It's Monday! What Are You Reading

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is a community of bloggers who link up to share what they are reading.  For more information and to find out what other bloggers are reading check out the host blogs: Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers.

What I Read This Week...

Teddy Mars Book #1: Almost a World Record Breaker by Molly Burnham

Teddy has five older sisters and a five year old brother, Jake, who he calls The Destructor. Teddy is trying to break a world record and has many failed attempts. He also moves into a tent to escape his many siblings, one of who destroys Teddy's favorite things. Facts from the Guinness Book of World Records are interwoven into the story. Teddy is funny and his antics are amusing. The story is sweet, as well, as Teddy learns an important lesson. There are many illustrations throughout the book adding to the interest factor. This is a series I will be introducing to some of my students.

The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl: Squirrel Meets World by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale

Doreen is rather unique. She's a fourteen-year old girl with the tail and powers of a squirrel. She has to keep her tail concealed so others don't realize she is different, but she still has difficulty making new friends. When Doreen realizes she can use her special abilities to help others she becomes Squirrel Girl. Being Squirrel Girl becomes more difficult when she is challenged by a villain. This story is packed with action. It is based on Squirrel Girl, a Marvel Comics superhero and readers who enjoy stories about superheroes and villains will be entertained by this one. Doreen is a determined, warm-hearted, and funny character. Squirrel Meets World is both quirky and fun.

The Wizard's Dog by Eric Kahn Gale

This story told from the perspective of Nosewise, Wizard Merlin's dog, is a twist on the tale The Stone in the Sword. When wearing a special stone, Nosewise has special powers including the ability to talk. When Merlin and his apprentice Morganda are kidnapped, Nosewise goes in search for them. His adventure takes him to a castle where he meets Arthur, into the depths of the Otherworld, and finally to Avalon where a battle to rescue the wizard takes place. This is an adventurous story with some humor and lots of magic and wizardry. Nosewise is a loyal and brave dog and his main role in the story will be appreciated by dog lovers.  

What I Will Be Reading in 2017

#MustReadin2017

My To-Be-Read list is always growing. As is the stack of books in my To-Be-Read pile. Other reading teachers, book lovers, and lifelong readers probably also sum up their reading life in this way: so many books, so little time. I find as much time as possible to read, but the lists and stacks don't seem to shrink much. I often forget about the books I was eagerly anticipating reading a month ago or put aside the book I just acquired and instead pick up whatever seems worth reading in that moment. For 2017, I have decided to make a list of "must reads" so I have a reading plan. I hope this will ensure that the books I've been looking forward to reading don't get skipped over on the list or buried in the stack. I also join Carrie Gelson of There's a Book For That and a community of other bloggers who are also making #MustReadin2017 lists. My must read list includes a number of middle grade titles that will be published in 2017. I have already heard some book buzz about many of them. There are also a few professional books, recently published or up-and-coming, on my must read list.

Middle Grade Must Reads

Professional Must Reads

I believe talk is essential to student learning, but teaching students to have authentic and meaningful conversations that support their comprehension of text is often a challenge. I hope to get some ideas to support students' talk about text from reading Literacy Conversations in the Classroom: Deepening Understanding of Nonfiction and Narrative by Diane Barone and Rebecca Barone.

I recently read a review of Language at the Speed of Sight: How We Read, Why So Many Can't, and What Can Be Done About It by Mark Seidenberg in the New York Times. Two adjectives used to describe the book were "important' and "alarming." I am interested in learning about the perspective that Seidenberg, who is a cognitive scientist, takes on learning to read.

I loved Gravity Goldberg's book, Mindsets and Moves: Strategies That Help Readers Take Charge so I am looking forward to What Do I Teach Readers Tomorrow which she co-authored with Renee Houser. There will be both a nonfiction and fiction version.

