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Monday, August 24, 2020

Recent Reads

Every Monday, I share books I have recently read. I also participate in It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?, 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, or follow on Twitter at #imwayr.

Recent Reads...

Jules vs. the Ocean by Jessie Sima

Jules wants to impress her sister, who is off body surfing, by making the fanciest castle on the beach, but the ocean continuously washes away her creations. Disappointment turns into joy when Jules's sister lends a hand to help her. This is a sweet story about the relationship between two sisters and persistence. 

The Power of Her Pen: The Story of Groundbreaking Journalist Ethel L. Payne by Lesa Cline-Ransome and illustrated by John Parra

Through this picture book biography readers are introduced to Ethel Payne, known as the "First Lady of the Black Press." It's an interesting and inspirational story of a historical leader who fought against injustice. 

Swashby and the Sea by Beth Ferry and illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal

Swashby retires to a cottage near the sea where he enjoys the quiet and serenity until a girl and her granny move in next door. He tries to discourage their neighborliness with messages in the sand, but the girl and the sea have other ideas. This is a sweet and clever story.

Speak Up by Miranda Paul and illustrated by Ebony Glenn

This rhyming text tells about the many ways there are to use one's voice in positive ways. Whether it's to show appreciation, be kind to others, or create change, one's voice can be powerful. The end pages include information about real kids who have spoken up for themselves and others and examples of ways to speak up.

Story Boat by Kyo Maclear and illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh

This is a beautiful and lyrical book about a sister and brother who flee their home and go in search of another. The book gives insight into the refugee experience and explores imagination.

Tune it Out by Jamie Sumner

Lou's world suddenly changes when she's taken out of her mother's care and sent to live with her aunt and uncle. Lou's not only adjusting to living in a new place and going to a new school, but also trying to make sense of the fact that she feels different because she has an aversion to loud noises and being touched. This book gives insight into what it's like to have a sensory processing disorder and explores family relationships and friendship. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a review copy.

Adult Book Recommendation


Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

This book is about how a group of strangers, all who find themselves in a hostage situation after a failed bank robbery, connect with each other and help each other move forward. This book has a lot of wit and humor even though it deals with some heavy topics. I will probably never enjoy a Fredrik Backman book as much as A Man Called Ove, but this was a great read. Thanks to the publisher for an advanced reader's copy. The book publishes in September.

5 comments:

  1. Well, you've added to my list again, Lisa! Tune It Out sounds very good & I'm intrigued by the new Bachman book. I've enjoyed his books very much! Have a great week ahead!

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  2. Swashby and the Sea looks fun! And Tune It Out seems like something my daughter might enjoy. Thanks and have a good reading week!

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  3. I have relatives who have adored all of Fredrik Backman's books, so I'll have to tell them that Anxious People is good when it comes out! Story Boat looks wonderful! Thanks for the great post!

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  4. Thanks for introducing me to many new books. I've added Tune it Out to my list and am excited that Story Boat is available at my local library.

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  5. I've added Tune it Out to my list and will keep an eye out for some of the others when they let me back into my library. Thanks for sharing these!

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