Showing posts with label About Me. Show all posts
Showing posts with label About Me. Show all posts
I'm Off!
I'm so excited. Last June, I purchased tickets to see The Blue Man Group in Portland, Maine. (Our *big* city that's hours away from where I live.) Now that it's February 5th, we're finally off to go see this performance!
And this is where we're eating lunch today.
And we have dinner reservations here.
And we're staying at this hotel.
For most of you, a trip to a city might be an every day thing. Or maybe you live in one. The town I live in barely crests the 1, 000 person mark. And, my husband is a "plow guy." So we never get away in the winter months, which are most of the months of the year where I live.
So, I thought I'd share my excitement with all of you. Hope you all have a great day!
Persnickety Snarks's Top 100 YA Reads
Earlier this year, Persnickety Snark joined forces to create a Top 100 List of All Time YA Books. Here's the list from the site. 735 people from around the world voted by choosing their top ten YA novels of all time. Votes were weighted. I found this list re-posted on the Ink Crush blog.
In bold are all the titles I have read. Feel free to comment with a link to your post of the books you've read or to suggest ones that I should read. Dirty/ Bad confession: I have never read a word of the Harry Potter series. Feel free to thrown goblin gook at me or whatever!
1. The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins
2. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, J.K. Rowling
3. To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee
4. Speak, Laurie Halse Anderson
5. Northern Lights, Philip Pullman
6. The Truth About Forever, Sarah Dessen
7. The Book Thief, Markus Zusak Go Aussie! :)
8. The Outsiders, S.E. Hinton
9. Twilight, Stephenie Meyer
10. This Lullaby, Sarah Dessen
11. Looking for Alaska, John Green
12. Just Listen, Sarah Dessen
13. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, J.K. Rowling
14. Little Women, Louisa May Alcott
15. City of Bones, Cassandra Clare
16. On the Jellicoe Road, Melina Marchetta (have tried several times...)
17. The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger
18. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, J.K. Rowling
19. The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Stephen Chbosky
20. Along for the Ride, Sarah Dessen
21. Shiver, Maggie Stiefvater
22. Vampire Academy, Richelle Mead
23. Graceling, Kristin Cashore (On my TBR)
24. Thirteen Reasons Why, Jay Asher
25. Sloppy Firsts, Megan McCafferty
26. The Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien
27. Alanna: The First Adventure, Tamora Pierce
28. Ender’s Game, Orson Scott Card
29. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, J.K. Rowling
30. Uglies, Scott Westerfeld
31. A Great and Terrible Beauty, Libba Bray
32. Tomorrow, When the War Began, John Marsden
33. The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks, E. Lockhart
34. Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen
35. The Westing Game, Ellen Raskin
36. Paper Towns, John Green
37. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, J.K. Rowling
38. Catching Fire, Suzanne Collins
39. A Tree Grows In Brooklyn, Betty Smith
40. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, Sherman Alexie
41. Lock and Key, Sarah Dessen
42. The Amber Spyglass, Philip Pullman
43. Evernight, Claudia Gray
44. Sabriel, Garth Nix
45. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, J.K. Rowling
46. Beautiful Creatures, Kami Garcia, Margaret Stohl
47. Forever, Judy Blume
48. I Capture the Castle, Dodie Smith
49. Ella Enchanted, Gail Carson Levine
50. The Princess Diaries, Meg Cabot
51. Stargirl, Jerry Spinelli
52. Howl’s Moving Castle, Diana Wynne Jones
53. The Dark is Rising, Susan Cooper
54. Hush, Hush, Becca Fitzpatrick
55. Saving Francesca, Melina Marchetta
56. Second Helpings, Megan McCafferty
57. Dreamland, Sarah Dessen
58. Eclipse, Stephenie Meyer
59. Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, Rachel Cohn, David Levithan
60. Fire, Kristin Cashore
61. The Chocolate War, Robert Cormier
62. Weetzie Bat, Francesca Lia Block
63. The Diary of a Young Girl, Anne Frank
64. Looking for Alibrandi, Melina Marchetta
65. How I Live Now, Meg Rosoff
66. City of Glass, Cassandra Clare
67. Keeping the Moon, Sarah Dessen
68. Breaking Dawn, Stephenie Meyer
69. Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging, Louise Rennison
70. If I Stay, Gayle Forman
71. The King of Attolia, Megan Whalen Turner
72. Wintergirls, Laurie Halse Anderson
73. Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast, Robin McKinley
74. The Blue Sword, Robin McKinley
75. Feed, M.T. Anderson
76. The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants, Ann Brashares
77. Go Ask Alice, Anonymous
78. Wicked Lovely, Melissa Marr
79. Lord of the Flies, William Golding
80. Someone Like You, Sarah Dessen
81. The Forest of Hands and Teeth, Carrie Ryan
82. Jacob Have I Loved, Katherine Paterson
83. The Knife of Never Letting Go, Patrick Ness
84. Poison Study, Maria V. Snyder
85. Shadow Kiss, Richelle Mead
86. The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, Avi
87. An Abundance of Katherines, John Green
88. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, Mark Haddon
89. A Ring of Endless Light, Madeleine L’Engle
90. Glass Houses, Rachel Caine
91. The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I:The Pox Party, M.T. Anderson
92. Walk Two Moons, Sharon Creech
93. Whale Talk, Chris Crutcher
94. Perfect Chemistry, Simone Elkeles
95. Going Too Far, Jennifer Echols
96. The Last Song, Nicholas Sparks
97. Before I Fall, Lauren Oliver
98. Hatchet, Gary Paulsen
99. The Pigman, Paul Zindel
100. The Hero and the Crown, Robin McKinley
Total Read: 72
Any must-reads of the ones that I have not read?
