Monday 4/11/11

Book Journey says - It’s Monday!  What Are You Reading is where we share what we read this past week, what we hope to read this week…. and anything in between!

I would say that my post for this Monday falls under the anything in between categorie.  I decided to do something a little different for this It’s Monday What Have You Been Reading?  It goes back a little further then a week, however I thought it was worth sharing.

It started with Granny Torrelli – Grandma role models in juvenile literature

This was not planned at all but over the last few months I have been on an adventure reading stories that revolve around tween age girls and their wonderful relationships with their grandmothers.  It started with Granny Torrelli makes soup by Sharon Creech.  Granny Torrelli was there to talk with her granddaughter when she needed it most.  I was not lucky enough to have a relationship like that with a grandmother and I began thinking how wonderful it must be. 

I went about my book selecting as usual.  I have been trying to read some Newberry Award winners and Battle of the Books selections that I did not get to read in prior years.  Next came Love, Ruby Lavender by Deborah Wiles.  Ruby’s grandma is the world to her.  When grandma has to leave the state, they communicate in writing.  They maintain an open, honest relationship that every girl should get to experience. 

Grandma fights for what is right in Becoming Naomi Leon by Pam Munoz Ryan.  While raising her granddaughter, this feisty grandparent teaches culture, heritage and moral values. 

Another grandmother that must look after her granddaughter is found in Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech.  She is somewhat like Granny Torrelli as she spends time traveling with her granddaughter and wants to hear all that the girl has to tell, plus more. 

These coming of age books belong on the TBR pile of our daughters and granddaughters everywhere. 

I have now just started The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly which was recommended by a friend.  I am listening to this on audio and have gotten just far enough to discover that this story involves a granddaughter and her relationship with her grandfather. 

Have any others to add to my list? 

Just finishing: Priscilla the Great by Sybil Nelson  

Just into: Following My Toes by Laurel Osterkamp   

Next up:  Ain't No Sunshine by Leslie DuBois