Looking for Another Summer Reading Book?

Real Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham is a story of friendship. The main character, Shannon, has been best friends with Adrienne for as long as they can remember. Unfortunately, Adrienne starts hanging out with Jen, the most popular girl in the class, along with Jen's "group." Shannon misses her best friend and will do anything to continue to hang out with her, even if that means hanging out with the bullies in The Group. Shannon never knows what to expect from Jen and her group- one minute you're "in" and the next you're not. How will Shannon stay friends with Adrienne? Will she have to continue to hang out with a group of bullies, or will she remain true to herself?

If you liked El Deafo by Cece Bell then this is the book for you. Also formatted as a graphic novel, Real Friends also tells a story of friendship and self acceptance just like Cece had to in her story. Check out Real Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham today!

Travel Tuesday

I just came back from an awesome vacation in Boston! While I had so much fun, I definitely like living in New Jersey better. This got me thinking...

Would you like to live where your story takes place? Why or why not?

Bored? Too hot to go outside today? Try creating a "Character Trading Card" on ReadWriteThink. A character trading card is a place where you can display and show off your favorite characters all in one place. You choose the "topic" (aka character's name) and then follow the instructions to upload a picture and information about the character. The website will let you save up to 8 trading cards about your favorite characters.

Click here to create a trading card!!

Let us know what characters you used to create a trading card in the comments below!

Below is an example of a trading card for Beezus Quimby from Ramona and Beezus

My Reading Spot

Where do you LOVE to read? Do you have a *special* spot in your home? 

*BONUS* Make a goal to read in a NEW spot this week and let us know in the comments below!!

Possible Ideas:
-Build a fort and read inside!
-Read aloud to one of your pets
-Bring a book to your doctor's appointment and read in the waiting room

TRICKY THURSDAY!

So if you like books that have funny story lines and strange twists, then you should read Ungifted. Donovan, the main character, is usually stuck in detention, but during his latest one, his friends help him escape. Good idea? No, instead Donovan who is usually tempted by pulling pranks, finds himself in another sticky mess. His attempt to get out of trouble lands him in a middle school full of gifted students. As he tries to hide his just average IQ, he becomes involved in more challenges and obstacles with no way out. You need to read this novel to find out how Donovan solves all his problems. Gordon Korman is a fantastic writer and many of my middle schoolers would agree!

Please offer any tricky novel recommendations you may have!

**ALERT** AMAZING BOOK RECOMMENDATION!!

 

Do you like reading stories that make you laugh out loud? Let's be honest...what could possibly be more funny than your family, friends, and YOU? I just finished reading Funny Girl: Funniest. Stories. Ever. What I really enjoyed about this book was that each chapter was a different short story by a famous author, (Have you read El Deafo by Cece Bell? She wrote one of the short stories in this book!) and every single story had me laughing out loud. From embarrassing moments to a crazy grandma taking you on a ridiculous road trip. This book NEEDS to be on your summer reading list. If you love laughing, you will LOVE Funny Girl: Funniest. Stories. Ever.

Comment below with a book title that you would like to recommend. Be sure to include the title, author, and a little bit about the book to get other readers interested! 

Motivational Monday!

Having a case of the Mondays? 

Try to get a friend to join our blog! Blogging together about your reading can help motivate you to read more. I can't wait to see who is first to get a friend to join! Make sure you mention your friend so it counts. :) 

Good Morning, Readers! How has your reading been going this summer? What is one strategy you'd like to work on the become a better reader? Comment below with what you're working on and we can give you some strategies to help!