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Monday, April 20, 2020

Recent Reads

Every Monday, I share books I have recently read. I also participate in It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?, 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, or follow on Twitter at #imwayr.

Recent Reads...



The Yawns Are Coming by Christopher Eliopoulos

Any kid who has tried to stay up all night will be able to relate to this story. Two friends have a long list of things to do at their sleepover, but eventually the "yawns" arrive. It's a humorous book with amusing illustrations. Great for bedtime or anytime, really.

Our Friend Hedgehog: The Story of Us by Lauren Castillo

A group of friends is formed when one hedgehog takes a brave journey to find her lost dog. This is a really sweet story of friendship with a cast of characters who all have a lot of personality. The illustrations are lovely, too. I am eager to see what adventures the animal friends have in the next book in the series. Thanks to Random House Kids for sharing an advance reader's copy with my book review group. Look for this one in May.

The Elephant's Girl by Celesta Remington

Lexington Willow has lived at a zoo since she was found there after a tornado when she was just a toddler. She rarely leaves the zoo, preferring to spend her time with her foster father and her friend, Fisher, who also lives there. She realizes one of the elephants at the zoo can communicate with her and this leads her to a mystery involving a ghost and a missing treasure. As she uncovers secrets, she learns about her past. This is a magical and sweet story of family and friendship. Thanks to the publisher for an advance reader's copy. The book publishes in May.

Trowbridge Road by Marcella Pixley

This is a powerful novel about mental illness, grief, and friendship. Set in 1983, June Bug's dad has died from AIDS and her mother spends most of her time in her room or cleaning the germs that she fears may put her and June in danger of getting sick. June befriends Ziggy, a boy who has moved in to the neighborhood and is dealing with his own family challenges. Their friendship gives them a way to escape their problems, but also the strength and courage to face and work through them. Thanks to Candlewick for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with an advance reader's copy. The book publishes in May.


Grown-Up Reads


As I've written about previously, I had a difficult time concentrating on reading at the beginning of the pandemic situation. Since then, I started limiting the amount of news that I watch and trying some mindfulness strategies before reading and I think that has helped. I've been enjoying reading a lot more and am once again finding it to be a good escape. These are some of the books I've read in the last few weeks.


9 comments:

  1. Oooh! I can't wait to read Our Friend Hedgehog. <3

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  2. I love Lauren Castillo's books, so I'm really looking forward to the library reopening, so I can check this one out. Thanks for sharing. Stay healthy and safe and have a terrific week!

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  3. Wow! You have read a lot. My book club is trying to do 2 books per month. I have one on audio. That helps me because I can listen while I cook, clean, do laundry etc. I love Sue Monk Kidd - I have to give that one a go. Thanks.

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  4. I was excited to see your review of The Elephant's Girl. I'm hoping to start my ARC this week -- it looks so good! And I'm impressed with all your grown up reads. With five very active children and a sick/quarantined hubby, I've struggled to just squeeze in my #kidlit stuff. But I know better days are ahead. Thank you for these shares and have a fantastic reading week, Lisa!

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  5. I'm looking forward to the Castillo book, too. Her books are always so sweet. I have Trowbridge Road so will read it soon & The Elephant's Girl sounds fun. It's great to see the titles for adults, too, Lisa. I'm starting to read more adult books, too, find them good reading as well. It seems that everyone is struggling to get some reading in even with more time. But I guess we're all trying. Best wishes, Lisa, for a good week!

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  6. I just adored Hedgehog and can't wait for its release. So reminds me of the classic Winnie the Pooh and I know kids will love it. The Yawns are Comings looks like a lot of fun! Glad you are getting back into the rhythm of reading. Have a great week Lisa!

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  7. I don't have The Elephant's Girl and might have to add that to my list. I really want to get a copy of Hedgehog soon, and The Yawns are Coming looks funny too. Thanks for the post, happy reading!

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  8. I want to know more about these mindfulness strategies. I may need to employ some! I had YAWNS on my Penguin list but that one did not come to me before they started some warehouse closures. I have HEDGEHOG in my pile for this week.

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  9. I like the look of Trowbridge Road, and I'm also curious about the Anne Tyler. Stay well!

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