Top Ten Tuesday 12

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.  This week's topic is the top ten books I'd play hooky with.  While I would love to have a job where it isn't a complete pain to take a day off, as a teacher, sometimes sub plans are more headache than they are worth.  So, for me, playing hooky means not grading, and choosing to read a book instead.  I've had a lot of those books lately!  So...

The Top Ten Books I'd Play Hooky With

1.  The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin:

I know some were underwhelmed by this book, but I literally could not put it down.  I sat out in the sun for a solid three hours reading one day after school, and I almost never take that much down time!

2.  The Disenchantments by Nina LaCour:

I could not get over how much I enjoyed this book.  I stayed up far too late reading it last night, but the ending was well worth it.  Wish I could have stayed home and read it!

3.  Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl:

I LOVED this book the first time I read it, and now having the second and third books, I can't wait to keep going in the series.  Sadly, I read the first one a few years ago, so I feel like I need a refresher before going on.

4.  The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson:

This was a series that technically, I did play hooky with.  Husband and I tore through all of them while on our honeymoon this June... because there's nothing better than reading on the beach!

5.  Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins:

Alas, literary analysis essays were put on hold until Anna finally got her smooch.  Solid decision.

6.  Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor:

I stayed up an entire night reading this book over Winter Break.  I imagine that when the second book in the series is finally released, I will do the same!

7.  Crazy Love by Leslie Morgan Steiner:

This was one I played grading hooky with last year.  A harrowing memoir, but I was so completely engrossed I lost all track of time.

8.  Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson:

I read this entire novel in a night, and was obsessed with it, but sadly, have not read it since.  Perhaps it's time for another marathon.

9.  Room by Emma Donoghue:

I think the reason I say I'd want to play hooky with this book is because it so thoroughly disturbed me, I couldn't look away.  While probably not the lightest reading for sunbathing, boy was it engaging (and terrifying!).

10.  Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling:

This is one of those series I could read over and over, without ever tiring of it - and have!  Losing myself in familiar characters is a great way to spend the summer, especially while getting a tan.

Top Ten Tuesday 11

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.  This week's topic is our Top Ten Spring To-Read Books.  Honestly, my to-read list is so woefully long, I had a difficult time choosing just ten books to put on a list!  Believe me, these are in no particular order, just ten books I am either anticipating, or have had sitting on my shelf/in my Kindle, waiting to be noticed.

The Top Ten Books on my Spring To-Read List


1.  Fever by Lauren DeStefano:

I had mixed feelings about Wither, but I am finding many folks who thought it was too slow enjoyed Fever much more.  I suppose we will see...

2.  Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan:

I am devouring as many of Green's novels as I can get my hands on.  This one was lent to me by a student last week, so it will probably be first off of this list and onto my "read" pile!

3.  The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter:

This series sounds like a grown-up girly Percy Jackson, and thus right up my alley.  Recently purchased by my fabulous school librarian, so hopefully I can get my hands on it soon!

4.  Across the Universe by Beth Revis:

I've had this one on my shelf for a while, patiently collecting dust.  Just need to find the time to read it!

5.  The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness:

Another series I've had sitting on the bookshelf for a while.

6.  Unearthly/Hallowed by Cynthia Hand:

I have heard nothing but rave reviews of these books, and since Unearthly was on sale for 99 cents as an ebook, I am excited to dig in!

7.  The Book Thief by Markus Zusak:

This is one of those books I feel like everyone has read except me!  Not for lack of spending money on it though... the bookshelves in my office are rather cramped at the moment!

8.  Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins:

I absolutely devoured Anna and the French Kiss, so I am eager to try her next novel!

9.  The Luxe by Anna Godbersen:

Historical fiction and a swoon-worthy cover caught my eye!

10.  City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare:

Honestly, this might have to get pushed to summer.  I LOVD the first three books of the series, but it's been a long time since I've read them.  I feel like I need to re-read before I go on with the series, and that's a lot of time to invest!

Any titles you see missing?  Which of these on the list should I try first?

Top Ten Tuesday 10

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.  This week's topic is the Top Ten "X" Genre Books.  We get to fill in the "X" with whatever we wish!  Typically, I read a lot of dystopian books, so I feel like most of my lists have been based around that.  As it is a night that my husband is on-call (gotta love being married to a medical resident), I have the time to be creative and post about another one of my favorite (but as of late neglected) genres:  historical fiction.

