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...

No Fair! by Jacob Grant

Pablo is spending Market Day with his dad, but there are many things that don't seem fair, such as having to wait for donuts and not being able to choose what they buy. This is a sweet book to help readers learn about fairness.

Ramen for Everyone by Patricia Tanumihardja and illustrated by Shiho Pate

Hiro wants to make the perfect bowl of ramen like his dad, so on his seventh birthday he gives it a try. Neither the broth, the noodles, or the toppings meet Hiro's expectations, but he is able to save dinner with resilience and creative problem-solving. This is a joyful book that celebrates traditions and creativity.

We Don't Lose Our Class Goldfish by Ryan T. Higgins

Penelope faces her fears when she brings home Walter, the class goldfish who once bit her finger. This is another Penelope Rex book that kids will love. It's humorous with a message readers will be able to relate to and has amusing illustrations. 

Four Eyes by Rex Ogle and illustrated by Dave Valeza

Sixth grade is hard enough for Rex, but it becomes even more of a challenge when he needs to get glasses. This is a wonderful graphic novel about navigating middle school, the ups and downs of friendship, and fitting in. Relatable and humorous, readers will root for Rex as he strives to build confidence and the ability to stand up for himself. Thanks to the publisher, Scholastic, for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with an advance reader's copy. The book publishes in May.

Are you There God? It's Me Margaret by Judy Blume

In anticipation of the movie that releases at the end of April, I reread this childhood favorite. I am also looking forward to the documentary about Judy Blume as I read all of her books as a child in the 80s.

The Department of Lost Dogs by Josephine Cameron

Dog lovers will enjoy this mystery. Rondo becomes involved with the disappearance of dogs while a canine TV show is being filmed at his family's dog-friendly bed and breakfast. Readers of the author's A Dog-Friendly Town will recognize the setting and characters, but this book can be read on its own.

Adult Reading Recommendations

Daughters of Nantucket by Julie Gerstenblatt

I learn so much from reading historical fiction. This book centers around an event, the Great Fire of 1846 that happened on the island of Nantucket, which I had never heard about. I found it fascinating to read about the courage and strength of three different women dealing with the struggles of living in this time period.