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'm Sticking With You - And the Chicken Too! by Smriti Prasadam-Halls and illustrated by Steve Small

Bear and Squirrel are perfect together making music and decide to exclude Chicken since three is a crowd. But when they see Chicken in danger, they don't hesitate to help out. This is a rhythmic tale of friendship.

Salat in Secret by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and illustrated by Hatem Aly

Now that Muhammad is seven he is old enough to pray five times a day so his father gives him a salat rug for his birthday. At school Muhammad needs a space to pray, but is trying to find the courage to ask his teacher. The author's note at the end provides additional information about salat. The story is moving and empowering.

Sorry, Snail by Tracy Subisak

Ari is in a bad mood and takes it out on a snail she has discovered in the grass. The snail demands an apology, but it needs to be one that is meaningful. The book shows the importance of being kind and what it means to offer a genuine apology.

Otis & Peanut by Naseem Hrab and illustrated by Kelly Collier

This graphic novel includes three short stories about two friends who care for and support each other. Each of the stories is touching. There is humor, but the stories are more sensitive than silly.

Rewind by Lisa Graff

McKinley is excited to attend the Time Hop, a community party that celebrates a year from the past. On the day of the celebration, McKinley sneaks out to the fashion show, for which she has created a special outfit from 1993, against her father's wishes. She also has her first fight with her best friend. On top of all that, she suddenly finds herself transported to the year 1993 when her father and best friend's parents are in sixth grade. This is a sweet and fun time travel story. The book publishes in August.

Adult Reading Recommendations

The Road to Dalton by Shannon Bowring

Set in northern Maine, this story centers around three different couples and the ways their lives intersect with one another. Each of the chapters read like short stories, but they connect to each other and tell a heart-wrenching and beautiful narrative of a small community and the people who live there. I loved the setting and the characters and the writing is wonderful.