Frozen Fire

I recently started reading Frozen Fire by Tim Bowler - after I borrowed it from my 6th grader.  This book has affirmed a current theory I've been considering.  The term, or rather the entire genre, MYSTERY seems to have taken on a new, more diverse meaning.  My current understanding is that mystery is now synonymous with "I'm not going to tell you anything."  Let me explain...

Recently I read The Maze Runner trilogy.  While I enjoyed the books, I was often confused - not incredibly confused, but rather I couldn't visualize what was occurring.  I appreciate a book that doesn't spell everything out for me, but sometimes I was so in the dark that I don't think I was connecting with the book.  My confusion didn't keep me from reading, but I will say my enjoyment was negatively impacted.  Because many points were confusing, I do not think I connected with scenes or characters as I should have.

Now to clear up my genre associations.  I mentioned the genre mystery while The Maze Runner trilogies and Frozen Fire are not mysteries.  Instead these books fall under the genre of science fiction and.... supernatural?

"The Listeners" Walter de la Mare

While poetry is not my favorite genre, I love this poem.  It has an eerie, mysterious feel - and I'm left wondering where the owners of the house went.  With the numerous vampire and other supernatural stories around, I feel this poem fits the mood of many current stories.

"The Listeners"

Poetry Blogging

For our upcoming poetry units, I am going to encourage students to create blogs to share their poetry.  Websites, such as Poetry Foundation and Poetry Out Loud, are prompting me to digitally connect students and poetry.  Poetry is often quite hard for middle school students - and some simply state it is boring.  Therefore, to inspire enjoyment, participation, and learning, I'll use technology to hopefully gain interest, and dare I say.... excitement?

Starting Up Again

It has been ages since I updated my blog.  But - that's all about to change.  I'm going to blog about our current school year, and hopefully come up with some ideas for helping students create blogs.  I think student blogs would be a great way to practice various types of writing.  This blog is being re-vamped, and my focus has returned (I think?).

The Disappeared by Gloria Whelan

I picked up this book in the young adult section of the library. It was super short - 136 pages. I knew it would be a quick read and hopefully a good one. While it was a short read, it lacked excitement. The idea behind the book was good - a corrupt government in Argentina, but the book fell flat. The writing style was of interest as each chapter was intended to be a letter between siblings. More than anything, I think I realized that while a book might have conflict, without action, the conflict doesn't go far.

Catching Lincoln's Killer by James Swanson

I recently started this book with some students. It is non-fiction and quite good. Considering that non-fiction is not normally a genre I read, I'm excited to try something different. The story is well written and fast paced. I also enjoy the fact that I'm learning something with this book.

I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak

Last week I finished another Zusak book, I am the Messenger. Zusak's book The Book Thief is one of my all time favorites. I was excited to read yet another book by this author. While the book is interesting and complex (in true Zusak form), I cannot recommend this book without reservation. The plot, theme, and characters are intriguing, but unfortunately the language and sexual references keep me from recommending this book to middle school students. However, I must say, it is an intriguing and complex read and I appreciate Zusak's unique writing style. But for now, students, stick with The Book Thief.