1. BOOKS THAT MADE A DIFFERENCE TO… TRESCA ESGUERRA December 17, 2013

2. Growing up I was always so active and busy so, I didn’t really have time to sit down and read a book. As I got older I never developed a love or appreciation for books. Even though I was told that reading was an amazing thing I always thought I could live without it. Since I started out not being a big reader, I became a bad reader. Whenever I was called on I had a hard time reading aloud, and I never really understood what I was reading. Eventually I was put in a special reading class because they thought something was wrong with me, but really I just needed a little practice. This special reading class went on until third grade when I finally got the hang of it. I finally was a good reader! Finishing out my primary school years I was always was the first one to reach my reading goals and I always volunteered to aloud in class. It was a complete turn around. Going into my teenage years was a little different. I was a good reader that became a picky reader. After my reading rage, it was difficult for me find a book that I actually enjoyed. During these years I found some amazing books, some that change my life forever.

3. SHAKESPEARE’S SECRET BY: ELISE BROACH This book started my change. I never enjoyed a book as much in my life. It’s about a girl named Hero and after her family moves into their new home in Maryland, she knows she will again have to endure being teased by her classmates for her bizarre, Shakespearean name. she becomes friends with her neighbor, Mrs. Roth, who tells her the mystery of the “Murphy Diamond” that is believed to be hidden in the house Hero is now living in. Hero and her friend Danny work from the clues that Mrs. Roth provides to solve the mystery of the missing diamond. While searching they discover that they are not only closer to the diamond, but they may have also discovered Shakespeare’s true identity. I love this book because it was intriguing and it kept me on my toes. This book taught me that people are put in your life for a reason and that reason maybe simple or important it’s just up to us to figure it out. It is very hard for me to find a good book that I like that’s why I love this book so much.

4. SMILES TO GO BY: JERRY SPINELLI This book made me think about life and how things are done scientifically in the world. It really sparked the question “what is really important in life?” In this book Spinelli brings up a point when Will, the main character, is defending his chess title when his younger sister gets injured and is rushed to the hospital. Will had to make a quick decision of what is more important, his title or his little sister. In real life we all face things of this nature and this book really made me stop and think. This book also taught me that when you have little siblings you need to recognize that they follow your every move. You should be the good example they need. This really moved me because I have two younger siblings and three older siblings and this same lesson applies to my life.

5. TUCK EVERLASTING BY: NATALIE BABBITT This story is about the Tuck family, who accidentally stumbles upon a spring in the woods. They have no idea that this spring had the power of eternal life. The Tucks begin to realize this when the stop aging. They travel quietly around the countryside; never staying in one place too long so secret is kept quite. They meet a young girl, Winnie, in search of freedom. She learns their secret and falls in love with them so deeply that she will do anything to protect them. The family and Winnie then must face a villain who would steal their secret for himself. This book taught me that we all have a purpose in our lives, and even though we may not like it we just need to accept it and not change it.