

Whew, I've been doing a lot of traveling the last couple weeks. Sometimes that means more reading time, but I'm afraid it's been the opposite. I did finish two more writing-related books for grown-ups: WRITING THE BREAKOUT NOVEL (256 pages) and THE ART AND CRAFT OF STORYTELLING (272 pages). I'm also in the midst of a bunch of different books--listening to one, reading one with Cal, and reading one on my own. I think I'll be able to finish them all by the start of school and meet my page goal. How are you doing?

Book trailers for the week...

FORTUNE'S MAGIC FARM by Suzanne Selfours

TENTACLES by Roland Smith

A Pirate's Guide to First Grade by James Preller

2010-08-18T08:42:00.002-05:00

Arr! It’s the first day of first grade, and it’s all hands on deck for a young pirate and his crew. How much trouble can they get into? What will they do at recess? And, most important, what treasure awaits them at school?

(from goodreads.com)

(40 pp.)

Biblioburro: A True Story from Colombia by Jeanette Winter

2010-08-17T08:45:00.001-05:00

Luis loves to read, but soon his house in Colombia is so full of books there's barely room for the family. What to do? Then he comes up with the perfect solution--a traveling library! He buys two donkeys--Alfa and Beto--and travels with them throughout the land, bringing books and reading to the children in faraway villages.

(goodreads.com)

(32 pp.)

Kindergarten Diary by Antoinette Portis

2010-08-16T07:10:00.001-05:00

Annalina's heading to kindergarten!

(32 pages)

Not All Princesses Dress in Pink by Jane Yolen

2010-08-15T11:03:00.000-05:00

For all the princesses out there who dig in the dirt, kick soccer balls, and splash in muddy puddles!

(32 pages)

The Buffalo Are Back by Jean Craighead George

2010-08-13T08:59:00.000-05:00

The buffalo, once nearly extinct, has made a comeback. This picture book tells the dramatic story, following bison from the Plains Indians to the cowboys, Teddy Roosevelt to the Dust Bowl, and from the brink of extinction to the majestic herds that now roam our national parks.

(from goodreads.com)

(32 pages)

Ubiquitous by Joyce Sidman

2010-08-12T08:58:00.000-05:00

Ubiquitous (yoo-bik-wi-tuhs): Something that is (or seems to be) everywhere at the same time.

Why is the beetle, born 265 million years ago, still with us today? How did the gecko survive 160 million years? How did the shark and the crow and the tiny ant survive millions and millions of years? When 99 percent of all life forms on earth have become extinct, why do some survive? And survive not just in one place, but in many places: in deserts, in ice, in lakes and puddles, inside houses and forest and farmland?

Just how do they become ubiquitous?

(from goodreads.com)

(40 pages)

2010-08-11T09:03:00.000-05:00

6,912 pages! I'm camping this week, which means my guys will be fishing...and I'll be READING.

Book trailers of the week...

SAMANTHAN HANSEN HAS ROCKS IN HER HEAD by Nancy Viau

FORTUNE'S FOLLY by Deva Fagan

Here Comes the Garbage Barge! by Jonah Winter

2010-08-11T08:53:00.002-05:00

Based on incredible true events, Jonah Winter brings us the flavorful story that starts in a little town on Long Island that has a big problem: 3,168 tons of garbage and nowhere to put it! Enter the garbage barge, who hauls the junk down the coast of North America looking for a place to dump it. . . .

(From goodreads.com)

(40 pages)

Wonder Horse: the True Story of the World's Smartest Horse by Emily Arnold McCully

2010-08-10T08:46:00.000-05:00

In the late 1800s, former slave and veterinarian Bill "Doc" Key realized that his new foal, Jim, was no ordinary horse. Believing in the power of kindness and patience, Doc taught Jim to spell, recognize the primary colors, and even make change from a cash register! Performing in shows across the country, Jim stunned audiences with his incredible skills. But when some people called Jim a fake, Doc set out to prove them wrong and to show the world that, thanks to the power of kindness and patience, Jim was truly a wonder horse.

(from goodreads.com)

(32 pages)

Cloud Tea Monkeys by Mal Peet

2010-08-09T08:45:00.000-05:00

Tashi lives in a tiny village below the tea plantations where her mother earns a living. One day her mother falls ill, and Tashi must pick tea to earn the money for a doctor. But she is too small to reach the tender shoots and the cruel Overseer sends her away empty-handed. Tashi needs a miracle. Then, on the mountains high above the plantation where only monkeys live, something extraordinary happens that will change her life for ever...

(from goodreads.com)

(56 pages)

How Rocket Learned to Read by Tad Hills

2010-08-07T09:05:00.000-05:00

Rocket masters the alphabet, sounds out words, and finally . . . learns to read all on his own. All with the help of his little yellow bird teacher.

