It's Monday! What are you reading? 12/10/12

Please visit Jen and Kellee over at Teach Mentor Texts who are the host of this marvelous meme!

This was a slow week of reading for me as I was battling a cold.  That zapped much of my energy.  But I did finish reading one chapter book, one audio book, and several picture books this week.

First, I finished Reached by Ally Condie. Loved the final conclusion to this trilogy; it had me turning pages.  I so look forward to what Ally Condie has in store next as a writer.  I found myself rereading and bookmarking passages - many were so beautifully written - tidbits of "advice" or outlook on life.  Many moments where I found myself thinking, "Hmmmm..."  I also loved the experience of reading Reached this week as several folks on Twitter and myself tweeted back and forth as we read. The power of a reading community never ceases to amaze me.

I also listened to an audio book this week, Something Like Fate by Susane Colasanti. This book started off a little rocky for me; I was not enjoying it at first but it redeemed itself about a third of the way through and this was not due to the narration but to the story line itself.  I think many teens can relate to this book on many levels.  As far as the audio goes, personally, I don't think the narrator captured the feeling correctly at some parts and awkwardly changed her voice for the different characters.  But, she was good enough for me to continue to listen to the audio version. 

Although the characters are high school aged (seniors), I think that Something Like Fate can easily be given to mature readers in 6th - 8th grades. 

Picture books I finished this week and would HIGHLY recommend for all to have in their libraries are:

 

Hello! Hello! and The Monsters' Monster I give 5 stars to and Chloe and the Lion I give 4 stars.

Hello! Hello! is one that can be used for all ages in variety of ways - a great family story to think about all the activities a family can do together that does not involve technology in any way and for high-schoolers to think about what they might be missing out on because of all the technological distractions in life. 

This week I will be reading books to catch up on the Nerdy Book Club Award Nominees; mostly picture books.  I will also be reading Jo Knowles' See You at Harry's (FINALLY!). What will you be reading?