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...

Baller Ina by Liz Casal

Ina is a ballerina who also gets out onto the basketball court in her tutu. Even when another play tries to discourage her, Ina shows off her confidence and continues to be herself. A joyous rhyming book.

The Boo Crew Needs You by Vicky Fang and illustrated by Saoirse Loug

It's time for the Monster Ball, but before it can take place the Boo Crew needs to make everything right in the neighborhood. The reader is invited along to help out. A cute book that encourages reader participation.

I Cannot Draw a Bicycle by Charise Mericle Harper

The narrator draws a cat with a skateboard and a horse who wants a bicycle. The narrator has never seen a bicycle and can't draw one so the cat and horse suggest a clever solution. Another amusing book by the author of I Cannot Draw a Horse.

Spanish is the Language of My Family by Michael Genhart and illustrated by John Parra

Manolo's school is having a Spanish spelling bee and, since his family speaks the language, he is excited to participate. Although he knows how to spell many words in Spanish, his abuela helps him learn more and also tells him stories of when she was little and was only allowed to speak English. This is an empowering book that celebrates language and culture.

History Smashers: Christopher Columbus and the Taino People by Kate Messner and Jose Barreiro and illustrated by Falynn Koch 

This is another insightful addition to the History Smashers series. The authors explore the myths surrounding Christopher Columbus, providing information about what is actually true. I learned a lot about Christopher Columbus and how the holiday came to be celebrated. Both adults and kids can learn from this book.