Favorite Books from 2014

This year for every book I read I wrote a quote from it that I liked. I put all these quotes in a tub. Today I went through all these quote slips. I read 130 books this year (mostly children’s chapter books from my children’s literature class). I read so many different kinds of books and I gained a lot of wisdom from them. So I thought I’d share my favorite books and book quotes from this year. 

My favorite book quotes from 2014

·      “ I hope that men will forgive me for not being Zooey Deschanel.”

-“Haiku for the Single Girl” by Beth Griffenhagen

·      “Yes, we are unworthy of this eternal love relationship, but we are not worthless. The worth of something is determined by the price someone is willing to pay for it. Look at the price that was paid to allow us to enter into this eternally secure relationship with God.”

-“A Woman and Her God” by multiple authors

·      “A good book is like a good friend. It will stay with you for the rest of your life. When you first get to know it, it will give you excitement and adventure, and years later it will provide you with comfort and familiarity.”

-“First Impressions” by Charlie Lovett

·      “I wanted so desperately to apologize for the many ways I had misrepresented the Lord.”

“Passion is tricky, though, because it can point to nothing as easily as it points to something.”

“The problem is not out there; the problem is the needy beast of a thing that lives in my chest.”

-“Blue Like Jazz” by Donald Miller

·      “Life is always uncertain…we cannot let the fear of what might happen stop us living as we choose.”

-“The Rose Garden” by Susanna Kearsley

·      “Lots of guys only give away their heart if they know they’re going to get a heart in return, so it evens out. But I think giving away your heart means more when you don’t know what’s going to happen, when you might get nothing back…what good is a heart if you keep it to yourself?”

-“Twerp” by Mark Goldbatt

·       “You are one of a kind, made on purpose, deeply loved, and called to be courageous.”

-“Let’s All Be Brave” by Annie F. Downs

·      “They say that lightning never strikes in the same place twice, but the same is not true for courage. As it turns out, when courage strikes, it almost always begets more courage.”

-“The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp” by Kathi Appelt

·      “We must dare to show up and let ourselves be seen.”

-“Daring Greatly” by Brené Brown

·      “Imagine, a Being with a mind as great as God’s, with feet like trees and a voice like rushing wind, telling you are His cherished creation.”

-“Searching for God Knows What” by Donald Miller

·       “Give me the wisdom to invest in things with eternal value.”

-“Love, Skip, Jump” by Shelene Bryan

·      “That’s what love does- it pursue blindly, unflinchingly and without end.”

-“Love Does” by Bob Goff

·      “We walk into the future in God-glorifying confidence, not because the future is known to us but because it is known to God.”

-“Just Do Something” by Kevin DeYoung

·      “One can’t learn much and also be comfortable.”

-“Chasing Vermeer” by Blue Balliett

·      “Open your arms to life! Let it strut into your heart in all its messy glory.”

-“Each Little Bird That Sings” by Deborah Wiles

Favorite Books of 2014

·      “Love Does” by Bob Goff

·      “Love, Skip, Jump: Start Living the Adventure of Yes” by Shelene Bryan

·      “Searching for God Knows What” by Donald Miller

·      “Popular: Vintage Wisdom for a Modern Geek” by Maya Van Wagenen

·      “Daring Greatly” by Brené Brown

·      “A Million Little Ways” by Emily P. Freeman

·      “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown

·      “Blue Like Jazz” by Donald Miller

·      “A Snicker of Magic” by Natalie Lloyd

·      “The Winter Sea” by Susanna Kearsley

·      “Mariana” by Susanna Kearsley

·       “Through Painted Deserts” by Donald Miller

·      “Let’s All Be Brave” by Annie F. Downs 
·          “A Lineage of Grace” by Francine Rivers

·      “The Wednesday Wars” by Gary D. Schmidt

·      Allison’s book that she let me preview!

