It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is a community of bloggers who link up to share what they are reading.  For more information and to find out what other bloggers are reading check out the host blogs: Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers. 

This is What I've Been Reading...

Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall

Jabari wakes up and is ready to jump off the diving board, but once he and his family are at the public swimming pool he loses his courage. Jabari hesitates and makes excuses, but luckily he has a supportive and encouraging dad. This book is a slice of life story about a boy who can teach readers about risk-taking, optimism, and courage. The illustrations are interesting and show all the emotions Jabari is feeling. This book would make a great read aloud and also be useful as a writing mentor text. It is really a lovely picture book. 

A True Home (Heartwood Hotel, Book 1) by Kallie George 

Mona, an orphaned mouse, discovers that home is where the heart is when she happens upon a hotel inside the trunk of a tree. Heartwood Hotel sounds like a delightful and cozy place to visit with a heart carved into the door and the wonderful, kind creatures that reside inside. The story is fanciful and sweet. There are quite a few illustrations throughout the book as well. This is a book that would be perfect for readers who don't have the stamina yet for longer chapter books. 

The Tiny Hero of Ferny Creek Library by Linda Bailey

Eddie is a shiny green bug who loves books and lives with his family in Room 19 at Ferny Creek Elementary School. His aunt has gone missing in the library so Eddie goes on an adventure to save her. When he gets to the library he finds his Aunt Min, but also discovers he needs to save the library, as well. Eddie provides an amusing perspective on the library and reading and readers will root for him as he faces many close encounters with danger. The author referenced quite a few popular works of children's literature in the book, too, and the illustrations, done by Victoria Jamieson, are lovely.  

York: The Shadow Cipher by Laura Ruby 

Tess, Theo, and Jamie live in an apartment which is being sold to a real estate developer. In order to try and keep their home, they are determined to solve the Old York Cipher. This is quite a mystery. It's an exciting and fun read, with some elements of fantasy and interesting characters. The ending will have you eager to know what adventure awaits Tess, Theo, and Jamie in the next book.