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Monday, September 7, 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


It's Not Little Red Riding Hood by Josh Funk and illustrated by Edwardian Taylor

The third book in the It's Not a Fairy Tale series is as amusing as the previous two. The narrator provides instructions as to how the story should go, but what results is a mixed-up version of the fairy tale with a very "sweet" ending. I have many students who have been eagerly anticipating this book, so I am looking forward to sharing it with them. Thanks to the illustrator, Edwardian Taylor, for a review copy. The book publishes in October.

I  Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes and illustrated by Gordon C. James

This is a poetic and empowering book that celebrates all the wonderful aspects of being a Black boy. The confidence of the narrator shines through each page of this book while the ending wraps up the powerful message about self-worth. 

I Talk Like a River by Jordan Scott and illustrated by Sydney Smith

Based on his own experiences, the author has written a beautifully moving book about what it feels like to be someone who stutters. The boy narrating this story describes his feelings of being different and tells how his father helped him to understand his stutter in a new way. Both the lyrical text and illustrations are lovely.

Puppy Problems (Peanut, Butter, & Crackers Book 1) by Paige Braddock

A dog and a cat are quite content with their lives until their human brings home a new puppy. This is a funny and sweet graphic novel that will amuse early readers, especially those who enjoy reading about pets. I hope it's not too long before the second book is published because I know kids will be asking for it. Thanks to the publisher for a review copy.

All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys' Soccer Team by Christina Soontornvat

The rescue of the Thai Boys’ soccer team is a fascinating story. The book tells of the amazing collaboration and dedication that made it possible. Even though I remembering watching the story on the news and was aware of the outcome, I found the details of this heroic effort gripping. There is lots of insight into the culture of Thailand, too. Thanks to Candlewick for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with a review copy. The book publishes in October.

8 comments:

  1. So many great books this week! I love all of Josh and Edwardian's fractured fairy tales and plan to share my review soon. I Am Every Good Thing is a picture book celebrating black boys but is a must read for all. And you know I can't wait to read Puppy Problems! Thanks Lisa!

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  2. I really enjoyed Puppy Problems and I Am Every Good Thing! I'll definitely be checking out the Red Riding Hood series too! Thanks for some great reads!

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  3. I'm happy to see and note "Talk Like A River", Lisa. It sounds very good. I saw "I Am Every Good Thing" on someone else's post, too, have it on my list, & I have All Thirteen, still need to open it! Thanks & Happy Labor Day!

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  4. Lots of great looking titles here. I have been a fan of all of the It's Not... books from Funk/Taylor and look forward to reading this one. Puppy Problems looks great too, and I don't have enough non-fiction for older kids in my library so I have been thinking about All Thirteen in the lead up to it being released. Have a great week!

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  5. I added I Am Every Good Thing to my list over the summer, but forgot about it until I just now looked it up. Thank you for the reminder, Lisa, and I hope you have a wonderful reading week!

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  6. It's Not Little Red Riding Hood sounds like such a fun book! (The narrator being a part of the story reminds me of the Templeton Twins duology.) I Am Every Good Thing sounds like an important and beautiful book! Thanks for the great post!

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  7. There are so many good books on your list today. I read the first in the t's Not a Fairy Tale series, but haven't followed the rest of the series. Unfortunately my local library doesn't carry any of them. I hope to find copies of I Am Every Good Thing and I Talk Like a River.

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  8. I also have a review copy of All Thirteen and I was amazed at how suspenseful it was. I mean, I've read other books, I saw the news, the result is in the title! I'll see if my library has some of the picture books.

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