Thursday, November 7, 2013
Trimester One Book Reports- Hour 7
View the comments below to see what my students have to say about the books they've been reading!
Trimester One Book Reports- Hour 6
View the comments below to see what my students have to say about the books they've been reading!
Trimester One Book Reports- Hour 5
View the comments below to see what my students have to say about the books they've been reading!
Trimester One Book Report- Hour 4
View the comments below to see what my students have to say about the books they've been reading!
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Born On A Blue Day
Born on a Blue Day: Inside the Extraordinary Mind of an Autistic Savant
by Daniel Tammet
Back in high school, I was completely intrigued by my psychology class, mostly in part due to the fantastic Ms. Weise. It was upon our lesson on autism that she shared with us the story of a savant named Daniel Tammet who memorized pi to the 22,000th digit. He remembers information as colors, making dates, numbers, and words visually come to life in his head. They appear as landscapes in his mind and contribute to his fantastic memorization skills. It was with Ms. Weise's recommendation of his autobiography Born on a Blue Day that I was able to learn more about Tammet. After a long seven years, I finally purchased his book and dove in.
I find this book fascinating for a number of reasons. First, it is an excellent piece of nonfiction, and I do not normally read from this genre. Secondly, it is a great way to understand autism. Not only does it break preconceived notions you may have, but it also allows you to jump inside his head. Tammet is remarkable because he is able to explain his thought processes in a way that is understandable to everyone. Lastly, Tammet is very open in regards to his personal life. Not only does he explain his struggles socially and behaviorally, typical of people with Asperger's syndrom, but his everyday struggles that make him relatable to every reader.
I suggest this book to all of my nonfiction fans, as well as those interested in psychology. For all of you romantics out there, there is a little bit here for you as Tammet accepts his sexuality and finds the love of his life.
Watch this short video on Daniel Tammat!
by Daniel Tammet
Back in high school, I was completely intrigued by my psychology class, mostly in part due to the fantastic Ms. Weise. It was upon our lesson on autism that she shared with us the story of a savant named Daniel Tammet who memorized pi to the 22,000th digit. He remembers information as colors, making dates, numbers, and words visually come to life in his head. They appear as landscapes in his mind and contribute to his fantastic memorization skills. It was with Ms. Weise's recommendation of his autobiography Born on a Blue Day that I was able to learn more about Tammet. After a long seven years, I finally purchased his book and dove in.
I find this book fascinating for a number of reasons. First, it is an excellent piece of nonfiction, and I do not normally read from this genre. Secondly, it is a great way to understand autism. Not only does it break preconceived notions you may have, but it also allows you to jump inside his head. Tammet is remarkable because he is able to explain his thought processes in a way that is understandable to everyone. Lastly, Tammet is very open in regards to his personal life. Not only does he explain his struggles socially and behaviorally, typical of people with Asperger's syndrom, but his everyday struggles that make him relatable to every reader.
I suggest this book to all of my nonfiction fans, as well as those interested in psychology. For all of you romantics out there, there is a little bit here for you as Tammet accepts his sexuality and finds the love of his life.
Watch this short video on Daniel Tammat!
Thursday, June 6, 2013
All We Know of Heaven
All We Know of Heaven
by Jacquelyn Mitchard
Mistaken identity is a common theme in adolescent story lines, but this novel brings it to a whole new level. Best friends and lookalikes Maureen and Bridget suffer a tragic car accident, leaving them unrecognizable from their injuries. As doctors attempt to bring Bridget out of a coma, it isn't until after Maureen's funeral that they realize they have been mourning the wrong girl. Maureen deals with the tragedy of losing her best friend, the bitterness of her best friend's parents, and the recovery of a brain injury.
I recommend this novel for ninth and tenth grade students. This book was especially interesting to me because it takes place in small town Minnesota. There are frequent references to cheerleading, the Twin Cities, and high school life that make this book a page turner.
by Jacquelyn Mitchard
Mistaken identity is a common theme in adolescent story lines, but this novel brings it to a whole new level. Best friends and lookalikes Maureen and Bridget suffer a tragic car accident, leaving them unrecognizable from their injuries. As doctors attempt to bring Bridget out of a coma, it isn't until after Maureen's funeral that they realize they have been mourning the wrong girl. Maureen deals with the tragedy of losing her best friend, the bitterness of her best friend's parents, and the recovery of a brain injury.
I recommend this novel for ninth and tenth grade students. This book was especially interesting to me because it takes place in small town Minnesota. There are frequent references to cheerleading, the Twin Cities, and high school life that make this book a page turner.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Don't Call Me Ishmael
Don't Call Me Ishmael
by Michael Gerard Bauer
Ishmael Lesuer feels like he is the most unlucky student in year nine. Not only is he the target of the school bully, but he does not have many friends and also has a name that makes almost all of his classmates giggle. With the help of the fearless Scobie, the new kid to school, Ishmael manages to rise from humiliating situations to being an important member of the forensics team. Ishmael also falls fate to the beauty and brains of Kelly Faulker, and you cheer for him until the end to get the girl.
I literally laughed out loud during much of this book and it left me with a smile on my face. I find this novel entertaining and hilarious for a number of reasons. First of all, it has amazing English-class humor. From speech team to Miss Tarango's class, Ishmael is constantly battling his self diagnosed "Ishmael Lesuer Syndrome," a condition he suffers from that means he can turn and regular situation in an utterly embarrassing event that makes him look like an imbecile. Also, Everyone can relate to the bullies and "weird" kids in this novel. If you're looking for a relatively easy read, Don't Call Me Ishmael is for you.
by Michael Gerard Bauer
Ishmael Lesuer feels like he is the most unlucky student in year nine. Not only is he the target of the school bully, but he does not have many friends and also has a name that makes almost all of his classmates giggle. With the help of the fearless Scobie, the new kid to school, Ishmael manages to rise from humiliating situations to being an important member of the forensics team. Ishmael also falls fate to the beauty and brains of Kelly Faulker, and you cheer for him until the end to get the girl.
