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 #imwayr. 

Recent Reads...

You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!) by Taraji P. Henson and illustrated by Paul Kellam

Lil TJ is excited for the first day of school because she is going to make a million friends. As eager as she is to make friends, doing so turns out to be harder than she thought and one of her classmates is even mean to her. Taking her grandmother's advice she figures out what she needs to do to make friends.

Spy Ring by Sarah Beth Durst

This book takes place in the modern day but incorporates history related to the Revolutionary War. Rachel and her friend Joon are eavesdropping when they find out that her future step-dad is going to give her a ring that may have belonged to one of George Washington's spies. When they sneak to get a look at it they realize that it's a clue to a puzzle that they hope will lead to a treasure. As they follow the clues they learn more about Anna Smith Strong who is believed to have been a spy during the Revolutionary War. A fun and interesting middle grade read. 

Adult Reading Recommendation

Same Bright Stars by Ethan Joella

Set in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, this story centers around Jack, a restaurant owner who is questioning whether to sell to a corporation who wants to buy him out while also dealing with surprising news about his past. This is a book about relationships, change, and possibility. I like the author's writing style and his ability to make the lives of his characters seem both ordinary and extraordinary. This is my third book by this author and I've enjoyed them all. 

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...

More Dung!: A Beetle Tale by Frank Weber

A beetle learns to appreciate what he is given rather than wanting more. Readers will be equally fascinated and grossed out by the dung beetle. There's a good lesson presented in an amusing way. 

Perla the Mighty Dog by Isabel Allende

One of Perla's humans, Nico, is being bullied at school. Perla wishes she could help, but isn't at school with Nico to do so. Nico observes how Perla uses her superpowers to stand up for herself and without even realizing it Perla has helped him. This is a sweet story written from the perspective of a dog from the talented author of many amazing novels. 

Bibsy Cross and the Bad Apple by Liz Garton Scanlon and illustrated by Dung Ho

Third grader Bibsy Cross loves school, but she is constantly getting in trouble with her teacher because she is too talkative. When she is allowed to partner with her best friend in another class for the science fair project she is determined to do her best. Bibsy is a relatable character and her resiliency and ability to see the positive in situations is inspiring. Another title in the chapter book series, Bibsy Cross and the Bike-a-Thon, published at the same time.

Magnolia Wu Unfolds it All by Chanel Miller

This is an endearing middle grade book about friendship, family, and community. Magnolia, along with a new friend her family has introduced her to, explores her neighborhood trying to find the owners of the socks left behind in her family's laundromat. Illustrations are included throughout the book.

Adult Reading Recommendation

How to Age Disgracefully by Claire Pooley

This is the third book I've read by Claire Pooley and I've enjoyed them all. This is an uplifting story about community, unlikely friendship, and found family. As in each of her books, the characters in this one are quirky and delightful. I finished the book and wished I could spend more time with them. I loved how the characters of senior age, although far from perfect, demonstrated that they can be of purpose to society. 

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...

Aqua Boy by Ken Wilson-Max

Aaron and his family live near the ocean and help to take care of the beach. Aaron wants to swim with the sea creatures, but is afraid to put his head under the water. After a big storm, a sea creature needs some help and Aaron overcomes his fear. This is a story about being brave, but also shows the importance of protecting the ocean and its sea creatures. 

Grilled Cheese? Yes, Please! by Tim Kleyn

On a stormy night, Margot and her grandfather make grilled cheese and soup while they wait for Mama to return by boat. The boats that arrive are not Mama's, but Margot and her grandfather welcome whomever is in need into their home. Soon there is barely any grilled cheese left and Margot realizes there may not be enough left for her. This is a sweet story about generosity and helping others.

Sister Friend by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and illustrated by Shahrzad Maydani

Ameena plays by herself at school and wonders why the other students don't pay any attention to her. When a new girl shows up at school she wants to make friends, but her attempts don't seem to work. She just needs to find the right way to communicate her intentions. This is a lovely book about friendship.

 

Amber Brown is NOT a Crayon: The Graphic Novel by Paula Danzinger and Victoria Ying

In this graphic novel adaptation of Amber Brown is NOT a Crayon, which was originally published in the 1990's, third grader, Amber, is adjusting to the news that her best friend Justin is moving away. This is a short graphic novel, making it accessible for many elementary readers.

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...

