WPCTE Reads by Ms. H. Lewis

Women's Work: The First 20,000 Years, Elizabeth Wayland Barber

hlewis3_11 — 2024-10-18 17:24:34 UTC

I'm really enjoying this! Reading a chapter a night before bread. It's the story of women's creative role in prehistoric societies as they advanced the textile arts.

School Moms: Parent Activism, Partisan Politics, and the Battle for Public Education

hlewis3_11 — 2024-10-18 17:27:00 UTC

Join us as we read this book for our book club!

Blind Spot: The Hidden Biases of Good People

2024-10-22 14:54:59 UTC

I'm reading this book with a professional learning group at my school. It explores the ways we all engage in biased thinking and how we can acknowledge and try to resist these implicit biases we absorb from society.

West with Giraffes: A Novel

2024-11-02 18:28:11 UTC

One of my favorite books I have encountered over this year, West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge is captivating! I listened to this adventure unfold over an audiobook reading and there were some twists and turns that I never expected. Set as a frame story during the Great Depression, follow Woodrow on his retelling of taking the first two American giraffes cross-country from New Jersey to San Diego. I promise you will love this book; however, you may shed a few tears, and laughs, along the way!

The Lost Apothecary: A Novel

2024-11-02 18:42:31 UTC

Follow Nella, Eliza, and Caroline three women, who couldn't be any more different, as they unravel a centuries-old mystery involving an apothecary with a knack for assisting her clients with terrible deaths. I really enjoyed reading this title and wish I had picked it up sooner!

Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books by Azar Nafisi

2024-11-04 04:00:51 UTC

Nafisi mixes personal memoir and historical timeline with literary theory to explore how reading fiction fosters empathy and allows us to establish our own moral compass through perspective taking. It's a compelling argument against censorship, though a bit inaccessible to those who have not also read the various texts she uses as examples.

Give Me a Sign by Anna Sortino

abouch — 2024-11-12 03:14:53 UTC

I read this book in October, and I absolutely loved it! It was a cute love story, and I learned a lot about Deaf culture and experiences. I'd suggest this book for HS and up.

Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson

2024-11-26 18:04:27 UTC

Those of us who were able to go to NCTE this year were so impressed by Bryan Stevenson's keynote. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to pick up a copy of his book. Incredible read about problems in the judicial system in the U.S., specifically focusing on death row inmates and adjudicated youth.

The Ghost Stories of Edith Wharton

2024-12-03 20:56:18 UTC

I am currently reading this collection of short stories by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Edith Wharton. This collection was out of print for many years; scholars say it was her final literary act to compile the stories before she passed away. Wharton's complex, cerebral sentence structure evokes suspense and tension. Her attention to setting, specifically the detail to architecture and the weather, shows the ephemeral nature of reality. These short stories would be a great pick for a gothic literature unit in a high school or college classroom. A great pairing and comparative study would be to read "A Duchess at Prayer" with Poe's "Cask of Amontillado."

The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn

2025-01-02 01:51:50 UTC

I just read this book to prep my students for the WIRC Reading Competition. It brings the reader into Maudie's life as she keeps the secrets she's supposed to even though this causes her great stress and pain. Maudie has autism and is navigating the hateful words from her stepfather, the loss of her father's hand-crafted cabin to forest fire, and a relocation to the beach community where her parents met. Maudie discovers surfing and the freedom she feels as she sails through the water. It brings her courage and before she can believe it, she has a friend or two, has discovered an amazing school, and is keeping some secrets of her own!

Soul of an Octopus

hlewis3_11 — 2025-01-17 12:47:56 UTC

I've been really interested lately in animal intelligence. This book is a deep dive into the author's exploration of octopus intelligence. It really stretches your imagination to consider what the subjective experience of such an inhuman creature might be like.

The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science by Kate McKinnon

2025-02-02 05:22:38 UTC

When I heard Kate McKinnon's keynote at NCTE24, I knew I had to read her new book! First, she had SO many great insights about kids and writing. Second, she was hilarious. And third, she said the book was for all the weird kids. She was spot-on--this book is super weird, but in the best way. It's filled with unique characters, tons of wit, and vocab to stretch your brain. This is great read for elementary, middle, AND adults! Plus, it's a series!

Must read!

2025-02-02 14:25:21 UTC

Just finished this book and discovered just how much the algorithmic feeds of social media, Spotify, Netflix, Google etc. have shaped (not in a good way) the creation of art, music, film, and literature. The book elaborates on how are given fewer options confined to what grabs attention and can be monitized vs what is quality. Chayka defends the need for human curators to save our culture from a homogeneous wasteland.