Top Ten Historical Fiction Books (Not all YA, so proceed carefully!)

1.  A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly:

Donnelly is definitely one of my favorite YA authors.  This book, about a murder at a ritzy upstate New York resort in 1906, is based around the same story that inspired the famous novel An American Tragedy.  Highly recommended for teens and adults alike!

2.  Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden:

I've re-read this book so many times, I've lost count.  Every time, it makes me cry, laugh, and throw the book in frustration.  That's the mark of a good book!  Set in 1930s Japan, it immerses the reader in a time period and country seamlessly.

3.  Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

This is one of those ridiculously talked-about and hyped books that completely merits all of the positive buzz.  The 1930s circus backdrop is a great historical trip!

4.  The Other Boleyn Girl by Phillipa Gregory:

Despite this book's prodigious length, I think I read it over the course of two days at the beach - it is that good.  The world of Tudor England is so full of drama, scandal, and intrigue it is completely engrossing.  Warning:  SO NOT for teen readers!  Verrrrrry mature.  But for adult readers, I heartily recommend any of Gregory's novels.

5.  Fever 1793  by Laurie Halse Anderson:

Anderson is one of the magic teen authors who can turn any topic into literary gold.  Fever 1793 is no different.  A coming-of-age tale set during the Yellow Fever outbreak in Philadelphia, I found this book both quick and relatable.

6.  The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald:

Perhaps it's a cheat to include a book that was not historical fiction at the time it was written, but seriously, who can argue with this classic.  Though I hesitate to put the "curse of Colleen" on it by admitting how much I love it (thus rendering it unpalatable to my juniors), this book is so beautifully written.  Plus, who doesn't love the excessive wealth of the roaring '20s?

7.  Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell:

This book appears on too many of my lists, but that's because it's just one of my favorites.  The Civil War was an absolutely devastating time for all involved, but at the same time, makes a great backdrop for one of the best love stories ever.

8.  Atonement by Ian McEwan:

Definitely love both the movie and the book.  WWII England comes to life in this absolutely gut-wrenching novel that I cannot recommend enough.

9.  Elephant Run by Roland Smith:

This novel has been one of my go-tos for reluctant readers, especially boys.  Set on an elephant plantation in Burma during WWII, students get to experience adventure and a side of history they rarely see.

10.  The Help by Kathryn Stockett:

Sadly, in an effort to meet people in my new hometown, I went on a social outing to see this movie before I read the book.  However, I will say that even as someone who broke the cardinal rule of readers (always book before movie!), this book is worth the read even if you have seen the movie.  The South comes to life in a completely real way.

Top Ten Tuesday 9

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.  This week's topic is my Top Ten Favorite Covers.  Though the old cliche "don't judge a book by its cover" aptly applies to people, I've found that with potential readers, an attractive and provocative cover can do a lot.  To test the theory, I actually had two copies of the exact same book in my class library:  one with an old, outdated cover and one with the updated cover.  Not surprisingly, the attractive cover was selected almost twice as much as the old one.  The bottom line is sometimes, an eye-catching cover helps "nudge" a reader to select a book.  To that end...

My Top Ten Favorite YA Book Covers

1.  Entwined by Heather Dixon

2.  Wither by Lauren DeStefano

3.  Timeless by Alexandra Monir

4.    Matched by Ally Condie (though honestly, the whole series is gorgeous)

5.  Blue Moon by Alyson Noel

6.  Incarnate by Jodi Meadows

7.  City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

8.  The Maze Runner by James Dashner (another gorgeously styled series)

9.  Tunnels by Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams  (again, a series of great covers)

10.  The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Top Ten Tuesday 8

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.  This week's topic is the Top Ten Books I'd Give a Theme Song.  Given that music and reading are two of my favorite pastimes, I thought for sure this would be a snap.  Wrong.  So, I have certainly tried my best, but some on this list probably fall short.

Without further ado...



The Top Ten Books I'd Give a Theme Song


1.  Divergent by Veronica Roth = "Knights of Cydonia" by Muse

I can just imagine Tris kicking serious butt to this song.  To be fair, when the guitar solo starts, I'm pretty sure I could dismantle a brick wall with my bare hands.  The chorus "No one's gonna take me alive / The time has come to make things right / You and I must fight for our rights / You and I must fight to survive" could be she and Four's anthem!

