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...

Except Antarctica by Todd Sturgell

A turtle sets off on a journey to disprove the fact that turtles live on every continent except Antarctica. Other creatures, who also do not live on Antarctica, join the expedition to the frozen continent. This is a humorous book which includes some interesting facts about the animals and Antarctica at the end.

Noah's Seal by Layn Marlow

Noah is at the beach with his Nana and really wants to see a seal. When he doesn't see any out at sea, he sculpts one out of sand. After waiting out a storm, Noah and Nana get a surprise which leads to another adventure. This is a sweet story about an intergenerational relationship that celebrates imagination and includes a hint of magic. Gorgeous illustrations.

This Very Tree: A Story of 9/11, Resilience, and Regrowth by Sean Rubin

Wow! This is an incredibly moving book that had me in tears before I was even half way through reading it. Written from the perspective of a Callery pear tree that stood in the plaza providing access to the Twin Towers, the book tells of the tree's survival. The story of this tree, known as the Survivor Tree, is inspiring and hopeful. The author's note at the end provides additional information about the tree, 9/11, and the World Trade Center.

Chunky by Yehudi Mercado

Wanting to please his parents, Hudi tries out different sports although his talents align more with comedy and drama. This graphic novel about fitting in and staying true to oneself is one that many kids will be able to relate to. They'll enjoy the humor, too.

Sunny Makes a Splash by Jennifer L. Holm and illustrated by Matthew Holm & Lark Pien

Sunny's summer starts off on a boring note until she gets a job at snack shack at the community pool. This graphic novel is a fun and realistic portrayal of summer life for a tween as she navigates a first job, learns about friendship and crushes, and strives to gain more independence. Very charming. Thanks to the publisher, Scholastic, for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with an advance reader's copy.

Cuba in My Pocket by Adrianna Cuevas

Set in the 1960's after the Bay of Pigs Invasion, twelve-year-old Cumba flees Cuba in search of safety in the U.S. When he arrives in Miami, he must navigate a life in a different home and without his family. This was an engaging read, giving insight into the life of a refugee and providing information about Cuba's history. Cumba is a character readers will root for. This is an inspiring story of courage and hope. Thanks to the publisher for a digital review copy.

Professional Reading Recommendation

Start Here Start Now: A Guide to Antibias and Antiracist Work in Your School Community by Liz Kleinrock

This was my second professional read this summer. It's inspiring, practical, and essential. Read more about my thoughts here.

Second Professional Read of Summer

Being an educator, I can get lots more reading done during the summer months. I always try to read at least a few professional books to get ideas that I can implement during the upcoming school year. My second professional read of this summer was Start Here Start Now: A Guide to Antibias and Antiracist Work in Your School Community by Liz Kleinrock. 

Some professional books I read are good, others are great, and then there are those that I think should be essential reading for all educators. Start Here Start Now falls into the essential reading category. As Liz Klein writes in her book, "Antibias and antiracist education is not optional" (pg. xxviii). Liz Klein makes it clear why ABAR (antibias antiracist) work is essential in our schools and classrooms and offers the tools to make it possible. 

Liz Kleinrock is an experienced educator and understands the challenges teachers face and the concerns they have related to ABAR work. Some of the big questions I have are related to finding time, facilitating difficult conversations with students, and communicating with parents. She gave insight into these questions, as well as others, that educators may have.

One of my takeaways from the book is that there is not one path to building an antibias and antiracist community in schools and classrooms. Situations and contexts vary and the strategies described in the book offer possibilities. There is only one choice as to the destination and, although there's not one prescribed way of getting there, it's essential that we work towards communities that are equitable and inclusive.

Kleinrock, L. (2021). Start here start now: A guide to antibias and antiracist work in your school community. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.

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...

Little Bat in Night School by Brian Lies

Little Bat is excited to start school until he gets there and realizes it's bigger than he thought and he doesn't know anyone. He meets a friendly classmate and together they have a joyful first day. This imagining of nocturnal animals attending school will amuse readers, but the book may also bring comfort to ease first day anxieties.

Summer Camp Critter Jitters by Jory John and illustrated by Liz Climo

The companion to First Day Critter Jitters is another book that will help to ease first day anxieties. A group of animals express worries about going to camp. In spite of their fears, they head to camp, and once there they discover their counselor is in a predicament and needs their help. Together the critters realize that camp is quite enjoyable. An endearing read.

Zuri Ray Tries Ballet by Tami Charles and illustrated by Sharon Sordo

Zuri loves trying new things, but when she begins ballet camp with her best friend she believes she isn't very good at it. Her ballet teacher encourages her to use her imagination and Zuri finds the confidence to be herself. This is a sweet story showing that new things can be fun even when they're hard.

