Click here for a complete annotated list of all of the 2012 Monarch Nominees. I’ve also linked the titles of each book to the reviews by other readers at Goodreads.  If you’d like to visit the authors’ websites just click on their names & you’ll find a wealth of information.

 Every title is truly memorable, remarkable and special.  Enjoy these with your students, children, & grandkids! I have an absolute favorite already but of course I’m keeping it a secret!  Shhh!

Dogku by Andrew Clements

Duck! Rabbit! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Duck at the Door by Jackie Urbanovic

Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio

Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein

Let’s Do Nothing by Tony Fucile

Little Mouse Gets Ready by Jeff Smith

Memoirs of a Goldfish by Devin Scillian

 The Mitten by Jim Aylesworth

Shark vs. Train by Chris Barton

What a brilliant quote to personify how we as readers stockpile our books to read over the lingering wintry season!  Choosing the best suited reading list takes some pondering, especially at this time of year when we read numerous “best lists” to assist us with our selections. It is my hope that many of these titles I’ve chosen will find their way into your homes for you to read this winter.  I can think of no better place to idle my time than sitting in my cozy reading chair at home with many of these titles listed below in my possession!  What bliss and gratification befalls us when we finish a book and think of it as a lovely dear friend.

For those of you who are well acquainted with me know that the other part of my idling time will be spent enjoying the company of my two young grandsons, Bryce and Kashton! I surely will be reading books to the both of them over these cold winter days.  I can’t think of a better way to bond with them but through sharing the love of books and reading to another generation of children. 

Want to purchase some of these books? All you need do is click on any of the titles to go directly to Amazon and you’ll own the books in minutes.

 May your holidays be safe and happy!

Childrens’ Fiction

 E-Mergencyby Tom Lichtenheld and Ezra Fields-Meyer

 M.O.M. (Mom Operating Manual) by Doreen Cronin and  Laura Cornell

 Press Hereby Herve Tullet

 I Want My Hat Backby Jon Klassen

Childrens’ Non-Fiction

America Is Under Attack: September 11, 2001: The Day the Towers Fell by Don Brown

 Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade by Melissa Sweet

Middle Grades – Fiction

 Bread Crumbsby Anne Ursu

The Outcasts (Brotherband Chronicles, #1) by John Flanagan

 The Son of Neptune (The Heroes of Olympus, book 2) by Rick Riordan

 Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick

Middle Grades Non-Fiction

 Titanic Sinks! By Barry Denenberg

Young Adult – Fiction

Ashfall (Ashfall, 1) by Mike Mullin

 Beautiful Chaos (Caster Chronicles, Book 3)  by Cami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

 Circle of Fire (Prophecy of the Sisters, Book 3) by Michelle Zink

Daughter of Smoke and Bone (Daughter of Smoke and Bone, #1) by Lainie Taylor

 Divergent (Divergent, Book 1) by Veronica Roth

The End of Everythingby Megan Abbott

 How to Save a Lifeby Sara Zarr

 Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Childrenby Ransom Riggs

The Name of the Star (Shades of London, 1) by Maureen Johnson

The Night Circusby Erin Morgenstern

Young Adult Non-Fiction

 Bootleg: Murder, Moonshine, and the Lawless Years of Prohibitionby Karen Blumenthal

Adult Fiction

1222 (A Hanne Wilhelmsen Novel)by Anne Holt

 11/22/63by Stephen King

 The Baker’s Daughterby Sarah McCoy

Breaking Silenceby Linda Castillo

The Discovery of Witchesby Deb Harkness

Graveminder by Melissa Marr

 A Grown-Up Kind of Prettyby Joshilyn Jackson

Joy for Beginnersby Erica Bauermeister

 The Kitchen Daughterby Jael McHenry

The Silver Sparrowby Tayari Jones

 These Things Hiddenby Heather Gudenkauf

 The Violets of Marchby Sarah Jio

Adult Non-Fiction

 Death in the City of Light: The Serial Killer of  Nazi-Occupied Paris  by David King

