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...

Bruce and the Legend of Soggy Hollow by Ryan T. Higgins

Bruce continues to be one of my favorite book characters. Bruce doesn't have any holiday spirit, especially when it comes to Halloween, but his friends force him into participating in an enactment of a scary story. Bruce's role in the play is amusing and the legend is interesting with just a tiny bit of spookiness. Another humorous addition to the series.

Hopefully the Scarecrow by Michelle Houts and illustrated by Sara Palacios

Hopefully stands in the garden where he loves listening to the girl read him stories filled with adventure. One spring, the girl, mysteriously, is not there to place him on his perch or read to him. Although he is alone he remembers the girl's stories and this gives him courage and hope. This is a sweet story about friendship and the power of stories. 

Invisible Things by Andy J. Pizza and illustrated by Sophie Miller

This is an interesting and smart book about things that are invisible. It starts off by exploring senses and then mood and emotions. Definitely a book to spark conversation.

Pumpkin Day at the Zoo by Susan Meissner and illustrated by Pablo Pino

Visitors to the zoo bring pumpkins for the animals to enjoy. A variety of animals, from armadillos to wildebeests, delight in the special treat. The rhyming text includes fun vocabulary. This is an amusing fall-themed read. There is a note at the end explaining that some zoos accept pumpkin donations which is not something I knew about before.

That Flag by Tameka Fryer Brown and illustrated by Nikkolas Smith

Wow, this book is important and powerful. The author's note at the end explains that the book was written to help readers understand that the Confederate flag is a symbol of hate and racism and so much more than a way to express Southern pride. A must-read.

Yenebi's Drive to School by Sendy Santamaria

Yenebi and her sister wake up at four in the morning to go to school each day, as their drive involves crossing the border from Mexico into the United States. Based on the author's own experience, this lovely story explores the efforts and dedication that it takes for some children to get to school. 

See the Ghost: Three Stories about Things You Cannot See by David LaRochelle and illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka

Another book about invisible things. This one has three stories, each about something that can't be seen - a ghost, the wind, and an incredibly small fairy. Like the previous two books in this early reader series, kids will love it. 

Reggie: Kid Penguin by Jen de Oliveira

Reggie is a kid penguin who has adventures that human kids will be able to relate to. Each of the stories in this early reader graphic novel are amusing. Lots of kid appeal. 

Something Like Home by Andrea Beatriz Arango

Laura does not want to live with her aunt where social services brought her after her parents went to a rehab hospital. As she navigates her life with a new family and home, she finds a dog in need of rescue and believes that this will give her a chance to visit her parents. Written in verse, this book is touching and beautiful. It explores the meaning of family, friendship, and hope. Thanks to the publisher for an advance reader's copy. The book publishes in September.

Professional Read

7 Mighty Moves: Research-Backed, Classroom-Tested Strategies to Ensure K-to-3 Reading Success by Lindsay Kemeny

After having seen a few webinars presented by Lindsay Kemeny, a teacher with experience in the early elementary grades, I was excited for this new book she has written. It is a super practical book with many ideas for implementing research-based practices focused on seven areas of literacy instruction that will support students in building both their decoding and word recognition skills and comprehension of text. I will definitely recommend this to those who want to learn more about the research related to effective literacy practices and ways they can begin to implement those practices.

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...

Banana Dream by Hasan Namir and illustrated by Daby Zainab Faidhi

Mooz doesn't like his name, which means "banana" in Arabic, until he learns the story of why his parents chose it for him. Set in Iraq during the Gulf War, the story also tells about the trading restrictions that were in place which made it impossible for those in the country to enjoy bananas. The author based this book on his own experiences. A wonderful read.

Cape by Kevin Johnson and illustrated by Kitt Thomas

Oh, this book is a heart-wrencher. I had tears in my eyes by the end, but it's a beautiful story about dealing with loss and grief.

The Duck Never Blinks by Alex Latimer

The narrator wants a duck to blink and invites readers to help make it happen. Very silly and fun.

Lupe Lopez Reading Rock Star! by e.E. Charlton-Trujillo and Pat Zietlow Miller and illustrated by Joe Cepeda

Lupe Lopez is a star drummer, famous for having started a band in kindergarten, but in first grade she stops feeling like a rock star when she has difficulty reading. Lupe doesn't want to be in a band or read until her teacher reminds her she can do anything and she realizes reading is like music. Lupe is a fun character who learns about the importance of effort.

The Masjid Kamal Loves by Ashley Franklin and illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel 

Kamal is delighted to be attending masjid and in the style of "The House that Jack Built" readers learn what makes it special. This is a sweet celebration of community, culture, and one's faith. 

