November Reading

Last month, I asked our librarian if we could implement a Genre of the Month program. She was excited by the idea and asked me to make a small poster and create the display. I don't have a picture of the display, but here is the poster.


This month, we are exploring the Historical Fiction genre. This is one of the hardest genres to get students to read. Many of our kids love the "I Survived" books, but they don't try other historical fiction books.

Historical Fiction is one of the genres I read the least. If I am going to promote these books to our students, I need to read some myself. I  went through the section and picked out a few books.

This month, I plan to read the following Historical Fiction books:

                               



On my want to read this month list:

            


I also will continue with the Silmarillion Blues group read of The Hobbit.


Wish me luck! :)

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1285662/november-reading

Deliciously Dark & Disturbing

Review:

That's what mortal terror felt like, he realized. Tiny fingers tickling you from the inside.
-Chapter 13

The dividing line between genius and insanity is very thin and quite permeable--which is why so many geniuses descend into madness.
-Chapter 33

It came down to that flexibility of a person's mind. An ability to withstand horrors and snap back, like a fresh elastic band. A flinty mind shattered.
-Chapter 36

Wow. This book is creepy and I couldn't put it down. There were times when I was cringing and trying to read a little faster just to get through a part - like when the sea turtle was attacked and during the vivd descriptions of the effects of the contagion.

This is very old school horror - gritty and bloody and gross. And it doesn't let up for all 358 pages. If you are squeamish, then this book is not for you. The sickness tears people apart and Cutter describes every detail vividly. He doesn't hold back, not one bit.

However, this book isn't all about gore. There is a psychological component to  the story. The group dynamics are fascinating. Each boy has his own back story that gives the reader insight into his actions on the island. Many times, it had me thinking of Lord of the Flies. But you add in this contagion and the stakes are raised immeasurably.

I kept trying to figure out who, if anyone would survive the island. But, it wasn't easy. Cutter kept that secret well hidden until the very end.

So, if you are a fan of creepy, gory horror that doesn't let up, then you need to read this book.

I will leave you with this quote that really resonated with me:

They'd made a pact to be friends forever, but forever could be so, so brief.

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1285651/deliciously-dark-disturbing

Team Omega is back

Review:

Molly Bigelow and her Omega team have been banned from investigating Marek Blackwell and his plans for New York City. But when they discover that Blackwell is raising money for an undead army, they have to act. But will they be in time?

--from the publisher

I loved the entire Dead City series. James Ponti did a fantastic job creating a believable world filled with relatable characters to love and villains to hate. The characters have flaws and self-doubt but manage to overcome them. I love the unusual explanation for the existence of zombies.

There are some twists in this book that  surprised me a bit and that was fun. I did feel like the ending was too sudden. I expected more action and suspense. The overall story seems to wrap up nicely though and I think this might be the last book in the series.

This book is great for kids with an interest in zombies. It is fun and not too scary, but it is suspenseful. In our school, it is popular among the 4th and 5th graders. It appeals to both boys and girls.

Recommended to:
Boys and girls in grades 4-8, especially those who like their zombie stories a little less scary and not so gross. Scary rating: 2/5, Gore rating 3/5.

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1283244/team-omega-is-back

A little late, but still worth posting....

That says it all..

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1280348/post

Don't judge a book by its cover...

Review:

This should be a lesson to me, not to judge a book by its cover. Also, not reading the synopsis of the book doesn't always turn out for the best. I enjoy not reading the synopsis usually. I like when books surprise me with their plots or twists.

But, I was looking for a horror book, or at least something scary and this did not fit the bill. The cover looks sort of bloody and scary, but the story is really a thriller I guess. I actually found the book a bit slow at times.

The main character, Haley, is being abused by her alcoholic father, and her younger sister doesn't really see how bad it is. Their mother died in a car accident while trying to get them all away from the abusive relationship. Haley starts to fall for a boy named Chris Charming. I'm guessing this supposed to be a twist on Cinderella, but I didn't really see it (besides the name and Charming being rich).

Anyway, there is something sinister going on and eventually the truth is revealed. But, by that point, I really didn't much care. It is possible that I would have liked the book more if I went in without my preconceptions, but unlikely. The plot was just too slow moving and a bit confusing. Also, the villain was a bit unbelievable; I don't see how he could have managed all the things he did without being noticed.

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1279002/don-t-judge-a-book-by-its-cover