·      “The Amazing Adventures of Starr” that my family created for my nephew

Module 10: The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things

The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things by Carolyn Mackler

 

Book Summary:

The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things is about Virginia, a teenager, trying to make it through high school. She is slightly overweight and never hears the end of it from her peers and her family. She misses her best friend, Shannon, who moved away and struggles with her “relationship” with a boy named Froggy. Then she finds out that her older brother, who she looks up to, has been suspended from school because of something bad he has done. This event rocks Virginia’s world and changes her perspective on the world and herself.

APA Reference of Book:

Mackler, C. (2003). The earth, my butt, and other big round things. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Candlewick Press.

Impressions:

This book was hilarious and insightful. Virginia is so relatable and I cannot imagine anyone reading this and not loving her. Even though she is dealing with some typical teenager problems, she also has to deal with some major family drama. Virginia learns to find the strength within her to stand up to her family and the negativity they constantly bombard her with. I felt very empowered after reading this, and I think it will help young readers to find their own confidence. Virginia is a great role model of loving who you are, and not trying to conform to a certain type of beauty. She embraces her gifts and uses them to cause change her life and others. I highly suggest this for teenage girls.

Professional Review:

““Froggy Welsh the Fourth is trying to get up my shirt,” begins this eminently accessible journey from self-hatred to confidence. Virginia is 15 and likes fooling around with Froggy, but she’s mortified by her fatness, a shame fueled continually by her emotionally distant and pressuring family. Has she been switched at birth? Why isn’t she perfect like her adored, overachieving older brother? But her brother isn’t perfect after all, and he commits a horrifying act that rocks her world—and prompts her to begin questioning her family’s values. Readers will be rooting for Virginia all the way as she moves from isolated TV-watcher to Website-creator with purple hair and an eyebrow ring. Sexuality, refreshingly, is treated as a good thing. Virginia’s emotions progress from despondence to anger, joy, and strong independence, all portrayed with clarity. An easy read with substance and spirit.”

The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things [Review of the book The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things by Carolyn Mackler]. (2003, June 15). Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/carolyn-mackler/the-earth-my-butt-and-other-big-round-things/

Library Uses:

 I think this book would make for an excellent book club read for teenagers. Teenage girls would especially be able to relate to things Virginia experiences at home and school. The book club could read through this book together and then meet to discuss it. Topics that could be discussed are self-image, family, friendship, boys, relationships, confidence, healthy mind and body, etc. I think teenage girls would gain lots of insight from discussing with each other the issues that come up in this book. They will be able to see that they are not alone in how they feel, and they will be able to encourage each other.

Module 10: Smile

Smile by Raina Telgemeier

Book Summary:

Raina, a sixth grader, falls one night and messes up her two front teeth. This leads to years of orthodontia and surgery in an attempt to give her back her normal smile. Her teeth problems only add to all the other things she has to navigate in her life (boys, friends, and school). However, through her journey she learns to like how she looks and be confident with herself.

APA Reference of Book:

Telgemeier, R. (2010). Smile. New York, NY: Graphix.

Impressions:

I really enjoyed this book. This is one of the first graphic novels I have ever read, and I liked it surprisingly. Raina was really easy to relate to, especially since I also was forced to wear headgear at one point. I think anyone who had to have braces will really enjoy this book and understand what the main character is going through. This book tells an important story of how we need to be comfortable with who we are on the inside, and that will shine through to the outside. We cannot let how we look affect how we feel. This is a very important message, for teenage girls especially. Raina also has to deal with growing out of friendships and having to find new friends. Even though this is hard, it usually is for the best. I think this is a great book that middle school and high school kids will like. Also, because it is a graphic novel it will probably appeal to reluctant readers.

Professional Review:

“Telgemeier has created an utterly charming graphic memoir of tooth trauma, first crushes and fickle friends, sweetly reminiscent of Judy Blume’s work. One night, Raina trips and falls after a Girl Scout meeting, knocking out her two front teeth. This leads to years of painful surgeries, braces, agonizing root canals and other oral atrocities. Her friends offer little solace through this trying ordeal, spending more of their time teasing than comforting her. After years of these girls’ constant belittling, Raina branches out and finds her own voice and a new group of friends. Young girls will relate to her story, and her friend-angst is palpable. Readers should not overlook this seemingly simply drawn work; the strong writing and emotionally expressive characters add an unexpected layer of depth. As an afterword, the author includes a photo of her smiling, showing off the results of all of the years of pain she endured. Irresistible, funny and touching—a must read for all teenage girls, whether en-braced or not.”

