The CAFE Book by Gail Boushey & Joan Moser - A Review

The CAFE Book: Engaging All Students in Daily Literary Assessment and Instruction by Gail Boushey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you are an educator, this is a must read book. Boushey and Moser present an easy and practical way to integrate assessment into daily reading and classroom discussion and activities. The CAFE system is research based and the acronym stands for Comprehension, Accuracy, Fluency, and Expand vocabulary.

The CAFE system provides support for teachers as they organize the assessment data so it can be used to truly inform instruction int he classroom. It also helps with tracking the student's strengths and goals.

In the CAFE system there are no expensive materials required. You don't even have to totally change the approaches that are now being used to utilize the CAFE system. It is built on flexibility and allows teachers to tailor the system to meet the needs of the students in their individual classroom. There is a companion book called The Daily Five which I will be reading and reviewing next.

This book was provided tome by my school district and I would recommend that all educators in elementary schools take the time to read about the CAFE system.

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The Widow's Walk League by Nancy Lynn Jarvis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In The Widow's Walk League, Nancy Lynn Jarvis creates an ingeniously planned out novel of mayhem and intrigue. It keeps you in your chair...book in hand to see what will happen next.

Several of the husbands in Santa Cruz are being murdered and the local news is buzzing about a dark dressed figure described as DEATH has been seen at the scene of each murder. Regan McHenry, the real estate agent in Santa Cruz is hired by the new widows to sell their homes and she discovers all the murdered men had something in common.....all their wives belong to The Widow's Walk League.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it to anyone that enjoys a great read!

I received this book through Goodreads First Reads Program. All opinions are my own.

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Crime Fraiche by Alexander Campion - A Review

Crime Fraiche by Alexander Campion
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The book seems well written, however I had a really tough time connecting with any of the characters. This non-connection made it difficult for me to make myself read and therefore, I didn't enjoy the book as much as I should.

This mystery by Alexander Campion is set in 16th Century Paris and has a lot of twists and turns.

Not everyone can or should like the same thing necessarily...so I encourage you to read the book yourself and see what you think.

This book was provided to me free of charge by Kensington Publishing for an honest review. These are my opinions.

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Trip to the Tupelo, MS Flea Market

Today my husband and I decided we would make the three hour trip to the Tupelo, MS Flea Market just to have something to do. So about 7:30 am, we left the house and traveled in that direction. Of course, we took the scenic route....yes...we went up the Natchez Trace Parkway. It was such a deliciously delightful morning drive. Now...to be perfectly honest, in the past couple years the flea market has really not been a productive trip for us. Meaning...we usually don't find anything we want or need. Today really wasn't much different.......EXCEPT....that I met author Pat Brannon at the flea market. She had a table set up and was autographing her books. In case you don't know who Pat Brannon is....her is a bit of a blurb about her from her own web page....www.patbrannon.com

Award-winning Christian poet, children’s author, singer, songwriter, speaker, encourager, and best-selling author in the Authors to Believe In Book Club, Pat Brannon is a lady you want to meet, even though you may not know it yet. Actually, Pat is the next person you want to invite to your school, church or community event. She does a highly visual, attention-getting, eye-opening character education presentation for all ages on the evils of bullying. Pat entertains and educates her audiences all at the same time.

Now...while I was waiting on dear sweet husband to finish his rounds in the flea market, I sat down and read one of the books I purchased from MS Brannon. Here is my Review of that book!

Food Fight Frenzy by Pat Brannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book, Food Fight Frenzy by Pat Brannon is so cute and has a wonderful message for all children and adults alike. Ms.Brannon uses language that any third grade student can relate to and has the book set in the south, which for me is a definite plus.

The illustrations, done by Rachael Smith, are so vivid and wonderful. You just have to see them to believe.

I totally recommend this book for all children....it truly teaches life lessons that all children need to learn. Like I said, it can also be beneficial for adults as well.

I purchased this book today at a flea market where the author, Pat Brannon, had set up a table. This review is honest and my own opinion.

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