Pages

Monday, April 24, 2023

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...


Danbi's Favorite Day by Anna Kim 

Danbi has high expectations for her Children's Day celebration, but because her parents are working she is only allowed a small party behind their deli and then as it begins it starts to rain. With encouragement from her mother and a creative and resilient spirit, Danbi is able to save her party. The follow-up to Danbi Leads the School Parade, this book is equally endearing.

This is a Story by John Schu and illustrated by Lauren Castillo

This book which reads like a poem is about the power of stories to connect us and the joy of libraries. Lovely illustrations. 

Wild Blue by Dashka Slater and illustrated by Laura Hughes 

Kayla gets a new big bike without training wheels. Because it's like a mustang, difficult to tame, she names it Wild Blue. This story of perseverance is sweet and the comparison between a bike and a horse is creative. Very charming.

The One and Only Ruby by Katherine Applegate

Ruby is not looking forward to her Tuskday, a ceremony to celebrate that an elephant is growing up. She shares memories of the time when she lived in Africa with her friends Ivan and Bob, revealing the heart-breaking story which has led her to dislike her tusks. With the help of her friends and elephant family, she is able to heal and find her courage. Those many students who have read and enjoyed The One and Only Ivan and The One and Only Ruby will be excited to see this newest title. Written from the perspective of an elephant and providing insight into the dangers elephants face it is interesting and meaningful. Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced review copy. The book publishes in May.

Monday, April 10, 2023

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...


No Fair! by Jacob Grant

Pablo is spending Market Day with his dad, but there are many things that don't seem fair, such as having to wait for donuts and not being able to choose what they buy. This is a sweet book to help readers learn about fairness.

Ramen for Everyone by Patricia Tanumihardja and illustrated by Shiho Pate

Hiro wants to make the perfect bowl of ramen like his dad, so on his seventh birthday he gives it a try. Neither the broth, the noodles, or the toppings meet Hiro's expectations, but he is able to save dinner with resilience and creative problem-solving. This is a joyful book that celebrates traditions and creativity.

We Don't Lose Our Class Goldfish by Ryan T. Higgins

Penelope faces her fears when she brings home Walter, the class goldfish who once bit her finger. This is another Penelope Rex book that kids will love. It's humorous with a message readers will be able to relate to and has amusing illustrations. 

Four Eyes by Rex Ogle and illustrated by Dave Valeza

Sixth grade is hard enough for Rex, but it becomes even more of a challenge when he needs to get glasses. This is a wonderful graphic novel about navigating middle school, the ups and downs of friendship, and fitting in. Relatable and humorous, readers will root for Rex as he strives to build confidence and the ability to stand up for himself. Thanks to the publisher, Scholastic, for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with an advance reader's copy. The book publishes in May.

Are you There God? It's Me Margaret by Judy Blume

In anticipation of the movie that releases at the end of April, I reread this childhood favorite. I am also looking forward to the documentary about Judy Blume as I read all of her books as a child in the 80s.

The Department of Lost Dogs by Josephine Cameron

Dog lovers will enjoy this mystery. Rondo becomes involved with the disappearance of dogs while a canine TV show is being filmed at his family's dog-friendly bed and breakfast. Readers of the author's A Dog-Friendly Town will recognize the setting and characters, but this book can be read on its own.

Adult Reading Recommendations


Daughters of Nantucket by Julie Gerstenblatt

I learn so much from reading historical fiction. This book centers around an event, the Great Fire of 1846 that happened on the island of Nantucket, which I had never heard about. I found it fascinating to read about the courage and strength of three different women dealing with the struggles of living in this time period.

Monday, April 3, 2023

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...


Friends Beyond Measure by Lalena Fisher

Ana and Harwin have differences and disagreements, but they are great friends. Their friendship is put to the test when Harwin moves away. This heart-warming story is also an introduction to infographics as a variety of charts help to tell about Ana and Harwin's friendship.


Jump In! by Shadra Strickland

A game of Double Dutch begins and several kids and adults in the community join in. This is a joyful and fun book with some surprising parts told through rhythmic text and lively illustrations.

Lost Cat! by Jacqueline K. Rayner

The narrator of the book calls Fred for dinner, but the cat does not come. A search for the cat doesn't seem to be successful, but the illustrations clue readers in to where the cat is. This story of a lost cat has a fun and imaginative twist. 

Make More S'mores by Cathy Ballou Mealey and illustrated by Ariel Landy

This is a sweet story about s'mores and sharing. The illustrations are delightful. 

Elena Rides by Juana Medina

Elena models perseverance and resilience in this beginning reader as she learns to ride a bike and is encouraged by a friend. A cute and fun read.

Adult Reading Recommendation


Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto

Set in San Francisco, Vera Wong walks into her tea shop and finds a man dead on the floor. Because she believes the police are not doing their job adequately and that the man has been murdered, she becomes an amateur sleuth trying to find the murderer. I listened to the audiobook and was very entertained. It's both quirky and fun.