Blast From the Past: October 2009

I've commented a few times lately about how little I've been reading. I will admit that I've actually read through a few young adult books this weekend, and am enjoying how quickly YA books can be enjoyed.

Ten years ago, I read some fantastic YA books as well (along with some other very enjoyable books) Here are the highlights:

All The Broken Pieces by Ann E Burg - this novel in verse is one I just book talked to students this past week. I love the time period (after the Vietnam War) and the story which centers around a boy airlifted out of Vietnam who is adopted by Americans, yet still feels unloved because his mother gave him up. 

Where Men Win Glory by Jon Krakauer- I love most of Krakauer's books, and have always been intrigued by Pat Tillman's story. In this book we learn about Tillman and why he chose to leave football to join the military. He was truly an inspiring and interesting man.

The War With Grandpa by Robert Kimmel Smith-Smith wrote Jelly Belly, one of my all time favorite middle grade reads, but I had not read many other things he'd written The War With Grandpa was a read aloud to my girls that I thoroughly enjoyed.  This is one of those novels that was written long ago, but I feel like it stands the test of time.

Sworn to Silence by Linda Castillo- this is the first in the Kate Burkholder series featuring a former Amish woman turned policeman who solves crimes in her hometown, having to work with the community that she is no longer a part of.  I love this series of books  and am always anxious for the next installment. I just find it incredible that they've been around for a decade.

The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z by Kate Messner - Messner is one of my go-to authors at this point, but in 2009, this was her first chapter book I ever read.  I love realistic fiction for middle grades and Gianna was a girl I could relate to.  This is the book that got me looking for Messner's work, wishing she would write faster.

So what about you? What were you reading ten years ago? Last year?  Have you read any of these books?