Idea for hanging student work in the classroom

I had my students make these Texas flag kites for Texas Public Schools week and the open house we have tomorrow. Instead of stapling them to the wall, I thought I would be fun to fly them. 

I used an electric hole punch--I lined it up so that two holes would go through the top side as you can see. Then I threaded red yarn through the holes and stapled the ends and the middle up. I thought I looked a lot more fun this way. You could even hang them across the corner so they are not flat against the wall.

Books Read in 2013

Two stars (**) means excellent, you must read it, I will read it again several times in my life--only one this year. One star (*) means recommended, I would read it again maybe sometime. These are in the order that I read them.

Diamonds in the Dust by Shirley Mowat Tucker

My mom's friend wrote this. It's fairly good for a Christian book published by an unknown publisher. I have never read anything set in South Africa, so that was interesting.

Dinner with a Perfect Stranger by David Gregory

I don't really recall this book as I'm writing this list, so it must not have been that good... That's unfortunate. This list is not starting out well, but keep going.

100 Cupboards by N. D. Wilson

1st of a trilogy (?) in the genre of juvenile fantasy. A boy uncovers a wall of cupboards that each lead to a different world. Lots of potential there. I plan on reading the others in the series.

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (audio version)

This was not what I expected. The author was trying too hard to be poetic. It was awkward.

The Doll People by Ann M. Martin, illustrated by Brian Selznick

Love this illustrator. This was a cute children novel on the theme of family and accepting weird families.

Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe (audiobook)

Very powerful characters and heart-wrenching plot.

Middlemarch by George Eliot

Very good character development and interesting characters, at that. Several plot lines which form, as the book's subtitle suggests, "A Study of Provincial Life."

American Prometheus: J. Robert Oppenheimer by Kai Bird & Martin J. Sherwin

This guy was fascinating. I kept wondering if he was doubly exceptional (disabled and a genius), but no, he was just a genius. He served America by helping create the hydrogen bombs, but actually advised against using them because his great intelligence allowed him to conceive of the damage they would do.

*Lord of the Flies by William Golding

Ah, Piggy. You will remain forever faithful to your "friends" who are rude and care more about popularity than solidarity.

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

A version of Cinderella where the girl is cursed to be obedient. I don't remember much about it.

A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park (Newbery winner 2002)

Who knew pottery could be so intense? In this setting of ancient Korea it is!

A Room with a View by E. M. Forster

About a girl who is confused about who she is in love with. It didn't grab me like others of his did.

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

This is one of those juvenile books that has taken off. It was ok. Nothing like the quality of Harry Potter. But I did learn a lot about Greek mythology.

*The 100-year-old man who climbed out the window and disappeared by Jonas Jonasson

So funny! This guy lived every one of his 100 years. This stuff is unbelievable. (But it's fiction, so you don't have to believe it.)

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Short story. It was good because justice happened. I like stories like that even though they are sad. I guess I value justice more than happiness...?

Escape from Camp 14 by Blaine Hardin

About a guy who escaped from a North Korean camp in which he grew up. It made me realize how we take for granted normal socialization. This boy had absolutely no concept of any type of warm feeling from other people until he escaped, and his escape was a complete divine miracle.

The Moon is Down by John Steinbeck

Wikipedia says it was "written with a purpose to motivate and enthuse the resistance movements in occupied countries." so that makes it cool. It was pretty good. Hard to read because I know this sort of thing has happened and still happens.

Emma by Jane Austen

She's a matchmaker and she gets a match made for her at the end. Pretty good. I like Austen.

Autobiography of St. Ignatius

This guy is really awesome. I admire him a lot, but he seems sorta unreal because he was so good.

Silent No More by Aaron Fisher

A high-school boy standing up to say that he had been abused by a coach. Very, very powerful story. Bottom line: Don't blame the victim!!

One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp

This turned out to be a very influential book as I'm reflecting. She has a sometimes overly poetic style, but the idea is to be thankful for every good thing in your life no matter how small and that is very valuable.