Smile [Review of the book Smile by Raina Telgemeier]. (2010, January 1). Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/raina-telgemeier/smile/

Library Uses:

Since this is a graphic novel, I think it would be fun to do a program and book display on drawing and writing comics and graphic novels. The book display could include normal drawing books, but should also include books specifically about creating comic strips. At the program, you could invite an artist or art teacher to come and show kids different drawing techniques. A variety of graphic novels and comic books could be provided for kids to look at for inspiration. The kids could draw or write about whatever they want in their comic strip. If kids are not sure what to do, encourage them to write/draw about their everyday life, like Smile.

Module 9: My Dog May Be a Genius

My Dog May Be a Genius by Jack Prelutsky

Book Summary:

This book is a collection of silly, witty, and hilarious poems by Jack Prelutsky. The illustrations by James Stevenson only add to delightful experience. Some are short and sweet, others are long and captivating, but all of them are sure to make you smile.

APA Reference of Book:

Prelutsky, J. (2008). My dog may be a genius. New York, NY: Greenwillow Books.

Impressions:

I was smiling and laughing through this entire book! The illustrations and poems work well together. Children will love how silly and outrageous these poems are. I love that some concrete poems were included which really makes reading exciting. I think this is a great book to get kids hooked on reading poems. Usually when I think of poems, I flash back to my high school days where I was forced to memorize a very lengthy poem and then recite it to the whole class. Awful, just awful. Making kids memorize and recite poems that they do not like or care about ruins poetry for them. Jack Prelutsky’s poems show how fun and hilarious poetry can be. My Dog May Be a Genius reminds us that poetry does not have to be super complicated or have hidden meanings in every line. Sometimes poems can be exactly what they say and do not need any explanation. They can just be fun.

Professional Review:

“Two grand masters team up to produce a decidedly goofy illustrated poetry anthology. Prelutsky, who must surely dream in iambs, so plentifully do they fall from his pen, offers some 100 plus poems on subjects varying from pets to imaginary beasties. He’s totally cued in to childish solipsism: Just about half of the poems begin with “I” or “my.” Stevenson’s quick pen-and-ink vignettes appear equally effortless, lumpy elephants and hapless children staring benignly from the page. Some of the poems, in form or in wordplay, are unquestionably inspired. “The Call of the Longwinded Clumsy Owl” consists of one word—“WHOOPS”—rendered with enough intervening Os to occupy the whole page; “When the Butcher Was Delivered” asks readers to consider the punny possibilities in otherwise unrelated words. Still, one must wonder if the book would pack more of a punch if it were about half as long. Too many of the poems consist of rhyming couplets in lockstep rhythms that dwell on mild sillinesses, resulting in an uneven collection in which the only-pretty-good overwhelms the truly-great.”

My Dog May Be a Genius [Review of the book My Dog May Be a Genius by Jack Prelutsky}. (2008, February 1). Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/jack-prelutsky/my-dog-may-be-a-genius/

Library Uses:

Jack Prelutsky’s poems are really relatable and fun, so I think it would be great to have kids write their own poems. A book display could be made include all types of poetry books. Kids could use these as inspiration to write their own poems. A wall display could be set up, where the kids could hang up their poems if they want. Worksheets could be provided that help kids get their poems started, but they can also just start writing whatever they want. This activity would allow kids to read lots of well-written poems, express their own creativity, and share their poems with other library patrons.

Module 9: Crank

Crank by Ellen Hopkins

 

Book Summary:

Kristina goes to visit her father in Albuquerque for the summer. While she is there she meets a boy, who also introduces her to the monster. The monster makes her feel and act like a different person. She calls this new version of herself Bree. Then she goes back home, but she is not the same person as she was before. The monster takes over her life and changes everything about the old Kristina. She doesn’t want to go to school, she makes new friends (who only encourage her new habits), new boys, and her relationship with her family is even more distance. Kristina begins to see the affects the monster is taking on her life, and all her decisions begin to catch up with her.

