Two+ podcasts to mention

Yesterday I blogged about a student presentation and never mentioned what book was being podcast on my site. So today I will mention yesterday's book and today's book. And just to add a few more of my students' presentations, here is a link to all the podcasts: http://www.concord.k12.nh.us/new/rms.asp?fcpath=conferences/rms-www/studentproductions

I am getting to the end of the NH Great Stone Face book nominees. Schooled by Gordon Korman is a book about a young man who had been raised on an isolated commune who has been thrust into modern society. I love this kid!!

Korman, Gordon. SCHOOLED

This book is the story of Capricorn Anderson, who goes by the name of “Cap”. It is the story of a 14 year old boy raised on a farm commune by his hippie grandmother named Rain. He is home schooled by Rain and the two of them are the only ones left on the Garland Farm Commune. Cap has never watched TV, tasted pizza, been around kids his age, and has absolutely no idea what a “wedgie” is. When his grandmother falls while picking a plum, she is hospitalized and her broken hip requires her to spend weeks in rehab. Cap is then temporarily placed in the home of a social worker with a teenage daughter who thinks he is very weird. While living with the Donnelly family, Cap attends Claverage Middle School (dubbed “C Average” by the students). Find out what is in store for Cap in the new and foreign land of the place called “middle school”. Read SCHOOLED by Gordon Korman. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2008-2009)

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/korman_schooled.mp3

Pam Munoz Ryan's book also looks at a child who is out of place in new surroundings. Similar to Korman's book, the young girl has been raised by her grandmother in a very unusual setting. The death of the grandmother forces the relocation of the girl.

Ryan, Pam Munoz. PAINT THE WIND

Maya has lived a very rigid life with her grandmother since she was five years old. She feels like a prisoner in her own home. Her grandmother's unexpected death reveals shocking secrets. Her mother's family is one of “them” and Maya is going to live with her mother’s family. She moves from California to Wyoming where a new life awaits her. Horses, ranch life and family are there for her, but can she accept them as her own? (New Hampshire Great Stone Face nominee, 2008-2009)

http://www.nancykeane.com/booktalks/mp3/ryan_paint.mp3