2.  The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins = "Uprising" by Muse

Okay, so clearly I have a minor obsession with both dystopian novels and Muse.  Who doesn't love Matthew Bellamy and his power to fire up?  Truthfully, these lyrics fit this entire series perfectly.  A sampling:

Interchanging mind control
Come let the revolution take it's toll
If you could flick a switch and open your third eye
You'd see that we should never be afraid to die

So come on

Rise up and take the power back
It's time the fat cats had a heart attack
You know that their time's coming to an end
We have to unify and watch our flag ascend


3.  Hate List by Jennifer Brown = "All These Things I've Done" by The Killers

A fantastic novel and even better song (I sang it at my wedding, that's how crazy I am about it!).  The messages of both forgiveness and accepting our shortcomings run through the song and novel.  I can see Valerie reminding herself, "I've got soul but I'm not a soldier."

4.  Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers = "Hammerhead" by The Offspring

This novel is a fantastic story about a soldier and what it means for him to serve his country - the ideas of brotherhood, loyalty, and blind compliance all come into question, just like in the song.  For example, "I'll take a life, that others may live / Oh, that's just the way it goes / I shut my eyes, it hammers in my head / where it'll end nobody knows" fits any battle.  Plus, the overall intense nature of the song is perfect for any gripping scene.

5.  Looking for Alaska by John Green = "Bohemian Like You" by The Dandy Warhols

Both the novel and the song share a sense of kinship between two misfits.  Plus, Alaska's car came to mind with the opening lines:  "You've got a great car / Yeah what's wrong with it today / I used to have one too / Maybe I'll come and have a look."

6.  The Immortals series by Alyson Noel = "Yellow" by Coldplay

Devotion comes across in this song, and save perhaps the Twilight series, no other series expresses eternal devotion quite like The Immortals.  Ever and Damen's love has spanned lifetimes - how more devoted can you get?

7.  Fire by Kristin Cashore = "Molly's Chambers" by Kings of Leon

Partly this pairing was inspired by the fact that both the song and novel are borderline inappropriate (certainly the song more so).  After all, the main character, Fire, is someone who is physically desirable and able to control other's minds.  The song describes someone very similar, and speaks to me of female power.

8.  The Fault in Our Stars by John Green = "An End Has a Start" by The Editors

This is another pairing where it's too difficult to pick a section of lyrics to share!  The theme of hope even in the face of inevitable loss is what came across strongest in Green's novel, as it does in the song.  If you will:

I won't disappoint you
As you fall apart
Some things should be simple
Even an end has a start

Someone hit the lights
 'Cause there's more here to be seen
When you caught my eye
I saw everywhere I'd been
And wanna go too

You came on your own
That's how you'll leave
With hope in your hands
And air to breathe

You'll lose everything
But in the end
Still my broken limbs
You'll find time to mend


9.  Fracture by Megan Miranda = "Passenger Seat" by Death Cab for Cutie

I'm probably just giving a theme song to this novel because I finished it last night (stay tuned for a review... get it?  Tuned?  Because I'm making theme songs? :), but two ideas stood out to me.  One is the nighttime, wintry mood that both the novel and song project.  The second comes at the end of the song, which speaks to someone's companionship and closeness with someone else, be they friends or something more...

"When you feel embarrassed / Then I'll be your pride / When you need directions / Then I'll be the guide / For all time"

10.  Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor = "Resistance" by Muse

I just couldn't let the list end without an appearance by my new favorite book and my favorite band!  Love in the face of extreme fear, disapproval, and discrimination drives Taylor's story, as embodied by the following:

Is your secret safe tonight?  And are we out of sight?
Or will our world come tumbling down?
Will they find our hiding place?  Is this our last embrace?
Or will the walls start caving in?

...

Love is our resistance they'll keep us apart and they won't stop
breaking us down and hold me
Our lips must always be sealed

Top Ten Tuesday 7

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the ladies at The Broke and the Bookish.  This week's topic is the Top Ten Books I'd Quickly Save if My House was being Ravaged by Some Natural Disaster. (gah, lots of caps).  Due to the fact that I have three wild and crazy pets, we'll go with my house burning down (as I imagine the puppy chasing my verrrry fluffy kitties onto a lit stove, and their tails catching nearby curtains on fire).  Naturally, I'd save my hubby and pets first, but then definitely these ten books, not only because they're my favorite titles, but because I'm particularly attached to the copies I have. (Note:  not all of these are teen reads, so readers beware!)


