Blast From the Past: March 2012

I didn't read a ton of books back in March 2012, but these three definitely stand out. 

 

The Expats by Chris Pavone was a fun suspense filled mystery set in Luxembourg.  I love a good spy story, and Kate Moore, a mother who spends her life setting up playdates finds her past catching up with her as she also becomes suspicious of her husband.  I only remember bits and pieces at this point including the fact that there is a sequel to this novel.

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate- this book was super popular when I was an elementary teacher librarian. Now I have some middle school kids check it out occasionally, usually as a throwback to their childhood.  I am not someone who likes animal books, but I make an exception for Ivan, which is loosely based on the life of Ivan who spent three decades without seeing another gorilla as he was caged in a shopping mall zoo. Attracting the attention of animal rights activists, he eventually lived out the remainder of his life at Zoo Atlanta.

Wonder by R J Palacio- I read Wonder when it first came out.  It is an amazing story I think all kids should read - and I think the movie is definitely worth the time as well.  However, I am still appalled that teachers will randomly tell me that they just read Wonder, and isn't it amazing?  Yes, it is! But where were you a decade ago?  Auggie was born with a facial deformity and because of his many health needs, was homeschooled. Now he's going to attend in-person school for the first time.  It's not easy and there are plenty of kids who aren't all that nice or accepting, but the message to this one is good.  

What were you reading back in 2012? What about last year at this time?