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...

Bruce and the Legend of Soggy Hollow by Ryan T. Higgins

Bruce continues to be one of my favorite book characters. Bruce doesn't have any holiday spirit, especially when it comes to Halloween, but his friends force him into participating in an enactment of a scary story. Bruce's role in the play is amusing and the legend is interesting with just a tiny bit of spookiness. Another humorous addition to the series.

Hopefully the Scarecrow by Michelle Houts and illustrated by Sara Palacios

Hopefully stands in the garden where he loves listening to the girl read him stories filled with adventure. One spring, the girl, mysteriously, is not there to place him on his perch or read to him. Although he is alone he remembers the girl's stories and this gives him courage and hope. This is a sweet story about friendship and the power of stories. 

Invisible Things by Andy J. Pizza and illustrated by Sophie Miller

This is an interesting and smart book about things that are invisible. It starts off by exploring senses and then mood and emotions. Definitely a book to spark conversation.

Pumpkin Day at the Zoo by Susan Meissner and illustrated by Pablo Pino

Visitors to the zoo bring pumpkins for the animals to enjoy. A variety of animals, from armadillos to wildebeests, delight in the special treat. The rhyming text includes fun vocabulary. This is an amusing fall-themed read. There is a note at the end explaining that some zoos accept pumpkin donations which is not something I knew about before.

That Flag by Tameka Fryer Brown and illustrated by Nikkolas Smith

Wow, this book is important and powerful. The author's note at the end explains that the book was written to help readers understand that the Confederate flag is a symbol of hate and racism and so much more than a way to express Southern pride. A must-read.

Yenebi's Drive to School by Sendy Santamaria

Yenebi and her sister wake up at four in the morning to go to school each day, as their drive involves crossing the border from Mexico into the United States. Based on the author's own experience, this lovely story explores the efforts and dedication that it takes for some children to get to school. 

See the Ghost: Three Stories about Things You Cannot See by David LaRochelle and illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka

Another book about invisible things. This one has three stories, each about something that can't be seen - a ghost, the wind, and an incredibly small fairy. Like the previous two books in this early reader series, kids will love it. 

Reggie: Kid Penguin by Jen de Oliveira

Reggie is a kid penguin who has adventures that human kids will be able to relate to. Each of the stories in this early reader graphic novel are amusing. Lots of kid appeal. 

Something Like Home by Andrea Beatriz Arango

Laura does not want to live with her aunt where social services brought her after her parents went to a rehab hospital. As she navigates her life with a new family and home, she finds a dog in need of rescue and believes that this will give her a chance to visit her parents. Written in verse, this book is touching and beautiful. It explores the meaning of family, friendship, and hope. Thanks to the publisher for an advance reader's copy. The book publishes in September.

Professional Read

7 Mighty Moves: Research-Backed, Classroom-Tested Strategies to Ensure K-to-3 Reading Success by Lindsay Kemeny

After having seen a few webinars presented by Lindsay Kemeny, a teacher with experience in the early elementary grades, I was excited for this new book she has written. It is a super practical book with many ideas for implementing research-based practices focused on seven areas of literacy instruction that will support students in building both their decoding and word recognition skills and comprehension of text. I will definitely recommend this to those who want to learn more about the research related to effective literacy practices and ways they can begin to implement those practices.

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...

Banana Dream by Hasan Namir and illustrated by Daby Zainab Faidhi

Mooz doesn't like his name, which means "banana" in Arabic, until he learns the story of why his parents chose it for him. Set in Iraq during the Gulf War, the story also tells about the trading restrictions that were in place which made it impossible for those in the country to enjoy bananas. The author based this book on his own experiences. A wonderful read.

Cape by Kevin Johnson and illustrated by Kitt Thomas

Oh, this book is a heart-wrencher. I had tears in my eyes by the end, but it's a beautiful story about dealing with loss and grief.

The Duck Never Blinks by Alex Latimer

The narrator wants a duck to blink and invites readers to help make it happen. Very silly and fun.

