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Monday, July 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...


The Adventures of Robo-Kid by Diane deGroat

A picture book that blends the traditional narrative and comic book formats, this is a super fun read. It's a story about heroes, courage, and facing difficult challenges. It's a definite must-have for my classroom library. I think kids will be enthralled. 

A Mermaid Girl by Sana Rafi and illustrated by Olivia Aserr

Heba is excited to wear her new burkini, which matches her mother's, to the pool for the first time. When others at the pool question her attire, she begins to think that she stands out too much. Heba's mother helps her understand that there is courage in being oneself. This is a sweet and empowering story about acceptance and being true to oneself. 

To Change a Planet by Christina Soontornvat and illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell 
This gorgeous and poetic picture book celebrates Earth and urges readers to protect it. It explores the idea that one small thing can have a huge impact and together we can make a difference for the planet. Thanks to the publisher for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with a review copy. The book publishes in August. 

Fenway and the Bones Thieves (Make Way for Fenway!) by Victoria J. Coe and illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff

Fenway from the middle grade series, Fenway and Hattie, is now the star of a chapter book series. Like the middle grade books, this is told from the perspective of Fenway, a very delightful and energetic Jack Russell terrier. In this first book, he is determined to keep his bone safe, but sneaky squirrels make that difficult for him. The second book in the series, which is also out, is Fenway and the Frisbee Trick. This is a fun series that chapter book readers will find entertaining.

Invisible by Christina Diaz Gonzalez and illustrated by Gabriela Epstein

Five students form an unlikely friendship when they are forced to do community service together. The book tackles issues like homelessness, identity, and what it's like to feel invisible. It's a wonderful graphic novel, written in both English and Spanish. Thanks to the publisher for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with an advance reader's copy. The book publishes in August.

Adult Reading Recommendations


Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Reid Jenkins 

Having read and loved two other books by Taylor Reid Jenkins, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and Malibu Rising, I was super excited to read an early copy of this book. It is a fantastic read. Every time I had to put it down, I couldn't wait to get back to reading it. There is a lot of tennis in the book as it's about a retired tennis player who decides to play again and prove she is still the greatest. Since I enjoy the game of tennis I loved that aspect of it. Reading about the tennis matches, I felt like I was right there in the stands. But, I don't think readers have to be into the sport to enjoy the book. The book also explores a father-daughter relationship which was touching. Thanks to NetGalley for a digital review copy. The book publishes in August.

6 comments:

  1. I bookmarked Mermaid Girl when you shared on Twitter & the new Soontornvat book sounds lovely. Thanks for "Invisible", too, Lisa, will look for it!

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  2. I just got the #bookexcursion copy of Invisible and can't wait to sit down to read. I adore Fenway & Hattie and love there is now a early reader series. Robo-Kid is a new title for me.

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  3. What a wonderful set of books, Lisa! I made note of Invisible—I will need to add it to my endless graphic novel TBR. And I am also looking for a copy of To Change a Planet! Thanks so much for the wonderful post!

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  4. Thanks for the introduction to all these books. To Change a Planet sounds like an important title. I wish A Mermaid Girl was available here.

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  5. I absolutely loved To Change a Planet. It's so profound with so few words.

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  6. You have so many great picture books this week, particularly To Change a Planet interests me. I have also been hoping to get a copy of Invisible. Thanks for the post!

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