newest books

My latest book purchase. I found the Anne Perry Thomas Pitt mysteries for $1.00 so couldn't resist buying the first and second. I think I read the first one, The Cater Street Hangman, a long time ago, but ..... it won't be hard to read again. And it's not very thick.


Sara Gruen wrote Water for Elephants, which my book club read and now a member chose Ape House for a future book club read. hmmmmmm, we'll see. (I thought the Elephant book was okay but not worth all the brew ha ha.) This one appears to be about saving "her family of apes from a new form of human exploitation".


I'm not very interested in animal books, I usually walk rapidly away from anything reviewed with glurge such as "A tale that's full of heart, hope, and compelling questions about who we really are." but perhaps this one will be more about communication and ... you know, people, and really good writing.  (I really liked Edgar Sawtelle which was about animals -- I'm not all cold and heartless, sigh)

Oh, and there are reading group guide questions at the back. Oh, joy, for those of us who failed high school lit classes.

Also in the pile is Time Was Soft There by Jeremy Mercer.  This one I'm excited about:  Paris, books, bookstore: it's a memoir of the proprietor of Shakespeare & Co.  bookstore, George Whitman. 


I saw Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris and was happy to see the front of the bookstore in the film.  The movie was absolutely excellent, too.  
I recommend it highly.

Good Morning

Am loving being lazy & calm during this annual summer lay-off,  and am thinking about next school year & the coming group of children.  (of course) (always)

Ordered a new math book from Amazon, Math Work Stations by Debbie Dillard.  I'm all excited to re-vamp my entire math program -- just as I did when I ordered her Literacy Work Stations book a few years ago.

We use Saxon Math at my school, which isn't a bad program, really.  I just know that every year I need some infusion and excitement.  These days off are a time for reflection and renewal -- it's exciting to read, study and plan new parts for the curriculum.

Actually, curriculum stays pretty much the same (not much choice allowed by state or district) -- it's the planning and organization of it that tends to differ each year.  I love dreaming and scheming about my small groups, hands on activities & follow-ups, assessments and the general way that the day is run.

             Last week (even though the book hasn't arrived yet) I began trashing my little book room, pulling out bunches of my most inspiring "how to teach" books along with my old notebooks & folders & spreadsheets and stuff.  I get all excited thinking about the back to school sales that are coming and that I get to buy new folders, binders & supplies to chart out my new year.

Later, while looking at one of my favorite teacher blogs, Fairy Dust Teaching (isn't that just the BEST concept for teaching small children?)  I saw that, not only is Sally the blogger happily spending time getting excited about the new year, she's gone an amazing major step forward and is offering an on-line class in re-creating the school year.
                                   Whoot whoot!

I whipped out my little pay-pal account and signed right up.   I'm excited.  And, although the course doesn't actually begin for a week, already I've updated and improved my Flicker account and have rebooted my Twitter account.  (Does anyone still say 'rebooted')   


Ha!  I need this time now -- by the 16th of August I know I'll be frustrated, exhausted, furious at administration (as well as some peers) and my feet will hurt.  (right now, only my bottom aches from sitting here typing.  Must get up ... must walk around ... must stretch something)