Reading Abounds

Title:  Salt to the Sea Author:   Ruta Supetys Perma-Bound Catalogue #: 143529 Description:    In this novel based on real-life events, Prussian World War II refugees find their hopeful exodus turning into a desperate fight for survival when the ship on which they are escaping sinks in the Atlantic. Rubric Rating:   Level 4 - Love It Why I Read It:    I have read all of Ruta Sepetys’ other books and knew I wanted to read this one as well. Notes:    This novel had a bit of a slow start for me but I loved the opening lines of each characters’ chapters – For Joana guilt is a hunter, for Florian, Fate is a hunter, and for Emilia, shame is a hunter, and for Alfred fear is a hunter.  The book alternates perspectives between these four characters and I either loved or hated them all. Joana is a Lithuanian fleeing from the invading Russian forces. She is trained nurse traveling with a group of fellow refugees. Flor...

Title: Titanic Sinks! Author: Barry Denenberg Perma-Bound Canada Catalogue#: 56340 Description:   Uses fictional framework to present the true story of the building and launching of the Titanic, to give a "you are there" feeling as the ship goes down. Rubric Rating: Level 2 - Like It. Why I Read it: I read this book around the 100th anniversary of the Titanic Disaster.  I thought the format was an interesting concept. Lori's Notes: This book is set up as a series of newspaper articles and interviews from the "Modern Times: Your World Illustrated."  The book is done in sepia tones to look like old newsprint.  (I think this makes the book stinky - I found the pages really smell.  Be wary if you have a child with any scent sensitivities).  It announces the construction of the ship, the death of one of the 15-year-old boys working on this ship, and a journal account of a fictional reporter on the ship.  Along with interviews of the captain...

Title: 882 1/2 Amazing Answers to your Questions about the Titanic Author: Hugh Brewster and Laurie Coulter                Painting by Ken Marschall Perma-Bound Catalogue #: 87033 Description: Here is the book with all the answers to your questions about the Titanic.  From the building of the ocean liner to its tragic sinking and its discovery on the ocean floor.  Illustrated with paintings, diagrams and photographs. Rubric Rating: Level 4 - Love it Why I Read It: I read this in 2012 to do research on the 100th anniversary of the sinking. Lori's Notes: A non-fiction question and answer format book about the Titanic.  A really interesting read.  Gives enough information to be interesting but not so much as to be overwhelming.  Some good Canadian content about some of the Canadians on board and who perished.  The type of book that makes you want to read more! Recommended Readers: Grade 4 ...