(from goodreads.com)

(40 pages)

Is Your Buffalo Ready for Kindergarten? by Audrey Vernick

2010-08-05T10:54:00.003-05:00

Your buffalo is growing up. He plays with friends. He shares his toys. He's smart! But is he ready for kindergarten? (And is kindergarten ready for him?)

Hilarious (and the author's a friend of mine!). Will be reading this one aloud this fall. Stay tuned!

(adapted from goodreads.com)

(32 pages)

Also finished another grown-up read, THE TALE OF HALCYON CRANE by Wendy Webb. (352 pages)

Wednesday Weigh In

2010-08-04T08:42:00.002-05:00

I'm up to 6,288 pages, with the addition of a book called THE SKY IS EVERYWHERE (272 pages; it's a little too old for you) that I finished at the pool yesterday! I think I'll make my goal of 8,000. How many pages are you up to? Don't forget that you can tell me by commenting here on the blog or by sending me an email, rwojahn at ecasd.k12.wi.us (replace the "at" with the @ symbol; no spaces). I love to hear from readers in the summer!

For our book trailers today, I have two more titles that'll be on the the 4th and 5th grade Battle of the Books list this winter.

THE MAZE OF BONES by Rick Riordan

ZOOBREAK by Gordon Korman

Best Friends Forever: A World War II Scrapbook by Beverly Patt

2010-08-03T07:49:00.000-05:00

In 1942, 14-year-old Louise Krueger's best friend, Dottie Masuoka, and her family have to leave their Washington state home and live in a camp with other Japanese Americans...just in case they are spies for Japan. The two friends miss each other terribly and this book is Louise's scrapbook for Dottie of what happens at home while she's gone.

(92 pages)

Doodlebug: My Book in Drawing and Writing by Karen Romano Young

2010-08-02T10:08:00.002-05:00

Moving is tough. Being the new kid in school is even tougher. But the hardest thing of all about the move that Doreen "Dodo" Bussey's family is making is that she suspects it might be because of her. She got into trouble at her last school. On the drive to their new home, her mother gives Dodo a blank notebook, which she uses to chronicle the move, the first days in a new city, and the ups and downs of starting a new school and making new friends. In the process, she reinvents herself as the Doodlebug.

(blurb from goodreads.com)

(112 pages)

Emma Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree by Lauren Tarshis

2010-08-01T07:28:00.001-05:00

Emma-Jean Lazarus is the smartest and strangest girl at William Gladstone Middle School. Her classmates don't understand her, but that's okay because Emma-Jean doesn't quite get them either. But one afternoon, all that changes when she sees Colleen Pomerantz crying in the girl's room. It is through Colleen that Emma-Jean gets a glimpse into what it is really like to be a seventh grader. And what she finds will send her tumbling out of a tree and questioning why she ever got involved in the first place.

(blurb from goodreads.com)

(208 pages)

Oh No!: Or How My Science Project Destroyed the World by Mac Barnett

2010-07-31T07:06:00.001-05:00

Some kids are too smart for their own good . . . and maybe for everybody else’s good. When an overambitious little girl builds a humongous robot for the science fair, she fully expects to win first place. What she doesn’t expect is the chaos that follows.

(blurb from goodreads.com)

(32 pages)

A Small, Brown Dog with a Wet, Pink Nose by S.A. Bodeen

2010-07-30T07:03:00.001-05:00

Amelia wants a dog, needs a dog, and believes she simply cannot live without a small brown dog with a wet pink nose. Her parents think she can.
Rather than begging or pleading, Amelia adopts an imaginary dog named Bones. But when Amelia's make-believe pup runs away, her parents are in for a real surprise!

(blurb from goodreads.com)

(32 pages)

Any Wimpy Kid Fans Out There?

2010-07-29T08:59:00.003-05:00

Look what was announced today!

Now, now, before you get TOO excited, they just released the title, cover, and the date it'll be available today. We won't get to read it until November 9. (More information on the new book is here.) And don't worry, I'll be sure to order plenty of copies for our library. :-)

Old Dog by Jeanne Willis

2010-07-29T07:02:00.000-05:00

The Young Pups don't want to visit Grandpa—he is so boring, and only ever wants to talk about the olden days. They don't believe Grandpa was ever young or fun, so Grandpa sets out to prove them wrong, and show them that there is life in the old dog yet!

(32 pages)

Wednesday Weigh In

2010-07-28T15:15:00.002-05:00

I'm up to 5,604 pages! How's your reading going?

August 2nd is the last day to turn in reading folders for the public library so don't forget to head down there! We need a few more readers on the list for Manz. Also, the public library is doing a family reading program! It runs August 2-September 10. Stop by the library for more information.

Book trailers this week:

THE SLUGGERS by Phil Bildner

WHEN THE MOUNTAIN MEETS THE MOON by Grace Lin
(This is one of our Battle of the Books titles this next school year!)

The Quiet Book by Deborah Underwood

2010-07-27T15:00:00.001-05:00

Have you ever thought about how many kinds of quiet there are? Like "first one awake quiet" or "hide-and-seek quiet" or "last one to get picked up from school quiet."

