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Monday, March 25, 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...

Carl and the Meaning of Life by Deborah Freedman

Carl is an earthworm trying to find his purpose. He asks a few other animals, "Why do I do what I do?" until he discovers that he has a very valuable role. This book shows that even a small creature, like an earthworm, is important to our world. The author's note at the end of the book prompts readers to think about their own role in helping the earth. In addition to providing information about the natural world, this book could also be useful to start discussions about ways we can contribute and make a difference in our world. Thanks to the publisher for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with a review copy.

The Panda Problem by Deborah Underwood

As the main character of the book, Panda should have a problem right? Only he doesn't. To the dismay of the narrator of the book, Panda decides to become the problem. Panda's silly antics weren't quite what the narrator had in mind, but they do lead to an actual problem that needs to be solved. This book will have readers laughing out loud. Thanks to the publisher for a review copy.

True History of Lyndie B. Hawkins by Gail Shepherd

Lyndie B. Hawkins is a endearing character in search of the truth about her world, which seems to have been turned upside down. She wants to understand why her family has moved in with her grandparents and her mother keeps to herself most of the time. She's even more confused about her father's strange behavior and the fact that he's gone missing and no one will tell her the reason for it. While Lyndie deals with family challenges, she meets D.B., a boy who her friend's family is fostering, and they strike up a meaningful friendship. This is a story of family and friendship that explores serious topics, including PTSD and alcohol addiction. It's an engaging, heartfelt book.

Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga

To escape the war in Syria, Jude goes to the U. S. with her mother while her father and brother remain behind. As Jude adjusts to her life in a new place, she is also trying to understand the idea of "home." The books gives insight into what it's like to be torn between two cultures and be part of a family that's separated by an ocean. Jude's story is heart-breaking, but also hopeful. Told in verse, this is a beautifully written book. Thanks to the author for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with an advance reader's copy. The book publishes in May.

9 comments:

  1. I have Carl and the Meaning of Life on hold at my library, sounds very good! I have read about Lyndie Hawkins, & thanks for Other Words for Home, will look for them both, Lisa. You've made me want to read them soon! Thanks!

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  2. I just love what you shared about Carl and the Meaning of Life. I will have to get this one and read it with my kids before we begin our next gardening set-up. We love finding worms in the soil (and I've even witnessed one of my sons chasing down a bird that tried to run away with one of the worms. LOL). I'm also looking forward to Other Words for Home -- thanks for what you shared about it, here. Have a wonderful reading week, Lisa!

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  3. It looks like you have been reading some intense literature this week. I really want to find a copy of Carl and the Meaning of Life. I've now got Other Words for Home and True History of Lyndie B. Hawkins on my want to read list. Thanks for these reviews.

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  4. I just added The Panda Problem and True History of Lyndie B. Hawkins to my To Read list. Both look like awesome books. Thanks for sharing and have a terrific week!

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  5. Carl and the Meaning of Life was so amazing. Thinking it could be a 2020 Caldecott contender.

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  6. I've read Carl and the Meaning of Life several times now, and I think I like it more with each reading. It's such a phenomenal book!

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  7. I will look out for the Panda Problem. I love books about writing books.

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  8. Other Words For Home looks particularly moving - and very timely too. Carl and the Meaning of Life is now immediately going to my To-Find books in Goodreads.

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  9. I really loved Lyndie and felt that the author tackled some tough issues with truth and grace. I plan to share my review of Carl and the Meaning of Life tomorrow. What a powerful message. So blessed to have read it before its release with #bookexcursion.

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