Ocean

Saturday, December 30, 2017

2018 Reading Challenge Level 3 and 2017 in review

Like many, I can't believe that this year is almost over. It didn't really hit me until I looked over my Goodreads challenge books in review. I didn't quite make the level 3 challenge of last year because I kept getting distracted by other books that I want to read. However, I still have one for the upcoming year. This level has 50 books and two separate versions.
This list can keep even the most book hungry person occupied throughout the year.
With the file size, I have to break it down into separate lists instead of everything on the same list.

How did the challenge go for people this past year? Any favorites I should stick on my radar?
Many of these were re-reads and some were for work.

Worth listening to on audiobook: Percy Jackson and the Olympians
I've read this before with my students and enjoyed it. I get tired of listening to Netflix while I work, so this was a very nice change.

Worth multiple reads: Mistborn Trilogy 1 and 2
The first set of books are on the long side, but they are pretty fun to read and definitely a step up from the usual YA novels floating around. If anything, read part 1 to be able to read Wax's and Wayne's adventures. Steris is reason enough alone to read those books. I haven't related to a character quite that much before.

Worth checking out: The Lunar Chronicles & The Heart of Deception books
All the books in this series are great for at least one read through, except for Fairest. This novella is more than worth skipping and I regret reading it. I can summarize it with this:
Worth skipping...kind of: Caraval
This book was a letdown. The idea of the sisters going into a magical game was intriguing, but the execution fell flat. However, it was good enough that I'd be willing to read the sequel when it comes out.

My list seems to be growing by the day of books to read. I have a couple cued up to finish at the beginning of the new year and have several that I may try. Is Wheel of Time worth the investment? I've tried a couple times, but the book requires an astounding amount of focus that I can't quite give to a book.

Hoping to hear about your year of reading!

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

2018 Reading Challenge: Level 2 Jogging

I can't believe how crazy life has gotten the last several months. It's been a brutal whirlwind most days. I am hoping that Christmas will be a much-needed break for everyone.

Here is level 2 of the 2018 Reading Challenge. You can start at any level or try to read through all of the levels. Has anyone managed that for 2017?

I've found reading challenges tricky to keep up with, but they are a fun thought. My problem is that I get sidetracked. What are some tips for people who get distracted by other books than ones that fit these lists?

Sometime next week, I will be posting the final level of the challenge. What's a good amount of books for the last level?

Still working through The Way of Kings here, but I also started reading a book my mom recommending called "Make Your Bed." I'll be posting here as soon as I finish, so stay tuned!

Monday, December 11, 2017

2018 Reading Challenge: Walking and Christmas Decimal Multiplication and Division

Last year's reading challenge seemed to be very popular! I am going to hold off on reviewing the year as a whole since we still have a few weeks ahead of us. However, I do want to begin introducing the new challenge.
I like having the kids' options too on these challenges. Parents, grandparents, or whoever can choose to read with a kid in their lives or have their kids do the challenge and go against them trying to see who finishes first. There are a number of ways to use these.

I will continue to use Goodreads to track what I have been reading. If you'd like to continue book discussions or see what I am reading before I post here, add me here (I think).

Next week, I will post about level 2 for this year!

Teachers Pay Teachers
I continue to be amazed by the growth I am seeing on Teachers Pay Teachers. Not only is it fun to do, but I love seeing feedback on how much students have been enjoying the pages.
I semi-recently finished a set of decimal multiplication and division pages that I am quite proud of. These puzzles help keep math review fun instead of repeated practice and problems.
If anyone on here is ever interested in a free sample, shoot me a message and I'll send you a page with the answer key. Consider it a blog-reader only special!