The Shoemaker's Wife by Adriana Trigiani

Personal reading selection:

Now that it is the weekend, I can find some time to read for relaxation and a bit of escape. As I've previously blogged, my favorite current author is Adriana Trigiani. Her style of writing simply takes me away as I fall deeper into her beautifully woven stories. Currently, I am reading Ms. Trigiani's latest book, The Shoemaker's Wife. I had to force myself to put the book down long enough to share my thoughts on my blog. When I began to read this book, I soon realized I could not wait until I finished to share my thoughts.

From the opening paragraph, "The scalloped hem of Caterina Lazzari’s blue velvet coat grazed the fresh-fallen snow, leaving a pale pink path on the bricks as she walked across the empty piazza. The only sound was the soft, rhythmic sweep of her footsteps, like hands dusting flour across an old wooden cutting board." (Trigiani, Adriana (2012-04-03). The Shoemaker's Wife (p. 3). Harper Paperbacks. Kindle Edition.), my mind's eye immediately painted the description, and I was once again captivated by the richness of this author's written words. The similes and metaphor's used in the magic of Ms. Trigiani's writing continue as more characters are introduced. Ciro and Eduardo Lazzari are brothers and the sons of Caterina. Their story unfolds as the brothers soon find themselves left to live in a convent with nuns, the sister's of San Nicola. Ciro quickly becomes the main character, and the nun's add warmth to the novel as they gently scaffold the direction that the story soon takes. The Italian Alps set the stage for another enchanting novel.

I soon realized that, as is the magic of Ms. Trigiani, the story follows two families, the Lazzaro brothers, and the Ravenelli family. Marco Ravenelli enters the story simply as the cart driver who takes the grieving mother, Caterina, and her boys to the convent. After leaving her boys with the sisters of San Nicola, Marco carts Caterina away. The foreshadowing becomes apparent later in the novel as I went back to read the following description:

 "As she rode off, he saw the frame of her collar and the back of her neck, straight as the stem of a rose. Soon she became a blue blur in the distance as the cart turned toward the entrance road to the Passo Presolana." (Trigiani, Adriana (2012-04-03). The Shoemaker's Wife (p. 19). Harper Paperbacks. Kindle Edition.)

The scene describes Ciro watching as his mother continues on and leaves her sons.  As the story of the Ravenelli family unfolds, Enza, Marco's daughter, soon becomes an important character in the story as she and Ciro's paths cross. Family love and loss become the threads that weave their stories together.

A turning point in the story revolves around the priest, Don Raphael Gregorio and Ciro. As I read,  my thoughts went back to another book from many years ago, The Thornbirds a 1977 best-selling novel by Colleen McCullough, an Australian author. I don't want to go into too much detail about what occurs as I don't want to give away what I feel is a major turning point in the story. However, I would love to read what others are thinking as they enjoy this novel.

This leaves me to where I put the book down long enough to blog some of my thoughts. I am ready to begin part II of the novel. I will blog more as I get deeper into the story. I hope others that are reading this novel will leave comments and share their thoughts as they go on this magical reading journey. If you've not yet experienced the richness of Adirana Trigiani's writing, I highly recommend this book. If you are looking for a wonderful holiday gift for a reader on your list, this novel would be that gift! Here is the link for the author's official website:   http://www.adrianatrigiani.com/


Happy reading and I look forward to reading your comments!

What  book are you currently reading?

HISTORICAL FICTION WITH A TWIST

Wonderstruck is wonderful!

Selznick, Brian - Wonderstruck

Illus. by Brian Selznick, c2011, 627 pages (including acknowledgements and selected bibliography)

Description: Historical Fiction

Review: This is a fascinating book that intertwines two stories, one in words and one in breathtaking illustrations. The book begins with the story of Ben, which is set in 1977 and told through text. Soon the reader begins to realize that there is a second story that is simultaneously being told in pictures. This story is centered around the character of Rose set in 1927. As the stories unfold it becomes apparent that the characters have much in common. Both are physically challenged by being deaf. Emotionally, both Ben and Rose are dealing with the emotional loss of their mothers- one due to death, the other due to circumstance. This story is rich in developing a historical setting, family history, and bringing together two unlikely stories to an amazing conclusion. Brian Selznick has written a poignant story and has conveyed great research in regard to time periods, the museum, as well as the world of the deaf. The illustrations are incredible and create a journey that the reader finds themselves emotionally invested.

Curriculum Connections: This book would work well as an interactive read aloud, projecting the book for all to see. The illustration/text format offers a wide menu of discussion points, beginning with the most basic of the relationship between text and illustration.

NYS Common Core Standards: English Language Arts Standards » Reading: Literature » Grade 5

RLRL.5.3. Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., how characters interact).

Awards: Schneider Family Book Award (This book is currently being considered for other awards according to articles I have recently read.)

