What Reading Looks Like at Our House

I have two sweet and wonderful little men who live with me. Ok, sometimes they make me absolutely crazy, you would not believe the noise level around here, and they like to talk about potty things and constantly destroy our furnishings. But from time to time we see tiny glimpses of amazing.

Of course, I want them both to be readers. Our fourth grader is now a voracious reader. Our kindergartener is a beginning reader. He reads aloud to us from his assigned books from school every night and he looks through books, but he still prefers that we read aloud to him. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Sometimes I can't keep up with Leo's book needs, while at the same time, Henry wants to read the most boring books. Or I want to read him Mrs. Piggle Wiggle, and he's just not there yet. We had read about half of Mrs. Piggle Wiggle, and I happened to ask him a very basic question about the story. He could not answer it! I learned that this child can be very still and listen to reading for quite a long time without understanding any of it! So now I am sure to monitor comprehension to make sure he gets it.

Here is how I work to support reading at our house. Just my own personal philosophy:

*We read to them every night of their life. We listened to books in the car from infancy. I took them to story time at the library and it was beautiful. OK, that last one is a lie. We got kicked out of a public library story time twice, and I never went back. I was in library school at the time. For years, I just put books on hold, strapped a toddler to my back, and was in and out of the public library in a flash because we were like a circus side show.

*There are books all over our house. I bring home fiction, NF, poetry, picture books, graphic novels, etc. I make sure there are new books coming in on a regular basis. You would not believe the amount of books I bring home from the library, especially for Leo, that do not get read. Out of all that I bring home, he rejects most and reads a few. I just take the others back without pressure. Every once in awhile, I talk to him about giving a book a chance despite the cover, etc., because I think he will like it. I do that very rarely. And when he isn't interested, I let it go.

*If they want a book, I will move heaven and earth to get it. Sometimes I wonder if he is old enough for a book he wants to read. Such as when he wanted to read The Hunger Games at the beginning of third grade. I have found that he will put a book down when it is too much. This happened with Divergent. I thought he was ready for it, but the violence was too much, so he put it down. I basically let him self censor.

*I listen to Leo retell books. Lots and LOTS of retelling. Sometimes this is really interesting. Sometimes (*cough* most of the time) it is a bit boring, but I listen, listen, listen.

*There are children's books that I absolutely love that Leo doesn't like. I have to do lots of self talk to not pressure him when he's not interested. But I do not force him to read anything. In the last month, he has rejected Tuck Everlasting and Number the Stars. It was a bit painful for me to return them to the library as rejects, but I did.

*We read books on paper, on the Kindle, and we listen to audiobooks. Recently, he got bored with Maniac Magee on paper. A few weeks later, I brought it home as an audiobook, and he loves it. He has listened to it for the last three nights.

*I let him read potty humor and books that are below his reading level when he chooses those. We did get stuck in a protracted Captain Underpants rut once, and I insisted that he try something else and then he could go back to CU. This did the trick. I'm fine with CU, but we don't want it to be a steady diet.

*I ask him what he's reading at home. I ask what he's reading at school. I ask what his teacher is reading aloud. I let him know that what he reads is an interesting topic to me.

*When we have differing opinions on a book, I listen and validate his opinion. And I tell him that I loved it and he's so wrong. Ha! We have fun discussions.

*I don't read everything he reads, but obviously I am reading children's books. He loves talking to me about the books that we've both read. This is an example of why it is so important to have a school librarian who is actively reading children's lit!

*Not finishing a book is A-OK. If you're not into it after a few chapters, move on.

*He has read all the Harry Potter books (some multiple times), but he still reads picture books, too.

*I think it goes without saying that we never use reading as a punishment.

*We put them to bed early, and we do not allow gaming in bed. Sneaky, sneaky, sneaky. You're bored and think your bedtime is too early? Well, look a here at all these books I have available to you.

As I read through these, I realize that I simply treat them as I would want to be treated as a reader. Good old Golden Rule, always popping up.

