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...

Our Table by Peter H. Reynolds

Violet remembers a time when her family gathered at the table, before they become preoccupied with devices. When Violet enlists her family's help to build a new table, they discover how strong they are together. This is a sweet and timely tale about connection and the importance of spending time together. Thanks to the publisher for providing my book review group with a review copy. The book publishes in November. 

Meena Lost and Found by Karla Manternach

Meena is a fun and relatable character who learns important life lessons about friendship and letting go. This is the third in a sweet series about the ups and downs of growing up. Thanks to the author for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with an advanced reader's copy.

A Soft Place to Land by Janae Marks

Now that her dad has lost his job, Joy and her family are living in an apartment. Joy misses her old home and is worried about her parents' arguments, but she finds comfort in a new friend, Nora, and the Hideout, a secret room only the kids in the building know about. When Joy discovers a message on the wall of the Hideout, she decides she needs to find out who wrote it and help. This is a heartfelt book about navigating family and friendship challenges.

Treasure in the Lake by Jason Pamment

Two friends discover that the river where they live has dried up. Their explorations lead them to a lost town that was previously submerged under the water. An argument results in them going their separate ways, but they both learn secrets about the town and the importance of their friendship. This is an adventurous and mysterious graphic novel. I was intrigued by the note at the end of the book about real-life towns that have been submerged under water. 

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 Two Border Towns by David Bowles and illustrated by Erika Meza

This is the story of a father and son who cross over the U.S.-Mexico border for a day of errands. Their day becomes even more meaningful and important when they make their last stop to share items they've gathered with a family waiting to be allowed entry into the U.S. This is a timely story with a message of kindness and empathy.

Negative Cat by Sophie Blackall

After asking for a cat for many days, the narrator of this book is finally allowed to get one. The family is unhappy with the cat whose behavior they determine to be negative. The narrator does not give up on the cat and figures out what to do to cheer up not only his cat, but others at the shelter. This is an amusing and sweet book about the joys and benefits of reading to an animal.

See the Dog: Three Stories About a Cat by David LaRochelle and illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka

The book starts, "See the dog," but a cat takes the dog's place. The cat follows along with what the book says to do until a lake and a wolf become part of the picture. Very humorous and entertaining. The previous book, See the Cat: Three Stories About a Dog was a hit with my early readers and I'm sure this one will be, too.

Mayor Good Boy by Dave Scheidt and illustrated by Miranda Harmon

Greenwood has a new mayor and the mayor is...a dog! Siblings, Abby and Aaron, are offered jobs working for the mayor. This is a silly and humorous graphic novel with a message about helping one's community. 

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...

How to Apologize by David LaRochelle and illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka

This book offers a straightforward explanation of why it's important to apologize and how to do it. The illustrations add humor. Readers will be entertained while learning a useful lesson.

The Little Wooden Robot and the Log Princess by Tom Gauld

This is a charming and quirky fairy tale about two inseparable siblings who have an adventure that takes them far from their kingdom, to the frozen North, and back again. With bravery and kindness, they step in to help when the other needs it. This imaginative picture book is written in graphic novel style.

Norman Didn't Do It!: (Yes, He Did.) by Ryan T. Higgins

Norman, a porcupine, and Mildred, a tree, are best friends who do everything together. When another tree pops up and their twosome turns into a threesome, their friendship gets complicated. Norman's jealously leads to behavior that he later regrets and needs to make right. An amusing story of friendship.

Rissy No Kissies by Katey Howes and illustrated by Jess Engle

Rissy is a lovebird who does not want any kisses. The others think something is wrong with Rissy and even Rissy begins to feel this way, too. With the help of her mother, Rissy learns that there are other ways to show one cares. The author's note at the end includes information for kids about using their voice to tell how they feel and information for parents about bodily autonomy, consent, and boundaries.

Playing the Cards You're Dealt by Varian Johnson

The men in Ant's family have always been champion spades players and Ant is determined to measure up. As he practices for the annual tournament, he also is navigating new and old friendships and trying to figure out what is going on with his father's peculiar behavior. This is a heartfelt book about friendship and family that will give those who are unfamiliar with it an introduction to the card game spades. Thanks to the publisher for providing my book review group with an advanced reader's copy. The book publishes in October.