The Story of Mankind by Hendrik Willem

This guy wrote this history book for his kids and grandkids. Apparently mankind only includes Western European peoples. One chapter for India, one chapter for China. Bam. Done. Huh? What is this Africa you speak of?

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See (audiobook)

I can't believe I listened to this whole book. It was a fairly good and interesting book, but the narrator's voice was so grating. But, good picture of social strata in pre-communist China.

God is Closer Than You Think by John Ortberg

This is about intimacy with God, but I would just recommend "A Praying Life" described below instead of this.

At the Back of the North Wind by George MacDonald

I hesitate about whether to give you a spoiler. I feel like I need to read it again now that I know whatthe North Wind represents. Well, if you're like me and don't pick up on it after a few chapters, just read wikipedia's article until you find what the North Wind is.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Other Jazz Age Tales by F. S. Fitzgerald

I think I read this a year or two ago, but I didn’t realize until most of the way through the first story. It’s got some decent stuff.

*Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

Probably my favorite of hers. I like the heroine.

Vampires in the Lemon Grove

Interesting short stories. There’s one particularly good one about girls who become silkworms in a factory. It’s about women rising up against oppression.

*I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

About her early life. (She has about 6 autobiographical books one various stages of her life.) Excellent book of overcoming abuse.

The Very Worst Thing by Torey Hayden

Juvenile fiction about a boy who thinks he doesn’t belong anywhere and tries to raise an owl so that he’ll have someone to belong to.. I’m not making it sound right, but it was decently good. The author’s first foray into fiction.

Loser by Jerry Spinelli

I love this kid! He's so endearing and he doesn't care that no one likes him. He's downright cheerful.

Every Woman's Battle by Shannon Ethridge

About purity of mind, heart and body. Good stuff.

Princess of Mars (Barsoom #1) by Edgar Rice Burroughs (audio version)

Interesting 1912 scifi. I actually didn't know it was that old until I just looked it up. Amazing. Kind of annoying because he objectified the main woman in the story, but what can you expect from 1912?

Beezus and Ramona by Beverly Cleary

Cute story. Juvenile fiction about two sisters struggle to get along.

*Evidence Not Seen: A Woman's Miraculous Faith in the Jungles of World War II by Darlene Diebler Rose

Inspiring true story of a woman who was captured and placed in a POW camp. She was a pillar of their new society in the camp. She was strong and compassionate: exemplary female characteristics.

The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot

Pretty good writing. Long story that had a surprise, dissatisfying ending. Although I suppose I should have liked it since I like "Of Mice and Men." But you can't do that in a long novel!

Son by Lois Lowry

Part 4 of the Giver Quartet. This relates back more obviously to "The Giver" so I enjoyed it more than the intervening books.

Harry Potter y La Piedra Filosofal by J.K. Rowling

Me encanta Harry. Era un gusto a leer uno de mis libros favoritos de nuevo y al mismo tiempo practiqué una idioma nueva!

Ten Books That Screwed Up the World and Five Others that Didn't Help by Benjamin Wiker

I got several history lessons out of this book. This is good for a summary of some of the most influential books ever written.

*A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World* by Paul E. Miller

I liked this and learned a lot from it. The author shares personal stories to illustrate his points. That is probably the best aspect of the book.

The Prince and Betty by P. G. Wodehouse

Very funny as usual. This plot merges with the plot of "Psmith, Journalist." which I read last year. I believe this one was written first because Psmith is spelled Smith.

Far From the Madding Crowd (audio version)

My mom recommended this to me as the only one of Hardy's books that is not depressing. It was cute. One girl, three guys: murder, mayhem and English country life.

**American Born Chinese by Gene Leun Yang**

Must read this if you are a TCK (third culture kid)! It's so redemptive. Plus it has 3 story lines that all merge at the end! I love that! I have already read this book 2 or 3 times, but I bought it because I HAD to own it, and I'm not one of those people usually.

