Alphabet of Dreams

Alphabet of Dreams by Susan Fletcher One of the oldest and best known stories in the world is that of three wise men traveling to Bethlehem. They ride camels and follow a star. A census is taking place and many people travel the ancient roads. Among them are two children. Life is not easy for Mitra and her little brother, Babak, who live on the streets in the city of Rhagae, scratching out a living as best as they can by begging, or stealing. But Mitra is filled with hope and ambition, for she and Babak are not what they seem. They are children of royal blood, but their father's ill-fated plot against the evil tyrant, King Phraates, has resulted in his death and their own exile. Disguised as a boy, Mitra has never given up believing they can rejoin what is left of their family and regain their rightful standing in the world. Then they discover that Babak has an unusual gift: if he sleeps with an item belonging to someone, he can know that person's dreams. Mitra believes that they can use this gift to find passage back to the city of Palmyra and their remaining kinsmen. But soon Babak and his abilities come to the attention of a powerful Magus -- one who has read portents in the stars of the coming of a new king and the dawn of a new age. Soon Mitra and Babak find themselves on the road to Bethlehem accompanying three wise men and their camels. Susan Fletcher, an Oregon author, whose book Shadow Spinner I also love, returns to ancient Persia in this beautiful written saga. I am in awe of how she skillfully wove facts with fiction, coming up with a very plausible tale of what might have happened in ancient time. A spellbinding read.

Bucket list of Books

I will be posting one book each week for the next 52 weeks. The books on this list are books that I like and admire. I have selected these titles because they stayed with me, changed me, touched me somehow. Some I picked because they were just wonderful to curl up with. Others left me reeling. Some of these books are picture books, others are adult, there is fiction, nonfiction, even poetry. There should be many more amazing books that I’d put on a ‘bucket reading list’. And there definitely should be more books by favorite authors like Katherine Patterson, Cynthia Voigt, Madeline L’Engle. Sometimes they are not here because I feel that you already know those books well enough. I selected some titles hoping you have never heard of them and will give them a try. Sometimes I’ve left off a favorite title because I already had another book by that author and want include as big a variety as possible. If your book isn’t on my list it’s not because I don’t love it. I merely selected those titles that effected me most. They are not posted in any particular order. Happy reading!

Adventures in Ancient Greece (Good Times Travel Agency #4) by Linda Bailey, Bill Slavin (Illustrator) The Binkertons -- twins Josh and Emma and their little sister Libby -- head to the Good Times Travel Agency hoping to visit the next Olympic Games, but they end up in Ancient Greece instead. Adventures in Ancient Greece is an exciting mix of adventure and historical information about life in Greece in the fifth century BC. Kids will learn about Greek gods, the birth of democracy, even Greek home life. They'll love the book's comic-book look, while parents, teachers and librarians will appreciate the well-researched story line and solid factual information. Paperback, 48 pages, Kids Can Press ISBN 1550745360 (ISBN13: 9781550745368)

Canadian Teacher Magazine

My interview with author Frieda Wishinsky is now online in Canadian Teacher magazine. Click here and download the current issue: http://www.canadianteachermagazine.com/currentissue.shtml

Coming soon: Bucket Books!

Stayed tuned! Soon I will be featuring something new and exciting on my blog! BUCKETBOOKS: 365 books, one book a day to keep boredom away! A list of the best books I've read. I will keep you posted.

Canadian Teacher Magazine

Check out my interview with children's author Chris McMahen, in the current issue of Canadian Teacher Magazine: My new interview in Canadian Teacher Magazine with Canadian children's author Chris McMahen is now online: http://www.canadianteachermagazine.com/currentissue.shtml

Bookmatchmaker

Please read my latest posting about adopting a library in Zambia, here:

http://bookmatchmaker.blogspot.com/2012/01/books-for-zambia.html

Wisconsin State Reading Convention

On February 3 and 4 I will be speaking at the dynamic WISCONSIN STATE READING Convention in Milwaukee. I am doing sessions on nonfiction writing, on poetry in the classroom as well as a Young Authors Conference.
If you live near there, come join us.
Authors Gordon Korman, Stephen Swinburne, Mary Casanova and other will also be presenting!
Check out the program: http://www.wsra.org/index.php?option=com_flashmagazinedeluxe&view=magazine&Itemid=186

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year!

Wishing you many books for Christmas, a happy holiday season and a New Year full of good books!

The boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne

Wow. I just finished reading THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PYJAMAS by John Boyne. What a story. Told from the viewpoint of a 9 year old, it is the story of Auschwitz through the eyes of an innocent child. Whose father is in charge of the camp. Wow.
My head is still spinning. It is so well written, so engaging, so lovely and yet so cruel and scary. A great book to use in high school.
I do feel that you need a lot of prior knowledge in order to be able to place the book in its proper context. The story also demonstrates the importance of communication. Bruno, the 9 year old with an annoying 12 year old sister, is lonely within his family. Father is solely preoccupied with his work as Commandant for the Fury (Fuhrer) and Mother is self centered and into 'medicinal sherries'.
If only they had talked to Bruno who is desperate for friends and belonging...

I can see amazing discussions after reading it, with a book club or with high school students.

Wonder Struck

Is it a graphic novel? Is it an illustrated novel?
I'm not sure but I do know that it is an amazing book. Author Brian Selznick has invented his very own genre in WONDER STRUCK, the book he wrote after his awardwinning The Invention of Hugo Cabret.
Wonder Struck consists of two parallel stories: one in words, one in illustrations until the two become one towards the end of the book.
An incredible amount of detail and research makes this feel like a true story, and it fact it has many true elements, including the Panorama of New York City built for the 1964 World Fair.
The story has elements of mystery and suspense, the characters come to life and evoke emotions. A wonderful tale to share between a parent and children before going to sleep!

http://www.wonderstruckthebook.com/