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...

Bodies Are Cool by Tyler Feder

A celebration of all kinds of bodies, this book is positive and affirming. The rhyming text and the bright, detailed illustrations give the book a joyful feel. The book explores an important message about embracing one's uniqueness and also promotes inclusivity. 

If You Were an Elephant by Leslie Staub and illustrated by Richard Jones

By helping readers imagine themselves as elephants, this book provides information about the fascinating creature. Readers will learn lots about what an elephant does and how it lives, but also that they are smart and caring animals. The text and illustrations are both beautiful. 

Fetch! (Peanut, Butter, and Crackers) by Paige Braddock

My students loved the first graphic novel about Peanut, Butter, and Crackers so they'll be pleased to see there's a second in the series. When Peanut starts dog school and is mistreated by the other dogs, his dog and cat siblings are there to help him out. Very cute.

Just Be Cool, Jenna Sakai by Debbi Michiko Florence

Jenna is a seventh grader whose parents have divorced and she has just broken up with her boyfriend. As she navigates the school year and adjusts to her family life, she learns the importance of letting others in. This is a fun read that middle school students will be able to relate to. Thanks to the publisher for providing by book review group, #BookExcursion, with an advanced reader's copy. The book publishes in August.

Professional Read

My first professional read of the summer was Life, Literacy, and the Pursuit of Happiness: Supporting Our Immigrant and Refugee Children Through the Power of Reading by Don Vu. You can read my thoughts about the book here. 

First Professional Read of Summer

For the past few years, before the start of summer, I have made a list of professional books I plan to read during the break. Like many educators, I was overwhelmingly exhausted at the close of this very unusual school year and I never made a professional reading TBR list for this summer. Although I haven't posted a list here on my blog, my summer reading will include some professional books.

The first professional title I have read this summer is Life, Literacy, and the Pursuit of Happiness: Supporting Our Immigrant Refugee Children Through the Power of Reading by Don Vu. One of my favorite quotes from the book, which is encompassing of the rationale for why this book is necessary is the following:

Vu's book is about how to build a school culture of literacy that will support all students, but especially immigrant and refugee children, as they become proficient readers. It's about the power of reading and the need to promote lifelong literacy to build a more equitable society. It's about the belief that literacy is life-changing for all.

In the book, Vu explains six conditions that are necessary to build a culture of literacy. There is a chapter about each condition which includes ways for educators to reflect and practices that can be implemented to foster a lifelong love of literacy for all students. The practices range from those that can be implemented at the classroom level to those that could be implemented school-wide. 

Life, Literacy, and the Pursuit of Happiness is a professional resource for educators, offering ideas to improve practice, but Vu also includes stories from his own life, providing insight into his experience as an immigrant and refugee. The stories are personal and powerful and helped to deepen my thinking about inclusion and equity and further strengthened my belief that compassion is a driving force in making the world a better place.

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...

Areli is a Dreamer: A True Story by Areli Morales, A DACA Recipient by Areli Morales and illustrated by Luisa Uribe

Areli Morales shares her story of immigration in this moving and beautiful book. It's a must-have for classrooms. Gorgeous illustrations, too.

Kitty Quest by Phil Corbett

Two felines have decided to become monster hunters although they don't have any experience. They may not be experts, but they still save the day. This is a graphic novel that will appeal to those readers who enjoy adventure and humor.

Luna Howls at the Moon by Kristen O'Donnell Tubb

This is a sweet story about a therapy dog and the kids who are part of a support group to help them manage their emotions. There is adventure, but also an important message about appreciating differences. Luna's story shows that every day friendship can make someone (or some dog) a hero.

Rez Dogs by Joseph Bruchac

Rez Dogs is about the experience of living through the pandemic and gives insight into the history of indigenous Americans. It's a poignant and important middle grade novel written in verse.

Luck of the Titanic by Stacey Lee

Valora wants to go to America even though she knows Chinese people aren't allowed, so she stows away on the Titanic. Stacey Lee writes amazing historical fiction and I definitely have more insight into this historical event after reading the book.

Summer Reading Recommendation

Falling by T.J. Newman

This is a book with lots of action, tension, and suspense about a pilot whose family is being held hostage until he crashes the plane he's flying. It's not my typical type of read, but I found it engaging. The author's story as to how the book came about is interesting. She's a flight attendant who wrote much of the book while on red-eye shifts and had forty-one rejections before the book was sold.  

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...

Moth & Butterfly: Ta-Da! by Dev Petty and illustrated by Ana Aranda

Two caterpillars have a lot in common until one changes into a butterfly and the other a moth. This is a cute story about friends accepting one another's differences that also gives an introduction to metamorphosis.

A Boy Named Isamu: A Story of Isamu Noguchi by James Yang

This story, inspired by artist Isamu Noguchi, imagines how he might have spent quiet time alone, exploring nature as a child. It's a beautiful exploration of how the peace and wonder of the natural world can inspire art. 

The Cot in the Living Room by Hilda Eunice Burgos and illustrated by Gaby D'Alessandro

A young girl is jealous of the guests, children from the neighborhood, who stay over and sleep on the cot in her living room when their family members are working the overnight shift. When she finally gets a turn sleeping on the cot, she realizes that it's not as pleasant an experience as she thought. This is a heart-warming story about community, generosity, and empathy.