In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler’s Berlin by Erik Larson

Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard

Midnight Rising: John Brown and the Raid that Sparked the Civil War by Tony Horwitz

Rin Tin Tin: The Life and the Legendby Susan Orlean

 To End All Wars: A Story of Loyalty and Rebellion, 1914-1918 by Adam Hochschild

Lost in Shangri-La: A True Story of Survival, Adventure, and the Most Incredible Rescue Mission of World War II  by Mitchell Zuckoff

It’s my hope this article with be of benefit to you: Digital Book Readers: e-readers guide and review.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!

Kathleen

“I did not want to be forgotten.
More than that, I wanted, desperately….to be remembered.”  (Benjamin)

Melanie Benjamin who debuted with her first historical fiction novel, Alice I Have Been, in 2010 has penned another stellar piece of work in the same genre with her newest book, The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb.  Benjamin creates her book with such style that as you read you feel as if you’re part of a theatrical performance.   As Mrs. Tom Thumb begins her “memoir” reflecting on her life, Benjamin sets the stage with the curtain rising on the world in 1841 when Vinnie was born. Benjamin interjects intermissions throughout the novel filled with historical vignettes of the times consequently giving the reader a sense for the era. Renowned all over the world as Mrs. General Tom Thumb, Vinnie –Mercy Lavinia Warren Bump Stratton Magri imparts her amazing and extraordinary story upon the reader as only she could.  Why might you ask was she so astonishing and remarkable?  Vinnie was a mere 32 inchestall but she always lived by this mantra: “Never would I allow my size to define me.  Instead, I would define it.” (The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb,Benjamin)  Instead of living a quiet unassuming life on the farm where she was born and raised with her parents and siblings in Middleborough, Massachusetts she embraced who she was and ventured out into the world.

Vinnie chronicles her life from her humbling beginning, her education, her stint as a schoolteacher, and eventually to when her life truly began.  In March, 1858 Colonel Wood entered into her life to change her very existence.  During Vinnie’s time performing with Colonel Wood and his Floating Palace of Curiosities she learns
many life lessons as she travels on the Mississippi River with the rest of the troupe.  The Civil War inevitably calls a halt to their journeys on the river and Vinnie once again finds herself back on her family’s farm – but not for long.  Being the bright person she is, Vinnie recognizes and spearheads a plan to catapult herself to greater heights – no pun intended! This proposal includes non-other than the illustrious showman P. T. Barnum!

Not only is the novel regarding Vinnie’s life but it centers on the men in her life, General Tom Thumb and P.T. Barnum. Booklovers, discover the resilient and intense personality of Mrs. Tom Thumb as she soars into the American spotlight and into the heart of General Tom Thumb.  Together, side by side, they share their observations of the world from their own stature. Benjamin brings Vinnie’s illustrious life story to the forefront in The Autobiography of Tom Thumb. You will find yourself forgetting you are reading about a woman who is only 32 inches tall.  This is an extraordinary tribute
to Melanie Benjamin as a writer.

As the curtain eventually began to go down so to speak– as I neared the finality of such an amazing and remarkable novel– I found myself thinking how elated I was to have had the opportunity to make the acquaintance of such a special and memorable person in Mrs. General Tom Thumb!  Benjamin finishes the story of a heroine that
was never completely told before this.

The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb by Melanie Benjamin is available for you to purchase at Amazon today! Book clubs, what a wonderful book selection for your next discussion with these reading guide questions.  A special note of appreciation to Random House for sending me an Advanced Reading Copy and to Pump Up Your Book for allowing me to kick off the month of August with Melanie Benjamin’s virtual book tour!  Many thanks!

