Pages

Monday, March 18, 2024

Recent Reads

Every Monday, I share books I have recently read. I also participate in It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?, a community of bloggers who link up to share what they are reading. To find out what other bloggers are reading, check out the host blogs, Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers, or follow on Twitter at #imwayr. 

Recent Reads...


A Flicker of Hope: A Story of Migration by Cynthia Harmony and illustrated by Devon Holzwarth

Like the monarchs that migrate in the spring, Lucía's father is journeying north. While her father goes in search of work, Lucía eagerly anticipates his homecoming and that of the monarchs. A beautiful book about migration.

Is This a House for Hermit Crab? by Megan McDonald and illustrated by Katherine Tillotson

This is an updated version of the picture book written over thirty years ago with new artwork. Hermit Crab is on a search for a new house as his shell is too small. His search involves finding the perfect shelter and keeping safe from danger. Information about hermit crabs is included at the end of the book.

Ride Beside Me by Lucy Knisley

A child and mother bike through their community along with other riders. This book celebrates the joys of bike riding. 

Deep Water by Jamie Sumner

In this middle grade novel written in verse, Tully is determined to complete a twelve mile swim because she will be the youngest to do so and she thinks it will make her mother come back. Her swim is a way for her to deal with the family challenges she is facing. Her character is great, but I also loved that of her best friend who is there by her side while she swims. This is a moving, emotional, and tense read. Thanks to the publisher for an advance reader's copy. The book publishes in April.

Monday, March 11, 2024

Recent Reads

Every Monday, I share books I have recently read. I also participate in It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?, a community of bloggers who link up to share what they are reading. To find out what other bloggers are reading, check out the host blogs, Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers, or follow on Twitter at #imwayr. 

Recent Reads...


The Blue Pickup by Natasha Tripplett and illustrated by Monica Mikai

A girl helps her grandfather fix cars and inspires him to get his old Blue Pickup running again. I enjoyed the Jamaican setting of this intergenerational story and the theme related to the importance of preserving stories and things of the past.

Don't Trust Cats (Life Lessons from Chip the Dog) by Dev Petty and illustrated by Mike Boldt

Chip shares wisdom to help others be their best dog self. His first piece of advice is not to trust cats, but he also tells who can be trusted and gives other tidbits of advice. The illustrations are amusing.

Forever and Always by Brittany J. Thurman and illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice

As Olivia waits for her dad to return from work in the evening, the hours seem to pass endlessly. This is a relatable story about anxieties and worries when a parent is away at work. It is lyrical and poignant and includes an author's note that gives further insight into the meaning behind the story.

Gravity is Bringing Me Down by Wendelin Van Draanen and illustrated by Cornelia Li

Leda's day begins with her falling out of bed and continues with many mishaps that include tripping and dropping things. She blames all of it on gravity. When she leaves school, her mother knows how to help Leda and gravity get along again. In addition to a cute story, this book will introduce readers to the concept of gravity.

When You Have to Wait by Melanie Conklin and illustated by Leah Hong

Waiting is hard, but there are benefits, too. This is a sweet book about learning to have patience. The illustrations are lovely.

Not Quite a Ghost by Anne Ursu

Violet is starting middle school and her family is also moving to a larger and older house. As she is adjusting to changing friendships and a creepy attic room that gives her nightmares, she also faces some health challenges. The book addresses chronic illness and the frustration of having health issues that can't be diagnosed. 

Monday, March 4, 2024

Recent Reads

Every Monday, I share books I have recently read. I also participate in It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?, a community of bloggers who link up to share what they are reading. To find out what other bloggers are reading, check out the host blogs, Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers, or follow on Twitter at #imwayr. 

Recent Reads...


Lucky Duck by Greg Pizzoli

Whenever something happens to make Susan the duck feel unlucky, a wolf shows up offering her items that brighten her mood. Readers will recognize the wolf's intent although Susan does not. Lucky for her, a bug has been a keen observer and has a clever solution. An amusing story.

Mabel and the Mountain: A Story About Believing in Yourself by Kim Hillyard

Mabel is a fly with a plan and the knowledge that she shouldn't listen to those who say she can't do something. She decides she is going to climb a mountain and sets out to do it. Although others doubt her, she listens to her heart. This is a sweet story about a very determined character who shows the power of believing in oneself. 

Peg Gets Crackin' by Jo Renfro

Feeling safe inside her shell, Peg does not want to hatch when her mother tells her chickadees it's time to start crackin'. Eventually, Peg runs out of room and is forced out of her shell. This is a really fun book with a relatable message about overcoming the uncertainties when it's time to be more independent.

