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Monday, June 25, 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. To find out what other bloggers are reading, check out the host blogs: Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers. You can also follow on Twitter at #imwayr.

What I've Been Reading...


The Brilliant Deep: Rebuilding the World's Coral Reefs by Kate Messner

A few weeks ago I attended a presentation and signing with author Kate Messner at An Unlikely Story Bookstore (one of my favorite bookstores, located in Massachusetts and owned by Diary of a Wimpy Kid author Jeff Kinney). I knew she has authored quite a few books, but I was reminded of what a versatile author she is. Her research and writing process are amazing. Although she was on a book tour for her middle grade novel, Breakout, I picked up a copy of The Brilliant Deep, a nonfiction picture book about the coral reefs and Ken Nedimyer who had an idea to restore them. This book provides information about the reefs, but also shows how one person can make a positive difference for our environment. Gorgeous, informative, and inspirational.

Crunch, The Shy Dinosaur by Cirocco Dunlap

I read this to some classes of first graders the last week of school and they loved it. Crunch is a very shy dinosaur who needs some coaxing to come out of the bushes. With some participation from readers, Crunch reveals himself, showing readers that he's not just shy, but also entertaining.

Dear Substitute by Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick

A girl's day starts very differently when her class has a substitute teacher. This book is told through a series of letters the girl writes to her substitute and some of the things that get mixed up. Kids will be able to relate to this book and it may also assuage some anxiety about having a substitute teacher.

We Don't Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins

Phoebe is anxious about starting school and very surprised to learn that her classmates are not dinosaurs like her, but children. Because children are so tasty, Phoebe has a difficult time making friends. This is a humorous book with a twist at the end. School just got out for the summer, but I am eager to read this one to students at the beginning of next year.

Junior Ninja Champion: The Competition Begins by Catherine Hapka

A group of kids practice their ninja skills and tryout for Junior Ninja Champion, a reality show featuring an obstacle competition. The kids' love for ninja sports has brought them together and they all have the determination to make it to the finals. Although they are in competition, they work together and support one another. This book will be a good addition to the basket of sports books in my library, especially since it will be a good option for students who have an interest in less traditional types of sports and competitions.

19 comments:

  1. Happy summer Lisa! I just read Dear Substitute and plan to review it this week. Always love books that I recommend for reading at the beginning of the year. I just ordered We Don’t Eat Our Classmates through First Book. I keep hearing about Brilliant Deep and am always on the lookout for nonfiction picture books. Enjoy relaxing and reading!

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    1. I think kids will really like We Don't Eat Our Classmates. Already enjoying the extra time I have to read now that it's summer!

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  2. Happy Monday! My students LOVED The Brilliant Deep - I think it’s such a well-crafted picture book biography. The illustrations are beautiful, too. I’ll have to check out some of the other picture books you mentioned. Have a great week!

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    1. Glad I picked it up at the bookstore when we were there!

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  3. I can't wait to read Dear Substitute and We Don't Eat Our Classmates.

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    1. I love school-related books for the beginning of the year so I'm glad for both.

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  4. I still need to read The Brilliant Deep, know it will be good. I just finished Breakout, and know that Kate Messner creates wonderful books. Thanks, Lisa.

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    1. I love so many of Kate Messner's books - her picture books, the Ranger in Time series, and The Exact Location of Home was one of my favorites.

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  5. I'm adding Crunch to my list today (I keep hearing good things)! You have so many good books listed here, sounds like an excellent reading week. Oh, I also need to get my hands on The Brilliant Deep. Thanks for sharing, Lisa!

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    1. Crunch is fun to read aloud! Have a great week!

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  6. I have We Don't Eat Our Classmates in my pile from the library. I'll definitely enjoy reading it! Have a great week!

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  7. Awww, Crunch looks like a fun read-aloud to share on school visits!

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    1. I definitely think kids will like it if you share on school visits.

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  8. I'm not sure if I am happy or sad that my library doesn't yet have The Brilliant Deep: Rebuilding the World's Coral Reefs. I already have so many books to read, but I love everything Kate writes!

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  9. We Don't Eat Our Classmates. Oh my goodness, that title makes me giggle! I am going to see if I can get it through my library. Thanks for sharing!

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  10. Hi there Lisa, once again, I am brought to so many interesting titles that are not on my radar yet - will be on the lookout for these books! :) Have a great reading week! - Myra (GatheringBooks)

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  11. I want to get my hands on The Brilliant Deep. I so agree that Messner is prolific and so versatile.

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  12. We Don't Eat Our Classmates is a hoot!

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