Author Archives: AJ Cattapan

2014 Edgar Award Nominees

Posted on January 19, 2014 by AJ Cattapan

It’s that time of year again! The Mystery Writers of America have announced the nominees for the 2014 Edgar Awards. As I did last year, I’ll be reading through the YA and juvenile nominees, reviewing them, and then posting my … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Mysteries | 4 Comments

Monday Book Review: The Captive Maiden by Melanie Dickerson

Posted on January 6, 2014 by AJ Cattapan

Time for the first book review of 2014! And I’m pleased to be talking about Melanie Dickerson‘s The Captive Maiden, an imaginative re-telling of the Cinderella story. As you may know, versions of the Cinderella have been around for centuries … Continue reading →

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Writing Wednesday: What’s the difference between “maybe” and “may be”?

Posted on November 27, 2013 by AJ Cattapan

One of my brilliant sixth graders asked this question recently. Don’t underestimate kids. They ask great questions! May be (two words) When may and be are written separately, they are both being used as verbs. May could be acting as … Continue reading →

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Monday Book Review: Allegiant by Veronica Roth

Posted on November 11, 2013 by AJ Cattapan

Just over a year ago, I wrote a review of Divergent, the bestselling YA dystopian book by Veronica Roth. I also included my hopes for what the finale in the trilogy would be like. Now that the finale’s out, it’s … Continue reading →

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Monday Book Review: Silent to the Bone by E.L. Konigsburg

Posted on November 3, 2013 by AJ Cattapan

You may recognize author E.L. Konigsburg’s name from From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, but Silent to the Bone is a completely different kind of book. Title: Silent to the Bone Author: E.L. Konigsburg Genre: contemporary realistic … Continue reading →

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Monday Book Review: Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card

Posted on October 28, 2013 by AJ Cattapan

I first heard of the book Ender’s Game when I was teaching high school, and the teacher in the classroom next to mine was using it as part of her curriculum in sophomore English. I figured it must be a very … Continue reading →

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Writing Wednesday: What’s the difference between literally and figuratively?

Posted on October 23, 2013 by AJ Cattapan

Last weekend, a couple friends asked how I had spent the previous night. I told them I had been with some other friends at a bonfire/cookout/corn maze–well, you get the idea. However, I didn’t stay for the scheduled hayride because … Continue reading →

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Monday Book Review: A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz

Posted on October 21, 2013 by AJ Cattapan

Fairy tale re-makes abound these days. Here’s one that captured the attention of almost my entire sixth grade class this past summer. Although they all loved it, the first warning they gave me was, “It’s bloody!” So I figured it’s … Continue reading →

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Monday Book Review: On the Day I Died by Candace Fleming

Posted on October 14, 2013 by AJ Cattapan

Looking for a great young adult story filled with chills? Check out this delightful Chicago-based novel from one of my favorite local authors, Candace Fleming. Title: On the Day I Died Author: Candace Fleming Genre: scary story (but not too … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Scary Stories | 2 Comments

Monday Book Review: Hidden Talents by David Lubar

Posted on October 7, 2013 by AJ Cattapan

I’ve used the young adult novel Hidden Talents as a read-aloud book to middle school students for about five years now. I’ve read it to sixth graders and eighth graders. In total,  over 500 kids have heard me read this … Continue reading →

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