Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Reasons Our Lives Are Easier Because We Are Readers

Share

top ten tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. The feature was created because The Broke and Bookish are particularly fond of lists (as are we!). Each week a new Top Ten list topic is given and bloggers can participate.

This week, we modified the topic a bit. We loved the topic provided by The Broke and the Bookish, but we wanted to give it a creative twist. The original topic was: Top Ten Things That Make Your Life As A Reader Easier. Our modification is:

 Today’s Topic: Top Ten Reasons Your Life is Easier Because You Are a Reader

1. We always have something to do while we wait. If you are running late, no problem! We have our books with us.

2. Stuck in an elevator? Trapped in an awkward situation with a stranger? Let’s talk books. We will find common ground…or enjoy debating about whose taste is better.

3. We have made so many friends at NCTE/ALAN and through social networking about books. We also consider hundreds of characters our friends, as well. #dweebs

4. We can beat our husbands in the literature categories on Jeopardy. We also know random answers in other categories—purely due to our appetite for books.

5. Our days are much brighter because of emails/tweets we get from past students when they read a good book and want to share.

6. Books make great house decor.

7. We get to go into work each day and start each morning with book recommendations. How awesome is that?

8. We get a bit giddy when the electricity goes out because it means more focused reading time. Who doesn’t love to read about a long-ago setting by candlelight?

9. Car trips are far more bearable with long audiobooks. When we remember our vacations, we remember the books we read and listened to along the way.

10. A Friday night trip to read at the bookstore is much less expensive than a night out on the town. Okay, we lied about this one…because we never leave the bookstore without a dozen books in hand.

 

How is your life easier/better because of books? Please share with us!

RickiSig andSignature

Blog Tour and Review!: Jake by Olivia Carter

Share

Jake_Fcover(1)

Jake
Author: Olivia Carter
Publication: April 29th, 2013 by Acacia

Summary: 

“‘It’s very nice to finally meet you.’ Jake said.

‘Finally?’ I asked” (p. 31).

Molly Parker’s home life is not ideal. Her father recently left, her mother doesn’t show any love, and she wants to get more involved with religion, despite her mother’s misgivings. While she enjoys her friends, she doesn’t feel they understand her. When Molly meets Jake, her world changes. He seems to understand her in ways that no one else ever has. Their chemistry is unmistakable, and Molly isn’t quite sure how someone she’s never met can understand her so well. These two will discover a secret that will change their lives forever.

Review: The peculiar chemistry between Molly and Jake kept me engaged in this book. It reminded me of Lucas by Kevin Brooks, where I wasn’t quite sure if I was going to be reading a fantasy, a peculiar romance, or something much different. Molly is a freshman in high school, and I would recommend this book to upper middle school and lower high school students.

Teacher’s Tools for Navigation: Carter weaves similes, metaphors, and personification throughout the story. “‘Jakey says your life’s been much like a ceiling fan, always working hard to com around to nothing” (p. 193). While I was reading, I kept flagging Carter’s great use of figurative language, and teachers could use this text as a model to students.

Discussion Questions: In what ways is Molly and Jake’s relationship different from others?; How does Carter build suspense?; How do the adults in Molly’s life affect her growth, emotionally?

We Flagged: “Captivation seized every particle of me, chaining even my soul to his. By the curve of his chin it was certain that he knew I was helpless; in sheer awe I stood, abhorring him for his trickery. I looked up into his eyes, where I found deep troubles. Sorrow; Jake was in pain. Emptiness; he’d been neglected. Distrust; Jake was hiding in himself, and then sincerity. Jake was real” (p. 73).

Please note: The above page numbers from the pdf e-book.

Read This If You Loved: Lucas by Kevin Brooks, How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff, Brother/Sister by Sean Olin

Recommended For:

classroomlibrarybuttonsmall

026F3FBCC8C3913BD3A4D3F6920340D5

**Thank you to Irresistible Reads Book Tours for sending the e-book and for hosting this blog tour! Check out the other stops on the book tour!**

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Books with a ________ Setting

Share

top ten tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. The feature was created because The Broke and Bookish are particularly fond of lists (as are we!). Each week a new Top Ten list topic is given and bloggers can participate.

