Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K Rowling, John Tiffany, and Jack Thorne- Play script
I have to admit something I'm not proud of as an ELA teacher. When I was younger, I read half of the Harry Potter books, but became disinterested in them after awhile. I didn't understand the hype even after I took a class at Le Moyne entirely about Harry Potter. When the newest Harry Potter book came out, I was only going to read it so I could share it with you all. I have to say, I really enjoyed reading it and it's making me re-think my previous opinions of the Harry Potter series.
The book is mainly about Harry and Ginny's son, Albus. Throughout most of the book, Harry and Albus do not have a good relationship and Albus feels a lot of pressure to be like his heroic Dad. Instead of a hero, he's an outcast.
Harry thinks with Voldemort being gone, that dark and evil has left Hogwarts,
but soon the darkness is going to come back and challenge Albus.
I recommend this book to readers who are at least somewhat familiar with the characters, setting, and plot of the Harry Potter series. If you've never tried Harry Potter books before, try the first one. It's full of excitement, good vs. evil, humor, adventure, magic, and more!
I have to admit something I'm not proud of as an ELA teacher. When I was younger, I read half of the Harry Potter books, but became disinterested in them after awhile. I didn't understand the hype even after I took a class at Le Moyne entirely about Harry Potter. When the newest Harry Potter book came out, I was only going to read it so I could share it with you all. I have to say, I really enjoyed reading it and it's making me re-think my previous opinions of the Harry Potter series.
The book is mainly about Harry and Ginny's son, Albus. Throughout most of the book, Harry and Albus do not have a good relationship and Albus feels a lot of pressure to be like his heroic Dad. Instead of a hero, he's an outcast.
Harry thinks with Voldemort being gone, that dark and evil has left Hogwarts,
but soon the darkness is going to come back and challenge Albus.
I recommend this book to readers who are at least somewhat familiar with the characters, setting, and plot of the Harry Potter series. If you've never tried Harry Potter books before, try the first one. It's full of excitement, good vs. evil, humor, adventure, magic, and more!
The Body in the Woods by April Henry - Mystery
When three teens join Portland County Sheriff's Search and Rescue, they are teamed up to search for a autistic man lost in the woods. What they find instead is a dead body. In a friendship that will be forged in danger, fear and courage, the three team up to find the girl's killer―before he can strike one of their own. - Amazon
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys watching T.V. shows about crimes as well as people who enjoy a good mystery. You won't believe who the killer is. If you enjoy solving mysteries, you won't be able to put this book down!
Paper Towns by John Green - Realistic Fiction
When Margo beckons Quentin in the middle of the night—dressed like a ninja and plotting an ingenious campaign of revenge—he follows her. Margo’s always planned extravagantly, and, until now, she’s always planned solo. After a lifetime of loving Margo from afar, things are finally looking up for Q . . . until day breaks and she has vanished. Always an enigma, Margo has now become a mystery. But there are clues. And they’re for Q. - Amazon
I recommend this book to a reader who is up for a challenge this summer from the same author that brought us The Fault in Our Stars. The author uses sophisticated vocabulary and the book is written on a high school reading level. Nevertheless, this book provides a good mystery and insight into life as a high schooler, all with humor. There's a movie, too!
When Margo beckons Quentin in the middle of the night—dressed like a ninja and plotting an ingenious campaign of revenge—he follows her. Margo’s always planned extravagantly, and, until now, she’s always planned solo. After a lifetime of loving Margo from afar, things are finally looking up for Q . . . until day breaks and she has vanished. Always an enigma, Margo has now become a mystery. But there are clues. And they’re for Q. - Amazon
I recommend this book to a reader who is up for a challenge this summer from the same author that brought us The Fault in Our Stars. The author uses sophisticated vocabulary and the book is written on a high school reading level. Nevertheless, this book provides a good mystery and insight into life as a high schooler, all with humor. There's a movie, too!
We Are All Made of Molecules by Susin Nielsen - Realistic Fiction
Thirteen-year-old Stewart is academically brilliant but socially clueless. Fourteen-year-old Ashley is the undisputed “It” girl in her class, but her grades stink. Their worlds are about to collide when Stewart and his dad move in with Ashley and her mom. Stewart is trying to be 89.9 percent happy about it, but Ashley is 110 percent horrified. She already has to hide the real reason her dad moved out; “Spewart” could further threaten her position at the top of the social ladder. They are complete opposites. And yet, they have one thing in common: they—like everyone else—are made of molecules. -Amazon
I recommend this book to readers who like to read humorous books- the narrators are quite funny! Also, I recommend this book to readers who like reading about family dynamics.