Vicki Vinton is another author whose previous work I found to be very insightful. I have seen Vicki Vinton present recently at NCTE and last spring at the New England Reading Association and always learn from her. I have no doubt that my instructional practice will be enriched from reading her book Dynamic Teaching for Deeper Reading: Shifting to a Problem-Based Approach.

What are you planning on reading in 2017?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is a community of bloggers who link up to share what they are reading. For more information and to find out what other bloggers are reading check out the host blogs: Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers.

What I Read This Week...

The Friend Ship by Kat Yeh

Lonely Hedgehog hears that there is "friendship" out there and goes in search of a "Friend Ship." She meets others along the way who would also like to find a friend and they join her on her search. Hedgehog eventually realizes where the Friend Ship is and the friends are off to celebrate. This is a sweet, warm story about friendship and discovery what has been there all along.

The Secret Life of Squirrels: A Love Story by Nancy Rose

One of my most borrowed holiday books this season was Rose's Merry Christmas, Squirrels! My students are intrigued and amazed with the photographs that feature real-life squirrels acting like humans. In this Valentine story, Mr. Peanuts is lonely and wishes for someone special to celebrate with. I appreciate that Mr. Peanuts is a book lover and finds his someone special in the bookstore. There is definitely a creative use of photography in this picture books series. 

Dog Man Unleashed (Dog Man #2) by Dav Pilkey

There is as much absurdity and nonsense in this book as in the first Dog Man. I have a list of readers still waiting to read the first book and those who have already read it are eagerly anticipating this second book. I am sure they will find it just as hilarious as the first. 

Hazy Bloom and the Tomorrow Power by Jennifer Hamburg

Hazy, a third grader, has "tomorrow power" which enables her to see visions of what will occur the next day. These visions only offer clues as to what is going to happen and because Hazy misinterprets them she finds herself getting into trouble. Hazy is a fun character - spunky and humorous. The silly predicaments she finds herself in are amusing. This is the first in a series and I look forward to reading more about Hazy's adventures.

The Homework Strike by Greg Pincus

Gregory K. feels that homework takes up too much of his time and is not enhancing his learning so he decides to go on strike. He must keep his grades up and get others to join in his cause while trying not to get in too much trouble with the principal. Gregory shows that getting one's voice heard and making change is not always easy, but is possible. Every chapter begins with one of Gregory's poems which are amusing and funny. I think many of my readers will relate to Gregory's distaste of homework. 

The Last Kids on Earth by Max Brallier

Jack Sullivan is living in his tree house after a monster apocalypse has hit his town. Most everyone has escaped or turned into zombies except Jack and a few of his classmates. Jack and his friends must work together to survive. There is plenty of action, silly humor, and interesting illustrations. My preferred reading usually does not involves zombies, but I know many a reluctant reader who will be drawn to this type of book.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is a community of bloggers who link up to share what they are reading.  For more information and to find out what other bloggers are reading check out the host blogs: Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers.

What I Read This Week...

A Bike Like Sergio's by Maribeth Boelts

While at the store, Ruben picks up money that a lady has dropped. When he gets home, he discovers that it is much more than he thought. Ruben really wants a new bike, but he also wonders about the lady who dropped the money. This is a story that shows the power of doing the right thing. It would also be a great story for discussing empathy. This is a sweet story with a great lesson.

Goldie Rules the School (Goldie Blox) by Stacy McAnulty

Goldie builds things. Unfortunately, this sometimes causes problems such as when she blew the roof off her school. Goldie feels she doesn't fit in at her new school so she devises a plan to rebuild her old school. Goldie is a great character - sweet, funny, determined, creative. This is a short chapter book with great characters, but also an interesting story. I'll recommend this one to a few of my third graders.     

The Uncommoner's #1: The Crooked Sixpence by Jennifer Bell

Ivy and her brother, Seb, find themselves in a magical world after their grandmother is rushed to the hospital. They become involved in a mystery to figure out the connection their grandmother has to this world and soon find themselves trying to save their parents. In this magical world, uncommon objects have unusual magical qualities. This book is quite fantastical, some parts a bit dark, but lots of adventure. 

