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: Most Memorable Secondary Characters

We can’t forget these supporting characters!

Ricki

Get ready. My list is quirky. I like secondary characters who are quirky and/or intelligent.

1. Simon Lewis (The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare): Simon is witty and lovable. I can’t help but get a warm, fuzzy feeling when I think about him. If I were a literary character, he’d be my sidekick because I would constantly be laughing. I can’t say much about Simon without giving away too much plot, but I like how he doesn’t play second fiddle in the story and is essential to the plot.

2. Hassan Harbish (An Abundance of Katherines by John Green): Hassan is another funny guy. He is very lazy and admittedly overweight. Hassan really seems to drive the plot of the book. He uses his Muslim heritage to get out of things he doesn’t want to do, which is comical. Oh, and he loves Judge Judy.

3. Uncle Larry (Living with Jackie Chan by Jo Knowles): I just read this book last week, and I will never forget Larry, Josh’s Karate-loving uncle. When Josh is struggling, Larry takes him in, and he is a major support in Josh’s life. Larry consistently inserts nuggets of Karate wisdom into conversations, which is quite amusing. And the guy just can’t stop smiling. This makes me, in turn, smile.

4. Rue (The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins): Rue teaches readers to never underestimate the little guy. She flies like a monkey between trees and represents purity and goodness. “She has bright, dark eyes and satiny brown skin and stands tilted up on her toes with her arms slightly extended to her sides, as if ready to take wing at the slightest sound. It’s impossible not to think of a bird.” Rue’s goodness is a perfect foil to the Capitol’s wickedness.

5. Atticus Finch (To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee): As a future parent, I want to be exactly like Atticus Finch. When no one else stands up for Tom Robinson, Atticus does, even though he knows he won’t win the case. He teaches so many wonderful morals to Scout and Jem about work ethic and empathy. If I have a son, I would consider naming him Atticus (and it is too bad the name is so peculiar or this would be set in stone).

I can’t choose just five. I need to cheat.

6. Hassan (Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini)

7. Slim (Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck)

8. Magnus Bane (The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare)

9. Prince Brigan (Fire by Kristin Cashore)

10. Ma Joad (Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck)

Kellee

 1. Ruby and Stella and Bob (The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate): Ivan’s cast of characters makes you love Ivan even more. His interactions with the other characters show you his characters. Stella helps mold Ivan into who he is, Ruby’s innocence pushes him to do something he’d never though he’d do, and Bob is the comic relief.

2. Smithers (Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz): I love Smithers. Whenever he shows up in an Alex Rider book, you know that an awesome gadget is going to show up. He is brilliant and funny.

3. Phoebe Winterbottom (Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech): Phoebe is a character who I actually do not like at all, but you definitely remember her. Phoebe is obnoxious, self-righteous, loud, but she also has a huge imagination and really makes the story interesting.

4. Summer and Mr. Browne (Wonder by RJ Palacio): Summer shows that there are 10 year olds that are still loving and thoughtful. Oh, and most importantly – kind. Mr. Browne is an awesome teacher. I love his precepts and how he teaches his class. What a way to make students reflect about their lives and to think deeply.

5. Manchee (The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness): Manchee, Manchee, Manchee! Oh how everyone who read Knife loves you. Because of the Noise, the all-male population of Prentisstown can also hear the thoughts of their male animals which gives us Manchee, Todd’s dog, who is the best friend a boy could have.

I’m also going to cheat:

6. Kate (Matt Cruse Trilogy by Kenneth Oppel)

7. Isaac (The Fault in our Stars by John Green)

8. Sam Yu (Curse Workers series by Holly Black)

9. Patrick (Shine by Lauren Myracle)

10. Nero (Blood Red Road by Moira Young)

11. The Pink Ladies and other bonobos (Endangered by Eliot Schrefer)

Who are your favorite secondary characters?

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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.

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!

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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: 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?

and

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: Top Ten Book Beginnings/Endings
(Don’t worry! No spoilers!)

Kellee
Beginnings

1. Wonder– The first page in Wonder is one of my favorite first pages ever.

“I know I’m not an ordinary ten-year-old kid. I mean, sure, I do ordinary things. I eat ice cream. I ride my bike. I play ball. I have an XBox. Stuff like that makes me ordinary. I guess. And I feel ordinary. Inside. But I know ordinary kids don’t make other ordinary kids run away screaming in playgrounds. I know ordinary kids don’t get stared at wherever they go.

