It's Monday, What Are You Reading? November 26, 2018

Please visit the amazing blogs: Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers who host this terrific meme each week.

Here is my reading from the past few weeks. Click on the book covers to learn more about the books.

What are you reading friends? 

Blooming at the Texas Sunrise Motel by Kimberly Willis Holt

Blooming at the Texas Sunrise Motel 
by Kimberly Willis Holt 
Published by Henry Holt and Co. 
March 2017
336 Pages 
Realistic Fiction
Review copy provided by publisher


Goodreads Summary
Twelve-year-old Stevie's world changes drastically when her parents are tragically killed and she is forced to live with her estranged grandfather at his run-down motel. After failed attempts to connect with her grandfather, Stevie befriends the colorful motel tenants and neighbors. Together, they decide to bring some color and life to the motel by planting a flower garden, against Stevie's grandfather's wishes. It will take Stevie's departure before her grandfather realizes just how needed she is by everyone.

My Thoughts
"A heartfelt middle grade novel about life, loss, and finding your true family." This is what I wrote in my Goodreads review of this book. I also called Stevie, "A character that stays with you." and boy is that the truth. Her character is so well-developed that you feel her emotions of loss, anger, frustration and hope right along with her.
Winston, Stevie's curmudgeon of a grandfather, is stuck in his ways and really seems to resist any kind of change. He is standoffish with Stevie who doesn't feel as though he wants her to be living with him. Stevie is desperate to learn more about her mother, but Winston is tight lipped on the subject. Stevie gets the feeling that there are secrets about her parents that no one is telling her.

The cast is balanced out with loads of colorful characters. Roy, Arlo and Ida, who work at her grandfather's aging motel, become a family of sorts for Stevie. Mrs. Crump is Stevie's elderly homeschool teacher who nods off during each day's lesson and surly, brooding Frida is Stevie's only classmate.

When Stevie learns about an aunt she never knew she had, she goes to visit and has a wonderful time. She gets a glimpse at feeling like a part of a family for the first time since her parents' death.
Will Stevie learn to "bloom" where she has been planted? The ending is touching and gives the reader some closure.

I enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it for grades 4-8.

See what others have to say about Blooming at the Texas Sunrise Motel:
Kirkus

Redeemed Reader
Book Page

It's Monday, What Are You Reading-December 12, 2016

Please visit the amazing blogs: Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers who host this terrific meme each week.

Click on the covers to learn more about each book.

Thanks to the snow day, I was able to get a Monday post ready. I have not read a ton lately, but here are some I have enjoyed. 

This seed needs to make some changes. 

Coming 2017

A wonderfully thoughtful picture books with so many applications!

LOVED this middle grade novel about finding where you belong!

Currently Reading

What are YOU reading friends? 

Review of Lost in the Sun by Lisa Graff

Lost in the Sun 
by Lisa Graff
Expected Publication May 26, 2015
Philomel Books
304 Pages
Realistic Fiction 
Review Copy lent by a friend

Goodreads Summary

Everyone says that middle school is awful, but Trent knows nothing could be worse than the year he had in fifth grade, when a freak accident on Cedar Lake left one kid dead, and Trent with a brain full of terrible thoughts he can't get rid of. Trent’s pretty positive the entire disaster was his fault, so for him middle school feels like a fresh start, a chance to prove to everyone that he's not the horrible screw-up they seem to think he is. 

If only Trent could make that fresh start happen.

It isn’t until Trent gets caught up in the whirlwind that is Fallon Little—the girl with the mysterious scar across her face—that things begin to change. Because fresh starts aren’t always easy. Even in baseball, when a fly ball gets lost in the sun, you have to remember to shift your position to find it.

My Thoughts

Ever read a story where you just wanted to reach in an give the main character a big hug? I so wanted to do this with Trent. Graff creates a "flawed" character that is so real you just can't help but root for him. He is dealing with guilt that is just too big for a 6th grader because of a freak accident for which he blames himself. His parents have divorced and dad is remarried with a baby on the way. Trent and his father struggle to get along. No, actually they don't struggle, they just do not get along. Trent is too abrasive for his father who thinks he just needs to "stop thinking" about things too much.

Trent does not have many friends. Then he meets the feisty, quirky, wonderful Fallon Little who, despite his efforts, wears him down and the two develop a friendship. However each of them has a secret that prevents them from better too close. Then Trent's quick temper gets the better of him and the choices he makes damages their friendship. 

Another aspect of the story is Trent's mother and brothers (he is the middle child). Mom works hard and older brother puts a lot of pressure on himself to help take care of the family. Mom loves them all, but Trent's behavior puts her at her wit's end. There is so much more going on in this story than I am able to convey here. 

This book feels real, it feels like middle school. These kids are carrying around a ton of baggage and it comes out as smart-aleky, rude, violent or is masked by humor. 

I love all of Graff's books and this one is no exception. I think it would make a fabulous middle school read aloud and read alone book. Because of some language, I would recommend this one to grade 6+. Put it on your TBR list for sure! 

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