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...

Cinderella and a Mouse Called Fred by Deborah Hopkinson and illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky

A mouse, named Fred, narrates this retelling of the Cinderella story. Cinderella, also known as Ella, meets a prince at the ball, but decides to forge her own path to happiness. There is a fairy-tale ending, but with a wonderfully surprising twist. Great storytelling and vocabulary. 

Oh No, the Aunts Are Here by Adam Rex and illustrated by Lian Cho

The narrator's aunts are visiting and they can be overwhelming, but they also bring lots of love. It's a mostly realistic story that includes silliness and a bit of fantasy. 

The Scariest Kitten in the World by Kate Messner and illustrated by Mackenzie Haley

Kids will love the suspense and humor in this book about a kitten and some other animal friends who are more adorable than scary.  

Spicy Spicy Hot! by Lenny Wen

Lintang is excited to meet her grandmother, who is visiting from Indonesia, for the first time. When her grandmother makes her famous sambal, Lintang discovers it is too spicy. Not being able to eat the sambal, she feels like she doesn't fit in, but her grandmother has a way to help. A sweet intergenerational story.

Snail and Worm, Of Course by Tina Kügler 

This is the fourth book in the Snail and Worm early reader series. The three short stories that show the joy of friendship are charming. 

Mascot by Charles Waters and Traci Sorell

A group of seventh graders in an honors English class are assigned a project which involves a debate about their school's mascot. The diverse group of students have varying opinions about whether the mascot should stay or be changed. Written in verse and told through multiple perspectives this book shows how a group of young people grapple with a social issue that is relevant and timely. A powerful read exploring identity and social justice.