Spring Break Reading

I just finished reading Black Duck by Janet Taylor Lisle. It really captured the confusion of living during the times of prohibition. It follows Ruben and his friend Jeddy, who stumble upon a dead body washed up on the shore one day. Later when they go back to show the body to law enforcement, the body is gone. Then Ruben is offered work unloading the boats that are carrying liquor to their Rhode Island shores, work he has to hide from Jeddy who is the son of the Police Chief. Slowly Ruben learns that everyone in town has their secrets, and he's not sure who he can trust, or who his friends are.

I also read Eleven by Lauren Myracle. It is the story of Winnie, a girl who is eleven years old. It's a difficult time for her going from 5th to 6th grade. Her old friends are changing, and she wants to stay part of a popular crowd, but she doesn't always like how it makes her feel inside.

March Madness

I spent the last part of March and early April reading about basketball payers. Travel Team written by Mike Lupica is the story of Danny Walker, a short kid who is cut from the 7th grade travel basketball team for political reasons. He's one of the best players in town, but measuring only 4' 7", he's just not big enough. Danny's father, a short guy himself, takes matters into his own hands and organizes a travel team that has great game. Filled with vivid descriptions of the game, this story is one for anyone who has ever cheered for the underdog.

Michael Winerip has written 2 books about Adam Canfield, basketball player and co-editor of the school newspaper. Adam is at his best when he's researching some scandal that impacts his small town. In Adam Canfield of the Slash he exposes the school principal when she is misusing funds donated to the school. In Adam Canfield, Watch Your Back! Adam is researching bullies at his school, after he is mugged for his snow shoveling money.

Mrs. Willard's blog

Hello all Readers!

So often I have students and teachers stop to ask me if I have any good books. Of course I do, but I often forget what I read last week when I'm put on the spot. Here is a good place for me to highlight books I like and those that left me cold. Keep checking back to see what I'm reading and if you read it and like it too, you can tell me.

Mrs Willard