A chill is in the air. . .

The temperature finally dropped after many miserably hot September days. Doesn't it just make you want to curl up with a good book? I ran across two intriquing books today while I was looking for books about California for a student who is going to visit. One is about John Muir and the other is about Rachel Carson and both are by Thomas Locker. Unfortunately, the library doesn't have either one, so I may have to go out searching the bookstores.  This student is going to drive across country checking out the ways of the west, so I also recommended the Francis Tucket books. These are the wonderful adventures of a daring young boy who becomes separated from his wagon train on the Oregon trail. The series is by the talented writer Gary Paulsen.

Spooky stories

This month I will be teaching Frankenstein by Mary Shelley to my World Lit class. I am considering having everyone make a short report on a monster or scary character from literature. What is your favorite scary story? I usually stay away from them, but the season is almost here. . .

This just in. . .

The latest book in the trilogy by Suzanne Collins got a good review in the NY Times today. I guess I may have to read one. They sound a little too violent for me, but I am curious now to see what all the excitement is about. I know Ben has enjoyed them. Has anyone else read them?
Do you have assigned reading lists in school?