*Wodehouse on Crime: A Dozen Tales of Fiendish Cunning by P. G. Wodehouse*

Vinettes from various novels and short stories, several of which I had already read, but it was fun to read these most action-packed segments.

Project: Work table for sewing machine and other things

Today is a snow day. This is what I did this morning. Finished at 11:30. Where's the snow you ask? You need to look VERY closely. And... you may still not see any.

Project: Kitchen Utensil Pegboard

Just finished this today. Thanks to mom for the colorful utensils. 

Books Read in 2012

Now that it's almost 2014 and I'm going to need to write a post called "Books Read in 2013," I think I'll finish my post on "Books Read in 2012." 

The ones with two stars (**) you absolutely must read, at all costs. There is actually only 1 this year, and it happened to be the first one I read. Two stars also means that it would be great if I would read this once every couple of years for the rest of my life. The ones with one star (*) are also excellent books that I recommend reading. One star also means that I would read it again. These are listed in the order I read them.

The Man Who Was Thursday by G. K. Chesterton**

Must be read by everyone. Especially if you believe in God or if you don’t believe in God. I can’t really describe it, though… Let’s just say Chesterton was a smart dude.

A Child Called It by Dave Pelzer

A difficult book to read because it’s about child abuse and neglect. But those things are real, so it’s worth reading about. It’s incredible what this kid lived through

Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom

I can appreciate this author. It’s good to look at other cultures and death. Two topics I enjoy.

Winnie the Pooh by A. A. Milne*

Classic. What else can I say. This guy had such a way of putting things in a child-like, insightful way. It's poetry.

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (graphic novel by Stone Arch Books)

Interesting story. More to it than the snippets you hear about in pop culture. And graphic novels are always fun.

Psmith in the City by P. G. Wodehouse*

How can you not? Psmith is one of my favorite Wodehouse characters. He’s just so darn funny.

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba*

This guy amazed me—his perseverance in the midst of seeming hopelessness. He had literally nothing going for him except what was in him.

The House at Pooh Corner by A. A. Milne

Just classic again.

Clay in the Potter’s Hand by Dorothy Sun

I don’t usually like testimonial books put out by a publisher no one has ever heard of, but this was a good story and well written. It encouraged me a lot.

The Red House Mystery by A. A. Milne*

This author is versatile! For reals, this is good mystery story.

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

I was drawn to this story because the characters were chosen because of their unique gifts. That always pulls me in because they are a Jesus-type.

The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey by Trenton Lee Stewart

I get sucked in to these juvenile fiction books. What can I say?

Androcles and the Lion by George Bernard Shaw

Honestly, I didn’t read this very carefully, partly because I think there were a lot of pop culture references from a time and place not my own. I don’t remember much of it, other than there were points that were ridiculous.

Psmith, Journalist by P. G. Wodehouse*

The author’s name says it all. Seriously.

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate Dicamillo

In the genre of 'Lost Toys that Find Their Way Back Home,' this was decent. 

Never Sleep Three in a Bed by Max Braithwaite

Very funny book. Some really good stories of this guy’s childhood—hard to believe they really all happened to one person.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Sucked me in much more than I thought was possible from a book written in first-person present tense. Who does that? Just think how it could have been if it was written in past tense. 

A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court by Mark Twain

A guy goes back in time and invents a lot of “modern” innovations. I was shocked by Twain’s breadth and depth of knowledge—city planning, military strategy, business prowess, economic development of society, education, etc.

Crispin (The Cross of Lead) by Avi

Decent story in the juvenile fiction genre. Intersting historical fiction.

Three Men in a Boat by Jerome K. Jerome

This book was touted as one of the funniest books ever written. I didn't think that description applied. This guy is not as funny as P. G. Wodehouse.

The Red Scarf Girl by Ji-Li Jiang

A perspective of the Cultural Revolution which is quite different from and yet, in some ways similar to “Clay in the Potter’s Hand.” The secular perspective, shall we say.

Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool

I like books like this where two story lines from different eras weave together. This was the 2011 Newbery Winner.

Cookie by Cookie Rodriguez and Nancy Anderson

Biography of a Hispanic woman who became a prostitute and then a very out-spoken witness for Jesus after he rescued her out of drugs and prostitution.

The Inn of the 6th Happiness by Alan Burgess

Really amazing story of a woman who was a missionary in China for many many years. This book is more realistic (read: non-romanticized*) than the movie. (*romance in the classical definition of adventure and heroism, etc.)

Much Obliged, Jeeves by P. G. Wodehouse*

In case you haven’t gotten the idea yet I’ll just spell it out, if the author’s name is P. G. Wodehouse, you need to read it.

The Mating Season by P. G. Wodehouse*

See previous.

Five Children and It by E. Nesbit

Apparently this is a classic from some people’s childhood. Anyway, it was pretty entertaining, with a little friendly but fickle sand-monster guy.

The Church of 80% Sincerity by David Roche

This man had some kind of disorder when he was born which caused his face to be badly disfigured and discolored. Because of that, he became a person with inner strength and assurance.

Too Close to the Falls by Catherine Gildner

A memoir which I felt I couldn’t put down. Well written and very interesting character development. Her world was very unique, as was she herself.

A Smile As Big as the Moon by Mike Kersjes

A P.E.-coach-cum-special-ed teacher manages to get his high school special ed class to go to Space Camp which is apparently an elite competitive experience for the brightest of the bright.  

Twilight Children by Torey Hayden*

The author was working as a therapist in a children’s psychiatric ward and recounts herexperiences with three people she met there.

The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Early horror/mystery writing. A novel length Sherlock Holmes book. Kinda drawn out and melodramatic. More thriller than mystery.

That Hideous Strength by C. S. Lewis

The third in the so-called space trilogy. This one does not take place in space. Insightful and sometimes prophetic, as Lewis often was.

Messenger by Lois Lowry

Third in the Giver Triology (strikeout) Quartet (thanks for the correction, Wikipedia). I like this because it has a Jesus-figure.

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ranson Riggs

Interesting because it was based off of actual vintage stunt photos like a girl hovering above the ground. Good story. Juvenile fiction.

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

I think I tried to read this as a child and found it too dense. As an adult, I found it very light. Hmm. 

Something New by P. G. Wodehouse*

Author’s name says it all. 

Running for My Life by Lopez Lomong*

Biography one of Sudan’s Lost Boys who escaped from the soldiers to a refugee camp and eventually made it to the States and ran in the Olympics for the U.S. Gripping and incredible storyby a very humble and, above all, grateful guy. 

The Woman Who Changed Her Brain by Barbara Arrowsmith-Young

Biography of a woman who had severe learning disabilities, but exercised her brain to overcome it and established a school for others with learning disabilities.

Beatrix Potter: the Story of the Creator of Peter Rabbit by Elizabeth Buchan

This woman was unusual in her time and society and therefore very interesting.

In His Steps by Charles Monroe Sheldon

A fictional book about following Jesus into serving others instead of self. I was surprised by how much it touched me despite its moralistic flavor.

The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell*

Some people can just make anything seem interesting and they end up writing New York Times Bestsellers. Stories from all areas of thought and study on what causes ideas to catch on--to tip. The memorable part to me was the segment on the NYC police chief revolutionizing the city and greatly reducing crime by attacking minor infractions of the law like graffiti. 

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

Doctors harvested cells without permission from a black woman who was dying of cervical cancer. They became the first cells that were successfully sustained and reproduced in a lab. They were(and are still) used to develop treatments for countless numbers of diseases—all without the knowledge or permission of the woman’s family. This is the story of the woman and her family.

Look Me in the Eye by John Elder Robinson*

An autobiographical account of a man with Asperger’s Syndrome who had a very interesting life—he programmed light effects for KISS, developed and designed electronic toys, and many more fascinating things, while struggling with social skills.

