While a lot of my reading time was dedicated to reading the work of my writing group, as well as rereading and revising my own work, vacation offered enough time to also read some wonderful new books.
The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer Holm reminds me of a contemporary Tuck Everlasting, and that is a huge compliment. With humor, memorable characters, and a fast-moving plot, Jennifer Holm imparts a powerful message about immortality and the importance of learning for the sake of learning, while weaving in lots of scientific information.
Nest by Esther Ehrlich is a beautifully written story, but warning: it is agonizingly sad! The main character, Naomi, has more to deal with than any eleven year-old should have, ever! Set on Cape Cod in the 1970's, she has to deal with a mother with a serious disease and ensuing depression, religious discrimination, an over-analyzing father, and a struggling older sister. There are infinite passages throughout this book that serve as mentors for establishing plot, tension, character turning points, and inner turmoil. Just be prepared for some vivid memories of life in the 70's and some incredible tear-jerking scenes!
Grammar instruction remains at the forefront of some of my work for this year, and I highly recommend Grammar Matters by Lynne R. Dorfman and Diane Dougherty. This book is full of explicit teaching points, specific references to mentor texts, connections to standards, examples of student work, and anecdotes from model classrooms. Furthermore, the teaching points and lessons are written in workshop format and structured within specific units for specific grades. With extensive appendices, this is an incredible resource for aligning workshop instruction with the Language Standards of the Common Core.Happy reading!
I've read your first two books, I need to purchase Grammar Matters. Looks fabulous!
ReplyDeleteGrammar Matters looks great. My pre-service teachers are always asking me to recommend a grammar PD book for them, and I am lukewarm about everything I've ever read on the subject. I'll definitely check this one out! I've started Nest; need to get back to it. Not sure I'm up for agonizingly sad right now, though!!
ReplyDeleteBecause you mentioned Grammar Matters before, I've purchased it, Melanie, still haven't opened it, but I will! And I've read the other two-both very good. Glad you had a good writing time, too!
ReplyDeleteI loved The Fourteenth Goldfish! Grammar Matters has been on my list for the past month, but I've been trying to catch up with a few other PD books I've had on my shelf. I'll move it to the top of the pile. Thanks for reminding me about this one!
ReplyDeleteOkay, Grammar Matters is now in my Amazon in basket - look forward to reading it soon!
ReplyDeleteYes to The Fourteenth Goldfish. As soon as it is available in paperback I'm getting a lit circle set for our school.
ReplyDeleteWe had a book exchange from my book club this December and I got The Fourteenth Goldfish! Looking forward to reading it soonest. Sounds like a fun book.
ReplyDeleteLove your connection to Tuck Everlasting! That hadn't occurred to me. The grammar book looks good. Grammar is a tough thing to teach. I can use all the help I can get. Thanks!!
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