I'M BACK!!

Wow! I cannot believe it is 2014 already. Even more so, I cannot believe I FAILED all my reading and blogging goals for 2013. Life knocked me down…stress from grad school, death of a loved one, injuring my finger/hand and re-injuring my back, single-handedly raising my little monster man is challenging too BUT…

And even though many of those stressors won’t disappear anytime soon, I finally remembered that I am a strong, resilient woman who can handle many things and let go of the things that I can’t.

Yep…I’m back. Back being Randie. Back being an avid reader. Back being a blogger. Thank God, because I have certainly missed reading and blogging.

------------------------------------

To recap on 2013, here is a list of my 13 favorite reads from 2013.

All Dogs have ADHD by Kathy Hoopmann

Allegiant by Veronica Roth 

Champion by Marie Lu

The Dark by Lemony Snicket/Jon Klassen

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

How to Love by Katie Cotugno

Immortals Series by Alyson Noel

Just One Day & Just One Year by Gayle Forman

Requiem by Lauren Oliver

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

Shades of Earth by Beth Revis

Stuck by Oliver Jeffers

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

5 INTERACTIVE Children’s Books

Five INTERACTIVE Children’s Books

In spirit of Children’s Book Week, I will be presenting FIVE quality children’s book each day. Friday’s theme is

INTERACTIVE

Why?

Interactive children’s books encourage engagement and participation from readers. Interactive children’s books may be textured, a look-and-find format, feature flaps, utilizes pop-ups, talk to the reader, or be interactive in a way that uses technology (apps, eBook, etc.)

THE BOOKS!

Press Here by Herve Tullet

Meerkat Mail by Emily Gravett

The Eleventh Hour by Graeme Base

Tails by Matthew Van Fleet

Look at Me: I’m a Monster! By Sebastian Braun

HAPPY CHILDREN'S BOOK WEEK!

5 HISTORICAL FICTION Children’s Books

Five HISTORICAL FICTION Children’s Books 

In spirit of Children’s Book Week, I will be presenting FIVE quality children’s book each day. Thursday’s theme is

HISTORICAL FICTION

Why?

Historical fiction provides an opportunity for children to experience life from historical eras and events. I have never been one to remember dates or memorize historical facts but historical fiction helped me to connect with history in a much more meaningful way. Understanding how life is like for characters (how they dressed, what they did, etc.) is much more engaging than learning history without a character’s perspective. Additionally, many social studies lessons and curriculum materials briefly skim a wide range of topics and historical fiction books offer a more in-depth peak into a single topic. Aside from the educational benefits, reading historical fiction simply feeds the curiosity and inquisitive nature of children. 

THE BOOKS!

Queen of Hearts by Martha Brooks; Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman; 

My Heart Will Not Sit Down by Mara Rockliff and Ann Tanksley; 

The Butterfly by Patricia Polacco; and Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson 

Happy Children's Book Week!

5 YA/Teen DYSTOPIAN Novels

Five YA/Teen DYSTOPIAN Novels

In spirit of Children’s Book Week, I will be presenting FIVE quality children’s book each day. While, we tend to think of young children during this weeklong event, it is important to remember the teens too. Many teens (and adults, like me) are drawn to Young Adult (YA) novels. That being said, Wednesday’s theme is

DYSTOPIAN NOVELS

Why?

Dystopian novels feature a society that is corrupt or frightening in some way—whether it be a natural disaster, genetic/science crisis, cruel government or other terrifying aspect. In YA dystopian novels, it is common for resistance and romance to be leading themes as the main characters battle with the corruption of their society. Dystopian novels fascinate teens because like them, the main characters are faced with circumstances that make the future seem questionable and their sense of power low. Many teens experience similar feelings and identifying with those feelings as the characters seek to resist this and regain their power can be empowering for the reader too.

THE BOOKS!

 

 Delirium by Lauren Oliver                                    Blood Red Road by Moira Young

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

 

 

Birthmarked by Caragh M. O’Brien                                         Legend by Marie Lu