Thirteen-year-old Stewart is academically brilliant but socially clueless. Fourteen-year-old Ashley is the undisputed “It” girl in her class, but her grades stink. Their worlds are about to collide when Stewart and his dad move in with Ashley and her mom. Stewart is trying to be 89.9 percent happy about it, but Ashley is 110 percent horrified. She already has to hide the real reason her dad moved out; “Spewart” could further threaten her position at the top of the social ladder. They are complete opposites. And yet, they have one thing in common: they—like everyone else—are made of molecules. -Amazon
I recommend this book to readers who like to read humorous books- the narrators are quite funny! Also, I recommend this book to readers who like reading about family dynamics.
Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon- Realistic Fiction
Madeline is allergic to the world. She hasn't left her house in seventeen years. The only people she sees are her mom and her nurse, Carla. One day, however, a handsome boy moves in next door named Olly. Madeline begins to fall in love with him, even though it's risking everything, even her life. How will their love continue?
I recommend this book to readers who enjoy reading love stories.
Madeline is allergic to the world. She hasn't left her house in seventeen years. The only people she sees are her mom and her nurse, Carla. One day, however, a handsome boy moves in next door named Olly. Madeline begins to fall in love with him, even though it's risking everything, even her life. How will their love continue?
I recommend this book to readers who enjoy reading love stories.
Bruiser by Neal Shusterman - Mystery and Fantasy
Tennyson is not surprised, really, when his family begins to fall apart, or when his twin sister, Brontë, starts dating the misunderstood bully, Brewster (or The Bruiser, as the entire high school calls him). Tennyson is determined to get to the bottom of The Bruiser's reputation, even if it means gearing up for a fight.
Brontë, on the other hand, thinks there's something special underneath that tough exterior. And she's right…but neither she nor Tennyson is prepared for the truth of what lies below the surface. Told through Tennyson, Brontë, and Bruiser's points of view, this dark, twisting novel explores friendship, family, and the sacrifices we make for the people we love. -Amazon
I recommend this book to readers who enjoy a mystery. There is something unique about Bruiser that is puzzling. Also, I recommend this
book to readers who enjoy hearing a story from multiple perspectives. This book is about family dynamics, too. This is one of my favorite books I've read this summer; I highly recommend it!
Tennyson is not surprised, really, when his family begins to fall apart, or when his twin sister, Brontë, starts dating the misunderstood bully, Brewster (or The Bruiser, as the entire high school calls him). Tennyson is determined to get to the bottom of The Bruiser's reputation, even if it means gearing up for a fight.
Brontë, on the other hand, thinks there's something special underneath that tough exterior. And she's right…but neither she nor Tennyson is prepared for the truth of what lies below the surface. Told through Tennyson, Brontë, and Bruiser's points of view, this dark, twisting novel explores friendship, family, and the sacrifices we make for the people we love. -Amazon
I recommend this book to readers who enjoy a mystery. There is something unique about Bruiser that is puzzling. Also, I recommend this
book to readers who enjoy hearing a story from multiple perspectives. This book is about family dynamics, too. This is one of my favorite books I've read this summer; I highly recommend it!
American Ace by Marilyn Nelson - Historical/ Realistic Fiction
Connor’s grandmother leaves his dad a letter when she dies, and the letter’s confession shakes their tight-knit Italian-American family: The man who raised Dad is not his birth father. But the only clues to this birth father’s identity are a class ring and a pair of pilot’s wings. And so Connor takes it upon himself to investigate—a pursuit that becomes even more pressing when Dad is hospitalized after a stroke. What Connor discovers will lead him and his father to a new, richer understanding of race, identity, and each other. -Amazon I recommend this book to readers who like a book that reveals how history still affects our families today. This book focuses on the Tuskegee Airmen during World War 2. If you don't know anything about these amazing men, this book is a must read. And, it took me less than two hours to finish. Perfect, quick summer read written in verse! |
The Story of Seeds: From Mendel's Garden to Your Plate, and How There's More of Less to Eat Around the World by Nancy F. Castaldo - Non-fiction
Something as small as a seed can have a worldwide impact. Did you know there are top-secret seed vaults hidden throughout the world? And once a seed disappears, that’s it—it’s gone forever? With the growth of genetically modified foods, the use of many seeds is dwindling—of 80,000 edible plants, only about 150 are being cultivated. -Amazon
I recommend this book to readers who enjoy reading about real life scientific problems facing the world and to readers who'd like to make a difference. The seed crisis is a political issue, too, so if you like reading about current events, this book is for you. There is an entire chapter suggesting ways readers can take action to help face our global seed crisis! I chose this book because I noticed I was only reading fiction this summer. Good readers diversify their reading, meaning they frequently switch up what they are reading. If there's a genre you haven't read this summer, choose it. You just might like it! :-)