For those who might not be familiar with the book, de Rosnay, intertwines two stories.  Sarah’s story takes place in 1942 in Paris during the Vel’ d’Hiv’ Roundup as Sarah and her family suffer the astrocities of the roundup and the deportation to Auschwicz at the hands of the Nazi. The roundup of the Jews took place on the orders from the German military and were carried out by the French government. The other part of the book takes place in 2002 as Julia Jarmond, an American journalist living in Paris deals with her own personal crisis.  While in Paris, Julia discovers a mystery that she feels she must uncover.  Over the course of time the past and the present come together. Julia learns of a horrific discovery which involves her husband’s family and leads to the eventual connection to Sarah.

On a winter evening back in January 2010 our book club found in Sarah’s Key a realistic and exquisite piece of work by de Rosnay.  Many readers will discover this as the story unfolds. The history of the Vel’ d’Hiv Roundup came to life for all of us as we read and discussed Sarah’s Key.  It interconnected the past with the present which we felt made the message of the story so powerful.  We were much more informed and enlightened of this relatively unknown event in history due to reading this particular book.  The portions of the book which affected us most were: the roundup, Julia’s husband’s treatment of her, and most importantly “Sarah’s key to the secret.”

Our book club agreed on the following as the main central theme and the moral of the story. The theme of keeping secrets was quite present. Secrets become heavy weights and many times they are kept to protect someone.  We felt in this particular
story, secrets are best if they are NOT kept. There were exceedingly numerous events which occurred due to the fact secrets were not divulged.   We determined
those who stood aside and let the round up of the Jews by the French on the orders
of the German government take place, had a moral obligation to try to at least
help their fellow citizen.

If your book club has yet to read and discuss Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay, now is the perfect time to do so. Here’s the link to discussion questions for Sarah’s Key. Join the magnitude of book clubs who have already discovered and embraced this mesmerizing tale.

Letters to live by written for Alice by her father are just part of what makes this coming of age story, Alice Bliss, by Laura Harrington, so unique and special. For fourteen year old Alice she chronicles how she deals with life in the absence of her father while he goes to Iraq. Matt Bliss has joined the National Guard because he feels it’s his duty to contribute to the war.  He joins knowing there is the possibility of being called to duty to serve his country.  The day arrives when it becomes a reality.  Life goes on in the Bliss household as Alice, Ellie, & their mother deal with missing Matt in their own respective ways.

The bond between Alice and her father is a special one as any daughter knows.  Alice cherishes the days when a letter arrives for her from her father – or the far and infrequent phone calls just to hear her father’s voice.  One of Alice’s favorite pastimes was the joy she experienced as she and her enjoyed gardening together. This relationship resonated with me on a very personal level –BUT I can’t divulge why unless I give away the outcome and ending to the story. What I can say is I felt as though I was reliving a part of my youth as I read about Alice and her feelings with the absence of her father. She’s at a time in her life when she will be experiencing the “firsts” such as a dance, a possible boyfriend, and joining the track team, in her young teenage years and she wants and needs her dad to be a part of it all. I enjoyed reading about Alice’s blooming relationship with her best friend, Henry.

 Ellie, Alice’s younger sister, deals with the absence of her father by reaching for a particular book from her father’s favorite bookshelf –his leather bound college dictionary.  This is her way of feeling close to her father just as Alice has latched on to her father’s worn shirt she discovers in the hamper, with his lingering scent.  His dictionary and his shirt are Ellie’s and Alice’s physical connection to their father.

Alice and her mother have somewhat of a strained relationship as they both are trying to cope. Alice doesn’t realize what her mother is going through while Matt is gone. As a husband and wife share family responsibilities, Angie now discovers she must be in charge of everything, which can be an undertaking. Angie is lost without him and finds herself working more hours to combat her loneliness. Alice in turn has to help her mother with some of the daily household chores.  Each of them are dealing with their own inner turmoil but not letting the other one in to help them to cope.  This is a time when they should be reaching out to each other for help.