Zack Delacruz: Me and My Big Mouth by Jeff Anderson

Zack tries to go unnoticed at his school, where standing out often leads to trouble or being the target of bullying. When Zack speaks out on behalf of a classmate, he is put in charge of the sixth grade fundraiser. Zack's story is interesting and adventurous, but Zack is also funny and relatable. This book shows that being a kid isn't always easy, but it is possible to work through the problems that arise with classmates and school. 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is a community of bloggers who link up to share what they are reading.  For more information and to find out what other bloggers are reading check out the host blogs: Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers.

What I Read This Week

Samson in the Snow by Philip Stead

Samson waits quietly with his flowers, in the sun, for a friend. A little red bird comes by and asks Samson for some of his dandelions to give to a friend. When the sunny day turns into one filled with snow, Samson is worried about the little bird and starts off on a journey to find him. Samson discovers he is not the only one searching for someone and, in the end, he finds friendship and happiness. This is a warm, quiet story with a lovely message about thoughtfulness. Samson, a wooly mammoth, is quite sweet. This book would be a useful one to introduce the concept of empathy.

Elephant & Piggie Like Reading! The Good for Nothing Button! by Mo Willems and Charise Mercicle Harper

I received an ARC of this book at NCTE last month. This is another humorous story in the style of Willems's Elephant and Piggie books. In this story, Yellow Bird has a button that does nothing and shows it to Red Bird and Blue Bird. They take turns pressing the button and find out it actually does something when it causes them to feel different emotions such as surprise, anger, and happiness. Like the other books in this series, the characters are silly, funny, and sweet. 

Charlie & Mouse by Laurel Synder

This early chapter book includes four stories about two brothers, Charlie and Mouse. Each story is a simple, day-in-the-life event of the brothers that captures the joy of childhood and the bond between brothers. The brothers are quite adorable. I think early readers will love Charlie and Mouse as much as they do characters in other favorite books, such as Frog and Toad and Little Bear. 

Word of Mouse by James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein

Isaiah escapes from the lab where he has lived against his will his entire life, but his ninety-six siblings were not as lucky to find freedom. Isaiah is not an ordinary mouse. For one thing, he is blue. He also has the ability to communicate with humans. Isaiah feels alone without his family until he meets a mischief of mice who welcome him into their home. Isaiah befriends a girl who also struggles with being different. With the help of the girl and his new mice family, Isaiah hatches a plan to set his siblings free from the lab. This story was an interesting tale about being different and having courage. There were words of wisdom, from Isaiah, at the beginning of each chapter that hinted about the events to come, such as, "All of us are given gifts. How we use them is up to us." and "Things turn out best for the mice who make the best out of the way things turn out." This story has adventure and a quick pace and an unlikely hero who readers can admire and learn from. 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is a community of bloggers who link up to share what they are reading.  For more information and to find out what other bloggers are reading check out the host blogs: Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers.

I attended NCTE in Atlanta this month where I spent three days learning from leaders in the field of literacy. The event was energizing and joyous as I got to network with others who share my passion for the teaching of literacy. When I returned home, my head was swimming with ideas and thoughts, but I also had a duffle bag filled with books. I met many wonderful authors who were willing to take the time to sign books, pose for photos, and chat about their work.  Now that I am home, I am reading my way through the stack of books I accumulated at the conference. 

         

                               
          

What I Read This Week...

Six Dots: A Story of Young Louise Braille by Jen Bryant

In the Author's Note at the end of this book, Jen Bryant states that she wrote this book because other biographies of Louise Braille did not capture the essence of what it felt like to be the young inventor. Bryant brings Louise to life in this picture book in a way that helps readers to imagine both his experiences and his emotions as he lost his sight, yearned to read, and developed an alphabet that brought great change to many people's lives. The story of Louise is interesting and inspiring.

