Junie B Jones First Grader: Boss of Lunch

As a librarian, I am ashamed to admit that this is my first foray into Junie B.  It is a cute book for children and the short chapters would entice reluctant girl readers.  Do not know if boys would appreciate it as much...  Not as good as I had expected.

Amelia Bedelia's First Day of School (H. Parish)

I am definitely going to use this one in the fall!  It is a wonderful tale that uses descriptive language and puns to describe Amelia's eventful first day.  With classmates with names like Clay and Rose, Amelia makes some silly mistakes, but learns that teachers learn too!

Knuffle Bunny (1-3) (M. Willems)

Now for some kiddie-lit!  All three Knuffle Bunny titles are adorable!  A hit for kids and adults alike.  Mo Willems illustrations combine b/w photographs with wonderful cartoons that bring to life the development of Trixie.

Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale - In the first book, Willems tells the (cautionary) story that any parent knows of the dreaded "lost lovey".  The repeated phrases make this a great read for early readers and an endearing tale for parents.  A word of "caution" - beware the laundry!

Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity - In the second installment, Willems warns the toddler set that their toys aren't so unique after all... and that what we have in common with others can lead to friendship!  Trixie heads off to pre-school with her beloved (and thought to be one-of-a-kind) Knuffle Bunny, only to find another at school!  Trouble ensues, late-night phone calls bring an end to choas and friendships emerge.

Knuffle Bunny Free: An Unexpected Diversion - In this final book, parents get a tissue ready, for Trixie is growing up.  As they fly to visit grandparents, Trixie loses her beloved Knuffle Bunny (again!)  However, on the plane home, she recovers her bunny only to discover that another may need it more than her...  Oh how quickly they grow up!  A fitting end to a wonderful set of books!

The Personal History of Rachel DuPree (Ann Weisgarber)

I read this as a historical fiction buff.  I really enjoyed the survival story of a woman living in the Badlands of South Dakota in the early 20th century, but was very disappointed by the ending.  To me, it was abrupt.  This tells the story of the title character who marries her boss's ex-army son and move west to stake their claim.  As African American land-owners, they feel that this is the best way to move forward in life.  The book tells of the difficulties of life in the Badlands and the survival of Rachel and her family.  ***Spoiler alert!*** In the end, she heads back to be with her mom in Chicago, but as I said, its an abrupt ending.

The Help (K. Stockett)

A good friend warned me that she did not like this book and did not think that I would.  I couldn't disagree more.  This book gives the viewpoints of two African American maids and one white "society" girl of the 1960s in Jackson, Mississippi.  The civil rights movement is starting to gain steam and these three women in their own way "help" others gain fulfillment.  I must admit, I initially read this because of the movie coming out later this summer.  But as the author points out: "Wasn't that the point of the book? For women to realize, we are just two people. Not that much separates us. Not nearly as much as I'd thought."  No matter where we are on our journeys through life, we all share the same humanity.

Summer Reading Challengs: Books Read

Ok, so I've been reading, but not posting.  So here is a post blast with the titles I've read so far this summer.  We'll see if I can't be more diligent in my posts from here on out...