Lupe Lopez Reading Rock Star! by e.E. Charlton-Trujillo and Pat Zietlow Miller and illustrated by Joe Cepeda

Lupe Lopez is a star drummer, famous for having started a band in kindergarten, but in first grade she stops feeling like a rock star when she has difficulty reading. Lupe doesn't want to be in a band or read until her teacher reminds her she can do anything and she realizes reading is like music. Lupe is a fun character who learns about the importance of effort.

The Masjid Kamal Loves by Ashley Franklin and illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel 

Kamal is delighted to be attending masjid and in the style of "The House that Jack Built" readers learn what makes it special. This is a sweet celebration of community, culture, and one's faith. 

Go Camping (Wombats! #1) by Maddie Frost

Two wombats go camping and have an unexpected adventure after finding a baby koala. This is a fun graphic novel about friendship and courage. 

How to Catch a Polar Bear by Stacy DeKeyser

This is a fun and adventurous historical fiction read. It's set in the summer of 1948 in Wisconsin where Nick lives close to the city zoo. When his uncle is offered space at the zoo to set up his frozen custard cart, Nick jumps at the chance to help so he can be near any excitement that happens there. Helping his uncle becomes more challenging than he anticipated as a competitive custard seller has set up his cart right outside the zoo. I loved the entertaining plot and the characters. The front - and back - covers are cute and humorous, too.

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...

Anni Dreams of Biryani by Namita Moolani Mehra and illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat

Anni wants to make biryani that tastes as delicious as that served at the café across the street from where she lives. She goes straight to the owner of the café to get help although he seems less than enthused with her questions about how to make the dish. She is determined to get the ingredients just right. This is a delightful story.

The Horseback Librarian by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Alexandra Badiu

Anna Mary travels the backwoods of Kentucky on her horse bringing books to different children who eagerly anticipate her arrival. This fictional story gives a glimpse into the day-to-day life of a pack horse librarian who traveled through remote regions to spread the love of books. Based on the true stories of woman who participated in the Pack Horse Librarian Project started in 1935.

In the Night Garden by Carin Berger 

I love the idea of the night being a garden. The words create an image of night that is peaceful and cozy, making this a great bedtime book. The illustrations, created through cut paper collage, are whimsical and lovely.

Words of Wonder from Z to A by Zaila Avant-Garde and illustrated by Keisha Morris

Spelling bee champ, Zaila Avant-Garde, has written a book in which she describes twenty-six powerful words. For each word she includes meaningful thoughts and a quote. The joyful illustrations help to bring the words to life. This book is sure to inspire readers to think about other powerful and important words. 

Gnome and Rat by Lauren Stohler

This short graphic novel includes five chapters about two friends, a gnome and a rat. Each of the stories tells about their antics and adventures that center around gnome's hat. Cute and charming.

Warrior Girl by Carmen Tafolla

This is an empowering novel written in verse about identity, culture, social justice, and the power of one's voice. I loved the message about being a warrior to make the world a better place. There are great characters in the book who support each other. Thanks to the publisher for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with a review copy. The book publishes in September.

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...

Alphabuddies: G is First by Beth Bacon and Karen Kane and illustrated by Eric Barclay 

G wants to play a game and be first, but A is convinced that this will destroy reading. Z joins in, insisting along with G that they take turns. An amusing book told through dialogue.

I Have Seven Dogs by Molly Horan and illustrated by Dana Wulfekotte

Although Zoe would like a dog she is unable to have one in her apartment. She introduces the reader to all the dogs in her neighborhood and when she visits the community garden she figures out a way to solve what she thought was an unsolvable problem. This is a fun story about making the best out of a less than perfect situation.

Sari-Sari Summers by Lynnor Bontigao

Finally, Nora, who is visiting her lola in the Philippines, is old enough to help at the sari-sari store. When it gets hot and customers are not stopping into the store, Nora thinks about the mango tree that is planted outside and has a smart and delicious idea to boost their business. This is a sweet and joyful book.

Super Small: Miniature Marvels of the World by Tiffany Stone and illustrated by Ashley Spires

This is an informative book about a variety of creatures that are all super small. For each creature the book tells about there is a poem and a mini comic giving more details about its superpower. The book includes humor, great illustrations, and information kids will find fascinating. 

