The Maze Runner

I’m about 3/4 through “The Maze Runner” I’ve really enjoyed it. It reminds me of many other novels I’ve read especially the classic “Lord of the Flies”. The characters are likable and easy to relate to. It is a very male centered novel even though a female is introduced about half way through. There are profound thematic issues to discuss like “survival of the fittest” “big brother voyeurism” and “genius children”. The novel is quite long and could easily be taught at the end of 6th grade or 8th grade. It could be fun to do an elaborate maze metaphor activity along with the reading. My only concern is the characters “dialect” of sorts. They have created their own language using words like “shuck” which feels like a pejorative for the “f” word. I hate pejoratives. I thought maybe the author was English and therefore the loose use of the pejorative. After some investigation I discovered he grew up in Georgia. Hmmmm. Plus it’s the first in a trilogy. Ohhhh gosh trilogies are hard to teach. I’ll need to see how the ending works.

I Finished "If I Stay"

I finished this novel. I didn't intend to move so quickly it just happened. Honestly - easy, light, girl-centered read. Nothing to analyze or discuss - not layered at all. I couldn't teach it. Lots of cursing and I think the main character is just too old (17). Now, some of my 8th grade girls could relate to her but it just wouldn't be effective for an entire class.

I liked the idea that the protagonist is stuck in limbo and the reader learns about her family through flashback. That was kind of interesting. She has the coolest parents ever - but her character is not multidimensional - again a worthy read for an 8th grade girl, especially a musician. Music is a large part of the plot structure. Should we move on to Maze Runner?

"If I Stay"

I ordered If I Stay from my library and it came in. I decided to give it a whirl - Hmmmm I'm divided. It's very girl centered. I could recommend it to students but probably not as a classroom novel. I'm about 1/3 through and it's been an easy read. While I see why it's called the adolescent version of "Lovely Bones" it is in no way as moving or poetic. If everyone is still interested then I'm happy to consider this our monthly book otherwise we can go with The Maze Runner. So far If I Stay has been an easy read.

Dec-Jan Book

Looks like it's two votes for "If I Stay" and two for "Maze Runner" does anyone want to be the tie breaker? I'm up for either.

Nobody - finally put to rest

I finished Graveyard - wow tough book for me. I was excited as the action finally began to rise towards the end but then disappointed when Scarlett is forced to forget Nobody. Overall this book was a disappointment for me. I liked some of the historical elements but I just couldn't invest. There were so many elements I felt were thrown in and then abandoned. I can see why some kids would find it appealing but not much to teach. Big question - Why is the character called "Nobody"? I kept waiting for the irony, did I miss it?

Alison Mazurkiewicz's Comments "Graveyard"

my thoughts on the Graveyard book.
I thought the 1st chapter was a little bit shocking. Gosh, a whole
family except for the baby is murdered. Ouch.
I see why the author does this to grab you to find out why, but, did
they all have to die? It is fiction, and I guess
a horror book. I did enjoy finding out how this boy lived and got
along in the graveyard. Really enjoyed the descriptions of
all of the various old world type of characters and their different
type of language usage (from a long time ago).
I found this book more readable than Edgar (length and flowed better
for younger readers). Evil and good are very
easy to distinguish in this book. Obviously the ending says that more
adventures can be in store for Bod.
Overall, I enjoyed this book.
I am going back to finish Sawtelle. I made it to about page 370, so
have to finish it now.

I vote for "The Maze Runner"

I know it's been mentioned that we should entertain a more light hearted read. If someone has a suggestion I'm all for it. Honestly, some of the best dicussion comes from troubled worlds and characters. I currently vote for "The Maze Runner". It sounds like there are both male and female characters present. Please voice your opinions:)

Another Idea - Witch and Wizard by James Patterson

I just saw this new book by Patterson on Amazon. Kids love his sci-fi stuff. His adult writing is fluffy beach reads but this new book for teens sounds intriguing. Look at the review.

The world is changing: the government has seized control of every aspect of society, and now, kids are disappearing. For 15-year-old Wisty and her older brother Whit, life turns upside down when they are torn from their parents one night and slammed into a secret prison for no reason they can comprehend. The New Order, as it is known, is clearly trying to suppress Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Being a Normal Teenager. But while trapped in this totalitarian nightmare, Wisty and Whit discover they have incredible powers they'd never dreamed of. Can this newly minted witch and wizard master their skills in time to save themselves, their parents--and maybe the world?

I need to get off of Amazon.com

Suggestions

What about "If I Stay" by Gayle Foreman? I just realized that all of the books read and taught in 8th grade are very boy centered. There are reasons behind that but I'd like to read a book beyond Twlight that has strong female voice. I heard this is similar to "Lovely Bones" which I loved. There is a review below.

Starred Review. The last normal moment that Mia, a talented cellist, can remember is being in the car with her family. Then she is standing outside her body beside their mangled Buick and her parents' corpses, watching herself and her little brother being tended by paramedics. As she ponders her state (Am I dead? I actually have to ask myself this), Mia is whisked away to a hospital, where, her body in a coma, she reflects on the past and tries to decide whether to fight to live. Via Mia's thoughts and flashbacks, Forman (Sisters in Sanity) expertly explores the teenager's life, her passion for classical music and her strong relationships with her family, friends and boyfriend, Adam. Mia's singular perspective (which will recall Alice Sebold's adult novel, The Lovely Bones) also allows for powerful portraits of her friends and family as they cope: Please don't die. If you die, there's going to be one of those cheesy Princess Diana memorials at school, prays Mia's friend Kim. I know you'd hate that kind of thing. Intensely moving, the novel will force readers to take stock of their lives and the people and things that make them worth living. Ages 14–up. (Apr.)

