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...
Apple and Magnolia by Laura Gehl and illustrated by Patricia Metola
Britta knows that her favorite trees, Apple and Magnolia, are best friends. When Magnolia does not seem to be doing well, Britta is determined to help the tree survive the winter. With two cups tied to a string, a long scarf, and a strand of lights, Britta connects the two trees to each other so one can support the other. This is such a sweet story of unlikely friendship and the power of hope and positive thinking. The whimsical illustrations are lovely.
Eyes That Speak to the Stars by Joanna Ho and illustrated by Dung Ho
This companion to Eyes that Kiss in the Corners is another beautiful and empowering book. The boy expresses his hurt after seeing a picture of himself that his friend drew and his Baba leads him to celebrate his eyes, culture, and family.
Witchlings by Claribel A. Ortega
On the night of the Black Moon Ceremony, Seven hopes to be placed in House Hyacinth with her friend Poppy. Instead, she becomes a Spare along with two other girls, one of whom she does not get along. The only chance they have of becoming full-fledged witches is to defeat a Nightbeast. This is a magical and adventurous story of friendship and fitting in. Thanks to the publisher for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with an advance reader copy. The book publishes in April.
I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys
Cristian, living in Romania in the 1980s, has been blackmailed into spying on an American diplomat in return for medicine for his sick grandfather. Once again, Ruta Sepetys has given me insight into a piece of history I know little about. Her amazing storytelling transported me to a time and place that allowed me to imagine what it was like to live under a communist regime. A very compelling and powerful read from a master of storytelling.
I have I Must Betray you and know the new book by Joanna Ho, know they are both great. Thanks for the others, too, Lisa. Hope you have a good week ahead!
ReplyDeleteRuta Sepetys has such an incredible way with words, her writing just sweeps me away to a different time and place.
ReplyDeleteI just scooted over to my library site and put a hold on I Must Betray You. I just love Ruta Sepetys' writing. While I was there I also put a hold on Apple and Magnolia. Understanding how trees communicate is one of the most fascinating things I'm learning about these days.
ReplyDelete