That's Noteworthy! (vol. 10)
puppets, animals, and graphic novels, oh my!
Hello friends! I hope this newsletter finds you well, and that you are snatching up pockets of peace (and time to read) during this bustling season.
📚. Books I recently read…
The One and Only Ruby by Katherine Applegate :: Another delightful book in this series. While I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as the first two (it was a lot of Ruby telling her story and somehow the story structure didn't grab me as much), I still loved returning to this world and these characters. The reader learns a lot about elephants, both their personality quirks and special skills, along with the sad reality of poachers. The story is ultimately hopeful and the found family relationships really shine as well. An accessible read due to the writing style, this one is rarely on the library shelf as readers are snatching it up whenever it gets returned.
4.5⭐️sSecret Origins (Story Thieves #3) by James Riley :: This was the most complicated book in this series so far (and with that, I will say, a bit hard to follow). Owen and Bethany are separated for much of the book and another beloved character is nowhere to be found. Action and yelling (so much yelling in the audio!) are still a big part of the story, and while I still enjoy how clever and self-deprecating (to authors in general) the author is, this one just didn't quite capture my son and I like the first two did.
3⭐️s
The Puppets of Spelhorst by Kate DiCamillo :: I wasn't sure what to expect from this book (not that I would ever doubt Kate DiCamillo), with its puppet characters and quirky (and cute) illustrations, but I really loved it. I'd definitely call this one fairy tale-esque, and each character is well-crafted, and surprisingly well-developed for being a puppet and for the book being rather short. I handed this to a 5th-grade friend on a trip and she also loved it.
5⭐️s (from me and my young friend)The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater :: My one YA read for this edition… Now that I've read this book six times (once on audio), I'm ready to officially proclaim it as my favorite book of all time, which for a book-lover is a very difficult task! This book never ceases to captivate and move me. I love Puck and Sean, how they both love a horse deeply though in different ways, and how their relationship slowly progresses almost without their realizing it. The fantasy aspect feels so grounded in the island setting’s reality. The stakes are high and the writing is *chef's kiss* good.
5⭐️s
🤓. In the library…
On Wednesdays in December the staff (and any kids who want to) are wearing fun and festive holiday wear (like “ugly sweaters,” etc). This week a first grader showed up one morning dressed in full Santa garb— velvet suit, beard, and white gloves included. It was pretty amazing to look up and see Santa reading a Dogman book. Pretty much made my morning.
One thing I’ve been doing lately is bringing in copies of graphic novels that I’ve checked out at the public library for my own kids (usually on the new side). I let students read and look at them during lunch or recess before we have our own school copies to check out. This week I brought in Duel, Enola Holmes Graphic Novels 1 & 2, and Keeper of the Lost Cities Part 1. The kids love getting a sneak peak, and doing this helps me decide what to order for our library (I do this with picture books for readalouds, too, since ordering new books with district funds takes time).
Speaking of graphic novels, I had one teacher put a limit on the number of graphics her students can check out again (same teacher last year). I don’t agree with this but I defer to teacher preferences for checkout. I have a lot of thoughts and feelings about graphic novels; I plan to share some of my thoughts here in the near future. If you have any positive thoughts or experiences with kids and graphic novels, I’d love for your to leave a comment or reply with an email.
📖. What my kids are reading…
Gigi (16) is onto book six in her reread of the Keeper of the Lost Cities series, Nightfall.
Brody (13) devoured book one of the Wingfeather saga (he read book one a few years ago and was meh about it; this time it was a hit) and is onto book two, North! Or Be Eaten (I love that title), along with Nathan Hale’s new Hazardous Tale, Above the Trenches. He’s also reading The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank in English class.
Hallee (12) just finished The Vanderbeekers Ever After. She loved it, despite it being a sad one (so I’ve heard). She’s reading The Outsiders for school, which I’m enjoying discussing with her.
🥰. Things bringing me joy right now…
Christmas/holiday reads (especially romances, though mysteries set at Christmas are also fun for me!) and movies
Advent messages and singing seasonal songs at church
Ordering new books for the library and collaborating with fellow district library peeps
A break from at least one kid’s sports teams
Reading by the twinkle of tree lights (and my bookshelves, too!)
Having only one book left on the 23 in 23 reading challenge I set for myself this year— as a major mood reader, this was a hard but good challenge for me
Happy Friday and happy reading!
xo,
Nicole
I always use affiliate links with Bookshop.org when I link to books. If you purchase through my links you support me a tiny bit, and more importantly, you support indie bookstores. Thanks!