Suggestions for December Book?

Any suggestions? I heard Wednesday Wars is supposed to be good. I'm open. I promise to be wrapping up "The Graveyard Book" by the end of November. Next Week!

Oh Gosh!!!!!

I've given up on listening to The Graveyard Book. While the accents are intriguing the reader is just too slow. My plan is to finish up by the end of November. How does everyone feel about that? I'm only halfway through the novel and I feel like I'm still in the exposition. WHERE IS THE RISING ACTION? WHAT IS THE PLOT? While the person at Barnes and Noble said there were allusions throughout I'm concerned that maybe she didn't know what an allusion is.... If she was talking about the Ghouls - technically those were just references to historical people not allusions. I'm still struggling with what I could actually teach through this novel. I promise to plow forward.

Is anyone enjoying this? Will it get better?

Now on the adult side I am reading two books I'm really enjoying. "Her Fearful Symmetry" by the same author as "The Time Traveler's Wife". Symmetry is spooky and entertaining. I'm really enjoying the characters; plus it's set in London - one of my favorite places. Another novel I'm reading, which is also set in London, is "The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie". Very cute with a fun 11 year old protagonist. I might recommend it to some of my 8th grade female readers.

New Book

So Sawtelle wasn't the hit I was hoping for. While I love the novel for it's beautiful imagery and complicated relationships it is VERY long. So in the spirit of Fall I've chosen Neil Gaiman's novel "The Graveyard Book" for our next read. Please feel free to comment and follow along as I begin this new book. I'd love your input and thoughts. It was a novel recommended by students and Barnes and Noble. I love the illustrations already and I'm only in chapter 1. Please join in I'll be blogging soon.

Edgar's Parents

I love how Wroklewski shows the audience the beautiful relationship between Gar and Trudy. The imagery to describe New Year's was luminous yet so down to earth. "The sweet cider taste of the champagne was in his mouth, mingled with his mother's perfume, and he knew even then that the sensation would be with him for the rest of his life." I fell like the tone of this image is lovely yet ominous.

Claude - Thank Goodness He's gone.... for now

I was ready for Claude to disappear. The tension in the house was growing and I was feeling it as the reader. My heart is melting for the bond Edgar has with his father. I think a tear escaped when Gar passed over the new litter to Edgar. Hopefully things will calm down with the family. I'm sure we're not done with Claude since he's just living in town.

Claude

Is the stray symbolic of Claude? What is the purpose of the stray? Why is Claude so incensed by the stray? If the stray is the ghost of Forte like Edgar suggests, then that ties in well with the ghost/reincarnation aspect of this story and its relation to Hamlet.

Syntax Choices

I really enjoyed how Edgar's memories of his childhood were quickly and succinctly shared with the reader. I also like the clever choice of not putting Edgar's words in quotations. We are to assume he is signing.......

Edgar's Uncle

Wow - What is Claude's motivation in telling Edgar the story of Forte? Is it just to make Gar look bad? Why share that with his impressionable son? This story definately establishes immeditate characterization.

Meeting Edgar's family

I loved loved loved the chapter told from Almondine's perspective. It was touching and fresh. Is the miscarriage too much for 8th graders to handle? We read "The Giver" and there is euthanasia.....hmmmmm something to think about.

Beginning Edgar Sawtelle

Wow, just the beginning of this novel provides lush language. The setting and imagery are so layered with dripping prose. I think the exposition could be challenging for my students but with annotations and a lot of class discussion we can get through the prologue and introduction of the Sawtelle family. I love the indirect characterization of Edgar's parents. The way they playfully discuss their first encounter establishes character in a subtle way.

Some Reviews of the Novel

"I flat-out loved The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. In the end, this isn't a novel about dogs or heartland America, it's a novel about the human heart and the mysteries that live there, understood but impossible to articulate.... I don't reread many books because life is too short. I will be re-reading this one." —Stephen King, author of Under The Dome

The most enchanting debut novel of the summer... this is a great, big, mesmerizing read, audaciously envisioned as classic Americana.... Pick up this book and expect to feel very, very reluctant to put it down. — Janet Maslin, New York Times

The Great American Novel is something like a unicorn – rare and wonderful.... Yet every few years or so, we trip across some semblance of one.... The Story of Edgar Sawtelle... [will] leave you crying for more.... — Elle Magazine, June 2008

This novel is being called the new great American novel - what an exciting this to teach!

First Book Assignment

I've been dying to teach "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle" by David Wroblewski. This book spoke to me on many levels and I think my students would find in endearing and moving. I listened to it the first time around and am excited to read it. I think the process of reading it will bring me a different kind of enjoyment. It's in the running for 8th grade. There is some questionable language but I think it can be overlooked due to the depth of the content. I'm excited to talk about it.

Getting started -

I am excited to begin this blog where I can communicate with parents about books. As a middle school teacher it is always a challenge to find literature that the kids are interested in but still provides for stimulating teaching and conversing. Please look for updates and the first book on the reading list.