Top Ten Books I'd Save if my House was Burning to the Ground

1.  The Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien:

This book has been through a lot with me - the ravages of high school, college, and young single life.  And yet, I will always come back to it as one of my all-time favorites.

2.  Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell:

Again, I've had this book forever!  I try and re-read it every year or two, so losing it would be completely devastating.

3.  The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley:

This book will forever remind me of my best friend and our rather eclectic English teacher in high school. Full of girl power and fantasy, set in Camelot - how can you go wrong?

4.  Trading Up by Candace Bushnell:

Guilty pleasure, what can I say?  I'll need something light to read while I wait for the smoke damage to be cleaned up from my house.

5.  The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling:

So, I guess I'll need a bigger bag to put all of these books in...

6.  Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan:

Yep, all five.  Though if pressed for time, I'd just take the fourth installment, The Battle of the Labyrinth.


7.  Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden:

Finally, my little sister returned this one to me, and I've been missing it.  Again, one of the books I could re-read endlessly, and never get sick of it.

8.  The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas:

Heavy to carry down a fire ladder, sure.  But absolutely heart-stopping and wonderful.

9.  Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham:

Most of my high school class HATED this book, but I oddly became obsessed with it.  If you are into classics, this might be a good one to try.  Plus, this one has all of my silly high school annotations, which are worth giggling over.

10.  The Twilight Saga by Stephanie Meyer:

Love to mock them though I do, I actually love to read them too.  They still make me cry, and are the perfect light read.  Plus, I've got plenty of others on the list that will make me look smart.  :)



Oh bah, I'm saving one more.  It's my house.

11.  The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory:

I'll save this one as soon as I get it back from my mother.  Truthfully, the whole series is addicting.





Any good ones I missed?

Top Ten Tuesday 5

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the ladies at The Broke and the Bookish.  This week's topic is to list the top ten books you would hand to someone who says he or she doesn't like to read.  As a teacher, I find myself in this position... A LOT.  Truth be told, I don't think I could list my top ten, as it really depends on who the reader is.  So, these are perhaps the top ten books that I've had the most success with in recent years.






Top Ten Books I'd Hand to Someone who Says He/She Doesn't Like to Read:


1.  Red Kayak by Priscilla Cummings:


I've had a lot of success with this book, both with the ladies and the gentlemen.  I think it's largely due to the themes of loyalty and friendship that run throughout.  The main character, Brady, finds himself stuck between choosing to do what's right, and sticking by his friends.  Reluctant teen readers connect with this theme on many levels.  (Plus, as much as I hate to say it, it's short, which matters to some of my busy kids!)


2.  Graceling by Kristin Cashore:

I LOVE this book - it has romance, action, and everything in between.  The characters are deep and believable, despite the fact they live in a fantasy kingdom.  Again, I've had success with both guys and girls on this one, though admittedly, more of my girls.  This book is just beautiful, and anyone who can appreciate beauty would love it.




3.  The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling:


Words cannot express how much I, and everyone I am close to, love these books.  The characters seem so realistic that I will openly admit to wishing Rowling's world was real (I mean, who doesn't want to go to Hogwarts?).  As far as teacherly qualities, I love the fact that even though these books are written for younger readers, everyone can connect to them.

4.  The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins:


Again, reluctant male and female readers have fallen in love with this series.  The action, mystery, and romance have hooked so many of my students.  We are all counting down to the movie release!


5.  Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan:


Seriously, this series has been on every list I've written - or at least close to.  Enough said.  It's fabulous.




6.  Looking for Alaska by John Green:


I myself am a John Green neophyte, but this book was so good I cried.  Green's ability to create a strong male narrator, with the appropriate amount of humorous inappropriateness, makes him gold in my eyes.


7.  Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson:


I originally read this book for a YA literature class I took in college, and have been recommending it to students ever since.  This one is certainly a pick for the girls, but Melinda's painful narration can melt even the hardest of hearts.

