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...

A Maleta Full of Treasures by Natalia Sylvester and illustrated by Juana Medina

Dulce's abuela is visiting from her family's homeland. Although Dulce expresses that she doesn't need her abuela to bring anything except herself when she visits, abuela has brought many treasures. Dulce and her abuela spend time together and make memories until it's time for the trip to come to an end. This is a very sweet and relatable story. 

Peggy the Always Sorry Pigeon by Wendy Maddour and illustrated by Carmen Saldaña

Peggy's reply when others push her around is, "I'm sorry." Following the advice of a helpful seagull, pigeon learns to stand up for herself. An amusing book with an empowering message. 

Penelope Rex and the Problem with Pets by Ryan T. Higgins

Rather than getting a typical dog or cat as a pet, Penelope gets Mitten. Mittens makes life challenging for Penelope, but she tries her best to handle her new pet. This is a fun addition to the Penelope Rex series that shows how rewarding having a pet can be.

Ferris by Kate DiCamillo

Ferris's grandmother has always told her that, "Every good story is a love story." This story tells a few different love stories including that of two sisters and one of a granddaughter and grandmother. It's a quirky story about love and family.

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...

Come Out, Come Out Chameleon! by Jonty Howley

Readers will enjoy spotting the chameleon as his owner searches for him. Equally fun is helping the owner coax him out of his hiding spot. 

What's New, Daniel? by Micha Archer

Daniel meets his grandfather in the park who asks him, "What's new?" Daniel explores the park, learning everything new that is happening there while also realizing that there are new things happening with him. too. This is a lovely exploration of the natural world. 

The Mochi Makers by Sharon Fujimoto Johnson

This is a sweet intergenerational story about a girl and her grandmother spending time together making mochi. Readers can learn about mochi and the importance of tradition.

The Night War by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

This is another great historical fiction novel from Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. This one does have a slight fantasy element to it. During WWII, a young girl is pretending to be Catholic while living at a boarding school in France after escaping from her Jewish neighborhood where Nazis captured many of her neighbors and friends. It's a powerful story of courage and resilience. 

Adult Reading Recommendation

The New Couple in 5B by Lisa Unger

This was an intriguing suspense and mystery novel. There was a bit of a supernatural element which I thought might turn me off, but I ended up enjoying the story in spite of it. It's atmospheric, taking place in an old apartment building which would be charming if it weren't so creepy. The building has a dark history and when the couple at the center of the book move in they become entangled in some chilling events that seem associated with their new living arrangements. 

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...

Looking for the Eid Moon by Sahtinay Abaza and illustrated by Sandra Eide

Before their first Eid party, two sisters spend an evening trying to spot the crescent moon which marks the start of the Muslim holiday. The story and information at the end of the book explain the significance of the moon. This is also a sweet story about sisters. 

Octopus Acrobatics by Sue Fliess and illustrated by Gareth Lucas

I learned so much from this book about the amazing creature that is the octopus. It's written in rhyme with snippets of additional information about the octopus included throughout the book. I think kids will find it fascinating. 

Taxi, Go! by Patricia Toht and illustrated by Maria Karipidou

This fun rhyming book is about the day in the life of a taxi. Readers, especially those who enjoy books about vehicles, will enjoy reading about this happy and helpful taxi who gets people to the places they need to go.

Wolves in Helicopters by Sarah Tagholm and illustrated by Paddy Donnelly

A little rabbit having bad dreams, which feature wolves, learns to take control of them with some good advice from Mommy rabbit. Rabbit's bravery can help readers who have experienced their own nightmares. 

Bunny and Clyde by Megan McDonald and illustrated by Scott Nash

This early chapter book is about two characters, a bunny and chipmunk, who are determined to be bad. It's a humorous story, although kids won't appreciation the connection to the real-life Bonnie and Clyde as much as adults will. Kids will find their antics amusing.

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...

A Flicker of Hope: A Story of Migration by Cynthia Harmony and illustrated by Devon Holzwarth

Like the monarchs that migrate in the spring, Lucía's father is journeying north. While her father goes in search of work, Lucía eagerly anticipates his homecoming and that of the monarchs. A beautiful book about migration.

Is This a House for Hermit Crab? by Megan McDonald and illustrated by Katherine Tillotson

This is an updated version of the picture book written over thirty years ago with new artwork. Hermit Crab is on a search for a new house as his shell is too small. His search involves finding the perfect shelter and keeping safe from danger. Information about hermit crabs is included at the end of the book.

