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...
I Am a Tiger by Karl Newson
A mouse declares he is a tiger. Other animals argue that he is not a tiger, but the mouse always has a clever response to convince them. His argument gets even more ridiculous when a tiger himself comes along. Mouse is a character with a lot of personality - he's both confident and funny. This is a really cute book with a subtle message about being whoever you want to be. Thanks to the publisher for a review copy.
Truman by Jean Reidy
A sweet tortoise doesn't know where his owner has gone when she leaves for the day with a backpack and takes the number 11 bus, so he sets out across the living room in an attempt to follow her. Truman's determination and bravery will have readers rooting for him. The illustrations, especially those that show the tortoise's view of his surroundings, are wonderful. A charming story about first experiences, being brave, and the love between a child and her pet.
My Jasper June by Laurel Snyder
It's the beginning of summer, but all Leah has to look forward to are lonely days at home. Since her brother died in an accident, her friends are treating her differently and her parents barely pay attention to her. So, when Leah meets Jasper she is intrigued. The two quickly become friends, but Jasper's life is complicated and Leah becomes a part of her secret. This is a compelling read about loss and the power of friendship. Thanks to the publisher I received an advance reader's copy of the book. Look for this one is September.
My Life as An Ice Cream Sandwich by Ibi Zoboi
Having lived with her mother and grandfather in Alabama, Ebony-Grace has a hard time adjusting to life with her father in Harlem. Much about Harlem seems strange to her, so she copes by retreating into her imagination. Fitting in with friends is a challenge since they can't relate to her talk about outer space and space missions. Through the challenges of her summer in Harlem, Ebony-Grace grows and, as she does, she changes her outlook on her life. Growing up at the time this book was set, in the 1980s, I found the references to that time period interesting. Those who are fans of Star Trek will get even more of the references than I did. Thanks to the publisher, Penguin Young Readers, for a review copy of the book. It publishes in August.
Exploring According to Og the Frog by Betty G. Birney
The tales of Room 26, as seen through the perspective of a kind-hearted frog, continue in the second book in the Og the Frog series. Og learns about adventure and bravery all while making a positive impact on the students in his classroom. I like that the books in this series are on the shorter side which is what some readers need. Also, being a spin-off of the Humphrey series, there will be appeal for readers who enjoyed those.
I'm eager to read My Jasper June! And I now have newfound interest in My Life as An Ice Cream Sandwich after your tidbit about Star Trek. We watched it growing up in the 80s, before my father passed away. So that might be fun to see how it was woven into the story. :) Have a great reading week, Lisa!
ReplyDeleteMy Jasper June and the new My Life as An Ice Cream Sandwich both are on my list, Lisa. You've made me want to read them soon! Thanks also for the picture books, especially Truman. It looks very cute.
ReplyDeleteAll of these are new to me. I'm especially looking forward to My Jasper June because it's by Laurel Snyder. I have adored everything of her's I've read so far. I still need to get to American Street by Ibi Zoboi and here she is with another book!
ReplyDeleteI have heard nothing but praise for My Jasper June. It's in the stack, I guess I need to move it up!
ReplyDeleteI just purchased Truman through First Book and it is such a sweet story. It will most likely be one of my first reads of the school year. My Jasper June and My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich are both in my TBR pile which I am really working on this summer.
ReplyDeleteAdding My Jasper June because I loved Orphan Island. Thanks for sharing, have a great reading week!
ReplyDeleteAdded so many books to my TBR stack -- thank you! Glad I stopped by.
ReplyDeleteI am now on the look-out for Truman, and the other books also look intriguing. Sounds like a good reading week1
ReplyDeleteThe book cover of My Life as an icecream sandwich is visually arresting! I started reading Pride but had to return it to the library, so was not able to finish it. Glad to see she has another book out.
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