The Critter Club; K-2 Early Chapter Series

The Critter Club: Amy and the Missing Puppy
Which Readers: Kindergarten and up

A group of four fun friends become critter detectives in this early chapter book series written by Callie Barkley and illustrated by Marsha Riti. In Amy and the Missing Puppy, Amy and friends go on the hunt for cute little Rufus, a St. Bernard puppy with a mind of his own. Along the way, they find that old Mrs. Sullivan might not be as grumpy as she seems, and four little girls might be able to make a big difference.

This is a wonderful early chapter book for those kindergarteners who want to read "chapter books," but still don't have big chapter book stamina. The print is large, the spacing is wide, and there are charming illustrations on every page. The story is sweet, simple, and engaging. It reads like a longer book than it actually is.

Simon and Schuster has a page devoted to this series that includes a fun trailer, downloadable activities, and an excerpt from the book. There are several more titles in this series coming out later this year.
http://pages.simonandschuster.com/critterclub

Flying the Dragon (Bluebonnets '13-'14 Highlights)

Flying the Dragon by Natalie Dias Lorenzi
Which readers? 4th grade and up

I have learned one thing about myself and writing about books through this blogging experience - I must write about them as soon as I finish reading, or I will procrastinate and procrastinate! I finished the BB list over Christmas, and this is one of my very favorites. I have turned it in, checked it back out, and now renewed it three times while putting off writing about it. I have 5 minutes until I pick my kids up from specials - so here goes!

This book was written by a very experienced ESL teacher, and this really comes through. It is about a Japanese family that is spread out between Japan and America, and the two sides do not really know each other because of a rift in the family. When the grandpa in Japan needs care in America, cousins from different cultures clash as they get to know each other.

I think this is the sleeper of the BB list behind Ivan and Wonder. I've already had a few kids mention it to me...all girls. I couldn't put it down, and I cried at the end. It is gripping and moving, and it would be a great read aloud for classes with ESL students (or any class, for that matter).

Time to pick up my kids (today!) from music. Loved this one! Can't wait to talk to more kids about it!

Something Like Normal by Trish Doller

Something Like Normal by Trish Doller
Which readers? 9th grade and up

This contemporary novel for high school and up tells the gripping story of Travis's life as he returns from his first tour in Afghanistan. Things are not the same as when he left - his brother stole his girlfriend and his car, his parents' marriage is on the rocks, and he is haunted by visions of his best friend who was killed in Afghanistan. He is plagued by guilt, feelings of anger, and can't get any respite from the horror filled nightmares that haunt him every time he tries to sleep. Then he runs into Harper, an old acquaintance from High School, who wants nothing to do with him because of the way he treated her in high school. Slowly, they start to develop a relationship, and perhaps Travis will be able to find something that feels "something like normal."

I think that the cover of this book is REALLY, REALLY unfortunate. I know from hearing authors speak that they often have NO say in the covers and don't know what they look like until it is a done decision. I just say that to say that the steamy cover is no reflection on the quality of the writing. This is a FABULOUS little book. It is real, honest, and brutally straightforward about returning from war....I think, since I have no experience with this. But I could tell from reading it that the author has done her homework by talking to soldiers and reading their writings. This really comes through in Travis's conversations with his buddies when they come to visit, and when he must memorialize his friend.  In my opinion, the cover makes it look like a romance novel, and this book is MUCH more than a romance novel. It is a well-rounded picture of being a young adult returning from war.

This is a fast read, but it grabbed me from the very beginning. I think students - both boys and girls - would devour it. And I think that it will give them a small taste of imagining what it would be like to come home and feel like you are a completely different person than when you left....and just not know if you'll be able to fit into your world again.

John Green Audiobooks

I think I'm a bit late to the party on being a huge fan of John Green YA books, but I just had to mention that this is my current favorite (obsession?) listen for running. I started with Stars just last month, which won The Odyssey Award at the ALA Youth Media Awards earlier this year. The Odyssey Award is given to the best Children's/YA audiobook, so I had to give it a try. Although it deals with death in teenagers, the writing is so real and honest and pretty darn funny - loved it. I saw some of the twists coming, but one really surprised me!

