books
And finally…I have finished The Hobbit. And I enjoyed it. I wondered for awhile when I started it, if I would ever be able to finish it, but once I really got into it, it was not an easy read, but an enjoyable one, and the more I got used to the language, the easier it became.
So now I'm in a quandary as to what to read next…do I continue with Middle Earth and go for The Fellowship of the Rings? Or do I read something totally different. I will have to ponder it…
As for books, here are my thoughts on the ones I had to read for my class…
The Rifle by Gary Paulsen: The first part of the book is tedious as it is a description of how the rifle is made (not unimportant, but tedious). The rest is somewhat disturbing. I didn't really like it. Would appeal mostly to boys from probably 5th - 9th grade.
The Car also by Gary Paulsen: Good read, interesting concept for a story. I could take it or leave it. Would probably appeal to boys from 6th-9th grade.
Canyons also by Gary Paulsen. This one I really liked. It had a little closure at the end and the relationship between the main character and his mother grew stronger throughout the book which was nice to see. Also appealing to boys from 6th-9th grade or so.
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi. I could take or leave this book, but I think girls in 5th - 9th grade would like it. Set in the 19th century, Charlotte has to travel by ship to America to reunite with her family by herself with only a crew prepared for mutiny and a cruel Captain. Strong female character.
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry. This is a wonderful book about the Danish viewpoint of World War II and their struggle to help their Jewish friends and loved ones survive the Holocaust. Aimed mainly at girls but I think boys would like it, too in 4th-8th grades.
Star Girl by Jerry Spinelli. This was probably my favorite book. It should appeal to both boys and girls (as the two main characters are a girl and a boy) in 6th - high school. This is the story of girl who chooses to be different and what happens because of it. Awesome awesome book. I would recommend this one to adults as well.
