The Glass Castle

LEXILE 1010

Just finished, in record time, reading The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls, and I loved it. This memoir held my interest so much that I even went online to investigate more about the author's life. Jeannette Walls is an MSNBC correspondent who endured a crazy childhood due to the quirky whims of her eccentric parents. Written in a matter-of-fact, non-judgmental but deeply moving manner, it's one of those books that makes you reflect on your own dysfunctional upbringing. While it's hard to imagine the deprivation and neglect suffered by Walls and her three siblings, the story does offer positive affirmations in its focus on self-reliance, resourcefulness, loyalty, and the importance placed on education. Thoroughly enjoyed and would highly recommend this book.

Pedro's Journal

LEXILE 1030 ages 8-12

Fifth graders really enjoyed reading Pedro's Journal by Pam Conrad. And so did I.

Fictional character Pedro de Salcedo, chronicles his experiences aboard the Santa Maria on Columbus's expedition to the Americas in 1492. Chosen as a ship's boy for the voyage because of his ability to read and write, Pedro captures the excitement, adventure and peril of exploration. His details humanize the aspirations of the European explorers as well as the deposition of the natives they encountered.

Drowning Ruth

Drowning Ruth by Christina Schwarz is predictable yet implausible, boring and disappointing. The book's beginning held promise, but by the middle I had totally lost interest in the characters. I forced myself to finish reading it in one night and never gave it a second thought after that. Very unfulfilling.