The Hot Zone, Down the Rabbit Hole, Al Capone Does My Shirts

Eleven days into vacation and I've read three books, one article, and the first unit of the new literature book.

1. The Hot Zone by Richard Preston. Nonfiction narrative in the likes of The Perfect Storm. An account of Ebola outbreaks from the late 70s to the early 90s. The virus is truly horrific.

2. Down the Rabbit Hole by Peter Abrahams. This was widely touted as a great read. It was nominated for a Nutmeg award (a Connecticut award given to outstanding YA/Children's books). I didn't find it very palatable, but then I'm not a mystery reader. I really thought that this book would contain something a bit creepier. I believe I got the notion of creepy from the title. The story is about a middle-school girl, Ingrid, who unravels a murder mystery. The protagonist deals with her own fears as she purposefully takes steps to extricate herself from any implication in the murder. I felt very little involvement in the actual suspense and mystery of the novel - although it was well-crafted. I did however become intrigued by the family relationships of the protagonist - which were very well-done. There was a lot of subtle writing about the mother, father, and brother that made me want to know a lot more about the family. Indeed, I think that the book left off without answering one very large question about Ingrid's brother. There is a sequel, so perhaps the story line continues. However, I am not sure if I could be coaxed to read it.

3. Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko. I read this book just today. In one sitting. I've owned this book for awhile, and I've always thought that it would be a simple, ha-ha book. Wow! My opinion was totally off the mark. Set in the 30s, "Moose," or Matthew, moves with his family to Alcatraz, where his father works. Guards and their families lived on the island so that they could be ready for an emergency at a moment's notice. Moose must also deal with his sister, who is not "quite right." Many readers will instantly identify Natalie, the sister, as autistic. Moose must watch over his sister everyday while his mother works to raise money for Natalie's new teacher. Moose must contend with hanging out with other island children while still watching over Natalie. The relationship and feelings that Moose has for his sister and are complex and tender. In addition, Moose must also navigate the emotional terrain of his mother, who is especially anxiety-ridden about her daughter. The tension felt between Moose and his mother is exceptionally well-played.


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Last week I read an article on reading novels aloud to middle-schoolers. Not the reading of a chapter here or there, but reading an entire novel in class, out loud, almost like a warm-up activity. Ten to fifteen minutes are spent each day reading aloud to the students. I've heard many different opinions about reading aloud.
Con Critics:

• Students must improve on their own reading strategies
• Reading aloud slows down proficient readers.

Pro Critics:

• All students can improve on their listening skills
• Hearing a skilled reader read with the right tone and inflection can force them to focus on information they may not have otherwise
• Many students enjoy being read to at any age.

So, regardless of whatever criticism, I want to read a book to my students. I figure it can be a one marking period thing. Providing I read 10 pages a day, I can reasonably (and safely) assume to get a 200 page novel done in our 6 week marking period. The only question is, what novel?

I think I'm a pretty good reader, but I'm not too good with voices - yet. A novel with a lot of dialogue could be tricky. How can I get the students attuned to different characters' voices? What level should the book be at? I would love to read Al Capone Does My Shirts, but it's way below grade level. I have to do more research on reading novels aloud before I proceed.