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...

Ellie's Dragon by Bob Graham

As a small child, Ellie finds a newborn dragon. Although not everyone can see him, Scratch grows along with her. This is a poignant story about imagination and growing up. 

Leif and the Fall by Allison Sweet Grant and Adam Grant and illustrated by Merrilee Liddiard

It's fall and Leif knows that means he must fall off the tree, but he's worried that he'll bump his head or skin his knee. Leif and his friends come up with ideas to soften the landing, but nothing works. When Leif finally falls off the tree he discovers that the ideas were more useful than he realized. An amusing story about trying new things and persistence.

Will You Be My Friend? by Sam McBratney and illustrated by Anita Jeram

Over twenty-five years after Guess How Much I Love You, there is a sequel and it's very sweet. Little Nutbrown Hare is on his own exploring until another hare appears to join him in his play. This book wonderfully captures the joys of making a new friend.

Mellybean and the Giant Monster by Mike White

Melly loves games, but the cats who live with him would rather sleep. When the cats lock him out of the house and trick him into burying a shoe, he discovers a hole that leads to a magical world where he meets a giant, grumpy monster. There is lots of action and adventure as Melly helps to save the monster and the kingdom. This is a humorous and very cute graphic novel that I think will appeal to readers on the younger end of the middle grade span.

Serena Says by Tanita S. Davis

Serena and JC have been best friends for a long time, but their relationship seems to be changing. JC who is recovering from a kidney transplant has been spending more time with another classmate. Serena is navigating this changing friendship, as well as challenges of a group project at school. This is a relatable middle grade novel about friendship and finding one's voice. The book publishes next month.

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...

My Day with Gong Gong by Sennah Yee and illustrated by Elaine Chen

May is unhappy about spending the day with her grandfather because they don't speak the same language. They take a walk through Chinatown, and in spite of their differences, enjoy the day together. This is a sweet story about the love between a granddaughter and grandfather.

Norman: One Amazing Goldfish! by Kelly Bennett and illustrated by Noah Z. Jones

In the follow-up to Not Norman, Norman and his owner are back in a story about stage fright and being a supportive friend. The story and illustrations will amuse readers. 

Donut Feed the Squirrels (Norma and Belly) by Mika Song

After the pancakes have been burned, two squirrels, Normal and Belly, are on a mission to obtain donuts from the food truck that serves the delicious-smelling treat. The squirrels' antics are amusing and will give readers a laugh. This a graphic novel that will have readers eager for the second book. 

Summer of L.U.C.K by Laura Stegman

This is a sweet and magical middle grade novel about three kids who befriend each other at summer camp and discover a mysterious carnival. The story is engaging and the characters are wonderful. The book also explores important themes related to courage, self-acceptance, and friendship. Thanks to the author for sharing a review copy with my book review group, #BookExcursion.

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 Purple Puffy Coat by Maribeth Boelts and illustrated by Daniel Duncan

Beetle gets Stick Bug a very flashy and fashionable purple puffy coat for his birthday and encourages him to show it off through the neighborhood. Stick Bug is not comfortable in the coat or being the center of attention. When Beetle realizes how Stick Bug feels, the two friends find a way to make each other happy. This is a charming story about friendship and the importance of understanding one another and respecting each other's feelings. Thanks to the publisher, Candlewick, for sharing a review copy of the book with my book review group, #BookExcursion. It publishes in November.

William Still and His Freedom Stories: The Father of the Underground Railroad by Don Tate

This is an important story about William Still, a historical figure who played a major role in helping enslaved people escape to freedom through the Underground Railroad. He also kept records of those he helped in hopes that he could reunite families. The author's note at the end of the book gives more insight into Still's story and the importance of sharing the remarkable actions he, and other Black Americans took, in the name of justice during this time period in history.  

The Tiny Mansion by Keir Graff

I've only read one other Keir Graff book (The Matchstick Castle), but I like how his stories include quirky characters and a little bit of zaniness. In this book, Dagmar's life has been uprooted when her family, including her annoying step brother, move into a tiny house in a forest. After ignoring a "No Trespassing" sign, she befriends a kid who has his own unique family situation. There is some fun and humor, but the book explores some important issues, as well. 

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...

Oliver the Curious Owl by Chad Otis

Oliver is very curious about the world, but does not venture beyond his tree until his friend, Bug, falls in the river and gets swept away. Together, Oliver and Bug discover new friends, places, and things. Oliver's delightful adventure will show readers the joy of being inquisitive and venturing outside one's comfort zone.

The Blue House by Phoebe Wahl

Leo and his father love living in the old blue house, but they are forced to move as houses in their neighborhood are being torn down to make room for apartment buildings. This is a beautiful book about a family coping with the loss of their home and moving on to make a new house feel like home. The love between father and son is also very sweet. 

Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake and illustrated by Jon Klassen

This is a story of unlikely friendship that is sweet and whimsical. Badger was quite content with his life, but then Skunk shows up with the news that they are to be roommates. Despite their differences, a friendship develops. With a heart-warming, cozy feel to it, this would make a great read aloud in a primary classroom.