What If I'm Not a Cat? by Kari-Lynn Winters and illustrated by Kelly Collier

This is a very humorous book with a great message about belonging and accepting one's differences. Having been raised with the cats on the farm, donkey has always believed he was a cat. But then one day, he starts to question whether he actually is a cat. I look forward to reading this one aloud to kids.

Totally Psychic by Brigid Martin 

This is a fun read about a twelve-year-old who has a gift, like her famous abuela, that gives her the ability to communicate with ghosts and see the future. She is determined to prove her medium abilities so she starts doing spirit readings at her school and on social media even though she knows her mother does not approve of her using her psychic abilities. Some challenges arise as Paloma navigates her powers and along the way she learns about friendship, family, and responsibility. Middle grade readers who enjoy magical realism and ghosts will like this one.

Professional Read

The Vocabulary Playbook: Learning Words That Matter, K-12 by Douglas Fisher and Nancy Frey

I always have way more professional books on my summer to-be-read list than I can ever get to. This is one of the professional reads I have managed to squeeze into my reading this summer. There's a lot of information and ideas about teaching vocabulary. This includes insight into direct instruction, morphology, peer collaboration and talk, and assessment. I look forward to revisiting it in the fall and using some of the ideas. 

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 Book for Bear by Ellen L. Ramsey and illustrated by MacKenzie Haley

Bear loves listening to Ellen read, but wants a book of his own that he has picked out himself. Ellen disguises Bear and brings him to school, the library, and a bookstore, but he is chased out every time. Together Bear and Ellen come up with a better plan. A charming story about the love of books.  

Greenlight by Breanna Carzoo

Whenever Greenlight shines, the cars speed away. This makes her feel lonely and not want to shine anymore. But, when she closes her eyes she hears positive thoughts in her mind. This is a sweet and humorous story about believing in and accepting oneself and realizing that it's how we feel about ourselves that matters.

Sora's Seashells by Helena Ku Rhee and illustrated by Stella Lim

This is a poignant story about a girl and her grandmother that explores both love and grief. Sora also learns about her name and is inspired by her grandmother as she faces teasing from her classmates. The illustrations are so sweet. 

This is Not My Story by Ryan Uytdewilligen and illustrated by David Huyck

The books starts off with a spaceship and a brave captain, but the main character does not believe he belongs in that kind of story. He persuades the author to try out different stories, but none of them seem right for him. As the author and the main character debate what the story should be, the reader is introduced to a variety of genres. Very clever and humorous.

Jasmine Toguchi: Brave Explorer by Debbi Michiko Florence and illustrated by Elizabet Vukovic

Jasmine is going on a trip with her family to Japan which she is very excited about. Her sister though has been acting grouchy since before they even got on the plane. Not only does Jasmine realize how brave she is, but she also finds a way to navigate her relationship with her sister. Although this is the fifth book about Jasmine, this one can be read as a standalone. It's the first of four books set in Japan. I am looking forward to introducing Jasmine to a class of second graders this summer. The length of the book is perfect for reading aloud during the week that I will be teaching.

The Magic Lunchbox (Ben Lee) by Hanna Kim and illustrated by Emily Paik

On Ben's first day at his new school classmates make fun of his lunch. Ben wishes he could be more like everyone else and throws his lunch box away. The next day, his mother packs him mandoo for lunch, but when he opens his lunch box there is a sandwich. Not only does his lunch box appear magical, but other strange things start happening, too. This book has a great message about accepting oneself and embracing one's culture. I love the colored illustrations that are sprinkled throughout the book. Thanks to the publisher for an advanced reader's copy of the book.

Adult Reading Recommendation

Happiness Falls by Angie Kim

I couldn't have been happier when I picked up an advanced reader's copy of this book at the American Library Association Annual Conference. It had been on my radar since I loved the author's previous book Miracle Creek. I was not disappointed by this book at all. It's a mystery about a missing person, but it's also so much more. The book explores human connection and communication. A really compelling read. The book publishes in August.

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'm Sticking With You - And the Chicken Too! by Smriti Prasadam-Halls and illustrated by Steve Small

Bear and Squirrel are perfect together making music and decide to exclude Chicken since three is a crowd. But when they see Chicken in danger, they don't hesitate to help out. This is a rhythmic tale of friendship.

