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...

Ballewiena by Rebecca Bender

Rather than sit, stay and roll over, Dotty would rather plié, assemblé, and pirouette. Her dance moves are not appreciated until a squirrel, Louis-Pierre, invites Dotty to his workouts and provides a way for her to show off her skills. A cute story that will delight fans of dog stories, especially those with an interest in ballet. 

Bessie the Motorcycle Queen by Charles R. Smith Jr. and illustrated by Charlot Kristensen

Bessie Stringfield was a daredevil biker, surprising many with her speed. In the 1920s, she faced racism as she traveled the country on her bike. Not letting anything stop her, she continued to flip a penny, see where it landed on her map, and travel on. This is an empowering and adventurous biography. Thanks to the publisher for a review copy. The book publishes in September.

Not So Small by Pat Zietlow Miller and illustrated by Paola Escobar

Small actions make a difference. One person's voice can have an impact. Together we can do big things. An empowering book about taking action. 

Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet by Barbara Dee

Haven is a seventh-grader who has anxiety about climate change and the environment. When she learns that the river in her town is polluted, she takes action to raise awareness and help make change. Middle grade readers will be interested in Haven's efforts to solve a real-world problem and find her relatable. As in Barbara Dee's previous books, mental health is sensitively handled. A timely book. Thanks to the author for providing my book review group with an advance reviewer copy. The book publishes in September. 

Search for Treasure (The Islanders #2) by Mary Alice Monroe with Angela May

Jake is visiting his grandmother on Dewees Island in South Carolina and, along with two of his friends, is on a search for treasure believed to be located there. Jake, whose dad recently lost his leg in Afghanistan, and each of his friends are all dealing with family challenges. This is a sweet and fun adventure story with a setting that immerses the reader in nature. 

Professional Read

Open Windows, Open Minds: Developing Antiracist, Pro-Human Students by Afrika Afeni Mills

This is a very informative and practical book that provides the why and the how of becoming an educator engaged in anti-bias, antiracist teaching. There are many ideas for practice and suggestions for ways to engage in reflection. Afrika Afeni Mills writes from her own experience and discussions with educators and includes examples of work from classrooms. A much needed professional resource. 

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...

Saving the Butterfly by Helen Cooper and illustrated by Gill Smith

Two refugee children, a brother and sister, have survived a journey across the dark sea and are starting a life in a new place. This is the story of how each is impacted differently and how they move forward. A poignant book. 

That's Not My Name! by Anoosha Syed

When Mira starts school, the other kids and some of her teachers can't pronounce her name. Mira does not speak up about her name even though she wants, too. Her mother helps her see how beautiful her name is and Mira finds a way to tell others what her name is. This is a sweet and empowering story about the importance of names and standing up for oneself. 

I Will Not Lose in Super Shoes! by Jonathan Fenske

In the follow-up to I Will Race You Through This Book!, Book-It Bunny is back with super shoes and challenges the reader to another race. The bunny plays some tricks, faces some obstacles, and shows great confidence in his ability to cross the finish line first. A very amusing book for early readers. 

Attack of the Black Rectangles by Amy Sarig King

Mac and his friends speak out when their teacher censors a book they are reading. Their actions show the power of words and truth. In addition to being a book about censorship and activism, Mac's story about how he navigates family challenges, friendship, and a first crush is interesting, too. This is a timely and compelling read. Thanks to the publisher for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with an advance reader's copy. The book publishes in September. 

Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence by Sonja Thomas

Mira finds out her cat, who she adores, has diabetes and since her family is struggling with money paying for her treatment is something they are unable to do. Mira is determined to raise the money needed to help her cat. This is a story about the power of curiosity and persistence, but it also explores friendship and has lots of science facts woven throughout. 

Adult Reading

The Lost Girls of Willowbrook by Ellen Marie Wiseman

Involving a mystery and exploring themes of determination and survival, this is a compelling read. It mostly takes place at an institution for mentally disabled children that is based on the actual Willowbrook School on Staten Island that was exposed in the 1970s for its absolutely horrific conditions. There are some difficult things to read about in this book, but it's a story that needs to be told. Thanks to the publisher for an advance reader's copy. The book publishes at the end of 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...

