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Monday, February 26, 2018

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.


Books I've Been Reading...


Girl Running: Bobbi Gibb and the Boston Marathon by Annette Bay Pimentel

Bobbi Gibb was the first woman to run the Boston Marathon before women were permitted to do so. This book tells her story. It tells of her passion for running and her determination to run and finish the race. Bobbi Gibb inspired others when she first ran the race, as the book will inspire readers today.

The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson

Candice, with the help of Brandon, a boy she has recently befriended when her and her mom move to South Carolina, is investigating a decades old mystery. The mystery was one her grandmother had also tried to solve before she died and involves a million dollar treasure. The book alternates between the story of Candice and Brandon in the present day and the story of those tied to the mystery in the 1950s. The story gives insight into the segregation occurring in the 1950s and touches upon the issues of racial discrimination that exist today. In addition, middle grade readers will relate to Caroline and Brandon who are dealing with challenges of growing up. This is a book with an intriguing mystery, an interesting plot, and important themes. I received an advanced reader's copy of this book thanks to the publisher, Scholastic, at the National Council of Teachers of English Annual Conference.

Monday, February 19, 2018

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.


Books I've Been Reading...


Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller

This book is exactly what the title implies, a book about being kind. The message, that all the little kindnesses we do add up to something big, is sweet. The book will also give children ideas about what they can do at home and at school to be kind. The acts of kindness in the book are simple, yet powerful because each small act can lead to another and another. For anyone looking to inspire kindness, this book is a great choice.

The Word Collector by Peter H. Reynolds

In his familiar style, Peter H. Reynolds has given us another short and sweet, but meaningful and inspirational story. Jerome is a word collector who knows the power of those words. This book will spark discussions about favorite words and the use of words to empower and transform. I could read this book, as well as many of Peter's other books, over and over again, both for the message and the art. I am looking forward to seeing Peter H. Reynolds in person this April. He is one of the keynote speakers at the Massachusetts Reading Association Annual Conference.

Bat and the Waiting Game by Elana K. Arnold

I loved A Boy Called Bat and have been eager to read this second book in the series. Bat continues to take care of his skunk, Thor, and navigate his relationships with family and friends as someone who sees the world a little differently. As Bat is on the autism spectrum, he is a model for those readers who face similar challenges in their lives. He is a charming and funny character who learns important life lessons. Thanks to the publisher for an advanced reader's copy of the book. The book publishes in March.

Jake the Fake Stands Up by Craig Robinson and Adam Mansbach

Jake discovered his talents as a comedian in the first book in this series. In this book, the fame associated with being a comedian goes to his head. Jake learns something about friendship and fame. There's a lot of humor in both this book and the previous one, Jake the Fake Keeps it Real. The numerous illustrations provide additional hilarity, the kind that kids appreciate. For readers who enjoy Diary of a Wimpy Kid, this is an alternative to offer. I received an advanced reader's copy of this book, thanks to the publisher, at the National Council of Teachers of English Annual Conference.

Monday, February 12, 2018

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.

Books I've Been Reading...


Nobody's Duck by Mary Sullivan

An alligator finds a duck on his lawn and is determined to find out who the duck belongs to. Alligator not only finds out the answer, but has some memorable experiences while on his quest. This book is told through dialogue and humorous illustrations. I will recommend this to readers who love the Elephant and Piggie books. Early readers will be able to read this book on their own and they will laugh their way through it.

Professional Crocodile by Giovanna Zoboli

In this wordless book, crocodile wakes up, gets ready for the day, and heads to work. Readers will wonder what type of job crocodile has and be surprised when they find out. The illustrations are detailed, with a bit of humor. With each read, I noticed something new in the illustrations. Both, the story and illustrations, are very clever.

The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani 

Nisha and her family are forced to leave their home because of conflict as India splits into two countries, India and Pakistan, after gaining its independence from Britain. The story is told by Nisha as she writes letters to her mother who died giving birth to her and her twin brother. Nisha's letters show her confusion about what is happening in her country, her wish for things to stay as they are, and her longing for her mother. My heart broke in places and I was moved in others. The author gives some background information about this time period in history in her note at the end of the book. I received an advanced reader's copy of this book at NCTE thanks to the publisher, Penguin Young Readers.

Monday, February 5, 2018

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.


Books I've Been Reading...


Elmore by Holly Hobbie

Elmore wishes he had friends, but, unfortunately, the other animals avoid him because of his quills. When Elmore comes up with a plan to put his quills to good use the animals start to see him in a different light. This book is a sweet story about friendship and accepting others. Elmore's resourcefulness is charming. The illustrations are warm and portray the emotions Elmore feels throughout the story. This is one I look forward to reading aloud to my first and second graders.

Absolutely Alfie and the Worst Best Sleepover by Sally Warner

This is the third book in the Absolutely Alfie series, but the first that I've read. Alfie is a second grader who is navigating the ups and downs of friendship. Lulu, who was once a close friend, is having a sleepover, but can only invite five of the thirteen girls in Alfie's class. Alfie really wants to be invited, but she also doesn't want anyone else to feel hurt or disappointed. Alfie's problem is true-to-life and relatable. She's a character who strives to do the right thing and with the support of her family is able to make things better between her and her friends. I received an advanced reader's copy of this book from the publisher at the National Council of Teachers of English Annual Conference. The book publishes in March.

Hurricane Child by Kheryn Callender

Caroline is a lonely child. Her mother left her and her father one day and never returned. She has no friends at the school she attends in St. Thomas. Caroline is dealing with the hurt caused by her mother's abandonment, but also the feelings she has developed for Kalinda, a new girl at her school. Caroline, in spite of her struggles with peers and family, is a character who shows strength as she tries to make sense of her situation. Callender's writing is beautiful, bringing the setting of the the U.S. Virgins Islands to life. I received an advanced reader's copy of this book from the publisher at the National Council of Teachers of English Annual Conference. The book publishes in March.