I literally laughed out loud during much of this book and it left me with a smile on my face. I find this novel entertaining and hilarious for a number of reasons. First of all, it has amazing English-class humor. From speech team to Miss Tarango's class, Ishmael is constantly battling his self diagnosed "Ishmael Lesuer Syndrome," a condition he suffers from that means he can turn and regular situation in an utterly embarrassing event that makes him look like an imbecile. Also, Everyone can relate to the bullies and "weird" kids in this novel. If you're looking for a relatively easy read, Don't Call Me Ishmael is for you.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
The Perks Of Being A Wallflower
The Perks Of Being A Wallflower
By Stephen Chbosky
"We accept the love we think we deserve."
I love this novel for a number of reasons. Not only does it tackle a wide range of teen issues, but it is done so in an interesting way. The book is written in a series of letters by a narrator who goes by the alias "Charlie," sent to an anonymous reader. Charlie is a special person. He is intelligent and friendly, but also lonely and a little socially awkward. It isn't until he meets his first real friends as a freshman in high school that he starts to break out of his shell. Not only does he makes friends with these seniors, but he also has a special relationship with his teacher who provides him with an endless reading list to help him understand his life.
Drugs, partying, sexual orientation identification, and psychological illness drive the book. It keeps the reader reflecting on the troubles of high school students and how it will get better.
I recommend this book to anyone who is mature enough to handles the big issues in the novel. There is some blush-worthy conversation, but it is what makes the narrator realistic. If you liked It's Kind of A Funny Story, this novel is for you.
This novel has also been made into a movie starring one of my favorites, Emma Watson. Click here to see the trailer!
By Stephen Chbosky
"We accept the love we think we deserve."
I love this novel for a number of reasons. Not only does it tackle a wide range of teen issues, but it is done so in an interesting way. The book is written in a series of letters by a narrator who goes by the alias "Charlie," sent to an anonymous reader. Charlie is a special person. He is intelligent and friendly, but also lonely and a little socially awkward. It isn't until he meets his first real friends as a freshman in high school that he starts to break out of his shell. Not only does he makes friends with these seniors, but he also has a special relationship with his teacher who provides him with an endless reading list to help him understand his life.
Drugs, partying, sexual orientation identification, and psychological illness drive the book. It keeps the reader reflecting on the troubles of high school students and how it will get better.
I recommend this book to anyone who is mature enough to handles the big issues in the novel. There is some blush-worthy conversation, but it is what makes the narrator realistic. If you liked It's Kind of A Funny Story, this novel is for you.
This novel has also been made into a movie starring one of my favorites, Emma Watson. Click here to see the trailer!
Sunday, February 3, 2013
The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby
By F. Scott Fitzgerald
I am always a fan of reading authors from Minnesota, and F. Scott Fitzgerald is at the top of my list. His masterpiece, The Great Gatsby, is not only a worldwide classic, but it is also my favorite novel.
The novel is narrated by Nick Carraway as he lives on the West Coast for one remarkable summer. His next door neighbor is a notorious millionaire, throwing lavish parties weekly. Although Gatsby seems to have it all, he is missing one key aspect to fulfill the American Dream: love. Not only is Gatsby's curious past called into question, but also his romantic obsession, unknown occupation, and questionable relationships. The novel is complete with scandalous affairs and fast cars.
Being my favorite novel, I strongly recommend this book to anyone and everyone. People who may especially enjoy this novel are ones who appreciate the 1920's, complicated character relationships, and have a flair for the lavish lifestyle of the wealthy. Warning: F. Scott Fitzgerald is very descriptive and has an extensive vocabulary, so don't be surprise if you do not know the definition of every word in the book!
Happy reading!
P.S. Although there are already two movies based on the novel, Baz Luhrmann has directed a new 2013 version. This is exciting being the director of other great movies such as Moulin Rouge! and Romeo+Juliet. For your viewing pleasure, here is the trailer starring Leonardo DiCapprio and Tobey Maguire: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rARN6agiW7o
By F. Scott Fitzgerald
I am always a fan of reading authors from Minnesota, and F. Scott Fitzgerald is at the top of my list. His masterpiece, The Great Gatsby, is not only a worldwide classic, but it is also my favorite novel.
The novel is narrated by Nick Carraway as he lives on the West Coast for one remarkable summer. His next door neighbor is a notorious millionaire, throwing lavish parties weekly. Although Gatsby seems to have it all, he is missing one key aspect to fulfill the American Dream: love. Not only is Gatsby's curious past called into question, but also his romantic obsession, unknown occupation, and questionable relationships. The novel is complete with scandalous affairs and fast cars.
Being my favorite novel, I strongly recommend this book to anyone and everyone. People who may especially enjoy this novel are ones who appreciate the 1920's, complicated character relationships, and have a flair for the lavish lifestyle of the wealthy. Warning: F. Scott Fitzgerald is very descriptive and has an extensive vocabulary, so don't be surprise if you do not know the definition of every word in the book!
Happy reading!
P.S. Although there are already two movies based on the novel, Baz Luhrmann has directed a new 2013 version. This is exciting being the director of other great movies such as Moulin Rouge! and Romeo+Juliet. For your viewing pleasure, here is the trailer starring Leonardo DiCapprio and Tobey Maguire: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rARN6agiW7o
Check out this gem I ordered online! Now I have a sweatshirt to match my favorite book! :)
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