Recommended Grade Level: Grade 4 and above (high level readers)

Fantasy and Science Fiction picks

Classroom Read Aloud Selection:

(Check out the archives for previously reviewed books.)

DuPrau, Jeanne. The Diamond of Darkhold.

c2008, 285 pages

Description/Genre:

Science Fiction/Fantasy

Review: This book is part of The City of Ember series. The main characters of Lina Mayfleet and Dean Harrow are once again on a mission.

The book The Diamond of Darkhold picks up months after Lina and Doon escaped the dying city of Ember. They’ve since become part of the community of Sparks, along with the rest of their towns people. However, their troubles are not over now that they live above ground. With the harsh winter upon them, Lina and Doon must go back underground to try and salvage anything from the old city to help them get through the winter. Then, they find a mysterious book. It is torn up and missing most of its pages, but the pages that are still intact seem to make Lina and Doon think of a mysterious device which they believe is still in Ember. Now as they go underground to scavenge, they are also in search of a device that they believe the builders left that will help them build their future.
This is the fourth book of Ember and it is filled with mystery, hope, and a desire to see the main characters succeed. Jeanne DuPrau has written an adventure packed sequel that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.

Curriculum Connections:
The stories surrounding the city of Ember and the people of Sparks help to prompt discussions and writing activities of the science fiction/fantasy genre. Students love to compare their needs and wants as they discuss the adventures of Lina and Doon.

NYS Common Core Standards: English Language Arts Standards » Reading: Literature » Grade 5

RL.5.2. Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text, including how characters in a story or drama respond to challenges or how the speaker in a poem reflects upon a topic; summarize the text. RL.5.3. Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., how characters interact).RL.5.6. Describe how a narrator’s or speaker’s point of view influences how events are described

Recommended Grade LevelGrade 5 and above (high level readers)
 

Snyder Zilpha Keatley. The Bronze Pen. c. 2009, 208 pages

Description:

Genre: Fantasy

Review: Audrey Abbott loves to write and hopes to one day be a famous writer. However, her father is very ill with a heart condition making it impossible for him to work. This puts a burden on Audrey’s mom who has to work to provide for the family. With many responsibilities, Audrey must put her writing second to helping care for her father. When time allows, Audrey would sneak off to write and one day comes upon an old women in a cave. This woman seems to be able to read Audrey’s thoughts. She gives Audrey an odd bronze pen. The woman warns Audrey to use the pen wisely. Soon Audrey begins to experience some odd happenings when she writes with the pen. She soon realizes what she writes with the pen becomes the truth. The saying to be careful what you wish for plays an important role in this story. Will the pen help Audrey save her father’s life or will the pen prove to be a curse?

Curriculum Connections:This book makes a wonderful read aloud. Comparing and contrasting realistic fiction and fantasy makes for a lively discussion. Students can pull out the realistic elements of this story and connections to their own lives. Having students identify the fantasy elements of this story is also beneficial. Another great discussion prompt is discussing the difference between needs and wants. As writers, students could be prompted to write about what they would do if they had a magical pen that would grant their wishes.

NYS Common Core Standards: English Language Arts Standards » Reading: Literature » Grade 5

RL.5.2. Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text, including how characters in a story or drama respond to challenges or how the speaker in a poem reflects upon a topic; summarize the text. RL.5.3. Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., how characters interact).W.5.1. Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information. W.5.3. Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.

Awards: I am not aware of any awards to date.

Recommended Grade Level: Grade3-5 is suggested. I believe 5+.

Welcome to my "Books We Love To Share" blog!

Over the summer, I read several books in hopes of finding some new read alouds for my classroom. Along with a book review, I've included the categories of what Common Core Standard would apply, grade level recommendation, and, to my knowledge, any awards given.

Following my classroom picks, I will begin to share my personal favorites. I love to read as a way to relax! My favorite author is Adriana Trigiani. I just finished reading her novel, The Queen of the Big Time before Thanksgiving. I can't wait to share my reading experience!

Here we go!

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Hepler, Heather,The Cupcake Queen.c2009, 256 pages

Description:

Realistic Fiction

Review: When Penny and her mother move from the city to a small town to open up a cupcake bakery, her life is turned upside down. Leaving her dad behind in the city and unsure about what will happen with their family, Penny longs for normalcy. The classmates she encounters are less than welcoming such as Charity, the girl who tries to make Penny’s life unbearable by playing mean pranks almost daily. However, there are also good things in Hog's Hollow. Penny is befriended by a girl named Tally, an expert in Rock Paper Scissors, and Marcus, the boy who is always running on the beach. Just as Penny is beginning to adjust to her new small town life, her parents have made a life altering decision and she has to make a choice that will turn everything upside down again. A poignant novel about love, creativity, and trying to be accepted when one is accepting life's unexpected turns.

