#IMWAYR - Some books from over the break...

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We're back! After our slightly-less-than-orthodox start last week (are we ever going to start a term up normally this year?!), we are right back in the swing of things - planning, teaching, collaborating. It's great! And since I went off on a little tangent last week and shared books about snow instead of things that I actually read over the break, I thought I would share a couple of novels that I read with you. Both are part of our school district's Battle of the Books and both were great reads! Super happy I brought them home with me when I actually had some time to enjoy them.

A Mango-Shaped Space (Wendy Mass) - What a wonderful book! A Mango-Shaped Space takes a look at a young girl with synesthesia, a condition that causes her to see colours for letters and words. I loved the way this book explored the way Mia's feelings about her condition develop and change; nothing felt forced or awkward about Mass' portrayal of a teen coming to grips with who she is and who she wants to be. I can definitely see many kids making lots of connections to this book! A great choice for discussing differences, loss and friendships. 

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The One and Only Ivan (Katherine Applegate) - When I first picked up this book, I was a bit non-plussed; I just couldn't get in to the writing from the perspective of a gorilla. The more I read, however, the more the book grew on me and by the end I found the sweet, somewhat sad, naive voice of Ivan, the shopping mall gorilla, to be truly endearing. Although it is a sad story in many ways, the ending is uplifting and leaves you feeling if not happy, at least very encouraged by Ivan's prospects in life. Interestingly, this story made a good companion to A Mango-Shaped Space as it too explores the concepts of differences, loss and friendships. It would be really interesting to read both with a class and have them draw comparisons between the two. Hmmmm....

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Looking forward to hearing what some of the kids thought of both of these. If you've read them, I'd love to hear what you thought too!