Brianosaurus by Ged Adamson

Brian discovers that frogs existed when dinosaurs did so he decides to be a dinosaur. The forest animals like that Brian is a dinosaur but want him to do dinosaur things and the other frogs in the pond just want him to be a frog. This is a humorous story about being oneself.

The Best Spot to Pee in NYC by Hyesu Lee

Su's poodle, Dutch, needs to pee so they go on an adventure through New York City looking for the perfect spot. The end pages give some additional information about the NYC landmarks that Su and Dutch visit. A silly story that provides an interesting tour of the city.

Summer is Here by Renée Watson and illustrated by Bea Jackson

The perfect picture book to read aloud to kids before the start of summer vacation. It's an ode to summer that is poetic, joyful, and gorgeously illustrated. If anyone wasn't looking forward to summer already they will be after reading this. 

The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman by Gennifer Choldenko

Hank's mother has been gone for a week, leaving him to figure out what he and his three-year-old sister should do without anyone to parent them. This is such a great book about a character trying to make the best of a terrible family situation. Hank is an endearing character and readers will be eager to find out if everything works out for him. It's a heartfelt and hopeful book.

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...

Piper Chen Sings by Phillipa Soo and Maris Pasquale Doran and illustrated by Qin Leng

Piper Chen is always singing, but when she is asked to sing a solo at a school performance she is worried that she will mess up. Her grandmother shares advice to help Piper understand her stage fright and how to overcome it. 

The Walk of the Field Mouse by Nadine Robert and illstrated by Valerio Vidali

A field mouse is determined to roll a robin's egg back up to its nest. Because of the mouse's size, the other creatures think this is a ridiculous idea. The mouse's story is a life lesson about facing obstacles and persistence. 

Puggleton Park by Deanna Kizis and illustrated by Hannah Peck

A pug named Penelope gets lost after chasing a squirrel and is on her own until being rescued by Lady Diggleton who is interested in helping her find her home. This is an adventurous and sweet illustrated chapter book about finding a forever home. It's the first in a series.

Adult Reading Recommendations

Daughter of Mine by Megan Miranda

I picked this book up after hearing the author speak at The Poisoned Pen Bookstore when I was in Scottsdale, Arizona a few weeks ago. I was intrigued by her descriptions of the small town setting she chose for the book and the real-life events which inspired her to center a mystery around cars being discovered in a lake when the water levels subside. It was a compelling mystery and a quick read. 

If Something Happens to Me by Alex Finlay 

This is another book in the mystery, thriller genre which, coincidentally, also involves a crime connected to a car being discovered in a lake. It was also a compelling and quick read. I enjoyed the characters, the various settings, and there were some interesting twists. 

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...

Hello, Sun by Julie Downing

Simple rhyming verse and gorgeous illustrations show what happens out in the natural world, starting with sunrise until the moon comes out. A lovely book.

One Day This Tree Will Fall by Leslie Barnard Booth and illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman

This is a wonderful book about a tree that survives despite obstacles. This book shows the life cycle of a tree and also explains the importance of trees even when they have aged and fallen. Lyrical and informative.

The Spice Box By Meera Sriram and illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat

A spice box has been passed from one generation to the next in Rishi's family and he is eager for his chance to use it. A heart-warming story about family and tradition. 

Adult Reading Recommendation

Funny Story by Emily Henry

Daphne's fiancé has broken up with her after deciding he wants to pursue a relationship with the best friend he has known since childhood. Since she has no place to live and the ex of this childhood friend has a spare room, she moves in with him. Even though they seem to have little in common with each other (except for the break-ups) and don't interact much, she accidentally tells her ex that they are dating. What was simply a convenient and temporary living arrangement becomes more complicated. Like a few other books by Emily Henry, this was a quick and enjoyable read. 

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...

Ahoy! by Sophie Blackall 

This is a delightful book about a parent and child using their imagination to sail the seas. Vacuuming the rug has never seemed so fun! The illustrations are great. 

Awe-Samosas! by Marzieh Abbas and illustrated by Bhagya Madanasinghe

Noor wants to make samosas like her Dadijaan's for her friends, but when she discovers there are no peas she has to get creative. This is a sweet story about creativity, problem-solving, and family. It also shows the sweet relationship between a child and grandmother even though they live far apart from each other. 

