What Joa is Reading & Other Stuff

Book reviews...from picture books to adult books, as well as books-to-movie info, and other stuff I think is interesting. Note: Not all books reviewed or recommended are appropriate for all ages.
JUNE 15, 2009
Inspirational read

As happy as U.S. school kids are to get out of school for summer...multiply that by hundreds of times....to get an idea of the excitement for a Pakistani child who is getting to actually attend school for the first time!

I just finished reading Three Cups of Tea, the young reader's edition, which tells the story of Greg Mortenson and the path that led him to dedicate his life to building schools for children--especially girls--in countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan. 

This would be a great whole family read, as there is a picture book version of Mortenson's story called Listen to the Wind, as well as the original non-fiction book for adults, Three Cups of Tea. We also have the books on CD for both the adult and the juvenile versions.

This story helps you understand more about the people...families and children...who live in these countries that we hear about often in the news. This book also makes you appreciate schooling and learning to read and write, and even having a school or any books at all.

This book has it all...it is exciting, it is informative, and it is inspirational.

Add a comment  (1 comment) posted by joa

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JUNE 8, 2009
Read The Magic Thief

I just read The Magic Thief by Sarah Prineas, which is not only a 2009-2010 Battle of the Books (Lenihan) title, but is also by an author who lives in Iowa City.

This is a great fantasy chapter book about Conn, a thief and lock pick, who stumbles into a relationship with a powerful wizard (Nevery), then finds out he is a lot less ordinary than he once thought. If you liked Magyk by Angie Sage, I think you will like this book.

This book is a suspenseful read that will draw you in quickly, and make you very excited to read the sequel, The Magic Thief Lost. Another exciting thing is that we are working very hard with teachers to make a plan for Prineas (the author) to come to Marshalltown. Watch for more info!

Also, you should be able to pick up a Battle of the Books list soon and get a jump start on reading for the 2009-2010 school year.

Add a comment  (1 comment) posted by joa

Categories: FantasyJoa RecommendsBattle of the Books

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