Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson

At a time when vampire romances seem to dominate much of what my 7th grade girls have been reading lately, I looked forward to finally reading Hattie Big Sky, a book that we added to our lit. circle tubs last summer but that I had yet to read. And let me say that I was entirely impressed. Hattie Brooks, a 16-year old girl who heads to Montana to prove up on her deceased uncle's homestead claim, is a true heroine. She faces hardships of all types in order to work her uncle's claim, including milking a temperamental cow, figuring out how to fence off her property, and surviving extreme weather. Through it all, she is able to rely on the kindness of the Mueller family that lives nearby, a bachelor called Rooster Jim, a spirited spinster named Leafie Purvis, and Hattie's cat Mr. Whiskers. But the book deals with more than the hardships of making a new life; it also centers pieces of the plot around the uncertainties and prejudice that arose within the United States because of World War I. Students learn about the suspicions locals had toward German settlers and how groups like the County Council of Defense pressured everyone to show their loyalty to the United States. For those girls who need romance, there's a hint of it as well, done in a way that won't make parents and teachers cringe and that will make girls long for a sequel. I will definitely encourage my students to read about Hattie Brooks, a real heroine - strong in character, courage, and faith.

Petey by Ben Mikaelsen

I had no idea what to expect when I grabbed this book out of one of our lit. circle tubs, but the story of Petey Corbin is both inspiring and heart-wrenching. Beginning in 1922, the story introduces us to the infant Petey who's born with cerebral palsy (a diagnosis, of course, which could not be made back then) and then follows Petey's life as he grows into an elderly man. Though he cannot walk or talk, Petey's mind is sharp, and he finds ways to communicate with the friends who move in and out of his life, such as he best friend Calvin, a young military wife named Cassie, and an 8th grade boy named Trevor. From his childhood in an asylum to his senior years in a nursing home, Petey touches the lives of those who take the time to get to know him as a person. Readers will come away with a sense of compassion, hope, and living life to the fullest (or as Petey suggests "to go fish"). I will be highly recommending this book to my students.

Lost Star by Patricia Lauber

Many of us are familiar with Amelia Earhart and her ill-fated final flight in an attempt to fly around the world way back in 1937. And I knew about some of Amelia's accomplishments prior to the mysterious disappearance of the Electra plane she was flying along with navigator Fred Noonan. However, I knew nothing about Amelia's childhood, family, and life before flying. This book, by Patricia Lauber, shares interesting details about "AE's" life. For instance, "Meely" and her sister Muriel often lived with their grandparents when her father's job as a claims agent for the railroad took him and her mother away. Her education was interrupted when she decided to be a nurse's aide in a Toronto hospital. Her interest in flying didn't develop till she was around 24 years old. She had no interest in marriage until she was in her 30's and married her manager George Palmer. As I read her biography, I began to understand this remarkable woman who lived life large and to admire her for her intelligence, independence, and tenacity. The end of the book also offers some possible explanations of how Amelia's famous final flight may have ended. Lauber provides a quick read about one of America's most intriguing historical figures.

Neil Armstrong Is My Uncle ... by Nan Marino

It's time to get my rear back in gear and review some more books. I just finished Neil Armstrong is My Uncle and Other Lies Muscle Man McGinty Told Me, a cute yet meaningful story about a girl named Tamara who is odds with "Muscle Man" McGinty, a foster child who moved in with one of her neighbors, Mrs. Kutchner. Tamara's best friend Kebsie, also a foster child, had been living with Mrs. Kutchner and moves away suddenly without saying goodbye to Tamara. Tamara feels betrayed and lonely and simply will not give "Muscle Man" a break. In fact, Tamara, not the most tactful character I've ever met (sometimes I felt like she was being such a spoiled brat), believes everything he says is a lie. When he claims he can beat the neighborhood kids at a game of kickball, Tammy holds him to it - even when the score is 43-0 and the other kids would like to go back to regular teams. However, certain events within the neighborhood force Tammy to focus on someone other than herself, allowing her a chance to grow up the summer before her 6th grade year. I chose to purchase the book from Scholastic based on the description but now realize that - though it is a quick, enjoyable read - it might be a little "young" for my 7th graders. Still, it held my attention and gave me some insight into life during the summer of '69. Students may like to learn more about some of the events mentioned: the Neil Armstrong, the moon walk, and the Vietnam War.

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Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry

My students once again read Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry for a class novel during February and March. Even though I've read it numerous times, I still enjoy reading the story of Kira, a young girl with a disability, who lives in an uncivilized and sometimes violent village. When Kira's mother passes away, she must fight for her right to stay in the village. Because of her disability, Kira is not seen as valuable; however, Kira does have a valuable skill - her ability to weave. As Kira's skill is put to use in a magnificent building known as the Edifice, she discovers many secrets about her village and makes friends with other artists within.

Lowry includes several interesting characters to add interest to Kira's journey. Some include Vandara, Kira's older rival; Thomas, another artist in the Edifice; Matt, Kira's young, carefree friend; Annabella, a wise, old woman whose skill involves making dyes through various plants in her color garden; and Jamison, the man who defends Kira's right to stay in the village. Though some chapters move more slowly than others, there are enough questions to keep readers intrigued and wanting to uncover all of the secrets for themselves.

My students are now in the middle of character projects. They've been closely following one of the characters as we read the novel and will now report what their investigations uncovered. Students are allowed several choices for projects (including a scrapbook, movie, collage, story quilt, a Museum Box, or their own idea). I look forward to seeing the final products.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

I've moved into reading The Book Thief, which I probably wouldn't recommend to my 7th graders but would to high school students and adults. Set during the time of World War II and the Holocaust, the story is told through the eyes of an intriguing narrator - Death himself. However, he carefully chronicles the experiences of a young German girl named Liesel (otherwise known as "the book thief"). Liesel's life changes drastically when she is forced to leave her mother and brother and is taken to live with foster parents (Hans and Rosa). Eventually, she accepts her situation and grows to love her foster family (though Rosa has an unusual way of showing her love when she calls Liesel various German versions of "pig").

As I've progressed through the book, the cast of characters has grown as well. I've been introduced to Rudy, Liesel's school buddy, who is known in town for the "Jesse Owens' incident"; Ilsa Hermann, the mayor's wife, who allows Liesel access to her library; Arthur Berg, leader of a group of boys that Liesel and Rudy join to steal food; and a Jew named Max.

In addition to the characters, the author's style has totally grabbed and kept my attention. He shares the story using Death's point of view, which is abrupt, sarcastic, and starkly realistic. Still, humor shines through frequently, yet one is always reminded of the dark times surrounding the humor - poverty, hunger, and the persecution of Jews in order to achieve Hitler's goals. Death often drops hints about the future of the characters, and I know some of the characters I've grown fond of will not make it to the end of the book. Still, Liesel's determination through a horrific period of history is the light that will guide me to the end of the story, and I look forward to reading how the author concludes this amazing novel.