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 Hospital Book by Lisa Brown

The narrator of this book goes to the hospital with appendicitis and tells about the times she cried and did not cry. This book explains what a hospital visit can be like in an engaging way and can help to ease anxieties of a child who has is having such an experience. 

The Perfect Sushi by Emily Satoko Seo and illustrated by Mique Moriuchi

A young girl wants to make the perfect sushi for her grandmother's birthday, but is frustrated when it turns out lopsided rather than just right. When she orders a platter of sushi for the celebration, she learns a lesson about perfection.  

You Rule! by Rilla Alexander

This is an interesting book about feelings with great vocabulary. The ending is sweet.

Two Friends, One Dog, and a Very Unusual Week by Sarah L. Thomson and illustrated by Vin Vogel

Emily has a new neighbor living on the top floor of her apartment building. Although they are the same age, the new girl is very different from her, as she doesn't seem to want to follow any rules. As Emily begins a new friendship she is also trying to keep them both out of trouble and not having a lot of success. This is a quirky and fun book about friendship.

Adult Reading 

Happy Place by Emily Henry

Not my favorite novel by this author, but it's a quick, light, and touching read. If you haven't read Emily Henry yet and are planning, too, I'd recommend starting with Book Lovers or People We Meet on Vacation. Her books make great beach or pool-side 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...

Big Tune: Rise of the Dancehall Prince by Alliah L. Agostini and illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice

Celebrating Jamaican music and dance, this rhythmic story is full of joy. Shane, who only dances when no one is around, helps his community when the speaker breaks before the Saturday dance gathering and finds the confidence to show off his moves.  

Ode to a Bad Day by Chelsea Lin Wallace and illustrated by Hyewon Yum

In this lyrical poem, one thing after another goes wrong for the narrator. As bad as the day is, the narrator has hope for a better tomorrow. This lively ode includes humor and many kids will be able to relate to.

Don't Touch That Flower by Alice Hemming and illustrated by Nicolas Slater

The first flower of spring arrives and Squirrel, who claims it as his own, wants to protect it. Bird helps him learn what flowers need and shows him that nature is there for all to enjoy. A fun book.

Home Away From Home by Cynthia Lord

Another heart-warming book from Cynthia Lord. Mia visits her grandmother every summer, but this year is different since her mother is packing up their house while she is gone. In addition, Mia is jealous of a neighbor who has been spending time with her grandmother. She is excited about an unusual bird that she and the neighbor have discovered, but when she posts about it online she realizes the bird may not be safe. This is a story about friendship and dealing with the consequences of one's actions. 

Adult Reading Recommendation 

The Last Word by Taylor Adams

I read this suspenseful thriller in a day and a half. After a tragic event in her life, Emma has escaped to a remote beach where, alone with her dog, she is housesitting. When she posts a one star book review, the author insists she removes it. She leaves the review up and soon after strange and disturbing things start happening around the house and she believes the author is acting out his next murder crime novel with her as the intended victim. This book is fast-paced and action-packed with interesting twists. It's creepy and over the top, but very clever. 

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...

Farah Loves Mangos by Sarthak Sinha

Farah, who loves mangos, is distraught to find out her that her grandpa's tree is not producing fruit. She thinks hard and comes up with many creative ideas to try and get the mango tree to bear fruit, but nothing works. Although her grandfather is too busy to bother with the tree, he has found a way to help her appreciate it even without fruit. A fun book with lovely illustrations.

In Between by April Pulley Sayre with Jeff Sayre

A poem and photos celebrate in between moments as animals live and move in the world. A gorgeous book that provides a clever look at the natural world.

The Yellow Handkerchief by Donna Barba Higuera and illustrated by Cynthia Alonso

A girl feels ashamed of the way her abuela acts and talks and really dislikes the yellow handkerchief she wears. When her grandmother has to go away for a bit, the girl misses her terribly and begins to realize how special her abuela is. This is a heart-warming story about embracing differences and one's culture.

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Dragon by Lucille Colandro and illustrated by Jared Lee

The latest in The Old Lady series is as absurd as the previous books, but this one has a fun fairy tale twist at the end. Fans of the series will love this one.