My favorite: reading a really great book (like THE QUIET BOOK) quiet.

(32 pages)

Leonardo Da Vinci: Giants of Science #1 by Kathleen Krull

2010-07-26T10:11:00.004-05:00

Leonardo da Vinci was not only an amazing artist (who created the famous painting the Mona Lisa), but he was also an incredible, ahead-of-his-time scientist, engineer, and architect. Did you know that he came up with the ideas for helicopters and tanks--way before there was the technology to build them?

(128 pages)

p. s. Also finished a book for grown-ups over the weekend, MADEMOISELLE BOLEYN (368 pages).

Where Is Catkin? by Janet Lord

2010-07-24T09:49:00.000-05:00

Catkin jumps off Amy's lap, heading out for his daily hunt. He hears the creatures hidden in the yard cricket, frog, mouse, snake but can't find them. (Can you?)

(blurb adapted from Goodreads.com)

(32 pages)

Red, Green, Blue by Alison Jay

2010-07-23T09:47:00.000-05:00

On a gray and rainy day, a boy discovers a rainbow of colors in the world of nursery rhymes. Come along as he delights in blue with Little Boy Blue, orange in Old Mother Hubbard’s cupboard, and purple with poor Humpty Dumpty.

Can you name all the nursery rhymes in this book? Can you spot all the characters as they hide on different pages?

(blurb adapted from Goodreads.com)

(32 pages)

Miss Brooks Loves Books by Barbara Bottner

2010-07-22T09:40:00.000-05:00

With the help of Miss Brooks, Missy’s classmates all find books they love in the library—books about fairies and dogs and trains and cowboys. But Missy dismisses them all—“Too flowery, too furry, too clickety, too yippity.”

Still, Miss Brooks remains undaunted. Book Week is here and Missy will find a book to love if they have to empty the entire library. What story will finally win over this beastly, er, discriminating child? William Steig’s SHREK!—the tale of a repulsive green ogre in search of a revolting bride—of course!

(blurb from Goodreads.com)

(32 pages)

2010-07-21T10:04:00.005-05:00

6 weeks left of summer! How's the reading going? I'm up to 4,980 pages. I know I've run into a lot of you (or your parents) this summer and it sounds like I'd better be ready with lots of books prizes and possibly some gold stars for library cards in September. Keep up the good work!

Trailers for today...

FOUND by Margaret Peterson Haddix (and if you like this book, you should go find her other books!)

THE INCORRIGIBLE CHILDREN OF ASHTON PLACE: THE MYSTERIOUS HOWLING by Maryrose Wood

Mama, Is It Summer Yet? by Nikki McClure

2010-07-21T09:53:00.000-05:00

"Is it summer yet?" a boy asks.

"Not yet, little one," Mama says, then points to the signs that spring is turning to summer—the softening of the earth, the nest-building of squirrels, the singing of birds—and encourages her son to savor the beauty of spring.

Lots of fun spring details for readers to spy in the beautiful paper cutout illustrations.

(32 pages)

What's Your Sound, Hound the Hound? by Mo Willems

2010-07-21T09:29:00.002-05:00

Join spunky Cat the Cat as she introduces the very youngest readers to her world, where a surprise is waiting in every book.

Yet another superfun series from Mo Willems, author of the Pigeon, Knuffle Bunny, and Elephant and Piggie books. (I can't keep up! I'm going to have to clear my W shelves at the library to make yet more room.)

Also in this series, LET'S SAY HI TO FRIENDS WHO FLY, CAT THE CAT, WHO IS THAT?, TIME TO SLEEP, SHEEP THE SHEEP.

(blurb from Goodreads.com)

(32 pages)

Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon

2010-07-20T12:19:00.002-05:00

This one you'll probably want to wait until middle school before you read it, but it was lots of fun . . . an Asian-inspired fantasy, with demons and secret powers.

(338 pages)

Peace, Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson

2010-07-19T08:49:00.000-05:00

Twelve-year-old Lonnie finally feels at home with his foster family. But because he’s living apart from his little sister, Lili, he decides it’s his job to be the “rememberer,” so he writes letters everyday to Lili. In his letters, he talks about everyday stuff--what happened to their parents, his friends, their new families, poetry, and school.

But when Lonnie's foster brother returns from the war, Lonnie learns that his foster family needs him as much as he needs them.

(blurb adapted from Goodreads.com)

(144 pages)

The Buddy Files: The Case of the Missing Family by Dori Hillestad Butler

2010-07-18T07:33:00.000-05:00

In the third book of the Buddy Files series, Buddy (formerly known as King) finally tracks down his first owner Kayla and finds out why he was put in the P-O-U-N-D. But then, what to do? Should he go back to Kayla or stay with his new owner, Connor, who also needs him?

