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Monday, December 20, 2021

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...

Santa in the City by Tiffany D. Jackson and illustrated by Reggie Brown

Kids at Deja's school have told her that Santa Claus is not real and she is beginning to have doubts herself. She has many questions and the adults around her give her answers that make sense. Although she doesn't get to see Santa herself, she finds out that the magic is real. 

Saturday at the Food Pantry by Diane O'Neill and illustrated by Brizida Magro

Molly doesn't understand why she and her mom have so little food and have to visit the food pantry. When Molly sees a classmate there, as well, she learns that everyone needs help sometimes and it's possible to both accept it and give it. This is a book that is both heart-warming and affirming.

Penny and Clover, Up and Over (The Lucky Dogs) by Erica S. Perl and illustrated by Leire Martín

A boy and his grandma are taking their dogs for a walk in the woods. When the come across a log, Penny can jump over it, but Clover needs some help. This is a cute series for early readers.

Rescue at Lake Wild by Terry Lynn Johnson

Madi and her friends have rescued two beaver kits, but because her mom has told her that she is not allowed to bring home any more stray animals she must keep it a secret. The three friends are also determined to find out who has killed the beaver parents. This is an interesting wildlife adventure that includes information about animal rescue and beavers.

Monday, December 13, 2021

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 Three Latkes by Eric A. Kimmel and illustrated by Feronia Parker-Thomas

On the first night of Hanukkah, three latkes argue about which one of them is the best and they ask a clever cat who knows a lot about food to help them decide. This is a humorous story with fun illustrations.

The Longest Storm by Dan Yaccarino

A very unusual storm comes to town and a family is stuck inside for an undetermined amount of time. Being together all the time becomes difficult for the family until one night when the lights go out and their attitudes towards one another change. This book features a weather-related storm, but the "storm" could be a variety of difficult times that one may go through. The message of resilience and hopefulness is very relevant.

Room for Everyone by Naaz Khan and illustrated by Mercè López

Set in Zanzibar, two siblings are heading to the shore in a minibus. As they travel along, one sibling invites more and more people to join them on the bus while the other sibling worries there is not enough room. This is a fun rhyming book about community and kindness. 

The Swallows' Flight by Hilary McKay

This book tells the story of four young people and a dog leading up to and during World War II. The insight into the impact of the war on these characters and how it leads to the intersection of their lives was interesting.

Adult Reading Recommendations

I read digital review copies of both of these books through NetGalley and I couldn't put either one of them down. They both publish in January.

Greenwich Park by Katherine Faulkner 

Helen attends her first prenatal class and meets another expectant mother. They develop a friendship, but Helen begins to get the sense that something is not quite right. Throughout the book, it's never clear who can be trusted and the mystery is slowly revealed. It's really twisty, too.

The Maid by Nita Prose

I've read a lot of murder mysteries, but never one that was this charming. Molly is a dedicated maid whose world gets turned upside down when she finds a man dead in his hotel room. There are a few interesting twists and a heart-warming message about friendship and fitting in.

Monday, November 29, 2021

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...

Cold Turkey by Corey Rosen Schwartz and Kirsti Call and illustrated by Chad Otis

On a snowy day, a cold turkey bundles up and heads out on a walk around the farmyard. In spite of the cold, turkey shares with the other animals who he notices are very cold, too. In gratitude, they repay his kindness. This is a fun, rhyming book with lots of puns. I read this book to first and second graders before the Thanksgiving break and also shared this song with them. It's based on the book and written by Sydney Call, the daughter of one of the co-authors.

I'm Trying to Love Garbage by Bethany Barton

The newest book in the "I'm Trying to Love..." series will provide readers with facts about what happens to the planet's waste. The book also encourages readers to think about the garbage that ends up in landfills and how we can create less of it.

The Lost Package by Richard Ho and illustrated by Jessica Lanan

This is a heart-warming story about a package that is lost while en route to its destination and the boy who ensures that it is delivered. In the note at the end of the book the author describes his connection to the United States Postal Service. 

Set your Alarm, Sloth: More Advice for Troubled Animals from Dr. Glider by Jess Keating and illustrated by Pete Oswald

Dr. Glider, the very knowledgeable sugar glider, is back in his second book to provide advice to a variety of animal patients who are seeking answers. This is a fun, fact-filled book. 

If You Lived During the Plimoth Thanksgiving by Chris Newell and illustrated by Winona Nelson

This informative book dispels the myth of the first Thanksgiving and provides insight into the history of the landing of the Mayflower through a perspective that centers Indigenous people. A book geared towards upper elementary readers that will also provide knowledge for many adult readers, too.

