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Monday, July 25, 2016

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?


It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is a community of bloggers who link up to share what they are reading.  For more information and to find out what other bloggers are reading check out the host blogs: Teach MentorTexts and Unleashing Readers.

What I Read This Week…



Babies Ruin Everything by Matthew Swanson

This is a humorous picture book about a girl who does not want to be a big sister. In fact, when she finds out her baby brother can't stand on one foot, catch a frisbee, or whistle, she asks for him to be sent back. The story shows the emotions a child may feel when a new baby arrives, but, in the end, it's also a story of learning how to enjoy being an older sibling. The illustrations and humor help to create a fun spin on the "new baby" story. 


Nightmare Escape (Dream Jumpers, Book 1) by Greg Grunberg and Lucas Turnbloom

In this graphic novel, Ben learns he has the ability to jump into other people's dreams.  The plot centers on Ben, who in the real world is trying to make sense of what is going on while he is sleeping and in the dream world has powers which he must use to save his friends.  I think many of my readers will find the concept of dream jumping interesting and enjoy the action, fast pace, and graphic format of this novel.


The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

There is a fairytale quality to this story that I found imaginative and engaging. There are two story lines that emerge, that of Luna, a girl who was abandoned in the forest and rescued by a witch who gave her magic, and Antain, who is a misfit of sorts among the people of the Protectorate, where he lives. The plot of this story, centered on fantasy and magic, unfolds as the character's stories become connected. In addition, the story is beautifully written, with sentences that often made me stop and go back to reread.  Magic, bravery, and the bonds between family members are all interwoven into this very unique tale.

18 comments:

  1. I love your choices this week. The cover of Babies Ruin Everything made me laugh out loud. My daughter can't get enough graphic novels this summer so I'm thrilled to get a new series recommendation. And everyone keeps talking about The Girl Who Drank the Moon. I really want to read that book!

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    1. Yes, the cover of Babies Ruin Everything is cute. There are definitely illustrations within the book that will make readers laugh as well.

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  2. Nice assortment of books. I don't read enough graphic novels though many of my students love them. Come see what my week was like here. Happy reading!

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    1. I myself don't love graphic novels, but I read them because I know my students love them.

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  3. I loved The Girl Who Drank the Moon, also. Lots of great messages for kids and a strong female lead character! I'm looking forward to your other two books and can't wait to find them at my library! Have a great week!

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    1. Yes, that's a good point about a strong female lead character. Thanks for reading. Have a great week, as well!

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  4. Caregivers often come in asking about new sibling picture books, so thanks for sharing this one, I'll have to pick it up and have a look!

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    1. If you don't know it, Love The Baby by Stephen Layne is another cute new sibling story.

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  5. I have been reading so much good stuff about The Girl Who Drank the Moon. It isn't available from our local library, but since I am already kind of swamped with reading that is probably a good thing. I loved Babies Ruin Everything.

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    1. Yes, I feel swamped with good books to read, too! I have a whole stack of ARC's from the ILA conference - I feel like I'll never get through them!

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  6. The Girl Who Drank the Moon has had so many rave reviews, and now you've shared that you liked it, too. Another one for my library list!

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    1. It's definitely a good one for a to-read list!

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  7. I liked Dream Jumpers but had a hard time with it at first. Any book that jumps right into the action is tricky for me and I can imagine it can give readers some difficulty. But, I caught on eventually and enjoyed it. It did seem like it was setting up for book 2, I think that one is going to be fun!

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    1. Yes, that is probably true that some readers may have difficulty with the beginning. I also think some of my readers are really pulled in by the action. Yes, I'm thinking there will be a book two as well. I think I also read something about a movie, too.

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  8. The Girl Who Drank The Moon is getting lots of love, I know. Thanks also for sharing the other two. I'll certainly keep Babies Ruin Everything in mind for future gifts.

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    1. Yes, it is getting lots of love. I figured I had to read it to find out what all the buzz was about! Have a good week!

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  9. Dream Jumper and Moon are both books I really want to read :) Hopefully I get to them soon!

    Happy reading this week :)

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  10. Babies Ruin Everything looks cute. I adored The Girl Who Drank the Moon - so lovely.

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