Ramona Quimby giveaway

Today is my birthday, and to celebrate I am going to have a giveaway!

Last week I cleaned up my study and found all kinds of bookish items that I have collected over the last few years. When I was in library school, I held on to everything for when I get my very own school library. Well…I am still on the hunt and my collection of items is still there, so…I’ve decided to hold random giveaways throughout the summer and the fall to pass these items on to those of you who will put them to better use.

Up first…a Ramona Quimby giveaway.

Here’s what I have: a copy of ‘Ramona’s World’ and a ‘Ramona and Beezus’ nylon pullstring backpack for the little reader in your life.

Or if you are a librarian, it would be a great “summer reading” prize as well.

Summary of ‘Ramona’s World’ from Goodreads:

The best year ever!

That's what Ramona thought the fourth grade was going to be, but things aren't turning out as she hoped. Sure, she has a new best friend named Daisy. But how can she improve her spelling as her teacher insists, or be the role model for her baby sister, Roberta, that Mrs. Quimby expects? Fourth-grade life is full of adventure and challenges, and at the end of it all—a "zeroteenth" birthday to celebrate!

Now all you have to do is enter the giveaway below.

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Happy Reading!

-      The Hodgenator

Review + Giveaway: Hysteria

Hey guys! I had the pleasure of reading Megan Miranda’s new book, and I am in love. Of course, I like novels that are dark and twisty and leave me questioning my own sanity, I mean, the character’s sanity.

After checking out my review, scroll down for your chance to win a copy of Hysteria, on shelves Tuesday.

Title: Hysteria

Author: Megan Miranda

ISBN: 9780802723109   

Pages: 336                          

Available: February 5, 2013

Source: Netgalley

Summary (from the book jacket):

Mallory killed her boyfriend, Brian. She can't remember the details of that night but everyone knows it was self-defense, so she isn't charged. But Mallory still feels Brian's presence in her life. Is it all in her head? Or is it something more? In desperate need of a fresh start, Mallory is sent to Monroe, a fancy prep school where no one knows her . . . or anything about her past. But the feeling follows her, as do her secrets. Then, one of her new classmates turns up dead. As suspicion falls on Mallory, she must find a way to remember the details of both deadly nights so she can prove her innocence-to herself and others.

In another riveting tale of life and death, Megan Miranda's masterful storytelling brings readers along for a ride to the edge of sanity and back again.

My Thoughts:

Besides the rockin’ cover, this book has a lot going for it.

I am a scaredy cat. It’s bad. The littlest things make me jump. I found myself jumping several times while reading this creepy book. My husband kept trying to talk to me while I was reading it, and I found myself saying to my him, “Stop talking to me. I’m trying to read this creepy book.” That’s the way I’ve been describing the plot: creepy.

What’s creepy about it is what is happening to Mallory. She hears whispers. She hears footsteps. She hears pounding. She sees shadows. She feels someone gripping her shoulder. Or does she? This part of the plot was a combination of ‘The Bell Jar’ and ‘Mara Dyer’ for me. Was the author descending me into madness, or was there method to the madness?

That’s about all I can say without spoiling any element of the plot because there is so much more I want to say, but I’m afraid it will ultimately ruin the experience for you.

The strength of this novel does not lie in its plot as much as its characters. I loved them. I invested in them. I wanted more of them. Okay, just of Reid, but he’s a character so it counts.

First, Mallory. Oh Mallory – what a character she is. She just cannot remember the night she killed Brian. Well, I guess that’s not really accurate. She remembers it in snapshots. Pieces here. Pieces there. As readers, we discover the truth as she discovers it, which I appreciated. The author throws puzzle pieces at us—and Mallory—and it’s our job to put them together. While the pieces fall slowly, I felt it was a necessity to the development of her character, as well as her questioned madness. I think it was risky for impatient readers, but I enjoyed it because the author gave me just enough of a flashback at all the right moments to keep me engaged.

Second, Mallory’s best friend Colleen. I love this girl. She is 100% best friend material, something that any teenage girl who has killed her boyfriend and cannot remember that night needs. And Mallory needs Colleen, more than she will admit. Colleen brings humor and truth to the story, but mostly I just wanted to be her best friend. Every girl needs a Colleen in her corner.

And there is Reid. Reid is a friend who needs Mallory in his life as much as Mallory needs him. Their relationship is a bit complicated. After all, Mallory is carrying baggage with her when she arrives at Monroe, and I am not talking suitcases, but Reid has his own. And he takes her as she is. He believes in her. He wants to help her. And he wants to kiss her. His character reminded me of Jake Ryan (swoon) with more lines. He’s the guy mom wants you to bring home.I felt he wasn't in the book enough, but that would not have served the author's purpose.

What would a YA novel set in a private school be without resident bad girls – and bad boys? Krista and Jason? They are snarky, and snide, and they do not disappoint.

I have read a few reviews that complained that the author doesn’t effectively develop the plot, and I have to disagree. I thought the pacing was right on track, and I felt that she answered most of my questions. There was one major question that I felt she did not adequately tie together. Since it wasn’t something that made me feel frustrated with the book, I can forgive her.

