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Monday, March 28, 2022

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....


Because Claudette by Tracey Baptiste and illustrated by Tonya Engel

This is a biography of Claudette Colvin whose actions were pivotal to the changes that came about due to the Montgomery bus boycott and an inspirational story about how a small act can lead to big change. The book's cause effect structure is interesting and impactful. 

With Lots of Love by Jenny Torres Sanchez and illustrated by André Ceolin

Rocio now lives in America, but misses her old home and the family she left behind, especially Abuela. This is a beautiful story about moving to a new place that shows how love and connection is possible even when there is distance between family members.

Just Harriet by Elana K. Arnold

Harriet is very unhappy that she has to spend the summer at her grandmother's bed-and-breakfast on Marble Island while her pregnant mother is on bed rest. When Harriet finds an antique key she has a mystery to solve and her summer becomes more interesting. Harriet is endearing and the setting is lovely. 

The Wreck at Ada's Reef (The Swallowtail Legacy #1) by Michael D. Beil and illustrated by Torborg Davern

This is another book taking place on an island and involving a mystery. Lark is part of a blended family and dealing with the loss of a parent. While vacationing on Swallowtail Island off Lake Erie, she assists in an investigation of a mysterious boat crash that happened decades earlier. This is an engaging mystery that explores family and the challenges of adjusting to change.

Adult Reading Recommendations


French Braid by Anne Tyler

I've read various novels by Anne Tyler throughout the years and this one, being her twenty-fourth, does not disappoint. It is an insightful exploration of family and the ways in which events can shape one's life. It tells the story of the Garrett family throughout the decades, from the 1950s to the present. Although the they have their own idiosyncrasies and quirks, they are also an ordinary family and one that begins to feel familiar. Thought-provoking and touching. 

Monday, March 21, 2022

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...


Knight Owl by Christopher Denise

Owl dreams of becoming a knight. Although Owl is small, he works hard and is assigned Knight Night Watch. When he finds himself face-to-face with a dragon, Owl's cleverness, kindness, and bravery help protect the castle. Owl is an endearing character and the book has a sweet message about following one's dreams.

Tía Fortuna's New Home: A Jewish Cuban Journey by Ruth Behar and illustrated by Devon Holzwarth

Estrella's aunt must leave the Miami home she has lived in for many years since fleeing Cuba after the revolution in 1959. Estrella is sad her aunt must move, but learns the meaning of home. The note at the end gives insight into the author's family history and that of Sephardic Jews. A very touching story.

Waiting for Mama by Gianna Marino

Written from the perspective of a baby penguin, this is a sweet story about the beginning of the creature's life and also a celebration of family. The illustrations are gorgeous. 

Cress Watercress by Gregory Maguire and illustrated by David Litchfield 

Cress's father left one night and did not return. Now her rabbit family must move to an apartment in an oak tree where there are other forest creatures who can look after the children while Mama collects food. They meet new neighbors and make friends, but must also navigate the dangers of the forest. This is a charming, adventurous tale about family, friendship, and courage. 

Maizy Chen's Last Chance by Lisa Yee

Maizy, and her mother, are visiting Last Chance, Minnesota where her grandparents live. Maizy misses L.A., but she gets to know her grandparents better and learns about her family history from her Opa. The story within a story gave insight into the history of Chinese immigrants while the present day story described Maizy's experience with racism in the small community. This is a heartfelt story.

Adult Reading Recommendation


The Secrets We Share by Edwin Hill

This is an intriguing and twisty murder mystery/detective novel. I read it in about a day when I was on vacation a few weeks ago at the beach. It's written in dual timelines, the 1990s and present, each including lots of drama and secrets. Living in Massachusetts, I enjoy that the setting of this book, as well as the author's previous books, is Boston. 

Monday, March 14, 2022

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...


I Am Golden by Eva Chen and illustrated by Sophie Diao

The message of this book is wonderful. The lyrical text addresses a child, reminding her to embrace who she is and celebrate her culture. The author's note which includes information about why she wrote the book is powerful. 

I'll Go and Come Back by Rajani LaRocca and illustrated by Sara Palacios

This is a heart-warming story about the relationship between a girl in America and her grandmother in India. During their visits to see each other, they form a bond even though they don’t speak the same language. The illustrations are gorgeous. Thanks to the publisher for a review copy. It publishes this month.

The Peach Pit (The Great Peach Experiement #2) by Erin Soderberg Downing

The very charming Peach family is back for their second adventure. In this story, they are turning an old, run-down mansion into a bed-and-breakfast. It's both fun and sweet. Thanks to the author for sharing an advance reader's copy of the book. It publishes in April.

Adult Reading Recommendation


The Love of My Life by Rosie Walsh

This is another adult novel that makes my favorites of 2022 list. The title of this one makes it sound like it could be a traditional love story/romance book, but it definitely is not. It's more a combination of a domestic drama and mystery. I love books in which someone is hiding a secret and the secret at the core of this book is not what I was expecting. With the unexpected twists and turns, it was a compelling read.

Monday, March 7, 2022

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...


Dear Reader: A Love Letter to Libraries by Tiffany Rose

The narrator of this book writes a letter to readers expressing her love of books and her desire to read books with characters who look like her. This is a lovely book about the power of books and the need for stories which allow readers to see themselves.

First Notes of Spring by Jessica Kulekjian and illustrated by Jennifer Bower

Winter is ending and Juniper is ready to join the First Notes of Spring musicians, but Mr. Moose declares that spring will not bloom because her music is too wild. Juniper comes across other animals in the forest and together they make their own kind of music. This is a cute story with fun illustrations that show winter changing to spring. Readers will want to make music along with the characters.

Drive It! Fix It! (Racing Ace #1) by Larry Dane Brimner and illustrated by Kaylani Juanita

This is another great addition to the Acorn line of books which early readers love. Ace built a car herself and is determined to race it and win. Ace is a fun and inspirational character. The illustrations are really sweet. Thanks to the publisher for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with an advance reader's copy. The book publishes in April.

Pilar Ramirez and the Escape from Zafa by Julian Randall

Pilar Ramirez's family left the Dominican Republic, while it was under the control of dictator Rafael Trujillo, to live in Chicago and she wants to know more about that history including why her Mami's cousin, Natasha, disappeared. When her sister arranges for Pilar to meet with a professor who may be able to provide her with information, Pilar is mysteriously transported to the island of Zafa where she hopes she can find Natasha. This book has action, magic, insight into Dominican myths, and a brave heroine.