How English Works

2025-02-22 22:19:48 UTC

I picked this up at my neighborhood Little Free Library and remembered how much I enjoy the field of linguistics. It is an easy read for a textbook so far, and the examples relate to current events, even though my copy is older. I know that there are some groups calling for the addition of AP linguistics in high schools, and I am supportive of that! I loved the linguistic courses I took to get certified for ESL as well, and I have fond memories of analyzing my then toddler (now close to 30 years old) niece for language learning.

The Frozen River

2025-03-02 13:39:10 UTC

I just finished this moving historical fiction. Martha Ballard lived and worked as a midwife during the birth and early years of our nation. It is a powerful, but comforting read. Perfect for a cold winter day.

Persepolis

katiekatkich — 2025-04-07 12:54:40 UTC

This graphic novel is a great and a relevant read in regards to current events and the political climate. Although Persepolis takes place in Iran during the Islamic Revolution, many of the themes and devasting effects of war hit close to home. As a graphic novel memoir, the text reflects a child's point of view and understandings of the complex and misunderstood happenings around her. Not only does this text personalize history and challenge stereotypes, but it is also a coming of age story as one figures out family, religion, and rebellion in a deeply reflective way. I found this text bring history to life in a palatable and humanizing way! The artwork and graphics also aided to doing so... sometimes a picture can say things that no words can!

Finlay Donovan Is Killing It

2025-04-11 18:16:51 UTC

I recently finished this four book installment following the adventures of Finlay Donovan, struggling single mom and romance writer, who gets caught up in a murderous plot line. This series is a breathe of fresh air and the characters are authentically human. If you are searching for a series to read in your spare time with a little bit of every genre, this may be your niche. I cannot wait for the next book in the series to be released.

When You Wonder, You're Learning

katiekatkich — 2025-04-16 13:45:43 UTC

This text had a lot of great points and insights tied to the teachings of Fred Rogers. However, as an educator, a lot of what is explored in the text are concepts and philosophies acquired in undergrad and teacher training programs, such as play is learning, relationships matter, the power of reflection, and that arts are essential. I also wish the text was more Rogers and instructional strategies than the promotion of Pittsburgh rooted stories that simply illustrate Roger's teachings. I found it a bit misleading because of this. Many times during my read, the text deviated from the core of what I was expecting as a reader and instead served as a promotional tool for Remake Learning and all of it's relationships, connections, and collaborations between groups. Again, loved the Roger's components and insights, but not so much the other half of most of the text.

Another Place at the Table by Kathy Harrison

carolfrow — 2025-04-30 02:53:20 UTC

This memoir is so heartfelt. I was captivated hearing the many children Kathy Harrison and her husband fostered over the years. After having three sons, they entered into a commitment to foster children who needed to feel safe and have a family. Then later adopted two of the girls they fostered, and chose to foster some of the most severe cases of child - the abused, the mentally ill, the disabled. Hearing Kathy talk about the system and feeling how she and her husband cared so deeply for each and every child whether there for a day or years, tugged at my heart. If you need an affirmation of wonderful people in this world, this memoir has it!

Fourth Wing - by Rebecca Yarros

carolfrow — 2025-04-30 02:59:09 UTC

If you get a chance to listen to a "graphic audio", which is described as a movie for your mind, do it! I listened to this book and could not stop! I'm even twenty plus hours into the second book, Iron Flame. The characters immediately grab you and there's so much action thst keeps you on the edge of your seat! Fantasy always takes awhile to get into as you learn the world, but the dragons and the academy that the main character enters brings a listener right into rooting for her success. Her mantra - "I will not die today" keeps listeners wondering if that will ring true. Although this is listed as young adult, it does have some intense sexual scenes, so I would not recommend it for high school students. Oh, and I already have the third book ready on my Libby app. This series is addictive!

Secrets of Adulthood by Gretchen Rubin

2025-05-01 17:16:37 UTC

The latest book by Gretchen Rubin shares her "secrets of adulthood." The book is filled with many memorable, one-line truths (or aphorisms) that help readers consider the complexities of adult life. She shares her concise observations about self-knowledge, relationships, work, decision-making, and daily habits. The book could be read in one sitting, but it's also helpful to take your time and ponder the truths as you read!

Man Made of Smoke by Alex North

2025-05-01 17:29:35 UTC

I recently got an advance reader copy of this new thriller by Alex North (due out May 13, 2025), and it was fantastic! The story centers on a criminal profiler whose life was shaped by narrowly escaping a notorious serial killer when he was a child. Years later, he returns to his small island community after his father dies under suspicious circumstances. As he seeks the truth about his father's death, he uncovers unsettling connections to the killer from his past, making him wonder if the monster from his nightmares has returned. The book was full of surprises and kept me reading!

2025-05-06 23:19:51 UTC

I listened to this book as part of a Buddhist book group and was impressed by all the other ways it fit into life! The chapters are long and stand alone as short stories until they all come together in the final chapter. The book is about time travel in a cafe--and one must return to the present before the coffee gets cold. Visiting the past cannot change the present, but can it change the future?

