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.