The Bad Guys: Episode 1 by Aaron Blabey

The big bad wolf is out to prove he is not a bad guy. Along with his buddies, such as Mr. Piranha and Mr. Shark, who are also misunderstood he is on a mission to do some good. This is a quick, fun read written in a graphic format. There is also some gross humor included in the book. I imagine the ridiculous, but interesting plot will be entertaining for many of my readers.

Overboard! (Survivor Diaries) by Terry Lynn Johnson

This is the first book in a new series that will be published this spring. In this chapter book, Travis is on a whale-watching tour when the boat capsizes. He is separated from his family, but discovers a girl around his age who is also trying to survive the freezing water. Together they must find their way to safety. I think this book will be an appealing read for many of my reluctant readers because it's an exciting and adventurous story, but also because it's a rather short read.

A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig

This chapter book tells the story of Nikolas, who found the village of Elfham and became Father Christmas. This is a very imaginative story with lots of adventure, but at times it can be dark. The ending was rather sweet with a message to believe in wonder and magic. It's a unique read for the Christmas season.

Gertie's Leap to Greatness by Kate Beasley

I loved Gertie within the first few pages of this book. She made me laugh throughout the book. Many of the decisions she made in the book were not the best, but her passion for greatness made her an endearing character. The author, Kate Beasley, does a wonderful job of capturing the voice and emotions of a child. This was a fun and well-written read. 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is a community of bloggers who link up to share what they are reading.  For more information and to find out what other bloggers are reading check out the host blogs: Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers.

What I Read This Week...

The last two weeks have been a little light on reading for me. I did manage to get in one chapter book, which was Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story by Nora Raleigh Baskin. I had put off reading this one for a little bit even though I have read nothing but positive reviews about it. Once I started I found myself reflecting back on that day, but I was also eagerly anticipating how the author would bring the book to a close in a way that would bring positive light to a very painful event in our history. As others have commented, there is inspiration at the end of the book. I loved the message about unity at the end and what it shows about how we can face tragedy. I liked how the author intersected the lives of the four characters, from whose perspective the book was told, both at the beginning and the end of the book. In addition to this book, I read a couple of picture books that I just adored. 

The Darkest Dark by Chris Hadfield

This picture book is beautiful and inspirational. The story is based on the childhood of astronaut Chris Hadfield. In the book, Chris spends a lot of time pretending to be an astronaut. Chris is pictured playing alongside his dog, who is sometimes the alien and at other times a co-pilot. When it is time to go to bed, Chris would rather continue to play because he has important work to do as an “astronaut," but also because he is afraid of the dark. Terry and Eric Fan bring a child’s imagination to life with their illustrations of the dark in which shadows appear to be aliens. Chris overcomes his fear after watching the landing of Apollo 11 on a neighbor’s television. He realizes that the universe is so much darker than his room and that he’s not alone in the dark because he has his dreams. The end pages of the book tell about Chris Hadfield’s life and how his dream of being an astronaut came true. In a wonderful message from Chris at the end of the book he writes, “ The dark is for dreams – and the morning is for making them come true.” This is a wonderful picture book to show readers the possibility of overcoming fears and dreaming big. 

Nanette’s Baguette by Mo Willems

Mo Willems has never written a book that I did not love. Nanette is a frog with a big responsibility because today is the day she must get the baguette. She exclaims, “You bet!” and an excited and confident frog is on her way to complete the errand. Unfortunately, Nanette’s lack of self-control gets the better of her and she eats the baguette before it ever gets home. Nanette is full of worry about what her mom will think – she frets, she sweats, she even thinks about moving to Tibet. Mom gives Nanette a surprise that turns her day around. There is much to love about this book. The silly rhymes – who know there were so many words that rhymed with baguette – bring humor to the plot. The illustrations are wonderful as well, containing details that add to the humor. In spite of all the silly humor, Nanette is charming and the story is an endearing one about forgiveness and mistakes.