Come visit Teach.Mentor.Texts, with Jen and Kellee who are hosts of this meme. Lots of great books to discover here!
I didn't read many whole books this week because of too much to do and finding pieces of books to share for some non-fiction work, but some are worth mentioning.
I finally got around to reading two Babymouse books which I've read about so often that I am embarrassed I still haven't read any. And I didn't realize that they are co-written by Jennifer L. Holm of May Amelia fame and her brother, Matthew. I finished Babymouse Skater Girl and Babymouse Our Hero. These graphic novels are meant for young readers although sometimes the jokes seem a little old for who might be reading them. I liked the way they showed Babymouse trying things and choosing according to the way she thought life should be, like full of cupcakes and good friends. I didn't like the way the books showed that school wasn't always a good thing in her world, but perhaps that's more realistic than I just want it to be. I loved the drawings and laughed at most of the times that Babymouse got into trouble, like what seems to be a usual joke, her battle with her locker at school. She has one loyal friend, Wilson Weasel, that appeared in both books. I imagine these books might be fun for young children needing a boost in finding a book that feels comfortable.I discovered a new wonderful illustrator this week. I often browse in our library to look for a new book and or/author I'm unfamiliar with, and this time I chose The Blue Stone, A Journey Through Life, with geogeous watercolor illustrations by Jimmy Liao and the English text adapted by Sarah L. Thomson. Liao is Taiwanese and, according to the book flap,
known for his beautiful graphic illustrations. It's a poignant story of a big rock, actually, turned into many things, carried in its transformations throughout the world, yet continuing to be homesick to return home. You will have to find the book to see how it ends. 
Now and continuing: I started Divergent by Veronica Roth and am well in. It is enjoyable, but I feel as if I am still sitting on pins and needles, wondering when something heartrending will happen. The book makes me nervous, and that's good, but what if if doesn't come through? It's always a question, isn't it?
Ooh, The Blue Stone looks like an intriguing book...I can tell that the illustrations must be gorgeous by the cover alone. Thanks, Linda!
ReplyDeleteDivergent comes through. Don't worry.
ReplyDeleteDivergent is high on my to-be-read list -- I can't wait to hear what you think of it.
ReplyDeleteMy boys (7 & 11) both love Babymouse. It's the only pink book that boys check out as frequently as girls.
I LOVE Babymouse! And Divergent is a pins and needles book all the way to the end. I have the sequel on my shelf but don't want to read it yet, I fear I'll be up all night. :)
ReplyDeleteLoved Divergent. And, as the others said, it is a pins and needles book, but, ohhhh, so worth it. The second book, "Insurgent" is even more so. In my school, this will be the next Hunger Games. It's getting passed around at a steady pace. I may have to have a couple copies next year.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry, as the others have mentioned, Divergent comes through! It's a wild ride of a book and very addicting. Love Babymouse, She's one of my very favorite book characters (in fact, I'm wearing a Babymouse shirt as I type this, haha).
ReplyDeleteWell, to everyone who responded, looks as if Divergent does do what it's promising. I'm happy to keep reading! And I will find more Babymouse books! Thanks everyone for giving me your opinions!
DeleteThe Blue Stone looks great! I just read Green over the weekend and thought of it immediately. Babymouse is so much fun, isn't she? I think I need to read through the whole series to kick off my summer. Divergent does get more and more intense...I feel that way a lot of times with books, I think they aren't going to live up to my expectations and then (most of the time) they do. It's not fun then they don't, but I feel like with most of my books coming from my Nerdy Book Club, blogging, and/or Twitter friends, they usually do!
ReplyDeleteThe Blue Stone looks absolutely delightful, so glad you went exploring or I may never have heard about this book. I will be seeking it out soon.
ReplyDeleteHope you will find Divergent comes through for you. It did for me.
ReplyDeleteKathryn
Wow, so glad to hear that Divergent is good-so far, 100+ pages in, it's really intriguing! And Betsy, hope you like the book. Thanks everyone.
ReplyDeleteHi Linda, I'm glad that you're reading Divergent. I've been hearing so many great things about it, and I'm curious as to how you'd find it. So this is the Taiwanese illustrator that you've shared with us! I'd try to look for this book in our library. :)
ReplyDeleteI just finished reading Tall Story by Candy Gourlay (beautiful book) and Shizuko's Daughter by Kyoko Mori. Still plodding through Monsters of Men, it's great, but soooo thick! :) I am hoping to finish Kira Kira by Kadohata for our Immigrant and Asian Festival theme. It's also a Newbery Medalist. :)
Thanks for the additional titles, Myra. I do have Kira Kira, but have not read it. Yes Monsters of Men is long, so I might have to wait a while before beginning that one.
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