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Monday, March 11, 2019

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...

Let's Have a Dog Party by Mikela Prevost

Kate and her friends throw a birthday party for her dog, Frank. Frank would much rather nap in his favorite spot than take part in the very loud and rowdy festivities. Kate, being a good friend, eventually realizes how Frank feels and gives him just the kind of party he likes. Kate and Frank have a sweet friendship that illustrates the importance of understanding the feelings of others. The book also shows readers that not everybody (or every dog) is the party type. Thanks to the publisher, Penguin Young Readers, for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with a review copy. 

Poetree by Shauna LaVoy Reynolds

Sylvia writes a poem and attaches it to a tree. The next day, Sylvia finds a new poem on the tree and she is delighted that the tree has written back to her. Sylvia is glad to have the Poetree, who is much kinder than her classmates, as a friend. When Sylvia discovers the truth about the poems, she discovers an unexpected friend. This is a sweet celebration of friendship, springtime, and the power of writing. I recently read it to a class of first graders who started a poetry writing unit and they really enjoyed it. Thanks to the publisher, Dial Books for Young Readers, for a review copy. 

Spend It! by Cinders McLeod

Sunny gets three carrots a week as his allowance and on Saturdays he visits the toy store. He wants to buy everything, but learns he has to make wise choices about how he spends his money. This is an adorable introduction to money management. 

Extraordinary Birds by Sandy Stark-McGinnis

December believes she is a bird and the scars on her back, which she got when she was living with her mother, prove that she will one day have wings. Because December has been in and out of foster homes, she is very distrustful of the people who come into her life. She has been placed with a woman named Eleanor who is a taxidermist and helps rescue wild animals. Although they have common interests, December is not sure if she can trust Eleanor. This is a story of a girl learning to accept the love and support of others and finding family unexpectedly. It's a lovely, hopeful story. Thanks to the publisher for an advance reader's copy. The book publishes in April.

Kazu Jones and the Denver Dognappers by Shauna M. Holyoak

There have been a string of dognappings in Kazu's neighborhood. Kazu, who has a passion for detective work and dogs, is determined to find the culprit. With her best friend and a couple of classmates, whose dogs have gone missing, she investigates the evidence that points to a elderly neighbor. When Kazu's own dog goes missing, she has an even bigger reason to solve the case. With just enough suspense and action, this mystery is an appropriate one for middle grade readers. The case that Kazu is trying to solve is also one that will interest middle grade readers, especially dog lovers. The book explores issues related to growing up, including learning how to navigate friendships and family relationships. Thanks to the author for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with an advance reader's copy. The book publishes in April.

Shout by Laurie Halse Anderson

This is a powerful memoir written in verse. The author writes raw and honestly about being the victim of a sexual assault when she was a teenager and her journey to become a writer. It's heart-wrenching, but moving as well. This is a timely book that provides hope and encouragement and conveys the message that it is necessary to not just speak out, but to shout. Thanks to the publisher, Penguin Young Readers, for a review copy of the book.

10 comments:

  1. I have Shout, know it will be hard to read, but I don't want to miss what Laurie Halse Anderson has written. Extraordinary Birds is one I'll look for, sounds lovely, as does Poetree. Thanks, Lisa. Have a good week!

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  2. Oh my goodness, "Let's Have a Dog Party" looks so adorable, and what a great message to share - as a bit of an introverted person, I definitely agree with Frank, and it's about time we quiet folk get our time to shine! :-)

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  3. You have a lot of delightful books on your list today. I want to read Poetree and Extraordinary Birds sounds lovely. I will have to wait a while to read Shout until I am healthier because I know that one will be gut wrenching.

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  4. Let's Have a Dog Party looks like an awesome picture book. I always remember that the dogs in Go Dog Go were on their way to a dog party! Anyway, I'll definitely have to look for that one! Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful week!

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  5. I'm looking forward to Shout and Extraordinary Birds (LOVE that cover)! Poetree is brand new to me and I may have to give a copy to my mentor since her name is in the book. Dr. Sylvia Vardell was my advisor and mentor (and later, boss) during my graduate studies in library science (and she is a huge blogger of children's poetry, so I wonder if she's read this one). Thanks for sharing, Lisa, and have a wonderful reading week!

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  6. Oh, I loved Extraordinary Birds! Can't wait for the finished copy!
    I have Poetree to read. Hoping to get to it this week!

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  7. Oh, these are all unfamiliar titles to me - and very glad to know them through you! I have yet to read a Laurie Halse Anderson title - and this looks like a good place to start. :)

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  8. The last two picture books seem interesting. Will have to look for them!

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  9. Lots of great stuff here. I am glad that Shout is being re-released and talked about. Even though it is really hard to read, it is a very important book. I have a copy of Extraordinary Birds on my NetGalley account that I should get to when I feel like reading on my IPAD. Thanks for the post.

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  10. I cannot wait to read Shout, but I know I have to be ready for it.

    Happy reading this week :)

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