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...

An Ofrenda for Perro by Judith Valdés B. and illustrated by Carlos Vélez Aguilera

While mourning the loss of his dog, Benito learns about Día de los Muertos and the importance of celebrating those who have passed. This is a beautiful and touching book about grief and loss. 

How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen

The narrator offers ideas about how Santa is able to go down chimneys and get into houses to deliver presents. This is an amusing exploration of a question that many children are curious about. The illustrations are fun, too.

The Runaway Dosa by Suma Subramaniam and illustrated by Parvati Pillai

As the author notes at the end of the book, this story was inspired by the traditional Gingerbread Man tale and a Southern Indian Tamil rhyme. As a family is enjoying dosa, an Indian meal made with rice and lentils, the last one jumps off the plate and runs away. Two siblings chase after it inviting mythological creatures they encounter along the way to join in the pursuit. This is an interesting retelling of a tale that is familiar to many young readers.

Spreckle's Snack Surprise by Sandra Salsbury

Spreckles, a dragon, was born on a farm, but unlike her chicken siblings, she is not happy eating dried corn and slugs. She is not successful in her search for a decent snack and is about to give up when she accidentally turns an ordinary snack into one that everyone enjoys. 

A Pie For Us! (Best Buddies #1) by Vicky Fang and illustrated by Luisa Leal

A cat and dog with the cutest names - Scratch and Sniff - are involved in three different humorous situations in each of the chapters of this book. One involves a pie, the other a box, and finally a new mirror that appears in their home. This is the first in a new series in the Acorn line of books for early readers. 

Sparkle by Lakita Wilson

As Sparkle starts middle school she realizes her hair is falling out and is diagnosed with alopecia. The condition impacts her self-confidence, her relationships with her friends and classmates, and her dream of becoming a star actress. This book has a great message and the topic of alopecia is one I haven't seen explored in middle grade literature. Thanks to the publisher for an advanced reader's copy. The book publishes this week.

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...

Julie and the Mango Tree by Sadé Smith and illustrated by Sayada Ramdial

Julie has a giant mango tree in her yard and is eagerly waiting for one of the delicious and juicy fruits to drop. She tries to solve her problem, but then realizes she must be patient. When she finally gets more than she asked for she devises a solution to share with others. A book that will have readers craving mangoes.

The Little Green Envelope by Gillian Sze and illustrated by Claudine Crangle

After Olive's friend has moved away, Grandpa suggests she send her friend a letter. Hearing this, a little green envelope, who has been neglected, hopes to be chosen to go on the journey with the letter. This is a cute story about the joy of receiving a letter.

The King Penguin by Vanessa Roeder

Percival is a king penguin, so therefore the ruler of all the penguins. When his subjects protest and kick him out of the colony, he tries to find somewhere else to be a ruler. Although he fails to find subjects to rule over he learns about leadership and what it means to be part of a colony. A fun book with some great vocabulary.

More Than Words: So Many Ways to Say What We Mean by Roz Maclean

This book explores the many ways there are to communicate and express oneself in addition to talking and using words. The end pages provide further information about communication. An important and beautiful book.

Night Owl Night by Susan Edwards Richmond and illustrated by Maribel Lechuga

A girl is finally able to accompany her mother, one October night, as she waits for owls in the sanctuary where she works as a scientist. The girl is eager to see an owl on its way as it migrates south and help her mother study and tag it, but she is worried she may not get to see one. This is a very sweet story that made me think of Owl Moon by Jane Yolen. Gorgeous illustrations.

Jawbreaker by Christina Wyman

Max is bullied at school because of her overbite, not only by other kids, but also her own sister. Her home life is equally as complicated as her parents are always fighting. Max's best friend also seems to be struggling with something and becoming more distant. Inspired by the author's own experiences, this is a heartfelt story about feeling different and navigating complicated relationships. Thanks to the publisher for an advanced reader's copy. The book publishes this month.

Adult Reading Recommendations

Becoming Henry: The Fonz...and Beyond by Henry Winkler

This is just a nice, charming memoir. It gives insight into life in Hollywood, as well as Henry's challenges related to stardom, family, and having dyslexia. Growing up having watched Happy Days, I found it interesting. Thanks to the publisher for an advanced reader's copy. The book publishes this month.

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.

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...

Butt or Face?: A Hilarious Animal Guessing Game for Kids by Kari Lavelle

This is an interesting and entertaining concept for a picture book. Throughout the book there are photos and readers are asked to determine if it is an animal butt or face. Facts about each animal pictured are included. Fun and informational.

Dasher Can't Wait for Christmas by Matt Tavares

This is a magical and beautiful story of Dasher, who is so excited for Christmas sneaks off on adventure the night before and gets lost. A holiday story that is magical and beautiful. h

This Tank is Mine! (Fish Tank Friends) by Jonathan Fenske

Angelo's tank and everything in it belongs to him. When a new fish is dropped into the tank, Angelo does not want to share. Like other books by Jonathan Fenske, this is very amusing.

Vlad The Fabulous Vampire by Flavia Z. Drago

Vlad is a vampire who doesn't like his rosy pink cheeks so he tries to cover them up. With the help of a new friend, Vlad gains self-confidence and learns that it's better to show off one's uniqueness rather than hide it. As with the other books in The World of Gustavo series, the illustrations are amazing.