Jop and Blip Wanna Know #1: Can You Hear A Penguin Fart on Mars? And Other Excellent Questions by Jim Benton

Jop and Blip, two very curious robots, explore the answers to the many questions they have on their minds. This is a funny and informative graphic novel. I think readers will enjoy the random facts they learn. Each of the three chapters ends with an activity for readers, as well.

The Most Perfect Thing in the Universe by Tricia Springstubb

Loah is in the care of Miss Rinker and Theo, the elderly siblings who live with her, while her mother is on an expedition in the Artic to find a rare bird. Loah knows exactly how many days her mother has been away and wishes she would come home. Her life at home becomes an expedition of its own when Loah must deal with a few problems including helping her mother who might be in danger. This is a sweet, heartfelt story about courage, resilience, and community. There are also some lessons related to the natural world interwoven into the story.

Room to Dream (A Front Desk Novel) by Kelly Yang

I continue to love this series! The third Front Desk book, about Mia and her family, is another heart-warming and empowering read. Mia and her family travel to China and when she returns home becomes involved in helping to save the Calivista, the motel they own. In addition, Mia moves forward with her goal of getting her writing published. There is an important message about using one's voice to make change, but the book addresses many other important and relevant themes. Thanks to Scholastic for sharing an advanced reader's copy with my book review group, #BookExcursion. The book publishes in September.

An Adult Reading Recommendation

The Book of Rosy: A Mother's Separation at the Border by Rosayra Pablo Cruz and Julie Schwietert Collazo 

This is one of those books that tells a story that sticks with you long after you finish it. It's a true account of one woman's experience being separated from her children after crossing the border into the U.S. The book is a quick read, giving insight into Rosy's life in Guatemala, her journey to the U.S., the challenges and heartache she faced when she arrived, and the support she received from those willing to help her be reunited with her children.

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...

Pangolina by Jane Goodall and illustrated by Daishu Ma

A pangolin tells about her life and how she was captured by a hunter and then saved by a human child. Readers will learn information about this unique creature and gain insight into the dangers they face. The author shares tips for helping to protect pangolins at the end of the book, but the broader message is to care for all animals in our world.

What I Am by Divya Srinivasan

This is a lovely picture book to help readers explore identity and understand that how they describe themselves may change depending on the situation. I'm adding it to my list of books that are useful to read aloud at the beginning of the year. 

Geraldine Pu and Her Lunch Box, Too! (Ready to Read Graphics) by Maggie P. Chang

Geraldine loves her lunchbox and the lunches her Amah packs for her until her 

classmates exclaim that what she is eating is gross and weird. When another student has the same problem, Geraldine shows the benefits of having an open mind about the food others eat. Written as a graphic novel, this book has an interesting format, but it has an importance message, as well. 

Monday Into the Cave of Thieves (Total Mayhem #1) by Ralph Lazar

Dash's day of mayhem begins before breakfast and continues throughout his school day as he becomes involved in investigating the mysterious theft of a trophy and one of the world's most expensive bottles of perfume. This is a fast-paced story with adventure and lots of absurdity that will appeal to kids. It's not quite a graphic novel, but illustrations make up a majority of the book. 

Forever This Summer (Love Like Sky #2) by Leslie C. Youngblood

Georgie is spending the summer in Louisiana with her mother because her Aunt Vie who has Alzheimer's is in need of care. Georgie meets and befriends Markie Jean and becomes involved in helping her find her biological mother. She also decides to raise awareness of Alzheimer's with a community talent show. This is a charming story that explores friendship, family secrets, and activism. Books with great characters and a great setting are always a win for me. 

Adult Reading Recommendation

How the Word is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America by Clint Smith

I started listening to this on audio after receiving it through the Libro.fm Educator ALC Program, but also got a print version because I wanted to devote more concentration and deep thought to it than I'm able to do while driving or doing chores. It's an eye-opening and thought-provoking examination of how slavery is understood, revealing truths about its role in American history. The author visited memorials and landmarks throughout the U.S. and one in Dakar, Senegal and wrote a chapter about each, describing his experience. I learned something from each chapter. The author's lyrical writing is beautiful, both for listening and reading.

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...

Begin with a Bee by Liza Ketchum, Jacqueline Briggs, and Phyliss Root and illustrated by Claudia McGehee

This is a fascinating book about the life cycle of the rusty-patched bumble bee, with a focus on the importance of the queen bee. The notes at the end of the book include information about the rusty-patched bumblebee and ways that readers can help protect them. Very informative.

