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...

Julie and the Mango Tree by Sadé Smith and illustrated by Sayada Ramdial

Julie has a giant mango tree in her yard and is eagerly waiting for one of the delicious and juicy fruits to drop. She tries to solve her problem, but then realizes she must be patient. When she finally gets more than she asked for she devises a solution to share with others. A book that will have readers craving mangoes.

The Little Green Envelope by Gillian Sze and illustrated by Claudine Crangle

After Olive's friend has moved away, Grandpa suggests she send her friend a letter. Hearing this, a little green envelope, who has been neglected, hopes to be chosen to go on the journey with the letter. This is a cute story about the joy of receiving a letter.

The King Penguin by Vanessa Roeder

Percival is a king penguin, so therefore the ruler of all the penguins. When his subjects protest and kick him out of the colony, he tries to find somewhere else to be a ruler. Although he fails to find subjects to rule over he learns about leadership and what it means to be part of a colony. A fun book with some great vocabulary.

More Than Words: So Many Ways to Say What We Mean by Roz Maclean

This book explores the many ways there are to communicate and express oneself in addition to talking and using words. The end pages provide further information about communication. An important and beautiful book.

Night Owl Night by Susan Edwards Richmond and illustrated by Maribel Lechuga

A girl is finally able to accompany her mother, one October night, as she waits for owls in the sanctuary where she works as a scientist. The girl is eager to see an owl on its way as it migrates south and help her mother study and tag it, but she is worried she may not get to see one. This is a very sweet story that made me think of Owl Moon by Jane Yolen. Gorgeous illustrations.

Jawbreaker by Christina Wyman

Max is bullied at school because of her overbite, not only by other kids, but also her own sister. Her home life is equally as complicated as her parents are always fighting. Max's best friend also seems to be struggling with something and becoming more distant. Inspired by the author's own experiences, this is a heartfelt story about feeling different and navigating complicated relationships. Thanks to the publisher for an advanced reader's copy. The book publishes this month.

Adult Reading Recommendations

Becoming Henry: The Fonz...and Beyond by Henry Winkler

This is just a nice, charming memoir. It gives insight into life in Hollywood, as well as Henry's challenges related to stardom, family, and having dyslexia. Growing up having watched Happy Days, I found it interesting. Thanks to the publisher for an advanced reader's copy. The book publishes this month.