Goodnight Butterfly by Ross Burach

Butterfly is woken up by Porcupine and learns what it means to be nocturnal. When Butterfly is too anxious to fall back asleep, Porcupine offers some advice that helps. Butterfly's questions and antics are humorous and there is a fun twist at the end. Being a follow-up to The Very Impatient Caterpillar and The Little Butterfly That Could, readers will be glad to see the return of the amusing butterfly. Thanks to the publisher for a review copy. The book publishes in August. 

If You're a Kid Like Gavin: The True Story of a Young Trans Activist by Gavin Grimm and Kyle Lukoff and illustrated by J Yangh

This picture book biography is the story of Gavin Grimm, a transgender kid who spoke out after being denied the right to use the boys' bathroom at his high school. There is lot to talk about in this book including the choices that kids can and can't make and the importance of activism. Very powerful.

Pigeon & Cat by Edward Hemingway

Cat lives in a box in an empty city lot by himself and only ventures out to gather food. One day he finds an egg that he brings back to his box and once it hatches he has a new friend, Pigeon. Their friendship grows as they exhibit kindness in different ways toward each other. This is a sweet story about home, kindness, and moving out of one's comfort zone. 

Tomatoes in My Lunchbox by Costantia Manoli and illustrated by Magdalena Mora

The narrator of this book is in a new school in a new country where her teacher and classmates can't pronounce her name. She wishes for a name that is shorter and more recognizable like those of the other children. In addition to her name, she feels like she stands out because of other differences like her clothes and the food in her lunchbox. Her name though is a connection to her grandmother and when she thinks of her grandmother's advice she makes a new friend and begins to feel a sense of belonging. Based on the author's experience, this is a heart-warming book about belonging, self-acceptance, and friendship.

Hoggy Went-a-Courtin' (I Like to Read Comics) by Ethan Long

Hoggy wants to play basketball with his friends, but he is not good at being a team player. Some good advice helps Hoggy learn that the game is more fun when he is not being a ball hog or bad sport. Early readers, especially those who are interested in graphic novels will enjoy this. 

Too Pig To Fail by Rob Harrell

Readers loved When Pigs Fly and they are going to be excited to see this next installment in the series. It's just as humorous and adventurous as the first book. In one story, Batpig has to make time fly and in another he saves his neighborhood after a downpour of stinky gym socks and an attack by a Bumblekitten. This graphic novel series has lots of kid appeal.

Professional Reading 

Uncommon Sense Teaching: Practical Insights in Brain Science to Help Students Learn by Barbara Oakley, Beth Rogowsky, and Terrence J. Sejnowski

There were some great insights, based on neuroscience, about learning in this book. I especially appreciated reading about how what we learn gets from our working memory into our long-term memory and the power of retrieval practice. Not only is the book useful for reflecting on classroom practice, but it made me think about my own learning as well. 

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...

My Bindi by Gita Varadarajan and illustrated by Archana Sreenivasan

This picture book is about being true to oneself and embracing one's customs and traditions. Readers who don't know what a bindi is will learn more about it and its importance.

A Penny's Worth by Kimberly Wilson and illustrated by Mark Hoffman

Penny, is a penny who feels ignored, so she sets out to prove he worth. Penny's journey is both amusing and pun-filled. This book provides an introduction to coins, but is also a story of perseverance and realizing one's value. Very fun.

 

King of the Ice (Miles Lewis #1) by Kelly Starling Lyons and illustrated by Wayne Spencer

Whiz Kid (Miles Lewis #2) by Kelly Starling Lyons and illustrated by Wayne Spencer

In a spinoff of the Jada Jones series, Miles Lewis is the star of his own chapter book series. In the first book in the series, Miles, who does not know how to ice skate, is going on a class trip to an ice skating rink for the first time. He's also worried that his grandmother, who lives with his family, might be moving out. In the second book, Miles is excited about the science fair, but starts to feel like he is not measuring up as a scientist. This is a charming series about a kid who learns life lessons that readers will be able to relate to.