8.  The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie:


Okay, so I'm only being partially facetious when I say that one of the reasons I've had success with this book is because it has pictures.  Seriously - it's like a more mature version of Diary of a Wimpy Kid.  Hilarious and heartbreaking!


9.  The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer:


I've had many a reluctant reader get completely engrossed in this dystopian novel.  The writing style is approachable, and the story premise is messed up enough to intrigue just about anyone.  In particular, I've found my squirrelly gamer boys have liked this one.  :)

10.  Evermore by Alyson Noel:


This series is absolutely adorable, and full of action at the same time.  While perhaps not something that will later find admittance into the literary canon, the idea of two people who find one another, lifetime after lifetime, is enough to tickle any high school girl's fancy.  After all, who isn't hoping to find love as a teenager!?

Top Ten Tuesday 4

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the wonderful ladies at The Broke and the Bookish.  This week's topic is the Top Ten Books That Would Make Great Book Club Picks.  I happen to be in a unique position to address this particular topic.  I am lucky enough to run a book club at my high school with the ever fabulous Lively Reader.  We actually posed a similar question to our students in our club, and they, along with the two of us, compiled this list.  In no particular order...

Top Ten (or at least Ten Really Good) Book Club Book Picks:

1.  Unwind by Neal Shusterman:

There is plenty to discuss with this book, it appeals to boys and girls, and it is extremely exciting and well-written.  It lends itself to a great discussion on bioethics, which can be tied into lots of current news.  Lots of fun to be had by a book club!


2.  Everybody Sees the Ants by A.S. King:

We've been mulling this book over as it deals with a timely topic for high schoolers:  bullying.  Again, the appeal for both male and female readers, as well as the multiple discussion opportunities, makes this a good choice for our kids.

3.  After by Amy Efaw:

Dealing with a very controversial issue is exactly what books are for, and having a supportive group in which to discuss these topics makes that experience even more valuable.  This novel deals with a teenager who is put into juvenile detention for abandoning her newborn baby in a Dumpster.  Though it is gruesome, the ending leaves a LOT to be discussed - we had many students who enjoyed reading this over the summer as part of the Virginia Reader's Choice list.

4.  Infinity by Sherrilyn Kenyon:

This one was a student pick.  Though sometimes series can be tough to do with a club, the high level of action and suspense would make it a fun group read.  I haven't read this book yet, but a high school vampire slayer sounds right up my alley!

5.  The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson:

Ok, haven't read this one either... pretty sure it was our girlies' answer to Infinity. Again, though, the summary on Goodreads and on the book jacket have put it in my TBR pile.  Romance, revolution, and a mysterious prophecy - sign me up!

6.  Not as Crazy as I Seem by George Harrar:

Another student pick, one that deals with Devon Brown and his struggle to fit into high school with OCD.  Again, I haven't read the book, but I admire the students' sensitivity in selecting this one.  Tolerance and compassion are excellent lessons, and two our school is focusing on this school year.  Discussing both the plot as well as learning about something new would be a great way to meet as a club.

7.  Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi

This book, which won the 2010 Printz Award, is absolutely fantastic.  While Lively Reader has a little bit of a hard time selling this book to kids, no one who has read it dislikes it.  She really enjoyed the writing in this dystopian thriller.  The fact that there is a strong male protagonist in this novel is a real strength as well.  I personally have it sitting next to my bed, TBR at some point in the near future...

8.  The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin:

This is a great psychological thriller that we know kids will have fun discussing.  The ending of this book is unreal too- it really lends itself to a great book club discussion of what we think may come next.  Knowing that book two is coming in the fall sets the club up to read and discuss the sequel too!

9.  Divergent by Veronica Roth:

Our book club actually read and discussed this novel as a group.  We enjoyed talking about how this society came to be, what faction we would be in if we had to choose, and what we think will happen in the next book, Insurgent.

10.  The Bitter End and/or The Hate List by Jennifer Brown

Both of the fabulous realistic fiction novels by Jennifer Brown are prime for discussion!  The Hate List deals with the aftermath of a high school shooting and The Bitter End is about a teenage girl who finds herself in an abusive relationship with her boyfriend.

What tips and tricks do people have for running a YA book club?  We are in our first year, and any help would be welcome!

