Pages

Monday, August 1, 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...


Saving the Butterfly by Helen Cooper and illustrated by Gill Smith

Two refugee children, a brother and sister, have survived a journey across the dark sea and are starting a life in a new place. This is the story of how each is impacted differently and how they move forward. A poignant book. 

That's Not My Name! by Anoosha Syed

When Mira starts school, the other kids and some of her teachers can't pronounce her name. Mira does not speak up about her name even though she wants, too. Her mother helps her see how beautiful her name is and Mira finds a way to tell others what her name is. This is a sweet and empowering story about the importance of names and standing up for oneself. 

I Will Not Lose in Super Shoes! by Jonathan Fenske

In the follow-up to I Will Race You Through This Book!, Book-It Bunny is back with super shoes and challenges the reader to another race. The bunny plays some tricks, faces some obstacles, and shows great confidence in his ability to cross the finish line first. A very amusing book for early readers. 

Attack of the Black Rectangles by Amy Sarig King

Mac and his friends speak out when their teacher censors a book they are reading. Their actions show the power of words and truth. In addition to being a book about censorship and activism, Mac's story about how he navigates family challenges, friendship, and a first crush is interesting, too. This is a timely and compelling read. Thanks to the publisher for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with an advance reader's copy. The book publishes in September. 

Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence by Sonja Thomas

Mira finds out her cat, who she adores, has diabetes and since her family is struggling with money paying for her treatment is something they are unable to do. Mira is determined to raise the money needed to help her cat. This is a story about the power of curiosity and persistence, but it also explores friendship and has lots of science facts woven throughout. 

Adult Reading


The Lost Girls of Willowbrook by Ellen Marie Wiseman

Involving a mystery and exploring themes of determination and survival, this is a compelling read. It mostly takes place at an institution for mentally disabled children that is based on the actual Willowbrook School on Staten Island that was exposed in the 1970s for its absolutely horrific conditions. There are some difficult things to read about in this book, but it's a story that needs to be told. Thanks to the publisher for an advance reader's copy. The book publishes at the end of August. 

5 comments:

  1. Saving the Butterfly sounds interesting. I'd have to check if we have that in the store. Happy reading this week!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I also really enjoyed Attack of the Black Rectangles. The picture books are new to me and I am interested in checking a few of them out. Thanks for the post.

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a wonderful set of books, Lisa! I made note of Saving the Butterfly and That's Not My Name—both books seem to have great illustrations, judging by the covers. Attack of the Black Rectangles sounds really compelling as well! Thanks so much for the wonderful post!

    ReplyDelete
  4. It sounds like you have been reading some wonderful books this week. When I saw Attack of the Black Rectangles on your list I got very excited. I am a fan of anything AS King writes. I will also be looking for That's Not My Name! The least we can do for our students is to get their names right!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I have seen the cover of Attack of the Black Rectangles but hadn't heard what it was about. Can't wait to read that one. The others are all new to me. Thanks for the recommendations.

    ReplyDelete