Because my students recommended her books, I checked out three of Simone Elkeles' books from my library this summer. First I read Perfect Chemistry, and I discovered it is perfect. It is a wonderful love story. Maybe predictable, maybe familiar, but a perfect summer page-turner, guaranteed to please high school girls.
The video is a bit cheezy, but you get what the story is about (and the song is catchy, right?).
Next I started reading her trilogy which starts with How to Ruin a Summer Vacation. Now I believe I was in Israel in the 1980s with Ms. Elkeles. This novel about a sometimes spunky, sometimes annoying American teenager who visits an Israeli moshav with her Israeli father recalled some of my fond memories of living on a kibbutz every summer when I was a teen. I read the rest of the series, and although it isn't the most literary, it is certainly fun and many of my students will love it - especially my Jewish students, although kids who aren't Jewish will enjoy the stories of identity and romance as well.
Simone Elkeles has a great website with humorous video book trailers which capture the spirit of the characters of her novels. Take a look around - her site describes her books better than I can summarize them. I look forward to reading more of her books and to showing my students her engaging website.
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Monday, September 14, 2009
Read Aloud Favorites
Update: We got most of the books below at the public library. I am glad we don't live in Philadelphia! Closing all the libraries? REALLY?
About 15 years ago, I was a children's librarian. I worked at public libraries and K-6 school libraries. Now that I have spent so many years at the middle and high school level, I miss the children's books! Lucky for me, I have kids who love it when we snuggle up and I read to them.
Now we are into chapter books - especially those with sequels. I have a 10 year old son and a 7 year old daughter, so finding books that they both enjoy can be tricky. Books with sequels are good, because once we find characters that they both care about we can continue for a while with them. Here are some family favorites:
The Tales of Olga da Polga by Michael Bond
After reading this series about a feisty guinea pig, we were inspired to get one as a pet - with rosettes and all, just like Olga. Except ours is a boy. The kids didn't connect with Bond's more famous Paddington Bear, but this one hooked them (and me) from the start.
The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks
This whole series is exciting. Imagine your little plastic figurines coming to life! It is an older book, so the language is a bit dated, but it has it all - from adventure to characters needing miniature supplies. They use a toothpaste cap as a cup. What could be better?
The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall
Even my son loved hearing about these adventurous and thoughtful sisters.
Toys Go Out by Emily Jenkins
The humor of the toys - especially the ball, who one day realizes he has no limbs, is spot-on. We read this one a year or two ago, but it continues to be a part of our family memory.
What are your read aloud favorites? I think any of the above would work in a classroom or school library setting as well as at home, appealing to both genders.
About 15 years ago, I was a children's librarian. I worked at public libraries and K-6 school libraries. Now that I have spent so many years at the middle and high school level, I miss the children's books! Lucky for me, I have kids who love it when we snuggle up and I read to them.
Now we are into chapter books - especially those with sequels. I have a 10 year old son and a 7 year old daughter, so finding books that they both enjoy can be tricky. Books with sequels are good, because once we find characters that they both care about we can continue for a while with them. Here are some family favorites:
The Tales of Olga da Polga by Michael Bond
After reading this series about a feisty guinea pig, we were inspired to get one as a pet - with rosettes and all, just like Olga. Except ours is a boy. The kids didn't connect with Bond's more famous Paddington Bear, but this one hooked them (and me) from the start.
The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks
This whole series is exciting. Imagine your little plastic figurines coming to life! It is an older book, so the language is a bit dated, but it has it all - from adventure to characters needing miniature supplies. They use a toothpaste cap as a cup. What could be better?
The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall
Even my son loved hearing about these adventurous and thoughtful sisters.
Toys Go Out by Emily Jenkins
The humor of the toys - especially the ball, who one day realizes he has no limbs, is spot-on. We read this one a year or two ago, but it continues to be a part of our family memory.
What are your read aloud favorites? I think any of the above would work in a classroom or school library setting as well as at home, appealing to both genders.
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