 Today’s Topic: Favorite Books with a ________ Setting

Here are our favorites within each of these great settings! As always—no spoilers!

1. Post- Apocalyptic World

Ricki: Ashfall by Mike Mullin

This is an epic story that has always been a hit in my classroom. Many of my students list it as their favorite book, and they are often compelled to research about super-volcanoes after reading Ashfall. The imagery and setting details are fantastic, and readers will feel as if they are right there with Alex after the super-volcano erupts.

Kellee: Life as we Knew it by Susan Beth Pfeffer

This book, like Ashfall, is so realistic and that is why it is on my list. In Life as we Knew it a meteor hits the moon, and all heck breaks loose! The description of the disasters that inflict Miranda, her family, and the rest of the world are so terrifying, it will give you nightmares!

2. Dystopian World

Ricki: Little Brother by Cory Doctorow

I love dystopian novels and try to read every book published within this genre. Even when the trend has long passed, I will still continue to devour books within this setting. It was difficult for me to choose just one book for this category because there are so many incredible choices. In the end, I chose Little Brother because it is a modern interpretation of 1984, one of my favorite classic novels. I love the lessons it teaches readers and think the setting is realistically interpreted, which allows it to be believable to students. I also think it would make for a great bridge for teachers to use alongside 1984, and it could lead to some great discussions/research about technology.

Kellee: Divergent by Veronica Roth

This is one of my favorite dystopian novels (series), but it is also one of my favorite settings. I think it is because it is actually set in Chicago, so I was able to connect to the setting thus making the book even more impactful to the reader. It is the dystopian novel that seems the most likely to happen in the future and I think it is because of the realism of the setting.

3. World War II

Ricki: Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

If it is set in World War II, I will read it. With all of the books I’ve read that are set in this time period, this choice was very easy for me. I chose Between Shades of Gray because it doesn’t portray the Nazi Germany conflict, but instead, it teaches readers about Stalin and the Soviets. Lina, the main character, travels to Siberia, and readers won’t be able to put this book down. Students will feel a need for social justice after reading it. I have taught it to about fifty students (so far), and every single student fell in love with this story. Fellow teachers will know that this is a very difficult feat, with the varied tastes and interests of our students!

Kellee: The Boy Who Dared by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

Like Ricki, I am fascinated by World War II. Because of that, this one was actually really hard to choose. I decided on The Boy Who Dared because I like the point of view which it is told. The Boy Who Dared is told from the point of view of Helmut Hubner, an actual member of Germany’s Hitler Youth, and tells us a fictionalized narrative of Helmut’s life (though all based in truth). I, unfortunately, had a very narrow history (thanks to Texas middle school Texas history and a high school where football coaches taught history), so I was not aware of the Hitler Youth and Susan Cambell Bartoletti became my teacher. This book is so informative yet so suspenseful and interesting!

4. School

Ricki: Nothing by Janne Teller

Pierre Anthon walks out of the classroom and climbs a plum tree. He yells down to his fellow classmates, “It’s all a waste of time […] Everything begins only to end. The moment you were born you begin to die. That’s how it is with everything.” His schoolmates decide to prove Pierre Anthon wrong, and they set out to create a heap of meaning. This is a chilling allegory that readers will find utterly disturbing. It isn’t entirely set in the classroom, but the characters are all classmates and depict an average group of everyday children. When I think of this book, I can’t help but remember the door that smiled as Pierre Anthon walks out of the room.

Kellee: Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar

I. Love. This. Book! Such a classic and so hilarious! I’ve read is many, many times and I cannot wait to share it with new students each year and someday with my own children. If you haven’t read it, Sideways Stories is the first book of the Wayside School series. Wayside School is a 30-story school with one classroom per floor. Our story focuses on Mrs. Gorf’s class on the 30th story. Each student is such a character and tells a different chapter. For example, Calvin has a tattoo of a potato, Jenny wears a motorcycle helmet, and Kathy has a pet skunk.