My Kingdom of Darkness (Pets Rule!) by Susan Tan and illustrated by Wendy Tan Shiau Wei

Part of the Branches line of illustrated chapter books, this story is about a Chihuahua who has been adopted and, unbeknownst to his new family, believes he will rule the world. He meets the other pets that live with him and then finds out that there is already a ruler of the neighborhood, an evil squirrel. This book is lots of fun.

Thirst by Varsha Bajaj

Minni lives in a poor neighborhood in Mumbai where there is no running water. When she, her brother, and a few friends witness water being stolen, her family is at risk. Her mother is also ill and, until she gets better, Minni must work as a maid while attending school. This is an amazing story about finding the courage to make a difference in one's community. It also gives insight into life in the city of Mumbai and the inequities that exist related to water access.

Adult Reading Recommendations

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

Loved this book! It's an amazing story, spanning thirty years, about two friends who first bond over video games and then end up working together to create one. Although not a gamer, I enjoyed being immersed in the gaming world. I also liked how it explored the complexities of relationships. 

The Displacements by Bruce Holsinger 

I could not put this book down. It imagines what happens when an unprecedented category 6 hurricane hits the U.S., decimating Miami and Houston and leaving millions displaced. It's a riveting story, but also unsettling as it made me wonder, if in the face of such a disaster, fiction could become truth. 

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 Adventures of Robo-Kid by Diane deGroat

A picture book that blends the traditional narrative and comic book formats, this is a super fun read. It's a story about heroes, courage, and facing difficult challenges. It's a definite must-have for my classroom library. I think kids will be enthralled. 

A Mermaid Girl by Sana Rafi and illustrated by Olivia Aserr

Heba is excited to wear her new burkini, which matches her mother's, to the pool for the first time. When others at the pool question her attire, she begins to think that she stands out too much. Heba's mother helps her understand that there is courage in being oneself. This is a sweet and empowering story about acceptance and being true to oneself. 

To Change a Planet by Christina Soontornvat and illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell 

This gorgeous and poetic picture book celebrates Earth and urges readers to protect it. It explores the idea that one small thing can have a huge impact and together we can make a difference for the planet. Thanks to the publisher for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with a review copy. The book publishes in August. 

Fenway and the Bones Thieves (Make Way for Fenway!) by Victoria J. Coe and illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff

Fenway from the middle grade series, Fenway and Hattie, is now the star of a chapter book series. Like the middle grade books, this is told from the perspective of Fenway, a very delightful and energetic Jack Russell terrier. In this first book, he is determined to keep his bone safe, but sneaky squirrels make that difficult for him. The second book in the series, which is also out, is Fenway and the Frisbee Trick. This is a fun series that chapter book readers will find entertaining.

Invisible by Christina Diaz Gonzalez and illustrated by Gabriela Epstein

Five students form an unlikely friendship when they are forced to do community service together. The book tackles issues like homelessness, identity, and what it's like to feel invisible. It's a wonderful graphic novel, written in both English and Spanish. Thanks to the publisher for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with an advance reader's copy. The book publishes in August.

Adult Reading Recommendations

Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Reid Jenkins 

Having read and loved two other books by Taylor Reid Jenkins, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and Malibu Rising, I was super excited to read an early copy of this book. It is a fantastic read. Every time I had to put it down, I couldn't wait to get back to reading it. There is a lot of tennis in the book as it's about a retired tennis player who decides to play again and prove she is still the greatest. Since I enjoy the game of tennis I loved that aspect of it. Reading about the tennis matches, I felt like I was right there in the stands. But, I don't think readers have to be into the sport to enjoy the book. The book also explores a father-daughter relationship which was touching. Thanks to NetGalley for a digital review copy. 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...