(131 pages)

Amelia Earhart: This Broad Ocean by Sarah Stewart Taylor

2010-07-17T07:29:00.000-05:00

Amelia Earhart is best known for being a pioneering pilot and for her disappearance during her quest to be the first woman to fly around the world. This book tells the story (in comics!) of Amelia's crossing of the Atlantic Ocean in 1928. Here we get to see her relentless ambition, tireless will, and love for adventure through the eyes of a little girl with equal spunk.

(blurb adapted from Goodreads.com)

(96 pages)

Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse by Marilyn Singer

2010-07-16T08:01:00.001-05:00

Have you heard of "reverso" poems? I hadn't. They're poems that can be read start to finish for one point of view, then from the end to the start for different version of the story. And what better stories to use than familiar fairy tales? Read a poem one way for Snow White talking to the dwarves; backwards, it's the Queen luring Snow White with the apple. Quite amazing. I'll be reading this book to some of your classes this fall. But in the meantime, you should go check it out!

(32 pages)

The Extraordinary Mark Twain by Barbara Kerley

2010-07-15T08:47:00.000-05:00

The world was wrong about Mark Twain. At least that what his 13-year-old daughter thought. So she crept about and wrote down her own version of his biography. From his habits (good and bad!), to his writing routine, to their family's colorful home life, her funny notes give an interesting perspective on the famous author.

(Blurb adapted from Goodreads.com)

(48 pages)

Wednesday Weigh In

2010-07-14T09:38:00.004-05:00

Hi readers! Sorry I missed my update last week. I had an unexpected family trip to Ohio. But I've been reading...I'm up to 4,111 pages, which seems right on target for meeting my goal of 8,000 pages. How are you doing?

One of the books I read I didn't add to our list because it's probably not one you'd want to read--it's for grown-ups. It's called THE WRITER'S JOURNEY: MYTHIC STRUCTURE FOR WRITERS. See? Sounds pretty dull. But I liked it because it helps me with my writing. Anyway, that added another 407 pages to my total!

Speaking of reading totals...I was down at the public library two days ago. Is it true that NO ONE from Manz has completed and turned in their summer reading folder yet?!? Readers! We have our school honor to uphold. Check off your reading minutes, get down to the public library, and collect your prizes! We only have until August 2! Have you seen those trophies?

Finally, here are our book trailers for this week. Hope you're not afraid of scary books for this first one...

DEEP AND DARK AND DANGEROUS by Mary Downing Hahn

And a funny one: HOW TO SAVE YOUR TAIL by Mary Hanson

Bunny Days by Tao Nyeu

2010-07-14T08:36:00.000-05:00

Six frolicking bunnies, two busy goats, and a very handy bear live harmoniously—though not without mishap!

(Blurb adapted from Goodreads.com)

(48 pages)

A Beach Tail by Karen Lynn Williams

2010-07-13T08:32:00.000-05:00

Dad tells Gregory not to go in the water and not to leave the lion he's drawn in the sand. But who knew that Sandy Lion would have such a long tail?

(32 pages)

One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia

2010-07-12T08:21:00.000-05:00

In the summer of 1968, Delphine and her two younger sisters travel from Brooklyn to Oakland, California, to spend a month with the mother they barely know. They arrive to a cold welcome as they discover that their mother, a dedicated poet and printer, is resentful of the intrusion of their visit and wants them to attend a nearby Black Panther summer camp.

(Blurb adapted from Goodreads.com)

(224 pages)

The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg by Rodman Philbrick

2010-07-11T20:48:00.000-05:00

Although he is underage, Homer P. Figg’s beloved older brother, Harold, is illegally sold into the Union Army by their ruthless guardian. Now Homer must run away from Pine Swamp, Maine, and his wretched home to find his brother and save him from the war, before it’s too late.

(Blurb from Goodreads.com)

(224 pages)

LMNO Peas by Keith Baker

2010-07-11T20:38:00.000-05:00

Peas (yes, the vegetable!) star in this alphabet book.

(40 pages)

What If? by Laura Vaccaro Seeger

2010-07-10T20:45:00.000-05:00

WHAT IF a boy found a beach ball and kicked it into the ocean? WHAT IF two seals found it and began to play? WHAT IF a third seal appeared on the beach looking for a friend? In this spare and deceptively simple book, Laura Vaccaro Seeger shows us the same story with three different outcomes, each highlighting the possibility in possibilities.

(32 pages)

Ling & Ting by Grace Lin

2010-07-09T22:13:00.000-05:00

Ling and Ting are twins. They have the same brown eyes. They have the same pink cheeks. They have the same happy smiles.

But they are NOT the same.

(48 pages)

Bridget's Beret by Tom Lichtenheld

2010-07-08T20:37:00.000-05:00

Bridget loves to draw, and she likes to wear a beret for inspiration. So when her beloved hat blows away, Bridget searches for it high and low. She files a Missing Beret Report. She even considers other hats, but none of them feel quite right. It’s no use; without her beret, Bridget can’t seem to draw. How will she overcome her artist’s block?

