| Do you like to read? Or maybe you don’t like to read and your looking for that book that just might spark the love for reading. In either case, on this page I will recommend some of my favorite books. This will be an ongoing list and I will try to add several titles a month. These are my favorites. I was the reluctant reader when I was a student and I know it takes a lot for some students excited about reading. For 22 years as a reading teacher I have been targeting my reluctant readers with suggestions, so here are my favorites titles. Just one more note, Gary Paulsen is my personal favorite author and you are sure to enjoy almost anything he has written. (I would put Jerry Spinelli and Judy Blume in that group as well.)
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
There is no choice; this must be my first recommendation. Not only because it is a great book, but because it is the first book that excited me about reading. I read the book when I was in 7th grade and I loved it. It made me start reading. S.E. Hinton was only 16 when she wrote the book. What an amazing talent. She was also one of my first inspirations as a writer. Her use of strange names in The Outsiders is responsible for 5K Runner having a character with the nickname of “Too Slow”. The book is about a group of boys growing up on the “wrong” side of the tracks. It is a coming of age story about deep friendships and blinding loyalty. The book is timeless, and it is as interesting and enjoyable to read today as it was thirty-five years ago. Add this one to your library!
Coming Soon reviews and recommedations for Tuckets Travels by Gary Paulsen, Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli, and just for the record, yes I love the Harry Potter books but still have to read the fifth one.
Saviors of the Bugle by Barbara Elmore
I feel like someone who has unexpectedly found a gold nugget. Saviors of the Bugle is a well-written and charming story. It has everything I look for in a great book. It has complex and intriguing characters, good plot development, and an interesting story line with a few unexpected twists and turns. I met the author, Barbara Elmore, at the Texas State Library Conference. We had a very nice conversation. She has written three books and had them on sale so I thought it was a perfect opportunity for me to bring back signed copies from another author to my classroom. Saviors of the Bugle is the type of book you don’t want to put down because you can’t wait to see what happens next. It is a book that at times made me laugh and at other times brought tears to my eyes. The book is about a three friends that set out to save their local newspaper, the Bugle. However, the book has many layers and sub plots as well. Wendy, Libby, and Riley are the type of kids you would want as your own friends. I enjoyed the book very much and recommend it highly. Since I have had several e-mails and contacts from readers out side of Texas about my book 5K Runner, I will put a link on my web site to Barbara’s web site so that you will have an easier time ordering this outstanding book. I hope you enjoy Saviors of the Bugle as much as I did. |
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