Henry, Like Always by Jenn Bailey and illustrated by Mika Song

Henry is kid who likes routine, so when his teacher declares there will be a parade on Friday instead of the usual share time he feels great unease about it. Finally the end of the week arrives, and Henry finds a way to enjoy the parade and make a classmate happy. There are certainly kids who will be able to relate to Henry and his feelings about change. This beginning chapter book is the first in a series.

Juniper Harvey and the Vanishing Kingdom by Nina Varela

Juniper has just moved to Florida from Dallas and she has been having strange dreams which she records with her art in a notebook. Without any friends, she keeps to herself, until she makes a wish and the girl from her dream, Princess Galatea, appears in her bedroom and together they work to save a vanishing kingdom. This is a magical adventure story, but also a sweet story about friendship and navigating first crushes. 

Adult Reading Recommendation

Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane

This historical crime novel book takes place during the hot summer of 1974 in Boston when courts ruled that students would be bused to schools outside of their neighborhoods in order to desegregate them. It is intense, enraging, heart-wrenching, and thought-provoking book. The emotions and historical details are well captured. Hard to put down.

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...

Danbi's Favorite Day by Anna Kim 

Danbi has high expectations for her Children's Day celebration, but because her parents are working she is only allowed a small party behind their deli and then as it begins it starts to rain. With encouragement from her mother and a creative and resilient spirit, Danbi is able to save her party. The follow-up to Danbi Leads the School Parade, this book is equally endearing.

This is a Story by John Schu and illustrated by Lauren Castillo

This book which reads like a poem is about the power of stories to connect us and the joy of libraries. Lovely illustrations. 

Wild Blue by Dashka Slater and illustrated by Laura Hughes 

Kayla gets a new big bike without training wheels. Because it's like a mustang, difficult to tame, she names it Wild Blue. This story of perseverance is sweet and the comparison between a bike and a horse is creative. Very charming.

The One and Only Ruby by Katherine Applegate

Ruby is not looking forward to her Tuskday, a ceremony to celebrate that an elephant is growing up. She shares memories of the time when she lived in Africa with her friends Ivan and Bob, revealing the heart-breaking story which has led her to dislike her tusks. With the help of her friends and elephant family, she is able to heal and find her courage. Those many students who have read and enjoyed The One and Only Ivan and The One and Only Ruby will be excited to see this newest title. Written from the perspective of an elephant and providing insight into the dangers elephants face it is interesting and meaningful. Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced review copy. The book publishes in May.

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...

No Fair! by Jacob Grant

Pablo is spending Market Day with his dad, but there are many things that don't seem fair, such as having to wait for donuts and not being able to choose what they buy. This is a sweet book to help readers learn about fairness.

Ramen for Everyone by Patricia Tanumihardja and illustrated by Shiho Pate

Hiro wants to make the perfect bowl of ramen like his dad, so on his seventh birthday he gives it a try. Neither the broth, the noodles, or the toppings meet Hiro's expectations, but he is able to save dinner with resilience and creative problem-solving. This is a joyful book that celebrates traditions and creativity.

We Don't Lose Our Class Goldfish by Ryan T. Higgins

Penelope faces her fears when she brings home Walter, the class goldfish who once bit her finger. This is another Penelope Rex book that kids will love. It's humorous with a message readers will be able to relate to and has amusing illustrations. 

Four Eyes by Rex Ogle and illustrated by Dave Valeza

Sixth grade is hard enough for Rex, but it becomes even more of a challenge when he needs to get glasses. This is a wonderful graphic novel about navigating middle school, the ups and downs of friendship, and fitting in. Relatable and humorous, readers will root for Rex as he strives to build confidence and the ability to stand up for himself. Thanks to the publisher, Scholastic, for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with an advance reader's copy. The book publishes in May.

Are you There God? It's Me Margaret by Judy Blume

In anticipation of the movie that releases at the end of April, I reread this childhood favorite. I am also looking forward to the documentary about Judy Blume as I read all of her books as a child in the 80s.

The Department of Lost Dogs by Josephine Cameron

Dog lovers will enjoy this mystery. Rondo becomes involved with the disappearance of dogs while a canine TV show is being filmed at his family's dog-friendly bed and breakfast. Readers of the author's A Dog-Friendly Town will recognize the setting and characters, but this book can be read on its own.