Paletero Man by Lucky Diaz and illustrated by Micah Player

A child runs down an L.A. street, passing the many vendors, in search of the Paletero Man, so he can get a paleta on the hottest day of the hottest month. Careful, observant readers will notice the child loses his money along the way. Luckily, the generosity of neighbors means everyone is able to enjoy a paleta. This is a fun book about community with bright, lively illustrations. The song the book is based on can be found here.

Trouble with Tattle-Tails (The Fabled Stables Book 2) by Jonathan Auxier and illustrated by Olga Demidova

Auggie is a boy who cares for beasts, whether or not they are strange, dangerous, or hard-to-love. In the second book in the Fabled Stables series, he has to rescue the Tattle-Tails. The portal in a new stall in his stable, brings Auggie to a village where the Tattle-Tails have attached themselves, like tails, to the villagers and are causing chaos by tattling on them. This is another adventurous, magical, and funny book in the series. Very entertaining.

J.D. and the Family Business by J. Dillard and illustrated by Akeem S. Roberts

J.D. is an eight-year-old barber working at a shop in his neighborhood. When he decides he wants to be known beyond his town of Meridian, he agrees to start a YouTube channel with his sister to highlight their skills doing hair and nails. This is another delightful book about J.D.'s adventures as he follows his passion. Thanks to the publisher for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with a review copy. The book publishes in August.

Samira Surfs by Rukhsanna Guidroz and illustrated by Fahmida Azim

Samira and her family are living in Bangladesh, after fleeing their home in Burma. Adjusting to her new life, she makes new friends, overcomes a fear, and decides to learn to surf so she can enter a contest and help her family. This novel in verse gives insight into the life of a refugee family and shows the power of friendship.  

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...

Bodies Are Cool by Tyler Feder

A celebration of all kinds of bodies, this book is positive and affirming. The rhyming text and the bright, detailed illustrations give the book a joyful feel. The book explores an important message about embracing one's uniqueness and also promotes inclusivity. 

If You Were an Elephant by Leslie Staub and illustrated by Richard Jones

By helping readers imagine themselves as elephants, this book provides information about the fascinating creature. Readers will learn lots about what an elephant does and how it lives, but also that they are smart and caring animals. The text and illustrations are both beautiful. 

Fetch! (Peanut, Butter, and Crackers) by Paige Braddock

My students loved the first graphic novel about Peanut, Butter, and Crackers so they'll be pleased to see there's a second in the series. When Peanut starts dog school and is mistreated by the other dogs, his dog and cat siblings are there to help him out. Very cute.

Just Be Cool, Jenna Sakai by Debbi Michiko Florence

Jenna is a seventh grader whose parents have divorced and she has just broken up with her boyfriend. As she navigates the school year and adjusts to her family life, she learns the importance of letting others in. This is a fun read that middle school students will be able to relate to. Thanks to the publisher for providing by book review group, #BookExcursion, with an advanced reader's copy. The book publishes in August.

Professional Read

My first professional read of the summer was Life, Literacy, and the Pursuit of Happiness: Supporting Our Immigrant and Refugee Children Through the Power of Reading by Don Vu. You can read my thoughts about the book here. 

First Professional Read of Summer

For the past few years, before the start of summer, I have made a list of professional books I plan to read during the break. Like many educators, I was overwhelmingly exhausted at the close of this very unusual school year and I never made a professional reading TBR list for this summer. Although I haven't posted a list here on my blog, my summer reading will include some professional books.

The first professional title I have read this summer is Life, Literacy, and the Pursuit of Happiness: Supporting Our Immigrant Refugee Children Through the Power of Reading by Don Vu. One of my favorite quotes from the book, which is encompassing of the rationale for why this book is necessary is the following:

Vu's book is about how to build a school culture of literacy that will support all students, but especially immigrant and refugee children, as they become proficient readers. It's about the power of reading and the need to promote lifelong literacy to build a more equitable society. It's about the belief that literacy is life-changing for all.

In the book, Vu explains six conditions that are necessary to build a culture of literacy. There is a chapter about each condition which includes ways for educators to reflect and practices that can be implemented to foster a lifelong love of literacy for all students. The practices range from those that can be implemented at the classroom level to those that could be implemented school-wide. 

Life, Literacy, and the Pursuit of Happiness is a professional resource for educators, offering ideas to improve practice, but Vu also includes stories from his own life, providing insight into his experience as an immigrant and refugee. The stories are personal and powerful and helped to deepen my thinking about inclusion and equity and further strengthened my belief that compassion is a driving force in making the world a better place.