Summer Professional Reading

I try to stay current on best practice and research related to literacy instruction all year by reading as much as I can on the topic. The school year can be extremely busy, so I find I don't always have as much time for reading professional books during these months as I would like. With more flexible days, summer provides the perfect opportunity to delve into professional reading. These are the books that are on my to-be-read list for the upcoming summer.

Books I Plan to Read...

The Art of Comprehension: Exploring Visual Texts to Foster Comprehension, Conversation, and Confidence by Trevor Andrew Bryan

I have gotten to talk with Trevor about his book and with a teacher who has implemented some of his ideas and I am really intrigued. Many of the books I read on literacy instruction confirm a lot of what I know about teaching kids to read and write, but I'm thinking this book will give me a perspective I haven't thought about before.

Brain Words: How the Science of Reading Informs Teaching by J. Richard Gentry and Gene P. Ouellette

I am fascinated by how the brain is able to learn the complex process of reading. This book is on my summer reading list because I want to know more about the research concerning the brain and how children learn to read.

Breathing New Life Into Book Clubs: A Practical Guide for Teachers by Sonja Cherry-Paul and Dana Johansen

I have read Sonja and Dana's previous books and seen them present and they always have practical suggestions for enhancing literacy instruction. I am looking forward to their thoughts on implementing book clubs.

Building Bigger Ideas: A Process for Teaching Purposeful Talk by Maria Nichols

Engaging students in authentic conversations that drive their literacy learning can be a challenge, so I find books about classroom talk useful. I'm hoping to read this book for some new ideas.

Spark! Quick Writes to Kindle Hearts and Minds in Elementary Classrooms by Paula Bourque

Students need frequent opportunities to write to build their writing fluency and to grow their skills as writers. Providing opportunities for students to engage in "quick writes," low-stakes writing, is something I've always wanted to incorporate more into my lessons. I'm hoping this book gives me the jumpstart I need.

Understanding Texts and Readers: Responsive Comprehension Instruction with Leveled Text by Jennifer Serravallo

This book is on my list because I bought it months ago and still have not gotten around to reading it. Leveled texts are great tools when there is thought and care put into how they are used within literacy instruction. This book is sure to enhance my thinking around the use of leveled texts.

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 or follow on Twitter at #imwayr.

Recent Reads...

Camp Tiger by Susan Choi

While on a camping trip in the mountains with his family, a boy reflects on his worries related to growing up including starting first grade and having to do things on his own. As the family sets up their camp site, a tiger suddenly appears. The boy forms a bond with the tiger who accompanies them on family outings. With the tiger at his side, the boy accomplishes what he thinks he can't and learns to become more independent. This is a poetic and whimsical story about growing up.

All the Greys on Greene Street by Laura Tucker

Olympia's father has suddenly taken off to France and her mother is no longer getting out of bed. As Olympia tries to figure out why her father left, she is also trying to live her life as normally as possible even though she knows something is wrong with her mother. Olympia's story is one of a girl dealing with her mother's depression, but it's also the story of a girl who, with the support of those around her, finds her way. There is also an interesting story line about art and her father's involvement in an art-related mystery. The book publishes in June. Thanks to Penguin Young Readers for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with a review copy.

Camp Average by Craig Battle

This is a fun book about summer camp and sports. Mack has just arrived at Camp Avalon and is looking forwarding to chilling with the other campers and engaging in a lot of water sports.  He is totally fine with the fact that the camp is known as Camp Average because the sports teams never win. This year turns out to be a lot different when a competitive camp director decides the campers are going to start winning and assigns them each a sport to play. Mack is not a very happy camper when he finds out he will only be allowed to play baseball while at camp, but he involves the entire team in a plan to ensure they keep losing and hopefully get back the right to make their own schedules. I think middle grade readers will enjoy this story about kids standing up for themselves and learning life lessons.