5. Fantasy world

Ricki: The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

The wild, flesh-eating horses of this story make its mystical setting beautiful and bone-chilling. I can’t describe the magic of this world as well as Stiefvater does: “They came in with the tide. The moon illuminated long lines of froth as the waves gathered and gathered and gathered offshore, and when they finally broke on the sand, the capaill uisce tumbled onto the shore with them. The horses pulled their heads up with effort, trying to break free from the salt water.”

Kellee: Hero’s Guide to Saving the Kingdom by Christopher Healy

I love Chris Healy’s Hero’s Guide books and it is only because of the fabulous world that he created. I LOVE retellings of fairy tales and this one is no exception. What is even better about this retelling is it is HILARIOUS! It reminds me a bit of Shrek except I liked the humor in Hero’s Guide better because I feel it is a very smart funny. Just the concept is funny and smart  (the four Princes Charming from the Snow White, Cinderella, Rapunzel and Sleeping Beauty stories star in this book – unlike the original stories where they don’t even get credit with their real name! – and the Princes each have such a fun, unique personality).  And just like Shrek, in Hero’s Guide our characters explore all the kingdoms that have been created and the uniqueness of the kingdoms adds another “character” to the story.

6. Urban

Ricki: Tyrell by Coe Booth

I teach in an urban setting, so this setting category is very important to me. My students adore urban fiction, and Tyrell seems to be their favorite. They love how realistic Tyrell’s world is in comparison with their own. Coe Booth does not soften the blow for readers who don’t understand what it is like to be homeless and broke. She describes Tyrell’s life in great detail, taking readers right into the projects. “We still got roaches on the bed, walls, and floors, but Troy ain’t even crying ‘bout them no more. He probably too used to them by now.”

Kellee: Yummy by G. Neri

Yummy takes place in the southside of Chicago in 1994 and explores gang violence. This story tells of Yummy who is 11-years-old and has become part of a gang.  He is given a task that changes his life and really effects his community. Yummy explores some really tough subjects and is quite a hard read; however, it is a read that many students connect with and passes from students’ hands to hands.

7. Rural

Ricki: The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven by Sherman Alexie

I can’t help but turn to this book when I think of rural settings. I am not quite sure if it fits in the typical stereotype of the urban setting with the fields of hay and farm life, but to me, it feels rural. The book is comprised of a collection of interconnected short stories about characters who live on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Its depiction of life on the reservation is stunning, and readers will feel the humiliation, desperation, and conviction of its characters.

Kellee: Shine by Lauren Myracle

Shine takes places in a very small rural southern community. To be honest, I think this story would have almost not taken place without the setting. In Shine, Patrick, a gay teenager, is attacked and Cat knows that the town’s police is going to blame it on outsiders instead of investigate. In a larger community, this would be unacceptable; however, Cat’s town is filled with poverty and intolerance and breeds corruption.

8. Not America

Ricki: Never Fall Down by Patricia McCormick

Written in broken English, McCormick sheds light on the Cambodian genocide of the 1970s—the largest act of genocide of a country against its own people. Arn is separated from his family and works in the “Killing Fields,” where he bears witness to the dark side of man. Arn’s harrowing tale will stay with me forever.

Kellee: A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park

This one was one of the hardest ones for me to choose because there is a LONG list of amazing books that take place outside of the United States; however, I chose A Long Walk to Water because I loved the story and the lesson that this book tells. It is about survival and resilience.

9. Early America 

Ricki: Copper Sun by Sharon Draper

This story begins in Africa in 1738, where Amari has a peaceful, beautiful life in her village, until she is captured and sold to an American man as a slave for his son’s 16th birthday. Polly is an indentured servant and feels superior to the black slaves. After her parents die, she is forced to take on their debt, as well, and she must serve for fourteen years until she is allowed freedom. As they travel from Africa to America, readers will learn much about the slave trade and will feel compassion and anger for the injustice that occurs in this excellently-researched story.

