Over the summer

Wow! It's been a long time since I posted my first blog.  Now that school is back, I need to get back to blogging and sharing the books that I've read.   Here are some of the highlights from the last few months:

Does My Head Look Big In This, by Randa Abdel-Fattah was an excellent book! Although it was a little long, and dealt with some pretty serious issues of race, religion, discrimination, bullying, I think many of my students would enjoy reading this book.  It is easy to connect with the main character, even if you aren't Muslim.  The protagonist, Amal, is a smart, funny, fashion conscious high school girl.  What sets her apart from others girls, is the traditional Muslim head covering she decides to start wearing all the time.  As the book develops, we see why this decision is difficult for Amal, her family, and her friends.  You also learn how Amal deals with some of the everyday problems that all teenagers face, such as liking a guy, fighting with your parents, and knowing how to help your friends when they have a big problem.   I would give this book 4 out of 5 stars! I enjoyed it, and think if you are interested in learning about a new culture, while also exploring the world of realistic teen fiction, this is the book for you!


Another great book I read this summer is for anyone who loves a story that mixes punk music, family drama, love, and the occasional crashing of motorcycles through glass windows.  Born to Rock, written by Gordon Korman, who also wrote the books Juvie 3  and Schooled, is realistic fiction that takes you on quite an adventure.  Leo Carraway always felt a little different.  One day he finds out why.  As much as he tries to ignore his past, as he grows up, this secret starts to eat away at him.  One day, it finally comes to a head and he finds out the WHOLE story that his mom has been keeping a secret.   Once he discovers who he really is, Leo goes on a journey to find out what that really means, and to hopefully resolve another problem concerning his academic future.

What I really liked about this book was that it was REAL!  People got upset at each other, lies were told, secrets were kept, but the characters were all real, and so were most of their situations.  Leo and his friends were just like any group of teenagers trying to figure themselves out, but often getting lost along the way.  I think anyone that was ever a teenagers, or still is, can understand that.  Just like in real life, not every aspect of this story was wrapped up in an ideal way.  Leo makes a discover near the end of the book that is somewhat disturbing, but he deals with it, because that's life.  4 out of 5 star for Born to Rock!