In bold are all the titles I have read. Feel free to comment with a link to your post of the books you've read or to suggest ones that I should read. Dirty/ Bad confession: I have never read a word of the Harry Potter series. Feel free to thrown goblin gook at me or whatever!
1. The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins
2. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, J.K. Rowling
3. To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee
4. Speak, Laurie Halse Anderson
5. Northern Lights, Philip Pullman
6. The Truth About Forever, Sarah Dessen
7. The Book Thief, Markus Zusak Go Aussie! :)
8. The Outsiders, S.E. Hinton
9. Twilight, Stephenie Meyer
10. This Lullaby, Sarah Dessen
11. Looking for Alaska, John Green
12. Just Listen, Sarah Dessen
13. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, J.K. Rowling
15. City of Bones, Cassandra Clare
16. On the Jellicoe Road, Melina Marchetta (have tried several times...)
17. The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger
18. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, J.K. Rowling
19. The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Stephen Chbosky
21. Shiver, Maggie Stiefvater
22. Vampire Academy, Richelle Mead
23. Graceling, Kristin Cashore (On my TBR)
24. Thirteen Reasons Why, Jay Asher
25. Sloppy Firsts, Megan McCafferty
26. The Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien
27. Alanna: The First Adventure, Tamora Pierce
28. Ender’s Game, Orson Scott Card
29. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, J.K. Rowling
30. Uglies, Scott Westerfeld
31. A Great and Terrible Beauty, Libba Bray
32. Tomorrow, When the War Began, John Marsden
33. The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks, E. Lockhart
34. Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen
35. The Westing Game, Ellen Raskin
36. Paper Towns, John Green
37. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, J.K. Rowling
38. Catching Fire, Suzanne Collins
39. A Tree Grows In Brooklyn, Betty Smith
40. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, Sherman Alexie
41. Lock and Key, Sarah Dessen
42. The Amber Spyglass, Philip Pullman
43. Evernight, Claudia Gray
44. Sabriel, Garth Nix
45. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, J.K. Rowling
46. Beautiful Creatures, Kami Garcia, Margaret Stohl
47. Forever, Judy Blume
48. I Capture the Castle, Dodie Smith
49. Ella Enchanted, Gail Carson Levine
50. The Princess Diaries, Meg Cabot
51. Stargirl, Jerry Spinelli
52. Howl’s Moving Castle, Diana Wynne Jones
53. The Dark is Rising, Susan Cooper
55. Saving Francesca, Melina Marchetta
56. Second Helpings, Megan McCafferty
57. Dreamland, Sarah Dessen
58. Eclipse, Stephenie Meyer
59. Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, Rachel Cohn, David Levithan
60. Fire, Kristin Cashore
61. The Chocolate War, Robert Cormier
62. Weetzie Bat, Francesca Lia Block
64. Looking for Alibrandi, Melina Marchetta
65. How I Live Now, Meg Rosoff
66. City of Glass, Cassandra Clare
67. Keeping the Moon, Sarah Dessen
68. Breaking Dawn, Stephenie Meyer
69. Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging, Louise Rennison
70. If I Stay, Gayle Forman
71. The King of Attolia, Megan Whalen Turner
73. Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast, Robin McKinley
74. The Blue Sword, Robin McKinley
75. Feed, M.T. Anderson
76. The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants, Ann Brashares
77. Go Ask Alice, Anonymous
78. Wicked Lovely, Melissa Marr
79. Lord of the Flies, William Golding
80. Someone Like You, Sarah Dessen
81. The Forest of Hands and Teeth, Carrie Ryan
82. Jacob Have I Loved, Katherine Paterson
83. The Knife of Never Letting Go, Patrick Ness
85. Shadow Kiss, Richelle Mead
86. The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, Avi
87. An Abundance of Katherines, John Green
88. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, Mark Haddon
89. A Ring of Endless Light, Madeleine L’Engle
90. Glass Houses, Rachel Caine
91. The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I:The Pox Party, M.T. Anderson
92. Walk Two Moons, Sharon Creech
93. Whale Talk, Chris Crutcher
95. Going Too Far, Jennifer Echols
96. The Last Song, Nicholas Sparks
97. Before I Fall, Lauren Oliver
98. Hatchet, Gary Paulsen
99. The Pigman, Paul Zindel
100. The Hero and the Crown, Robin McKinley
Total Read: 72
Any must-reads of the ones that I have not read?
