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 Big Slide by Daniel Kirk

Throughout the spring and summer Little Pup visits the park with his mother and really wants to go down the big slide, but is too afraid. Little Pup is determined and finds a way to overcome his fear. This is a very sweet book with a lovely message. 

Just Like Jesse Owens by Andrew Young and Paula Young Shelton and illustrated by Gordon C. James

Growing up in the 1930s in New Orleans, Andrew experienced the segregation and racism of the time including hearing neighbors chant in support of Hitler. When Andrew asks his father about Hitler, his father explains racism and encourages his son to be his best self. Andrew is further inspired when his father takes him to the theatre where they watch highlights of Jesse Owens winning gold medals during the 1936 Olympics in Germany. This is an empowering story that also provides a glimpse into history.

The Monster on the Bus by Josh Lieb and illustrated by Hannah Marks

This is an amusing spin on "The Wheels on the Bus." When things get out of control on the bus to school, Angelique and Cassius must take control and set it right again. The imaginative story and silly illustrations will give kids a laugh.

Ballet Bruce (A World of Reading) by Ryan T. Higgins

The geese want to do ballet so Bruce goes back and forth to town multiple times on his motorcycle for ballet shoes, dance pants, and tutus. As tired and cranky as Bruce is, his attempts to appease the geese are charming. Although the geese never partake in any ballet, there is lots of humor. 

The Tryout by Christina Soontornvat and illustrated by Joanna Cacao

This is a wonderful memoir in graphic novel format.  The author based the book on her story of trying out for the cheerleading squad in middle school. The book explores friendship, identity, and belonging. I think this book will appeal to many middle grade readers especially those who enjoy realistic graphic novels about characters navigating the ups and downs of growing up. Thanks to the publisher for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with an advance reader's copy. The book publishes in September. 

Nothing is Little by Carmella Van Vleet

Felix lives with his mother and stepdad and is soon to have a little sister which he is not thrilled about. He has never known his biological dad and whenever he asks his mom about him she refuses to provide any information. When he finds out that his dad was short like him he decides to investigate. This is a heartfelt story about family. The detective work that Felix is involved in with the Forensic Science Club that he joins was interesting, too.

Adult Reading Recommendations

The Last to Vanish by Megan Miranda

The Swell by Allie Reynolds

Both of these were quick reads in the thriller/suspense genre. They each had interesting mysteries and atmospheric settings that I loved. The Last to Vanish is about a small town where several hikers have disappeared over a span of about twenty-five years. Most of the book takes place in an inn in the mountains near the Appalachian Trail. The Swell takes place on a secluded beach in Australia which seems like a surfer's paradise. For a group of surfers their trip turns sinister as their secrets begin to be revealed.

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...

Celia Planted a Garden: The Story of Celia Thaxter and Her Island Garden by Phyllis Root and Gary D. Schmidt and illustrated by Melissa Sweet

This is a picture book biography about Celia Thaxter, writer and gardener, that is also a celebration of nature. The illustrations are gorgeous. 

Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun's Thanksgiving Story by Danielle Greendeer, Anthony Perry, and Alexis Bunten and illustrated by Gary Meeches Sr. 

This much needed book tells the story of the first harvest and how it was made possible by the Wampanoag people. It's an insightful Thanksgiving story written from the perspective of Indigenous people with beautiful illustrations.

Puppy Bus by Drew Brockington

This creative story will help to ease students' first day of school anxieties. A child is very anxious about the first day at a new school and ends up on the wrong bus - one filled with puppies. With all the canine fun, school doesn't seem so bad. A humorous book that ends with a fun twist.

The Wills and the Won'ts by Angela Woolfe and illustrated by Roland Garrigue

Will and Won't are neighbors who do nothing but disagree with each other so they build a wall between them. As the wall makes others angry, more and more walls are built until no one can get in or out. May comes along and is heartbroken by what she sees so she removes just one brick and restores the peace. This is a fun rhyming text told with humor with an important message for our time.

Best Wishes by Sarah Mlynowski

A mysterious bracelet arrives in the mail with a note that it will grant one wish. Having just been dumped by her best friend, Becca wishes for lots and lots of friends. Soon Becca begins to wonder if this wish is something she truly wants. This is a great start to a fun new series. Each book in the series will feature a new main character as the bracelet is sent to another part of the country. Thanks to the publisher for a review copy. The book publishes in September. 

Sweet and Sour by Debbi Michiko Florence

Mai and Zack have been best friends for a long time, but after the summer Zack betrayed her, Mai now wants to get revenge. As with other books the author has written, the characters are realistic and relatable. 

Middle grade readers will enjoy Mai & Zach's story and root for a happy ending as they work through a rough patch in their friendship. Thanks to Scholastic for providing my book review group with an advance reader's copy. The book publishes in September.