Ride Beside Me by Lucy Knisley

A child and mother bike through their community along with other riders. This book celebrates the joys of bike riding. 

Deep Water by Jamie Sumner

In this middle grade novel written in verse, Tully is determined to complete a twelve mile swim because she will be the youngest to do so and she thinks it will make her mother come back. Her swim is a way for her to deal with the family challenges she is facing. Her character is great, but I also loved that of her best friend who is there by her side while she swims. This is a moving, emotional, and tense read. Thanks to the publisher for an advance reader's copy. The book publishes in April.

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 Blue Pickup by Natasha Tripplett and illustrated by Monica Mikai

A girl helps her grandfather fix cars and inspires him to get his old Blue Pickup running again. I enjoyed the Jamaican setting of this intergenerational story and the theme related to the importance of preserving stories and things of the past.

Don't Trust Cats (Life Lessons from Chip the Dog) by Dev Petty and illustrated by Mike Boldt

Chip shares wisdom to help others be their best dog self. His first piece of advice is not to trust cats, but he also tells who can be trusted and gives other tidbits of advice. The illustrations are amusing.

Forever and Always by Brittany J. Thurman and illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice

As Olivia waits for her dad to return from work in the evening, the hours seem to pass endlessly. This is a relatable story about anxieties and worries when a parent is away at work. It is lyrical and poignant and includes an author's note that gives further insight into the meaning behind the story.

Gravity is Bringing Me Down by Wendelin Van Draanen and illustrated by Cornelia Li

Leda's day begins with her falling out of bed and continues with many mishaps that include tripping and dropping things. She blames all of it on gravity. When she leaves school, her mother knows how to help Leda and gravity get along again. In addition to a cute story, this book will introduce readers to the concept of gravity.

When You Have to Wait by Melanie Conklin and illustated by Leah Hong

Waiting is hard, but there are benefits, too. This is a sweet book about learning to have patience. The illustrations are lovely.

Not Quite a Ghost by Anne Ursu

Violet is starting middle school and her family is also moving to a larger and older house. As she is adjusting to changing friendships and a creepy attic room that gives her nightmares, she also faces some health challenges. The book addresses chronic illness and the frustration of having health issues that can't be diagnosed. 

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...

Lucky Duck by Greg Pizzoli

Whenever something happens to make Susan the duck feel unlucky, a wolf shows up offering her items that brighten her mood. Readers will recognize the wolf's intent although Susan does not. Lucky for her, a bug has been a keen observer and has a clever solution. An amusing story.

Mabel and the Mountain: A Story About Believing in Yourself by Kim Hillyard

Mabel is a fly with a plan and the knowledge that she shouldn't listen to those who say she can't do something. She decides she is going to climb a mountain and sets out to do it. Although others doubt her, she listens to her heart. This is a sweet story about a very determined character who shows the power of believing in oneself. 

Peg Gets Crackin' by Jo Renfro

Feeling safe inside her shell, Peg does not want to hatch when her mother tells her chickadees it's time to start crackin'. Eventually, Peg runs out of room and is forced out of her shell. This is a really fun book with a relatable message about overcoming the uncertainties when it's time to be more independent.

Ramadan Kareem by M.O. Yuksel and illustrated by Hatem Aly

This is a celebratory book about Ramadan. The narrator of the book, who is fasting for the first time, shares the many joys associated with the month of Ramadan. Those who are unfamiliar with Ramadan will learn from the story, as well as the author's note at the end.

The Teeny-Weeny Unicorn by Shawn Harris

A teeny-weeny unicorn has had enough of being the smallest in his family and runs away. After encountering a gnome in the lawn, the teeny-weeny unicorn doesn't feel so small anymore. This is a fun book showing that one's small size can be an advantage. Love the whimsical illustrations.

 

The Fix-Its: Nail Needs Help (I Can Read Comics Level 3) by Sarah Lynne Reul

Nail is stuck in a piece of wood and needs help from someone in the toolbox. Hammer tries to help, but ends up making the situation worse. If only Hammer would listen! This early reader in graphic novel format is very clever.