Cat On the Run in Cat of Death! by Aaron Blabey

A cat famous for her online presence finds herself on the run after she is accused of a crime. This graphic novel has lots of silly antics and adventure. There's a cliffhanger at the end that will leave readers wanting to know what happens next.

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 Fears You Fear by Rachel Rooney and Zehra Hicks

This is a rhyming book that is also informational. Readers will learn about different fears and understand that having them is a normal part of being human.

 

Fiona Builds a Fairy House by Kristen Dickson and illustrated by Celia Krampien

Fiona is determined to build a fairy house and prove to her brother that fairies are real. She has gathered supplies she will use for her house, but as members of her family pass by her they are knocked out of the basket she is carrying. She feels hopeless and begins to think her brother is right until she gets a little help from some friends. This is a fun book about imagination with a touch of magic.

Kicks in the Sky by C. G. Esperanza

Shoes hanging from the telephone wires are knocked down to the street. These are no ordinary shoes as they magically transform kids' abilities when they try them on. This is a joyful book with really cool illustrations.

Seals Are Jerks by Jared Chapman

Lorelei loves lot of thing about seals, especially the fact that they are friendly with penguins. When she hears that seals might eat penguins she questions her understanding of her favorite animal and starts to think they are not so great after all. A clever story with some fun twists. 

Squash, the Cat by Sasha Mayer

This story about two friends, one human and the other a cat, who work through a misunderstanding highlights the importance of forgiveness. It's a cute and amusing book about friendship.

The Curious Vanishing of Beatrice Willoughby by C. Z. Schmidt

The last time there was an All Hallows' Eve party at a mansion in Inkwoods forest, Beatrice, a child of six disappeared. Thirteen years later, guests of that party have been invited back for a celebration on the evening of October 31st. When the guests arrive they find out that they are not there to celebrate, but to help figure out which one of them is responsible for Beatrice's disappearance. This is an entertaining mystery with quirky characters who each have a secret.

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...

Cinderella and a Mouse Called Fred by Deborah Hopkinson and illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky

A mouse, named Fred, narrates this retelling of the Cinderella story. Cinderella, also known as Ella, meets a prince at the ball, but decides to forge her own path to happiness. There is a fairy-tale ending, but with a wonderfully surprising twist. Great storytelling and vocabulary. 

Oh No, the Aunts Are Here by Adam Rex and illustrated by Lian Cho

The narrator's aunts are visiting and they can be overwhelming, but they also bring lots of love. It's a mostly realistic story that includes silliness and a bit of fantasy. 

The Scariest Kitten in the World by Kate Messner and illustrated by Mackenzie Haley

Kids will love the suspense and humor in this book about a kitten and some other animal friends who are more adorable than scary.  

Spicy Spicy Hot! by Lenny Wen

Lintang is excited to meet her grandmother, who is visiting from Indonesia, for the first time. When her grandmother makes her famous sambal, Lintang discovers it is too spicy. Not being able to eat the sambal, she feels like she doesn't fit in, but her grandmother has a way to help. A sweet intergenerational story.

Snail and Worm, Of Course by Tina Kügler 

This is the fourth book in the Snail and Worm early reader series. The three short stories that show the joy of friendship are charming. 

Mascot by Charles Waters and Traci Sorell

A group of seventh graders in an honors English class are assigned a project which involves a debate about their school's mascot. The diverse group of students have varying opinions about whether the mascot should stay or be changed. Written in verse and told through multiple perspectives this book shows how a group of young people grapple with a social issue that is relevant and timely. A powerful read exploring identity and social justice. 

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...

Back to School, Backpack! by Simon Rich and illustrated by Tom Toro

Readers who have anxiety about the first day of school will be able to relate to how the backpack feels in this story. Written from the perspective of a backpack who is scared, lonely, and feeling different from everything else, this is a sweet story about friendship.

Cake vs. Pie by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen and illustrated by Stephani Stilwell

An amusing story about a cake who is jealous that pie seems to be getting all the attention. Lot of puns and fun illustrations make this an entertaining book. 

Martina Has Too Many Tías by Emma Otheguy and illustrated by Sara Palacios

When Martina's tías visit they make a lot of noise with their booming voices and salsa dancing. This gives Martina, who would rather sit and tell stories, a headache. When she finds herself on a magical adventure she learns to appreciate that her tías are different from her. This is a heart-warming story with illustrations that are both joyful and magical.

Pirate & Penguin by Mike Allegra and illustrated by Jenn Harney

A confused pirate mistakes a penguin for a parrot. The antics of the pirate and penguin are amusing and the ending is sweet. Lots of fun language that will amuse readers, too.

There's a Beach in My Bedroom by Kevin Jonas and Danielle Jonas and illustrated by Courtney Dawson

When Bella is disappointed that it's raining and she can't go to the beach, her family finds a way to bring the beach to her. This book has a sweet message about making the best of a situation and imagination. 

Ali the Great and the Market Mishap by Saadia Faruqi and illustrated by Debby Rahmalia

Ali and his little brother, Fateh, go to the market with their Dada to get snacks when they run out. When they get there, Ali's job is to watch Fateh and find the chips his Dada likes, but Fateh is not such a good listener. Luckily, Ali is a good problem solver. This is a charming early reader that is one of four in a series.