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.

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...

Cheeky Chick! By Julia Jarman and illustrated by Tom Knight

One chick ignores Mother Hen when she says to stay near the henhouse. With a desire to see the world, the chick goes for a walk alone and encounters a fox who feels like having a bite to eat. Readers will root for chick and cheer as the fox is outsmarted. 

Creep, Leap, Crunch! A Food Chain Story by Jody Jensen Shaffer and illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal

A rhyming text told with a cumulative structure describes the process of the food chain. More information about each of the animals in the book is included at the end.

Grandma's Roof Garden by Tang Wei and translated by Kelly Zhang

The grandma living on the top floor of an apartment building in a neighborhood in China grows a roof garden. When her garden containers are overflowing with vegetables she has a wonderful idea about what to do. This is a sweet book about generosity and community.

How Do You Become Friends with the Moon? by Ghazaleh Bigdelou 

The child and dragon have a lot of questions about the world, but what they really want to find out is if the moon will come over. They are determined to make it happen. This is a sweet and whimsical book. 

To Dogs, with Love: A Love Letter to the Dogs Who Help Us by Maria Gianferrari and illustrated by Ishaa Lobo

Dog lovers will be able to relate to this love letter to dogs which tells the many reasons they are adored by so many. The book also shows the many ways dogs can help people.

Horse and Buggy On Wheels! by Ethan Long

Horse has a skateboard and is showing off different tricks. Horse isn't having much success with the tricks, but Buggy is there to off safety equipment and a lesson about learning to do something new. A fun book for early readers.

Rex Finds an Egg (Rex and Oslo) by Doug Cushman

Rex and Oslo find an egg and wonder what kind it is. As they make guesses about the egg, readers will learn about various animals that lay eggs. The book ends on a humorous note. 

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...

Buffalo Fluffalo by Bess Kalb and illustrated by Erin Kraan

Buffalo Fluffalo is a grumbling creaturing, scaring away any animal who tries to brighten his mood. After a rainstorm that leaves Buffalo Fluffalo without his fluff he learns that acting tuffalo isn't necessary. The word play is a lot of fun and the story is very amusing. 

Tea With an Old Giant by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Paolo Domeniconi

In an unlikely story of friendship, a lonely giant walks into a small town and befriends a girl there who is small, but brave. The story has an old-fashioned feel with really interesting pictures that show how large the giant is in comparison to the town and people who live there.

When the Stars Came Home by Brittany Luby and illustrated by Natasha Donovan

When Ojiig moves to the city he misses his grandparents, seeing the stars, and his family's previous way of life. His family tries to find a way to bring the stars to him. Nothing seems to work until he becomes involved in learning about his past and finally he knows the meaning of home. A very heartfelt book.

Drawing Deena by Hena Khan

This is an empowering novel about navigating family relationships and managing anxiety. As a seventh-grader dealing with challenges that will resonate with many middle grader readers, Deena is a relatable character. Thanks for the publisher for sending me an advanced reader copy. The book publishes in February.

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...

Boys Don't Fry by Kimberly Lee and illustrated by Charlene Chua

Jin is never asked to help in the kitchen and when he offers his aunts dismiss him. Only his Mamah is willing to give him a chance. She encourages him to cook from his heart and his confidence grows. A very sweet book.

Hornbeam All In by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Arthur Howard

Each of the three stories in this picture book tell about Hornbeam and introduce readers to one of his friends. Hornbeam, the moose, and each of his friends are all endearing. Cynthia Rylant has a knack for creating characters kids will love.

Laolao's Dumplings by Dane Liu and illustrated by Shinyeon Moon

This is another sweet book about a child and grandparent and cooking. Millie loves Laolao's dumplings so together they shop for the ingredients and return home to make them. Soon Laolao is unable to make them, but the tradition is not forgotten. A heartwarming read.

Stinkbird Has a Superpower by Jill Esbaum and illustrated by Bob Shea

As a dad hoatzin, also known as a stinkbird, tells his chick about his superpower, the reader learns interesting facts about the species. An amusing and informative book.

Adult Reading Recommendations

Familia by Lauren E. Rico

I picked up this book only because I was looking for something to read set in Puerto Rico before I go on vacation there. I'm so glad I read it. It's a story about two women, one in Brooklyn and one in San Juan, who have never met, but could be sisters. It's also a mystery about a baby who was kidnapped from an alley in the La Perla neighborhood of San Juan about twenty years earlier. With family drama and a mystery, it's a very compelling read.

Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things by Adam Grant

This is the first book I've read by Adam Grant and I enjoyed it a lot. I liked how he interwove interesting stories into his insight about effective tips and advice for achieving success. There is a strong message about the importance of growing and improving upon one's skills. The book is about success in general, but there are connections to education.

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 Ruby, Hear Our Hearts by Ruby Bridges and illustrated by John Jay Cabuay

Activist Ruby Bridges responds to letters she has received from kids around the country. The letters show what kids are passionate about, but it's the illustrations in this book that I loved the most. 

Not a Monster by Claudia Guadalupe Martínez and illustrated by Laura González

This informative and poetic book describes the life cycle of an axolotl, as well as the efforts of two amigos to keep the water clean and help protect them. Spanish words, including those for colors, are woven throughout the book. Great illustrations.

Supermoms!: Animal Heroes by Heather Lang and Jamie Harper

This factual book tells about ways different animal moms care for their young. The information about each of the animals is interesting and the illustrations and speech bubbles provide humor. 

A Way to the Stars by David Almond and illustrated by Gill Smith

Joe is determined to find his way to the stars even though his friends don't think it's possible. His dad supports him as they try out ways to get to the stars until finally they achieve their goal. Very sweet.

Drag and Rex: Forever Friends by Susan Lubner and illustrated by Blythe Russo

A charming chapter book about two friends, a T. rex and a dragon. Each of the three stories, one featuring a cake, another that takes place in winter, and the last about reading a scary story, are told in three short chapters. 

Just Keep Walking by Erin Soderberg Downing

Jo and her mother are on a two-week trip during which they plan to hike one hundred miles of the Superior Hiking Trail. The trip is not just a physical one for Jo, but also emotional as she was supposed to do the hike with her dad until plans changed as a result of her parents' divorce. This is an exciting and heartfelt story about adventure, family, determination, and resilience. I enjoyed reading the author's note at the end and learning about her own experience hiking the trail with her teenage son. The book publishes in February. Thanks to the author for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with an advanced reader's copy.

Adult Reading Recommendation

All You Have to Do is Call by Kerri Maher

This novel set in the 1970's in Chicago is about Jane, the underground abortion network that existed at the time. It follows a few different women connected to the network in various ways, including the woman who founded it. The book is based on the true story of Jane, but the characters are fictional. I thought the story was fascinating and felt immersed in the time period. A relevant and timely story about women's rights and activism.

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.