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Monday, August 27, 2018

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. To find out what other bloggers are reading, check out the host blogs: Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers. You can also follow on Twitter at #imwayr.

Recent Reads...


A Place for Pluto by Stef Wade

Pluto is proud of being a part of the Famous Nine until he gets the news that he is not a planet. Pluto feels rejected and he doesn't seem to fit in with any other group in the galaxy. Just as he's about to give up he finds someone who looks like him and makes new friends. This is a cute and clever story with a good message that also includes some factual information.

Best Frints at Skrool by Antoinette Portis

The best frints from planet Boborp are back! Students are always delighted with the make-believe words and the humor when I read Best Frints in the Whole Universe to them. In the second book, Omek feels left out when Yelfred makes a new friend. The characters are out of this world, but kids will be able to relate to Omek's problem and laugh along as he tries to resolve it.

Adrian Simcox Does Not Have a Horse by Marcy Campbell

Chloe gets very irritated when Adrian Simcox says he has a horse. She believes this can't possibly be true if he can't even afford lunch or keep his own desk tidy. When her mother takes her for a walk through Adrian's neighborhood, she begins to understand him better and make a friend. This book will spark discussions about acceptance, empathy, and open-mindedness. There's an interesting use of color in the illustrations which are gorgeous.

Sweep by Jonathan Auxier

This is an amazing, magical story about a chimney sweep and her mythical friend. They come together unexpectedly, but find out how much they need each other. I was captivated by both the historical fiction and fantasy elements. Read more of my thoughts here.

Tight by Torrey Maldonado

Bryan has made a new friend, but he's not always comfortable with the choices this friend makes. He finds himself following along when Mike does things that could get them in trouble, such as hopping subway turnstiles and cutting school. Bryan is torn between being friends with Mike and doing the right thing. Bryan also faces some challenges at home. His father, who encourages him to be tough, has recently gotten out of jail, but is arrested again when he gets into a fight. This book explores the struggles of a kid who's trying to make sense of the expectations his family has for him along with the expectations of the society he lives in. He learns about friendship and discovers that he has the power to make the right choices. Thanks to the publisher, Penguin Young Readers for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with a review copy of the book.

13 comments:

  1. Love the look of the Pluto book!

    If anyone hasn't heard, the call has gone out for Cybils judges. I hope some of the wonderful children's/ya bloggers will head over there and apply! There is more information on my blog post, if you need it.

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    1. Thanks for letting us know about the call for Cybils judges.

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  2. I asked for Sweep from Netgalley, but I have not been good at reading and reviewing books so....

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    1. Once it publishes, definitely look for it. It's hard to keep up with the reading and reviewing!

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  3. So looking forward to Sweep! Best Frints at Skrool is new to me. Just put a hold at my local library.

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    1. The first was fun to read aloud and hear the kids figuring out the make-believe language.

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  4. I really liked Best Frints, so I'm glad to see there's a follow-up book. I'll definitely have to check it out. Thanks for sharing and have an awesome week!

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  5. I know about each one, and just got Adrian Simcox from the library, looking forward to it, Lisa. You've made Sweep sound awesome. Thanks!

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  6. Adrian Simcox Does Not Have a Horse looks SO good! I need to go make sure I have that on my TBR list. Also, Sweep is completely new to me. So thank you for a new book to be aware of this month. As always, thank you for all the wonderful shares. I hope you have a wonderful reading week, Lisa!

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  7. Oh, these all look so good! The cover for Adrian Simcox Does Not Have a Horse is gorgeous, and I have to admit to having a soft spot for poor old Pluto!

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  8. Can't wait to read Sweep. My boss has been raving about it.

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  9. I LOVED Tight. I was able to read it in a sitting and I absolutely got lost in that book.
    Sweep is one I need to read soon.
    And Adrian Simcox is in my top three picture books for 2018. I can't get enough of it!

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