If I found a magic lamp and I could have one wish, I would wish that I had a normal face that no one ever noticed at all. I would wish that I could walk down the street without people seeing me and then doing that look-away thing. Here’s what I think: the only reason I’m not ordinary is that no one else sees me that way.

But I’m kind of used to how I look by now. I know how to pretend I don’t see the faces people make. We’ve all gotten pretty good at that sort of thing: me, Mom and Dad, Via. Actually, I take that back: Via’s not so good at it. She can get really annoyed when people do something rude. Like, for instance, one time in the playground some older kids made some noises. I don’t even know what the noises were exactly because I didn’t hear them myself, but Via heard and she just started yelling at the kids. That’s the way she is. I’m not that way.

Via doesn’t see me as ordinary. She says she does, but if I were ordinary, she wouldn’t feel like she needs to protect me as much. And Mom and Dad don’t see me as ordinary, either. They see me as extraordinary. I think the only person in the world who realizes how ordinary I am is me.

My name is August, by the way. I won’t describe what I look like. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse.”

Don’t you want to read it now?!?! [Ricki says, “YES, Kellee. Now you made me want to RE-READ it!)

2. A Tale Darm and Grimm– This first page always sucks in my students when I read it outloud to them.

“Once upon a time, fairy tales were awesome.

I know, I know. You don’t believe me. I don’t blame you. A little while ago, I wouldn’t have believed it myself. Little girls in red caps skipping around the forest? Awesome? I don’t think so.

But then I started to read them. The real, Grimm ones. Very few little girls in red caps in those.

Well, there’s one. But she gets eaten.”

Awesome is right!

Endings

3. Graceling– The ending of this perfect book is a beautiful allusion to Jane Eyre. I loved it.

4. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets to the Universe– The power of truly finding your identity is purely captured in this amazing book.

5. The Giver– Ah, one of the most controversial endings ever! I actually loved it because it causes such amazing discussion and even pure anger in its readers. This is my all-time favorite book, and I will always cherish the ambiguity that Lowry ends this novel with. (And if you really want to know what happens, read the companions.)

Ricki
Beginnings

1. Between Shades of Gray– I told myself I was going to do just beginnings or just endings, but I felt like I would be really dropping the ball if I didn’t mention the beginning of this book. Readers are thrown into the action, where the NKVD are pounding on Lina’s door. I love reading this beginning to students because I have fifteen copies of this book, and almost every single copy is signed out by the end of class. Lina’s mother begs and barters for her son’s life. She is successful, and Lina’s words at the end of the chapter are chilling. I know them by heart. “Have you ever wondered what a human life is worth? That morning, my brother’s was worth a pocket watch.”

Endings

2. Shine– This is the only ending of any book that made me hold my breath. My heart actually stopped for a moment (My brother, who is a physician, would argue with me, I am sure). All I can say is–HOLD ON! (Did you catch that pun—those of you who have read this one?)

3. To Kill a Mockingbird– This book almost feels like a story within a story to me. I love how the trial is separate yet connected to everything Scout learns. The final scene provides a lot of closure for readers. Overall, it is the most satisfying ending of any book I’ve read.

4. Of Mice and Men– I didn’t want to discuss two classics because there are so many great beginnings and endings in YAL, but this is one of my favorite books to read aloud to students because of the ending. There are two closing scenes (one with Curley’s wife and the other on the last few pages) that make my students audibly gasp. I have those scenes memorized so I can see the looks on their faces as I read them—and it never gets old. The final few pages of this book are great because they really allow readers to ponder the message of the book. My students always have strong opinions about the characters immediately after I read it, but after some discussion and a few differing comments from their peers, many of them change their minds.

5. The Fault in our Stars– Ah, what an ending! I love this ending not because of what happens but because of how it is said. Green masterfully weaves the words at the end of this book in a way that sticks with readers forever.

What is your favorite book beginning? Endings? 

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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: Top Ten Words/Topics That Will Make You NOT Pick A Book

We changed this a bit. We both will read just about anything, so we’re using topics or words that will deter us from picking up a book or trends that we are just tired of reading about.

Kellee

1. Just Like Twilight: Or “Just Like” any popular at that moment book. “The New Hunger Games!” Ugh! I know they are trying to sell books, but can you describe your book in a way that doesn’t make it seem like a sell-out automatically?!?!