So then I moved on to Will Grayson, Will Grayson. Ooooooh, the teenage angst in this one! I remember one time switching to NPR news because I just needed a break from all the weltschmerz! It took me awhile to get into it, but eventually I was hooked. And, another mention of Schrodinger's Cat. This seems to be the scientific thought experiment du jour. It keeps popping up in my reading and on TV. (Weltschmerz also pops up on Big Bang. No wonder I'm loving these books.)

The one I have "read" (my punctuation for audiobooks!) most recently is Paper Towns. I didn't even read the summary before putting it on my MP3 player. I was so delighted to find that it was a mystery! I planned to read it while running, as I usually do. But I just could not turn this book off. My boys were at grandma's for a few days for Spring Break, so I listened to it over the course of a day and a half. I was fascinated by this girl, Margo, and then couldn't look away when she disappeared. Great book.

One element of all of these books that I enjoy is the smart, funny, GT kid dialogue and inner thoughts. As an adult, I have to wade through the angst just a bit, but the sharp, crisp dialogue and thought processes of the characters is worth it.

Hold Fast by Blue Balliett

Hold Fast by Blue Balliett
Which readers? Strong third grade readers and up

The Pearl family doesn't have much in terms of material possessions, but they are incredibly wealthy in terms of love and devotion to each other. So when Dash Pearl, father and sole wage earner, disappears under mysterious circumstances, the family is left brokenhearted, totally baffled, and destitute. When they go to the police for help, they realize that not only are they unsympathetic, but that they suspect that Dash is a thief who may have had a hand in his own disappearance. With no means of income, no savings, AND a gang of criminals searching for them, the three members of the Pearl family end up having to navigate the new and quite scary world of homeless shelters and the bureaucracy of trying to work their way into the legal system to make someone listen to their story. Where IS Early's father? And how can they get anyone to help? Who can they trust?

The story is mostly told from fifth grader Early Pearl's point of view, and it fits in with the current trend of children having to deal with adult problems when their parents are not at their best. The Pearl family also fills their hours with reading and poetry, and the poems of Langston Hughes play almost a central character in the book as Early uses Hughes's words and her father's interpretations of them to keep herself grounded and focused as she reminds herself that he would want her to "Hold Fast" until they get through this crisis. The author also calls attention to the huge homeless population in our country and the obstacles they face. I thoroughly enjoyed how these characters might not have had material wealth, but they had dreams, determination, and used literature to both learn and create a support system for themselves.

Do I think kids will like it? I think they will be caught up in the mystery, and I think they will fall in love with this family. I couldn't put it down.

I wrote an issues paper in grad school in my public libraries class titled "Crime in Libraries," so from a purely personal point of view, I found that aspect of the story really interesting and unique! You don't come across library crime very often in children's lit!

Blue Balliett's website - I linked this to her bio page because as a working mom with two young children, I love the picture of her writing next to the huge laundry pile. "Here I am working on Chasing Vermeer; we stopped folding laundry a long time ago." As I type this, my husband is folding laundry and getting the kitchen/meals ready for the week - our new life now that mom is back to work outside the home! She also has a list of "big, controversial ideas" that she loves to explore in her writing and "hand over" to kids. I find that some of the best discussions in the classroom come about when these ideas are brought out in a literature discussion....and the kids realize that the teacher DOES NOT have the answer....and is willing to explore the topic WITH them, instead of telling them what to think. Love that.

The Mighty Mars Rovers

The Mighty Mars Rovers: The Incredible Adventures of Spirit and Opportunity by Elizabeth Rusch
Which readers? Strong 4th Grade Readers and up

My favorite quote from this book: "I'm stubborn, and stubbornness pays off." - Steve Squyres, Lead Scientist on the NASA Mars Rovers mission

When I laugh and then get teary during a NF book about ROBOTS....I know that it is a winner. Children will cheer for these little robots, and also the scientists who create them, as Spirit and Opportuniy literally become explorers on a new frontier. Engineers are super cool rockstars in this book, and there is just example after example of how passion can drive a vision through rejection, adversity can be turned into opportunity (Broken wheel on the rover? It might not be as mobile anymore, but now we can use that broken wheel to bash rocks open!), refusing to give up, and working together as a team.