I've Been Tagged
Last night, I was tagged by Alex of Geek on the Brink. Here are my answers to the tag questions and the bloggers that I'm going to tag.
4 Things in My Handbag
- Chapstick (always!)
- Cell Phone
- Inhaler
- Wallet (and that's it--I travel lightly)
- A stack of uncorrected papers
- A picture of my husband and I on our wedding day
- A Buddha jar which holds sharpened pencils for all
- A candy jar for anyone who needs a little sugar uplift
- My new turquoise quilt
- A bedside table filled with books
- Earplugs (light sleeper)
- My dog's favorite spot--His little bed
- Travel abroad
- Visit every state in the US (I've been to 38...12 left to go!)
- Learn to speak Spanish
- Write a book (YA, of course!)
- My new Keen shoes
- My stack of new books ordered for my classroom shelves
- Gelato
- My new students
- "Africa" by Toto
- "Fly Above" by Kandi (This has more to do with the impending season of The Real Housewives of Atlanta than anything)
- "Dynamite" by Taio Cruz (a little too catchy...)
- "Mushaboom" by Feist
- I have been to hundreds of concerts/ shows
- I collect salt and pepper shakers and Pez dispensers
- I love Zumba
- I got a new pair of glasses for the first time in 10 years. They'll be here next week. I'm going to look very smart soon.
- My new-ish favorite blog, Vampires and Tofu
- The blog I check the most often, Eating YA Books
- A favorite blog maintained by a teen, Pages
- My Favorite Middlfe Grade blog, The O.W.L.
Friday's Fab Five (7)
Friday's Fab Five is a meme from the Froggarita Book Blog. It's fun and silly and designed to allow book bloggers to get to know one another better. Feel free to join in the fun!
1. What is your favorite disco song?
Probably "I Will Survive". There's something irresistible about the beat that makes me wanna dance. It's great at weddings.
2. What is your favorite soft rock song?
I'm definitely not a fan of soft rock. That's a bit of an oxymoron to me. I actually had to google the term "soft rock" to see what came up. Immediately, I saw Fleetwood Mac. I love them. So, I'm going with "Dreams" by Fleetwood Mac. Apparently, Stevie Nicks wrote that song in ten minutes. Genius.
3. What is your favorite love ballad?
It's not a traditional love ballad, but the song "Fighter Girl" by Mason Jennings is a song that my husband sings to me all the time. Guess I'm his little fighter girl. Aw, shucks.
I'm embedding it for your listening pleasure. And cuz I love it.
4. What is your favorite hard rock song?
Probably Nirvana. I remember when "Smells Like Teen Spirit" came out. It was awesome. I was just entering high school and loved the rebellious nature of that song and the "grunge" scene. This made for some interesting times in high school!
5. What is your favorite pop song?
I'm going to give this honor to Prince's "Kiss". That song is just genius. I love it!
Life Story Meme
I've seen a few blogs with this meme in the past couple of days. I have no idea where it started, but I'm going to give credit to the I Was a Teenage Book Geek blog, because that's the one that made me break down and write this post.
If you've already done this on your blog, feel free to link in the comments section of this post and I'll stop by to check yours out. It's pretty fun!
