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February 2007

Hi folks!

I hope you are all doing well. Have you ever lived out of a suitcase? That seems to be what I am doing lately. I was talking with a businessman from Colorado Springs on a flight from Little Rock last week, and we both groaned about our growing frequent flyer status at the expense of time with our families. I miss my wife and kids. 

I sure do get a lot of reading done on planes, though. From awful romance novels (I am trying to get interested in them, as they represent the most popular genre in America, but I am struggling) and hastily-written biographies to incredible children’s books and inspirational collections, I have devoured a lot of pages while crisscrossing the country for speaking engagements. I have to thank Beth Doucette for recommending Barrack Obama’s The Audacity of Hope. I knew very little of the politician, but this book sold me on the man. That book got me reading a slew of other Presidential candidates’ books. At the rate people are announcing their intentions to campaign for the White House, I wonder if there will be anyone left to film any of the 758 reality shows on television. Charles Lewis has a great series of books called The Buying of the President that identify which companies and individuals contribute the most money to candidates’ campaigns. I have an idea: why not make the 2008 Presidential election a Nascar event? I’d feel better watching the candidates debate if they just wore advertising all over their suits (and blouses) that showed all the companies expecting perks. Sorry to ramble, but I am actually fascinated by Presidential politics. If I had to vote today, I would vote for Rafe Esquith for President. His just-published book Teach Like Your Hair’s on Fire: The Methods and Madness Inside Room 56 may be the most inspiring teacher tale I have ever read. As a matter of fact, at 256 pages, I just realized that I need to put that book on a lazy reader list, so watch for it next month.

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..

Have a wonderful February, and enjoy your books!

Danny ;-)
The Secret

The Secret

By Rhonda Byrne 198 pages Adult

Danny Says

The perfect relief to those of you rushing through your lives in a constant state of stress (i.e. “me”). Easy-to-read wisdom from a number of contributors helps anyone focus on what is really important in life, even if you have to put it down to answer your cell phone, e-mail a client and/or lead a videoconference. I need books like this to keep me going while I am on the road, feeling lonely and guilty about not being with my family.
Buy on Amazon
Plum Lovin'

Plum Lovin'

By Janet Evanovich 288 pages Adult

Danny Says

If you have not yet rewarded yourself with one of Evanovich’s fantastic tales of Jersey bond enforcement agent Stephanie Plum, you are in for a real treat. Nothing gets me reading like a funny mystery, and Evanovich reminds me of a female Gregory MacDonald (author of the Fletch series).
Buy on Amazon
Book of Longing

Book of Longing

By Leonard Cohen 256 pages Adult

Danny Says

A renowned songwriter, Cohen is a natural poet. Poetry is one of my favorite tools to motivate students to read and write, and Cohen expresses himself beautifully in this book that will transport you to a nicer place. Best read on a beach or in front of a fireplace.
Buy on Amazon
What's French For

What's French For "Ew"?

By Katie Maxwell 196 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

The title grabbed me, and the style kept my attention. One of the first young adult books that I have read that is formatted like a series of emails. Clever and funny.
Buy on Amazon
Crossing the Wire

Crossing the Wire

By Will Hobbs 224 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Not only is this a great book because it puts a human face on illegal immigration (15-year-old Victor, who must head North to earn money for his fatherless family). I appreciate how the book explores the geography of the Southwest, as I am constantly pressing students to learn more about geography (most Americans only learn where places are if there is a war or natural disaster). To find out more about why I enjoy Will’s books so much, click this link to read this month’s blog.
Buy on Amazon
Sticks and Stones

Sticks and Stones

By Beth Goobie 112 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Rumors are one of the toughest experiences for adolescents, and this book has always been popular with my students for grabbing their attention with its realistic portrayal of a girl who is falsely accused of being a slut. 
Buy on Amazon
The Last Mission

The Last Mission

By Harry Mazer 192 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

I have been reading a lot of books about World War II lately, and an odd man at the bookstore insisted I read this book. Wish I could run into the fellow again, because this book is fantastic. A 15-year-old Jewish boy lies his way into the Air Force with dreams of becoming a hero. I know: there are plenty of stories like it, but I have never read such a story geared toward teenage boys. Recommend this one to reluctant middle school readers.
Buy on Amazon
A Horse Called Starfire

A Horse Called Starfire

By Betty D. Boegehold 48 pages Children

Danny Says

Beginning readers will enjoy this story of a little Native American boy who encounters a horse (set free by a Spanish explorer) for the first time. This book has a mystical quality to it.
Buy on Amazon
Groundhog Stays Up Late

Groundhog Stays Up Late

By Margery Cuyler 32 pages Children

Danny Says

A teacher asked me for a fun book to read aloud to her kindergartners for Groundhog’s Day (Feb. 2nd), and I suggested this amusing tale I recently discovered about a groundhog who tricks his forest friends into believing Spring has arrived, so he can stay out late and play with his friends. They are not amused when they learn that winter is still here. Silly, with wonderful illustrations by Jean Cassels.
Buy on Amazon
D.W.'s Guide to Preschool

D.W.'s Guide to Preschool

By Marc Brown 32 pages pages Children

Danny Says

Marc Brown is one of my favorite children’s authors, and his series of Arthur books are a treasure. Whenever I conduct trainings and concerned parents and teachers ask me about the downside of television, I always point to the PBS version of Arthur as not only a great show for kids, but one of the funniest shows on television. I read the books and watch the show with my kids all the time (there is a great book about D.W. being a picky eater, which I read to my daughter at least once a day – especially since she is a picky eater). Reading Marc Brown’s books will make you a happier and healthier human being.
Buy on Amazon

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