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 Book for Bear by Ellen L. Ramsey and illustrated by MacKenzie Haley

Bear loves listening to Ellen read, but wants a book of his own that he has picked out himself. Ellen disguises Bear and brings him to school, the library, and a bookstore, but he is chased out every time. Together Bear and Ellen come up with a better plan. A charming story about the love of books.  

Greenlight by Breanna Carzoo

Whenever Greenlight shines, the cars speed away. This makes her feel lonely and not want to shine anymore. But, when she closes her eyes she hears positive thoughts in her mind. This is a sweet and humorous story about believing in and accepting oneself and realizing that it's how we feel about ourselves that matters.

Sora's Seashells by Helena Ku Rhee and illustrated by Stella Lim

This is a poignant story about a girl and her grandmother that explores both love and grief. Sora also learns about her name and is inspired by her grandmother as she faces teasing from her classmates. The illustrations are so sweet. 

This is Not My Story by Ryan Uytdewilligen and illustrated by David Huyck

The books starts off with a spaceship and a brave captain, but the main character does not believe he belongs in that kind of story. He persuades the author to try out different stories, but none of them seem right for him. As the author and the main character debate what the story should be, the reader is introduced to a variety of genres. Very clever and humorous.

Jasmine Toguchi: Brave Explorer by Debbi Michiko Florence and illustrated by Elizabet Vukovic

Jasmine is going on a trip with her family to Japan which she is very excited about. Her sister though has been acting grouchy since before they even got on the plane. Not only does Jasmine realize how brave she is, but she also finds a way to navigate her relationship with her sister. Although this is the fifth book about Jasmine, this one can be read as a standalone. It's the first of four books set in Japan. I am looking forward to introducing Jasmine to a class of second graders this summer. The length of the book is perfect for reading aloud during the week that I will be teaching.

The Magic Lunchbox (Ben Lee) by Hanna Kim and illustrated by Emily Paik

On Ben's first day at his new school classmates make fun of his lunch. Ben wishes he could be more like everyone else and throws his lunch box away. The next day, his mother packs him mandoo for lunch, but when he opens his lunch box there is a sandwich. Not only does his lunch box appear magical, but other strange things start happening, too. This book has a great message about accepting oneself and embracing one's culture. I love the colored illustrations that are sprinkled throughout the book. Thanks to the publisher for an advanced reader's copy of the book.

Adult Reading Recommendation

Happiness Falls by Angie Kim

I couldn't have been happier when I picked up an advanced reader's copy of this book at the American Library Association Annual Conference. It had been on my radar since I loved the author's previous book Miracle Creek. I was not disappointed by this book at all. It's a mystery about a missing person, but it's also so much more. The book explores human connection and communication. A really compelling read. The book publishes in August.

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'm Sticking With You - And the Chicken Too! by Smriti Prasadam-Halls and illustrated by Steve Small

Bear and Squirrel are perfect together making music and decide to exclude Chicken since three is a crowd. But when they see Chicken in danger, they don't hesitate to help out. This is a rhythmic tale of friendship.

Salat in Secret by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and illustrated by Hatem Aly

Now that Muhammad is seven he is old enough to pray five times a day so his father gives him a salat rug for his birthday. At school Muhammad needs a space to pray, but is trying to find the courage to ask his teacher. The author's note at the end provides additional information about salat. The story is moving and empowering.

Sorry, Snail by Tracy Subisak

Ari is in a bad mood and takes it out on a snail she has discovered in the grass. The snail demands an apology, but it needs to be one that is meaningful. The book shows the importance of being kind and what it means to offer a genuine apology.

Otis & Peanut by Naseem Hrab and illustrated by Kelly Collier

This graphic novel includes three short stories about two friends who care for and support each other. Each of the stories is touching. There is humor, but the stories are more sensitive than silly.

Rewind by Lisa Graff

McKinley is excited to attend the Time Hop, a community party that celebrates a year from the past. On the day of the celebration, McKinley sneaks out to the fashion show, for which she has created a special outfit from 1993, against her father's wishes. She also has her first fight with her best friend. On top of all that, she suddenly finds herself transported to the year 1993 when her father and best friend's parents are in sixth grade. This is a sweet and fun time travel story. The book publishes in August.

Adult Reading Recommendations

The Road to Dalton by Shannon Bowring

Set in northern Maine, this story centers around three different couples and the ways their lives intersect with one another. Each of the chapters read like short stories, but they connect to each other and tell a heart-wrenching and beautiful narrative of a small community and the people who live there. I loved the setting and the characters and the writing is wonderful. 

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...

Bibi by Jo Weaver

This beautiful picture book tells how Bibi, the oldest of the flamingos, helps out the youngest and when she is in need they are there to support her. The illustrations, done in shades of pink and gray, are amazing. 

Our Pool by Lucy Ruth Cummins

The narrator of this book tells about a day at a community pool. The text is written with interesting language and descriptions and shows how joyful a day at the pool can be. It's a lovely book.

Papá's Magical Water-Jug Clock by Jesús Trejo and illustrated by Eliza Kinkz

Jesús is excited to help his Papá work and be in charge of the water jug which also serves as a clock that when empty tells them it's time to go home. Jesús, at the direction of his mother, drinks lots of agua and also splashes it on his face and shares it with thirsty animals. When the jug is empty, he learns that he misunderstood what his father meant about the jug. This is a sweet and fun story about a father and son. 

