Books of 2013

I'm a list girl, and I love crossing things off a list or setting and achieving goals for myself. Last year, I set out to read 50 books and ended up reading 62. This year I wanted to beat that goal. I finished the year with a grand total of 67 books.

Unfortunately, only two books I read were worthy of 5 stars this year and they were both non-fiction reads I chose for professional reasons.

So, if you have an interest in books related to technology in education, here are two suggestions.


Technology Together: Whole School Professional Development for Capability and Confidence by Renata Phelps and Anne Graham












Connected From the Start: Global Learning in the Primary Grades by Kathy Cassidy

This is a great read for any elementary educator.










Now for those fiction lovers out there. While each of these books rated only 4 out of 5 stars from me, I think you'll still find them worthy of your time.

Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick

Interesting book for the 9 and up set. One story told in words and another in pictures. Towards the end the pictures and written story come together as one. Moves quickly as you desire to know what the connection and outcome will be.



The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak

Wowser, what a story. A bit difficult to navigate at the beginning as you read through the eyes of Death, but such a well written story of a young girl's life in Nazi Germany. Just when your pulled in so deeply, Death is sure to rip your heart out. I fear the trailer for the new movie makes this book look like it's all roses and daisies and I hope parents do their homework before allowing their kids to see it.





Where'd You Go Bernadette by Maria Semple

Quirky, intelligent novel that's fun to read. Take it to the beach. You'll love it!



And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini

Not my favorite Hosseini book (because how does one top A Thousand Splendid Suns?) but still worth a read. Multiple stories that weave together into one. I think the downfall of this book is trying to identify the connection between each story and then remember how they fit together once the connection is made. But all in all a beautiful tale is woven together.






The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka

Story of Japanese immigration to the US in the early 1900's. Written in the first person plural voice, the author provides insight into multiple perspectives and lives from women of that time. It's this unique point of view that really allows you insight into the minds of Japanese women in the US during that time period. The last few chapters were less appealing than the remainder if the book, but still a quality read. And, it's super short! You'll have it done in a breeze!