Ramadan Kareem by M.O. Yuksel and illustrated by Hatem Aly

This is a celebratory book about Ramadan. The narrator of the book, who is fasting for the first time, shares the many joys associated with the month of Ramadan. Those who are unfamiliar with Ramadan will learn from the story, as well as the author's note at the end.

The Teeny-Weeny Unicorn by Shawn Harris

A teeny-weeny unicorn has had enough of being the smallest in his family and runs away. After encountering a gnome in the lawn, the teeny-weeny unicorn doesn't feel so small anymore. This is a fun book showing that one's small size can be an advantage. Love the whimsical illustrations.
 

The Fix-Its: Nail Needs Help (I Can Read Comics Level 3) by Sarah Lynne Reul

Nail is stuck in a piece of wood and needs help from someone in the toolbox. Hammer tries to help, but ends up making the situation worse. If only Hammer would listen! This early reader in graphic novel format is very clever.

Adult Reading Recommendation


The Father She Went to Find by Carter Wilson

Penny Bly became a savant when she fell down the stairs as a young child. Since then she has been attending a special school. On her twenty-first birthday, she receives a card from her father, who she hasn't seen since her accident, and decides she is going to leave the school and find him. Penny's journey soon becomes one of adventure, danger, and friendship. This is a psychological thriller with suspense, but it's also an emotional story about finding happiness. There were parts that were a bit over-the-top, but it was a quick and entertaining read. Thanks to the NetGalley for a review copy. The book publishes in April.

Monday, February 19, 2024

Recent Reads

Every Monday, I share books I have recently read. I also participate in It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?, a community of bloggers who link up to share what they are reading. To find out what other bloggers are reading, check out the host blogs, Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers, or follow on Twitter at #imwayr. 

Recent Reads...

Could You Ever Waddle With Penguins!? by Sandra Markle and illustrated by Vanessa Morales

Readers will learn facts about Adélie penguins and what life would be like if they lived with them. The format of this book is engaging and the combination of photos and illustrations is cool, too. 

Cranky by Phuc Tran and illustrated by Pete Oswald

Cranky is crankier than usual and does not want to talk about it. Cranky's friends try to help and don't understand why their efforts aren't working. This book shows the importance of giving others space and communicating one's needs. The construction vehicles as characters, the illustrations, and the puns are all a lot of fun.

Have You Seen Mikki Olsen? by Alex MacDonald

Penguin and his favorite toy named Mikki Olsen spend all their time together. At the end of a busy day, Penguin loses track of the toy. As Penguin searches, readers will be amused that they know where they pink bear is located. A cute and silly story.

I Am Money by Julia Cook and Garrett Gunderson and illustrated by Josh Cleland

This is a fun approach to teaching readers about money including how to earn it, save it, spend it, and share it. There are lots of tips about how to be financially responsible.

The Three Little Tardigrades by Sandra Fay

Mother Tardigrade sends her three little tardigrades, Gavin, Colin, and Doug, off into the world. Not having ever left their droplet of H₂O, the little tardigrades are hesitant, but each head off to their preferred destination. Just as they each are going to make themselves comfortable in their new home, they find themselves face-to-face with the Big Hairy Wolf Spider. This is a unique take on a popular fairytale and sure to get readers interested in learning more about the tardigrade.

Adult Reading Recommendations


Who to Believe by Edwin Hill

A restaurant owner, in the small fictional town of Montreith, on the coast of Massachusetts, has recently been murdered and, as the crime is still being investigated, the community is a little on edge. The book alternates between the perspective of a few different characters whose lives are interconnected and each one of them has secrets. The plot kept me guessing and there were a few surprising twists. I enjoyed the setting which the author, who is from Massachusetts, noted at the end was partly based on the town I grew up in. 

Monday, February 5, 2024

Recent Reads

Every Monday, I share books I have recently read. I also participate in It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?, a community of bloggers who link up to share what they are reading. To find out what other bloggers are reading, check out the host blogs, Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers, or follow on Twitter at #imwayr. 

Recent Reads...

Cupig: The Valentine's Day Pig by Claire Tattersfield and illustrated by Rob Sayegh Jr.

This is a silly rhyming story about Cupig, a pig whose arrows go a little off course during a storm. Instead of bringing pairs together, her Valentine's mishap results in break-ups. Cupig knows she must make it all right again. There are lots of fun puns.
 

Elijah's Easter Suit by Brentom Jackson and illustrated by Emmanuel Boateng

Elijah wants the perfect Easter suit so that he will be the first kid at church to get a special shout-out from the Reverend. Inspired by a few members of his church community, he creates a suit that honors his culture and family history. A charming book about tradition.