Top Ten Tuesday 3

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week's topic is any list of our choosing. As it is a Tuesday, and I am missing my darling middle school ski clubbers, I thought I'd do a list about middle grade books. So many of the books we see out in the blogosphere are more mature young adult books that the younger books go un-noticed. Without further ado...

Top Ten Middle Grade Books (that I've read in recent years... :)

1. A Mango-Shaped Space by Wendy Mass:

Actually, any Wendy Mass book could go in this spot. Her writing is pure magic. This particular tale is all about a girl named Mia, and her struggles to accept her family, and her unique condition called synthesia (she associates colors with everything - sounds, letters, numbers etc). For example, her cat is named Mango not because he has orange eyes, but rather because when he purrs, she sees mango-colored puffs. A great book for any pet lover!

2. Elephant Run by Roland Smith:

Set during WWII in Burma, Nick Freestone is sent to live with his father on his elephant plantation after the bombs are dropped on London. But when invading Japanese soldiers take his father prisoner, Nick is forced to escape the plantation and rescue his father, or risk both their lives. This book has been complete magic for many a reluctant reader!

3. The Schwa Was Here by Neal Shusterman:

Technically, this one could transcend age groups. Antsy Bonano is the only one who takes a second to notice Calvin Schwa, a student who considers himself "functionally invisible." Using the Schwa's unique talent starts out as a way to make money, but soon gets the two in trouble - trouble that might ruin their friendship. Sweet, hilarious, and totally creative!

4. Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick:

Steven is a thirteen-year old who seems to have it all: a great gig drumming for the Jazz Band, a tutoring job with the cutest girl in school... and a twerpy little brother named Jeffrey. But when Jeffrey is diagnosed with leukemia, Steven is forced to try and accept the truth about how much he really loves the bane of his existence, and keep his family together. If you want to find out what Dangerous Pie is, you have to read this book. Rare is a book that is so entertaining and heartbreaking at the same time!

5. Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz:

The entire Alex Rider series (a series about a teenage spy) is completely wonderful. I've seen many readers, especially my squirrelly boys who couldn't sit still, become enthralled with the novels. Books that can do that are worth their weight in gold to a teacher!

6. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan:

Ok, I think the whole Percy Jackson series has appeared on my Top Ten lists every week. But, the narration is adorable, the characters are believable and good role models, and it awakens students' curiosity about Greek mythology. These are fast paced reads that can't go wrong. I owe Rick Riordan SO MANY thanks!

7. Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech:

This book quite possibly belongs on my all-time favorite list. This is a touching story about Salamanca Hiddle, her cross-country quest to find her mother, and the entertaining tale of her friend Phoebe Winterbottom and the lunatic. I used it in my classroom as a lesson on foreshadowing and literary theme, but I suggest it just as a pleasure read too.

8. Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix:

The Shadow Children series is a great introduction for young readers into the world of dystopian fiction. It explores a world where only two children are allowed per family - and what happens to the children who are born third. The books are quick and easy - perfect for students who are nervous about trying a new genre.

9. When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead:

I am absolutely in love with this book. The story follows sixth-grader Miranda as she navigates the streets of New York, the trials of friendship, and the mysterious notes being left on her doorstep. I recommend this Newbery winner for anyone who loved A Wrinkle in Time as kids, as this book explores that story as well.

10. Rules by Cynthia Lord:

Rules follows the story of Catherine, a 12 year old whose family (and life) revolve around her autistic brother David. She's spent years trying to make her life normal by teaching David "the rules," but when she meets Jason, a paraplegic boy, she begins to question everything she thought she knew. This is a great story about love, acceptance, and understanding - plus, it's good for a few laughs.

Honestly, I could continue for so much longer with this list, but I will stop and let others add. Any other middle grade books that should be on there?

Top Ten Tuesday 2

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

This week's topic is The Top Ten Books I'd Recommend to Someone Who Doesn't Read X.

So, since dystopian novels are my current obsession, I thought I'd go with that!

Top Ten Books I'd Recommend to Someone Who Doesn't Read Science Fiction

1. The Giver by Lois Lowry

Heartbreaking, gut-wrenching, and totally surprising at the end. This book was the unit I would look forward to every spring with my seventh graders!

2. The Maze Runner by James Dashner

This book has tickled many a reluctant reader. It has an engaging plot for just about anyone, even folks who swear they don't care for sci-fi.

