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

March 20, 2013

Hi Everyone,
It has been a busy couple of weeks for me with school and the parent leadership training that I am taking.  I have been reading some great books in between.

Right now I am reading:


Jefferson's Sons: A Founding Father's Secret Children by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

I am currently on page 128 because I am reading it aloud to Xavier and Xander.  They love the history of Thomas Jefferson and the discussions we have had about slavery.  I would recommend this for teachers as a read-aloud before beginning a unit of study on slavery.


The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a very well written book that I could not put down all week.  My good friend Kathy Chapin recommended it and I am glad that she did.  The relationship between Will and Maryanne over her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer hit home with me.  I enjoyed reading about all the books they discussed and will certainly add some to my read list.  Reading this made me realize that I need to go back to the book "A Prayer for Owen Meany" by John Irving.  This has been on my list for awhile.  I just finished reading the ending and could not stop crying because of the realistic nature that Will Schwalbe uses to describe his last moments with his mother.  All I can say is WOW!   I recommend it to all the literacy ladies and can't wait to share it when we meet soon.

Other News:  I also wanted to direct my readers of this blog to a link for Young Author's Camps.  This summer I am going to be running a camp in Sanford.  This camp is designed for children, grades 4 to 6 who enjoy writing and want enrichment.  It is not a program for remediation.  Please check out the link and share it as you like.

 http://www.southernmainewritingproject.org/young-authors-camps1.html

I found this great group online for anyone interested in learning more about book blogs.  I have been on it a lot in the last couple weeks trying to get tips on how to improve my own blog.

Visit Book Blogs

I will be in touch soon and would love to hear from you in between.

Snow Days in Maine

I have always loved living in New England because of the change in the seasons.  Although, I do have to say that Winter is my least favorite season except for days like today.  I enjoy looking out my window and seeing the snow cover the trees and spending time with my children.  Last week, was vacation week for the Maine schools and my children and I had the great opportunity to visit my parents in Florida.  It was a great time and we even got the chance to read some wonderful  books.  I would like to share some of those books.


My Name Is Memory by Ann Brashares
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Read this book while down here in Florida. I will recommend this to the Literary Ladies.






Midnight On The Moon by Mary Pope Osborne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I read this to Xander while we have been down here in Florida.  He told me that his teacher is going to read it after vacation and he wanted to know about the story ahead of time.  He is a big fan of this series right now.




Deep Dive #1: Cephalox the Cyber Squid by Adam Blade
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I always like to read the first book in a series.  I would recommend it for boys especially ages 7-10.

Book Thoughts for the week 10.21.12

Last week, I really wanted to read the chapter books of the Magic School Bus.  I could not get myself to sit and do it.  Instead I read some shorter stories.   I think this is an important lesson for parents/teachers to consider when talking about books with children.  If a child gives a book his/her best effort and still can not get into it, I believe it is the adult's responsibility to find appropriate reading material for children. It is important that the books that are put into children's hands to read are at their reading level.

Here are some of my favorite books from the week:


Beverly Billingsly Borrows a Book by Alexander Stadler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A read-aloud book that Xander brought home from school this week. To me the lesson is that children need to understand the importance of picking books and talking about them.  I also feel that children need to have exposure to being in the library.

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed



I am currently on page 275 in this book.  I studied women's history when I was an undergraduate at Plymouth State College (now University).  This story makes me think of that time in my life.  I would recommend for anyone who is interested in strong female characters.

September 30, 2012

As I sit at my computer at home typing I get ready for another week of school.  One of my biggest problems is there are always so many good books to read.  One book I am really excited to read was lent to me by my dear friend Mary Waterhouse.  The title alone grabbed me "Annual Growth: For all students, Catch-up Growth: For those who are behind.  Mary shared with me about a new state initiative with literacy that is called Literacy for ME.  It sounds like a wonderful opportunity for towns to work as teams to promote literacy in their communities. When I was at USM on Saturday one of my colleagues, Kelly Brown from Westbrook shared with me how much she enjoyed that same conference.

I went to my own book club on Friday evening Kathy b shared a book with me called "Mennonite in a little black dress" by Rhoda Janzen.  For me it is a follow up to Growing Up Amish that I read earlier in the year.

My Grandmother, Betty Kelley and  I.  My grandmother has always been one of my  mentors in picking just right books!!!

So many good books to read and great things going on in Maine in regards to literacy.  That is one main reason why I enjoy living in this state.  Have a great week everyone and please share with me your responses to any of my posts.

Literacy Ladies Books

I am involved with a great group of ladies in a book club for adults.  We have been getting together for the last two and a half years.  I really enjoy our time together talking about the books that each other suggest.  When I tell people that I am in a book club they always ask me "What are you reading?" .  I wanted my entry today to list as many of those books as possible.  As I have mentioned before you can always go onto goodreads.com to see my complete listing of books.   I hope everyone has a happy reading day.


How an Economy Grows and Why It Crashes by Peter D. Schiff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really liked how it put the economy in easy words to understand.

Bringing Up Bébé: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting by Pamela Druckerman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As a mom I could see why many could take away pearls of wisdom from Pamela Druckerman. I sure did. How she explains children and eating really hit home for me. Thanks for recommending this Kathy Boucher.









The Help by Kathryn Stockett
                                   My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After book club yesterday I went home and finished the entire book. I could not stop reading it. Now I really want to see the movie to see if it compares to the book. Great book!!!











































































































































Growing Up Amish: A Memoir by Ira Wagler
My rating: 3 out of 5 stars

I wanted to find out what happened to Ira Wagler. Does he find happiness? I think he answered that question very clearly at the end of the story. I am looking forward to our discussion at book club.











This is our current book (August 2012).