100 Books in 2012: Wonder by Palacio

Book 29:  Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Auggie is a bright, funny, intelligent boy who is about to attend school for the first time, entering middle school at a small private institution.  He's nervous, a little scared, and a little excited.  Sounds like a typical preteen?  But Auggie is different, unique, a wonder: he has a facial deformity that has caused him to have over twenty surgeries in the last ten years.  He doesn't look like everyone else.  And while he is academically on par with everyone and even quick witted, how will his face go over in middle school?

Told from a number of characters' points of view, Wonder is the special, heart-warming story of how Auggie matures, managing to have a "normal" school experience, while affecting the lives and hearts of his family, his new friends, his teachers and the students at Beecher Prep.

A definite winner and possibly a Newbery contender.

100 Books in 2012: Dead End in Norvelt

Book 25:  Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos

I had been waiting to read this 2012 Newbery Award title since the announcement was made in January; however, it did not satisfy like other novels have.  This historical fiction combines some parts of Gantos' real life, some parts of history post-war, and a lot of fiction, humor, and mystery.  The story follows the summer of Jack being grounded and having to spend his time between helping one of the oldest living townspeople write obituaries and trying to figure out how to have a little fun with his friend whose father runs the funeral home all while trying not to shock himself and thus having his nose bleed all over the place.

I think this is a fun, entertaining read for an adult, but I don't see the appeal to some kids, especially most middle schoolers.  I just don't see them picking up this novel on their own.

7 Books Read; 93 More to Read!

I took the 100 Book Challenge with some of my fellow mommies, and I'm plugging along with my reading. I haven't quite read two books a week, but I've definitely enjoyed what I've read so far, even staying up until 2:00 a.m. last night to finish this year's Newbery Award winner.

4. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins -- This is the sequel to Hunger Games and finds Katniss once again fighting for her life and fighting against the Capitol. (YA) I absolutely loved this book! But she left us hanging AGAIN. Need to read the third installment now.

5. Paula Deen: It Ain't All About the Cooking by Paula Deen -- This autobiography of the accomplished Southern cook is an easy to read look into her rags to riches story. I was a little shocked by some of the secrets that Paula revealed, but as always, her voice rang through loud and clear. Y'all, she's a determined Southern gal!

6. Anything But Typical by Nora Baskin -- Story about an autistic boy from his first person perspective sruggling to "fit in". This won the Schneider Family Award for teen book about disability. (YA) I have a few teachers and students that I'll be pushing this book on once we go back to school.

7. When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead -- Coming of age story of Miranda, friends and mysterious notes she keeps finding. 2010 Newbery Award winner. (YA) Now I need to reread A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle.

What are you reading?