Jane Eyre

Bronte, C. (1847). Jane Eyre. London:  Smith, Elder and Company.

Jane and I have a love/hate relationship.  I have read this novel numerous times in the past ten years.  I first read Jane Eyre in my AP English IV class in high school.  Since this is the first year I'm teaching the same course, I thought it was an appropriate novel.  This time, the novel must have spoke to me, because currently, Jane and I are kindred spirits.  Or maybe the fact that my students are actually enjoying the plot made me like the novel this time.

Frank X Walker

In honor of Frank X Walker recently being named the Kentucky Poet Laureate, I am providing a link to my review of his book of poetry, Buffalo Dance:  The Journey of York.    Enjoy!  And Congratulations to Frank X Walker for your achievement!

The Hobbit

Tolkien, J. (1937).  The Hobbit.  London:  George Allen & Unwin

I am a HUGE Tolkien fan. It all started when I watched The Fellowship of the Ring in a theater many years ago. I thought it was just going to be another movie. I was hooked from the start. And of course I had to read the books. I began with the trilogy then made my way through The Hobbit. I decided in honor of the new film (which is awesome), I would reread The Hobbit.

The Kingdom Keepers: Disney After Dark

Pearson, R. (2005). The kingdom keepers: Disney after dark.  New York:  Disney Hyperion.

Have you ever wondered what happens at Disney World after the park closes? Well, I have. And apparently I'm not alone. Ridley Pearson has created an entire young adult series around the concept. The first book, Disney after Dark, follows the Kingdom Keepers--a group of five middle schoolers who have holograms created in their likenesses--as they try to save the Magic Kingdom from the Overtakers.

The Other Dog

L'Engle, M. (2006). The other dog.  San Francisco: Chronicle Books.

Madeleine L'Engle is not known for this hilarious picture book.  L'Engle was awarded fame for A Wrinkle in Time.  However, The Other Dog is a far better read; at least it was for me.  And the basis for the story is great.

Goodnight Little One

Wise Brown, M. (2012). Goodnight little one. Bath, UK:  Parragon.

Margaret Wise Brown is a well-known children's author with her most noted work, Goodnight Moon.  I have read a few of Brown's books with (or rather to) my son.  I have to say that Goodnight Little One is probably my favorite.  It is a wonderful book to read at bedtime.

1984

Orwell, G. (1949). 1984.  London:  Secker and Warbug.

I don't consider myself a very politically aware person.  Sadly, I don't even stay up with current events as much as I should.  I am trying to change that aspect of myself; I need to be more aware of the world around me.  But for some reason, I love teaching 1984.