(blurb from Goodreads.com)

(32 pages)

Borrowed Names: Poems About Laura Ingalls Wilder, Madam C.J. Walker, Marie Curie, and Their Daughters by Jeannine Atkins

2010-07-08T08:14:00.001-05:00

As a child, Laura Ingalls Wilder traveled across the prairie in a covered wagon. Her daughter, Rose, thought those stories might make a good book, and the two created the beloved Little House series.

Sara Breedlove, the daughter of former slaves, wanted everything to be different for her own daughter, A’Lelia. Together they built a million-dollar beauty empire for women of color.

Marie Curie became the first person in history to win two Nobel prizes in science. Inspired by her mother, Irène too became a scientist and Nobel prize winner.

Borrowed Names is the story of these extraordinary mothers and daughters, written in...poetry.

(blurb adapted from Goodreads.com)

(224 pages)

Kakapo Rescue: Saving the World's Strangest Parrot by Sy Montgomery

2010-07-07T08:13:00.001-05:00

I love it when a book makes me want to go somewhere and do something!

Kakapos are ground-dwelling parrots that live on remote New Zealand islands. As this true story takes place, there are only 89 birds left--but the determined scientists of New Zealand's National Kakapo Recovery Team are hard at work around the clock, trying to hatch more in the wild.

Exciting, informative, and inspiring, with amazing photos by Nic Bishop.

(80 pages)

Black Elk's Vision: A Lakota Story by S.D. Nelson

2010-07-06T08:02:00.000-05:00

The story of Black Elk, a Lakota medicine man. He tells what it was like to be Native American in the mid-to-late nineteenth century and early twentieth century. The Native people found their land overrun by the Wha-shi-choos, or White Man, the buffalo slaughtered for sport and to purposely eliminate their main food source, and their people gathered onto reservations. Through it all, Black Elk clung to his childhood visions that planted the seeds to help his people—and all people—understand their place in the circle of life.

(blurb adapted from Goodreads.com)

(56 pages)

No T. Rex in the Library by Toni Buzzeo

2010-07-05T08:11:00.002-05:00

It is Tuesday morning in the library, and T. Rex is out of control! A little girl named Tess thinks T. Rex needs some time in time-out. But if angry pirates and charging knights are no match for T. Rex, can Tess return this wild dino to the pages of history?

(32 pages)

(blurb from Goodreads.com)

Instructions by Neil Gaiman

2010-07-04T08:25:00.001-05:00

Trust Dreams.
Trust your heart,
and trust your story.

A storyteller (Neil Gaiman, author of THE GRAVEYARD BOOK) guides a traveler safely through lands unknown and yet strangely familiar . . . and home again.

(32 pages)

(blurb from Goodreads.com)

Big Red Lollipop by Rukhsana Khan

2010-07-03T08:20:00.000-05:00

Rubina has been invited to her first birthday party, and her mother, Ami, insists that she bring her little sister along. Rubina is mortified, but she can’t convince Ami that you just don’t bring your younger sister to your friend’s party. So both girls go, and not only does Sana demand to win every game, but after the party she steals Rubina’s prized party favor, a red lollipop. What’s a fed-up big sister to do?

(32 pages)

(blurb from Goodreads.com)

City Dog, Country Frog by Mo Willems

2010-07-02T08:14:00.001-05:00

In spring, when City Dog runs free in the country for the first time, he spots Country Frog sitting on a rock, waiting for a friend. "You'll do," Frog says, and together they play Country Frog games. In summer, they meet again and play City Dog games. Through the seasons, whenever City Dog visits the country he runs straight for Country Frog's rock. In winter, things change for City Dog and Country Frog. Come spring, friendship blooms again, a little different this time.

(32 pages)

(blurb from Goodreads.com)

Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen

2010-07-01T13:34:00.005-05:00

Juli Baker devoutly believes in three things: the sanctity of trees (especially her beloved sycamore), the wholesomeness of the eggs she collects from her backyard flock of chickens, and that someday she will kiss Bryce Loski. Ever since she saw Bryce's baby blues back in second grade, Juli has been smitten. Unfortunately, Bryce has never felt the same. Frankly, he thinks Juli Baker is a little weird--after all, what kind of freak raises chickens and sits in trees for fun? Then, in eighth grade, everything changes. Bryce begins to see that Juli's unusual interests and pride in her family are, well, kind of cool. And Juli starts to think that maybe Bryce's brilliant blue eyes are as empty as the rest of Bryce seems to be. After all, what kind of jerk doesn't care about other people's feelings about chickens and trees? Can they ever be friends?

(224 pages)

(blurb adapted from Goodreads.com)

And it's going to be a movie soon!

Wednesday Weigh In

2010-06-30T09:12:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone! Hope your June has been great. Any plans for the 4th of July? I've been busy reading this last week. I'm up to 2,232 pages. I'm a quarter of the way there!

Yesterday, Cal and I headed down to the public library and checked out tons of books. I'm always looking for good new read alouds for your classes, so I'll be posting lots of easy fiction picture books in the next week as I read through them all.