Leila, the Perfect Witch by Flavia Z. Drago

Leila has many talents and trophies, but has yet to showcase her baking skills. Now that she is old enough, she decides to enter the Witchy Cake-off. Although many in her family are expert bakers, Leila has a difficult time. Her witchy sisters, who have culinary skills and advice for overcoming an obstacle, help her out. Leila shows great determination and learns that having fun and being with family is what makes someone a winner. This is a charming book with detailed, whimsical illustrations. Gustavo from the author's previous book even makes an appearance. 

Poo-Dunit? A Forest Floor Mystery by Katelyn Aronson and illustrated by Stephanie Laberis

This book has lots of kid appeal. Kids are going to giggle and shriek with delighted disgust as they follow mouse on her quest to find out who left the poo outside her house. The backmatter at the end adds a little bit of science to the fun. 

 

Blippo & Beep and Blippo & Beep: I Feel Funny by Sarah Weeks and illustrated by Joey Ellis

Blippo and Beep are two silly robots who know the true meaning of friendship. This is an amusing series for early readers. The stories are told through illustrations and dialogue which make them an option for readers who like books similar to the Elephant & Piggie series.

Butt Sandwich & Tree by Wesley King

This is a great story about a kid who is neurodiverse and the relationship he has with his brother. When Green tries out for basketball, to make his brother happy, and is accused of a theft, Cedar is determined for them to prove someone else did it. There is lots of action on the basketball court and the mystery that Green and Cedar work to solve is interesting. Thanks to the publisher for an advance reviewer copy. The book publishes in August. 

Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas

Bree has moved to Florida with her dad where she is starting a new middle school. She really wants to take the Math Puzzles elective, but because it's full she ends up in Swim 101. Pools are among the things Bree doesn't like and she also does not know how to swim. After a rocky start, Bree gets help from a neighbor, learns how to swim, and makes it onto the swim team. This is a fantastic graphic novel about friendship, teamwork, and perseverance. 

Adult Reading Recommendations

Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting by Clare Pooley

I needed a warm and joyful book recently and this hit the mark. Seven people become a part of each other's lives because they commute on the same train. Loved the characters and the story. I also enjoyed the author's previous book, The Authenticity Project, and hope she writes more. 

The It Girl by Ruth Ware

Hannah found her roommate, April, dead in their dorm during her first year at Oxford. She provided testimony that helped to convict a porter at Oxford, but now ten years later, she is questioning whether he actually committed the crime. Th story alternates between what happened before April's death and what happened after. The mystery was intriguing and Ruth Ware's writing is atmospheric.

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...

Bug on a Rug by Sophia Gholz and illustrated by Susan Batori

This is a really fun rhyming book about a bug, a pug, and a slug with a message about friendship and getting along. There is some clever word play that adds to the fun. It will make an entertaining read aloud.

Honeybee Rescue: A Backyard Drama by Loree Griffin Burns and photographs by Ellen Harasimowicz

This nonfiction picture book will make a great addition to a collection of books about bees. It's a fascinating and informative story about how a swarm of honeybees was moved to a safer location. In addition to the story of the rescue, the author has interspersed additional facts related to bee removal. The backmatter of the book which includes an interview with the bee rescuer, a glossary, and an author's note give further insight. 

Mommy's Hometown by Hope Lin and illustrated by Jaime Kim

A boy has heard all about his mother's hometown in Korea, but when they go to visit the village has been replaced by a city. In spite of the differences, the boy and his mom make connections between the past and the present. This is a sweet story about home, family, and creating memories.  

Miss Quinces by Kat Fajardo

Sue wants to join her friends at her a sleepover camp at the end of the summer, but her mother will not allow her to go. While on a month-long trip to visit family in Honduras, Sue's mother plans a surprise quinceañera for her, in spite of the fact that Sue has already made it clear that she doesn't want one. This is a sweet story about a teenager struggling to fit in and manage the expectations of those around her. The relationship between Sue and her abuelita is endearing. Readers of graphic novels about growing up will enjoy this one. Thanks to the publisher for a review copy.