In high school I was: Girl Coming in for a Landing (April Halprin Wayland)
It took a while for me to land. Some days, I'm still flying around up there.
People might be surprised I'm: The Cardturner (Louis Sachar)
I love to play card games.
I will never be: The Unidentified (Rae Mariz)
I may be a lot of things, but anonymous is not one of them!
My fantasy job is: Dairy Queen (Catherine Murdoch)
I'd love to scoop ice cream. Or gelato. Yum.
At the end of a long day I need: Hush, Hush (Becca Fitzgerald)
I love my husband. But he's loud. Really loud.
I hate it when: I Am Number Four (Pittacus Lore)
I'd rather be first in line. Unless I get to read People magazine. Then I'm okay.
Wish I had: The Replacement (Brenna Yovanoff)
As in a body double. Someone to do all of the stuff I don't want to do. Dishes. Dusting. Correcting of papers. Bus duty. That would be pretty handy!
My family reunions are: The Best and Hardest Thing (Pat Brisson)
I love my family, but they all live hours away. So, get-togethers and holidays are complicated by travel.
At a party you'd find me: Linger (Maggie Stiefvater)
I don't like to go home too early!
I've never been to: Planet Pregnancy (Linda Oatman High)
Maybe someday.
A happy day includes: The Eternal Smile (Derek Kirk Kim)
I love to smile. Smiles are powerful.
Motto I live by: The Sky is Everywhere (Jandy Nelson)
I try to think positively. This seems to represent that to me.
On my bucket list: How To Build A House (Dana Reinhardt)
My little house needs some serious renovations. I'd like to see them done before I retire to the next world.
In my next life I want to be: A Great and Terrible Beauty (Libba Bray)
Sounds like fun, no?
If you've already done this on your blog, feel free to link in the comments section of this post and I'll stop by to check yours out. It's pretty fun!
In high school I was: Girl Coming in for a Landing (April Halprin Wayland)
It took a while for me to land. Some days, I'm still flying around up there.
People might be surprised I'm: The Cardturner (Louis Sachar)
I love to play card games.
I will never be: The Unidentified (Rae Mariz)
I may be a lot of things, but anonymous is not one of them!
My fantasy job is: Dairy Queen (Catherine Murdoch)
I'd love to scoop ice cream. Or gelato. Yum.
At the end of a long day I need: Hush, Hush (Becca Fitzgerald)
I love my husband. But he's loud. Really loud.
I hate it when: I Am Number Four (Pittacus Lore)
I'd rather be first in line. Unless I get to read People magazine. Then I'm okay.
Wish I had: The Replacement (Brenna Yovanoff)
As in a body double. Someone to do all of the stuff I don't want to do. Dishes. Dusting. Correcting of papers. Bus duty. That would be pretty handy!
My family reunions are: The Best and Hardest Thing (Pat Brisson)
I love my family, but they all live hours away. So, get-togethers and holidays are complicated by travel.
At a party you'd find me: Linger (Maggie Stiefvater)
I don't like to go home too early!
I've never been to: Planet Pregnancy (Linda Oatman High)
Maybe someday.
A happy day includes: The Eternal Smile (Derek Kirk Kim)
I love to smile. Smiles are powerful.
Motto I live by: The Sky is Everywhere (Jandy Nelson)
I try to think positively. This seems to represent that to me.
On my bucket list: How To Build A House (Dana Reinhardt)
My little house needs some serious renovations. I'd like to see them done before I retire to the next world.
In my next life I want to be: A Great and Terrible Beauty (Libba Bray)
Sounds like fun, no?
Friday's Fab Five (7)
Friday's Fab Five is hosted by Froggarita's Bookcase. It's a way for us crazy book bloggers to get to know one another a little better. Feel free to join in!
1. What is your favorite milkshake flavor?
Um, this is boring, but vanilla. I like to have a shake about three times a year. I'm not all that into them.
2. What's your favorite flower?
I have lots, but love lilies. I have tons of varieties at my house. They're gorgeous.
3. What's your favorite candy/ chocolate?
I'm not super into candy or chocolates, but I do have a hankering for a twix every now and again. I like the peanut butter ones, but will settle for the caramel.
4. What's your favorite cereal?
Um, I like the Newman's Own cereals. The honey flax is my favorite. I'm starting to sound like I should move in to a nursing home or something. Geesh.
