RAE’S READS

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This year (2025) finds me with 53 years of teaching “under my belt.” I have taught all levels from pre-K “(library lady” or “book lady”–volunteer) to juniors, seniors, and graduate students enrolled in my Advanced Writing class at the university where I have just completed 34 years. My first paying teaching job was junior high, and I spent 13 years with ages 12-13, the “difficult years.” I had some of the “funnest” experiences with this age group. When I was no longer the “young, fun teacher,” I taught in an elementary school setting before sixth graders went on to junior high, teaching language arts blocs, an assignment that was a “dream-fit” for me. After completing graduate school in my 40s, I went on to community college, then university teaching. This past fall I accepted a part-time teaching job at Apogee Gulf Coast Schools in its first year at the Alvin campus. After my Better Half died n 2022, I achieved a lifelong dream: opening a bookstore of my own, Rae’s Reads. A year later, I sold the house we had lived in for 47 years and moved into the bookstore. My goal is to circulate and repurpose books. Just as teaching is “in my blood,” so is a passion for reading, writing, libraries, and everything bookish. This blog will be open to anyone who loves books, promotes literacy and wants to “come out and play.”

SATURDAY MORNING FOR KIDS ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON

Today’s selections are books I read while I was a Cybils’ first round reader for middle school readers last fall. I am happy to mention these books as good reading for this age group.

Beverly Right Here by Kate DiCamillo is for older junior high to early high school readers. It deals with runaways, drugs, and other mature themes. After Beverly’s dog dies, that is the last straw in her troubled family relationship, so she buries the dog and runs away. She is a strong, self-sufficient young woman with whom the reader immediately bonds.

The secondary characters in this novel are strong as well: Elmer, Beverly’s love interest; and Iola, the eccentric elderly lady she meets at the VFW turkey raffle (Iola rigs the raffle, a hilarious plot gimmick). Oftentimes laugh-out-loud funny, the story is also heartbreaking in places. The author’s portrayal of teen angst is spot-on as is her engaging writing style.

Anthem by Deborah Wiles is also a challenging read for junior high through early high school This description of a road trip taken to protest the Vietnam War brings together young friends in a historical novel teens will enjoy.

Nina Soni: Former Best Friend appeals to tweens and younger readers. There are many clever illustrations, and it deals with complex friendships and relationships so prevalent within this age group. A tiny book by Kashmira Sheth (writer) and Jean Kocsmiersky (illustrator), it had its funny moments as well as an adorable protagonist who reminds me of myself with her constant list making. I thoroughly enjoyed this one.

 

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4 responses to “SATURDAY MORNING FOR KIDS ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON”

  1. carhicks Avatar
    carhicks

    These sound really good. I love when books are challenging to older readers.

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    1. Rae Reads Avatar
      Rae Reads

      I enjoyed the book, and I am an adult sometimes! LOL

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  2. Deb Nance at Readerbuzz Avatar
    Deb Nance at Readerbuzz

    I’m a big fan of Kate DiCamillo. I can’t think of one of her books I’ve read that didn’t wow me. I think I love Winn-Dixie best, maybe because I read it with a group of second graders one year. Deborah Wiles is another favorite from the past. Wiles’ book, Each Little Bird that Sings, was a Bluebonnet book.

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    1. Rae Reads Avatar
      Rae Reads

      Thanks to you, I have a copy of Winn-Dixie. You gave it to me some time ago. I read it again, then watched the movie last month. As soon as my LFL is ready to clear of homeschool materials, I will put it out there. I have started putting sticky notes on front covers with a comment about the book.
      Have fun!
      I am baking a roast, and we will “go to church” in our living room in a little while.

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