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 Froggies Do Not Want to Sleep by by Adam Gustavson 

The Froggies do not want to sleep so they hop out of bed and engage in a variety of more preferred activities. The things they do want to do get more over-the-top with each page. Readers will be amused with the frogs' antics and the humorous illustrations.

Not Now, Cow by Tammi Sauer and illustrated by Troy Cummings

This is a fun exploration of the seasons. Preschool and kindergarten readers will enjoy the silliness as cow figures out what to wear. With rhyme and repetition, kids will want to join in on the reading. 

Friends do Not Eat Friends: Ready to Read Graphics (Thunder and Cluck) by Jill Esbaum and illustrated by Miles Thompson

Thunder believes his roar should scare others. Cluck does not run away and avoids getting eaten by convincing Thunder they are actually friends. This is an amusing graphic novel. After reading this, I think early readers will be asking for more adventures about Thunder and Cluck.

Barakah Beats by Maleeha Siddiqui

Nimra starts going to a public school for the first time after attending a private Islamic school. She is excited to be in school with her best friend, but instead of becoming closer they seem to be moving apart. When Nimra has the opportunity to join a band she takes it, but has to keep it a secret from her parents who would not approve. This is a sweet book about making friends and learning the importance of being true to oneself. Thanks to Scholastic for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with an advanced reader's copy. The book publishes in October.

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...

Cat Problems by Jory John and illustrated by Lane Smith

Being a house cat is not easy! The third book is the Animal Problems series is narrated by a cat who spends the day complaining. The cat's thoughts and behavior are amusing and those with feline pets will probably relate.

Isabel and Her Colores Go to School by Alexandra Alessandri and illustrated by Courtney Dawson

Isabel, who speaks Spanish and prefers it over the English language, is scared to go to school on the first day. She has difficulty understanding and fitting in, but her passion for coloring helps her make a friend. A very sweet story with lovely, colorful illustrations and text in both English and Spanish.

My First Day by Phùng Nguyên Quang and Huỳnh Kim Liên

A boy living in the Mekong River Delta paddles a wooden boat to school for the first time by himself. The boy's determination and bravery as he makes his way through rough waters and the jungle to arrive at his destination is inspiring. After reading this book I wanted to know more about the Mekong River and I think kids will, too.

GoldiBooks and the Wee Bear by Troy Wilson and illustrated by Edwardian Taylor

This book-themed retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears melted my literacy-loving heart. It's amusing and charming and has a great message about the power of books to bring people (and bears) together.

Scribbly: A Real Imaginary Friend Tale by Ged Adamson

Having moved to a new town with her mom, Maude is in need of a friend, so she draws one and names him Scribbly. Although imaginary, Scribbly helps Maude make friends. Her mom gives her wise advice about not needing Scribbly for others to like her and gives her a sweet surprise. This is a really cute book about the challenges of making friends and the importance of being oneself.

Thao by Thao Lam

This is a cleverly illustrated book that gives insight into the experience of having a name that others mispronounce and misspell. Thao's story is empowering and the message about the importance of using one's correct name is meaningful.

Tiny Tales: Shell Quest (I Can Read Comics) by Steph Waldo

A lonely slug, not realizing he is a slug, tries to fit in with the snails. The slug realizes he can be himself after discovering another creature without a shell. This is a fun early reader graphic novel.

An Update on My 2021 Must Read List

At the start of the year, I made a list of books I planned to read in 2021 along with the #MustReadin2021 community. This is an update on the progress I've made with my list. Updates from other bloggers can be found at Library Matters or by following the hashtag on Twitter.

Picture Books I Have Read

     

   

   

All of these picture books were fantastic!

Picture Books I Have Not Yet Read

Because this book is not available at my library or local bookstore (before purchasing children's books I always preview first) I have not read it yet.

Middle Grade Books I Have Read

 

   

        

I enjoyed each of these middle grade reads. 

Adult Books I Have Read

   

I highly recommend all of these.

Adult Books I Have Not Read

I started to read Shiver, but it didn't capture me so I abandoned it. A few people have shared their thoughts with me about Of Women and Salt and I'm not sure if I'll end up picking it up.

Overall, I've made great progress with my list. I hope you've read some great books this year!