APA Reference of Book:

Hopkins, E. (2004). Crank. New York, NY: Margaret K. McElderry Books.

Impressions:

This book was really difficult for me to read. Ellen Hopkins writes beautifully and I love the free verse style of this book. However, it is really difficult to read about a teenage girl making horrible life decisions that will affect her the rest of her life. I think books like this are important because they highlight a lifestyle that many people do not get to see. I also think it helps us become more aware of the struggles that addicts face. It is definitely not a comfortable read. I always had to read a happier book after reading parts of this book. I think situations like the ones in this book are very prevalent in high school. I think teenagers would be able to personally relate to this or know someone who deals with these issues. Again I think Ellen Hopkins does an excellent job of using free verse to tell this story. Each page has a different layout and that makes it very interesting to read. I think this book is written very well and will speak to teenagers like other books do not. However, I do not think I could read other books with these types of themes.

Professional Review:

“Hypnotic and jagged free verse wrenchingly chronicles 16-year-old Kristina’s addiction to crank. Kristina’s daring alter ego, Bree, emerges when “gentle clouds of monotony” smother Kristina’s life—when there’s nothing to do and no one to connect with. Visiting her neglectful and druggy father for the first time in years, Bree meets a boy and snorts crank (methamphetamine). The rush is irresistible and she’s hooked, despite a horrible crank-related incident with the boy’s other girlfriend. Back home with her mother, Kristina feels both ignored and smothered, needing more drugs and more boys—in that order. One boy is wonderful and one’s a rapist, but it’s crank holding Bree up at this point. The author’s sharp verse plays with spacing on the page, sometimes providing two alternate readings. In a too brief wrap-up, Kristina keeps her baby (a product of rape) while Hopkins—realistically—offers no real conclusion. Powerful and unsettling.”

Crank [Review of the book Crank by Ellen Hopkins]. (2004, October 1). Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/ellen-hopkins/crank/

Library Uses:

This book has very controversial material, so I do not think a discussion of the book would go very well in a public library setting. I think that it would be great though to introduce teenagers to more poetry and free verse books. A book display of various types of poetry books could be displayed in the young adult or teen section. I also think it would be great for teenagers to have the opportunity to hear poetry spoken. This could be carried out through a poetry reading or poetry slam. You could have teenagers share their own poetry or they could recite famous poems. Depending on the resources available to you, you could also have slam poets come in and recite poems for the teenagers.

Module 8: Fake Mustache

Fake Mustache by Tom Angleberger

Book Summary:

Lenny Flem, Jr. life changes drastically one day when his best friend, Casper, decides to buy a suit and a fake mustache. Casper seems to change when he wears the mustache, but Lenny doesn’t think much of it. Then the next day he finds out that a bank has been robbed, and he has reason to believe that Casper is behind it. Lenny is thrown into an adventure where, with the help of a famous cowgirl, he has to defeat, but also save his best friend.

APA Reference of Book:

Angleberger, T. (2012). Fake mustache. New York, NY: Amulet Books.

Impressions:

This was a hilarious and interesting story, that I think kids will absolutely love. The crazy circumstances presented in this story will captivate everyone’s imaginations. Mustaches are so popular right now, and I think that in its self will encourage kids to read this book. Angleberger does an excellent job of making this a light-hearted, fun read. The inventions and toys in this book are very clever, like the “LaughBomb” and the “edible eraser shaped like a dead chicken” (Angleberger, 2012, pp. 106). There really isn’t any mystery in this book, but I still really enjoyed reading about the crazy circumstances Lenny gets in.

