Memorial Day

I finished Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis this morning and I liked it. I like historical fiction and this shows a different side of slavery. It seemed to be a lot of set-up for the final chapters of excitement but what it has to say about freedom is incredibly powerful. I loved the language of the book! This was selected by my multicultural book group of 5th graders at school and the language was difficult for them. I read a few paragraphs aloud to them so they could get a feel for it and that helped a lot! this will be the last book we read together as they go off to 6th grade. Hopefully, a few out of the 10 students will continue to discover new books after trying new choices through this club. We read The devils' arithmetic (Jane Yolen), The Breadwinner (Deborah Ellis), Heart of a chief (Joseph Bruchac), and Esperanza Rising (Pam Munoz Ryan) as well as Elijah. We've blogged and talked and each book is their "absolute favorite", hopefullly they will continue reading for pleasure through middle school. See the book trailer here!!

J and I read a great picture book last night, Mrs. Muddle's holidays by Laura F. Nielsen, a very fun read, demonstating how some folks just have joy of life!!! Mrs. Muddle moves to Katie's neighborhood and shows all the neighborhood children a host of new holidays. She just has a spectacular outlook on life and I might have to "borrow" the "leaf fairy" idea to motivate my little helpers! Check out Mrs. Muddle's Holidays to brighten your day!! Another great review here.

Now, on my extra special day off from school(double yeah!!) and in-between meditating on freedom while I plant basil and some flowers to honor my dear grandparents, I will be reading The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. I have three days to read it before it is due back at the library. I can't even renew it because someone else is waiting for it-and I've already had to wait so long to get it from the library because of other holds so the time is now!!! Cue up music and time to get off the computer...