Recommended Books

Check out this page for more wonderfully books to read:
http://margrietruurs.blogspot.ca/

Happy Reading!

Bucket Book List!

Check out many more recommended books on my Bucket Book list, featuring one picturebook or novel per week:
http://margrietruurs.blogspot.ca/

Armageddon Summer by Jane Yolen and Bruce Coville

Armageddon Summer, Jane Yolen and Bruce Coville


The main criterion for my selection of my 52 favorite books ever, is "how long did this book stay with me after reading it, and how did it change me?"

Armageddon Summer is an intriguing novel. Each chapter is in the voice of either Marine or Jed. I always wonder if Jane Yolen and Bruce Coville each 'became' the girl and the boy and wrote to each other?

The world will end on Thursday, July 27, 2000. At least, that's what Reverend Beelson has told his congregation. Marina's mom believes him. So does Jed's dad.
That's why they drag their teen children to join the reverend's flock at a mountain retreat. From the mountaintop they will all watch the end of the world -- and then descend to begin the world anew. But this world has only just begun for Jed and Marina, two teenagers with more attitude than faith. Why should the world end now, when they've just fallen in love?

Told in alternating chapters from both Jed's and Marina's points of view, this first-ever collaboration between two masters of children's literature is a story about faith and friendship, love and loss . . . and the things that matter most at the End of the World.

A powerful read. It will make an interesting book club read for discussion in high school classes.

Picture books in Spanish/English

Are you looking for bilingual books in both English and Spanish? Groundwood Books has a line of beautiful picture books with text in both languages on each page. Arroz con Leche or Rice Pudding and Talking With Mother Earth/Hablando con Madre Tierra, both by Jorge Argueta, are exquisitely illustrated poems. Author Jorge Luján wrote Tarde de invierno or Winter Afternoon, Colors!/Colores! and the rhythmic Rooster/Gallo. These books are a delight for any Kindergarten or primary grade and can serve both for bilingual students or anyone wanting to learn a new language. Check out: www.groundwoodbooks.com

Adventures on the Ancient Silk Road

One of the most informative and attractive nonfiction books I have seen in a long time is Adventures on the Ancient Silk Road, written by Priscilla Galloway with Dawn Hunter. Aimed at ages 10 and up, the book takes the reader along on breathtaking adventures on the fabled Silk Road with Chinese Buddhist Xuanzang to India. Six hundred years later, Genghis Khan secures control of the Silk Road for Mongols while during the 13th century Marco Polo uses the road to introduce China to Europe. The photos, sidebars and maps bring the story of the Silk Road to life with amazingly vivid details. A great book to use both for readers who love information and as a valuable classroom resource. Adventures on the Ancient Silk Road, Priscilla Galloway with Dawn Hunter. Annick Press, ISBN 978-1-55451-198-3

The Bite of the Mango

The Bite of the Mango by Mariatu Kamara with Susan McClelland is a riveting novel for older students. It is Mariatu's personal narrative of how war devastated her country and effected her personally when she was attacked by child rebels.
This is a powerful book to put in the hands of North American youth, to help them better understand the reality of war - what it can do to individuals and families.
Mariatu is now working with UNICEF and trying to better conditions for children in war-torn countries.
When I finished reading this well written novel I felt that I have to do something. Check out Mariatu's website: www.mariatufoundation.com to see what you can do to make a difference.

A Guide for Babies...

Dogs Don't Eat Jam and Other Things Big Kids Know
by Sarah Tsiang, Illustrated by Qin Leng, Annick Press
ISBN 978-1-55451-359-8

An older sister shares her wisdom with her new born baby brother. If it wasn't for him, she wouldn't be a sister so he has already accomplished something grant. She guides him along in all of life's important lessons: how to learn to walk, how to outgrow the pacifier and how not to feed jam to the dog.
A lovely, fun story to read to the older sibling once a new baby comes along.
It will be even more important then, for a parent, to spend time with the first born. This book will allow a parent quality time to read together and also an opportunity to discuss the pro's and con's of being an older sibling.
A fun, recommended read for kids of all ages.