Spring is in the Air...Finally

May 5, 2013

Dear Readers,

     This is one of my favorite times of year!  I really enjoy the days being longer and the endless amount of sunshine.  This continues to motivate me to read as much as I can each day.  Recently, I finished reading one of the best adult fiction books in a long time called "A Thousand Splendid Suns" review will be attached at the bottom of this post.  I also let my son's, Xavier and Xander pick out books at their school's book fair. It was interesting for me to notice that interest will always drive which book children select to read or be read to.  One thing that I like to remind others about when they are helping their children select books that they want them to read for independence is that it needs to be in the child's reading level. Book selection for children is very important because it can help them turn into children that enjoy reading or not.


A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is by far one of the best books I have read in awhile.  I absolutely loved how they portrayed Mariam and Laila.  It was interesting to see how these two women's stories were weaved together in such fashion.





Fake Mustache by Tom Angleberger
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you have students that have enjoyed other Tom Angleberger's books, this is a must read.  The humor and imagination of the main characters Lenny and Casper made me want to read more.  If you are looking for more information about this author here is a link to his website:  www.origamiyoda.com.  I can't wait for his next book.  I would use this book to hook my boy struggling readers in grades 5 and above.  Reading level is fifth grade.



Mudball by Matt Tavares
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Since Matt Tavares is a Maine author, I enjoy reading all his books so when I saw this I knew it was a must read on my list. I have always loved the illustrations and how they complement the stories.  In this one Little Andy Olyer is a reluctant baseball player.  As the story continues, Andy begins to realize that anything is possible.  I would recommend this book for children and adults who are baseball fans and route for the underdog.


I hope everyone enjoys a good book this week.  I have many on my list.  If you'd like to talk more about books, I also post all my reading on goodreads.com.


Warm Regards,
Diana Pettis

January 15, 2013

It has been a busy couple of weeks for me.  I have been reading and working on my presentation Southern Maine Writing Project in March 2013.  The title of the workshop is called "Empowering Teachers to engage with Parents who have struggling literacy learners.


Catherine McAuley High School
Portland, Maine
Teaching the Digital
Generation to Create,
Compose Camp; Collaborate
A Conference for K-12 Educators


Friday, March 1, 2013: 9:20am to 10:20am

Some good books that I have read:


Bad Boys by Margie Palatini
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Another good story for read-aloud.  It reminds me of Little Red Riding Hood.



Kids First: Five Big Ideas for Transforming Children's Lives and America's Future by David L. Kirp
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am a strong advocate for children and I want to make sure that they get what they need at school and beyond.  David was fantastic in my opinion because of the straight-forward approach in talking about what is good for kids.  A must read in my opinion for all parents/teachers/anyone who wants children to succeed in the future.

One book that I am currently reading to my son's is called: 

Doctor Proctor's Fart Powder by Jo Nesbø

I am not sure if it would be a good classroom book because what is discussed is farting and that in my opinion could make children laugh.  As a mom reading it to my son's it is more of a book that we can just enjoy.