Homework Overload?

Do you need a summer vacation again to have time to read for the Mock Newbery?


I read three books while on vacation for a few days last week. It was nice having the free time with no electronic device (TV, Computer, or Cell Phone) to distract me.

I just finished reading "Keeper" by Kathi Appelt. It was "ok" but had some confusing content. Fantasy and real world mixed together. Parents may want to read it first to see if they need to explain some mixed messages. You can read comments on some reviews to know what I am talking about.

Last year’s Newbery, "When You Reach Me" by Rebecca Stead was another mixed fantasy and real world story that I finished on vacation. It did keep my attention and remind me that actions create reactions and consequences that can change people’s lives forever- good and bad. This is something interesting to talk about. Maybe that is one reason why it is a Newbery winner.

It will be interesting to hear what you are all thinking. Is school work getting busy? Are some of these books too long? I know that some parents have had a chance to read many of the books too. Please let me know how this is going.

"One Crazy Summer" by Rita Williams-Garcia will be catalogued this week. Who wants it first? It is realistic historical fiction. These are books I enjoy most. I am hosting a discussion about this book on September 28th. I will give more back ground information about this time in history and we can just talk about it. One of my best friends while growing up in the 1960's was African American. I never paid attention to what was happening in the United States in regards to Civil Rights nor did we talk about it.  It made me think about how our friends experience "growing up" differently.  I wonder what she really thought or talked about when not at school. It is interesting to look back. Hope you will join me. Parents welcome!