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Monday, May 8, 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...


Big Tune: Rise of the Dancehall Prince by Alliah L. Agostini and illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice

Celebrating Jamaican music and dance, this rhythmic story is full of joy. Shane, who only dances when no one is around, helps his community when the speaker breaks before the Saturday dance gathering and finds the confidence to show off his moves.  

Ode to a Bad Day by Chelsea Lin Wallace and illustrated by Hyewon Yum

In this lyrical poem, one thing after another goes wrong for the narrator. As bad as the day is, the narrator has hope for a better tomorrow. This lively ode includes humor and many kids will be able to relate to.

Don't Touch That Flower by Alice Hemming and illustrated by Nicolas Slater

The first flower of spring arrives and Squirrel, who claims it as his own, wants to protect it. Bird helps him learn what flowers need and shows him that nature is there for all to enjoy. A fun book.

Home Away From Home by Cynthia Lord

Another heart-warming book from Cynthia Lord. Mia visits her grandmother every summer, but this year is different since her mother is packing up their house while she is gone. In addition, Mia is jealous of a neighbor who has been spending time with her grandmother. She is excited about an unusual bird that she and the neighbor have discovered, but when she posts about it online she realizes the bird may not be safe. This is a story about friendship and dealing with the consequences of one's actions. 

Adult Reading Recommendation 


The Last Word by Taylor Adams

I read this suspenseful thriller in a day and a half. After a tragic event in her life, Emma has escaped to a remote beach where, alone with her dog, she is housesitting. When she posts a one star book review, the author insists she removes it. She leaves the review up and soon after strange and disturbing things start happening around the house and she believes the author is acting out his next murder crime novel with her as the intended victim. This book is fast-paced and action-packed with interesting twists. It's creepy and over the top, but very clever. 

4 comments:

  1. I may have said this before but I have save your adult recs, too, Lisa. I enjoy mysteries & it's good to find someone who shares some titles new to me. Thanks for the other books, too. Big Tune looks very fun! Have a good week ahead!

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  2. Cynthia Lord is a wonderful author - Home Away from Home sounds great. And The Last Word sounds like a unique (and creepy) premise!

    Enjoy your books this week -

    Sue
    Book By Book

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  3. OOH, I need to get Big Tune! Looks like a great title for our fine arts academy! Have a great week!

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  4. I feel like I need to read Ode to a Bad Day.

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