Curriculum Connections: Along with the endearing story of family and friends, the author has mixed in some astronomy. It would make a nice choice as a higher level literature circle read.

NYS Common Core Standards: English Language Arts Standards » Reading: Literature » Grade 5

RL.5.2. Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text, including how characters in a story or drama respond to challenges or how the speaker in a poem reflects upon a topic; summarize the text. RL.5.3. Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., how characters interact).RL.5.6. Describe how a narrator’s or speaker’s point of view influences how events are described

Awards: No awards given to date.

Recommended Grade Level: Grade 5 and above (high level readers)

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Book #2 - I teach a science unit on rocks and minerals. This book stood out to me because of the science connection. It was also featured by Al Roker of the Today show a few years ago as his pick for his kids book club.

Frazier, Sundee. Brendan Buckley’s Universe and Everything in it.

c. 2007; pages 197

Description:

Realistic Fiction

Description:
 
Brendan Buckley is an inquisitive ten year old boy who loves to keep a question notebook. In the front of the notebook he writes what he wonders, and in the back section he writes about what he finds out. Brendan is very scientific and is interested in rocks and minerals. He is an only child of bi-racial parents. Growing up, Brendan only came to know his paternal grandparents as his mother’s parents did not approve of her marriage. In a strange turn of events, Brendan goes to the mall with his grandmother, Gladys, and finds a “Mineral and Gemstone Exhibit and Sale” that is sponsored by the Washington Agate and Mineral Society. While at the exhibit and meeting Ed the club president, Brendan is surprised at the reaction Gladys gives to Ed. It was as if she’d seen a ghost. Unbeknownst to Brendan his most important questions would soon surface and the answers may be the hardest he has ever had to find.

Sundee Frazier has written a warm, funny, and poignant story of family, friendship, and the healing power of love. Blending science throughout the story, the main character of Brendan is relatable to fifth grade students. The rock and mineral information is a bonus to fifth graders as rocks and minerals are part of the science curriculum.

Curriculum Connections: This book was a wonderful read aloud and it worked well to enhance our class study of rocks and minerals. The story also lends itself to students writing and sharing family stories.

NYS Common Core StandardsEnglish Language Arts Standards » Reading: Literature » Grade 5 RL.5.2. Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text, including how characters in a story or drama respond to challenges or how the speaker in a poem reflects upon a topic; summarize the text. RL.5.3. Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., how characters interact).RL.5.6. Describe how a narrator’s or speaker’s point of view influences how events are described

Awards:
2008 Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent award, given by the American Librarian Association. Al Roker's Kids' Book Club selection for July 2008, NBC's TODAY Show. An OPRAH'S Book Club Kids Reading List selection.

Recommended Grade Level Grade 5 and above (high level readers)

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Personal Pick:

 Anything written by Adriana Trigiani!

 However, let me begin with one of the most recent books I've read...

 

THE QUEEN OF THE BIG TIME 

Adriana Trigiani

This book spans three generations of the Castelluca family, who live near Roseto, Pennsylvania. The novel centers on Nella Castelluca, her parents and her sisters, as they grow up on a farm outside of Roseto. The reader follows Nella through loss and love. She meets and falls in love with the most popular boy in town, Renato Lanzara. Renato and Nella share a love of good literature and poetry, which leads the reader to believe they will fall in love and live happily ever after. But this is not the case. Without warning, Renato leaves Nella and disappears, leaving Nella broken hearted and with many unanswered questions. It is only after four years and a newfound love for Nella, that Renato returns.

Trigiani's novel brought thoughts of my own ancestors who came to New York from Poland and Ireland  They settled in upstate New York in the early 1900's. Reading about how hard Nella's father worked their farm, reminded me of the stories of my own great-grandfather, who came from Poland, working with his hands in the iron factories, and my grandmother, who traveled from Ireland as a teenager, and worked as a maid, both willing to do whatever it took in order to provide for their families. What really warmed my heart was the determination to keep customs of their faith and homeland alive. In the book, the town's biggest annual celebration is the Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, otherwise known as "The Big Time" held in July.  

My favorite part about reading anything written by Adriana Trigiani is her warm and authentic writing style. It is clear that she gets her characters and setting from her own family and family history. In The Queen of the Big Time, I loved that Ms. Trigiani included a few authentic recipes. The recipes added that personal touch to the magic of the story.

If you've read and enjoyed Ms. Trigiani's Big Stone Gap  trilogy, you will love The Queen of the Big Time.  If you've never read a book by this author, you are in for a treat! Grab a nice cup of tea, curl up in your favorite chair, and open up the book The Queen of the Big Time. Make sure you have plenty of time to relax and enjoy the book. I promise you will not want to put the book down!

Here is the link to Adriana Trigiani's webpage: http://www.adrianatrigiani.com/
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Who is your favorite author?