2. Dragons: I know this is very broad and I have liked some “dragon” books, but as soon as I see a dragon on the cover or someone says it is about a dragon, I automatically think I will not like it.

3. Paranormal Romances: This is one of the trends I am just done with.  They have to be really, really good and recommended to me by a very reliable person for me to pick them up.

4. Magical Realism: Magical realism is when there is magic/fantasy in a normal world. I often have major trouble with these books. For example, in Billy Creekmore the story is such a great historical fiction and had a bit of a ghost story in it, but then suddenly there is actually a ghost?! Why?!

5. Adult Authors Writing YA/MG/Juv Fic: I think so many adult authors are making the switch over to write young adult, middle grade, or children’s lit just to make money.  Now, that isn’t to say that some of them aren’t good. I know my students love James Patterson’s Middle School series and I have friends who liked Theodore Boone by John Grisham, so I may be wrong in this; however, it is something that makes me hesitate before reading/picking up a book.

Ricki

1. Vampires: I have read dozens and dozens of vampire books. At this point in my life, I will probably opt for a different book, given the choice. My students are tired of them, so I am tired of them. If there is a new twist, I am always willing to give it a try.

2. Fairies, Faeries, Pherries (Okay, kidding on the last one): The pixie dust just doesn’t do it for me. Also, book-talking a novel about fairies makes me feel silly. If you have any suggestions of fairy books, I am always willing to give it a whirl, but so far, I haven’t been impressed.

3. Amnesia: For me, this feels like the oldest plot trick in the book. For some reason, these books continue to be pervasive. I like the mysterious aspect of finding out who the character is, but that is about it. It feels formulaic to me–especially with the blinding flashbacks that are sure to show up.

4. Talking Machines: Some things shouldn’t talk, especially inanimate objects like machines or chairs. This is the only one on the list that is pretty much a deal-breaker for me. Unless the character has a mental illness, if the couch starts talking, I am done.

5. Religion: I love reading and learning about different religions, but the second it gets preachy, I am done. I don’t want to convert to the author’s religion, and I know the second I mention religion in my classroom, I’ve lost the majority of the class. If the book is informative or cultural, then it is great by me, but if it starts a-preaching, I will be a-reaching for a different book.

What words deter you from picking up a book? 

 and

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 is particularly fond of lists (as am I!). Each week a new Top Ten list topic is given and bloggers can participate.

Today’s Topic: Top Ten Authors Who Deserve More Recognition

Kellee

This one was much harder than I thought it was going to be.  Many authors I loved are loved within the YA/MG community. So, these 5 authors are writers that I wish were read more by everyone and may be appreciated by many, but being read by more would never hurt.

1. Ginny Rorby – Anyone who knows me knows I am an advocate for Ginny Rorby’s books. I love how she takes animal and human themes and melds them into a wonderful narrative. Though her novels Hurt Go Happy and Lost in the River of Grass have gotten recognized by the Schneider and Sunshine State Award (respectably), I feel that her books often fly under the radar and they are too great to do so. And on top of that, she has 2 other books that are just as well done as the two mentioned above: Dolphin Sky and The Outside of a Horse. I really think that Ginny should be read more and I think it’ll lead to more empathy in the readers.

2. Kenneth Oppel – I think Kenneth Oppel deserves to be HUGE. I adore everything he writes that I’ve read.  He transcends genres and writes such smart young adult books. His Matt Cruse series is one of the most action-packed, fun, well done trilogies I’ve ever read. Half Brother is smart, emotion-filled, thought-provoking book and the book is made to be a discussed as it introduces so many tough topics. He also writes a fun middle grade series called Silverwing that takes us on an adventure with a bat, but it isn’t just another animal-protagonist book; it is an underdog overcoming. It is adventurous, filled with twists and turns. Finally, his Frankenstein prequels- The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein– are so brilliantly done. I am just a huge fan and think there should be more like me.

3. George O’Connor – George O’Connor writes graphic novels that brings mythology to life. He is going to do a graphic novel for each of the main gods beginning with Zeus and he has now completed Athena, Hades, Poseidon, and Hera.  Not only does he make the myths understandable while keeping their integrity, he does so by accompanying it with amazing artwork and an afterword of further information. Even his website is fantastic!