The Slumber of Christianity by Ted Dekker (audio version)

Honestly, this was boring and slow. The idea of the book is good, but it took way too long to develop. Maybe it should have been a magazine article. I can say it in one sentence: “If we were more excited about Heaven, we would be doing a lot better on earth.” 

The 13 ½ Lives of Captain Bluebear by Walter Moers translated by John Brownjohn (audio version)

A weird book like a dream-journey or a wacky brainstorming session that pumped itself up to be a lot more interesting that it really was. It didn't have a whole lot of plot, just descriptions of things that would be weird.

Tinkers by Paul Harding

Pulitzer Prize winning book, but I don’t exactly know why. I suppose it was beautiful, albeit, ethereal. I guess it just wasn’t my style.

My Dyslexia by Philip Schultz (audio version)

Why is this guy a Pulitzer Prize winning poet? I’m not jiving with these Pulitzer people. Or maybe I should switch to material books instead of audiobooks.

The Indiscretions of Archie by P. G. Wodehouse*

The hero of this story is not quite as lazy as some other of Wodehouse’s heroes. And this one involves a sweet, cute marriage with a non-domineering female. (The females that Wooster runs into are usually domineering.) 

Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

I finally finished it after a year!! I’m so proud of myself. Really awesome book that made me feel kinda out of the loop in regards to history and politics and philosophy and military and many other things. But it was worth the year I spent on it.

Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

A lot of good thoughts about life and death.

26 Fairmont Avenue, Here We All Are, On My Way, What a Year (4 books) by Tomie De Paola (audio version--read by the author)

In case you don’t know, this guy is an excellent children’s author and illustrator. These books areabout his childhood, very funny. He was a precocious, creative child, to say the least.

V for Vendetta by Alan Moore and David Lloyd

The original (I think?) graphic novel. Really good.

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

Creepy book that made me afraid of psychotic family members and made me decide to do several background checks on all family members before I get married.

The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame

I kept seeing scenes in my mind of the cartoon version I watched as a child, which really augmented it nicely. You have to be able to hear their British accents as they say, "Moley, ... Ratty, ... Toady, ..." Very nostalgic. 

Miss Hickory by Carolyn Sherwin Bailey

1947 Newbery Award Winner. Cute story about a doll made of wood who has to make friends and find a new place to live when her girl goes away to school. 

Radioactive: Marie and Pierre Curie, A Tale of Love and Fallout

The format of this book is very visual: interesting backgrounds and typography. Lots of archive photos, newspaper clips, interviews with various figures of the era.

Persuasion by Jane Austen*

Maybe one of my favorite of Austen's. A young girl had been persuaded to break off an engagement to a man and years later they meet again. Will they or won't they?? I think this may be shorter than some of her other novels.

Small Steps by Louis Sachar

Sachar is good at deeply understanding people and presenting characters who are well yet subtlely developed.

Born on a Blue Day by Daniel Tammet

This guy is a Aspergian genius whose most famous accomplishment was memorizing however many digits of pi that one could recite in 5 hours. He has synesthesia which an ability to sense through 2 sensory channels what most people sense through 1 channel. In his case, he "sees" numbers as having textures, colors and motion. He was able to memorize umpteen digits of pi because he viewed the numbers as a connected landscape of colors and textures. He also did other things in the book.

Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer by C. S. Lewis*

There is no Malcolm. But Lewis wrote letters of his thoughts on prayer which are very good, and he had to address them to someone, so he made up Malcolm.

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

Juvenile fiction. Kinda cute story. Not much of a mystery. 

Autobiography of Ben Franklin

This guy was amazing. He came up with the first volunteer fire fighter system, public library, farmer's almanac. He was just a genius who was positively bursting with ideas. He was right guy in the right time and place to get this country going.

The Talk-Funny Girl by Roland Merullo

A great story of overcoming abuse, becoming your own person, standing up for yourself, and making something of what you have to work with.

…But don’t take my word for it!