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.
Pages
▼
Monday, December 31, 2018
Monday, December 24, 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.
Recent Reads...
Imagine by Juan Felipe Herrera
Lyrical and full of possibility, this book is the story of how Juan Felipe Herrera, former Poet Laureate, became a poet. He tells how he picked flowers, migrated to another country, slept under the stars, learned to spell in English, and read his book of poetry on the steps of the Library of Congress. As he tells his story, he encourages readers to imagine all that they can achieve. Herrera's words are filled with hope and inspiration and the illustrations, by Lauren Castillo, are gorgeous. Thanks to Candlewick for a review copy of the book.Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré by Anika Aldamuy Denise
Pura Belpré was the first Puerto Rican librarian in New York City who wrote her own stories about Latinx characters because she could not find any on the shelves of the library. In 1921, Pura traveled from Puerto Rico to Manhattan with the stories her abuela had told her. As a bilingual assistant in the library, she led story hour, planting seeds of the folktales she had heard in Puerto Rico, and later authored her own books, so that children could remember the place they once called home. This is an inspirational story of a woman who influenced children's literature, but it also highlights the importance of books in which children can see themselves and their culture. The detailed illustrations are both warm and joyous. Thanks to the publisher, I received a review copy of this book at the National Council of Teachers of English Annual Convention. The book publishes in January.Monday, December 17, 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.
Recent Reads...
The Case of the Missing Chalk Drawings by Richard Byrne
The chalks have fun drawing until they discover someone has been stealing their creations. There is not only a mystery to be solved, but this story highlights creative conflict resolution. The bright illustrations against a black background bring the chalks and their drawings to life. An amusing story.The Day War Came by Nicola Davies
This is a book that took my breath away. The book is written as a poem, honest in its depiction of the tragedy of war. When war strikes, the young girl becomes a refugee, alone and searching for safety among the streets of her new country. War seems to have overtaken her until a boy arrives offering her a chair and some hope. In the endnote, the author tells of the news story that inspired her to write the book as a reminder that kindness has power. This is a heavy story, but very moving.The Storm Keeper's Island by Catherine Doyle
Fionn and his sister have been sent to Arranmore, an island off the coast of Ireland, to live with their grandfather for the summer. As Fionn unravels the secrets of the island, he learns of the magic it holds and the powers his grandfather possesses as Storm Keeper of the island. Fionn's bravery is put to the test as he finds himself fighting for his family and the good of the island. This is an enchanting tale of family and good versus evil. It's adventurous, humorous, and heartfelt. Thanks to the publisher for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with an advance reader's copy. The book publishes in January.Monday, December 10, 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.
Recent Reads...
Best Friends in the Universe by Stephanie Watson
Hector and Louie write a book featuring themselves as best friends. When Hector reveals Louie's secret, the book they are writing goes awry and soon it is titled, "Worst Friends in the Universe." As stories of friendship go, Hector and Louie don't stay mad at each other too long. With two kids writing and drawing themselves into their own book, this is a creative story with humor kids will love.I Got the Christmas Spirit by Connie Schofield-Morrison
A little girl celebrates the spirit of the season as she walks through the city with her mother. The sights and sounds bring her joy, as does giving to others. With onomatopoeia and beautiful illustrations depicting a snowy day before the holidays, this is a lively and festive read. The message about kindness and giving can lead to discussions about the true spirit of the holidays. Thanks to the publisher, Bloomsbury, for a review copy of the book.Freya and Zoose by Emily Butler
Freya, a rockhopper penguin, hides away in a hot-air balloon so she can secretly join the crew on an expedition to the North Pole. She is surprised when she discovers a mouse named Zoose is also along for the journey. Freya and Zoose are stuck with each other and although neither one expected the other they learn to get along. This is an adventurous tale of friendship and survival. Thanks to the publisher, Random House, for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with an advance reading copy of the book. It publishes in January.The Whispers by Greg Howard
Riley wants to find his mother and he thinks the Whispers, magical creatures in the woods that he has heard stories about from his mother, can lead him to her. Riley is also struggling to understand his attraction to boys which he fears is what caused his mother to disappear. As Riley takes a journey to find his mother, the true story of what happened is revealed to the reader. This is a touching story exploring grief, family, and friendship. I received an advance reader's copy of the book from the publisher at the National Council of Teachers of English Convention.Monday, December 3, 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.