4. Kate Messner – In my Twitter circle, Kate Messner is loved, but I want to make sure that this love extends to the entire world. Kate is an amazing talent. First, until recently, she wrote while teaching middle school and being a mom. Being a middle school teacher, all I can say is BRAVO! Also, she is so multi-talented. She has written picture books, children’s books and middle grade novels all of equally great quality. On top of all of this, she does free Skype visits to classrooms, is a supporter of education constantly including being part of Teachers Write during the summer, and she is a good friend to all of us that are lucky enough to know her. If you have not read any Kate Messner yet, I recommend starting with Eye of the Storm or Marty McGuire or Over and Under the Snow or Sugar and Ice or… any of her books!

5. Jo Knowles – Like Kate, Jo is loved by all of my teacher friends, but I want to make sure that it isn’t just my circle that has heard of her. Jo Knowles knows how to tackle tough topics and does it amazingly in her books. Very tough topics. Her book See You At Harry’s is so phenomenally emotional and touching. And, for an author who isn’t afraid to write about some of the hardest things, Jo Knowles is one of the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure to meet. Like Kate, she is part of Teachers Write, will visit classrooms, and is a wonderful friend. If you want to read a book by Jo, I recommend Harry’s first, but any of her books are worth reading.

Ricki

1. More compliments to Kellee’s list – Kellee and I each wrote our top five list separately. After much debate, I came to my final five. When I logged on to add to Kellee’s post, we BOTH had Jo Knowles and Kate Messner. I would just like to add my accolades to these two women. They do so much for education and young adult literature. I continually see Kate’s name in various journal articles promoting education, reading, and teachers in general. She is wonderful human being and incredibly generous. Jo does great work regarding censorship and speaks out for the freedom to read. She is a very kind soul and does so much for students and teachers. Teachers are always talking about how much they appreciate her support of their classrooms.

2. Ruta Sepetys – Last year, I was honored to meet Ruta Sepetys at the ALAN Workshop. I can confidently say that she is one of the nicest people I have ever met. When I sat down at her table for dinner, she talked to every person individually, asking them about their passions and urging them to pursue their dreams. She has written Between Shades of Gray and Out of the Easy, two phenomenal historical fiction novels. Ruta works to promote the voices that are unheard. She spreads the love of historical fiction–urging people to discover their history and ancestors. There are many great historical fiction authors, but what I like most about Ruta Sepetys is how I can give her books to ANY student in my classroom and know they will love them. She truly makes historical fiction accessible. I will pre-order any book she writes because I know each one will be an unforgettable adventure.

3. Matt de la Pena – I debated not including Matt on this list because I think many people are aware of how amazing he is. I couldn’t help but include him on this list, though, because I think he is doing such great things in the field of young adult literature. If you have a boy in your classroom who doesn’t enjoy reading, give him one of Matt’s books. He does such a great job depicting the truth, and I have found my teens really connect with his characters. At the ALAN workshop a few years ago, I mentioned to Matt how much his books connected with some of my students who I worried were at risk of dropping out. They were so excited for me to talk with him at the conference. Matt asked me to send the names of the students I was worried about, including a short description of each of them. He personalized a book for each of these students, writing a different note to each student, encouraging them to stay in school. Every single one of those students graduated high school. Thanks, Matt.

4. Kevin Brooks – I rarely hear teachers talking about Kevin Brooks. Why the heck not? I have multiple copies of all of his books in my classroom because they are excellent for reluctant readers. I love reading aloud segments of Being and The Road of the Dead, in particular. Whenever students finish Kevin Brooks’ books, they always recommend them to their peers. His books constantly flow off my bookshelves, and they are the most worn of any of the books on the shelves. Many of the books have a mystery element to them, and I find that, in general, kids love reading a good mystery. If you have many reluctant readers, get a few copies of Kevin Brooks’ books, and you won’t be sorry.

5. Kristin Cashore – Okay, okay. You probably know about her. She gets a lot of recognition in the YAL world. But why, oh why, doesn’t the whole world know about Kristin Cashore? Some of you may argue with this, but I think she is more talented than any other fantasy writer out there. (I should probably duck my head to avoid the Quidditch balls.) This woman is a genius. I would pay good money to spend a day inside her head. Her world-building is phenomenal. I have seen her speak a few times and I was amazed at her writing process. My only regret is that Kristin doesn’t produce books fast enough. When I remember hearing about how she has created maps and languages to understand characters, this makes sense. But please, Kristin, publish another book soon. I will be the first in line to buy it.

Which authors do you think deserve more recognition?

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