Unbelievable Oliver and the Four Jokers by Pseudonymous Bosch

Oliver is not very good at magic, but his friends got him a gig as the magician at a classmate's birthday party. While at the party, one of the birthday boy's presents has been stolen and Oliver and his friends become suspects. They promise to find the real culprit, but must do it before the final magic performance which only gives them thirteen minutes. With a silly plot and interesting characters, including a talking rabbit, this is a book kids will find humorous. It's on the shorter side with lots of illustrations. Thanks to Penguin Young Readers for a review copy.

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 or follow on Twitter at #imwayr.

Recent Reads...

Say Something by Peter H. Reynolds

Every time I read a recently published book by Peter H. Reynolds, it becomes a new favorite. This inspirational book shows the many ways to use one's voice to make a difference in the world. I love this book because I think it will be useful to start discussions about the power of voice and the necessity of working to make the world a better place and also because it has such an empowering message.

Harold and Hog Pretend for Real! by Dan Santat and Mo Willems

Fans of the Elephant and Piggie books by Mo Willems will appreciate this book. Elephant and Piggie find a book about an elephant and a pig. They read the book in which the elephant and pig, otherwise known as Harold and Hog, are pretending to be them. Like the Elephant and Piggie books, it's told through dialogue and easy to read. It's a lot of fun, but also highlights friendship.

Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay

Jay's cousin, who lives in the Philippines, has been murdered. He's not only devastated, but confused as to why no one will tell him what really happened. In his search for the truth, he travels to the Philippines where the story of his cousin's life and death unravels piece by piece. This is a story about grief and the desire to find the truth, but it also explores the struggles with understanding one's identity. It's a compelling read, but also one that gave me insight into the culture and politics of the Philippines. Thanks to the publisher for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with an advance reader's copy. The book publishes in June.

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 or follow on Twitter at #imwayr.

Recent Reads...

Hair Love by Matthew Cherry 

Zuri is proud of her beautiful hair that makes her feel like a princess and a superhero. It's a big day for Zuri and she needs her hair to be really special. It's up to her father to figure out how to give her the perfect do. This is such a charming story. Both, Zuri's confidence and her father's patience getting her hairstyle just right, are delightful. Vashti Harrison's illustrations are full of love. Thanks to the publisher, Kokila, for sending my book review group, #BookExcursion, a review copy. The book publishes in May.

My Papi Has a Motorcyle by Isabel Quintero 

This is another book that celebrates the love between daughter and father. As Daisy journeys through her neighborhood on the back of her father's motorcycle, it's also a tribute to the city, Corona, California, where the author grew up. This slice of life story shows a girl experiencing the joys of a beautiful city and a lively community. With the details of the comic-book-like illustrations and the inclusion of Spanish words, it almost feels like one is along for the ride with Daisy and her father. This is a sweet, joyful story. Thanks to the publisher, Kokila, for a review copy. The book publishes in May.

Bruce's Big Fun Day (World of Reading Level 1) by Ryan T. Higgins

I was very excited to see a beginning reader book featuring Mother Bruce, a character who my students love from Ryan T. Higgins's picture book series. Bruce is grumpy, as always, and Nibbs has a plan to cheer him up. The two friends engage in a variety of activities, but nothing seems to please the very disagreeable Bruce. Although one likes fun and the other likes being grumpy, Bruce and Nibbs end their day on a positive note. The illustrations are hilarious. Thanks to the publisher, Disney Hyperion, I read an advance reader's copy. The book publishes in June.

Spark by Sarah Beth Durst

Mina has been chosen to be a storm guardian, one of the kids who control the weather in the community of Alorria. She is surprised to find out that her beast, which she will guide to produce the weather, is a lightning beast. Lightning guardians are loud and brave and Mina does not see herself that way at all. She is excited, but unsure of herself as she leaves her family for her training, but when she takes action to right a wrong she proves she is braver than she thinks. This is an adventurous and imaginative book with a great message about believing in oneself and learning to be strong. Thanks to the publisher for an advance reader's copy. The book publishes this month.