2020-2021

I hereby accept the 40 Book Challenge.

I, Annette Janssen, accept the challenge of reading 40 (at least) books

during the 2020-2021 School Year.

Genre Requirements: 2 Traditional Literature, 5 Realistic Fiction, 3 Historical Fiction, 4 Fantasy, 1 Science Fiction, 8 Informational, 1 Newbery Winners, 2 Poetry Anthologies, 2 Biographies/Autobiographies, 12 Chapter Books/Your Choice

1. Across Five Aprils by Irene Hunt Genre: Chapter Book Choice

2. Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson

Genre: Informational

A sobering look at America's criminal justice system based on the real stories of death row inmates. I have heard about the movie and wanted to read the book first. I am glad I read this book, but the content can be overwhelming due to the telling of the suffering and mistreatment of the individual's in the book.

I recommend this book to to ages 13 and over.

3. The Giver by Lois Lowry Genre: Science Fiction

I usually do not read science fiction, however I really enjoyed it and hard a hard time putting the book down. It won the 1994 Newbery Medal and tells the story of Jonas who lives in a utopian society. A utopian society is a society where everything is perfect. Jonas is selected to become the Receiver of Memory and realizes that the society where he lives is really a dystopian society, the opposite of a utopian society. If you like The Giver, there are 3 more books in the series.

4. Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix Genre: Fantasy

I read this book, because it is on the Battle of the Books list. The main character Luke is in hiding from the Population Police. Why? Read this exciting book to find out. If it is a good fit book for you, you are in luck, as the are several more books in the Shadow Children book sequence.

5. To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf Genre: Historical Fiction

This book was written in 1927, and tells of the musings (thoughts) of various family members on an island near the coast of Scotland over 10 years. I listened to the book on tape in the car, read the book at home, and used Spark Notes to help me understand some parts I struggled with. To the Lighthouse was a selection of one of the book clubs I belong to. I am glad I read this book, and it was not easy for me. I have thought a lot about it since we read it, and I have come to realize that it is quite lovely.

6. Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper Genre: Chapter Book Choice

The main character Melody has cerebral palsy and is in the 5th grade. She is not able to walk or talk and spends most of her time in a wheelchair. She has to be fed and helped in and out of the wheelchair. Melody is very, very smart and has to prove this to her teachers and classmates. I love this book and was reminded to NEVER judge a persons mental abilities by their physical abilities. More importantly, it reminded me to always keep my heart open to everyone.

7. The Call of the Wild by Jack London Genre: Historical Fiction

The story of Buck, a dog stolen from his home in California, who ends up in Alaska in the late 1800's as a sled dog. Buck experiences the best and the worst owners during his journey, and never loses his will to survive. I have always heard of this book and I cannot believe I waited so long to read it. This book helped me to more fully understand the mind and heart of a dog.

8. The Secret Garden Genre: Chapter Book Choice

I read this as a child and just re-read it. I truly enjoyed this classic piece of literature, and it is a must read for everyone (at any age...even 58). The book's messages of having a positive outlook, being welcoming of change, and friendship are so important during these times, and any times

9. The Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe Genre: Chapter Book Choice/Social Criticism

This page turner (with almost 700 pages) is a "drama about ambition, racism, social class, politics, and greed in New York City in the 1980's." As far as I can tell, not much has changed since then regarding these social issues. A great read and intended for mature readers only.

10. Telegraph Days by Larry McMurtry Genre: Historical Fiction

McMurtry is also the author of Lonesome Dove, one of my all time favorite books and the winner of a Pulitzer Prize.

Telegraph Days is the story of feisty Nellie in the Old West. Amazing characters, humor, and many references to famous cowboys like Wild Bill Hickok and Wyatt Earp (and many more) make for a great book. If you like westerns, this is a must read. McMurtry is also known for Brokeback Mountain, Terms of Endearment and many more amazing pieces of work.

Mature readers only

11. The Art of Mending by Elizabeth Berg Genre: Realistic Fiction

Three adult siblings come to terms with an event in the past and learn to "mend" their relationships. Elizabeth Berg has crafted the story in a way that the reader comes to understand the characters and their motivations. Simply put, this book is about forgiveness. Mature readers only.

12. Peace Like a River by Leif Enger Genre: Chapter Book Choice

This is my favorite book of 2020. The story of a family, their struggles, and the love that binds them. I loved it.

13. Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann Genre: Informational

I have always enjoyed reading about Native Americans, even as a young reader. Not only did I learn about the Osage Indians, but I also learned about the creation of the F.B.I. Well-written, engaging narrative non fiction.

14. The Pull of the Moon by Elizabeth Berg Genre: Realistic Fiction

The story of 50 year old Nan who travels solo and describes her journey and memories in diary entries, letters, and conversations with people she meets. Being a middle aged woman myself, I could relate to Nan.

