Top Ten Tuesday: New-To-Me Authors I Read in 2015

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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: New-To-Me Authors from 2015

I cannot believe that I waited so long to read these authors! So many of them have already become favorites.

Check out our New-To-Us Authors list from 2013 and 2014 as well!

Kellee

1. Kwame Alexander

The Crossover moved onto my list of favorite books of all time. After I saw Kwame Alexander at ALAN last year, I had to read it, and I was so glad to see that it won the Newbery! I love that the book is a novel-in-verse with a black male protagonist, about basketball, and is just so real. I cannot wait to read more by him.

2. Kristin Levine

Lions of Little Rock also became a favorite book this year after I read it. I immediately picked up Paper Cowboy as well because I just adore how Kristin Levine is able to intertwine history and story.

3. Jason Reynolds

I don’t know what took me so long to pick up a Jason Reynolds book, but like Kwame Alexander, I had to pick up one of his books after I saw him at ALAN last year.

4. Tim Federle

If you have been reading the blog throughout this year, you know how much I love Federle’s Nate books. The audios are great, the characters are on point, and they are just so funny!

5. Eric Colossal

Rutabaga was one of my favorite graphic novels this year, and I cannot wait to read more in the series as well as other books by Eric Colossal.

6. Caroline Carlson

Like Federle’s Nate books, The Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates is a series I raved about this year. Another phenomenal audiobook of a hilarious and adventurous series.

7. Kim Baker

Pickle by Kim Baker is such a perfect middle grade book because it reflects true middle school behavior and is funny.

8. Heidi Schulz

I love that Heidi chose to do a Peter Pan sequel (kind of) with a strong female protagonist because females are just so stereotypical in the original story. The new stories are anything but because Hook’s daughter has now taken charge, and she kicks butt!

9. Dana Simpson

I read both Heavenly Nostril graphic novels this year, and I fell in love with Pheobe and her unicorn. I cannot wait to read more in the series.

10. Claudia Mills

I think I am the last person to jump onto the Claudia Mills bandwagon, but I am on there now. She has a way with voice!

Which new-to-you authors did you read and enjoy in 2015?

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Top Ten Wednesday: Books from ALAN that Kellee is Excited About

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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.

Viva2015big

 Today’s Topic: Books from ALAN that Kellee is Excited About

We are extending TTT through Wednesday because we each needed a top ten list to share the books we are excited about from ALAN. I, sadly, was not able to attend the conference and workshop this year because of an unexpected family need, but I was able to attend virtually, and I have some amazing friends who are making sure I get my books. I cannot wait to open the box and see all the goodies inside! Here are 10 that I am cannot wait to read!

1. Booked by Kwame Alexander

booked

I am excited about this book for two reasons. 1) Kwame Alexander. 2) Soccer because my students LOVE soccer.

2. Stand Off by Andrew Smith

stand off

I love Winger (it was an Walden Award finalist the year I chaired), so I look forward to reading the newest Ryan Dean West adventure.

3. Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

salt to sea

I love everything Ruta Sepetys has written so far, so I look forward to her newest (and Ricki told me how awesome it is!).

4. More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera

more happy than not

This is another book that was highly recommended by Ricki.

5. All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely

all american boys

Many friends raved about this book, and I really enjoyed When I Was the Greatest, so I cannot wait to read this one.

6. The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness

rest of us just live here

Another author who always blows me away.

7. Under Their Skin by Margaret Peterson Haddix

under their skin

I have a feeling that this series is going to be a bit hit with my students, so I cannot wait to read and share.

8. Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings: A Memoir by Margarita Engle

Enchanted Air

Margarita Engle’s books are always beautiful, and I believe this story that is straight from her heart will be her most beautiful yet. I cannot wait to read it.

9. A Night Divided by Jennifer Nielsen

night divided

The Berlin Wall is something that I do not know much about, and I love learning about history through historical fiction novels.

10. The Terrible Two by Mac Barnett & Jory John

terrible two

I think this book is going to be a big hit for my humor fans!

11. (I KNOW! I KNOW!) I Crawl Through It by A.S. King

i crawl through

A.S. King is brilliant.

Make sure to check out Ricki’s list of the books she’s looking forward to reading from ALAN!

If you attended, which books from NCTE and ALAN are you excited about?
If not, which books are you looking forward to read this upcoming year?

