Hi folks! I had a wonderful time in Ireland with my wife and three kids, and I got practically no reading done. Chasing after my toddler Samantha prompted me to relax with a Stout instead of a book, so I will be busily catching up as I speak around the country in August. I did manage to find some more great books from a couple of my favorite British authors. If you ever get the chance to read any Jeffrey Archer novel or Andy McNabb’s wonderful Bravo Two Zero, I highly recommend them both.
Anyhow, enjoy this month’s book selections below. I hope you are all reading some wonderful books. Make sure to tell me all about them. If you're an author or a publisher and would like to send me review copies of your book(s), please send them to the address listed for authors and publishers.
I hope you are reading some wonderful books. Make sure to tell me about them by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Doerr manages to combine a couple of my passions: travel and the brain. If you have not yet read his travel memoir Four Seasons in Rome, you’re in for a treat. Memory Wall is a novella of short stories deals with faded memories in distant lands, and Doerr is one of the few authors who I wish would write books that are a little longer. He leaves you wanting more!
This book is a real kick for Cliff Clavins like me who love useless information, such as the origins of certain terms in our vocabulary. Witty, easy-to-read – perfect!
Subtitled “The Weed That Killed Lincoln's Mother and Other Botanical Atrocities,” this gem acts as an encyclopedia of dangerous garden items. I found the book fascinating.
This book has led to some pretty fun discussions among middle schoolers. While the premise of a demon entering the body of a slacker teen makes for plenty of slapstick moments, the also book has a heartwarming message that resonates with teens. Life is precious and not to be wasted, and every teenager needs to know that. Great title, by the way.
Too many teen books depress the heck out of me, so I am thrilled whenever I read something that is funny. Okay, so teen girls will identify more with this Jane Austen-inspired romantic comedy. Still, I enjoyed every page.
Even though I think McCormick is a wonderful writer, do not expect a happy feeling after reading her. Sold is one of the most disturbing young adult books I have ever read, but it is an important book that illuminates the horrible world of teen slavery/prostitution that is certain to stir the hearts and minds of students.
I am not sure if Stephanie Myer is solely responsible for the current vampire craze in literature, but I do know that I sure see a lot more vampire books appearing in teen literature lately. For yet another alternative for teens obsessed with the Twilight series, check out Marrone’s book about a teen dealing with issues of bad choices that include her ex-boyfriend (who happens to be a vampire).
By Isabella Hatkoff,Craig Hatkoff,Paula Kahumbu
40 pages
Children
Danny Says
I have listed Greste as the author, as his photos of a baby hippo and adoptive mother tortoise are the true stars of this amazing story publicized following the Indonesian tsunami in 2004. I have been recommending this book to audiences for years and never realized I had not listed it among my lazyreaders.com recommendations. Make sure to check this one out (along with Jeanette Winter’s Baby).
Woodson is a rock star who does not need me to promote her books. I cannot resist recommending this one, though. It is a great book to introduce to students when teaching them the importance of writing their personal family stories. Woodson is one of the most gifted storytellers of our time, and I thank goodness I get to expose her works to my students. She has inspired a lot of my young writers. By the way – Hudson Talbott’s illustrations are phenomenal.
Portis has developed a delightful Not a… series of books with simple illustrations that inspire children to use their imaginations. Great motivation for young writers and illustrators.
