I have always heard that an artist’s work becomes much more popular and valuable after the artist has died.  Is that true of writers as well?  E. L. Konigsburg passed away last month.  I had read, probably, one of her books as a child, From the Mixed up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler; my daughter and I read it this year as well (note to self, add to blog).  I had also read The View from Saturday as an adult and again with my daughter (http://blog.thehappyreaders.com/the-view-from-saturday/).  So, when I read her obituary, I realized there were many more books that I had to read. I picked up The Outcasts…

Ralph Fletcher was the visiting author at my daughter’s school this year.  She really enjoyed him and his books.  Her teacher read her class Fig Pudding, which my daughter suggested we read aloud with my son.  But, since it was early in the school year and there were no pictures in the book, he quickly said no.  A few months ago, she suggested we read Marshfield Dreams aloud.  We needed a break from Harry Potter, and this was perfect.  It is about Mr. Fletcher growing up in Marshfield, MA, his family – that seemed to be forever growing, his friends.  How easy it was to play outside for hours back…

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead.  I got this book suggestion from Hooray for Books (that wonderful bookstore and blog in Alexandria, VA http://www.hooray4books.com/).  It intrigued me.  I try to get my daughter to read books about other children who live in different places.  We live in the country, sort of; definitely different from NYC.  I think its interesting  to read about children going through similar and different situations, even though they may live in very different places. Sal and Miranda are best friends.  But, all that changes.  Sal stops wanting to hang out with Miranda, she begins getting notes about things that will happen in the future, her mom…

I have seen Wonder by R.J. Palacio all over the place this school year.  I had it on hold at our local library, but was in the middle of another book, so I passed.  I was able to get it for the next go-round.  I am kicking myself for not reading it sooner.  If you haven’t read it, I insist that you put your name on the waitlist at your library! Auggie is born with a facial deformity.  He has his family, and his friends that he has no since he was a baby.  Now, his parents have decided that it is time he starts “real school” in 5th grade.…