Adult Reading Recommendation

The Father She Went to Find by Carter Wilson

Penny Bly became a savant when she fell down the stairs as a young child. Since then she has been attending a special school. On her twenty-first birthday, she receives a card from her father, who she hasn't seen since her accident, and decides she is going to leave the school and find him. Penny's journey soon becomes one of adventure, danger, and friendship. This is a psychological thriller with suspense, but it's also an emotional story about finding happiness. There were parts that were a bit over-the-top, but it was a quick and entertaining read. Thanks to the NetGalley for a review copy. The book publishes in April.

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...

Could You Ever Waddle With Penguins!? by Sandra Markle and illustrated by Vanessa Morales

Readers will learn facts about Adélie penguins and what life would be like if they lived with them. The format of this book is engaging and the combination of photos and illustrations is cool, too. 

Cranky by Phuc Tran and illustrated by Pete Oswald

Cranky is crankier than usual and does not want to talk about it. Cranky's friends try to help and don't understand why their efforts aren't working. This book shows the importance of giving others space and communicating one's needs. The construction vehicles as characters, the illustrations, and the puns are all a lot of fun.

Have You Seen Mikki Olsen? by Alex MacDonald

Penguin and his favorite toy named Mikki Olsen spend all their time together. At the end of a busy day, Penguin loses track of the toy. As Penguin searches, readers will be amused that they know where they pink bear is located. A cute and silly story.

I Am Money by Julia Cook and Garrett Gunderson and illustrated by Josh Cleland

This is a fun approach to teaching readers about money including how to earn it, save it, spend it, and share it. There are lots of tips about how to be financially responsible.

The Three Little Tardigrades by Sandra Fay

Mother Tardigrade sends her three little tardigrades, Gavin, Colin, and Doug, off into the world. Not having ever left their droplet of H₂O, the little tardigrades are hesitant, but each head off to their preferred destination. Just as they each are going to make themselves comfortable in their new home, they find themselves face-to-face with the Big Hairy Wolf Spider. This is a unique take on a popular fairytale and sure to get readers interested in learning more about the tardigrade.

Adult Reading Recommendations

Who to Believe by Edwin Hill

A restaurant owner, in the small fictional town of Montreith, on the coast of Massachusetts, has recently been murdered and, as the crime is still being investigated, the community is a little on edge. The book alternates between the perspective of a few different characters whose lives are interconnected and each one of them has secrets. The plot kept me guessing and there were a few surprising twists. I enjoyed the setting which the author, who is from Massachusetts, noted at the end was partly based on the town I grew up in. 

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...

Cupig: The Valentine's Day Pig by Claire Tattersfield and illustrated by Rob Sayegh Jr.

This is a silly rhyming story about Cupig, a pig whose arrows go a little off course during a storm. Instead of bringing pairs together, her Valentine's mishap results in break-ups. Cupig knows she must make it all right again. There are lots of fun puns.

 

Elijah's Easter Suit by Brentom Jackson and illustrated by Emmanuel Boateng

Elijah wants the perfect Easter suit so that he will be the first kid at church to get a special shout-out from the Reverend. Inspired by a few members of his church community, he creates a suit that honors his culture and family history. A charming book about tradition.

The Red Fruit by Lee Gee Eun

A baby bear climbs a tree thinking there will be more delicious red fruit. Whenever the fruit appears within reach, the bear realizes what appears to be fruit is something else entirely. The mostly black and white illustrations are lovely and pull the reader into the bear's risky adventure.

Sam's New Sister by Michelle Olson

Although Sam is the smallest button in the craft box, and because of this misses out on some things, he enjoys the attention he receives. That changes when a new button is adopted and he is now a big brother. Sam runs away to escape his sister, but when she is in need he realizes it's not so bad to have a little sister after all. The artwork in this book is great. There are three other books in the series featuring characters from the craft box.

Adult Reading Recommendation

The Women by Kristin Hannah

This is an intense and heart-wrenching book. I had tears in my eyes within the first fifty pages and many times after that. Frankie joins the Army as a nurse, spends two years serving in Vietnam, and then returns home to her family, who like many others in the country are not welcoming upon her return. Although the book is almost five hundred pages, I read it in a weekend because it was such a compelling read. Some of the plot is predictable, but the insight into the time period was fascinating to me. I've read more books than I can count about World War II, but I realized when reading this one that I haven't read any about the Vietnam War. Not having as much knowledge as I probably should have about this time in history, I found this to be an impactful read.