Wayside School is Falling Down by Louis Sachar

I can't believe how quick this book was read or how enjoyable it was. I was wanting more and more at the end of every chapter. I fell in love with the characters and teachers of Wayside School. I love the humor and the descriptive details that are contained throughout the book. I want to keep reading more and more by this author.

This book tells about the students in Mrs. Jewls class at Wayside School. It shares some of their darkest secrets to what is being served for lunch. You will find yourself laughing, crying, asking yourself questions, and just enjoying what you are reading. This is a very quick read and I'm sure my students will be chomping at the bit to get their hands on this book. It is an exciting time and there are more books in store for you.

cheers,

Margaret Blake

Refugee by Alan Gratz

Good Morning Readers,

It's officially brunch time where I am at. I just finished my morning breakfast with a lovely cup of tea as I finished this wonderful book. My students have constantly talked about these books that Alan Gratz writes and I will have to tell you I am hooked as well. I enjoyed the stories immensely as they started off. It did start off a little slow for my liking but towards the end I just couldn't put it down. It was amazing at what refugees go through to get to what some would call "The American Dream".

We are introduced to the story with three stories about Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud, all three individuals are refugees who are traveling to different countries or parts of the world to become free and enjoy a life of freedom away from war, political unrest, and disaster to their hometowns. These three individuals surpass many trials, tribulations, and challenges but in the end, their families are better for what they overcome.

Although this novel is fiction, I love how Mr. Gratz includes historically accurate information which he shares with you at the end of the book. It was very interested to learn about "Wet Feet, Dry Feet", which was a policy I didn't know existed or was put into place. I have heard about it before where Nazi soldiers asked mother to choose between their children who will go to the concentration camps and who will remain in freedom for another day. I honestly don't know how these people have the drive to do what they did. They fought and triumphed over every challenge that was given to them. If there is one thing that I have learned from this book is to never give up no matter how great the challenge is in front of you.

I would buy this book for those who love to learn about history, why we have so many claiming refugee status today, and for those who want a good book about facing adversity at its finest. Tell what you think in the comments below about the book.

Enjoy,

Margaret Blake

With The Might of Angels By Andrea Davis Pinkney

Good Morning Readers,

Oh my goodness. This book was enthralling. If you have ever wondered what the perspective of an African American being integrated in the public school after Brown vs. the Board of Education case passed, this is a book for you. 

We are introduced to Dawnie, who lives on the colored side of town but wishes to attend school in Ivoryton or the white side of town. The school there is compared to a castle where the students have all the things they need to succeed whereas Dawnie is attending school on her side of town with broken toilets, rusty sinks, leaks in the ceiling, chewed up pencils, and pages missing out of textbooks. Dawnie is selected to be the first African American in Hadley to attend public school in Ivoryton to begin the integration process. The story shows the hardships, challenges, and triumphs Dawnie and her family have to face as they make this crucial decision. 

I loved reading this story and understanding the different perspectives that existed at that time in history. It is amazing to see how we as a country have moved past the Civil Rights movements and accepted people of different races, color, ethnicity, and religions. I love what was said in the book about the Declaration of Independence. Our forefathers wanted everyone who lives in this beautiful countries to have the same rights and be equal. We weren't upholding our end of the bargain during the Civil Rights movements and in a sense, we were slapping our forefathers in their faces. 

I'm so grateful for stories like these that keep history alive today and help us learn from our mistakes as a country. I know we still have haters today who want to live segregated lives from those of different races. We have been taught better and to accept others for who they are even if we don't agree with them. I'm thankful for Dawnie and her courage to start the integration process in Hadley. It helps me realize as an educator how some of my students might feel coming from a new school, being a different race, or from acting different from their peers due to an issue they might have. 

If you haven't bought this book for your children, grandchildren, classroom, or want a good read for yourself. This is a book to buy. I know that you will learn new things and will be carried with the might of angels. 

Enjoy,

Margaret Blake

The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

Good Evening Readers,

I couldn't put this book down. If you are a fan of WW II books or any history of the Holocaust, you will absolutely love this book. I bought this book as I was going out of town on a trip. I read this on the way to my destination and finished it on the way back. This is a quick read and is one that you will truly enjoy and want to share it with others.  

 The Tattooist of Auschwitz take place in April 1942. Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew, is forcibly transported to the concentration camps at Auschwitz-Birkenau. When his captors discover that he speaks several languages, he is put to work as a tattooist, tasked with marking his fellow prisoners.

Imprisoned for over two and a half years, Lale witnesses horrific atrocities and barbarism—but also incredible acts of bravery and compassion. Risking his own life, he uses his position to exchange goods from murdered Jews for food to keep his fellow prisoners alive.

One day in July 1942, Lale, prisoner 32407, comforts a trembling young woman waiting in line to have the number 34902 tattooed onto her arm. Her name is Gita, and in that first encounter, Lale vows to somehow survive the camp and marry her.

The Tattooist of Auschwitz is also a testament to the endurance of love and humanity under the darkest possible conditions.

I have loved history books and have always strived to learn more even if the books are not always accurate. This book reminds me of when I first read The Diary of Anne Frank and the emotions that portrayed from reading her story. When reading the story about Lale, these same emotions came through. It also made me realize that at that time in history, those being persecuted would do anything to save themselves while helping others. This will be a story you will never forget. 

So settle down, wrap up in a warm blanket, put on the soft music, and enjoy this heartfelt, gripping story of two people who defy all odds.

Cheers,

Margaret Blake

Oh, The Things You Read!

Good Evening Readers,

This blog is for those literary fanatics, who want the latest news on new books, old books, bestsellers,
and recommendations from y'all. Every since I was little I have loved to read. I grew up reading The Babysitter's Club and Nancy Drew. As I grew up into a young adult, I matured and loved reading the classics, such as Pride and Prejudice to today's books, such as Twilight and Hunger Games. Now, that I am a teacher, my students are constantly asking me for recommendations on what to read and they even tell me about books that spark their interest.

One of the ways that I have been able to connect with my students and build relationships with them is to talk about books that we have both read. We have our own little book club and talk about what we have learned, what we think should have happened and how the book made us feel.

As we begin our literary journey together, you find books that you can read to your children, students, nieces, nephews etc. or you will find books that you want to cuddle up with on a dark, gloomy day.

So grab your cup of tea or coffee, you choose and let the magic begin.

Cheers,

Margaret Blake