Half a Chance

Today I realized that we are almost done with Half a Chance. I have fallen in love with the book over the last few days. I am at that point in a book where you cannot wait to see what happens but at the same time you do not want to find out because then the book will come to an end. I have also seen the class latch onto the book. Rooting for characters and worrying about final decisions. It has been a special time at our rocking chair watching the students figure it all out together. I hope you are hearing about this book at home and if they are not talking about it, please ask about what is happening to Lucy, Nate and Grandma Lilah.

The problem is that now I have to pick our next read aloud. I love and hate this process. It is almost impossible to pick a book that 54 students will all love but each time I pick a book that is my goal. Today I was lucky enough to find a tweet that included a link to Anderson's Bookshops 2014 Mock Newbery List. Last year Anderson's had the eventual winner Flora and Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo on their early list.

I have read a few books off this years list. At the end of last year I read aloud A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd. My class loved the book but how could you not. The book has a bit of bluegrass and a whole bunch of ice cream. I did love the book but I want something new.

I have a copy of Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson. This book is beautiful. I am going to read this book aloud this year but I am not ready for it just yet. I think it is the perfect book to start when we get back from winter break.

This leaves me stuck searching for that perfect book. I cannot complain there is nothing like the search for a new book. 

I hope you are all having an amazing week and if you know of any great new books that would be perfect for a read aloud let me know with a comment or a note.