I stated above I found a personal attachment to the character of Alice.  The tears shed by Alice’s separation with her father were also reminders of the tears I shed as a young fourteen year old myself with my own somewhat similar father/daughter experience - yet different.  Laura Harrington hits on a very timely issue for families everywhere who have parents serving our country. I would highly recommend this to be shared with families to help generate discussion.  The characters are quite identifiable to the reader as is the essence of the story which will ring true for so many. Purchase your copy today at Amazon!  You will fall in love with Alice and and her heartwrenching story!

Everytime I hear the 1963 hit song of Nat King Cole’s I envision spending my summer time relaxing in a chair on a beach doing what I love most — reading!!  Just to be able to have non-interrupted moments in which to open a book and get lost in the words an author has penned is quite appealing to me.  The list I’ve composed from a variety of genres is surely to pique the interest for all types of readers from early readers to adults ubiquitously.  You’ll find countless hours of reading ahead of you from my Summer Reads of 2011.  So set out to discover your next book to read as you relax at the beach, the pool, your vacation home, or wherever you find solace during the summer season!

 ADULT FICTION:

 22 Britannia Road by Amanda Hodgkinson

 Alice Bliss by Laura Harrington

 The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumbby Melanie Benjamin

 Close Your Eyes by Amanda Eyre Ward

The Coffins of Little Hopeby Timothy Schaffert

  The Dry Grass of August by Anna Jean Mayhew

  Eden Lake by Jane Roper

  Etre the Cow by Sean Kenniff

  Friendship Bread by Darien Gee

  The Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer

  The Lock Artist by Steve Hamilton (2011 Edgar Winner & 2011 Alex Award)

  Love Child by Sheila Kohler

  The Love Goddess’ Cooking School by Melissa Senate

  Maine by J. Courtney Sullivan

  The Radleys by Matt Haig (2011 Alex Award)

  Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones

  The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt

   The Story of the Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon

   You Believers by Jane Bradley

NON-FICTION:

   Breaking Night: A Memoir by Liz Murray

   The Fiery Trial: Abraham Lincoln and American Slavery by Eric Foner (2011 Pulitzer Prize for History)

   In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler’s Berlin by Erik Larson

   Lost in Shangri-La: A True Story of Survival, Adventure, and the Most Incredible Rescue Mission of World War II, by Mitchell Zuckoff

   My Ruby Slippers: The Road Back to Kansas by Tracy Seeley

   No Biking in the House Without a Helmet by Melissa Fay Greene

   Pox: An American History by Michael Willrich

  The Reading Promise: My Father and the Books We Shared by Alice Ozma

   The Wizard of Lies: Bernie Madoff and the Death of Trust by Diana Henriques

YOUNG ADULT:

   Beauty Queens by Libba Bray

  Can I See Your I.D.? True Stories of False Identities by Chris Barton

   Circle of Fire (Book 3, Prophecy of the Sisters) by Michelle Zink

   Flesh & Blood So Cheap: The Triangle Fire and Its Legacy by Albert Marrin

   Illusions (Wings #3) by Aprilynne Pike

   My Sister’s Destiny (Destiny #1) by Kristina Caden

   The Ocean by Mia Castile

   Ruby Red (Edelstein Trilogy, Book 1) by Kerstin Gier

MIDDLE GRADES:

   Charlie Joe Jackson’s Guide to Not Reading by Tommy Greenwald

   Cloudy with a Chance of Boys (Sisters Club, Book 3) by Megan McDonald

   The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making (Fairyland #1) by Catherynne M. Valente

   Irena Sendler and the Children of the Warsaw Ghetto by Susan Goldman Rubin

   The Throne of Fire (The Kane Chronicles, Book 2) by Rick Riordan

PRIMARY:

   All the Way to America: The Story of a Big Italian Family and a Little Shovel by Dan Yaccarino

   Argus by Michelle Knudsen

   The Bear Who Shared by Catherine Rayner

   Cinderella Smith by Stephanie Barden

   Queen of the Falls by Chris Van Allsburg

   The Unforgettable Season: The Story of Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams and the Record-Setting Summer of ’41 by Phil Bildner

I received this quote many years ago from my very first principal. It has been displayed on my bulletin board in my office all these years. A good book is like a friend.  A friend has a special place in your heart as does a favorite book. You can go revisit the book again and again to still get the same wonderful feeling and enthusiasm you did as the very first time the book was read.