Mature readers only please. High School and above

15. Gilead by Marilynne Robinson Genre: Chapter Book Choice

2005 Pulitzer Prize Winner for Fiction

This book is a fictional autobiography of 76 year old Rev. Ames. He is writing this book for his 7 year old son, who will not have many memories of his elderly father, who is dying. I have always wanted to read one of Robinson's novels, and I am so glad I did. A great work and worthy of the Pulitzer. The Rev. offers some great advice about anger:

16. Lady Chatterley by D. H. Lawrence Genre: Historical Fiction

MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY: HIGH SCHOOL and ABOVE

This novel was scandalous when it was published in 1929 and I can see why. I liked the historical fiction aspect, but to the rest, all I can say is "Oh my!"

17. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Translated by Wanda Ga'g Genre: Traditional Literature

"Written in 1938 as a response to the Disney film released in the same year, Ga'g offers a vigorous translation that preserves the strong spirit of all the main characters. The book went on to receive the prestigious Caldecott Honor in the year after its publication."

18. Me by Elton John Genre: Autobiography

After seeing the movie "Rocketman," I just had to learn more about Elton John. I grew up listening to him and saw him in concert a couple of years ago. Elton John is a great rock artist and humanitarian.

19. Who Was Ruth Bader Ginsburg? by Patricia Brennan Demuth Genre: Biography

I enjoy learning and reading about people's lives. The "Who Is/Who Was" series is a great way to do this.

20. Native Son by Richard Wright Genre: Chapter Book Choice

Native Son is a powerful, at times disturbing, revealing, and thought-provoking book about systemic racism. Originally published in 1940 and very well received by readers.

Mature audiences only. High School and above.

21. The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett by Annie Lyons Genre: Chapter Book Choice

A sweet book about a cranky older woman named Eudora. Eudora reminisces about her life and makes new friends at the end of her life. These new friendships help her deal with old age and facing her own death.

22. In Daddy's Arms I Am Tall Genre: Poetry Anthology

A wonderful collection of poems by African Americans Celebrating fathers. Winner of the 1998 Coretta Scott King Award.

23. Travels With Charley: In Search of America Genre: Non Fiction

John Steinbeck travels across America with his beloved poodle Charley and tells of the people he meets along the way and the sites he sees. I really enjoyed this book and have been wanting to read it for awhile.

24. The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates Genre: Fantasy

Historical fiction fantasy would describe this book about a young man's experience with the Underground Railroad.

25. The Treasure by Uri Shulevitz Genre: Non Fiction

A beautifully illustrated folk tale of not giving up on your dreams and being hopeful, thankful, and giving.

26. Peace, Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson Genre: Fiction

Some 5th grade students had recently read this book and that inspired me to read it. Also, Woodson is such an amazing author. I loved this book and the character Lonnie. Such a great example of an older brother.

27. Tortilla Flat by John Steinbeck Genre: Fiction

I could not get enough of John Steinbeck, so I listened to the CD's of this book. I found it very different from his other works as it had much more subtle humor. The book takes place right after WWI in Monterey, California, very near where Steinbeck was born and lived.

28. Good Wives by Louisa may Alcott Genre: Historical Fiction

Such a great book that continues the story of the March family. If you have have not read any of her works, you are missing out as a reader.

29. In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson by Bette Lord Genre: Historical Fiction

A short and sweet book about a young girl who moved from China to the Bronx in New York City. She discovers a love for baseball , new friendships, and there is a special twist at the end.

30. The Wall: Growing Up behind the Iron Curtain by Peter Sis Genre: Non Fiction

Peter Sis writes and illustrates his experience growing up behind the Iron Curtain.

31. Song of the Water Boatman & Other Pond Poems by Joyce Sidman Genre: Poetry

"A unique blend of whimsy, science, poetry, and hand-colored woodcuts, this collection invites us to take a closer look at our hidden ponds and wetlands."

32. The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman Genre: Historical Fiction

I almost stopped reading this book, but I did finish. A bleak tale of ancient times.

33. Etta by Gerald Kolpan Genre: Historical Fiction

A loosely based tale about Etta Place and her relationship with Butch Cassidy.

34. On the Occasion of My Last afternoon Afternoon by Kaye Gibbons Genre: Historical Fiction

An elderly woman recount her life. I really enjoyed this book.

35. The Yearling by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Genre: Historical Fiction

I loved this book and anything that Rawlings writes.

36. Northwest Angle by William Kent Krueger Genre: Mystery

I enjoyed this modern day mystery. First book I have read by Krueger

37. A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood By Fred Rodgers Genre: Poetry

A wonderful collection of Mr. Roger's poetry.

38. Different Like Coco by Elizabeth Matthews Genre: Biography

Coco Channel is such a fascinating person. I enjoyed learning about her.

39. Lost Children's Archive by Valeria Luiselli Genre: Chapter Book Choice

This novel, told from the mother's and young son's perspective, tells of a family traveling from New York City to the Mexican border, where they witness the crisis at the border. It also tells of the Apache tribe and their trials and tribulations in American history. The blend of storytelling of fiction and non fiction was unique, as were the multiple perspectives.

Recommended for young adult and older.

40 . It Rained Warm Bread by Moishe Moskowitz Genre: Poetry

A boy's experiences during World War II and the invasion of Poland.