Summer Reading Books

Dear readers,

Last week I read a book called Lab Girl by Hope Jahren. It is a memoir based on Jahren's experience as a scientist who studies trees and plants. While it may not sound exciting, she is an excellent writer and storyteller who made me appreciate the hard work it takes to be a scientist and the importance of this work as it relates to our environment. I came across this book because the book club at Parnassus, a locally owned and operated bookstore in Nashville, was reading it and I often read the books they suggest and attend the meetings with my mom. Overall I enjoyed Lab Girl because it was not a book I would typically pick up given I do not often read about science and nonfiction, but given it was a memoir, it was nonfiction hidden in a story.

What book have you read this summer that you really enjoyed? Tell us the title, a few sentences to summarize the book, and a few sentences to explain why you liked it.

Happy reading!
Ms. Sikes

Readers Research

Dear readers,

This year we will read a fiction book that is based on a true story. The book takes place in Sudan, a war torn country in Africa. It is a glimpse into the tribal culture and the effects of war on civilians. 6th graders found themselves enthralled by the characters and setting and would go home at night and research Sudan and the tribes in the book. They read articles, looked at maps, and watched documentaries. In short, they built their knowledge to better understand what was going on in the book, and they let their curiosity drive their learning. Last year the students took it one step further and organized and executed the Sweets for Sudan project. As a teacher this was a pivotal moment where my students were actively pursuing their learning, their excitement to make the world a better place was contagious, and they chose to help those across the world because of a novel. Reading can be a powerful thing.

Personally, I am curious about a lot of different subjects and love reading articles. My curiosity about the world leads me to travel and learn about the history and culture of different places around the world. I am not able to travel everywhere or all the time, so often times I research about places or read fiction books that take me to places I may never see, and I feel as if my world expands through reading. I also do rather extensive research when planning a trip. Researching before hand helps me use my time wisely in a new place by exploring the places that most interest me and also will give me a sense of the current culture. I read blogs, reviews, articles, and check out travel books from the library. Over Christmas I will travel with my parents and brother to Peru and hike to Machu Picchu to see the ancient Inca ruins hidden in the Andes Mountains. No doubt I will read a lot before the trip to build anticipation but to also appreciate what I will see and experience.

In addition, I enjoy watching and playing sports. I often times look up inspiring athletes or articles about important games. As a former college athlete, I do not officially play a sport anymore, but I thoroughly enjoy knowing what is going on in the sports world. Researching historical figures and events, different places to travel, and sports in general are all subjects I am curious about and I enjoy expanding my knowledge and therefore my world.

What subjects would you research and why? What sparks your curiosity? What do you wish you knew more about?

More book trailers:

The Screaming Staircase: A Book Trailer by Owen Reese

Everything Everything: A Book Trailer by Jamison A.

Make Your Bed: A Book Trailer by Wilson M.

I hope everyone is having a great summer!

Ms. Sikes

Reading While Jet-Setting

Dear readers,

First of all I want to commend you all on very thoughtful, honest blog posts thus far. I have enjoyed reading about what type of reader you are and the characters you like most. It always interests me what others have to say, and I appreciate the work you are doing on the blog.

Traveling, alongside of reading, is one of my passions. I love immersing myself in new cultures, learning the past and present of a city. Many summers I travel to different countries and always make it a point to pack multiple books to read at the airport and on the insanely long plane rides. My love of reading often coincides with my love for travel.

However the past three summers, I had different priorities. I focused on directing the Summer Teachers Institute at Oak Hill, which was a three-day workshop for Nashville area teachers. However I leave for the beach this week and cannot wait for life to slow down, so I can devour some great literature. Whenever I travel, especially to the beach, I make sure to pack multiple books and set aside time to read. The beach is my favorite place to read whether it is with my feet in the sand under an umbrella, lounging at the pool, or relaxing on the day bed swing on the upstairs porch. The beach life allows me to slow down and read for hours. In a week's trip, I usually read two to three books. I am most relaxed and content when I make the time to read at the beach.

Where is your favorite place to read? Why?

Hatchet: A Book Trailer by Sam B.

Counting Thyme: A Book Trailer by Vee C.

The War That Saved My Life: A Book Trailer by Ruby W.

The Unwanteds: A Book Trailer by Reid G.

Captivating Characters

Dear readers,

Have you read a book where you fell in love with a character, where they came alive? If so, tell us about the character and why you were captivated by them.

I know when I was a student, and even now, I resonated with Matilda. Not only did I love the outlandish characters Roald Dahl created and his quirky, vivid language. I loved that he made the main character a brilliant, independent, strong girl. I remember thinking I wanted to be just like her -- a bookworm and a seeker of knowledge.

So far I have enjoyed reading your blog responses and have noticed your thoughtfulness. Be sure to edit your post making sure titles are capitalized, sentence structure is strong, and word choice is precise. This is 6th grade -- it is time to raise the level of your thinking and writing!

Here are book trailers last year's 6th graders created of their favorite books which you may want to read over the summer. Remember students will recommend a wide variety of books -- different genres, reading levels, and maturity levels. I encourage you and your family to use Common Sense Media and other book reviews to see if the book is appropriate for you. There are many, many options!

Paperboy: A Book Trailer by Sarah Jean C.

Holes: A Book Trailer by Evan C.

Echo: A Book Trailer by Anna Louise J.

The Lions of Little Rock: A Book Trailer by Kate Maree B.

The Hammer of Thor: A Book Trailer by Gerard O.