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...

I Am Ruby Bridges by Ruby Bridges and illustrated by Nikkolas Smith

This is a poetic and powerful memoir. I love the voice of Ruby Bridges as she shares her six-year-old perspective of her role in school integration. Young readers will gain insight into an important moment in history. The illustrations are beautiful, too. Thanks to the publisher for a review copy. The book publishes in September. 

More Than Peach by Bellen Woodard and illustrated by Fanny Liem

When Bellen's classmates wanted a peach-colored crayon they asked for one that was skin-colored. Bellen decided to take action to change this language to be more inclusive of all skin tones. The author's story of how she became an activist at the age of eight is inspiring and empowering. 

Nana, Nenek, & Nina by Liza Ferneyhough

Nina's grandmothers each live in different parts of the world. Her visits to see them are very different, but there is always joy. A book filled with love and warmth with gorgeous illustrations. 

Your Pal Fred by Michael Rex

Set in a futuristic world, Fred is a robot who is determined to make peace between two rivals. This is a silly and adventurous graphic novel that has a sweet message about kindness and friendship. 

We Were the Fire: Birmingham 1963 by Sheila P. Moses

Rufus, who lives in Birmingham, is adjusting to his mother's second marriage and a move to a white neighborhood where the majority of whites are not in favor of integration. Rufus wants to do what he knows is right and participate in a march, like many other activists are doing, but his mother insists he is too young. Along with other children in Birmingham, he decides to join the fight for freedom. This historical fiction novel gives insight into how children during the civil rights movement took action for a better and more just world. It's engaging and powerful. Thanks to the publisher for an advanced reader's copy. The book publishes in September. 

Adult Reading Recommendation

Normal Family: On Truth, Love and How I Met My 35 Siblings by Chrysta Bilton

The author tells the story of her unconventional childhood and the way her family came to be. I was riveted by the story and couldn't put it down. It's a meaningful exploration of family and resilience and is a book that gives the reader much to think about. One of the best memoirs I've read. 

Ten Picture Books About Names

Each August, for the past few years, I have made a list of ten picture books that fit a particular theme as part of the Picture Book 10 for 10 community which was started by Cathy Mere of Reflect and Refine: Building a Learning Community and Mandy Robek of Enjoy and Embrace Learning. Although the celebration of picture books is not formally taking place this year, I still wanted to reflect on picture books I have enjoyed and think are worth sharing during the upcoming school year. Since I recently read a few picture books about names, I put together a list of ten titles related to this topic. 

Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal

Alma learns that her very long name fits her perfect. This book highlights family and identity and shows that our names can tell a story. Very sweet.

Always Anjali by Sheetal Sheth and illustrated by Jessica Blank

Anjali's friends find license plates with their for their bikes, but not one has her name on it. When she feels like she wants to change her name, her mother explains how special it is and helps her see that being different is a marvelous thing.

Millions of Maxes by Meg Wolitzer and illustrated by Micah Player

Max believes he is the "one and only Max" until a trip to the park where he discovers there are two other kids with his name, as well. The Maxes work together to find a missing pink pine cone which leads them to another Max. A fun read.

My Name is Bana by Bana Alabed and illustrated by Nez Riaz

Bana learns what she was named for and tells how she lives up to her name's meaning. Written by an activist, this book also gives insight into the life of a child refugee.

My Name is Cool! by Antonio Sacre and illustrated by Sarah Demonteverde

Antonio has many different nicknames and he is proud of them and the ways he got them. This is a very charming book and one that will be useful to open up discussion about kids' nicknames. 

My Name is Yoon by Helen Recorvits and illustrated by Gabi Swiatkowska

Yoon does not like how her name looks when written in English, so when asked to write it in school she uses different words. As Yoon adjusts she makes a friend and decides to write her name in English. This book explores the feelings of a child being in a new country.

Thao by Thao Lam

This is a cleverly illustrated book that gives insight into the experience of having a name that others mispronounce and misspell. Thao's story is empowering and the message about the importance of using one's correct name is meaningful.

That's Not My Name by Anoosha Syed

Mira does not speak up about her name when others mispronounce it even though she wants to. Her mother helps her see how beautiful her name is and Mira finds a way to tell others what her name is. This is a sweet and empowering story about the importance of names and standing up for oneself. 

Tomatoes in my Lunchbox by Costantia Manoli and illustrated by Magdalena Mora

In a new school in a new country where her teacher and classmates can't pronounce her name, the narrator wishes for one that is more like the other children. She also feels like she stands out because of the clothes she wears and the food, like the tomato, in her lunchbox. With advice from her grandmother, she makes a new friend and begins to feel a sense of belonging. Heart-warming.