Salat in Secret by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and illustrated by Hatem Aly

Now that Muhammad is seven he is old enough to pray five times a day so his father gives him a salat rug for his birthday. At school Muhammad needs a space to pray, but is trying to find the courage to ask his teacher. The author's note at the end provides additional information about salat. The story is moving and empowering.

Sorry, Snail by Tracy Subisak

Ari is in a bad mood and takes it out on a snail she has discovered in the grass. The snail demands an apology, but it needs to be one that is meaningful. The book shows the importance of being kind and what it means to offer a genuine apology.

Otis & Peanut by Naseem Hrab and illustrated by Kelly Collier

This graphic novel includes three short stories about two friends who care for and support each other. Each of the stories is touching. There is humor, but the stories are more sensitive than silly.

Rewind by Lisa Graff

McKinley is excited to attend the Time Hop, a community party that celebrates a year from the past. On the day of the celebration, McKinley sneaks out to the fashion show, for which she has created a special outfit from 1993, against her father's wishes. She also has her first fight with her best friend. On top of all that, she suddenly finds herself transported to the year 1993 when her father and best friend's parents are in sixth grade. This is a sweet and fun time travel story. The book publishes in August.

Adult Reading Recommendations

The Road to Dalton by Shannon Bowring

Set in northern Maine, this story centers around three different couples and the ways their lives intersect with one another. Each of the chapters read like short stories, but they connect to each other and tell a heart-wrenching and beautiful narrative of a small community and the people who live there. I loved the setting and the characters and the writing is wonderful. 

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...

Bibi by Jo Weaver

This beautiful picture book tells how Bibi, the oldest of the flamingos, helps out the youngest and when she is in need they are there to support her. The illustrations, done in shades of pink and gray, are amazing. 

Our Pool by Lucy Ruth Cummins

The narrator of this book tells about a day at a community pool. The text is written with interesting language and descriptions and shows how joyful a day at the pool can be. It's a lovely book.

Papá's Magical Water-Jug Clock by Jesús Trejo and illustrated by Eliza Kinkz

Jesús is excited to help his Papá work and be in charge of the water jug which also serves as a clock that when empty tells them it's time to go home. Jesús, at the direction of his mother, drinks lots of agua and also splashes it on his face and shares it with thirsty animals. When the jug is empty, he learns that he misunderstood what his father meant about the jug. This is a sweet and fun story about a father and son. 

Wombats Are Pretty Weird: A (Not So) Serious Guide by Abi Cushman

A snake is introduced to a wombat and learns all the weird and wonderful facts about them. The facts in the book are interesting and the dialogue and illustrations add plenty of humor. 

Owl and Penguin by Vikram Madan

Owl and Penguin are good friends who help solve each other's problems when the other is sad. Each of the three short chapters in this early reader graphic novel about these two kind and caring friends are cute and fun.

Ghost Book by Remy Lai

This graphic novel is about a girl who is easily forgotten by others and can see ghosts and a boy who is stuck between life and death. They form a friendship and go on a mission to save each other. It's a ghost story that's also heartfelt. There is just enough spookiness and creepiness for elementary readers. Thanks to the publisher for an advanced reader's copy. The book publishes in August.

The Probability of Everything by Sarah Everett

There is a very high chance that an asteroid is going to collide with Earth in four days. Kemi and her family are spending the days together and she is collecting items to put in a time capsule so future beings will know what their life was like. Then there is a twist and the book becomes about so much more, but it's hard to say too much about that without spoiling it. I have seen a lot of positive comments about this book on social media which is what led me to read it. For more than half of the book I wasn't getting what the buzz was all about, but the turn that it takes definitely helped me make sense of my thoughts about the beginning. 

Adult Reading Recommendation

The Connellys of County Down by Tracey Lange

I loved Tracy Lange's previous book, We Are the Brennans, so my expectations were high for this one. The book far exceeded those expectations! The Connellys are three siblings, one who has just gotten out of prison and is trying to rebuild her life. Their lives are filled with lots of drama and secrets, but most important, love for each other. I was captivated reading about the challenges each of these siblings faced and the complex relationship between them. I enjoy books about dysfunctional families which this definitely was, but this one had lots of heart to it. The book publishes in August. Thanks to the publisher for an advanced reader's copy.