Jennifer is in her fifth year as a media clerk at South Kearns Elementary. She has done incredible work in that time, efficiently using a small space to fit a large collection of books while still managing to keep everything open and inviting.
What books are currently on your nightstand?
Too many! There’s a pile or two. Currently, Sisters and Smile by Raina Telgemeier, Fablehaven by Brandon Mull, How to Speak Dolphin by Ginny Rorby, The Promise of the Atonement: Cure for Broken Dreams by Ester Rasband, Liars: How Liberals Exploit Our Fears for Power and Control by Glenn Beck, and Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25 by Richard Paul Evans.
What was the last great book you read?
A Night Divided by Jennifer A. Nielsen
The last book that made you cry?
Echo by Pamela Muñoz Ryan
The last book that made you laugh?
The Junie B. Jones books by Barbara Park (I know, a little juvenile).
What kind of reader were you as a child? What childhood books and authors stick with you the most?
As a child, I usually liked whatever my teacher was reading. I remember loving Ginger Pye by Eleanor Estes and Little Witch by Anna Elizabeth Bennett. My all-time favorite was The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. It wasn’t until I was a grown-up that I realized that it was part of a series. My favorite book in the series now is The Magician’s Nephew, because it is where it all started.
What is the best book you were required to read as a student?
When I was in high school, I was required to read Tess of the D’Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy. It was the first long book I actually read and didn’t cheat by getting the Cliff Notes for it.
What book did you hate reading as a student?
The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
What is your favorite book to recommend to children?
I love, love, love The Princes Academy by Shannon Hale, Wonder by R.J. Palacio, and Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper. I also like to recommend the Michael Vey series by Richard Paul Evans, Eragon by Christopher Paolini, and the Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis.
If you could only bring three books to a desert island, which would you pack?
A journal for writing, a book about the animals and plant life on the island, and my scriptures.
Thanks for sharing.
I still haven’t read “Echo”, but intend to. Loved reading about you, Jennifer!
I love the book “Out of My Mind” ! Because of this book I look at people with disabilities so different now. I try to understand them better and look for their “abilities”.
Love that comment “abilities”. I know so many people who can’t communicate and you can just see behind those eyes an expressive mind that wants to say so much. Just a touching thought. Thanks for your insight.
I loved the book, “Tess of the D’Ubervilles.” and “Out of My Mind” made such an impression on me. I really enjoyed learning more about you and what you like to read.
Out of My Mind is next on my list–I can’t wait to read it. I also am excited to read Echo. Thank you for the great recommendations!
I loved so many of these same books, especially Wonder and Out of My Mind.
Wow, I so much love Glenn Beck. He is a firecracker! Have you read the Immortal Nicholas. Loved that one. I will try Liars, he has some interesting points to consider. Thanks for your suggestions.
I love the Michael Vey books! We’ve got a love for a lot of the same books.
I loved “A Night Divided” and “Echo”. They are two of my all time favorites!
Echo and Wonder are two of my all time favorite books. I also really liked A Night Divided.
I love Sharon Draper’s writing – thanks for sharing, Jennifer!
I’m finding I have a lot in common with all of you! I loved “Echo”, “A Night Divided”, “Out of My Mind”, and all things “Junie B”. Thanks for sharing a piece of yourself with us.
It was fun getting to know more about you Jennifer. We share a lot of favorite books as well!
I love all the books you recommend and often find myself recommending the same ones. “A Night Divided” is a wonderful book and also one I recommend. Thanks for sharing.