Something as small as a seed can have a worldwide impact. Did you know there are top-secret seed vaults hidden throughout the world? And once a seed disappears, that’s it—it’s gone forever? With the growth of genetically modified foods, the use of many seeds is dwindling—of 80,000 edible plants, only about 150 are being cultivated. -Amazon
I recommend this book to readers who enjoy reading about real life scientific problems facing the world and to readers who'd like to make a difference. The seed crisis is a political issue, too, so if you like reading about current events, this book is for you. There is an entire chapter suggesting ways readers can take action to help face our global seed crisis! I chose this book because I noticed I was only reading fiction this summer. Good readers diversify their reading, meaning they frequently switch up what they are reading. If there's a genre you haven't read this summer, choose it. You just might like it! :-)
Running for My Life by Lopez Lomong- Autobiography
If you were in seventh grade ELA this past year, you'll remember that we learned a lot about the people of Sudan and their challenges with the civil war and being displaced from their homes. This book is written by a Lost Boy about his story escaping from the rebel soldiers at six years old, living in a Kenyan refugee camp, being sent to high school in Tully, NY, and becoming a U.S. Olympic runner! It is an amazing story of hope that you'll enjoy whether you know a lot about the Sudanese conflict or not.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys true stories of perseverance. If you are entering seventh grade this year, this book will give you some
background knowledge in preparation for a book we'll read together about Sudan.
If you were in seventh grade ELA this past year, you'll remember that we learned a lot about the people of Sudan and their challenges with the civil war and being displaced from their homes. This book is written by a Lost Boy about his story escaping from the rebel soldiers at six years old, living in a Kenyan refugee camp, being sent to high school in Tully, NY, and becoming a U.S. Olympic runner! It is an amazing story of hope that you'll enjoy whether you know a lot about the Sudanese conflict or not.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys true stories of perseverance. If you are entering seventh grade this year, this book will give you some
background knowledge in preparation for a book we'll read together about Sudan.
Free Verse by Sarah Dooley - Realistic Fiction/ Poetry
As the title suggests, this story is told partly through free verse poems. When her brother dies in a fire, Sasha Harless has no one left, and nowhere to turn. After her father died in the mines and her mother ran off, he was her last caretaker. They’d always dreamed of leaving Caboose, West Virginia together someday, but instead she’s in foster care, feeling more stuck and broken than ever. But then Sasha discovers family she didn’t know she had, and she finally has something to hold onto, especially sweet little Mikey, who’s just as broken as she is. Sasha even makes her first friend at school, and is slowly learning to cope with her brother’s death through writing poetry, finding a new way to express herself when spoken words just won’t do. But when tragedy strikes the mine her cousin works in, Sasha fears the worst and takes Mikey and runs, with no plans to return. In this sensitive and poignant portrayal, Sarah Dooley shows us that life, like poetry, doesn’t always take the form you intend. -Amazon
I recommend this book to readers who like to immerse themselves in other regions of the U.S. This book gave me a glimpse into the rural Appalachian life in West Virginia, which is very different than JD. I also recommend this book to students who enjoy creative writing and poetry, the two things that help Sasha cope with the tragedies in her life.
As the title suggests, this story is told partly through free verse poems. When her brother dies in a fire, Sasha Harless has no one left, and nowhere to turn. After her father died in the mines and her mother ran off, he was her last caretaker. They’d always dreamed of leaving Caboose, West Virginia together someday, but instead she’s in foster care, feeling more stuck and broken than ever. But then Sasha discovers family she didn’t know she had, and she finally has something to hold onto, especially sweet little Mikey, who’s just as broken as she is. Sasha even makes her first friend at school, and is slowly learning to cope with her brother’s death through writing poetry, finding a new way to express herself when spoken words just won’t do. But when tragedy strikes the mine her cousin works in, Sasha fears the worst and takes Mikey and runs, with no plans to return. In this sensitive and poignant portrayal, Sarah Dooley shows us that life, like poetry, doesn’t always take the form you intend. -Amazon
I recommend this book to readers who like to immerse themselves in other regions of the U.S. This book gave me a glimpse into the rural Appalachian life in West Virginia, which is very different than JD. I also recommend this book to students who enjoy creative writing and poetry, the two things that help Sasha cope with the tragedies in her life.
