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....

Because Claudette by Tracey Baptiste and illustrated by Tonya Engel

This is a biography of Claudette Colvin whose actions were pivotal to the changes that came about due to the Montgomery bus boycott and an inspirational story about how a small act can lead to big change. The book's cause effect structure is interesting and impactful. 

With Lots of Love by Jenny Torres Sanchez and illustrated by André Ceolin

Rocio now lives in America, but misses her old home and the family she left behind, especially Abuela. This is a beautiful story about moving to a new place that shows how love and connection is possible even when there is distance between family members.

Just Harriet by Elana K. Arnold

Harriet is very unhappy that she has to spend the summer at her grandmother's bed-and-breakfast on Marble Island while her pregnant mother is on bed rest. When Harriet finds an antique key she has a mystery to solve and her summer becomes more interesting. Harriet is endearing and the setting is lovely. 

The Wreck at Ada's Reef (The Swallowtail Legacy #1) by Michael D. Beil and illustrated by Torborg Davern

This is another book taking place on an island and involving a mystery. Lark is part of a blended family and dealing with the loss of a parent. While vacationing on Swallowtail Island off Lake Erie, she assists in an investigation of a mysterious boat crash that happened decades earlier. This is an engaging mystery that explores family and the challenges of adjusting to change.

Adult Reading Recommendations

French Braid by Anne Tyler

I've read various novels by Anne Tyler throughout the years and this one, being her twenty-fourth, does not disappoint. It is an insightful exploration of family and the ways in which events can shape one's life. It tells the story of the Garrett family throughout the decades, from the 1950s to the present. Although the they have their own idiosyncrasies and quirks, they are also an ordinary family and one that begins to feel familiar. Thought-provoking and touching. 

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...

Knight Owl by Christopher Denise

Owl dreams of becoming a knight. Although Owl is small, he works hard and is assigned Knight Night Watch. When he finds himself face-to-face with a dragon, Owl's cleverness, kindness, and bravery help protect the castle. Owl is an endearing character and the book has a sweet message about following one's dreams.

Tía Fortuna's New Home: A Jewish Cuban Journey by Ruth Behar and illustrated by Devon Holzwarth

Estrella's aunt must leave the Miami home she has lived in for many years since fleeing Cuba after the revolution in 1959. Estrella is sad her aunt must move, but learns the meaning of home. The note at the end gives insight into the author's family history and that of Sephardic Jews. A very touching story.

Waiting for Mama by Gianna Marino

Written from the perspective of a baby penguin, this is a sweet story about the beginning of the creature's life and also a celebration of family. The illustrations are gorgeous. 

Cress Watercress by Gregory Maguire and illustrated by David Litchfield 

Cress's father left one night and did not return. Now her rabbit family must move to an apartment in an oak tree where there are other forest creatures who can look after the children while Mama collects food. They meet new neighbors and make friends, but must also navigate the dangers of the forest. This is a charming, adventurous tale about family, friendship, and courage. 

Maizy Chen's Last Chance by Lisa Yee

Maizy, and her mother, are visiting Last Chance, Minnesota where her grandparents live. Maizy misses L.A., but she gets to know her grandparents better and learns about her family history from her Opa. The story within a story gave insight into the history of Chinese immigrants while the present day story described Maizy's experience with racism in the small community. This is a heartfelt story.

Adult Reading Recommendation

The Secrets We Share by Edwin Hill

This is an intriguing and twisty murder mystery/detective novel. I read it in about a day when I was on vacation a few weeks ago at the beach. It's written in dual timelines, the 1990s and present, each including lots of drama and secrets. Living in Massachusetts, I enjoy that the setting of this book, as well as the author's previous books, is Boston. 

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...

I Am Golden by Eva Chen and illustrated by Sophie Diao

The message of this book is wonderful. The lyrical text addresses a child, reminding her to embrace who she is and celebrate her culture. The author's note which includes information about why she wrote the book is powerful. 

I'll Go and Come Back by Rajani LaRocca and illustrated by Sara Palacios

This is a heart-warming story about the relationship between a girl in America and her grandmother in India. During their visits to see each other, they form a bond even though they don’t speak the same language. The illustrations are gorgeous. Thanks to the publisher for a review copy. It publishes this month.

The Peach Pit (The Great Peach Experiement #2) by Erin Soderberg Downing

The very charming Peach family is back for their second adventure. In this story, they are turning an old, run-down mansion into a bed-and-breakfast. It's both fun and sweet. Thanks to the author for sharing an advance reader's copy of the book. It publishes in April.

Adult Reading Recommendation

The Love of My Life by Rosie Walsh

This is another adult novel that makes my favorites of 2022 list. The title of this one makes it sound like it could be a traditional love story/romance book, but it definitely is not. It's more a combination of a domestic drama and mystery. I love books in which someone is hiding a secret and the secret at the core of this book is not what I was expecting. With the unexpected twists and turns, it was a compelling read.

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...

Dear Reader: A Love Letter to Libraries by Tiffany Rose

The narrator of this book writes a letter to readers expressing her love of books and her desire to read books with characters who look like her. This is a lovely book about the power of books and the need for stories which allow readers to see themselves.

First Notes of Spring by Jessica Kulekjian and illustrated by Jennifer Bower

Winter is ending and Juniper is ready to join the First Notes of Spring musicians, but Mr. Moose declares that spring will not bloom because her music is too wild. Juniper comes across other animals in the forest and together they make their own kind of music. This is a cute story with fun illustrations that show winter changing to spring. Readers will want to make music along with the characters.

