sometimes I wish book characters were real

I'm sure I am in no way the only one who ever wishes this. Ever since childhood, there have been characters in books that I have wished so much they were real...that it hurt my heart to know they weren't. Of course, this just means the author has written so powerfully, clearly, and emotionally that I've become attached in this way. The way only a good author can. So here's my list for now. Of book characters I wish were real, that I knew, that I was friends with, or could BE like.

*Lucy Pevensie from the Narnia series. We named our daughter after her. She is brave, loves the Lord (Aslan), stands up for what is right, and loves her siblings.
*Beatrice Prior from Divergent and Katniss Everdeen from Hunger Games. They are strong young women, smart, loyal to their families and friends. Fight for the side of Right.
*Ron Weasley, Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Hagrid
*Maniac Jeffrey Magee
*Alice Cullen
*Gregor the Overlander
*Mrs. Whatsit
*Peeta Mellark
*Percy Jackson
*Jo March
*Tobias Eaton
*Nanny from The Willougbys

So this is all for now. But I am forever adding to this list and I know I've missed a bunch already. This just means I "have to" go back and reread. ;)

Bluestems, Mockingjays and Book Whisperers...Oh My!

It's been awhile since I've posted anything new. School is now in full force and we've spent weeks getting our family ready for it. I've been working in the classroom, ready for 23 new minds. Mark's been adjusting to new schedules for drop-offs. Adam's been preparing for all day in 1st grade. Lucy's been enjoying a new preschool that she loves. But now that those preparations have begun and school has started, the Someday Lists are getting longer. Now just the "someday we'll have to visit..." lists, but the Someday Lists of books that I want to read! I've already gotten hooked on The Hunger Games series and I've been eagerly awaiting the last book in the trilogy, Mockingjay. When did it come out? Right when school started! I was in the middle of another book too, that needed to be finished before starting something new. Then, the meetings at school began. And as we met with my teaching team, another great read surfaced, this time a professional book. The Book Whisperer is the basis of some very cool reading ideas we are planning for this year's 4th graders. Our school has formed a Reading Lounge for kids to come to, for the sole (or soul even!) purpose of hanging out to enjoy reading a great book! How cool is that? I am currently trying to read this book as well. Then there is The 2010 Bluestem Nominee List. The books on this list are all amazing looking and I am looking forward to getting them into the hands of my students, but I want to read them all first! One of my favorites, The BFG, is already on there! Love it! And there are 19 others on this list that are absolutely amazing reads! Clements, Selznick, Weeks, Spinelli.....all fantastic! When will I find the time to read all this great books?? Someday.