The Swag is in the Socks by Kelly J. Baptist

Twelve-year-old Xavier wants to follow in the footsteps of family members and become a member of the Scepter League, a club at his school that requires lots of swag. With the help of his great uncle and socks, he develops confidence and realizes his potential. This is an engaging and charming middle grade read. 

Monday, November 22, 2021

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 Electric Slide and Kai by Kelly J. Baptist and illustrated by Darnell Johnson

Everyone in Kai's family is good at dancing except for him. When an invitation to his aunt's wedding arrives, he is determined to learn the electric slide and earn a dance nickname. This is a fun story about dancing, family, and perseverance. 

Invasion of the Unicorns by David Biedrycki

An alien spy who looks very much like an adorable stuffed unicorn has landed on Earth with a mission to figure out if the unicorn army should invade. The unicorn has many new experiences and gradually develops a more positive attitude towards Earthling behavior. This is a unique and heartwarming story.

You Might Be Special! by Kerri Kokias and illustrated by Marcus Cutler

A series of questions are presented to help readers find out what makes them special. The illustrations are amusing and the message is sweet.

A Sitting in St. James by Rita Williams-Garcia

This young adult novel delves into life on a plantation in Louisiana in the 1860's. I put it on hold at the library because I am a fan of historical fiction and realized afterwards that it's written by Rita Williams-Garcia. She is an amazing storyteller and provides powerful insight into the history of slavery.

Monday, November 15, 2021

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...


Aaron Slater, Illustrator by Andrea Beaty and illustrated by David Roberts

Aaron enjoys drawing and listening to books and dreams of writing his own stories. When he starts school he is eager to learn to read, but finds that it is much harder for him than it is for his classmates. When his teacher gives an assignment to write a story Aaron's page is blank, but he realizes he can tell his story in his own way. The author's note at the end of the book provides information about artist Aaron Douglas Slater who the book character is named after. This is an empowering story that can open conversations about learning differences.

The Children's Moon by Carmen Agra Deedy and illustrated by Jim LaMarche

A beautiful and whimsical story about the sun and moon that provides an imaginative reason the moon can sometimes be seen during the day. Information about the daytime moon, known as the "children's moon" and other facts are included at the end of the book.

Have You Seen Gordon? by Adam Jay Epstein and illustrated by Ruth Chan

This is a humorous and clever twist on the seek-and-find book. Readers will want to return to the pages of this book again and again to check out the detailed illustrations. 

Waffles and Pancakes: Planetary-Yum by Drew Brockington

A spin-off of the CatStronauts series, two kitten siblings spend the day with their dad at the science museum. This is a fun graphic novel, incorporating some science-based facts, for early readers.

Yusuf Azeem is Not a Hero by Saadia Faruqui

This is a timely middle grade novel about standing up to prejudice and hate. Twelve-year-old Yusuf is learning about 9/11 and it's impact on the Muslim community and dealing with Islamophobia in his town and school. The story is powerful and poignant. The author's note at the end gives insight into a real-life event that inspired the book.

Monday, November 8, 2021

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...


Everybody in the Red Brick Building by Anne Wynter and illustrated by Oge Mora

A baby in the red brick building wakes up with a howl which sets off a chain reaction of others waking up and making noise. As they all begin to notice more comforting sounds in the night, everyone falls back to sleep again. Mora's collage illustrations are colorful and lively. This will be a fun bedtime or anytime story. 

Inside Cat by Brendan Wenzel

Inside Cat sees the outside world from the inside as he wanders through its home and gazes out the windows. With so many windows and views, Inside Cat seems to know it all, but maybe not...This is a very creative book about perspective. The illustrations are really interesting and the last two-page spread is amazing.

The Littlest Yak by Lu Fraser and illustrated by Kate Hindley

Gertie, the littlest yak, wants to be big like the others in her herd. She comes up with a plan to grow which includes eating veggies and reading books, but begins to think she will never get bigger. When Gertie is needed to solve a problem she realizes that she has bigness in her after all. This book has a great theme about self-acceptance and will also be fun one to read when the snowy season sets in.

Looking for a Jumbie by Tracey Baptiste and illustrated by Amber Ren

The moon is out and Naya is supposed to be in bed, but instead she heads out of her house in search of a jumbie, a creature from Caribbean folklore. Although Naya doesn't discover a scary jumbie, she meets some other mythical creatures willing to join her on her mission. A delightful read.