My only complaint is that I felt the book needed one more chapter. With kissing. Kissing is good after reading a creepy book, right?

And now it is giveaway time…that’s why you’re really here anyway. Enter for your chance to win a copy of Hysteria. Good luck all!

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Happy Reading!

-          The Hodgenator

Celebrate the Freedom to Read

First, I want to say HAPPY BANNED BOOK WEEK to all! This is such an important week to readers because it is 100% about the freedom of choice – the choice to read. Most importantly, it is important that we continue to fight for this choice for all readers of all ages.

I am proud to work with Book Journey this week and host this novel as well as a giveaway.

When I read the tweet to help celebrate, I knew immediately what novel I wanted to recognize and host. At first I thought of Speak, but then I decided on this one because I am always being asked what books I recommend for male readers, especially reluctant ones, and I love this book that much and cannot believe it has been challenged.

Title and author: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

Pages: 230

ISBN: 9780316013697

Source: Purchased

Summary (from book jacket):

Junior is a budding cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian reservation. Born with a variety of medical problems, he is picked on by everyone but his best friend. Determined to receive a good education, Junior leaves the rez to attend an all-white school in the neighboring farm town where the only other Indian is the school mascot. Despite being condemned as a traitor to his people and enduring great tragedies, Junior attacks life with wit and humor and discovers a strength inside of himself that he never knew existed.

Inspired by his own experiences growing up, award-winning author Sherman Alexie chronicles the contemporary adolescence of one unlucky boy trying to rise above the life everyone expects him to live.

My Thoughts:

Alexie knocks it out of the park with this novel. He introduces readers to Junior, a young boy who happens to be a walking miracle. He was born with water on his brain, too many teeth, huge feet, and awful eyesight. If that was not bad enough, he’s Native American too.

Throughout the novel, readers are brought into a world unlike any other in YA literature. Readers will experience Junior’s frustration at the lack of equality in education on the rez and will feel triumphant when he makes the decision to leave the rez for a better education, even if that means betraying the one he respects the most, his best friend.

Ultimately, this is a tale of survival. It’s hard to be a teenager, and when it seems that the world it out to “get you” in a variety of ways, it adds to the headache. 

But Junior keeps his head up, his hopes high, and his want for a better life center. From having a crush to fighting with a best friend to issues with teachers and family members, all readers will find themselves lost in the pages cheering for Junior.

Alexie's gift of storytelling is truly remarkable – he made me laugh and cry, many times simultaneously, and he warmed my heart. Throughout the novel I found myself rooting for Junior, no matter what it involved.

I want to share with you one of my favorite moments in the novel. It’s one I always share with my students when we study Alexie's essay, “Superman and Me.” To me, this captures not only the tone of Junior’s life but it also will always be relevant in society.

It sucks to be poor, and it sucks to feel that you somehow deserve to be poor. You start believing that you’re poor because you’re stupid and ugly. And then you start believing that you’re stupid and ugly because you’re Indian. And because you’re Indian you start believing you’re destined to be poor. It’s an ugly circle and there’s nothing you can do about it.

Poverty doesn’t give you strength or teach you lessons about perseverance. No, poverty only teaches you how to be poor (13).

It is moments like these that make this worth your time. Alexie brings universal truths to the forefront, challenging “ideas” many are raised to believe. With absolute tender care, Alexie provides readers a look into what it truly is like to grow up not only poor in America but also Native American. Stereotypes are addressed as well as being a growing, teenage boy.

But more than anything, this is always a “go to” novel for me with students, especially male. I have not ever had a male student return the book and say he did not like it. Usually when I ask all that is said is, “Can you recommend another book I would like as well?”

Chris Crutcher enjoying BBW in Spokane

Guys, this is a sure-winner for your classroom library, with your students, with you. 

And if that doesn't convince you...check out the picture of fellow author Chris Crutcher reading from the novel. A big THANK YOU to Kelly Milner Halls, his personal assistant, for allowing me to share the love and post this picture of Crutcher.

I have read this novel and listened to it on audio – I recommend you do both. I recommend that you read the novel first. The cartoons that accompany are an important element, but once you’ve read it, it is worth a listen because Alexie is the reader.

Reasons given for banning this novel: 

• offensive language
• racism
• religious viewpoint
• sexually explicit
• unsuited to age group

Want to learn more?

• "Northwest novel removed from Richland schools' reading list" - June 11, 2011 
• "Banning Sherman Alexie Does Not Help Students" - June 27, 2011
• "Banned Books Week: Top 10 Most Challenged Titles of 2011" - October 1, 2012
• "About Banned and Challenged Books" - ALA

And now...it's GIVEAWAY time! Enter for your chance to win a copy of Sherman Alexie's YA novel below. 

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Victoria Schwab's Giveaway of Witchy Epicness

Victoria Schwab, author of the amazing The Near Witch, is having a giveaway to celebrate Halloween.

If you have not yet read The Near Witch, you should. It is such a great read, especially for this time of year.

Visit her blog here and enter.

Good luck to you all!