Kellee: Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson

Laurie Halse Anderson is an amazing storyteller and though she is most famous for her contemporary fiction, her historical fiction is just as superb and I’ve enjoyed all 3 of her HF books. I chose Chains to share with you all because Isabel is one of the strongest and most determined young female characters I’ve ever read. On top of that, Anderson obviously did her research because in the backdrop of Isabel’s story is the American Revolution.

10. Civil Rights

Ricki: The Rock and the River by Kekla Magoon

Sam struggles to decide if he should stick by his father, a powerful civil rights activist in the community, or join his brother, a Black Panther. The amount of frustration I felt while I read this book proves just how powerful it is. I highly recommend this text to readers who want to see the various sides of the civil rights movement, as Sam’s family is split in their ideals.

Kellee: Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down and Boycott Blues: How Rosa Parks Inspired a Nation by Andrea Davis Pinkney

If you have not read any of Pinkney’s nonfiction picture books, it is a must, and these two Civil Rights focused books are no different. Sit-In: The combination of the powerful story, poetic writing and a bright, colorful artistic style makes this book so powerful. Figurative language fills the book and the story is linked back to the Civil Rights Movement by the timeline presented in the back. Boycott Blues: Music and history intertwines in the Pinkneys telling of the Montgomery bus boycott.

 Did we miss any of your favorites? Please share!

RickiSigandSignature

 

It’s Monday! What are you Reading? 8/12/13

Share

IMWAYR

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? From Picture Books to YA!

It’s Monday! What are you Reading? is a meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journeys. It is a great way to recap what you read and/or reviewed the previous week and to plan out your reading and reviews for the upcoming week. It’s also a great chance to see what others are reading right now…you just might discover the next “must-read” book!

Jen Vincent, of Teach Mentor Texts, and Kellee decided to give It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? a kidlit focus. If you read and review books in children’s literature – picture books, chapter books, middle grade novels, young adult novels, anything in the world of kidlit – join us! We love this meme and think you will, too.

We encourage everyone who participates to support the blogging community by visiting at least three of the other book bloggers that link up and leave comments for them.

Last Week’s Posts

top ten tuesday brave truth

passengers endangered aristotleand fault

 Genres

**Click on any picture to view the post**

 

Last Week’s Journeys

Kellee: Wow – this was a crazy week for me. First, I had a two day training on the new mandated curriculum for my county’s reading classes. Then, on Wednesday I did 6 hours of online training followed by a 6 hour drive to South Florida for a Lifetouch Yearbook Workshop on Thursday and Friday. Then on Friday I drove the 6 hours back home. The training and workshop led to me working all day and really frying my brain! This meant, it wasn’t until Saturday that I did any reading for pleasure. Since then I finally finished Feynman and also read The Salem Witch Trials: An Unsolved Mystery from History by Jane Yolen and Barbed Wire Baseball by Marissa Moss which were both really, really great nonfiction picture books. I’ll be reviewing all of these for you later.

Ricki: This week, I finished Double Vision by F.T. Bradley. It was a great middle grade book that will be enjoyable to kids who love adventure and investigative stories. I agreed to participate in a blog tour for the book in October, so I will share more about it then! I also read Jake by Olivia Carter. It was one of those books that kept me guessing about plot details. I can see 8th-9th graders enjoying it. Stop back on Thursday for the review and a book giveaway!