Professional Review:

“Kids are going to love this over-the-top madcap adventure. Angleberger revels in goofy silliness without getting bogged down in too much detail. The plot is fast-moving with enough suspense to pull kids through from start to finish. They're going to love the twists and turns, the wacky characters and the dangerous situations that Lenny and Jodie O'Rodeo find themselves in.
You'll definitely need to suspend any sense of reality to enter Tom Angleberger's wacky world of Hairsprinkle, USA. Silliness overflows, and questions of "would this really happen" never enter the conversation. But our early readers have definitely given this a thumbs up, recommending it to their friends as funny and a bit unusual.
My one wish is that the book designers made Angleberger's chapter titles more prominent. They're great chapter titles and help keep the plot developments clear for the reader. Young readers definitely need these sign posts to guide their comprehension and understanding of a story. That's especially true for one that takes as many strange turns as Fake Mustache!”

Scheuer, M.A. (2012, April 22). Fake mustache, by Tom Angleberger- goofy silliness perfect for kids who just want to have fun (ages 9-12) [Review of the book Fake Mustache by Tom Angleberger]. Great Kid Books. Retrieved from http://greatkidbooks.blogspot.com/2012/04/fake-mustache-by-tom-angleberger-goofy.html

Library Uses:

I would start off giving a book talk about Fake Mustache because I think just by telling the kids the plot they will want to read it. I would then follow it up with a “photo booth” with a background and fake mustaches on sticks for them to take pictures with. You could also have pin-the-mustache-on-the-evil-villain. These two fun mustache activities would get kids excited about reading this book.

Module 8: Chasing Vermeer

Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett

Book Summary:

Petra Andalee and Calder Pillay are two quirky kids who are brought together because they both have Ms. Hussey as a teacher. Strange things start happening in their town, including a famous Vermeer painting that goes missing. They also begin to see patterns and connections between events that used to seem unconnected to each other. Petra and Calder try to use their unique skill sets and the clues to uncover the strange circumstances and the locations of the missing painting.

APA Reference of Book:

Balliett, B. (2004). Chasing Vermeer. New York, NY: Scholastic Press.

Impressions:

I loved this book! It has a little bit of history, mystery, friendship, and puzzles. The author and illustrator invite the reader to try and find clues in the illustrations and decode the coded language. The reader becomes an active participant in the story. I love that a real painter (Vermeer) and painting are used in the story. I could not wait to find out where the painting was hidden and who took it. I like the characters (Petra and Calder) because they are not your typical characters and have very unique talents and interests. I think this book is just so different than the majority of other books out there. I do not think this book will appeal to all readers because some kids do not want to be such an active participant in the story. However, kids who love puzzles and mysteries should really enjoy this story.

Professional Review:

 “Secrets, lies and mysteries surround the work of one of the greatest artists of all time. Moonlit chases, hidden hiding places, and even a secret code help to solve the mystery. Is this the new sequel to THE DA VINCI CODE? Nope --- it's an equally entertaining novel for younger readers. CHASING VERMEER encourages kids to use all their creativity and problem-solving skills to tackle a real-life mystery surrounding the elusive painter Johannes Vermeer. Calder Pillay and Petra Andalee are both a little odd. Their intellectual curiosity and their unique hobbies fit right in, though, with their eccentric families and with their creative classmates at the University of Chicago Lab School. When three mysterious letters show up in their neighborhood and seem linked to the theft of a famous Vermeer painting, a chain of coincidences brings Calder and Petra together to help solve the crime. First-time author Blue Balliett seems to enjoy playing with coincidences, both plausible and far-fetched, and the theme of chance and coincidence cleverly runs through the novel. The novel, with its high-profile crime of a well-known painting (secretly reproduced on the book underneath the dust jacket), also seeks to inspire young people to appreciate art as both dynamic and relevant to their lives. "Children were thinking about Vermeer, too. They were comparing, writing, and visiting museums with friends. Many said that they hadn't realized how cool old pictures could be." The novel's illustrations breathe almost as much life into the book as the text does. Illustrator Brett Helquist (best known for illustrating Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events) includes a full-page illustration for each chapter. Pay attention! Some of the drawings reveal a secret that careful readers can help uncover. With its emphasis on puzzle-solving, CHASING VERMEER is reminiscent of classic novels like THE WESTING GAME. Its focus on connections and coincidences will remind many of HOLES, and its art-related mystery calls to mind FROM THE SECRET FILES OF MRS. BASIL E. FRANKWEILER. In other words, CHASING VERMEER deserves a spot alongside many well-loved children's books. It's that good.”