 A little over a year ago I posted a list of my very fond and favorite read aloud books for children. I think this is a very appropriate time in my life and that of my family as our two oldest daughters and their husbands will very shortly become parents for the first time. I can hardly await the excitement and anticipation of becoming a first time grandmother and I know I may speak for my husband as he too will be a first time grandfather!  Sarah and Samantha know I won’t disappoint them when it comes to supplying books for each of their respective newborn sons.  I can already envision myself introducing each of the following books to Bryce and Kashton.  I can’t wait to acquaint these favorite tried and true stories with the boys.  Each tale holds a special place in my heart that I will soon share and expose to my grandsons.  Books have always played such an integral part in the lives of my daughters and our family from their infancy into adulthood.  The thought of continuing this tradition with Bryce and Kashton brings tears to my eyes as I am writing this post. 

Over the past 30+ years being a school librarian I’ve read numerous books. Several of these books make up the list below as some of my favorite read aloud books for children from pre-school to third grade. When I stop to think I’ve read several of these for all of these years it is a little mind boggling! Before I begin reading to the students I find myself saying, “This is one my favorite books!” There is always a child in the group responding, “Mrs. Parker you say they are all your favorites!” Quite true! If I don’t find a special connection to the book I’m reading then it doesn’t come across to the students. My excitement for a story carries over to them. I can see it on their faces and in their reactions.  For example, at the end of, The Araboolies of Liberty Street, by Sam Swope, each time I have read it, the students still clap and cheer as the army comes in and take away General and Mrs. Pinch! Or, each time I have read, Little Orphant Annie, by James Whitcomb Riley, the expression on their faces as they wait in anticipation for me to say, “And the goblins will get you, ‘ef you don’t watch out!” This story in particular has been a favorite with my own three girls when they were young. I could share  countless memories about each of these books!

The following special titles were the books that jumped out at me as I perused my read aloud list. Certain books carry an extraordinary message which is significant to me. Others are just entertaining books to read. Each one was almost saying, “Don’t forget to tell people about me!” If you’re a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, a teacher, or a librarian, (hope I haven’t forgotten anyone!) enjoy my list of favorite books to read aloud with someone special in your life!

  The Araboolie’s of Liberty Street by Sam Swope

   Bad Kitty  by Nick Bruel

 Chicks and Salsa by Aaron Reynolds

  Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin

   Dinotrux by Chris Gall

   Flossie and the Fox by Patricia McKissack

 Hooway for Wodney Wat by Helen Lester

  I Stink! by Kate McMullan and Jim McMullan

  King Bidgood’s in the Bathtub by Don Wood and Audrey Wood

  The Library Dragon by Carmen Deedy

  The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams

  Little Orphant Annie by James Whitcomb Riley

  The Little Red Hen by James Pinkney

 Little Tricker the Squirrel Meets Big Double the Bear  by Ken Kesey

  Llama, Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney

  Lousy Rotten Stinkin Grapes  by Margie Palatini

 Mars Needs Moms by Berkeley Breathed

  Mind Your Manners, B.B. Wolf by Judy Sierra

  Miss Smith’s Incredible Storybook by Michael Garland

   Monster Goose by Judy Sierra

  Mr. Rabbit and the Lovely Present by Charlotte Zolotow and Maurice Sendak

  My Little Sister Ate One Hare by Bill Grossman

   Old Black Fly  by Jim Aylesworth

   Pinkalicious by Victoria Kann and Elizabeth Kann

  Rhyming Dust Bunnies  by Jan Thomas

   Scaredy Squirrel by Melanie Watt

  The Secret Science Project That Almost Ate the School by Judy Sierra

  Sheep in a Jeep  by Nancy Shaw

  Stephanie’s Ponytail by Robert Munsch

   Truckery Rhymes  by John Scieszka

  The Widow’s Broom   by Chris Van Allsburg

  The Wretched Stone by Chris Van Allsburg

  Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories by Dr. Seuss

Happy Reading!!