Go Camping (Wombats! #1) by Maddie Frost

Two wombats go camping and have an unexpected adventure after finding a baby koala. This is a fun graphic novel about friendship and courage. 

How to Catch a Polar Bear by Stacy DeKeyser

This is a fun and adventurous historical fiction read. It's set in the summer of 1948 in Wisconsin where Nick lives close to the city zoo. When his uncle is offered space at the zoo to set up his frozen custard cart, Nick jumps at the chance to help so he can be near any excitement that happens there. Helping his uncle becomes more challenging than he anticipated as a competitive custard seller has set up his cart right outside the zoo. I loved the entertaining plot and the characters. The front - and back - covers are cute and humorous, too.

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...

Anni Dreams of Biryani by Namita Moolani Mehra and illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat

Anni wants to make biryani that tastes as delicious as that served at the café across the street from where she lives. She goes straight to the owner of the café to get help although he seems less than enthused with her questions about how to make the dish. She is determined to get the ingredients just right. This is a delightful story.

The Horseback Librarian by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Alexandra Badiu

Anna Mary travels the backwoods of Kentucky on her horse bringing books to different children who eagerly anticipate her arrival. This fictional story gives a glimpse into the day-to-day life of a pack horse librarian who traveled through remote regions to spread the love of books. Based on the true stories of woman who participated in the Pack Horse Librarian Project started in 1935.

In the Night Garden by Carin Berger 

I love the idea of the night being a garden. The words create an image of night that is peaceful and cozy, making this a great bedtime book. The illustrations, created through cut paper collage, are whimsical and lovely.

Words of Wonder from Z to A by Zaila Avant-Garde and illustrated by Keisha Morris

Spelling bee champ, Zaila Avant-Garde, has written a book in which she describes twenty-six powerful words. For each word she includes meaningful thoughts and a quote. The joyful illustrations help to bring the words to life. This book is sure to inspire readers to think about other powerful and important words. 

Gnome and Rat by Lauren Stohler

This short graphic novel includes five chapters about two friends, a gnome and a rat. Each of the stories tells about their antics and adventures that center around gnome's hat. Cute and charming.

Warrior Girl by Carmen Tafolla

This is an empowering novel written in verse about identity, culture, social justice, and the power of one's voice. I loved the message about being a warrior to make the world a better place. There are great characters in the book who support each other. Thanks to the publisher for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with a review copy. The book publishes in September.

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...

Alphabuddies: G is First by Beth Bacon and Karen Kane and illustrated by Eric Barclay 

G wants to play a game and be first, but A is convinced that this will destroy reading. Z joins in, insisting along with G that they take turns. An amusing book told through dialogue.

I Have Seven Dogs by Molly Horan and illustrated by Dana Wulfekotte

Although Zoe would like a dog she is unable to have one in her apartment. She introduces the reader to all the dogs in her neighborhood and when she visits the community garden she figures out a way to solve what she thought was an unsolvable problem. This is a fun story about making the best out of a less than perfect situation.

Sari-Sari Summers by Lynnor Bontigao

Finally, Nora, who is visiting her lola in the Philippines, is old enough to help at the sari-sari store. When it gets hot and customers are not stopping into the store, Nora thinks about the mango tree that is planted outside and has a smart and delicious idea to boost their business. This is a sweet and joyful book.

Super Small: Miniature Marvels of the World by Tiffany Stone and illustrated by Ashley Spires

This is an informative book about a variety of creatures that are all super small. For each creature the book tells about there is a poem and a mini comic giving more details about its superpower. The book includes humor, great illustrations, and information kids will find fascinating. 

What If I'm Not a Cat? by Kari-Lynn Winters and illustrated by Kelly Collier

This is a very humorous book with a great message about belonging and accepting one's differences. Having been raised with the cats on the farm, donkey has always believed he was a cat. But then one day, he starts to question whether he actually is a cat. I look forward to reading this one aloud to kids.

Totally Psychic by Brigid Martin 

This is a fun read about a twelve-year-old who has a gift, like her famous abuela, that gives her the ability to communicate with ghosts and see the future. She is determined to prove her medium abilities so she starts doing spirit readings at her school and on social media even though she knows her mother does not approve of her using her psychic abilities. Some challenges arise as Paloma navigates her powers and along the way she learns about friendship, family, and responsibility. Middle grade readers who enjoy magical realism and ghosts will like this one.

Professional Read

The Vocabulary Playbook: Learning Words That Matter, K-12 by Douglas Fisher and Nancy Frey

I always have way more professional books on my summer to-be-read list than I can ever get to. This is one of the professional reads I have managed to squeeze into my reading this summer. There's a lot of information and ideas about teaching vocabulary. This includes insight into direct instruction, morphology, peer collaboration and talk, and assessment. I look forward to revisiting it in the fall and using some of the ideas.