Lastly, I finished The Nazi Hunters by Neal Bascomb. This was an incredible work of narrative nonfiction. I am a tough critic when it comes to nonfiction because I find I become easily disengaged. I stayed up until late in the night, reading about the Nazi Hunters who were seeking to capture Adolf Eichmann, one of the leading organizers during the Holocaust. I will post a review on August 22nd (next Thursday), but be sure to get your hands on this one when it is published on August 27th. It will change many of your fiction-loving students into nonfiction believers. 🙂

This Week’s Expeditions

Kellee:  Back to school, back to school, jiggity jig! I know I have not been reading very much, but I know it is going to slow down even more now that school is starting again. Also, with car pooling (which I hope to do with 2 different people as much as possible this year) I know that audiobooks are a no-go this year. So, much of my reading right now is just going to be day-to-day. My plan for my next book is Rump by Liesl Shurtliff followed by Doll Bones by Holly Black. I also have 2 picture books to read: Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great by Bob Shea and The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt.

Ricki: This week, I plan to tackle more professional development reading. I received a copy of Black Ants and Buddhists by Mary Cowhey. I believe it is aimed for elementary school teachers, but I am teaching a cohort of elementary school students this semester, and this is the course’s required reading. I’ve heard great things. Has anyone else read this one? I also want to read Into that Forest by Louis Nowra. I signed up for the ARC on NetGalley because the summary looked so neat! I’ve never read a book with a setting in the Tasmanian bush! This one is due to be published on September 3rd.

Upcoming Week’s Posts

top ten tuesday on a beam Jake_Fcover(1)

6399414 9844623 genrepyramid

 So, what are you reading?

Link up below and go check out what everyone else is reading. Please support other bloggers by viewing and commenting on at least 3 other blogs. If you tweet about your Monday post, tag the tweet with #IMWAYR!

RickiSigand Signature

The Truth About You & Me by Amanda Grace

Share

16088678

The Truth About You & Me
Author: Amanda Grace
Expected Publication: September 8th, 2013 by Flux

Summary: “I think that’s why my parents trusted me so much back then. It’s easy to trust a smart girl. Smart girls aren’t supposed to do stupid things.” Madelyn is a smart girl—so smart that she doesn’t take normal high school classes at age sixteen, and instead, she is enrolled in college courses with the Running Start program at a local community college. When she meets Bennett Cartwright, her biology professor, she falls head over heels for him. He is very professional, and it isn’t until she runs into him on a local hiking trail that they get to know each other better. Written as an apology letter to Bennett, this novel will keep readers glued to the pages. Because while we, the readers, know that Bennett and Madelyn have a ten-year age gap, Madelyn keeps Bennett in the dark.

Review: This is a very controversial, uncomfortable topic that is often perceived to be “hands off” by authors and publishers. Teachers and students should not have intimate relationships, and the idea that a person may justify a relationship of this kind is considered taboo by most. The way this story differs from the usual story about the topic is in the deceit that exists between Madelyn and Bennett. He has no idea that Madelyn is a minor.

From the very first few pages, I felt like I was tumbling downhill to an inevitable plunge. In her early letters, Madelyn is very clear that this story does not have a happy ending, yet I couldn’t help but wonder exactly how the story would play out. Many readers will be extremely frustrated with Madelyn because she is incredibly deceitful, and Bennett is very well-intentioned. The great part about this book was that, by the end, the reader can’t help but ponder the situation. My favorite books are those that make me think deeply about a subject I hadn’t considered, and this one is sure to promote critical, emotional discussion from students.

Teacher’s Tools for Navigation: Madelyn’s voice is very strong throughout her letters to Bennett. I can’t help but wonder what Bennett would write back to her. It would be wonderful to hear his side of the story. Students would also enjoy rewriting the ending to the this book. There are a few key, decisive moments, particularly at the end, that could have gone much differently, which would completely alter the direction of the story. After reading this text, students might research more about statutory rape, and I envision this book leading to a great classroom debate. Also, students might examine Madelyn’s life to try to determine if this played a role in her deceit.

Discussion Questions: Can a relationship be successful if it is built on a lie?; Who is to blame in this story?; Can there be any justification for statutory rape?; Does Madelyn seem truly remorseful?; Are there flaws in Madelyn’s character (or life) that lead to her deceit?

