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...

Nell Plants a Tree by Anne Wynter and illustrated by Daniel Miyares 

This text, written in verse, tells two stories. One is about the ways children, in the present, enjoy a pecan tree in a family member's yard and the other, which takes place in the past, is about Nell, who planted the pecan seed and nurtured it as it grew. Both, the text and illustrations, are absolutely gorgeous. 

Plátanos Go with Everything by Lissette Norman and illustrated by Sara Palacios

This book is a celebration of family, Dominican culture, and plátanos. The author's poetic descriptions of plátanos are beautiful. I appreciated learning the different ways plátanos can be enjoyed. I annually visit Miami Beach (and just did so last week) and always have a meal while I'm there that includes plátanos. The illustrations are colorful and lively.

Sunny and Oswaldo by Nicole Melleby and illustrated by Alexandra Colombo

Sunny is not fond of cats and she really dislikes Oswaldo who her dad has brought home. Although Oswaldo and Sunny's dad have a strong bond with one another, the cat does not warm up to Sunny. That changes when Sunny and her dad search for Oswaldo after he doesn't come home one night. This is a sweet story about empathy and the importance of understanding others before forming an opinion. 

Adult Reading Recommendation

The Lost English Girl by Julia Kelly

While on vacation at the beach last week, I was able to read a handful of novels and this was one of my favorites. It takes place during WWII and specifically tells a story centered around the evacuation of children to the country-side that took place at the beginning of the war. When Viv gets pregnant she marries the father of her child, but because he is Jewish her parents pay him to leave her. When the war begins she makes the painful decision to send her four-year-old to live with a couple where she will supposedly be safe. This is the story of being a mother during the tragedy of the war, as well as a story that highlights the challenges of living with the prejudices of the time. It's a compelling story of resilience.

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...

Abuela's Super Capa by Ana Siqueira and illustrated by Elisa Chavarri

Luis loves to spend Saturdays with his abuela, acting as superheroes, until the day she gets ill. As he learns how to cope with the situation, he also realizes there is another superhero in his family. This is a lovely story about family, acceptance, and dealing with change.

Go, Sled! Go! by James Yang 

A child's sled ride turns into an exciting adventure. The story is told with minimal text and fun illustrations that show the action that leads to more and more passengers going along for the ride. An amusing read.

Millo's Mind: The Story of Maryam Faruqi, Trailblazer for Women's Education by Reem Faruqi and illustrated by Hoda Hadadi

This picture book biography is based on the story of the author's grandmother, Maryam Faruqi, who fought for her own education and later in life helped to further the education of many young girls in Pakistan. A beautifully written story about the importance of education, perseverance, and empowerment.

Squished by Megan Wagner Lloyd and illustrated by Michelle Mee Nutter

The creators of Allergic are back with another fantastic graphic novel. This is a fun and heart-warming story of navigating life as a member of a big family. Avery is one of six siblings and, although she loves them very much, she also desperately wants a space of her own. Fans of realistic graphic novels will love this one. Thanks to the publisher, Scholastic, for sharing an advance reader's copy with my book review group, #BookExcursion. The book publishes in March.

Adult Reading Recommendation

The Teachers: A Year Inside America's Most Vulnerable, Important Profession by Alexandra Robbins

The author reports on the lives of three teachers as she follows them for a year in their classrooms. Each teacher is from a different part of the U.S. and navigating their own challenges as an educator. Educators will relate to much of what is written about in these teachers' stories and those outside education will gain insight into the profession. This exploration of what it's like to be a teacher today is powerful and should be read widely. Thanks to NetGalley for a review copy. The book publishes in March.

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...

Dim Sum, Here We Come! by Maple Lam

A child tells about her experience with her family as they get together to share dim sum with each other. This is a lovely book about being together as a family, the importance of sharing, and the joy of a delectable meal. 

Hot Dog by Doug Salati

I checked this book out of the library after learning it is this year's Caldecott winner. On a very hot day a woman brings her dog to the ocean to cool off. Sparse text and lovely illustrations show the importance of getting away for a day and enjoying nature.

The Kindest Red: A Story of Hijab and Friendship by Ibtihaj Muhammad and S.K. Ali and illustrated by Hatem Aly

Faizah and her friends spend the day passing kindness on to one another. When it's time for school pictures, Faizah realizes she doesn't match her sister and her friends are there to help her out. This is a lovely story about kindness and community.

Nubby by Dan Richards and illustrated by Shanda McCloskey

Nubby is a stuffed rabbit who is unhappy with how he's been treated. He sets off to discover the wide world beyond his house, but soon realizes how good he had it. This is a sweet and humorous story about home and family.

On the Corner of Chocolate Avenue by Tziporah Cohen and illustrated by Steven Salerno

This is a fun biography about Milton Hershey that provides insight into how perseverance and kindness resulted in the invention of the famous chocolate bar that so many love. The book brings readers back in time to explain how Milton achieved his dream and started a successful business. This biography will fascinate readers.