Lucky Scramble by Peter Raymundo

This is a fun book that will give readers insight into the experience of cubing tournaments. The book alternates between a graphic novel format and traditional text with illustrations. Tyler is a twelve-year old cuber competing in the national championships in Las Vegas. He has some interesting competition. Thanks to the publisher for a review copy. 

Adult Reading Recommendation

Just For the Summer by Abby Jimenez

Justin and Emma both think they're cursed. Whenever they break up with someone that person goes on to find their soulmate. They decide that they are going to date each other and break up so they can each find their own soulmate. This was partly a light breezy read, but each of the characters are dealing with some heavy family issues which added some emotion to it. Overall it a was a quick enjoyable read.

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 Maleta Full of Treasures by Natalia Sylvester and illustrated by Juana Medina

Dulce's abuela is visiting from her family's homeland. Although Dulce expresses that she doesn't need her abuela to bring anything except herself when she visits, abuela has brought many treasures. Dulce and her abuela spend time together and make memories until it's time for the trip to come to an end. This is a very sweet and relatable story. 

Peggy the Always Sorry Pigeon by Wendy Maddour and illustrated by Carmen Saldaña

Peggy's reply when others push her around is, "I'm sorry." Following the advice of a helpful seagull, pigeon learns to stand up for herself. An amusing book with an empowering message. 

Penelope Rex and the Problem with Pets by Ryan T. Higgins

Rather than getting a typical dog or cat as a pet, Penelope gets Mitten. Mittens makes life challenging for Penelope, but she tries her best to handle her new pet. This is a fun addition to the Penelope Rex series that shows how rewarding having a pet can be.

Ferris by Kate DiCamillo

Ferris's grandmother has always told her that, "Every good story is a love story." This story tells a few different love stories including that of two sisters and one of a granddaughter and grandmother. It's a quirky story about love and family.

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...

Come Out, Come Out Chameleon! by Jonty Howley

Readers will enjoy spotting the chameleon as his owner searches for him. Equally fun is helping the owner coax him out of his hiding spot. 

What's New, Daniel? by Micha Archer

Daniel meets his grandfather in the park who asks him, "What's new?" Daniel explores the park, learning everything new that is happening there while also realizing that there are new things happening with him. too. This is a lovely exploration of the natural world. 

The Mochi Makers by Sharon Fujimoto Johnson

This is a sweet intergenerational story about a girl and her grandmother spending time together making mochi. Readers can learn about mochi and the importance of tradition.

The Night War by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

This is another great historical fiction novel from Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. This one does have a slight fantasy element to it. During WWII, a young girl is pretending to be Catholic while living at a boarding school in France after escaping from her Jewish neighborhood where Nazis captured many of her neighbors and friends. It's a powerful story of courage and resilience. 

Adult Reading Recommendation

The New Couple in 5B by Lisa Unger

This was an intriguing suspense and mystery novel. There was a bit of a supernatural element which I thought might turn me off, but I ended up enjoying the story in spite of it. It's atmospheric, taking place in an old apartment building which would be charming if it weren't so creepy. The building has a dark history and when the couple at the center of the book move in they become entangled in some chilling events that seem associated with their new living arrangements. 

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...

Looking for the Eid Moon by Sahtinay Abaza and illustrated by Sandra Eide

Before their first Eid party, two sisters spend an evening trying to spot the crescent moon which marks the start of the Muslim holiday. The story and information at the end of the book explain the significance of the moon. This is also a sweet story about sisters. 

Octopus Acrobatics by Sue Fliess and illustrated by Gareth Lucas

I learned so much from this book about the amazing creature that is the octopus. It's written in rhyme with snippets of additional information about the octopus included throughout the book. I think kids will find it fascinating. 

Taxi, Go! by Patricia Toht and illustrated by Maria Karipidou

This fun rhyming book is about the day in the life of a taxi. Readers, especially those who enjoy books about vehicles, will enjoy reading about this happy and helpful taxi who gets people to the places they need to go.

Wolves in Helicopters by Sarah Tagholm and illustrated by Paddy Donnelly

A little rabbit having bad dreams, which feature wolves, learns to take control of them with some good advice from Mommy rabbit. Rabbit's bravery can help readers who have experienced their own nightmares. 

Bunny and Clyde by Megan McDonald and illustrated by Scott Nash

This early chapter book is about two characters, a bunny and chipmunk, who are determined to be bad. It's a humorous story, although kids won't appreciation the connection to the real-life Bonnie and Clyde as much as adults will. Kids will find their antics amusing.