In other news, we went to see the movie HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON last night. It was a lot of fun--have you seen it? Did you know it was a book first? In fact, a whole series! If you prefer your books with lots of silliness and some booger talk, you should check them out. :-) You can see all the books here on the author, Cressida Cowell's, website.

And now for this week's book trailers...

WE THE CHILDREN (KEEPERS OF THE SCHOOL) by Andrew Clements

ESCAPING THE TIGER by Laura Manivong

My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett

2010-06-29T07:32:00.003-05:00

Do you remember the video I showed you of the 100 Best Children's Novels? There were about 20 on that list that I haven't read. This summer I'm going to try to read some of those. MY FATHER'S DRAGON was one.

Elmer goes to Wild Island to rescue a baby dragon who is being held prisoner by the animals of the island. Luckily, he has everything he needs in his backpack!--he thwarts the tigers by giving them gum, the lion by teaching him how to braid his mane, and the rhino by showing how to use a toothbrush. A silly, funny story.

(96 pages)

Here's the video of the Top 100 Children's Novels again.

And here's the printable list.

Heroes of the Valley by Jonathan Stroud

2010-06-29T07:29:00.000-05:00

Halli Sveinsson has grown up in the House of Svein, listening to the legends of the heroes as all his forefathers did. Bored with the everyday chores and sheep herding, he can't help himself from playing practical jokes on everyone, from Eyjolf the old servant, to his brother and sister. But when he plays a trick on Ragnor of the House of Hakonsson, he goes too far, setting in motion a chain of events that will forever alter his destiny.

(480 pages)

Listening to Books

2010-06-27T13:20:00.005-05:00

Hi all. It's been quiet here the last few days! I'm in the midst of a really long book (HEROES OF THE VALLEY by Jonathan Stroud). I've also been really busy writing as well (a story called MALCOLM AT MIDNIGHT by, well, me). But I should have some new books to add on here in the next day or so.

In the meantime, I don't think I've mentioned audiobooks yet. Do you know what audiobooks are? Books on tape, or CD, or digital files that you listen to. Like books at listening centers at school.

I listen to audiobooks all the time. They're great for long car trips on while I walk. And yes, I count audiobooks as pages read. You should, too. You can check out audiobooks at the public library or at Manz library. I just figured out how to download audiobooks from the public library to my iPod!

p.s. I'm currently listening to THE MOSTLY TRUE ADVENTURES OF HOMER P. FIGG by Rodman Philbrick.

Wednesday Weigh In

2010-06-23T09:43:00.002-05:00

How's the reading going? I'm up to 1,656 pages. My son, Eli, is clobbering me again this summer. If you like science fiction and fantasy, he's really enjoyed MIDDLEWORLD and THE COMET'S CURSE this last week. I've added them to my reading list.

I'll leave you with two more book trailers. Enjoy!

Find more videos like this on ReadKiddoRead

SURPRISES ACCORDING TO HUMPHREY by Betty Birney

Find more videos like this on ReadKiddoRead

14 COWS FOR AMERICA by Carmen Agra Deedy

Melonhead and the Big Stink by Katy Kelly

2010-06-23T09:36:00.001-05:00

It’s summer and Melonhead and Sam have Big Plans. Big Plans that include seeing the titan arium “bunga bangkai” plant. According to Melonhead, this plant is better than moldy ham and flaming bats. It’s a plant that not only blooms once every seven years, but, best of all, when it does bloom, it smells like putrid, dead mammals, plus rot, plus spoiled food. In order to go, the boys know they’ll have to stay out of trouble, and let’s face it, that’s not always easy for them to do. So, they come up with a plan that will help them: the Boys’ Improvement Guide for Acting Responsible Till Stink Sunday---also known as B.I.G. F.A.R.T.S.S.

With a plan like that, what could go wrong?

If you love Fudge, Stink, Ramona, or Clementine, go check this one out. (And there's a first book, MELONHEAD, too.)

(224 pages)

National Geographic, Popular Science, and Reader's Digest

2010-06-21T13:34:00.004-05:00

Remember when I said magazine reading counts, too? Well, this past weekend I was at our cabin up north. I tend to do a lot of magazine reading up there because they're easy to stop and start and, most importantly, bring along in the boat while my family fishes. These are the magazines I read cover-to-cover this weekend. What magazines do you like?

(362 pages)

Eighth-Grade Superzero by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich

2010-06-18T08:16:00.000-05:00

For middle schooler Reggie McKnight, being called “Pukey” is the least of his problems. School elections are coming up, but he’s as far away from being school President as he is from shutting down his enemy Donovan or meeting up with the beautiful Mialonie. His friends Ruthie and Joe C. have his back, but let’s face it: Reggie can only be a superhero on the pages of his graphic novel, Night Man.

