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...

Once Upon a Winter Day by Liza Woodruff

After our first significant snowfall last week, there is no denying it's time for winter-themed reads like this one. This is a sweet winter story about a boy who follows the mouse tracks he discovers in the snow and imagines what the animals in the snowy wood have been doing. It's a book that celebrates winter, nature, and imagination.

This is Your Time by Ruby Bridges

In the dedication, Ruby Bridges describes her book as a "letter of peace." In her letter, addressed to children, she tells her story and encourages readers to embody the love and grace that's needed to make change and heal our world. The photographs included in the book add to the richness of the history Ruby tells and her message. Informative and inspirational.

Cat Kid Comic Club by Dav Pilkey 

The sidekick from Pilkey's Dog Man series, Li'l Petey, stars in his own book in which he is president of a comic club. Along with Molly, the tadpole who is vice-president of the club, they help the other tadpoles face their fears about writing. The mini-comics the tadpoles write are included in the book. This book is lots of fun and has an empowering message about being an author, illustrator, or creator.

Rowley Jefferson's Awesome Friendly Adventure by Jeff Kinney

Rowley is writing a medieval adventure about a boy named Roland, who goes on a journey to the Ice Fortress to rescue his mom from the White Warlock. The book alternates between the adventure story and Rowley's conversation with his pal Greg who has offered to help him with his writing. There is lots of silly kid humor in this book, but it made me laugh, 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...

My Rainbow by Trinity and DeShanna Neal and illustrated by Art Twink

A mother-daughter team have written a story, based on their real-life experiences, about identity, acceptance, and self-expression. Trinity is a trans-gender girl who wants long hair like her dolls. She's also autistic and doesn't like the itchy feeling when her hair grows out. Her mom and her brother figure out a way to give her the hair that makes her feel like a rainbow. This is a very sweet and joyous book. 

Ten Ways to Hear Snow by Cathy Camper and illustrated by Kenard Pak

A young girl walks to her Grandma's house the morning after a blizzard and discovers all the ways there are to hear snow. There are lots of great sounds words and the book provides an interesting perspective on the beauty and wonder of snow. This is a sweet winter-themed read, but also one that celebrates the special moments spent with family. 

See the Cat: Three Stories About a Dog by David LaRochelle and illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka

A dog argues that he is the main character of the book which first appears to be about a cat and then a snake. After a few surprises, the dog takes control of the book and it finally becomes about him. This is a cute and funny book. Early readers will be amused. 

Of a Feather by Dayna Lorentz

This is a heart-warming story about a life-changing friendship told in alternating perspectives of Reenie who has been sent to live with an aunt she has never met and Rufus, the baby owl she helps rehabilitate. It also includes interesting insight into the sport of falconry. Thanks to the author for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with a review copy. The book publishes in February. 

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 Hanukkah Magic of Nate Gadol by Arthur A. Levine and illustrated by Kevin Hawkes

With his magic and kind spirit, Nate Gadol helps others by making whatever they need last longer. He was responsible for the Hanukkah miracle that enabled oil to last for eight nights. When two immigrant families are scarce on resources at the holidays, Nate runs into his old friend, Nick, and knows just what to do. This story is an enchanting imagining of how a modern Hanukkah tradition began. Specks of gold incorporated into the illustrations give the book a bright, shimmery feel. 

Swish!: The Slam-Dunking, Alley-Ooping, High-Flying Harlem Globe Trotters by Suzanne Slade and illustrated by Don Tate

This nonfiction book about the Harlem Globetrotters tells the story of how they came to be a team and gives insight into their role in changing the history of basketball. Their story of persistence and talent is fascinating. The author's note at the end is very informative, as well. I also found the illustrator's note, in which he describes the research he did to create the artwork for the book, interesting, too.

Willa the Wisp (The Fabled Stables Book #1) by Jonathan Auxier and illustrated by Olga Demidova

This short, illustrated chapter book is enchanting and adventurous. Auggie is a caretaker at Fabled Stables which is filled with unique creatures, some magical and some mysterious. When a new stall appears with a sign that says, "Wisp," Auggie goes on a brave mission to save the creature from danger. This book is just as delightful as the author's middle grade novels.

Halfway to Harmony by Barbara O'Connor

In her classic style, Barbara O'Connor has written another middle grade novel about a sweet friendship with quirky characters that includes an endearing dog. Walter is grieving the loss of his brother when he meets his new neighbor Posey and they become involved in an adventure to find a lost hot air balloon. It's a heart-warming story about loss and courage.