The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin

The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin

Suzanne is a middle-school student rife with the typical trouble that a young girl faces when the unthinkable happens. As a young girl, a lot seems unthinkable, but this particular event is truly a life-changer for Suzanne. The very foundation of her world is shaken. The story that follows the tragedy tracks the aftermath of a broken friendship, and a broken heart. While the story is of Franny and Suzanne's friendship, there are many other characters which add so much depth to the book. There are a *few* adult themes in this book, so if you are cautious as a parent with that sort of thing, I would encourage you to preview this book for yourself before letting your young reader grab a copy. This book offers not only a peek into middle school life and troubles, but also a fascinating glimpse into facts about jellyfish. I blew through this book in a single day, and thought it was really well done. 

Synopsis

"This stunning debut novel about grief and wonder was an instant New York Times bestseller and captured widespread critical acclaim, including selection as a 2015 National Book Award finalist!

After her best friend dies in a drowning accident, Suzy is convinced that the true cause of the tragedy must have been a rare jellyfish sting-things don't just happen for no reason. Retreating into a silent world of imagination, she crafts a plan to prove her theory--even if it means traveling the globe, alone. Suzy's achingly heartfelt journey explores life, death, the astonishing wonder of the universe...and the potential for love and hope right next door."

Happy Reading, young (or older) ones!

Saturday Kid Reads: Audiobook Edition

Saturday Kid Reads: Babe Ruth

Baseball's best slugger, Babe Ruth is the star of this audiobook, read by Nick Sullivan and written by author Matt Christopher. For those looking to satisfy the new non-fiction Common Core standards, this audiobook will satisfy this need. If your theme is teaching students to overcome obstacles, then listen to Babe's story. George Herman "Babe" Ruth helped his teams win more than ten pennants and seven world championships, but winning requires hard work, grit and perseverance. This audiobook is also available in print format to assist students who may need a printed companion to this book. If you are looking for a similar story of overcoming obstacles, check out this inspirational story out of Apricot Farms. It's Chris's story and it is so amazing!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9S3n_tILKo  

Great Americans in Sports: Mia Hamm

This entry in a brand new line of sports biographies from Matt Christopher takes readers onto the field with a soccer legend

Mia Hamm's speed, aggressive play, and ability to "read the field" helped her become the best women's soccer player in the world. Her stellar performance as a college, World Cup, and Olympic champion made her a sports hero, and her story will inspire a new generation of young athletes. This comprehensive biography - with bonus photos and infographics - gives readers an up-close look at one of America's greatest soccer stars.

Pioneer of Women’s Soccer

Biography of Mia Hamm

Born March 17, 1972 in Selma, Alabama, Mariel Margaret "Mia" Hamm-Garciaparra is one of the best athletes to ever grace the US soccer fields. From the time she was born, her family knew and recognized her talents and abilities. Originally her mother, a ballerina herself thought her daughter would be a dancer. They soon realized that Mia was more like one of the boys. Mia came from a military family and it was during their time in Italy that Mia fell in love with futbol (as they say in Europe). She had a knack for being a smart player, and coaches began to see that this girl was something special. Mia Hamm was born in an era when soccer in the United States was not a widely publicized or viewed sport. There were no television channels that you could turn to and watch your favorite player enter the stadium and score goals for your team. It took decades, but that would all change, and in time an unparalleled soccer player would enter the US Women’s National Team and lead in to one of the most exciting televised sports event in history. She played for 17 years and won Olympic gold during her tenure as a US soccer player, and is respected as one of the best players that ever played. To inspire other athletes like Mia, this audio provides a glimpse into the life of an athlete, what it takes and how grit, determination, sweat and tears can make you resilient and the best at your sport!

“I am a member of a team, and I rely on the team, I defer to it and sacrifice for it, because the team, not the individual, is the ultimate champion.” 

Audiobook

Publisher: Hachette Audio

Imprint: Little, Brown Young Readers

See more at http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/matt-christopher/great-americans-in-sports-mia-hamm/9781478959717/#desc