Kellee Moye of Unleashing Readers and Jen Vincent of Teach Mentor Texts decided to give Kathryn’s (at Book Date) “It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?” meme a kidlit focus, reviewing books in children’s literature (picture books, chapter books, middle grade novels, young adult novels, or anything in the world of kidlit). If you enjoy this type of reading, join us every Monday!
It’s Monday! What have I been reading??
The Unteachables
Gordon Korman
January 8, 2019
Balzer + Bray
Zachary Kermit was once the most vibrant teacher at Greenwich Middle School, beloved by students and admired by fellow educators. But after an unfortunate cheating scandal took place in his classroom around 25 years ago, his reputation and drive was badly damaged. For years he’s been content to just float along until early retirement (which he will finally qualify for this summer). This year, at the last minute, the Superintendent decides to place Mr. Kermit in room 117 with 7 misfits who are considered the 8th grade “unteachables.” When class starts he doesn’t care what their names are, why they were each placed in room 117, or how they do on their work. Day after day, it’s the same thing over and over again — load up on coffee, hand out a worksheet to keep the kids busy, and start working on the daily crossword puzzle. What could possibly awaken Mr. Kermit from his teaching slumber?
The Unteachables is narrated from multiple perspectives, giving the reader an opportunity to empathize with each character, including Mr. Kermit. The story highlights the importance of forgiveness, the power of student bonding, and the fact that not all bullies are children. It’s a feel-good story that will provide both sniffles and giggles.
You can add it to your Goodreads list HERE.
If you do not have a local bookstore, you may purchase it HERE.
Resistance
Jennifer A. Nielsen
August 28, 2018
Scholastic Inc.
Resistance is a historical fiction novel based on the happenings of Nazi-occupied Poland during WWII in the 1940s. Chaya Lindner is a Jewish teenager living in Poland with her family. Her little sister is taken just before her brother disappears. As her parents are left utterly devastated, Chaya is determined to act on behalf of her people. She has blond hair and can easily pass as Polish, so she joins a resistance cell where she acts as a courier using forged papers to smuggle in/out food, supplies, and information throughout the ghettos of Poland. But no place is truly safe for Chaya and her travel companions. If her bags are ever searched, what is found could get her beaten or even killed. But seeing the devastation all around her, she only knows she must keep going.
This is an incredibly important and intense read. The entire book kept me on the edge of my seat. There is an important Afterword you won’t want to miss which reveals the names and details of many real-life individuals who participated in the uprisings described in the book. I toured Poland about 25 years ago. And after having visited the surrounding concentration camps (with a tour guide who was once a prisoners in Auschwitz), I’m horrified knowing there are so many modern Holocaust deniers today. It’s a relief to see the number of middle grade and young adult historical fiction titles popping up from this time period, bringing to life both the devastation and the bravery. NOTE: Resistance is classified as a middle grade novel for ages 8 to 12, but I would give a warning to be aware of very sensitive readers. The scenes aren’t graphic, but the reader will know what’s happening. Publishers Weekly said, “the book is unapologetically grim and violent, like the events it so persuasively depicts, and may not suit readers at the younger end of its stated range.”
You can add it to your Goodreads list HERE.
If you do not have a local bookstore, you may purchase it HERE.
Thick as Thieves
(The Queen’s Thief #5)
Megan Whalen Turner
May 16, 2017
Greenwillow Books
This installment of The Queen’s Thief series follows Kamet, a slave whose master has been killed. This means he will also very likely face his own demise, soon. Kamet, however, is offered an escape to another kingdom where he is told he will live as a free man. By land and sea he travels in terrible conditions, facing near death more than once. Even if he reaches his final destination, he wonders if he will be killed as soon as he arrives. Throughout these first 5 books of the series, I’ve been very careful not to give any spoilers for those who still plan to read it. So this is all I’ll share for now. Book #6, Return of the Thief, is the final installment and it will be released March 19, 2019.
You can add Thick as Thieves to your Goodreads list HERE.
If you do not have a local bookstore, you may purchase it HERE.
Henry and the Yeti
Russell Ayto
February 23, 2017
Bloomsbury Childrens
Last week our family watched the movie Small Foot, so I thought this might be a fun little book to read at the same time. While the Small Foot movie has a yeti attempting to find a small foot (AKA human), this story features a young human named Henry who is attempting to find a Yeti. His father doesn’t seem overly concerned about his young son’s plans to trek across an ocean, through a forest, and over several mountains in search of a yeti, just as long as he doesn’t stay up late. (Heehee!) At school, no one believes in Henry’s expedition. Everyone laughs at him and his principal only tells him he must bring back evidence. But keep reading because Henry just might get the last laugh! The artwork is mixed-media paintings with simplistic characters. The pages feature a different colored backdrop in each new spread. I’ll provide one spread as an example, below:
You can add it to your Goodreads list HERE.
If you do not have a local bookstore, you may purchase it HERE.
To Be Read:
I am still reading Game Changer! and I must say that I’m sooo happy to have a copy of this one to keep on hand. I am also hoping to finish reading Watch Us Rise and Cogheart.
#MustReadin2019: 6/42
The Miller Memo 
I got a copy of Resistance in the fall at my school’s book fair, but I have not gotten to it yet. I’ve just noticed Cogheart popping up here and there so I’m looking forward to hearing about it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I sure hope you enjoy Resistance. I couldn’t wait to see the fate of the main characters!! Cogheart is supposed to be steampunk-ish, so I’m looking forward to seeing what the buzz is about. 🙂 Thanks for visiting, Lisa!
