Book Bliss

I just finished reading the aptly-named Bliss, by Kathryn Littlewood.   This middle-grade novel combines magic, mystery, muffins and a motorcycle-riding aunt.  Rose, the twelve year-old protagonist discovers that her family owns a magical cook book.  When her parents are called out of town, Rose and her siblings cook up some chaos.  Hungry for more, I just ordered the sequel, A Dash of Magic.

Happy reading and baking,
Christine

The Secret Ingredient

I just finished reading The Secret Ingredient, by Laura Schaefer.  I loved all of the recipes and food references in this sequel to The Teashop Girls, but I feel adults will love this book more than the middle graders and young adults for whom it was intended.  While I personally love visiting farmers' markets, I'm not sure how many young adults truly appreciate the importance of using the freshest, locally-grown ingredients in their cooking.  Also, sometimes the protagonist's voice felt a little too grown up for me.  I've worked with middle-graders for years, and I've never once heard any of them discuss someone's "pleasant demeanor," as does the eighth-grade protagonist of this book.  Still, if you love cooking, tea and organic foods, and are looking for a quick read without any violence or inappropriate language, this may be the book for you.  There are even a few references to fashion models and actresses being too thin and unhealthy looking, a point that can't be stressed enough with youth who are bombarded with images of superficial beauty ideals. 

Happy reading,
Christine

Divergent

I saw Divergent this weekend and loved it, as did many of my students who also saw the movie.  One of my students, an avid reader who loved the books, didn't like the movie.  We had a quick discussion about it in class.  A more interesting discussion however, would be which faction would you choose if you were a character in the book?  Abnegation? Amity? Candor? Dauntless? Erudite?

Happy reading and choosing,
Christine

Second Sight Saturday: Super Books for Super Bowl Weekend

I originally posted this on February 3, 2012:

Super Books for Super Bowl Weekend!                                                                                                                       

February 3, 2012   Motivate some of your reluctant readers with the football-themed books below.  Don't forget the classic, Brian's Song, a favorite book of one of my favorite people!       Happy football reading, Christine