Matched by Ally Conde- Dystopian
I actually listened to this one on tape while driving to the Adirondacks and other places this summer. If you've never tried an audiobook, try it! It's a different experience from reading. The public libraries have a great selection of YA audiobooks. I was surprised to see so many. I'm listening to the book Eleanor and Park now.
Anyways, back to Matched...
Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow. Here's a book trailer you can watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaeNWL8rlBI -Amazon
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading dystopian literature. Dystopian books are about the society or government being corrupt and being too powerful in a bad way that actually hurts its people. Think Hunger Games! This book was one of the better books I read this summer and I just checked out the second book in the series Crossed. I'll let you know how it is!
I actually listened to this one on tape while driving to the Adirondacks and other places this summer. If you've never tried an audiobook, try it! It's a different experience from reading. The public libraries have a great selection of YA audiobooks. I was surprised to see so many. I'm listening to the book Eleanor and Park now.
Anyways, back to Matched...
Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow. Here's a book trailer you can watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaeNWL8rlBI -Amazon
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading dystopian literature. Dystopian books are about the society or government being corrupt and being too powerful in a bad way that actually hurts its people. Think Hunger Games! This book was one of the better books I read this summer and I just checked out the second book in the series Crossed. I'll let you know how it is!
Crossed by Ally Condie- Second book of the Matched series-- Dystopian
Chasing down an uncertain future, Cassia makes her way to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky--taken by Society to his certain death--only to find that he has escaped into the majestic, but treacherous, canyons. On this wild frontier are glimmers of a different life . . . and the enthralling promise of rebellion. But even as Cassia sacrifices everything to reunite with Ky, ingenious surprises from Xander may change the game. On the edge of Society, nothing is as expected, and crosses and double crosses make Cassia's path more twisted than ever. -Amazon I recommend this book to readers who enjoyed the first book of this series--Matched. There is a lot of suspense just like the first book. We learn a lot more about Ky and Xander's pasts as well as what Cassia will do for choice. I'm looking forward to reading the last book, Reached, soon! |
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs Fantasy
As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive. A spine-tingling fantasy illustrated with haunting vintage photography, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows.
-Amazon
I recommend this book to readers who enjoy mythology and fantasy as there are
elements of both in what appears at first to be a realistic fiction book. Also, there is
a brand new movie out. Read the book and then watch the movie! I'd also recommend this book to people who like to read series. I look forward to starting the second book soon!
As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive. A spine-tingling fantasy illustrated with haunting vintage photography, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows.
-Amazon
I recommend this book to readers who enjoy mythology and fantasy as there are
elements of both in what appears at first to be a realistic fiction book. Also, there is
a brand new movie out. Read the book and then watch the movie! I'd also recommend this book to people who like to read series. I look forward to starting the second book soon!
Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo Realistic Fiction
Raymie Clarke has come to realize that everything, absolutely everything, depends on her. And she has a plan. If Raymie can win the Little Miss Central Florida Tire competition, then her father, who left town two days ago with a dental hygienist, will see Raymie's picture in the paper and (maybe) come home. To win, not only does Raymie have to do good deeds and learn how to twirl a baton; she also has to contend with the wispy, frequently fainting Louisiana Elefante, who has a show-business background, and the fiery, stubborn Beverly Tapinski, who’s determined to sabotage the contest. But as the competition approaches, loneliness, loss, and unanswerable questions draw the three girls into an unlikely friendship — and challenge each of them to come to the rescue in unexpected ways. -Amazon
I recommend this book to readers who have read her other books. She is a beautiful writer! I also recommend this book to readers who enjoy reading
about real life, family issues. It is a sweet book that has dynamic unique characters
you'll enjoy and root for!
Raymie Clarke has come to realize that everything, absolutely everything, depends on her. And she has a plan. If Raymie can win the Little Miss Central Florida Tire competition, then her father, who left town two days ago with a dental hygienist, will see Raymie's picture in the paper and (maybe) come home. To win, not only does Raymie have to do good deeds and learn how to twirl a baton; she also has to contend with the wispy, frequently fainting Louisiana Elefante, who has a show-business background, and the fiery, stubborn Beverly Tapinski, who’s determined to sabotage the contest. But as the competition approaches, loneliness, loss, and unanswerable questions draw the three girls into an unlikely friendship — and challenge each of them to come to the rescue in unexpected ways. -Amazon
I recommend this book to readers who have read her other books. She is a beautiful writer! I also recommend this book to readers who enjoy reading
about real life, family issues. It is a sweet book that has dynamic unique characters
you'll enjoy and root for!