Love was a pleasure but a danger at the same time, a force of nature that humans naively imagined could be controlled. (Exposure, Fowler)

I looked up the various dictionary definitions of the word exposure and this one best exemplifies the very essence of the story in Exposure by Therese Fowler:  the revelation of a scandal or of somebody’s secrets or private information.  Yes, this is the perfect description for Fowler’s book, Exposure.

From Goodreads:

In Exposure, Therese Fowler has written her most gripping novel to date—a ripped-from-the-headlines story of ardent young love and a nightmarish legal maelstrom that threatens to destroy two families.

Amelia Wilkes’s strict father does not allow her to date, but that doesn’t stop the talented, winsome high school senior from carrying on a secret romance with her classmate Anthony Winter. Desperately in love, the two envision a life together and plan to tell Amelia’s parents only after she turns eighteen and is legally an adult. Anthony’s mother, Kim, who teaches at their school, knows—and keeps—their secret. But the couple’s passion is exposed sooner than planned: Amelia’s father, Harlan, is shocked and infuriated to find naked pictures of Anthony on his daughter’s computer. Just hours later, Anthony is arrested.

————————————————————————————————–

As Daddy’s little girls grow and become young women they could possibly take their father’s hearts and break them in two. This was truly the case for Amelia Wilkes and her father, Harlan Wilkes. Harlan Wilkes protected his daughter, felt the need to keep her “his little girl,” and had set very high standards for Amelia.  He was also controlling and disapproving of any relationships Amelia might have with a boy who was not worthy of his daughter.  Unfortunately for Anthony Winter, he fell into just that category. Anthony came from a single parent home.  His mother Kim Winter was a teacher at Anthony and Amelia’s private high school, Ravenswood. She had done her best as a single mother. She had instilled values in him and was proud of his accomplishments thus far in his young life.  One day Harlan Wilkes discovers what would be any parent’s worse nightmare. Unbeknownst to Amelia, he accesses her laptop containing her most private secrets. The world the Wilkes and the Winters knew begins to unravel when he discovers nude photos of Anthony. He didn’t have to dial 9-1-1 and contact the police but he did. The lives of all involved spin out of control and the impending train wreck can’t be stopped.  As I began to see how their lives became unglued it truly was nerve wracking and scary to read as a parent.   I could see the train wreck coming and continually kept thinking as I read, “no, no, no!”  The results and the aftermath that follow are devastating for both families.

Amelia, like so many teens, feeling the angst of approaching adulthood, wanted to live on her own and to truly follow her own goals she had set for herself. Those goals and dreams included her boyfriend, Anthony. Amelia and Anthony had their future all set. They envisioned themselves moving to New York, attending New York University, and eventually pursuing careers on Broadway.  However, in the words of poet Robert Burns, “the best laid schemes of mice and men oft go awry…”      In regards to what Amelia and Anthony had planned and dreamed for themselves, well….FATE paid them a visit.  Throughout the story, the star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, are mentioned. Immediately a red flag alerted me to the possible foreshadowing – what was to become of Anthony and Amelia?! In Exposure, Fowler mentions a character flaw in one of Shakespeare’s plays.  The flaw was recklessness. Their reckless actions led to catastrophic events in their lives.

