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 Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers.

What I've Been Reading...

Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal

This is a sweet story about a girl who learns that her very long name fits her perfect. The author includes a note at the end explaining how she got her own name. The book highlights family and identity as well as showing that our names tell a story. This will be a useful book in the classroom to start discussions about the stories behind students' names.

I Walk With Vanessa: A Story About a Simple Act of Kindness by Kerascoët

Wordless, beautiful book about how one act of kindness can multiple and make a difference in the life of someone who has been treated badly. Simple, yet powerful story that shows the importance of being empathetic and standing up for what's right.

They Didn't Teach THIS in Worm School! by Simone Lia

Marcus, a worm, agrees to fly with Laurence, a chicken, to Kenya so that he doesn't get eaten. Neither Marcus or Laurence knows the way to Kenya and, although they don't travel as far as they hoped, they do have a life-changing adventure. Marcus and Laurence are a funny and heart-warming duo. They learn about acceptance, friendship, and working together to do what would be impossible alone. This book will also appeal to readers because it's illustrated and not too long.

Life According to Og the Frog by Betty G. Birney

Og the Frog is now living in Room 26 right next to Humphrey (of The World According to Humphrey series). Og, both, misses the swamp and enjoys his new home. When the class has to make a decision about whether to keep Og or put him back in the swamp, Og is not sure which he would prefer. The book is told from the perspective of Og, who is a little different from ordinary frogs because of his love of poetry and songs. This book about friendship, community, and caring for wildlife will be of interest to fans of the Humphrey series and those who like books about animals. Thanks to the publisher, Penguin Young Readers, for sending my book review group, #BookExcursion, an advance reader's copy of the book. The book publishes in July.

Lions & Liars by Kate Beasley

Frederick is feeling like he doesn't fit in at his school and is upset with his parents when they cancel a family vacation, when he accidentally ends up at a summer camp for troubled boys. The others at the camp all think Frederick is someone else, a boy with a more interesting past. There is adventure and humor as Frederick learns about himself and friendship. This book publishes in June. Thanks to NetGalley for a digital advanced reader's copy of the book.