LikeLike
I loved Resistance, but agree that 8 & 9 year olds might be a little young for it. It sounds like Gordon Korman has a new good story to tell, will look for it, Shaye, and that Yeti book! Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I felt that if Resistance had MY heart hammering so hard and ME crying at different points, then it just might be too much for the younger crowd. At the same time, I think older teens would really enjoy it (not just middle graders). Thank you for stopping by, Linda!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am nearly finished with The Unteachables and enjoying it. I think Thick as Thieves is my second favorite in The Queen’s Thief series. I really love how she writes from a different character’s perspective every book, though I’d also be very fine never hearing from anyone except Eugenides and Costas (love, love, love Costas!). I can’t wait for the final book to come out, though I also don’t want the series to end! My son is starting to get into historical fiction, so we might try Resistance.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Don’t make me pick a favorite!! But I completely agree on enjoying the various perspectives — adds so much to the world building. And the development of Eugenides is just outstanding. I don’t want it to end, either. You’ll have to help me lure Lee into this series (he’s already mentioned buying the series, but I’m hoping they release a new box set or something with the last book).
LikeLike
I just requested Henry and the Yeti from my library. It looks like a fun book, so I’m looking forward to getting ahold of it. Have a terrific week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It seems there’s been a lot of recent interest in Yeti over the last 2-3 years, but this book is definitely appropriate for the youngest of readers. Definitely some humorous reading between the lines in this one.
LikeLike
Nicole also wrote about Cogheart today. That’s one I’ve added to my list. I haven’t even looked at this Megan Whalen Turner series, but after reading yours and Elisabeth’s comments, I guess I will have to get started on it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Queen’s Thief series has been going on for quite a long time, but I only joined the fandom this year. Book #1 (The Thief) won a Newbery honor in 1997 and book #6 will be published next month. I can’t get over the world building and I’m admittedly sad it’s all coming to an end. *sniff, sniff* Thanks for swinging by, Cheriee!
LikeLike
I have been curious about The Unteachables. I loved Gordon Korman when I was in middle school, but haven’t kept up with many of his newer books. I’m also way behind in the Megan Whalen Turner series. I read the first book a few years ago and keep forgetting to grab the sequel – maybe this year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is the perfect time to jump back in, Katie! The final book of the series, book #6, is being released in March. I started book #1 in January and am glad I’ve finished just in time to wait for the last book. But like Elisabeth, I don’t want it to end!! Thanks for visiting and have a wonderful reading week!
LikeLike
I am so glad you loved Resistance! I did, too! (Side note: I marked Resistance as YAL–is it really marked MG? I’m surprised. I definitely would agree with your warning.)
And Gordon Korman is so trustworthy! He never lets you down.
Happy reading this week 🙂
LikeLike
It’s listed for Ages 8 – 12 years and grades 3-7. I thought it was excellent, but as I was reading I was assuming it was more for teenagers. Thanks for dropping by, Kellee, and have a wonderful week!
LikeLike
Oooo, my son’s name is Henry, so I will definitely be getting Henry and the Yeti. 🙂 🙂 Thanks for sharing it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awww, great name! I hope he enjoys it. It seems to be a popular topic over the last few years…
LikeLike
I am going to search out Henry and the Yeti as well as The Thief. I also missed out on that series. I had read Resistance in the summer with the thought that it would either be a read aloud or a Reading Club book. I made it a Reading Club book and was able to let those considering it know it was not an easy read. I had almost all grade 7s. I think that was the right call for the reasons outlined. We got to Skype a little with Jennifer Nielsen about that book and there is a lot of great research that went into it. My group was excited to see the cover of Words on Fire, her next historical fiction this week as well. Thanks for the great post, have a wonderful week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, I don’t think it would be bad for 7th graders. And how cool to get to Skype with Jennifer Nielsen. I really appreciated the back matter where the research was discussed with real-life names and jobs. I’ll be looking forward to Words on Fire, too. Thanks for dropping by, Aaron!
LikeLike
The Unteachables sounds really intriguing – something a bit different!
Resistance sounds good, too. My favorite Jennifer Neilson novel was A Night Divided, another historical fiction (about the Berlin Wall) – I tend to like those better than her fantasies (just my preference).
Enjoy your books this week, Shaye –
Sue
Book By Book
LikeLiked by 1 person
I still need to read A Night Divided, Sue. I remember visiting the wall in Berlin in the early 90s and hearing Eastern Europeaners talk about the experience made me realize how little I understood as a teen. I think it might be an especially important read right now.
LikeLike
I have The Unteachables to read. My daughter’s middle school will by skyping with Gordon Korman at some point this school year. She took the book over from me to read 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh how fun to get to Skype with Gordon Korman! That’s great that she’ll get to read his latest before then. Hope you both enjoy it!
LikeLike
Oooh! Watch Us Rise looks perfect given our current reading theme. I have a feeling though that it won’t be available yet in our libraries here in Singapore since it’s super new. Your post also reminds me that I need to catch up on Gordon Korman’s titles – maybe next year? 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, it’ll publisher here in the states on February 12th, so it may take some time before it hits Singapore. And I still have more Gordon Korman titles to hit, myself. Thanks so much for visiting, Myra!
LikeLiked by 1 person