5. What's your favorite chewing/ bubble gum?
Orbit, green or light blue package. I don't know any more than that but I am never without it.
Friday's Fab Five (6)
Friday's Fab Five is hosted by Froggarita's Bookcase. It's a way for us crazy book bloggers to get to know one another a little better. Feel free to join in!
1. Do you have any hidden talents?
Honestly, no. I'm not big on hiding anything that I'm talented in doing. There are talents that I wish I had (singing, dancing, anything musical really) but, as far as I know, none that are hidden.
2. Name one thing that not many people know about you.
Hm. I guess that one thing that surprises some people when they learn this about me is that I love cars and know a lot about them. Not how to fix them or anything practical like that, just model names and such. I love looking at cars and love test driving new cars.
3. Do you have any phobias?
I am afraid of mice (and all other rodents) and climbing ladders. I don't know if there is a name for either of these phobias, or if they're my own personal fears. It's kind of funny, because I'm not afraid of heights, just climbing ladders.
4. What's your favorite cartoon?
I guess that I'd have to say The Simpsons. I don't really watch it anymore, but I've probably seen more Simpsons than any other cartoon.
5. Do you have any nicknames?
Yes. Lots. My first name is Hattie, which has inspired references to The Mad Hatter and Peppermint Patties, among many others. In high school, Battie Hattie and Happy Hattie were my nicknames. My favorite nickname is "Hat" because they only two people who call me this are my father and my husband. And they just happen to be my two favorite men!
Friday's Fab Five (5)
Friday's Fab Five is hosted by Froggarita's Bookcase. It's a way for us crazy book bloggers to get to know one another a little better. Feel free to join in!

Question 1: What book is in your purse/car?
Right now, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte is in my purse. I always travel with a book. I'm reading this classic because I never have. I'm honestly loving it and wish that I had an extra four or five hours to just sit and read it.
Question 2: What book is in your bathroom?
I don't really ever have a book in my bathroom, but there are tons of magazines in there. I like to read Time and Glamour. Go figure.
Question 3: What book is nearest to your favorite chair?
The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff. I'm reading it as part of an ARC tour from Around the World ARC Tours. It's an awesome book so far and I can't wait to read the rest of it. Psst: Word for Teens is offering a chance to win one of two copies of this book. Join me in entering!
Question 4: What book is nearest to your couch?
Nothing fun. Just books for my graduate research project. Literacy and technology and literacy stuff. It's good information, but not exactly exciting. I read it in intervals between all of the fun YA I have going on.
Question 5: What book is nearest to your bed?I'm currently devouring Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. It's awesome. I put off reading it for some strange reason, but wanted to finish it before Beautiful Darkness came out. So far, I've read a little over 100 pages and I'm not disappointed!
* * *
And, off to read. I've been busy with family and work-related shenanigans lately and am missing my reading/ blogging time. First, read. Then, blog. That's the plan.
Friday's Fab Five (4)
In this meme, Froggy of Frogarrita's Bookcase asks five simple questions so that we can get to know one another a little bit better. It's pretty fun and interesting. Feel free to join in if you want!

1. What new author have you discovered this year that is now on your auto-buy list?
Definitely Maggie Stiefvater. I read Shiver and was hooked. It'd read a shopping list if she wrote it. It'd probably be amazing!
2. What author have you yet to read, despite having most of their books in your TBR pile?
There are a few authors that I know I need to read. One is Melissa de la Cruz. I've never read any of her books, but love that lots of my students are hooked on her Blue Bloods series. I have several girls who would love it if I were to start reading and chatting about this series with them.
3. What book do you regret giving/ loaning because you never got it back or got it back in poor condition?
I never remember who I lend books to because I lend out dozens a month. And, I'm not one to get upset about a ruined book. I know that mistakes happen and that I've spilled stuff on books before. It happens!
4. Who's a favorite author that you'd read no matter what genre they write?
This is a tough question, because my favorite YA authors tend to stay in their particular genres. But, there is one that comes to mind. I've read several selections from Patricia McCormick. My favorites are:
Sold, which is a novel told in poems. It's about a young Nepalese girl who is sold into the child sex slave industry. It's superbly written and powerful.
Purple Heart, which takes place in Iraq. It's about an American soldier who is injured in the war and who starts to question the validity of that war. It's well-written and the main character, a young male, is totally believable.
