My Life in Pink & Green -Lisa Greenwald

I picked this book up at the library with my sixth-grader in mind. The main character is 12 year old Lucy Desberg who sets out to save the family drugstore. I loved Lucy's spunk and faith in her talents. I often find myself reading "junior fiction" because it is quick and gives me perspective on my own children. I loved the scene in the book where Lucy gets new sneakers and she says, "I know they're just sneakers, but a new beginning is a new beginning, even if it's just a new beginning for your feet." A very enjoyable book.

My daughter posing with the book!

The Book of Love -Kathleen McGowan

This book follows Kathleen McGowan's "The Expected One". It, like her previous work, is a treasure. I love it for it's "layered learning" concept. Yesterday, I checked out a book on the Chartres Cathedral in France as the book inspired me to learn more. The book jacket portrays a sacred labyrith at the Cathedral. The story moves back and forth between present day Maureen Pascal's search for an ancient document and Matilda of Tuscany from medieval Europe presumed to have been a caretaker of the document. It is a great read!

www.KathleenMcGowan.com

Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life -Wendy Mass

Wendy Mass is an author that inspires you to read more of her work. This story involves a boy who is about to turn thirteen and is left a box by his deceased father to open on his birthday. The box needs four keys, but the keys are lost. Jeremy and his friend Lizzy are on a mission to find the four keys and unlock the father's box to find the meaning of life. I liked the part where Jeremy and Lizzy are assigned community service and the mom calls it a job, but Jeremy argues with her because they won't get paid. "A job is where you are assigned a task to complete to the best of your ability. Money or no money."

Land of Lincoln -Andrew Ferguson

This book takes a look at the impact Abraham Lincoln still has in America. The author takes us through museums and park statues all dedicated to Abe. It also looks at Lincoln impersonators, Lincoln Style Management Companies and the historical Lincoln Trail through 3 midwestern states developed by the oil industry to promote automobile travel. I loved the journey the author takes back to sites from his own childhood with his wife and children in tow. They don't find the same sense of "Lincoln Awe" as the author! Any parent can relate to this chapter. Having just visited the great state of Illionois, I enjoyed learning more about Lincoln. It is a fun read with all kinds of interesting facts.

Still Alice -by Lisa Genova

Alice Howland, the main character, is a Harvard Psychology Professor who is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease at age 50. This book reads quickly and is a reminder to all of us that life can "turn on a dime". Because her disease occurs so young it also progresses very rapidly. The book is written from Alice's point of view even as her memory deteriorates. A very intersting look at what must go on inside the minds of all Alzheimer's victims.

www.StillAlice.com

Street Gang :The Complete History of Sesame Street -Michael Davis

Even if you don't watch much TV, you know the concept of Sesame Street. It's goal has always been to teach preschoolers via TV. My own children loved it. One liked Big Bird the other was an Elmo Fan. I identify more with Oscar the character who won the spot on the jacket cover! Who wouldn't love to live in a trash can and get away with being grouchy all of the time? The book's introduction talks about the tragic early death of Jim Henson and his funeral. Carroll Spinney as Big Bird sings "Bein Green" and ends with a Thank You, Kermit!! I remember the day Jim Henson died so sad. Now the world has lost Mark Fidrych former Detroit Tiger pitching sensation also nicknamed the "Bird" from his resemblance to Big Bird! The world would be less colorful without Jim Henson's characters.

I like that the book chronicles early children's television shows like Howdy Doody and Captain Kangaroo. The history is very well researched and presented. This fall marks the 40th anniversary of Sesame Street. It is amazing that it has survived so well with the onslaught of children's programming.

I really did not like the title for this book. I don't like the word "gang" in the title it seem to have negative connotations and the book is about a children's show. Within, I learned that they came upon the name Sesame Street as a quick last minute decision. Funny how it took off!

http://www.streetgangthebook.com/

The Giver -Lois Lowry

I read this book for the first time about 14 years ago when it first came out. My daughter is currently reading it for school so I thought I'd refresh my memory. It remains one of the best books I've ever read. The book has a science fiction setting in a world of utopia where all seems perfect. Of course, things are never perfect and the main character Jonas at age twelve soon figures this out. It is a great story about diversity and change.

Upon reviewing web related sites about the book, I was interested that some schools think it's subject matter so severe that it gets banned. It is fiction!!! I am always amazed what people will read into a story.

If you want to appreciate your life in all of it's unperfect glory, pick up a copy of The Giver you won't be disappointed.

http://www.loislowry.com/

Following are some images from my daughter's book report. If you click on the image to enlarge it you may be able to read it better. It provides a great summary of the story's plot.