Then Reggie gets involved with a local homeless shelter, the Olive Branch. Haunted by two of the clients there -- George, a once proud man now living on the streets, and five-year-old Charlie, who becomes his official “Little Buddy” -- he begins to think about making a difference, both in the world and at school. Pukey for President? It can happen...if he starts believing.

(272 pages)

More Storytime Action!: 2,000+ Ideas for Making 500 Picture Books Interactive by Jennifer Bromann-Bender

2010-06-18T08:07:00.001-05:00

Sometimes I read books for grown-ups, too. Here's my latest.

(326 pages)

The Blue Ghost by Marion Dane Bauer

2010-06-17T07:21:00.000-05:00

Liz is staying with her grandmother in her old house in the woods of northern Minnesota when one night a noise awakens her. It is someone calling her name, calling for Elizabeth. Liz opens her eyes. There is a blue ghost in her room! What does the ghost want from her?

(96 pages)

Wednesday Weigh In

2010-06-15T13:09:00.008-05:00

Hi everybody! How's the reading going? It's been pretty rainy, so I expect that a lot of you have been flipping the pages. As for me--did you notice the snail ticker on the right? 376 pages so far this summer.

I know. It's not a lot--yet. But here's what you don't know: I've been working at school this last week. My summer officially starts today. That means so does my reading time!

Every Wednesday I'll check in here and let you know what I'm up to. I'd love to hear from you, too! You can post in the comments--check with your mom or dad to make sure it's okay first, though. Say "hi," tell me about the books you are reading, or even what you had for lunch. :-) Here's how to post:

Click on the link below the post that says "Click to read or write comments!"
Type in your comment.
In the drop-down menu next to "Comment as...", select "Name/URL."
Enter your first name only.
Leave the URL space blank.
Click "Post Comment."
You should know that I preview all comments before they'll appear online, so it may be a little while before you see it.
You can read others' comments by clicking on the "Click to read or write comments!" link, too.

And finally, you've heard of movie trailers, right? Those little commericals for upcoming movies that make you want to go see them? Well, did you know there are book trailers, too? Yes, video commericals for books! Every Wednesday, I'll end my update with two book trailers I've enjoyed. This week's is the Gecko & Sticky series by Wendelin Van Draanen and A Nest for Celeste by Henry Cole.

Have fun and keep reading!

The Buddy Files by Dori Butler

2010-06-15T12:58:00.000-05:00

Buddy was adopted from the P-O-U-N-D and he likes his new family, but he's still searching for Kayla-his first family. What has happened to them? He hopes to solve that mystery soon, but right now he's got another urgent case-two dogs, Muffin and Jazzy, have been switched! How can Buddy get poor Muffin and Jazzy back to their real owners?

(128 pages)

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger

2010-06-13T19:49:00.000-05:00

Origami Yoda is just a finger puppet made from a folded up piece of paper, right? But if he is, then how does he know things like when the next pop quiz is? Or how to get revenge on a pencil-breaking bully? Or more importantly, if Sara really likes Tommy?

(144 pages)

Django by Bonnie Christensen

2010-06-12T14:02:00.002-05:00

Django Reinhardt, the "Gypsy Genius," taught himself guitar at an early age. But just as his career was taking off, he was terribly burned in a fire. Folks said Django would never play again, but with passion and perserverance he was soon setting the world's concert stages ablaze.

(32 pages)

All Star!: Honus Wagner and the Most Famous Baseball Card Ever by Jane Yolen

2010-06-10T19:39:00.002-05:00

The Honus Wagner baseball card is the most valuable baseball card of all time. But Honus was born poor, ugly, bow-legged, and more suited to shoveling coal in his Pennsylvania mining town than becoming the greatest shortstop of all time. How did it happen?

(40 pages)

p. s. The Honus Wagner baseball card is also featured in the first book of the Baseball Card Adventures series by Dan Gutman, called Honus and Me.

Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney

2010-06-10T19:38:00.000-05:00

Alice Rumphius wants to visit faraway places, live by the sea, and make the world more beautiful. But the last one is the hardest to do.

How will YOU make the world more beautiful?

(32 pages)

Summer 2010 Starts Tuesday, June 8 at 3:35!

2010-06-05T07:25:00.008-05:00

Do you think you can outread me? I hope you can! But remember, it's a SUMMER reading challenge. No fair counting pages you've read before the start of summer. Just think of your reading in the next few days as a warm-up.

In the meantime, check below for three fun books I just read. (And NO, I didn't count them in my summer total...because it's not summer YET!)

How to Clean a Hippopotamus: A Look at Unusual Animal Partnerships by Robin Page

2010-06-05T07:22:00.002-05:00

What does a water buffalo see in an egret? Why would a badger want a coyote for company? What makes a horse mackerel think he can hang around with a Portugese man-of-war---and live to tell about it? Find out about these unlikely partnerships and more in this book.

(With pictures done by one of Mrs. Wojahn's favorite illustrators, Steve Jenkins!)

