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.