The Plain Janes by Cecil Castellucci and Jim Rugg

This graphic novel is a gem in my humble opinion. The first page I opened to at the beginning of the book had a small illustration of a sketch book with the words "art saves" on the cover. That illustration just had my attention immediately ... and I loved the rest of the book just as much.

from Barnes and Noble:
Caught in a terrorist attack, Jane changes hair, mindset, and-compelled by her frightened parents-city and school. Spurning the in-crowd, she recruits other outcast Janes to stage guerilla-style art attacks, tagged P.L.A.I.N.: People Loving Art in Neighborhoods. The hyperparanoid authorities are not amused, but P.L.A.I.N. wins over most of the other kids. The premise is intriguing, relevant, and disturbing, even as the resolution leaves more questions. When is an art attack sabotage, graffiti, or vandalism? How can people reinvent their lives despite fear?

Happy Reading! If you read The Plain Janes, comment on this post and let me know how you liked it! :)

3 Willows by Ann Brashares

3 Willows was a predictable read (but still a good one!) - it followed the same kind of storyline as the Sisterhood books. Ama, Jo, and Polly have been best of friends for a long time ... but as the story begins, summer is just starting and each of the girls have very different plans. They also find that their friendship is changing. I loved how the author shared facts about willow trees at the beginning of each chapter.

Happy Reading! If you read 3 Willows, comment on this post and let me know how you liked it! :)

Every Soul a Star by Wendy Mass

Ally, Bree, and Jack are different in many ways - the author managed to capture each character's concerns, dreams, and fears. Each chapter is told from a character's point of view. I thought the story dragged a little at times, but I am glad I stuck with it - I learned so much about the moon, stars, and what happens during a total eclipse. I also loved seeing how the characters changed and grew.

From Barnes and Noble:
Ally, Bree, and Jack meet at the one place the Great Eclipse can be seen in totality, each carrying the burden of their own problems, which become dim when compared to the task they embark upon and the friendship they find.

Happy Reading! If you read Every Soul a Star, comment on this post and let me know how you liked it! :)

Dr. Seuss

Today was one of my favorite days of the year ... Ms. Basic and Mr. Witz's 3/4 class went over to East school to help celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday by reading Dr. Seuss books aloud to the East school students.

I also had a great time participating in East School's assembly this afternoon as Thing 2 from The Cat in the Hat. :) Ms. Soule, the librarian at East, was Thing 1.

What is your favorite Dr. Seuss book? I think mine is Green Eggs and Ham. :)