Wintry weather has come to New Jersey!
We're chasing the chill away with heart-warming conduct of life stories... reading that entertains us
and gives us something to think about
after the books are back on the shelf.
Listening and Learning: El Deafo by Cece Bell. In this funny and moving graphic memoir, author-illustrator Cece Bell shares the story of her adolescent hearing loss and her experiences with a powerful but awkward hearing aid. The Phonic Ear helps Cece hear—but it also sets her apart from her classmates. After overcoming many challenges, she finds much longed-for friendship and discovers her place in the world.
El Deafo Reading Road Trip Video
featuring Morgan, Ava, Lily, Sadie, Avery, and Kate.
El Deafo Reading Road Trip Author Interview.
Winter Reading from Snow Hill: Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea. Seven narrators—new girl Jessica, bossy Alexia, prankster Peter, brainy Luke, quiet Danielle, outcast Anna, and reluctant student Jeffrey—share stories from their fifth grade school year. Rookie teacher Mr Terupt makes the classroom a disciplined-yet-fun place… until the snowy day when an accident changes everything.
Because of Mr. Terupt Video Project
featuring Reese, Kyra, Eva, Cloe, Isabella, and Jule.
A Novel in Verse: Hidden by Helen Frost. Years after Darra's father steals a minivan with Wren hiding in the back, the girls meet at summer camp and begin to work through what happened during those life-changing hours and days—and the impact it had on their lives. Told from alternating perspectives, Hidden explores memory, blame, and the power of friendship.
Hidden Video Project by Anna, Casey, and Julia.
Strength and Self-Reliance: Everything on a Waffle by Polly Horvath. In a small fishing village in British Columbia, Canada, eleven-year-old Primrose Squarp chronicles her experiences and misadventures in the months after her parents are lost in a typhoon... a time when the only constant in her life is enjoyment of a restaurant that serves every menu item on a waffle.
Overcoming Challenges: Small Steps: The Year I Got Polio by Peg Kehret. Celebrated author Peg Kehret describes her childhood battle with polio and her efforts to overcome the ongoing effects of the disease.
Courageous Historical Fiction: The Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine. In 1958 Arkansas, twelve-year-old Marlee befriends new girl Liz. Suddenly, Marlee’s bold and brave friend stops attending school, and rumors fly that Liz is an African-American passing herself off as white. Together, the two girls confront prejudice, integration, and dangers that their friendship could bring to their families.
Convincing and Captivating: Wonder by R.J. Palacio. Ten-year-old Auggie Pullman, born with severe facial deformities, is venturing from the isolated safety of home schooling to enter fifth grade at Beecher Prep in Manhattan. Auggie wants to be treated like an ordinary kid. His classmates, however, can’t get past his unusual appearance, and he endures hurtful taunting and ridicule at his new school.
Wonder Video Project by Ben, Luc, Henry, and Charlie.
Wonder Reading Road Trip Interview Session
featuring Christina, Abigail, Caroline, Sophie, and Mrs. Cifrodella.
At first, Wonder is told from Auggie’s point of view, but then the story shifts to include his classmates, his sister, and others, creating a moving portrayal of what it means to be different-- and a community’s journey to compassion and acceptance.
Wonder Reading Road Trip Video
featuring Kylie, Amelia, and Bettina.
Page-Turning Realistic Fiction: Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen. In alternating chapters, teenagers Bryce and Juli describe how their perspectives have changed over the years—thoughts and feelings about themselves, each other, and their families. Flipped is funny and thought-provoking, a comedy of errors about two characters figuring out who they are and who they want to be.
We're warming up with winter reading...
Let's make some cocoa, find a comfortable chair,
and get our mitts on a Reading Road Trip book!