We Flagged: “That’s how it was with us. One day we were two separate people and the next we collided, and neither of us stood a chance.”

“That’s the moment I decided, Bennett, that I wanted to be with you, and even though there was one very good reason we couldn’t be something, I could come up with one million reasons we could.”

Please note: The above quotes are from the Advanced Reader Copy. The e-book (a galley) did not provide page or chapter numbers. The quotes may change when the book is published.

Read This If You Loved: The Infinite Moment of Us  by Lauren Myracle, Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles, Same Difference by Siobhan Vivian

Recommended For:

classroomlibrarybuttonsmall
026F3FBCC8C3913BD3A4D3F6920340D5

**Thank you to NetGalley and Flux books for sending me the Advanced Reader Copy!**

Top Ten Tuesday: Books We Wish Had Sequels

Share

top ten tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. The feature was created because The Broke and Bookish are particularly fond of lists (as are we!). Each week a new Top Ten list topic is given and bloggers can participate.

 Today’s Topic: Books We Wish Had Sequels

They were complete, but we really aren’t ready to leave the characters and their worlds…

Don’t worry. No spoilers!

 

Ricki

1. Stolen: A Letter to my Captor by Lucy Christopher: Students come into my room with smoke coming out of their ears after reading this book. Many of them despise the ending. I love the whole book (ending included), but I often wonder if something interesting could happen after the story ended—a twist, perhaps? I have a really good plot idea for the sequel, and if it weren’t considered unprofessional, I would call up Lucy Christopher and tell her where she could take this one next.

2. Bronxwood by Coe Booth: Five years after Tyrell was published, Coe Booth answered readers’ demands with Bronxwood, the sequel. I absolutely love this series and could read a hundred books about Tyrell. He truly reflects the experiences of many of the teens in my school. So, pretty please, Coe Booth, could you write a third book about Tyrell?

3. Graceling, Fire, and Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore: I am sorry…I know I mention these ones frequently. But I’d love another companion book within this realm. The day it comes out, I promise to lock myself in my bedroom to get lost in one of Kristin Cashore’s worlds.

4. Right Behind You by Gail Giles: So many students come to me with the question, “What happens next?” when they finish this one. It is very popular in my classroom, particularly with reluctant readers, so selfishly, I would really like a sequel.

5. Marcelo in the Real World by Francisco X. Stork: I loved reading about Marcelo. His story was complete, but I often think about him and wonder where he is now. I’d love to read about what happens next in his life. Perhaps, Marcelo in the College World would be a great title. We (or you) could really make something out of this, Francisco X. Stork–a whole line of Marcelo stories.

Kellee

1. Ghetto Cowboy by G. Neri: This book is the one that my students love and ask for a sequel. The unique subject matter, setting, and great cast of characters are one that not only interests my students, but one they connect with. I would love to see what happens to Coltrane as would they.

2. Wonder Show by Hannah Barnaby: This one ends so beautifully and I love it so much; however, the crazy cast of characters and setting (depression-era traveling wonder show) makes it so I wish there was another book. 

3. Down the Mysterly River by Bill Willingham: This one ends like it is going to have a sequel- is there going to be one?!?! It isn’t really a cliffhanger, but it felt like the book was built up for the ending reveal and then it ended. How could you make this amazing world and the crazy premise and not continue it?!?! Please Bill Willingham- sequel!

4. Bruiser by Neal Shusterman: I feel like a broken record, but once again I would love a sequel to Bruiser because of how unique the concept was and I just feel like I am not done with the characters and premise.

5. Trash by Andy Mulligan: I was so enthralled by the setting and characters in this book. The setting is unnamed (though it seems reminiscent of the Phillipines) and just as you are beginning to get to know more of the setting, the book ends! And the boys in Trash are such intriguing characters- I’d love to see how they grow up!

 

Which sequels are you craving?