Monday, November 1, 2021

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...


Beautifully Me by Nabela Noor and illustrated by Nabi H. Ali

One day, Zubi notices family members and classmates being critical of their own or others' bodies. She begins to wonder if she should be concerned with her own body. Zubi helps her family realize their body negativity and they help her understand the real meaning of beauty. This is a sweet story with an important message about self-acceptance. 

Leo and the Octopus by Isabelle Marinov and illustrated by Chris Nixon

Leo feels like he is living on the wrong planet and that other kids do not understand him until he meets Maya, an octopus. Leo bonds with the octopus and this leads to an encounter with a boy who is interested in learning about the creature. This is a thoughtful book about friendship and neurodiversity that will be a useful read for building empathy toward others.

Yours in Books by Julie Falatko and illustrated by Alborozo

Owl T. Fencepost, who just wants to be left alone in peace and quiet, exchanges letters with Bessie Squirrel, the owner of a bookshop nearby in the forest. Although the owl wants books to solve the problem he has with the noisy neighborhood children, squirrel offers books to encourage more friendly interaction with them. This is a very cute book about the joys of companionship and books.

Cookie & Broccoli: Ready for School! by Bob McMahon

Cookie is outgoing and Broccoli is shy, but they become great friends. This graphic novel will be perfect for those early readers who like silly stories.

How to Find What You're Not Looking For by Veera Hiranandani

This book, set in 1967, is about a twelve-year-old named Ari dealing with a few challenges in her family and school life. Her sister has suddenly left to get married after her parents have made it clear that they don't approve of her non-Jewish boyfriend. Ari misses her sister and is also trying to understand her parent's feelings which she herself doesn't agree with. At school, Ari is having difficulty with writing and is also the target of bullying. The story is written in the second person which took me a bit to get used to. It's a poignant story that explores some relevant themes.

Monday, October 25, 2021

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...


Hardly Haunted by Jessie Sima

A haunted house, without any people living in it, tries its hardest not to be haunted. The house realizes it only needs to be itself and the perfect residents move in. 

Téo's Tutu by Maryann Jacob Macias and illustrated by Alea Marley

Téo loves to dance at home and, although he is worried at first about ballet class, he becomes more confident and excited about it. But, when it comes time to choose a costume, he is unsure whether he should go with the tutu, which he loves, or the shirt and pants. This is a sweet story about being true to oneself.

There's a Ghost in This House by Oliver Jeffers

Oliver Jeffers is so clever. The narrator of this book takes readers on a ghost hunt through an old, supposedly haunted house. Transparent pages reveal the ghosts to the reader, but will the narrator ever notice them? The book is both eerie and fun and the artwork is amazing. Thanks to the publisher for a review copy. The book publishes next week. 

Batpig: When Pigs Fly by Rob Harrell

Fans of graphic novels like Dog Man will love Batpig. This story about a pig who realizes he has superhero powers is full of action and humor. There's lots of silliness that will appeal to kids, but, even as an adult, I appreciated the author's cleverness. Thanks to the publisher for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with a review copy. The book publishes in November.

History Smashers: Plagues and Pandemics by Kate Messner and illustrated by Falynn Koch

This book reveals the true history of plagues and pandemics from the Black Death in ancient times to COVID-19 in the present. Very insightful. I learned lots of new information and I'm sure kids will, too. 

Monday, October 18, 2021

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...


Bear is a Bear by Jonathan Stutzman and illustrated by Dan Santat

This is a beautiful exploration of the love that exists between a girl and her stuffed companion. The illustrations are lovely.

A Walk in the Words by Hudson Talbot

Based on the author's own experiences, this is the story of a child who has a difficult time reading, but learns how to enjoy stories. Many students will be able to relate to the book and, hopefully, be inspired by the message of perseverance and resilience.

We Give Thanks by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Sergio Ruzzier

A frog and rabbit notice all they are thankful for as they journey through their town and celebrate with the other animals they encounter. This is a sweet, rhyming story to encourage gratitude.

Born Behind Bars by Padma Venkatraman

Kabir was born in a jail in India and has spent his entire life there with his mother who was wrongly accused of a crime. When he is deemed too old to remain at the jail, he is forced to leave. He is released in the care of a family member who turns out not to be a relative at all. With the help of a new friend, Kabir sets out to find the father he never met. An eye-opening and powerful read that touches upon many important themes.