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Monday, April 11, 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...


A Blue Kind of Day by Rachel Tomlinson and illustrated by Tori-Jay Mordey

Coen is having a day filled with gloominess, making him feel so heavy that he can't get out of bed. His parents and sister try to cheer him up, but they can't get him to laugh or smile. When they surround him with warmth and give him time, Coen reaches out for their support. This poignant book explores a young child's depression in a realistic and sensitive manner. The author includes a note at the end with information about how to support children who are experiencing emotional distress.

Abdul's Story by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and illustrated by Tiffany Rose

Abdul loves to tell stories, but has difficulty writing them down. An author visits the class and shows Abdul his messy notebook and explains that it includes many imperfections. Abdul is inspired to write without worrying about his mistakes. This is an empowering story about finding confidence and navigating learning challenges.

Solitary Animals: Introverts of the Wild by Joshua David Stein and illustrated by Dominque Ramsey

There are many animals that gather in groups, but others, like the octopus and eagle, prefer to live their lives on their own. Whether social or solitary, each creature has an important place in the world. This poetic book is also informative and includes back matter that provides additional information about solitary animals. 

Wild Ride by Keith Calabrese

Charley's brother, Greg, who has been preoccupied with his own life lately, has promised to take her and her friend out for milkshakes. Although he's been told not to drive his mother's boyfriend's very fancy and valuable Mustang while they are away, he insists on taking it anyway. When the car gets towed, Charley and her brother unknowingly become entangled in an evil plot. With new and old friends, they have a night of adventure that becomes about more than just getting back the car. This is a fun and adventurous book with heart.

Adult Reading Recommendation


Adult Assembly Required by Abbi Waxman

On the day Laura's apartment burns down she finds herself in a bookstore where one of the employees offers her a room in the house she is living. Laura moves in and not only gets a new place to live, but also a few new friends. She also becomes enamored with a very good-looking housemate. Laura's new experiences lead her on a journey of self-discovery and love. The characters are all super charming. I wouldn't mind moving into Laura's boarding house myself! If you've read the author's previous book, The Bookish Life of Nina Hill, you'll recognize Nina and the bookstore. This is a fun, light read that is quirky and sweet. Thanks to the publisher for a digital review copy. The book publishes in May.

6 comments:

  1. I’ve added Adult Assembly Required to my TBR! I love reading anything with a book store involved! And I really enjoyed the authors previous book. Abduls Story also looks amazing. I will probably need to add it to my collection of books about reading and writing.

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  2. Wild Ride had its moments. Someone gave me The Bookish Life of Nina Hill as a present; it was amusing, but I'm looking for books with much, much older characters at this point.

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  3. Each one sounds nice, Lisa, and for the kids, those first two are especially needed for support. Thanks much for sharing!

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  4. The description of the boarding house in Adult Assembly Required reminds me of Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City series. It definitely sounds intriguing! I'll also check out A Blue Kind of Day (very timely) and Abdul's Story (I'm always looking for books about neurodivergence).

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  5. It looks like you had a wonderful reading week. I made a connection between A Blue Kind of Day and Darius the Great is Not Ok, a novel I just finished. I love that kid lit is full of important stories to be told.

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  6. What a wonderful set of books, Lisa! A Blue Kind of Day looks so powerful, and I love what I've read by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, so I should probably read Abdul's Story as well. Adult Assembly Required sounds fun as well—it seemed familiar-ish, and then I realized it's probably because I've heard a lot about The Bookish Life of Nina Hill as well! Thanks so much for the wonderful post!

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