Work has remained steadily busy this past week, as well as an emotional one. At the end of the week, the school I work at was informed that one of our students had passed away. It was and continues to be an emotional time for staff and students. As I searched for books about death and grief, I realize that there are few picture books dealing with the death of a child or friend. Sure there are many that deal with the loss of a grandparent or a pet, or even a parent, but not so much an actual classmate. I can tink of several Middle Grade novels (so many seem to deal with death and grief), but finding just the right picture books has been a challenge. If you have a book recommendation for this topic, please leave it in the comment section.
Here are some of my favorites reads from this past week:
Mole Had Everything by Jamison Odone
Here is the book trailer:
43 Old Cemetery Road: The Phantom of the Post Office by Kate Klise; Illustrated by M. Sarah Klise - I am a big fan of this series and in the latest installment, Klise creates readable mystery and also manages pokes fun at technology and communicating via text or email.
Keesha's House by Helen Frost - Recently, I discovered Hidden by Frost and decided to try her Printz Honor book Keesha's House. Frost is a master at telling a story through poetic verse and from various points of view. If you haven't read any of her books, I would highly encourage you to give one of them a try.
So what are you reading?
I am going to finish reading City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare which I started. And anything else will be a bonus. What is in your TBR pile for the week?
I'm reading Insurgent. It's great.
ReplyDeleteInsurgent is in the ever growing TBR pile
DeleteMole looks so cute!
ReplyDeleteI have Frost in a TBR pile and need to get around to it- glad to hear her Printz book is worth the honor.
Happy reading this week! :)
I liked the message in Mole. Have you read Hidden by Frost?
DeleteI love Keesha's House & just got Hidden by Frost. Now I'll make it a priority for this week! So many new & good verse novels available now. I'm so sorry about the death of the student. How sad and awful for the family & for all of you. I searched Safari of and this page on Amazon came up, the book, If Nathan Were Here, & then look below for more ideas. I hope this helps. http://www.amazon.com/Nathan-Were-Here-Mary-Bahr/dp/B007PM0J98/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1337650544&sr=1-1
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda for the link. I'll check it out. And I loved Hidden. I hope you do too.
DeleteAlyson, that is terrible. I feel so sorry for everyone at your school. Patricia Tilton at Children's Books Heal seems to have a book for every possible obstacle children might face. You might check her blog or contact her directly: http://childrensbooksheal.com/
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link...I will have to check it out.
DeleteOh! So sad to hear about the death of one of your students! There have been a few student deaths in my area in the last month or so. Super sad. See You At Harry's came to mind right away but that's not really a peer death and it's definitely an upper MG novel. If I find any PBs I will let you know. :(
ReplyDeleteJen - It is always sad when a child passes away. I will have to check out See You at Harry's.
DeleteI enjoyed Keesha's House, too. I haven't had any luck at all getting kids to check it out from the library, though. Don't know why not, either.
ReplyDeleteSome books need to be carefully book talked. I would think though that reluctant readers would like it. Fast read.
DeleteGosh, Alyson, I am so sorry for what you have been through this week. I can't imagine how tough that must have been. Please know that I will be thinking about you and all the students and staff at your school.
ReplyDeleteI read Keesha's House for the #nerdyprintz challenge and really enjoyed it. My favorite Frost is Crossing Stones, though. Adored that one so much. Frost is so talented.
I will have to check out Crossing Stones. I am becoming a huge fan of Frost.
DeleteAl, have you heard of the book The Boy Who Didn't Want to Be Sad (http://www.amazon.com/Boy-Who-Didnt-Want-Sad/dp/1591471346/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1337838889&sr=1-1)? It was suggested by amazon because of another book I had in my cart, and reviews are positive. Not specifically about loss of a peer, though.
ReplyDelete