Crenshaw

I just finished Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate. I would recommend this book for my older elementary students and teachers. This books explores the topic of poverty, homelessness, and hunger through a boy's relationship with his imaginary friend and flashbacks. I think that this is a good book to read in order to have a conversation about hunger and homelessness. It gives some insight into what kids are feeling when they are experiencing these things. It also makes it ok to talk about and encourages kids to express their feelings about what they are experiencing. I read this book quickly and couldn't put it down. It should definitely be on every teacher's to be read list.

A Snicker of Magic

I just finished reading A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd. This book is about Felicity Pickle and the magic of Midnight Gulch. The people of this town used to have a lot of magic in their veins until a duel between brothers. In this book Felicity learns the history of the town while learning to understand herself. The town's children are having their own duel and Felicity is trying to find a home and a way to fit in. Will Felicity's family wander forever or find their way home? Read A Snicker of Magic to find out.