Piehl, N. (2005, May 1). Chasing Vermeer [Review of the book Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett]. KidsReads. Retrieved from http://www.kidsreads.com/reviews/chasing-vermeer

Library Uses:

For this book, I think it would be really fun to set up a library scavenger hunt. You could start by telling the kids that a “priceless” piece of art has been stolen and you need their help to find it. You could break them up into small groups of 3 or four. Each group would be given a clue to point them to another clue. The clues would be hidden inside different books in the library. This would help familiarize kids with the different sections in the library. The clues could be art, puzzle, or letter related to go along with themes in the book. The clues would lead them to the lost art hidden in a book. The lost art could just be a child’s artwork or a print of an actual famous piece of art. Then the groups could win prizes like game books or puzzles. You could give a short book talk on Chasing Vermeer at the end.

Module 7: Dogs on Duty: Soldiers’ Best Friends on the Battlefield and Beyond

Dogs on Duty: Soldiers’ Best Friends on the Battlefield and Beyond by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent

 

Book Summary:

Dogs on Duty tells the history of the dogs in the military and how their role has changed over time. The book includes a lot of photos showing dogs from the past and present putting their lives on the line for our freedom. The book discusses the changes that have occurred since dogs first were used during wars as Red Cross dogs. Now they are used to detect bombs and other weapons. Dogs on Duty also shows some of the intense training that the dogs and their trainers have to go through. This book discusses not only how hardworking these military dogs are, but also the love and friendship they bring to the soldiers that they work with. The author, Dorothy Hinshaw Patent, does an excellent job of informing readers of the amazing services these dogs provide, as well as celebrating their accomplishments and what they have done for our country.

APA Reference of Book:

Patent, D.H. (2012). Dogs on duty: Soldiers’ best friends on the battlefield and beyond. New York, NY: Walker & Company.

Impressions:

I loved this book because it is a celebration of how great dogs are! The photographs in this book help the reader see the history of military dogs and how life has changed so much since then. This is one of those books that you do not even realize is teaching you something because it is just so enjoyable to read and look at. I have a soft spot for dogs so I was immediately drawn to this book. I think this is an excellent book for animal lovers and even kids that may not be really big readers. I think many people, myself included, do not realize how big of a role these dogs play in the military, especially the companionship they provide to the soldiers who are so far away from home. I think this an excellent nonfiction book that is fun and interesting to read.

Professional Review:

“You don’t have to be an animal lover to be deeply moved by the stories of canine loyalty, devotion, and courage in Dogs on Duty: Soldiers’ Best Friends on the Battlefield and Beyond (Walker, 2012; Gr 2-6). Military Working Dogs have been part of the U.S. armed forces since WWI, but their use in battle goes back to ancient times. Dorothy Hinshaw Patent describes the ways in which these animals have assisted armies throughout history and follows present-day selection and training. Short, accessible sections are accompanied by sidebars on individual heroic creatures. The descriptions of the loving bonds that these animals develop with their handlers make this a title children can relate to and present a positive window into the armed services.”

Willey, P. (2012, December 4). Amazing but true: Nonfiction for reluctant readers [Review of the book Dogs on Duty: Soldiers’ Best Friends on the Battlefield and Beyond by D. H. Patent]. School Library Journal. Retrieved from http://www.slj.com/2012/12/books-media/amazing-but-true-nonfiction-for-reluctant-readers/

Library Uses:

I think it would be fun to celebrate by reading this book at a story time event and allowing service dogs to attend. If you have the resources, it would be great to have service dogs and their trainers agree to come and let kids to read to the dogs. It would be even better if you could plan the event with your city’s parks department so that it could be an outdoor event. Water and treat stations could be set up for the dogs.

A library display could also be set up in the library with books about training service dogs or other books similar to Dogs on Duty, about the history of service dogs. Information could also be displayed including resources on learning more about military service dogs or how they can be a service dog trainer.