One for the Murphys

One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt is one of my favorites from this year's Caudill list. This positively amazing realistic fiction novel was one we worked on in my class for the Global Read Aloud. We partner read this book with friends in Florida and shared discussion groups all over the world. Universally middle school readers reported out that this was a book to read. 

The plot line focuses on Carley Conners who has certainly fallen victim to bad mothering. Her father is no where to be found in the story and her mother makes some seriously bad choices which lead to Carley being entered into Child Protective Services.  Her placement introduces all of the other main characters-the Murphy family. The Murphy's are seemingly too good to be true, but don't be fooled dear readers! They have some skeletons in their closet as well. I'm not going to spoil this one for you here, so run out and get yourself some kleenex and a copy of One for the Murphys today!

Check out the book trailer to see some of the action in pictures!

This sweet and sad song is from the movie The Rescuers. Just like the main character in the book, this movie is all about finding a family.

All About Me

I am a mother, teacher, and avid reader. I have been passionate about reading since I was a child. Some of my favorite spots are the library, the bookstore, and anywhere a little quiet to get caught up in a great story. 

I have been reading blogs for some time now and had an interesting conversation with one of my students. He wanted to know if I blogged, since I like them so much. I didn't really have a great answer: I just don't have time, I need to do a million things, I have laundry to catch up on.....this list goes on and on but none of my reasons were truly valid. So here is my first blog. I hope it evolves into something spectacular. But I really hope I have more readers than my great friend JM, who is also blogging with his students. I just like winning. (and laughing-I like laughing an awful lot too.)

The Ascendance Trilogy

Over the past few weeks I have been working my way through The Ascendance Trilogy. This book series by Jennifer A. Nielsen begins with The False Prince which is nominated for a Rebecca Caudill Award. I have to admit, I only selected this book because I am working my way toward the Reader's Challenge Party. I love snacks, movies, and great t-shirts so I am driving my way through the list to win a spot at the party. Normally I wouldn't select a medieval times fiction read, I am not generally entertained by the blood, guts, and gore that accompanies a solid sword fighting book. However, after about ten pages I was completely hooked on this series!

In the first book we meet Sage, a rugged, funny, orphan who causes all kinds of trouble. He is disrespectful, relatively criminal, and very creative in his shenanigans.  Not to give away any of the suspense  in this amazing read but Sage undergoes a major transformation from orphan to prisoner to pirate to king. It's an edge of your seat kind of series as Sage is very likable and many harsh situations come his way.

In short four stars for False Prince and four stars for the rest of the series The Runaway King and The Shadow Throne.  

This jam really reminds me of the music in a medieval castle AND the main character of this amazing series occasionally goes by the name of Sage.