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 Friend for Ghost by Suzanne Kaufman

Ghost is friendless and alone until a balloon floats by. They become companions and play together until balloon gets lost during a game of hide-and-seek. Ghost's search for balloon helps him find a true companion. This is a sweet story.

A Journey Under the Sea by Craig Foster and Ross Frylinck

This book takes the reader on a journey through the Great American Seaforest. It's a poetic and enchanting exploration of the wildlife that lives in the depths of the sea. Visually stunning.

If Your Babysitter is a Bruja by Ana Siqueira and illustrated by Irena Freitas

It's almost Halloween and a child's babysitter shows up with a broom, a witch's hat, and a cackle. The child gives advice about what to do and how to defend oneself. The child's actions lead to an imaginative adventure that's more funny than scary. An amusing read for the spooky season.

Our Day of the Dead Celebration by Ana Aranda

A family prepares for their Day of the Dead celebration by making favorite dishes, decorating sugar skulls, and writing poems to put on the altar. The story, as well as the author's note, will give readers an understanding of the celebration and its role in honoring and remembering those who have passed. This is a sweet book about a family celebrating together.

Shoshi's Shabbat by Caryn Yacowitz and illustrated by Kevin Hawkes

Shoshi helps farmer Simon plow his fields six days a week and on Shabbat, the ox rests, plays hide-and-seek with the grandchildren, and eats sweet hay. When farmer Simon is old, he sells Shoshi to a neighbor who works every day and does not understand why Shoshi refuses to work on the seventh day. After observing Simon and his family, the neighbor realizes the importance of Shabbat. Based on an old Jewish tale, this is a lovely story that reminds readers to take a pause to rest and be thankful.

Controlled Burn by Erin Soderberg Downing

After a tragic house fire in which her sister was badly injured, Maia blames herself for what happened. Her parents send her to stay with her grandparents for the summer while her sister recovers in the hospital. As Maia works through her feelings, she also finds herself in a situation in which she must face her fear of fire. Readers will be captivated with this story within the first few pages. It is a fantastic story about resilience and family. Thanks to the author for sending me a review copy. 

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...

Be a Bridge by Irene Latham and Charles Waters and illustrated by Nabila Adani

This is a sweet book about compassion and inclusivity. There are many examples of kids acting with kindness and respect towards others. The words and illustrations will give readers an understanding of the bridge metaphor. An uplifting book.

A Case of the Zaps by Alex Boniello and April Lavalle and illustrated by James Kwan

Pi's class is excited for a field trip to Olde Silicon Valley, but thinking about it causes Pi to malfunction. Pi tries to be calm, but the Zaps always return. With the help of a doctor, Pi learns that the Zaps happen to others, as well, and there are ways to manage them. This is a useful book for helping kids understand anxiety.

Creepy Crayon! by Aaron Reynolds and illustrated by Peter Brown

Students really love Creepy Carrots! and Creepy Pair of Underwear! by the same author-illustrator duo and they will not be disappointed by this third book. Jasper finds a purple crayon and it seems helpful at first, but when he wants to get rid of it the situation turns creepy. Humorous and appropriately spooky for picture book readers.

Lunch from Home by Joshua David Stein and illustrated by Jing Li

When four kids bring lunch to school and others react negatively they decide to just bring sandwiches instead. They soon tire of sandwiches and realize the importance of embracing the food they know and love. This is a powerful book about respecting each other and honoring differences. It is based on the childhood experiences of four chefs.

Shark Princess by Nidhi Chanani

Kitana is a shark princess and encourages a shark friend to be one, too. This early reader graphic novel is adventurous and a meaningful story about choosing who you want to be. The puns are fun, too. 

Violet & Jobie in the Wild by Lynne Rae Perkins

Two mice siblings are caught in a mouse trap and released in the wild where they have to get used to a life very different than the one they were previously living. With the help of an old and wise mouse they learn how to survive in the wild. This is a charming story about adjusting to change, bravery, and growing up.

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...

Brave Every Day by Trudy Ludwig and illustrated by Patrice Barton

Camilla is a worrier and thinks about all the things that could go wrong during her class field trip to the aquarium. When she discovers that Kai is afraid of getting close to the stingray, she helps him and realizes she is braver than she thought. This is a sweet book about overcoming fears.

I Won't Give Up My Rubber Band by Shinsuke Yoshitake 

A child finds joy in an everyday object. After finding a rubber band that was thrown out, the narrator claims it and imagines all the things that can be done with it. Some are very humorous. Kids who have treasured their own ordinary random objects will be able to relate.

The Legend of the Spirit Serpent by Adaiah Sanford and illustrated by Ken Daley 

This is a retelling of a legend from the island of Dominica about an adventurous and curious girl who visits the Spirit Serpent who guards her village even though she has been warned not to. It's an engaging story about courage. The illustrations, especially the vertical, two-page spread of the serpent are gorgeous. The author of this book was seven years old when she wrote and won the 1st Annual Caribbean Writer's Contest. 