The Red Fruit by Lee Gee Eun

A baby bear climbs a tree thinking there will be more delicious red fruit. Whenever the fruit appears within reach, the bear realizes what appears to be fruit is something else entirely. The mostly black and white illustrations are lovely and pull the reader into the bear's risky adventure.

Sam's New Sister by Michelle Olson

Although Sam is the smallest button in the craft box, and because of this misses out on some things, he enjoys the attention he receives. That changes when a new button is adopted and he is now a big brother. Sam runs away to escape his sister, but when she is in need he realizes it's not so bad to have a little sister after all. The artwork in this book is great. There are three other books in the series featuring characters from the craft box.

Adult Reading Recommendation


The Women by Kristin Hannah

This is an intense and heart-wrenching book. I had tears in my eyes within the first fifty pages and many times after that. Frankie joins the Army as a nurse, spends two years serving in Vietnam, and then returns home to her family, who like many others in the country are not welcoming upon her return. Although the book is almost five hundred pages, I read it in a weekend because it was such a compelling read. Some of the plot is predictable, but the insight into the time period was fascinating to me. I've read more books than I can count about World War II, but I realized when reading this one that I haven't read any about the Vietnam War. Not having as much knowledge as I probably should have about this time in history, I found this to be an impactful read.

Monday, January 29, 2024

Recent Reads

Every Monday, I share books I have recently read. I also participate in It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?, a community of bloggers who link up to share what they are reading. To find out what other bloggers are reading, check out the host blogs, Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers, or follow on Twitter at #imwayr. 

Recent Reads...

Cheeky Chick! By Julia Jarman and illustrated by Tom Knight

One chick ignores Mother Hen when she says to stay near the henhouse. With a desire to see the world, the chick goes for a walk alone and encounters a fox who feels like having a bite to eat. Readers will root for chick and cheer as the fox is outsmarted. 

Creep, Leap, Crunch! A Food Chain Story by Jody Jensen Shaffer and illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal

A rhyming text told with a cumulative structure describes the process of the food chain. More information about each of the animals in the book is included at the end.

Grandma's Roof Garden by Tang Wei and translated by Kelly Zhang

The grandma living on the top floor of an apartment building in a neighborhood in China grows a roof garden. When her garden containers are overflowing with vegetables she has a wonderful idea about what to do. This is a sweet book about generosity and community.

How Do You Become Friends with the Moon? by Ghazaleh Bigdelou 

The child and dragon have a lot of questions about the world, but what they really want to find out is if the moon will come over. They are determined to make it happen. This is a sweet and whimsical book. 

To Dogs, with Love: A Love Letter to the Dogs Who Help Us by Maria Gianferrari and illustrated by Ishaa Lobo

Dog lovers will be able to relate to this love letter to dogs which tells the many reasons they are adored by so many. The book also shows the many ways dogs can help people.

Horse and Buggy On Wheels! by Ethan Long

Horse has a skateboard and is showing off different tricks. Horse isn't having much success with the tricks, but Buggy is there to off safety equipment and a lesson about learning to do something new. A fun book for early readers.

Rex Finds an Egg (Rex and Oslo) by Doug Cushman

Rex and Oslo find an egg and wonder what kind it is. As they make guesses about the egg, readers will learn about various animals that lay eggs. The book ends on a humorous note. 

Monday, January 15, 2024

Recent Reads

Every Monday, I share books I have recently read. I also participate in It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?, a community of bloggers who link up to share what they are reading. To find out what other bloggers are reading, check out the host blogs, Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers, or follow on Twitter at #imwayr. 

Recent Reads...

Buffalo Fluffalo by Bess Kalb and illustrated by Erin Kraan

Buffalo Fluffalo is a grumbling creaturing, scaring away any animal who tries to brighten his mood. After a rainstorm that leaves Buffalo Fluffalo without his fluff he learns that acting tuffalo isn't necessary. The word play is a lot of fun and the story is very amusing. 

Tea With an Old Giant by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Paolo Domeniconi

In an unlikely story of friendship, a lonely giant walks into a small town and befriends a girl there who is small, but brave. The story has an old-fashioned feel with really interesting pictures that show how large the giant is in comparison to the town and people who live there.

When the Stars Came Home by Brittany Luby and illustrated by Natasha Donovan

When Ojiig moves to the city he misses his grandparents, seeing the stars, and his family's previous way of life. His family tries to find a way to bring the stars to him. Nothing seems to work until he becomes involved in learning about his past and finally he knows the meaning of home. A very heartfelt book.

Drawing Deena by Hena Khan

This is an empowering novel about navigating family relationships and managing anxiety. As a seventh-grader dealing with challenges that will resonate with many middle grader readers, Deena is a relatable character. Thanks for the publisher for sending me an advanced reader copy. The book publishes in February.