Cut, which is a short novel about cutting. The Chick Lit Book Club read this title a few years ago. It's gritty and realistic and was a great discussion-starter in our group. I'll read anything that McCormick writes in the future because I've enjoyed each of these very different books. I'll look forward to whatever's next!
5. What's a favorite book that you go back to time and time again and won't let go of?
Well, this question is tough for me because I have so many favorite books and have lots of sets of books because I'm a teacher. I'm going to say that the book that I hold on to and teach every year, despite the fact that I could let go of it is Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. I look forward to reading it every year and have yet to get sick of it. It's generally one of my students' favorite reads. There's just something about the relationship between Lennie and George that pulls on my heartstrings year after year. So, that's my Fab Five. I look forward to reading your responses!
Friday's Fab Five (3)
This is a super fun little meme hosted by Froggarita's Bookcase. Feel free to join in!
1. If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
2. If you could ahve any super power, which would you choose?
As I've stated every time I answer this question, I would definitely choose to be able to fly. This would lessen my commute in the morning, eliminate a car payment, and help lessen my carbon footprint. I would love it!
This is a toughie. Hm. I think that I would choose to be Scout Finch from Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird. She had a pretty idyllic childhood, barring that one episode with Mr. Ewell. She had a great disposition, lots of cool people around her (props to Calpurnia for being awesome!), and I bet that she grew up to have a great life. Happy 50th birthday, To Kill a Mockingbird!
4. What is one food you could never give up?
I guess that I'd have to choose my favorite comfort food, which is pizza. I love pizza with green peppers and tomatoes. Yum. We make our own pizza most Friday nights. It's pretty fun and it gets a little creative because we often try out random stuff that we have left over. Lots of possibilities!
5. What is one food that you never want to eat again?
Fruitcake. Without a doubt. I've had it twice; once to try it and once on accident. The result was not pretty for anyone standing near me either time. Uck.
My Favorite Genres
Rebecca at Lost in Books asks "What are your favorite genres?" To join in on this fun little meme-y question, just click the link and connect with others who've answered the same question.
My favorite genres, under YA lit are:

1. Dystopian Literature: I love a good futurist tale. To me, this genre of literature requires such imagination, such precision that you cannot help but admire authors who create whole a new (imperfect and disturbing) world. I am partial to books like The Hunger Games.
2. Novels in Verse: Another huge challenge and testament of a writer's skill and craft is the novel in verse. I have an entire collection of these novels and even teach a few. I love it when a novel in verse uses spare language and text to create complex characters with depth. Some of my favorites include: Keesha's House by Helen Frost, all of Ellen Hopkins's novels, and Sold by Patricia McCormick.
3. Realistic/ Contemporary Lit: I think that there is enormous potential in the ability of contemporary writers to use their writing to influence teens and others who are dealing with difficult choices and life situations. I think about books like Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson and the amazing (as well as eye-opening) discussions that I've had with students over this novel. One of my new favorites is Hate List by Jennifer Brown. This book addresses the aftermath of a school shooting. I can't wait to find a way to incorporate it into my teaching.
My favorite genres, under YA lit are:

1. Dystopian Literature: I love a good futurist tale. To me, this genre of literature requires such imagination, such precision that you cannot help but admire authors who create whole a new (imperfect and disturbing) world. I am partial to books like The Hunger Games.
2. Novels in Verse: Another huge challenge and testament of a writer's skill and craft is the novel in verse. I have an entire collection of these novels and even teach a few. I love it when a novel in verse uses spare language and text to create complex characters with depth. Some of my favorites include: Keesha's House by Helen Frost, all of Ellen Hopkins's novels, and Sold by Patricia McCormick.
3. Realistic/ Contemporary Lit: I think that there is enormous potential in the ability of contemporary writers to use their writing to influence teens and others who are dealing with difficult choices and life situations. I think about books like Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson and the amazing (as well as eye-opening) discussions that I've had with students over this novel. One of my new favorites is Hate List by Jennifer Brown. This book addresses the aftermath of a school shooting. I can't wait to find a way to incorporate it into my teaching.What are your favorite genres?
Friday's Fab Five (2)
I actually love gelato far more than traditional ice cream. It's more flavor-filled and I feel like it's a delicacy. My favorite flavor is mint or mint chocolate chip. I don't care about the chocolate, but mint is mandatory. I like to buy my gelato from Gelato Fiasco in Brunswick, Maine. Don't buy the supermarket variety--too sugary. It's best fresh. 3. What's your favorite drink?
Fresh brewed iced tea with lemon, no sugar. Brown and bitter and cold. Yum!