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Top Ten Tuesday: Books from ALAN that Ricki is Excited About

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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 from ALAN that Ricki is Excited About

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I was going to create a list of the top ten books from the NCTE convention and ALAN Workshop that I am excited about, but that just became too overwhelming. There were so many great books from this conference, that I need to limit my pool for my own sanity. The ALAN Workshop is my favorite place to be!

1. All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely

all american boys

My friends are buzzing about this one, and I can’t wait to read it!

2. The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness

rest of us just live here

Not only is the title captivating, but I hear the book is incredible.

3. The Game of Love and Death by Martha Brockenbrough

The Game of Love and Death

The concept of this book is so intriguing. After meeting the author (who is very smart), I have a feeling that I will really enjoy it!

4. The Memory of Light by Francisco X. Stork

the memory of light

After hearing Francisco book talk this book, I want to wrap myself in this story. I am waiting for the right frame of mind, which will be very soon.

5. Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen

saint anything

I love all things Sarah Dessen. She just warms my soul.

6. Black Dove, White Raven by Elizabeth Wein

black dove white raven

Who doesn’t love Elizabeth Wein? Whew. She is an incredible writer.

7. These Shallow Graves by Jennifer Donnelly

these shallow graves

Another rock star author! I’ve heard this book is difficult to put down!

8. Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

everything everything

Everyone keeps telling me to read this book! I am not lying. I have received several text messages from different people!

9. Sunny Side Up by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm (siblings!)

sunny side up

I don’t tend to read middle grade graphic novels, but I saw a few pages from this book, and it looks so funny!

10. Every Last Word by Tamara Ireland Stone

every last word

Besides my love for the cover, I am intrigued by this book. I suspect it is going to be very good!

Make sure to check out Kellee’s list of the books she’s looking forward to reading from ALAN! (Available tomorrow!)

If you attended, which books from NCTE and ALAN are you excited about?
If not, which books are you looking forward to read this upcoming year?

RickiSig

Top Ten Tuesday: Fictional Families We’d Invite to Thanksgiving

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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: Fictional Families We’d Invite to Thanksgiving

The door is always open, folks!

Ricki

1. The Nguyens from Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan

This family is kind and giving. I fell in love with them.

2. The Finches from To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (but not from Go Set a Watchman)

I’d love for Atticus to share some of his wise words with the table. I am keeping my image of him sacred, so we will stick with the first book.

3. The Sweetwines from I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

I want to give the twins a big ol’ hug.

4. The Donabedians from Like Water on Stone by Dana Walrath

Yet another set of children that I want to hug!

5. The Nisbetts from The Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine

I liked how the parents in this book tried hard to teach Marlee about the world while still working to be fair. Even when Marlee is punished, she recognizes that her punishment is fair. I didn’t like the mother as much in the beginning, but she dynamically changes as the book progresses, and the family felt very real to me.

Kellee

1. The Nguyens from Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan

I know, I know, but I had to include Willow! I love what this family became by the end of the book, and I would definitely love to spend time with them.

2. The Weasleys from Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

Well, first, I love redheads, but second, I love all of the Weasleys! Dinner at their house would be so much fun (though pre-book 7 would be more fun that post…)

3. The Murphys from One for the Murphys by Lynda Mulally Hunt

The way the Murphys embrace Carley shows me what an amazing family they are.

4. The Kanes from The Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan

I wuld love to be surrounded by all the mythology and adventure, even for one day! (Though they can keep the danger.) I also would love to hang out with Bast.

5. Rafe’s family from Openly Straight by Ben Konigsberg

His parents seem like the most caring, opening, fun, and sweet parents, and I would love to spend a day with them and Rafe.

Which fictional families would you invite to your dinner table?

RickiSig and Signature

Top Ten Tuesday: Recent Book Quotes We’ve Loved

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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: Recent Book Quotes We’ve Loved

Book love.

Ricki

1. “I gave up practically the whole world for you,” I tell him, walking through the front door of my own love story. “The sun, stars, ocean, trees, everything, I gave it all up for you.”

I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

2. “The thing I realize is, that it’s not what you take, it’s what you leave.”

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

3. “You never need an invitation to go home.”

Circus Mirandus by Cassie Beasley

4. “Survival had its price: guilt.” (from uncorrected proof)

Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys (review forthcoming)

5. “Esperanza smiled and reached over and gently pulled the yarn, unraveling the uneven stitches. Then she looked into Isabel’s trusting eyes and said, ‘Do not ever be afraid to start over.’” 

Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Kellee

1. “Imaginary friends are like books. We’re created, we’re enjoyed, we’re dog-eared and creased, and then we’re tucked away until we’re needed again.”

Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate

2. “Different can be good… It makes you pay attention.”

Handful of Stars by Cynthia Lord

3. “[S]taying positive and hopeful—even pretending to—was much better than giving in to fear.”

Cold War on Maplewood Street by Gayle Rosengren 

4. Who you are is more than good enough.”

Circus Mirandus by Cassie Beasley

5. “Everything is connected. Every choice matters.Every person is vital, valuable, and worthy of respect.”

Revolution by Deborah Wiles

Which recent quotes do you love?

RickiSig and Signature

Top Ten Tuesday: Book to Movie Adaptations We Are Looking Forward To

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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: Book to Movie Adaptations We Are Looking Forward To

Last week, we discussed which movies we’d like to see adapted into books, but this week, we are keeping it traditional. We can’t wait to see these on the big screen (or more likely, at home with our toddlers)!

Ricki

If you stopped by last week, you learned I don’t like movies. But the few movies I do see are book adaptations. I am genuinely excited to see these movies.

1. The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

fifth wave

Oh, how I loved this book! I think it would translate well to film, too.

2. Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

between shades

Yes, yes, yes!!!

3. The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

scorpio races

This will either be really good or really awful. I am not sure how it will translate to film, but oh, how I love the book!

4. A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

a monster calls

October 2016, baby! Bring it on!

5. I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

I'll Give You the Sun

The producers of If I Stay have optioned this film. Oh, please make it happen.

Kellee

1. The BFG by Roald Dahl

TheBFG

Steven Spielberg is bringing us The BFG in 2016! I am so excited! My favorite Roald Dahl book!

2. Chaos Walking series by Patrick Ness

chaos walking

I would be so fascinated to see how a director would take the NOISE and make it live.

3. Princess in Black series by Shannon Hale

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As soon as I read this series, I pictured it as a cartoon series, but it’d make a great Disney film as well.

4. The Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates series by Caroline Carlson

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I love the humor, plot, and characterization of this series, and I think it would be a magical adaption.
(The other pirate book I read recently, Hook’s Revenge, would be fun also!)

5. The Living by Matt de la Pena

living

Turning The Living into a movie would be epic. I think it could be a major blockbuster: CastawayHunger GamesTitanic.

Which movies adaptations are you most looking forward to?

RickiSig and Signature

Top Ten Tuesday: Movies We’d Like to See Adapted Into Books

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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: Movies We’d Like to See Adapted Into Books

The book to movie route is common, but we are switching it up and writing about the movies we’d like to see adapted into books!

Ricki

Let me start by saying I don’t like movies very much (insert gasp). My husband laughed when I told him I was writing this post. We compiled this list together, and took us a long time. I would much rather read a book than watch a movie, and the fewer movies I watch, the more I stray from them. Most nights, my husband watches a movie on the TV, and I sit next to him, curled up with a book.

1. Crazy Stupid Love

crazy stupid love

This is my favorite movie. It was so enjoyable, and the weaving plot lines would make for a great book.

2. Downton Abbey (TV Series. I am cheating.)

downton abbey

They are making a movie, right? This series would translate really well to literature!

3. Hotel Rwanda

hotel rwanda

This movie gutted me. I showed it every year to my students, and it promoted a lot of discussion. I’d love it in book form.

4. The Thing Called Love

thing called love

I used to watch this movie hundreds of times when I was growing up. It would have to come with a CD, too, I suppose, because the music is important.

5. Any Movie with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore

Sandler and Barrymore

I love every comedy made by this duo (including Blended, not pictured). I am not sure if they’d translate well to books, but I’d read them!

Kellee

Ricki, I so agree about Sandler/Barrymore movies! Here are some of my favorite movies that I would love to read as a book.

1. American History X

american history x

What an epic movie, and I would love an extended version to learn more about the characters and get deeper into the story.

2. Memento

memento

It would be so interesting to see how Memento would be executed as a book. The way clues are shared throughout the movie would be fascinating to read. (Memento is technically based on a short story, but I would love to see it as a book.)

3. Pulp Fiction

pulp fiction

I really love movies where a bunch of different story lines come together, and I love books that are the same, and Pulp Fiction is one of the best.

4. In Time

in time

I loved the premise of this dystopian movie, and I would love to have a series based around the world.

5. Any Pixar Movie

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I love all Pixar movies, and I would love to have novels about the movies. There are picture books about them, but I would love to see these expanded.

Which movies would you like to see adapted into books?

RickiSig and Signature