For teens, the elements of young love, drama, an overbearing father and of course the hot topic of sexting will easily draw young adults to this story. For people as they read Exposure, this particular thought will be at the forefront:  if only what they did could be undone!  What Amelia and Anthony don’t realize is what they envisioned to be true love in their eyes is misconstrued by their parents, the media, their teachers, the police and the district attorney who wants to make an example of them both.  Exposure sends such a profound message to parents and teens. One must sit up and take notice of the important message Fowler conveys. Teens must realize what can happen and the repercussions of their actions from sexting, using cell phones, and computers in the wrong way. It’s a cautionary tale to both parents and teens. What prompted Fowler to write such a poignant story about this topic?  In real life, Fowler’s 19 year old son had a similar experience.  From her family’s own personal calamity she was compelled to write the story of Exposure.  Fowler shares a bit of her real life experience here.

I liked how Fowler used the different viewpoints from the main characters to give the reader a sense of what was going through their minds and their different perspectives. This was one of those books I consider to be a “page turner!” I’m quite confident once you pick this and begin reading this gripping poignant story about Amelia and Anthony, their story will linger in your mind for quite some time to come.  Since reading Exposure, I’ve recommended the book to literally so many people.  I’m happy to say many of them have already purchased the book!! Order your copy today at Amazon. Parents and teens should read it together to discuss this sensitive and timely topic.  Exposure, in my opinion, would make an excellent book club selection because of the theme and subject matter. I will be selecting it as my choice of book for my book club, The Best Book Club Ever.

Thank you to Ballantine Books and Pump up Your Book for sending me a copy of Therese Fowler’s Exposure to participate in this tour.  It has been an honor to share this book with my readers!

Last Bus Out, by Beck McDowell

On Tuesday, May 17^th, 2011, teacher Tiffany Wheeler and her students were fortunate enough to Skype with Beck McDowell the author of Last Bus Out:  The True Story of Courtney Miles’ Rescue of over 300 People in Hurricane Katrina’s Aftermath.  It was a momentous opportunity for the students to finally meet “face to face” to discuss with Ms. McDowell’s book with her.  Skyping with the author was truly a new experience for the students once they had completed the story.  This was a special culminating event for them!

The small group of students each prepared five questions throughout the course of reading Last Bus Out about Courtney Miles’ true life adventure.  They then asked Beck McDowell these questions throughout the 40 minute Skype session.  The students described their enjoyment from reading about the different relationships in the story.  Ms. McDowell added that the relationships escalated the suspense of the story. An important question asked by the students was if she had interviewed some of the main characters in the book.  In particular they wondered if she had interviewed Courtney’s mother and grandmother. Ms. McDowell stated she did several interviews with people who had been on the bus, but she was unable to meet with Courtney’s grandmother, Geraldine, or his mother.  The students also wanted to know if there were any fictional characters in her story.  Ms. McDowell debated over including any fictional characters such as changing the name of Courtney’s girlfriend, Jamie Carter, but decided in the end to use actual names.  She wanted the story to stay as truthful as possible.  What was amazing to hear from Ms. McDowell during her discussion of Last Bus Out was as Courtney loaded the people onto the bus he had no idea where he was going.  He just knew he had to get them to safety.

What does the future hold for Beck McDowell and Last Bus Out?  The students were most curious to know if Last Bus Out would be made into a movie. Now that is a wonderful idea!  Ms. McDowell stated she has started work on a script in case the opportunity should arise.

Finally here are two student reviews of Last Bus Out by Beck McDowell:

Seneca Middle School 8^th grader, Ashley: “This book was amazing! I would recommend this book to people because you can learn about the world from it.  That’s what I think about Last Bus Out.”

Seneca Middle School 8^th grader, Joe: “The book had great detail about the disaster in New Orleans.  The life of Courtney Miles was amazing with everyone around him dying, dropping out of school, or doing drugs.  His mother who was good and bad to Courtney was in jail most of the time.  The story is great for history people and anyone who wants to read.”

Thank you Beck McDowell for sharing your personal story with Mrs. Wheeler’s group of students!  A special thank you to Mrs. Wheeler for always striving to be the best teacher she can be for her students!