I've read a bunch of Neil Gaiman's adult stuff too. He's weird, but interesting.

When You Reach Me is also fabulous! I read it last year when I had 5th graders. I think it's a little beyond my current group. But I'm looping with them, so I'll probably read it aloud next year.

I'm just about done with One Crazy Summer, one of this year's Honor Books. It's a very good read, but I don't think it's one I'll read aloud. It takes place in 1968 in Oakland. Three girls go to visit their mom, who abandoned them, and she's now a poet for the Black Panthers. I think it's a little too heavy for my kids right now. Feathers a previous Honor book was also awesome, but more appropriate for read aloud to an older group.

I buy the winners and Honor books as soon as they are announced. I just like having good literature in my classroom. Okay, really it's 'cause I like to read. I'm always thrilled when I have already purchased one because it caught my eye at Barnes and Noble.

Happy reading!

Veronica