3. Matched by Ally Condie

I'd recommend this one to girls who are hesitant to delve into the sci-fi waters. It seems to appeal to those who like to stay in the contemporary or romance genres, as well as science fiction fans.

4. Feed by M.T. Anderson

I remember reading this book in college as one of my first-ever YA reads, and it blew my mind. Even though it is a few years old now, the social critique is still relevant, and the humorous voice of the narrator is interesting to all.

5. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

It isn't all hype - this book is actually that good. Violence for the boys, romance for the girls, and reality TV for us Survivor fans (though I realize I am one of about five of those left in the USA :), this book has a little bit of everything.

6. Unwind by Neal Shusterman

A very interesting social critique that is played out through teenage runaways, this book was so action-packed, I sometimes forgot that I was in an alternate reality. The world building was convincing without being tedious or over-the-top. Basically, I just love anything Neal Shusterman writes.

7. Divergent by Veronica Roth

Though some have criticized this book as too "Hunger Games-esque," I thought that it had plenty of interesting differences. Tris' self-doubt and ultimate self-discovery certainly have universal appeal.

8. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

This book is just hilarious. Anyone who appreciates random humor would enjoy this book, spaceships and aliens aside.

9. The Host by Stephanie Meyer

I have used this one as a cross-over for many of my little "Twi-hards." It is just as romantic as the Twilight series, but falls into that lovely crossover fantasy-science fiction-romance category that makes it more widely appealing.

10. The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

Technically, you could classify this one as horror, but since it also involves the collapse of our current society and the hope to create a better one, I am impudently putting it on my list. For those who love scary stories, or even some doomed romance, this entire trilogy is well worth the read.

Top Ten Tuesday 1

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week's topic:

The Top Ten Authors I Wish Would Write Another Book:

1. JK Rowling: As someone 100% obsessed with the entire Harry Potter series, I would love to see what sort of creative story world would be next! I wouldn't mind if all of the favorites from HP were in it either... I oddly miss them, which is weird for fictional characters.

2. J.R.R. Tolkien: The books that began my fantasy obsession were without a doubt The Lord of the Rings trilogy. I've devoured every book he's ever written, and would LOVE to see more!

3. Tracy Chevalier: After being assigned Girl with a Pearl Earring in one of my sophomore year literature classes at Ohio State, I embarked on a journey through all of her books. Her poignant tales have a way of creating characters that make her stand out in my mind. Last publication was 2009... it's been too long!

4. Steig Larsson: I will admit, I am quite comfortable on The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo bandwagon. Too bad that trilogy was published posthumously - hubby and I are both obsessed!

5. Douglas Adams: I was absolutely the creepy girl laughing to herself while reading The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. I am generally not a fan of traditional science fiction, but his humorous and satirical slant kept me hooked on the whole series.

6. Thomas Harris: I LOVE the whole Hannibal series. I had to hide my copy of The Silence of the Lambs the first time I read it (a la Joey Tribbiani and his copy of The Shining on Friends. A show I wish would have another episode, incidentally).

7. Emily Bronte: Wuthering Heights will always be one of my favorite novels. I would love to see what the creator of Heathcliff (the inspiration behind Twilight's Edward Cullen) would have to say in our modern time about love. If nothing else, I would love to hear what she thinks about Edward!

8. Alexandre Dumas: In this era of popular adventure series, I would love to see what the one of the most renowned serial authors would have to offer. The Count of Monte Cristo was one of the first classic novels I read independently. Who knew that The Three Musketeers and The Man in the Iron Mask were both parts of series!?

9. Rick Riordan: This one is kind of a cheat, as he is probably one of the most prolific authors out there at the present time. What can I say? I am impatient for The Mark of Athena! Riordan's magic to captivate even the most reluctant of reader has made me eternally grateful to him. Without his books, I don't think I would have survived my first year of teaching.

10. Daphne DuMaurier: As I said in my New Girl review, Rebecca remains one of my favorite novels. I read My Cousin Rachel over the summer, and couldn't put it down either. Mysteries are always enjoyable, and I would love to see what she would come up with in modern day. In the meantime, I will just have to continue working my way through what she has written.

What about you guys? Is there anyone you would love to see write a new novel? Or an author that is making you wait just a bit too long for his or her latest offering?