Piranesi

2025-06-03 02:40:35 UTC

This novel by Susanna Clark has so many unexpected twists as the mysteries of the story unfold. I found the message to be refreshingly optimistic in spite of a unique batch of hardships for the protagonist. I love the way that the story's world unfolds too! A close friend of mine started it around the time I did and didn't finish it because it didn't draw them in. If you have the same experience, I say stick with it! I wasn't pulled in at first, but when I reread the novel (almost as soon as I'd finished it), I caught even more seemingly-insignificant details that made it strike even more powerfully than my first read. The ambiguity of the exposition sets up the narrative well once you know the story, so trust the process. If you're looking for an unusual narrative with unconventional interpersonal dynamics, exploration of a strange and vast place, and a little fantasy-magic, then Piranesi might just be for you! It is my favorite book I've read in years (from a lifelong lover of fantasy). I read it for fun, but it would be great for pulling examples of flashback, character voice, themes, etc. at the high school or advanced junior high level. I would rate it appropriate for a jr/sr high classroom library as well!

My WPCTE Reads Mid-Year Progress

2025-06-29 18:52:05 UTC

Has anyone been keeping up with the WPCTE reading challenge? Here's my progress. I'd love to hear yours!

I have books that fit more than one category, and I also have some planned that will fit other categories, but which I haven't started yet--hoping for a strong second half of the year! :)

In 2025, read a book that is . . .

~~1. a graphic novel:~~
- Heartstopper Vol. 1 by Alice Oseman
~~2. a professional development book~~
- Banned Together by Ashley Hope Pérez
3. written in verse
- Selected Works, Elías Nandino (in progress)
~~4. set in a fantasy world or filled with mythology~~
- Children of Ragnarok by Cinda Williams Chima
5. recommended by someone else (bonus if it is a student)
- Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins (audiobook) (in progress--no spoilers, please!); recommended by one of my English Fest students

[Categories 6-8, not yet started]

~~9. by or about a person with a disability~~
- The Sea is Salt and So Am I by Cassandra Hartt
~~10. creative nonfiction or memoir~~
- Better Living through Birding by Christian Cooper
~~11. purely for your own enjoyment~~
- Confessions of a 40-something...[title contains profanity; this is a comedy book written for adults and for entertainment value.]
~~12. published in 2025~~
- A Bird in the Air Means We Can Still Breathe by Mahagony Browne

This is your friendly reminder to patronize your local library! 🙂📖📚💛

Powerless Trilogy by Lauren Roberts

2025-06-30 23:54:49 UTC

I recently finished the last book of the Powerless trilogy (Fearless). If you enjoy reading fantasy and particularly enjoy books that are like The Hunger Games you will swoon over this Young Adult friendly new release. Paedyn, the main character, is loyal to a fault and has a score to settle. She must overcome the 6th annual Purging Trials while being completely "powerless" in a world full of supernatural elites.

2025 Reading Challenge: Completed!

dthompson232 — 2025-07-27 16:01:17 UTC

Attached is my 2025 WPCTE Reading Challenge. I am currently on my 70th book this year, but I wanted to share my completed challenge and hopefully inspire others to continue with their reading challenges!

Graphic Novel
- March: Book One by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell
Professional Development Book
- Banned Together: Our Fight for Reader's Rights by: Ashley Hope Perez
Written in Verse
- Enemies in the Orchard by Dana Vanderlugt
Set in a fantasy world or filled with mythology
- Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree
Recommended by someone else
- The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
A challenged or Banned Book
- The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
Something you wouldn't normally choose
- You'll Do: A History of Marrying For Reasons Other Than Love by Marcia A. Zuag
Representative of a cultural context different than your own
- Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir by Pedro Martin
By or about a person with a disability
- Interabled: True Stories About Love and Disability by Shane and Hannah Burcaw
Creative Nonfiction or memoir
- Betty White: If You Ask Me and of Course You Won't
Purely for your own enjoyment
- Fearless by Lauren Roberts (love the whole series)
Published in 2025
- Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

Hum by Helen Phillips

2025-09-10 09:34:35 UTC

A novel in the near future. Technology is even more ever present. A personal nightmare.

Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor

2026-02-02 01:42:45 UTC

This is an incredible and engaging novel for our YAL readers, as well as adults. The story is engaging and powerful, while giving a true reflection of the Jim Crow era. This coming of age novel reflects a moment in all of our lives… a moment that defines where childhood begins to fade and the reality and understanding of the world sets in.

Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall

2026-02-09 19:25:43 UTC

This book is a slow burn and then is all consuming. The words "raw emotion" come up in the book - and that's what it is, the raw emotion of loss, love, betrayal.... My heart broken several times as I read, and the ending had me sobbing wishing for something I didn't know I wanted for the characters. Wow. Thank goodness for book clubs that expose me to books I may not have chosen for myself!