Wombats Are Pretty Weird: A (Not So) Serious Guide by Abi Cushman

A snake is introduced to a wombat and learns all the weird and wonderful facts about them. The facts in the book are interesting and the dialogue and illustrations add plenty of humor. 

Owl and Penguin by Vikram Madan

Owl and Penguin are good friends who help solve each other's problems when the other is sad. Each of the three short chapters in this early reader graphic novel about these two kind and caring friends are cute and fun.

Ghost Book by Remy Lai

This graphic novel is about a girl who is easily forgotten by others and can see ghosts and a boy who is stuck between life and death. They form a friendship and go on a mission to save each other. It's a ghost story that's also heartfelt. There is just enough spookiness and creepiness for elementary readers. Thanks to the publisher for an advanced reader's copy. The book publishes in August.

The Probability of Everything by Sarah Everett

There is a very high chance that an asteroid is going to collide with Earth in four days. Kemi and her family are spending the days together and she is collecting items to put in a time capsule so future beings will know what their life was like. Then there is a twist and the book becomes about so much more, but it's hard to say too much about that without spoiling it. I have seen a lot of positive comments about this book on social media which is what led me to read it. For more than half of the book I wasn't getting what the buzz was all about, but the turn that it takes definitely helped me make sense of my thoughts about the beginning. 

Adult Reading Recommendation

The Connellys of County Down by Tracey Lange

I loved Tracy Lange's previous book, We Are the Brennans, so my expectations were high for this one. The book far exceeded those expectations! The Connellys are three siblings, one who has just gotten out of prison and is trying to rebuild her life. Their lives are filled with lots of drama and secrets, but most important, love for each other. I was captivated reading about the challenges each of these siblings faced and the complex relationship between them. I enjoy books about dysfunctional families which this definitely was, but this one had lots of heart to it. The book publishes in August. Thanks to the publisher for an advanced reader's 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...

Bitsy Bat School Star by Kaz Windness 

Bitsy Bat has big star dreams before her first night at her new school. When she starts to think she doesn't fit in with the others at school, she doesn't feel like such a big star any more. I look forward to reading aloud this sweet book at the beginning of the school year. The author has included information at the end of the book about autism and being neurodivergent.

How to Count to One:(And Don't Even Think About Bigger Numbers!) by Caspar Salmon and illustrated by Matt Hunt

Throughout this book readers are encouraged to count up to one, but they will probably be eager to count much more. This is a fun and clever book with delightful illustrations.

The Together Tree by Aisha Saeed and illustrated by LeUyen Pham

Some kids in Rumi's new class are treating him unkindly because they think he is different. Another classmate notices what is happening and finally makes the decision to offer comfort to Rumi. Exploring friendship, kindness, and belonging, this book will be very useful to start discussions about what to do when someone is being treated badly. In the note at the end, the author tells about a family experience which led her to write the book in hopes that it can help others.

The Story of Gumluck the Wizard by Adam Rex

This is a book about a little wizard, but there are big lessons. Gumluck, although he is always helpful to those in town, has never been crowned Harvest Hero and he would really like to earn the recognition. It's a story of a hero and also of friendship. There is some magic and some silliness in this book, but most of all there is lots of charm. The book publishes in August. Thanks to the publisher for an advance reader's copy.

The Wild Journey of Juniper Berry by Chad Morris and Shelly Brown

Juniper has lived with her family off-the-grid in the woods in California her entire life. When her brother gets sick her family must leave the woods so he can get the care he needs. Living with her uncle and cousins in an apartment and attending public school, Juniper must navigate a vastly different world from the one she is used to. This engaging and heartfelt book explores family, friendship, belonging, and resilience. Thanks to the publisher for a review copy. The book publishes in August. 

Adult Reading Recommendation

Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano

I picked up this book to read only because I wanted a book set in Chicago before a trip there. I was surprised by how much I liked it. It is a poignant story about the complex relationship between four sisters and one man who has married into the family. I felt immersed in the life of these characters and enjoyed the setting. I made sure to check out the Pilsen neighborhood which is where the book is set when I was in Chicago. 

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 Book of Turtles by Sy Montgomery and illustrated by Matt Patterson

This informative book about turtles includes facts that will surprise and fascinate readers. It also encourages readers to think about the importance of turtles and ways to help protect them. Great illustrations.

Dogs: A History of Our Best Friends by Lita Judge

This is another nonfiction picture book with fascinating information. It provides information about how dogs became an important part of humans' lives. Both the text and illustrations will appeal to readers.

Like Lava in My Veins by Derrick Barnes and illustrated by Shawn Martinbrough with Adriano Lucas

This picture book, written in graphic novel format, is about a boy with an amazing super power who has trouble controlling it. He is prepared to defend himself when the headmaster for the Institute of Supervillains comes looking for him. An inspirational book with a message about the importance of a compassionate teacher.

The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass

Two great authors have collaborated again to write another wonderful middle grade novel. This is a charming story that is mostly realistic with some supernatural elements and a mystery centered around a library. Thanks to the publisher, I received an advanced reader's copy at the ALA Annual Conference. The book publishes in August.

Mexikid by Pedro Martín 

In this graphic novel memoir, Pedro and his large family are on a roadtrip to Mexico so they can bring their abuelito back to live with them in California. It's entertaining, humorous, and insightful. Thanks to the publisher for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with an advanced reader's copy. The book publishes in August.