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...

The Boo-Boos of Bluebell Elementary by Chelsea Lin Wallace and illustrated by Alison Farrell

One kid after another (as well as the school principal) visit the school nurse's office. Miss Peatree knows just what to do to mend each ailment or problem. The rhyming text and amusing illustrations are fun and readers will relate to those visiting the nurse's office.

Don't Blow Your Top! by Ame Dyckman and illustrated by Abhi Alwar

With the help of Big Volcano, Little Volcano tries not to blow their top when a bird drops a coconut. When the bird drops more coconuts, Little Volcano has a more difficult time controlling their temper. This humorous book shows possibilities for staying calm when something upsetting happens.

Waiting on Mr. Sloth by Katy Hudson

Sasha decides that she and sloth are going swimming. Only sloth is not moving very quickly and this makes Sasha upset. This is a cute book about the importance of patience. 

We Dream a World: Carrying the Light From My Grandparents Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King by Yolanda Renee King and illustrated by Nicole Tadgell

Yolanda, inspired by the grandparents she never met, has written a poetic tribute to them showing her determination to follow in their footsteps as well as be a leader herself. The message that young people can be changemakers is an empowering one. Thanks to the publisher for a review copy. The book publishes in January.

Bear and Bird: The Stars and Other Stories by Jarvis

This early chapter book is really sweet. Bear and Bird are best friends who support each other and always find their way back to one another. Each of the four stories have a touch of adventure and humor.

The Dreamatics by Michelle Cuevas

The Lunarian Grande is a theatre troupe that is responsible for creating the dreams that a young girl named Luna has every night. After an unexpected loss in her life, Luna is unable to dream. The theatre changes, as well, and the new management is creating bad dreams. Dormir, a stagehand who wants to act, is determined to help Luna get back her good dreams and memories. This is a creative, quirky, and heartfelt middle grade novel.

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...

The Concrete Garden by Bob Graham

After a very long and tough winter, children in an urban neighborhood go outside and draw on the pavement with chalk. This is a sweet story about community, healing, and optimism. 

A Story No One Has Ever Heard Before by Avi Steinberg

The narrator declares that the reader is going to be the one to tell the story which leads to an explanation of how this can be done. Examples, in a comic-like style, show different elements to include in a story. This is a humorous book that gives readers a framework that they can use to write their own stories. I'm sure it will inspire some writers.

A Voice in the Hollow by Will Hillenbrand

The library closes early because of a blizzard, and with the storm getting worse, a mouse decides to take a shortcut through the spooky hollow. A winter-themed story that is both enchanting and a little suspenseful. 

Wintergarden by Janet Fox and illustrated by Jasu Hu

This beautifully illustrated book shows the joy of growing plants on a windowsill in winter. It's really lovely and many readers will be eager to grow their own indoor gardens after reading it.

Hidden Truths by Elly Swartz

Dani has finally made the boys' baseball team, but when she is injured in an accident she is unsure if or when she will be able to play. She was camping with her best friend Eric at the time and he believes the accident could have been his fault. This heartfelt story explores how Dani and Eric navigate their friendship with each other, as well as others, after the life-changing incident. There are lots of layers to this story and it is an engaging read with realistic and relatable characters. A great middle grade read about friendship and moving forward in the face of challenges. 

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...

The Big Cheese by Jory John and illustrated by Pete Oswald

The seventh book in the Food Group series is filled with puns and humor. The Big Cheese is used to winning, but learns he doesn't always have to be the best. 

Books Make Good Friends by Jane Mount

Books make good friends, as do other kids. Lottie is a shy kid who prefers to be reading a book. Her love of books opens her eyes to new possibilities. There are lots of different books featured within the story, to inspire kids' reading, too.

Brave Little Bear by Steve Small

It is time for a mother bear and her cubs to leave the mountain and travel to Spring Valley where they will live. Arlo doesn't feel very adventurous and isn't as brave as his sister Eva who always does things first. When a snowstorm comes, Arlo has no choice but to be brave for his sister. 

The Magical Snowflake by Bernette Ford and illustrated by Erin K. Robinson

Ori plays outside with her friends in winter, wishing that it would snow. One snowflake finally falls and, as Ori follows it, the streets seem to become magically covered in snow and the community comes out to celebrate the wonder and joy of winter.

The Three Little Mittens by Linda Bailey and illustrated by Natalia Shaloshvili

Mittens find themselves without a match and feel left out. When two non-matching mittens are paired together, it feels weird, but The Little Girl wonders why they have to match. In this story about inclusion and accepting oneself, a girl starts a new trend.

The Twelve Hours of Christmas by Jenn Bailey and illustrated by Bea Jackson

A spin on "The Twelve Days of Christmas," this story shows how a girl and her family spend Christmas day hour by hour. The family is missing their kitten, but observant readers will enjoy noticing the pet throughout the pages.