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Monday, April 25, 2022

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...


People are Wild by Margaux Meganck 

This picture books provides an animal perspective on what people are like. Animal young learn that people are wild while the animal young teach their parents that people are also similar to them in many ways. This is a fun book with a message about the importance of respecting animals.

Tiny Dino by Deborah Freedman

A bird explains to its animal friends that it is in fact a dinosaur. The animals don't believe it until a crocodile shows up and it becomes clear that dinosaurs do still roam the earth. The book is mostly written in dialogue with some facts interspersed throughout. The author's note explains further the connection between birds, crocodiles, and dinosaurs. An amusing and informative picture book. 

The Summer of June by Jamie Sumner

Twelve-year-old June and her mother have recently moved to Nashville. As summer starts, June is thinking a lot about her anxiety and how she can overcome it. She spends a lot of time at the library where her mother works and she meets a boy her age there, but the idea of forming a friendship with him causes more anxious feelings. As June navigates relationships she learns about self-acceptance. Many readers will be able to relate to June and appreciate knowing that others experience anxiety, too. Thanks to the publisher for an advanced reader's copy. The book publishes in May.

Worser by Jennifer Ziegler

Worser is a seventh-grader who doesn't socialize much with others, but loves words. His mother loved them, too, but now that she's had a stroke she is unable to share in the joy of words with him. His aunt, who he doesn't get along with, has moved in to help take care of both of them. While Worser tries to adjust to his new family situation, he finds comfort in spending time at a used bookstore. When he becomes involved in an after school club, his love of words helps him connect with others. His new friends help out when there is a problem with a bookstore, but Worser's actions go a little too far. Both the vocabulary and wordplay throughout the book and Worser's journey of change make this an engaging read.

Adult Reading Recommendation


Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

This book reminded me about how much I've learned about history by being a reader of historical fiction. The author was inspired to write this story by events in our history that were horrific, but also not very well known. It explores a heavy topic, but it's eye-opening and poignant and powerful. 

Monday, April 11, 2022

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...


A Blue Kind of Day by Rachel Tomlinson and illustrated by Tori-Jay Mordey

Coen is having a day filled with gloominess, making him feel so heavy that he can't get out of bed. His parents and sister try to cheer him up, but they can't get him to laugh or smile. When they surround him with warmth and give him time, Coen reaches out for their support. This poignant book explores a young child's depression in a realistic and sensitive manner. The author includes a note at the end with information about how to support children who are experiencing emotional distress.

Abdul's Story by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and illustrated by Tiffany Rose

Abdul loves to tell stories, but has difficulty writing them down. An author visits the class and shows Abdul his messy notebook and explains that it includes many imperfections. Abdul is inspired to write without worrying about his mistakes. This is an empowering story about finding confidence and navigating learning challenges.

Solitary Animals: Introverts of the Wild by Joshua David Stein and illustrated by Dominque Ramsey

There are many animals that gather in groups, but others, like the octopus and eagle, prefer to live their lives on their own. Whether social or solitary, each creature has an important place in the world. This poetic book is also informative and includes back matter that provides additional information about solitary animals. 

Wild Ride by Keith Calabrese

Charley's brother, Greg, who has been preoccupied with his own life lately, has promised to take her and her friend out for milkshakes. Although he's been told not to drive his mother's boyfriend's very fancy and valuable Mustang while they are away, he insists on taking it anyway. When the car gets towed, Charley and her brother unknowingly become entangled in an evil plot. With new and old friends, they have a night of adventure that becomes about more than just getting back the car. This is a fun and adventurous book with heart.

Adult Reading Recommendation


Adult Assembly Required by Abbi Waxman

On the day Laura's apartment burns down she finds herself in a bookstore where one of the employees offers her a room in the house she is living. Laura moves in and not only gets a new place to live, but also a few new friends. She also becomes enamored with a very good-looking housemate. Laura's new experiences lead her on a journey of self-discovery and love. The characters are all super charming. I wouldn't mind moving into Laura's boarding house myself! If you've read the author's previous book, The Bookish Life of Nina Hill, you'll recognize Nina and the bookstore. This is a fun, light read that is quirky and sweet. Thanks to the publisher for a digital review copy. The book publishes in May.

Monday, April 4, 2022

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...


Daddy Speaks Love by Leah Henderson and illustrated by E.B. Lewis

This is a beautiful celebration of fathers and the ways that they guide, encourage, and inspire. The illustrations are gorgeous and the author's note about the inspiration for the book is powerful. 

I'm Not Scared, You're Scared! by Seth Meyers and illustrated by Rob Sayegh Jr.

Bear is easily scared, but his friend Rabbit is not. Bear finds ways to avoid his fears when he reluctantly joins Rabbit for an adventure. When his friend needs his help, he focuses on courage rather than fear to save the day. This is a silly and sweet adventure about facing one's fears, bravery, and friendship. Although I'm not a big fan of books written by celebrities, I found this one delightful.

This is a School by John Schu and illustrated by Veronica Miller Jamison

The words and illustrations of this book capture the message that schools are communities that foster learning, inclusivity, and joy. It's a lovely book.

Doggo and Pupper Save the World by Katherine Applegate and illustrated by Charlie Alder

In the second book in the Doggo and Pupper series, Pupper wants to be a hero, but believes he needs to be braver and worry less to do so. When he finds himself in a situation where his help is needed, Pupper shows that being kind can be a heroic act. Early readers will enjoy the short chapters and the fun illustrations. 

Join the Club, Maggie Diaz by Nina Moreno and illustrated by Courtney Lovett
Seventh-grader, Maggie, is trying to find her passion so she joins several school clubs. She's also dealing with family changes and trying to convince her mom to allow her to have a cellphone. This book is fun, heartfelt, and relatable. Thanks to the publisher for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with an advanced reader's copy. The book publishes in May.