(32 pages)

Hamster and Cheese by Colleen AF Venable

2010-06-05T07:13:00.000-05:00

Never fear! The world's fluffiest detective on the case: Sasspants, PI(G). By day, Sasspants is your average book-loving, gizmo-inventing guinea pig. By night she solves pet shop mysteries with the help of her sidekick, Hamisher the hamster. Our furry little heroes will stop at nothing to find the bad guys!

(46 pages)

Mockingbird Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine

2010-06-04T06:04:00.000-05:00

5th grader Caitlin has Asperger's Syndrome. To her, everything is black or white. Anything in between is confusing. Especially people and their emotions. That’s the stuff Caitlin’s older brother, Devon, has always explained. But now Devon’s dead--killed in a school shooting. How can Caitlin navigate life all on her own? And how on earth can she help her dad and her community and herself get to Closure about what happened?

(224 pages)

Summer Challenge 2010...coming soon!

2010-05-17T11:56:00.003-05:00

I'm looking forward to summer for lots more reading time! How about you?
In the meantime, here's a fun video of the Top 100 Children's Novels!

A Conspiracy of Kings by Megan Whalen Turner

2010-05-17T11:04:00.000-05:00

Heart-stopping action, intrigue, danger, revenge, and romance, with a hint of a supernatural force as great as the gods—here is the epic story of an unlikely prince and his quest to save his kingdom. The fourth book in Megan Whalen Turner’s award-winning series about Eugenides, the Thief of Eddis.
(316 pages)

Mrs. Wojahn Reads

And my grand total is . . .

One week left!

Two Books and Two Warnings

Still traveling . . .

Reading on the Road

Oops, I forgot to post! Or . . . where did this week go?

Still writing, but reading, too.

5 Mousy Reads

Coming to America

Scary Books

Tuesday Update: 1,232 Pages

New Books!

918 pages so far!

Tuesday Update: 103 pages so far . . .

What counts?

Welcome!

Clever Jack Takes the Cake by Candace Fleming

Dust Devil by Anne Isaacs

And the Winners Are...

Here It Is! My Grand Total

The End of Our Challenge

Wedneday Weigh In

No Easy Way: The Story of Ted Williams and the Last .400 Season by Fred Bowen

More Pages

Signed, Abiah Rose by Diane Browning

Wednesday Weigh In

A Pirate's Guide to First Grade by James Preller

Biblioburro: A True Story from Colombia by Jeanette Winter

Kindergarten Diary by Antoinette Portis

Not All Princesses Dress in Pink by Jane Yolen

The Buffalo Are Back by Jean Craighead George

Ubiquitous by Joyce Sidman

Here Comes the Garbage Barge! by Jonah Winter

Wonder Horse: the True Story of the World's Smartest Horse by Emily Arnold McCully

Cloud Tea Monkeys by Mal Peet

How Rocket Learned to Read by Tad Hills

Is Your Buffalo Ready for Kindergarten? by Audrey Vernick

Wednesday Weigh In

Best Friends Forever: A World War II Scrapbook by Beverly Patt

Doodlebug: My Book in Drawing and Writing by Karen Romano Young

Emma Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree by Lauren Tarshis

Oh No!: Or How My Science Project Destroyed the World by Mac Barnett

A Small, Brown Dog with a Wet, Pink Nose by S.A. Bodeen

Any Wimpy Kid Fans Out There?

Old Dog by Jeanne Willis

Wednesday Weigh In

The Quiet Book by Deborah Underwood

Leonardo Da Vinci: Giants of Science #1 by Kathleen Krull

Where Is Catkin? by Janet Lord

Red, Green, Blue by Alison Jay

Miss Brooks Loves Books by Barbara Bottner

Mama, Is It Summer Yet? by Nikki McClure

What's Your Sound, Hound the Hound? by Mo Willems

Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon

Peace, Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson

The Buddy Files: The Case of the Missing Family by Dori Hillestad Butler

Amelia Earhart: This Broad Ocean by Sarah Stewart Taylor

Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse by Marilyn Singer

The Extraordinary Mark Twain by Barbara Kerley

Wednesday Weigh In

Bunny Days by Tao Nyeu

A Beach Tail by Karen Lynn Williams

One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia

The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg by Rodman Philbrick

LMNO Peas by Keith Baker

What If? by Laura Vaccaro Seeger

Ling & Ting by Grace Lin

Bridget's Beret by Tom Lichtenheld

Borrowed Names: Poems About Laura Ingalls Wilder, Madam C.J. Walker, Marie Curie, and Their Daughters by Jeannine Atkins

Kakapo Rescue: Saving the World's Strangest Parrot by Sy Montgomery

Black Elk's Vision: A Lakota Story by S.D. Nelson

No T. Rex in the Library by Toni Buzzeo

Instructions by Neil Gaiman

Big Red Lollipop by Rukhsana Khan

City Dog, Country Frog by Mo Willems

Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen

Wednesday Weigh In

My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett

Heroes of the Valley by Jonathan Stroud