Adult Reading Recommendations

Daughters of Nantucket by Julie Gerstenblatt

I learn so much from reading historical fiction. This book centers around an event, the Great Fire of 1846 that happened on the island of Nantucket, which I had never heard about. I found it fascinating to read about the courage and strength of three different women dealing with the struggles of living in this time period.

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...

Friends Beyond Measure by Lalena Fisher

Ana and Harwin have differences and disagreements, but they are great friends. Their friendship is put to the test when Harwin moves away. This heart-warming story is also an introduction to infographics as a variety of charts help to tell about Ana and Harwin's friendship.

Jump In! by Shadra Strickland

A game of Double Dutch begins and several kids and adults in the community join in. This is a joyful and fun book with some surprising parts told through rhythmic text and lively illustrations.

Lost Cat! by Jacqueline K. Rayner

The narrator of the book calls Fred for dinner, but the cat does not come. A search for the cat doesn't seem to be successful, but the illustrations clue readers in to where the cat is. This story of a lost cat has a fun and imaginative twist. 

Make More S'mores by Cathy Ballou Mealey and illustrated by Ariel Landy

This is a sweet story about s'mores and sharing. The illustrations are delightful. 

Elena Rides by Juana Medina

Elena models perseverance and resilience in this beginning reader as she learns to ride a bike and is encouraged by a friend. A cute and fun read.

Adult Reading Recommendation

Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto

Set in San Francisco, Vera Wong walks into her tea shop and finds a man dead on the floor. Because she believes the police are not doing their job adequately and that the man has been murdered, she becomes an amateur sleuth trying to find the murderer. I listened to the audiobook and was very entertained. It's both quirky and fun. 

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...

Bathe the Cat by Alice B. McGinty and illustrated by David Roberts

A mischievous cat, who wants to get out of being bathed, rearranges the words on the list of tasks the family must do to get ready for Grandma's visit. Cleaning up turns into chaos until the family finally gets it right. Very amusing.

A Boy and His Mirror by Marchánt Davis and illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo

A magic mirror helps Chris when other kids tease him about his hair. This rhyming story has an important message about confidence and kindness.

The Gentle Genius of Trees by Philip Bunting

This is an informative book about trees that shows just how amazing they are. The author also compares trees to humans, imparting important lessons about how to live and be.

Mama Shamsi at the Bazaar by Mojdeh Hassani and illustrated by Maya Fidawi

This is a sweet story featuring a relationship between a grandchild and her grandmother set in Tehran. Samira is worried about going to the bazaar for the first time so she wants to hide under Mama Shamsi's chador. The story is based on the author's childhood.

You Are Loved: A Book About Families by Margaret O'Hair and illustrated by Sofia Cardoso

The companion to You Are Enough, this book is inspired by Sofia Sanchez, an actress with Down syndrome, and explains how families are all different and special. A very sweet book.

Reina Ramos Works it Out! by Emma Otheguy and illustrated by Andrés Landazábal 

I love this delightful beginning reader book about Reina Ramos who learns what it means to be a good friend and a strong person. There are a few Spanish words in the book that are included in the glossary at the end. This is an engaging story with a social emotional theme related to problem-solving.

The Infinite Questions of Dottie Bing by Molly B. Burnham and illustrated by Fanny Liem

Ten-year-old Dottie's grandfather has come to stay with her family after her grandmother has died. Dottie misses her grandmother a lot, but has difficulty related to her grandfather. She does not understand why he is spending so much time talking to the can that contains her grandmother's ashes. He is also interfering with her plans to build a treehouse with her friend Sam. This is such a charming book that explores loss, healing, change, and friendship. 

Adult Reading Recommendation 

If We're Being Honest by Cat Shook

This book opens with a funeral as family and friends are gathered in Eulalia, Georgia mourning the loss of Gerry, the Williams family patriarch. The story takes place over the course of a week during which the Williams family is together processing the shocking revelation about Gerry that is revealed during the eulogy given by a neighbor and close friend, but also dealing with issues and surprises of various family members. There are many characters introduced very quickly, so it did take some effort to remember how they were connected, especially at the beginning of the book. It's a quiet, unique, and uplifting story. I enjoyed the theme related to family and how the story imparts a message about the messiness of families and the ways they hold each other together. Thanks to the publisher for a review copy. The book publishes in April.