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...

Piper Chen Sings by Phillipa Soo and Maris Pasquale Doran and illustrated by Qin Leng

Piper Chen is always singing, but when she is asked to sing a solo at a school performance she is worried that she will mess up. Her grandmother shares advice to help Piper understand her stage fright and how to overcome it. 

The Walk of the Field Mouse by Nadine Robert and illstrated by Valerio Vidali

A field mouse is determined to roll a robin's egg back up to its nest. Because of the mouse's size, the other creatures think this is a ridiculous idea. The mouse's story is a life lesson about facing obstacles and persistence. 

Puggleton Park by Deanna Kizis and illustrated by Hannah Peck

A pug named Penelope gets lost after chasing a squirrel and is on her own until being rescued by Lady Diggleton who is interested in helping her find her home. This is an adventurous and sweet illustrated chapter book about finding a forever home. It's the first in a series.

Adult Reading Recommendations

Daughter of Mine by Megan Miranda

I picked this book up after hearing the author speak at The Poisoned Pen Bookstore when I was in Scottsdale, Arizona a few weeks ago. I was intrigued by her descriptions of the small town setting she chose for the book and the real-life events which inspired her to center a mystery around cars being discovered in a lake when the water levels subside. It was a compelling mystery and a quick read. 

If Something Happens to Me by Alex Finlay 

This is another book in the mystery, thriller genre which, coincidentally, also involves a crime connected to a car being discovered in a lake. It was also a compelling and quick read. I enjoyed the characters, the various settings, and there were some interesting twists. 

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...

Hello, Sun by Julie Downing

Simple rhyming verse and gorgeous illustrations show what happens out in the natural world, starting with sunrise until the moon comes out. A lovely book.

One Day This Tree Will Fall by Leslie Barnard Booth and illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman

This is a wonderful book about a tree that survives despite obstacles. This book shows the life cycle of a tree and also explains the importance of trees even when they have aged and fallen. Lyrical and informative.

The Spice Box By Meera Sriram and illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat

A spice box has been passed from one generation to the next in Rishi's family and he is eager for his chance to use it. A heart-warming story about family and tradition. 

Adult Reading Recommendation

Funny Story by Emily Henry

Daphne's fiancé has broken up with her after deciding he wants to pursue a relationship with the best friend he has known since childhood. Since she has no place to live and the ex of this childhood friend has a spare room, she moves in with him. Even though they seem to have little in common with each other (except for the break-ups) and don't interact much, she accidentally tells her ex that they are dating. What was simply a convenient and temporary living arrangement becomes more complicated. Like a few other books by Emily Henry, this was a quick and 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...

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. 

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...

Looking for the Eid Moon by Sahtinay Abaza and illustrated by Sandra Eide

Before their first Eid party, two sisters spend an evening trying to spot the crescent moon which marks the start of the Muslim holiday. The story and information at the end of the book explain the significance of the moon. This is also a sweet story about sisters. 

Octopus Acrobatics by Sue Fliess and illustrated by Gareth Lucas

I learned so much from this book about the amazing creature that is the octopus. It's written in rhyme with snippets of additional information about the octopus included throughout the book. I think kids will find it fascinating. 

Taxi, Go! by Patricia Toht and illustrated by Maria Karipidou

This fun rhyming book is about the day in the life of a taxi. Readers, especially those who enjoy books about vehicles, will enjoy reading about this happy and helpful taxi who gets people to the places they need to go.

Wolves in Helicopters by Sarah Tagholm and illustrated by Paddy Donnelly

A little rabbit having bad dreams, which feature wolves, learns to take control of them with some good advice from Mommy rabbit. Rabbit's bravery can help readers who have experienced their own nightmares. 

Bunny and Clyde by Megan McDonald and illustrated by Scott Nash

This early chapter book is about two characters, a bunny and chipmunk, who are determined to be bad. It's a humorous story, although kids won't appreciation the connection to the real-life Bonnie and Clyde as much as adults will. Kids will find their antics amusing.

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 Flicker of Hope: A Story of Migration by Cynthia Harmony and illustrated by Devon Holzwarth

Like the monarchs that migrate in the spring, Lucía's father is journeying north. While her father goes in search of work, Lucía eagerly anticipates his homecoming and that of the monarchs. A beautiful book about migration.

Is This a House for Hermit Crab? by Megan McDonald and illustrated by Katherine Tillotson

This is an updated version of the picture book written over thirty years ago with new artwork. Hermit Crab is on a search for a new house as his shell is too small. His search involves finding the perfect shelter and keeping safe from danger. Information about hermit crabs is included at the end of the book.

Ride Beside Me by Lucy Knisley

A child and mother bike through their community along with other riders. This book celebrates the joys of bike riding. 

Deep Water by Jamie Sumner

In this middle grade novel written in verse, Tully is determined to complete a twelve mile swim because she will be the youngest to do so and she thinks it will make her mother come back. Her swim is a way for her to deal with the family challenges she is facing. Her character is great, but I also loved that of her best friend who is there by her side while she swims. This is a moving, emotional, and tense read. Thanks to the publisher for an advance reader's copy. The book publishes in April.