11 April 2011

Reading Monday: Book Recommendations

This post is somewhat ADD (attention deficit disorder) since I have been pulled into so many directions lately. My thoughts are truly scattered this evening. I have to find a balance or my schedule is going to kill me. :D

Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment by James Patterson

I am currently rereading this series in anticipation of reading the entire series. My daughter, Ayanna, recommended them to me after I was complaining that I needed something to read that wouldn't require much metacognitive contemplation on the mysteries of life. I have too much going on right now and I took the advice of a fellow Burrower, Jan Morrison, to read something light and enjoyable.

So the book is about a group of children who were part of an experiment to create little mini-superheroes. However, "The School" that created them wants back one of its wards, Angel, and sends a task force of werewolf mutant kids, Erasers, to retrieve her. The leader of the flock (yes, they have wings) is Max and she devises a plan to save Angel and discover who is the individual behind this atrocity. I don't know why I thought she was a boy, the misleading name perhaps!

The novel is full of action and intrigue. Every chapter brings more questions and hooks you from the prologue. I highly recommend this book for ages 9- adulthood.

The Color Purple by Alice Walker

My co-teacher and I decided to to use this novel as one of our units of study for ELA. Our theme is struggle, strength and perseverance. The students will explore each character and analyze their various roles throughout this exemplary literary work.

I love this book. It is raw, complex and inspiring. The story takes place in the early 1900's in a small, rural town. Celie, the protagonist, is abused and mistreated as a child and pre-teen. Her life is filled with strife and suffering. We see Celie transform throughout the novel into a woman of strength. The story is bittersweet and sent me on the emotional roller coaster of a life time. If you have already read this novel, maybe it's time to dust it off and read it again. :D

On a side note, please check out The Burrow's April Feature!

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1 comment:

Jemi Fraser said...

I've got Maximum Ride in my class, but I haven't picked it up yet. Sounds like it's time to give it a shot! :)