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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.

Monday, October 11, 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...


Our Table by Peter H. Reynolds

Violet remembers a time when her family gathered at the table, before they become preoccupied with devices. When Violet enlists her family's help to build a new table, they discover how strong they are together. This is a sweet and timely tale about connection and the importance of spending time together. Thanks to the publisher for providing my book review group with a review copy. The book publishes in November. 

Meena Lost and Found by Karla Manternach

Meena is a fun and relatable character who learns important life lessons about friendship and letting go. This is the third in a sweet series about the ups and downs of growing up. Thanks to the author for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with an advanced reader's copy.

A Soft Place to Land by Janae Marks

Now that her dad has lost his job, Joy and her family are living in an apartment. Joy misses her old home and is worried about her parents' arguments, but she finds comfort in a new friend, Nora, and the Hideout, a secret room only the kids in the building know about. When Joy discovers a message on the wall of the Hideout, she decides she needs to find out who wrote it and help. This is a heartfelt book about navigating family and friendship challenges.

Treasure in the Lake by Jason Pamment

Two friends discover that the river where they live has dried up. Their explorations lead them to a lost town that was previously submerged under the water. An argument results in them going their separate ways, but they both learn secrets about the town and the importance of their friendship. This is an adventurous and mysterious graphic novel. I was intrigued by the note at the end of the book about real-life towns that have been submerged under water.