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 Friend for Ghost by Suzanne Kaufman
Ghost is friendless and alone until a balloon floats by. They become companions and play together until balloon gets lost during a game of hide-and-seek. Ghost's search for balloon helps him find a true companion. This is a sweet story.
A Journey Under the Sea by Craig Foster and Ross Frylinck
This book takes the reader on a journey through the Great American Seaforest. It's a poetic and enchanting exploration of the wildlife that lives in the depths of the sea. Visually stunning.
If Your Babysitter is a Bruja by Ana Siqueira and illustrated by Irena Freitas
It's almost Halloween and a child's babysitter shows up with a broom, a witch's hat, and a cackle. The child gives advice about what to do and how to defend oneself. The child's actions lead to an imaginative adventure that's more funny than scary. An amusing read for the spooky season.
Our Day of the Dead Celebration by Ana Aranda
A family prepares for their Day of the Dead celebration by making favorite dishes, decorating sugar skulls, and writing poems to put on the altar. The story, as well as the author's note, will give readers an understanding of the celebration and its role in honoring and remembering those who have passed. This is a sweet book about a family celebrating together.
Shoshi's Shabbat by Caryn Yacowitz and illustrated by Kevin Hawkes
Shoshi helps farmer Simon plow his fields six days a week and on Shabbat, the ox rests, plays hide-and-seek with the grandchildren, and eats sweet hay. When farmer Simon is old, he sells Shoshi to a neighbor who works every day and does not understand why Shoshi refuses to work on the seventh day. After observing Simon and his family, the neighbor realizes the importance of Shabbat. Based on an old Jewish tale, this is a lovely story that reminds readers to take a pause to rest and be thankful.
Controlled Burn by Erin Soderberg Downing
After a tragic house fire in which her sister was badly injured, Maia blames herself for what happened. Her parents send her to stay with her grandparents for the summer while her sister recovers in the hospital. As Maia works through her feelings, she also finds herself in a situation in which she must face her fear of fire. Readers will be captivated with this story within the first few pages. It is a fantastic story about resilience and family. Thanks to the author for sending me a review copy.