Your Name is a Song by Jamila Thompkins-Bigelow and illustrated by Luisa Uribe

A child meets her mother after school, upset that her classmates and teacher can't say her name. The child's mother helps her appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of her names and of others. An empowering book that is a joyous celebration of names.

Previous Year's Lists

Ten Picture Books About the Experiences of Immigrants and Refugees

Ten Picture Books for a New School Year

Ten (Plus One) Picture Books About Friendship 

Ten Picture Books to Share This School Year 

Picture Books About Books 

Picture Book 10 for 10: Effort and Perseverance

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...

Ballewiena by Rebecca Bender

Rather than sit, stay and roll over, Dotty would rather plié, assemblé, and pirouette. Her dance moves are not appreciated until a squirrel, Louis-Pierre, invites Dotty to his workouts and provides a way for her to show off her skills. A cute story that will delight fans of dog stories, especially those with an interest in ballet. 

Bessie the Motorcycle Queen by Charles R. Smith Jr. and illustrated by Charlot Kristensen

Bessie Stringfield was a daredevil biker, surprising many with her speed. In the 1920s, she faced racism as she traveled the country on her bike. Not letting anything stop her, she continued to flip a penny, see where it landed on her map, and travel on. This is an empowering and adventurous biography. Thanks to the publisher for a review copy. The book publishes in September.

Not So Small by Pat Zietlow Miller and illustrated by Paola Escobar

Small actions make a difference. One person's voice can have an impact. Together we can do big things. An empowering book about taking action. 

Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet by Barbara Dee

Haven is a seventh-grader who has anxiety about climate change and the environment. When she learns that the river in her town is polluted, she takes action to raise awareness and help make change. Middle grade readers will be interested in Haven's efforts to solve a real-world problem and find her relatable. As in Barbara Dee's previous books, mental health is sensitively handled. A timely book. Thanks to the author for providing my book review group with an advance reviewer copy. The book publishes in September. 

Search for Treasure (The Islanders #2) by Mary Alice Monroe with Angela May

Jake is visiting his grandmother on Dewees Island in South Carolina and, along with two of his friends, is on a search for treasure believed to be located there. Jake, whose dad recently lost his leg in Afghanistan, and each of his friends are all dealing with family challenges. This is a sweet and fun adventure story with a setting that immerses the reader in nature. 

Professional Read

Open Windows, Open Minds: Developing Antiracist, Pro-Human Students by Afrika Afeni Mills

This is a very informative and practical book that provides the why and the how of becoming an educator engaged in anti-bias, antiracist teaching. There are many ideas for practice and suggestions for ways to engage in reflection. Afrika Afeni Mills writes from her own experience and discussions with educators and includes examples of work from classrooms. A much needed professional resource. 

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...

Saving the Butterfly by Helen Cooper and illustrated by Gill Smith

Two refugee children, a brother and sister, have survived a journey across the dark sea and are starting a life in a new place. This is the story of how each is impacted differently and how they move forward. A poignant book. 

That's Not My Name! by Anoosha Syed

When Mira starts school, the other kids and some of her teachers can't pronounce her name. Mira does not speak up about her name even though she wants, too. Her mother helps her see how beautiful her name is and Mira finds a way to tell others what her name is. This is a sweet and empowering story about the importance of names and standing up for oneself. 

I Will Not Lose in Super Shoes! by Jonathan Fenske

In the follow-up to I Will Race You Through This Book!, Book-It Bunny is back with super shoes and challenges the reader to another race. The bunny plays some tricks, faces some obstacles, and shows great confidence in his ability to cross the finish line first. A very amusing book for early readers. 

Attack of the Black Rectangles by Amy Sarig King

Mac and his friends speak out when their teacher censors a book they are reading. Their actions show the power of words and truth. In addition to being a book about censorship and activism, Mac's story about how he navigates family challenges, friendship, and a first crush is interesting, too. This is a timely and compelling read. Thanks to the publisher for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with an advance reader's copy. The book publishes in September. 

Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence by Sonja Thomas

Mira finds out her cat, who she adores, has diabetes and since her family is struggling with money paying for her treatment is something they are unable to do. Mira is determined to raise the money needed to help her cat. This is a story about the power of curiosity and persistence, but it also explores friendship and has lots of science facts woven throughout. 

Adult Reading

The Lost Girls of Willowbrook by Ellen Marie Wiseman

Involving a mystery and exploring themes of determination and survival, this is a compelling read. It mostly takes place at an institution for mentally disabled children that is based on the actual Willowbrook School on Staten Island that was exposed in the 1970s for its absolutely horrific conditions. There are some difficult things to read about in this book, but it's a story that needs to be told. Thanks to the publisher for an advance reader's copy. The book publishes at the end of August.