A Journey into Politics

The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama
Genre: Nonfiction, Politics (out of 10): 7
I have been impressed with what I have heard about Barack Obama, and wanted to find out more about him and his views. Obama's writing is a quick read, and many of his opinions seemed like common sense to me. I don't think he took too biased a stance, but I haven't read many political books to compare it to. He was just straightforward, and he clearly stated it when he felt he was biased. In my opinion, he has a clear view of many of the problems facing America today. It remains to be seen whether he has policies to fix them all.

People Magazine
Genre: Periodical, Current Events Rating (out of 10): 4
I read this one on the way back from Las Vegas. More standard fare.

The Ann Arbor News
Genre: Periodical Rating (out of 10): 8
I started getting the daily newspaper again after Christmas. I missed it! I look at every page, but most often read things in the Opinion and Sports sections. I always check the death notices, the prep sports scores/results for water polo and swimming, and the weather.

Wishlist

This is my wishlist, because they are the books I hope to have time to read someday. I continually lose all of the lists I make, so hopefully I'll be able to return to this one.

The Difference: How the Power of Diversity Creates Better Groups, Teams, Schools & Societies- Scott E. Page

You Are Your Choices- Alexandra Stoddard

Fart Proudly- Ben Franklin (No joke!)

Cultural Literacy- E. D. Hirsch

On Miseducation- Noam Chomsky

I have many, many more on another list of mine.... someday!

Getting Started

My students have to keep track of the books they read for part of their reading grade. Every summer, I faithfully keep track of everything I read in order to model how to do it. Then, I lose the paper and stop keeping track. I've seen several other people keep track on blogs, so I think I will give it a try. The genre and rating are things I also make my students do.

The title of this blog came from a shirt I had when I was younger. I was one of those kids who would take their books with when the family went to dinner at a restaurant, and I would be reading it in my lap the whole time.

I was on vacation this past week, so these are the books read:

Savage Inequalities by Jonathan Kozol
Genre: Nonfiction, Education Rating (out of 10): 8
This book speaks volumes about the differences in public education across the country. It is alarming and depressing at the same time. I will have more commentary about this book after I complete an independent study (about this book and others) this spring term. I'll be reading it two more times.

Nothing But the Truth by Avi
Genre: Realistic Fiction, Documentary Rating (out of 10): 10
Avi is my favorite children's literature author. He writes books aimed for upper elementary to middle school kids. This book is the story of a student who was suspended from school for, supposedly, singing the national anthem during announcements. It is written in a documentary style, and I'm trying to figure out if my fifth-graders could handle it. Avi did a great job of leaving the reader to pick up the pieces and find meaning in this book.

People Magazine
Genre: Magazine, Current Events? Rating (out of 10): 4
This was laying around the house in Las Vegas. I have to admit, I enjoy catching up on the lives of celebrities every once in awhile.