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Monday, July 31, 2017

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...


Hattie and Hudson by Chris Van Dusen

Hattie loves exploring in her canoe and discovering nature that exists around the lake. Charmed by her singing, Hudson, a huge monster, emerges from the water. Although Hattie and Hudson become friends, others in the town decide they must get rid of the monster. Hattie and Hudson have an idea to help those in the town change their perspective. The book has a message about acceptance and looking beyond the surface before jumping to conclusions. 

Lucia the Luchadora by Cynthia Leonor

Lucia is a little girl with a big personality. She shows off her superhero skills at the playground, but the boys insist that girls can't be superheroes. Lucia gets mad, but her Abuela has a secret plan. Lucia proves she is a superhero even without a cape or mask and shows that you can be whatever you dream if you believe in yourself. Lucia's personality leaps off the page with the fast action and fun action words sprinkled throughout the text. I liked the addition of a supportive grandmother and the author includes some background information to explain what a luchadora is at the end of the book.

The Half-True Lies of Cricket Cohen by Catherine Lloyd Burns

Cricket's half-truths get her in trouble with her teacher when, instead of writing a memoir, she writes an imaginative story that she would like to be true. Her parents go away for the weekend and leave her home to rewrite her memoir and keep her eye on her grandmother who seems to be getting more confused and forgetful lately. Cricket's grandmother suggest they go on an adventure so they pack their bags and head out to explore New York City. The trip turns out to be more than Cricket bargained for, but also an eye-opening experience that helps Cricket learn more about herself and her grandmother. Cricket and her grandmother have a beautiful relationship and the way Cricket cares for her is sweet. Both Cricket and her grandmother have spunk and free spirits which is part of what makes their adventure so amusing.

Lucy and the Rocket Dog by Will Buckingham

This book is adventurous and heart-warming and just a really good story. Lucy builds a spaceship in her backyard and her dog, Laika, accidentally launches herself into space. The book alternates between telling about Lucy's life on earth and Laika's journey in space. There is a lot of science integrated into the book for those who are curious about space. The ending will make readers smile. If you want to know more about this book, read my review here.

The Countdown Conspiracy by Katie Slivensky

Miranda is one of six children who have been chosen to participate in a program that is training them to travel to Mars in nine years. Once the training begins there are series of attacks that seem to be targeting her and are putting her entire team and others in danger. Miranda and the other cadets must figure out who is responsible for the attacks and keep themselves safe. There is mystery, suspense, and a ton of action in this book. 

Slider by Pete Hautman

This book is unique. The main character, David, takes part in a competitive eating contest. It's also funny as David has a great sense of humor. But, it's a thoughtful book, too. It explores the relationship between David and his younger, autistic brother. A really great read. You can read more about what I think about it here

13 comments:

  1. I have a copy of Slider sitting on my TBR pile and hope to get to it soon. Hattie and Hudson sounds like a very important read. The rest sound excellent too. Ahh, so many books, never enough time! Happy Reading!

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    1. I have a lot more time for reading in summer, but I still wish I had more!

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  2. I'd like to read Hattie and Hudson, sounds good, as do so many of the books you shared today, Lisa. Slider, Half-True Lies and The Countdown Conspiracy all sound worth reading! Thanks!

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    1. You'll enjoy Hattie and Hudson. My students really like the author's Mr. McGee books.

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  3. Lucia the Luchadora looks like a fun twist on the "believe in yourself" story, and I love a feisty female character!

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  4. Great list of new books for me to check out! There are so many good ones coming along! Have a great week!

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    1. I have such a huge stack of books to read right now.

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  5. Thanks for letting me know about Slider!

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    1. I think Slider will be popular with middle school students.

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  6. Half-Lies and Countdown are two books I definitely want to read! And I hadn't heard of Slider until now--thank you for sharing it!

    Happy reading this week :)

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  7. I have Slider, but had not heard any reviews until yours, thanks!
    LOVED Countdown Conspiracy. I think it's going to be very popular with readers.

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  8. Hello! I'm the author of The Half True Lies of Cricket Cohen and I wanted to reach out about school visits. Please be in touch by email: carenbarns@gmail.com if a read aloud/writing workshop is something that could work in your community. I skype, or travel depending on the distance from NYC. Thank you and happy reading! Cathy carenbarns@email.com

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