Jen Vincent at Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee Moye and Ricki Ginsburg at Unleashing Readers cohost It's Monday! What are You Reading? weekly on their blogs. To see what others are reading and recommending each Monday, or to participate, be sure to head over to these blogs.
Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate arrived at my doorstep last week, and I had uninterrupted reading time over the weekend. It's one of those books that if you haven't read it yet, I'm a little envious of the experience that lies in front of you. Maybe because of the cover, I was anticipating an element of fantasy, but the plot line has nothing fantastical about it--it's real life poverty and homelessness in the life of an incredibly authentic fifth-grade boy. We were with friends over the weekend, and I left the book in the hands of our host, so I can't pull direct quotes from the book. However, the concepts of homelessness not happening all at once, but little by little, has stayed with me, and the importance of a little magic when we struggle resonates as well. With the short chapters, spot on dialogue, and hard hitting lines and messages, I can't imagine too many better books for read-aloud time. So, so good. Happy Reading,
I was also surprised about the real-ness of Crenshaw. Having just finished this as a read aloud, I hope my students also have a new perspective of homelessness like I do because of the book.
ReplyDeleteOh, I did love this book. And now my kids love it, too. Here's to the Crenshaws of our world, much needed, much loved.
ReplyDeleteI loved this book, and am glad to hear what you think, too, Melanie. The stress that young boy was under made me feel so helpless. While I give to different organizations that help the homeless, there is less I can do for individuals I don't know about.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it just the best book? Tammy had the privilege of working with a book club who was reading it. The students had so many insights about the symbols and themes in the text. I think it gave them a deeper understanding of other people's struggles.
ReplyDeleteI will ask our librarians to get a copy of Crenshaw for my August semester class with higher-degree students - the themes sound like the ones we need to discuss in class. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Melanie, I enjoyed Crenshaw as well and just got a copy for my classroom.
ReplyDeleteI am reading Crenshaw aloud to both of my groups. They love it. We're almost to the end.
ReplyDeleteI can't get this book out of my son's hands to read it myself. It's constant disappearances must be a sign of how good it is!
ReplyDeleteThis book is now on my summer reading list. Thanks for the recommendation!
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