Drive It! Fix It! (Racing Ace #1) by Larry Dane Brimner and illustrated by Kaylani Juanita

This is another great addition to the Acorn line of books which early readers love. Ace built a car herself and is determined to race it and win. Ace is a fun and inspirational character. The illustrations are really sweet. Thanks to the publisher for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with an advance reader's copy. The book publishes in April.

Pilar Ramirez and the Escape from Zafa by Julian Randall

Pilar Ramirez's family left the Dominican Republic, while it was under the control of dictator Rafael Trujillo, to live in Chicago and she wants to know more about that history including why her Mami's cousin, Natasha, disappeared. When her sister arranges for Pilar to meet with a professor who may be able to provide her with information, Pilar is mysteriously transported to the island of Zafa where she hopes she can find Natasha. This book has action, magic, insight into Dominican myths, and a brave heroine. 

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...

Apple and Magnolia by Laura Gehl and illustrated by Patricia Metola

Britta knows that her favorite trees, Apple and Magnolia, are best friends. When Magnolia does not seem to be doing well, Britta is determined to help the tree survive the winter. With two cups tied to a string, a long scarf, and a strand of lights, Britta connects the two trees to each other so one can support the other. This is such a sweet story of unlikely friendship and the power of hope and positive thinking. The whimsical illustrations are lovely.

Eyes That Speak to the Stars by Joanna Ho and illustrated by Dung Ho

This companion to Eyes that Kiss in the Corners is another beautiful and empowering book. The boy expresses his hurt after seeing a picture of himself that his friend drew and his Baba leads him to celebrate his eyes, culture, and family. 

Witchlings by Claribel A. Ortega

On the night of the Black Moon Ceremony, Seven hopes to be placed in House Hyacinth with her friend Poppy. Instead, she becomes a Spare along with two other girls, one of whom she does not get along. The only chance they have of becoming full-fledged witches is to defeat a Nightbeast. This is a magical and adventurous story of friendship and fitting in. Thanks to the publisher for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with an advance reader copy. The book publishes in April.

I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys

Cristian, living in Romania in the 1980s, has been blackmailed into spying on an American diplomat in return for medicine for his sick grandfather. Once again, Ruta Sepetys has given me insight into a piece of history I know little about. Her amazing storytelling transported me to a time and place that allowed me to imagine what it was like to live under a communist regime. A very compelling and powerful read from a master of storytelling.

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...

Friends Are Friends, Forever by Dane Liu and illustrated by Lynn Scurfield

Dandan spends one last Lunar New Year with her friend, Yueyue, before moving with her family to America. Together they make paper snowflakes like they usually do and Yueyue gives Dandan the supplies she'll need to make them in her new home. When Dandan makes a new friend, she shares the gift she received and the tradition with her. Based on the author's experience migrating to America, this is a heartfelt story.

No Bunnies Here! by Tammi Sauer and illustrated by Ross Burach

It's the day of the Hoppy Day Parade in Bunnyville and a wolf has shown up. The bunny narrator very humorously tries to convince the wolf that there are no bunnies. The wolf does not give up and his reason for wanting to find a bunny is a surprise. This is an amusing story of unlikely friendship with a message about making assumptions.

Powwow Day by Traci Sorell and illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight

River is still not feeling well enough to dance at the powwow. As she watches her sister and friends dance, she wishes she could, too. As the celebration continues, she remembers the reason for the dancing and takes comfort in the fact that her community is part of her healing. Gorgeous book.

Cornbread & Poppy by  Matthew Cordell

Cornbread is prepared for winter, but Poppy is not. When Poppy decides to go up Holler Mountain to forage for food, Cornbread knows it is dangerous, but, as a friend, he goes along with her. The mice have an adventure that involves a surprise and friendship. This is a sweet early reader about two friends who support one another.

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...

Olu & Greta by Diana Ejaita

Olu, living in Lagos, and Greta, living in Milan, are cousins who have never met each other. This story tells how they connect with each other and learn about the place the other lives even though they are far apart from each other. Very sweet. 

Peacock and Sketch by Allan Peterkin and illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat

Peacock is proud of his beautiful tail feathers and enjoys having fans who are always taking pictures of him. When his feathers fall out, no one is ooohing and aaahing over him and Peacock feels sad and alone. Only Sketch, who takes the time to draw him, can see how he feels. This is a cute story that includes a note at the end related to children's use of social media.

The Daily Bark: The Puppy Problem by Laura James and illustrated by Charlie Adler

Gizmo, a city dog, and his human move to a country town named Puddle. When he meets another dog who needs help finding homes for her pups, he comes up with an idea to write a newspaper bulletin. Gizmo not only saves the pups, but starts a newspaper called the Daily Bark. This is an amusing and sweet start to a new chapter book series.

Dream, Annie, Dream by Waka T. Brown

This is one of the middle grade books from the #MustReadin2022 list I made in January. Set in the 1980s, it's an inspiring story of a twelve-year-old Japanese American girl who pursues her dreams in spite of obstacles she faces because of her race. As Annie tries to make sense of the microagressions and biases she experiences, she holds on to her beliefs that there is a place for her in the theater group, as well as on the basketball team. In addition, she is also navigating challenges with friendships and first crushes. This is a compelling story that addresses important topics and themes.

Professional Read

Structured Literacy Interventions: Teaching Students with Reading Difficulties, Grades K-6 edited by Louise Spear-Swerling

This book provides an explanation of structured literacy and details the research regarding how to best support students who struggle with aspects of reading including phonemic awareness, word recognition, spelling, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and written expression. In addition, there are examples of evidence-based practices and sample lessons. There is much debate nowadays about whether structured literacy or balanced literacy is the best approach to teaching students to read. While this book is aligned with structured literacy, it provides a clear understanding of research and will be useful to any teacher who works with students facing reading difficulties.