I love to play cards, like an good New Englander who's used to power outtages. My favorite card game is called Cribbage. I'm not sure how broadly this game is played, but it's pretty fun. Most bars and VFW halls hold Cribbage tournaments here in the winter. There's just not much else to do when there's five or six feet of snow on the ground!
5. What's your favorite music artist/ band?

This is a toughie because I love lots and lots of music. My top two favorite bands of all time that I would drop everything right now to see are Cake and The Red Hot Chili Peppers. I have all of their albums, know every word, and can often be seen sporting a tee for either of these bands. I've seen each of these bands more than a few times and have loved them every time!Friday's Fab Five (1)

I loved reading Where the Red Fern Grows. I must have read it a couple dozen times by the time I was ten or twelve. I also loved historical fiction, so books like Johnny Tremain were ones I read more than once.
Good lord. There aren't many characters that I'd want to be because their lives are usually in turmoil. But, if I had to choose, I think that I would be the main character from 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson. In it, the main character's deceased aunt sends her on a scavenger hunt all through Europe. I would love to travel around Europe, completing secret assignments all the while!
Honestly, Fallen by Lauren Kate. I had such high hopes! But, I'm still going to read the next in the series because I'm a sucker for a good cover and a series book. Maybe the next one will be better?About Me: A Meme
I found this little meme on Bites. And, Donna from Bites credits another blogger, Sherry from Pages for All Ages for hosting this meme. I'm going to credit both!If there were ever a book written about me, this is the list you would find at the front. Come join in the fun and share yours as well!
1. Do you sleep with your closet doors open or closed?
I don't have closet doors. I do have these pretty drapes, though. I like them closed. Because they're pretty.
2. Do you take the shampoos and conditioner bottles from hotels?
No. I use pretty expensive hair stuff and have lots of allergies to soaps and such. I leave it for all the rest of your who can use random shampoos.
3. Do you sleep with your sheets tucked in or out?
Out. Always.
4. Would you rather be attacked by a bear or a swarm of bees?
Bear. I don't know why. This is my knee-jerk reaction.
5. Do you have freckles?
Um, yes. I am very light skinned and have freckles, sun spots, and am probably going to have skin cancer at some point. I should see someone about that!
6. What is your biggest pet peeve?
People biting their fingernails, for sure. Kinda goes with #9.
7. Have you ever peed in the woods?
Unfortunately, yes. See #14.
8. Do you ever dance if there’s no music playing?
A lot. Like, once or twice per day. My husband does too. It's awful cute.
9.Do you chew your pens and pencils?
Good lord, NO! I am a teacher and hate to think of where my pens/ pencils have been. Yuck.
10. Is it okay for guys to wear pink?
Yes. It's my favorite color and I get happy seeing, no matter who's wearing it!
11. What do you dip a chicken nugget in?
Sweet n' Sour sauce. If not available, nothing.
12. What is your favorite food?
Hm. Probably pad Thai with tofu.
13. What movies could you watch over and over and still love?
Anything Molly Ringwald. Oh, and The Princess Bride.
14. Were you ever a boy/girl scout?
Yes, but only because I liked the look of the badges. As soon as the tents came out and we were expected to "go" in the woods, I was out.
15. Would you ever strip or pose nude in a magazine?
No one wants this to happen, believe me!
16. Can you change the oil on a car?
No, but my husband can and does with a smile on his face. He's so adorable!
17. Ever gotten a speeding ticket?
Several, but not for about six years. But, I speed daily. I just moved to a town where there are no police. Problem solved!
18. Ever ran out of gas?
Never.
19. Are you lazy?
Not one iota. People (like my husband and friends) are often telling me to chill. It doesn't work.
20. When you were a kid, what did you dress up as for Halloween?
I dressed up as a "Punk Rocker" for like, all of the '80s. It just never got old for me!
21. How many languages can you speak?
I can speak/ read enough French, Spanish, and German to help my Study Skills students with their homework.
22. Who is better…Leno or Letterman
Letterman. Leno's not funny to me. At all. But, I really like Jon Stewart or Chelsea Lately the best.
23. Do you sing in the car?
Always. Whether people are there or not. And, believe me, people prefer NOT to be there!
24. Ever eat a pierogi?
Yum. Yes. In large quantities.
25. First concert?
4 Non Blondes. Remember them? And that song: "I said Hey, what's goin' on?" (Repeat 100 times...)
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