Mr. Bat Wants a Hat by Kitty Black and illustrated by Laura Wood

Mr. Bat is pretty content, but when he notices people with hats he decides that a hat is what has been missing from his life. He spots a sleeping baby with a hat with pink roses and glitter and snatches it for himself. When the baby wails Mr. Bat learn a lesson and he rights his wrong. This is an amusing story and I think readers will enjoy Mr. Bat.

Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega and illustrated by Rose Bousamra

Marlene's mother brings her to the salon every Sunday to get her hair straightened. She dislikes going to the salon and feels that her hair is not beautiful because it is curly. Although her mother leads her to believe that her hair is more acceptable straight, Marlene's tía helps her learn to embrace her curly hair. This is a heartfelt and engaging story centering around Marlene's struggles with her hair that addresses themes related to self-acceptance and standing up for oneself. There are lots of important ideas for middle readers to discuss. The illustrations are lovely. This is definitely a must-have for middle grade classrooms.

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...

The Coquíes Still Sing: A Story of Home, Hope, and Rebuilding by Karina Nicole González and illustrated by Krystal Quiles

Elena loves her Abuela's mango tree and the song the coquí frogs sing while they hide in the garden at night. When a hurricane makes landfall, her family stays safe sheltering in their house, but all is destroyed outside her house, including the garden, and the coquíes are silent. Her community gathers together as they rebuild their garden and finally a familiar song brings hope. This is a powerful story of strength and resilience based on Hurricane María which hit Puerto Rico in 2017. The backmatter includes information about Hurricane María and Puerto Rico.

Don't Worry, Murray by David Ezra Stein 

Murray has a lot of worries, but with encouragement from the narrator of the book he faces his fears. This is a very sweet story that celebrates bravery. 

Little Bat Up All Day by Brian Lies

As Little Bat's family drifts off to sleep he heads outside in order to find out what it's like during the day. He meets a squirrel and they become fast friends, but Little Bat can't resist falling asleep. Even though one is awake during the day and the other at night they find a way to remain friends. A delightful and fun story. 

Lou by Breanna Carzoo

Lou, a fire hydrant, thinks he is nothing more than a toilet. The background in the illustrations shows that Lou will be needed for something more than just a place for dogs to pee and Lou eventually realizes his purpose. A clever story.

A Spoonful of Frogs by Casey Lyall and illustrated by Vera Brosgol

A witch on a cooking show is demonstrating how to make Frog Soup. When it's time to put in the spoonful of frogs, the frogs refuse to cooperate. The witch's struggle to get the frogs onto her spoon so she can put them in the cauldron is amusing. Capturing the witch's frustrations, the illustrations are great. 

Gemstone Dragon's #1: Opal's Time to Shine by Samantha M. Clark 

The Gemstone Dragons each have their own magical power. Opal doesn't believe her own power of invisibility is very special. When the dragons are at risk of losing their powers, Opal realizes the true power of her invisibility and of kindness. A charming chapter book about friendship, teamwork, and recognizing one's value.

My Life Begins! by Patricia MacLachlan

Jacob really wants puppies, but instead his family grows with the addition of triplets. He shortens "triplets" and nicknames his siblings "The Trips" and does research by observing them and writing about what he notices in his notebook. This is a sweet book about small moments in the life of a big brother.

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...

Acorn Was a Little Wild by Jen Arena and illustrated by Jessica Gibson

Acorn is adventurous and free-spirited and is the first to leave his tree even though Oak warns him not to. Acorn's journey includes climbing with squirrel and sitting in the grass in the rain. He doesn't quite like being buried in the ground, but then a whole new adventure begins when he starts to change. A very cute book.

Double Puppy Trouble by Danica McKellar and illustrated by Josée Masse

Moxie always wants more of everything - more cookies, more soccer goals, more A's. One days she finds a magical stick that gives her the power of doubling whatever she wants more of. When the stick malfunctions, she realizes that more isn't always better. This is a cute rhyming story to help kids learn about a math concept.

Granny's Kitchen by Sadé Smith and illustrated by Ken Daley

Shelly-Ann's granny teaches her how to cook, but neither the dumplins, ackee, saltfish, or plantains come out right. Knowing how much joy granny's food brings to others, Shelly-Ann decides to try again. This is a lovely story about resilience and the special relationship between a girl and her grandmother. The recipes and some fun facts about Jamaica are included at the end of the book.

Rick the Rock of Room 214 by Julie Falatko and illustrated by Ruth Chan

Rick the Rock sits on the Nature Find Shelf in Room 214. He wants to do more than sit; he wants adventure like he believes the rocks outside have. Cleverly, Rick makes his way outside in a student's backpack and, even though he's surrounded by other rocks, he realizes how lonesome it is. This is a very amusing story of a rock who learns his purpose and the joy of returning home.

Garlic and the Witch by Bree Paulsen

Garlic is traveling to the Magic Market on an errand for Witch Agnes. She needs to be brave since it's her first time, but in addition she is worried about the fact that she is turning into a human. This is a whimsical and magical graphic novel that touches upon anxiety and facing change.

If You Read This by Kereen Getten

When Brie turns twelve she receives some letters that her mother wrote before she passed away a few years earlier. The letters lead her on a treasure hunt that help her learn about herself and her family and strengthens her relationship with her father. This is a sweet and moving story.