My fourth grader chose this book from my "to read" pile and read it from cover to cover in two nights.

This book is part of the Scientists in the Field series, which has many many award winning titles! I am typically skeptical of NF series books, but this series is definitely an exception. These books involve many real authors with tons of credentials and awards.  Anything that involves Sy Montgomery and/or Nic Bishop....immediately put it on hold. IMMEDIATELY. Some of the other great titles from this series that I have read:

Nonfiction on the Bluebonnet List (Bluebonnets '13-'14 Highlights)

There are four wonderful nonfiction picture books on the list this year that kids will love. I can absolutely attest to this because my own children enjoyed them!

Three of them are about people who followed their passions and made a difference, and these stories are always such nice springboards for discussing learning, following your dreams, persistence, creativity, etc. The final one is a fantastic science title that will be wonderful for research or reading for pleasure.



Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet
Which readers? Age 4 and up....adult parade watchers will enjoy it, too!

Written and illustrated by the amazing Melissa Sweet, this picture book tells the story how Tony Sarg followed his passion for learning how to make things move and eventually became the puppeteer behind the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. There are lots of examples of how the creative process involves trial and error and is usually NOT a straight shot to the finish line. Perfect to read before Thanksgiving or when discussing problem solving.

This book also won The Sibert Award from the ALA.

Melissa Sweet's great website has an educator's guide and an activity kit for making your own puppets.


Barnum's Bones by Tracey Fern; ill. by Boris Kulikov
Which readers? Age 5 and up

Barnum Brown collected fossils unearthed by his father's plow as soon as he could toddle behind it, and as an adult he curated the largest collection of dinosaur bones in the world at the time of his death in 1963. Along with the story of the bones, Fern includes fascinating tidbits such as his propensity for dressing in a fur coat to dinosaur hunt and his fabulous camp cooking skills. My ten year old has read and reread this book several times and told me more than once that this was a "really good book." High praise.



Looking at Lincoln by Maira Kalman
Which readers? Age 4 and up

As I mentioned before, I have an avid US presidents history buff at my house. Had this book been available at the beginning of his obsession, it would have been perfect for him at age four. It has bright pictures, great info without being too detailed, and the writing is very conversational and from a child's point of view. Great little picture book on Lincoln.

As an aside, I wish the the BB committee would choose more biographies of people who are not as well-known as Lincoln. While this is a wonderful little biography, the Bluebonnet List is a great vehicle for introducing to historical figures who are not already covered in the curriculum. Just my humble opinion! But, obviously, Tony Sarg and Barnum Brown are not as famous, so perhaps I can live with this. :)



Coral Reefs by Jason Chin
Which readers? Age 4 and up

Anytime a book is set in a library, the author has my full attention, of course. And since I am a scuba diver, coral reefs come in a close second. This book is about a coral reef INSIDE a library (and by the amazing Jason Chin) - I have died and gone to heaven.

The detailed text about the reefs makes no mention of the girl in the illustrations who is looking up information about coral reefs in the gorgeous stacks of the NY public library. The library is also never mentioned, but it is obvious from the illustrations showing the famous lions at the steps that this is where she is. As she reads about different parts of a coral reef, they begin to stack up around her and the room fills with water until she is swimming with the sharks and other inhabitants of the reef. The illustrations are stunning.

Chin is a favorite author-illustrator at our house. He also wrote Island: A Story of the Galapagos (not on BBL), which I think I like even more. Gorgeous, gorgeous detailed pictures here and detailed yet simple text that is highly readable for early and middle grade readers. Leo read Galapagos over and over until I returned it to the public library, and it brought about some great discussions about evolution around our dinner table.  We love to talk science!