RickiSigandSignature

The Infinite Moment of Us by Lauren Myracle

Share

17290266

The Infinite Moment of Us
Author: Lauren Myracle
Expected Publication: August 20th, 2013 by Amulet Books (an imprint of ABRAMS books)

Summary: Wren Gray has always been perfect. As high school graduation approaches, she realizes that she doesn’t want to go to Emory, the college she was accepted into (early decision, of course), and she wants to do charity work in Guatemala through a program called Project Unity. Wren hasn’t told her parents this plan, and she knows they will be heart-broken. She has never dated a boy, but when Wren meets Charlie Parker, she wants to know more about him. Charlie is a hard-working student who spends most of his time helping his foster father in their family-owned cabinet shop. With a troubled past, Charlie is battling demons that constantly tell him he isn’t good enough. It isn’t until Wren waves back to him in the parking lot that he has the guts to pursue the girl of his dreams. This is a beautiful story of what happens when two souls collide—it explores love, a powerful force that is much deeper than just two physical bodies interacting with one another.

Review: Told from alternating perspectives, this novel seamlessly transitions between Wren’s and Charlie’s thoughts. As always, Myracle’s work embodies the culture of the environment she writes about. The language and details of the setting took me straight to Atlanta. As I am a Northerner and have never lived outside of Connecticut, I always love getting lost in Myracle’s settings. The characters are wonderfully complex. They have quirks and elements of their personalities that make them feel quite real. As an aside, I also found the names to be interesting. I don’t suspect it is intentional, but Wren Gray is best friends with Tessa. Tessa Gray is the main character in the Clockwork Angel Series. It made me think of many other characters in literature with the last name Gray. Overall, I loved this book. I am still madly in love with Myracle’s Shine, but I like how she can step inside the perceived boxes of many genres, as her focus here was a more romantic novel. The philosophical conversations between Wren and Charlie were my favorite part of The Infinite Moment of Us.

Teacher’s Tools for Navigation: A warning of sorts—Lauren Myracle begins the novel with a note to readers. She says, “This book has sex in it. It’s not about sex, not exclusively, and I’m more interested in the mingling of Charlie’s and Wren’s souls than in the ways their bodies come together.” The sexual detail is certainly graphic, so I recommend this for mature readers. I have a special signature form for certain books in my classroom, and I find that this often inspires more kids to sign them out. I completely agree with Lauren Myracle after reading this book. It is about the way these two souls come together, and the sex is not a focal point.

Teachers could have students closely analyze the passages of dialogue between Wren and Charlie, where they philosophically debate life (see the sections I flagged below for a start). Additionally, the setting adds richness to this novel, and it would be great for students to analyze how these details add to the story. Many of the characters in this book act and respond in different ways (Wren, Charlie, Starrla, Tessa), and I think students would enjoy investigating the ways Myracle develops each of her characters.

Discussion Questions: What happens when two souls collide?; Is there a such thing as true love?; How does family influence a person’s actions?; Should our significant other be placed in a higher position than our friends and family?; What is home to us? Is it just a place?

We Flagged: “Sometimes the things we hide—aren’t they the parts of us that matter most?” (Chapter 1).

“‘I guess I think the world is more connected than people realize,” […] ‘I think…sometimes…that scientists…some scientists…want to package things up into neat little boxes. Explain, explain, explain, until there aren’t any mysteries left'” (Chapter 7).

“‘I’m just not sure a person’s home is determined by where he or she lives. I think home is more than that'” (Chapter 10).

Please note: The above quotes are from the Advanced Reader Copy. Chapter numbers are included instead of page numbers because the e-reader did not provide page numbers. The quotes may change when the book is published.

Read This If You Loved: Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles, Sarah Dessen’s books, Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

Recommended For:

classroomlibrarybuttonsmall

I would use a parent signature form for this one due to strong sexual content, but this is a definite must-have in the classroom library.

How much do we love Lauren Myracle? Have you read this one or pre-ordered it?

026F3FBCC8C3913BD3A4D3F6920340D5

**Thank you to NetGalley and ABRAMS books for sending me the Advanced Reader Copy for review!**