Maya and the Robot by Eve L. Ewing

Maya is having difficulty making friends now that she has started fifth grade and her two best friends are in another class. When she finds a robot, she takes it home and puts her science knowledge to use to get it to work. The robot becomes a companion and helps her feel less lonely, but she also learns important lessons about real-life friendships. Thanks to the publisher for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with a review copy. The book publishes in July.

Summer Reading Recommendation

Golden Girl by Elin Hilderbrand

This is the first Elin Hilderbrand book I have read - she has written twenty-seven. The plot of this one sounded so intriguing - an author dies tragically right before her newest book is to be published, she spends the summer watching her family from the Beyond, and has three opportunities to intervene in their lives. It was really good and clever. I loved the setting, too. Like many of her books, this story takes place in Nantucket. 

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...

To Carnival!: A Celebration in Saint Lucia by Baptiste Paul and illustrated by Jana Glatt

Melba is excited for Carnival, but she wakes up late and misses her ride to town. As she makes her way to town on foot, she meets friends and the journey itself becomes part of the fun. The illustrations are bright and detailed, capturing the festiveness of a community celebration. The back matter gives further insight into St. Lucia and Carnival.

Full Moon by Camilla Pintonato

Rabbits plan a secret full moon celebration and invite their forest friends to attend. This is a very sweet and magical story highlighting the beauty and wonder of the natural world. 

Something Stinks! by Jonathan Fenske

There is a terrible stench and skunk invites readers along to figure out where the smell is coming from. Readers will be amused that they can see the cloud of stench trailing behind Skunk, but Skunk does not. The book includes lots of humor that will appeal to kids and the illustrations are really entertaining.

Linked by Gordon Korman

Like other books by Gordon Korman, this is an engaging read with realistic middle grade characters. A school community comes together after a swastika is discovered on the wall of the middle school. The book explores important and relevant themes related to tolerance and forgiveness. Thanks to the publisher for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with an advanced reader's copy. The book publishes in July.

Summer Reading Recommendation

The Therapist by B. A. Paris

I was intrigued by this psychological thriller and read the book in one day while at the beach. There were secrets and twists and it had me guessing up until the end. I read a digital review copy and the book publishes in July.

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...

Butterflies Are Pretty...Gross! by Rosemary Mosco and illustrated by Jacob Souva

Butterflies are gorgeous to look at, but readers can find out some pretty gross facts about them, too, by reading this book. The interesting information, the format of the book, and the fun illustrations will all appeal to readers. This book is the first in a series and I look forward to finding out the topic of the next one. 

I Am the Shark by Joan Holub and illustrated by Laurie Keller

Great White Shark thinks he's the best shark in the book, but keeps getting one-upped by sharks who are better at something than he is. This is an amusing book with lots of facts about different shark species. Shark books are pretty popular among my students and they'll love the humor of this one.

When Lola Visits by Michelle Sterling and illustrated by Aaron Asis

This is a sweet book about the special moments of summer and the bond between a girl and her grandmother. Lola's grandmother visits from the Philippines and they enjoy many summer activities and meals together until she has to return home. The poetic text and the gorgeous illustrations capture the joy of summer and the love that exists within families. 

Better with Butter by Victoria Piontek

Marvel is a sixth-grader coping with anxiety. She rescues a goat from a group of eighth-graders who are mistreating the animal and is allowed to keep her temporarily. Butter, the goat, helps Marvel deal with her anxiety and becomes her emotional support animal. This is a realistic and heart-warming story about finding courage. Thanks to the publisher for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with an advanced reader's copy. The book publishes in July.

Summer Reading Recommendation

Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

I have been eager to read this book since back in January, I think, when I heard Taylor Jenkins Reid had a new book publishing. I enjoyed The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, but I think I loved this one even more. The setting, the characters, and the plot are all fantastic. Malibu, surfing, the eighties...perfect summer 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...

No Pants! by Jacob Grant

Pablo and his father are going to a party. They are almost ready, except Pablo does not want to put on pants, so his father must convince him. A couple of twists add to the humor of the story.

Percy's Museum by Sara O'Leary and illustrated by Carmen Mok

Percy moves to the country after living in a bustling city. Although it seems at first that there is nothing to do, Percy starts exploring and realizes there is much to enjoy about the world around him. This is a sweet story about the wonders of the natural world and friendship.

Toasty by Sarah Hwang

Toasty is made of bread, but wants to be a dog. When Toasty meets a girl who wants a dog, but is allergic, his dreams come true. This book, with its message about embracing one's differences and uniqueness, is both amusing and heart-warming.

Ahmed Aziz's Epic Year by Nina Hamza

Ahmed Aziz is having a pretty terrible school year. He is not thrilled to have moved from Hawaii to Minnesota. His father has a serious illness for which he is undergoing treatment. And being Indian American in a school that is mostly white, he is finding it hard to fit in. I really felt for Ahmed as he navigated a difficult school year and was rooting for him throughout the book. This is a fantastic story with a message about being true to oneself. Thanks to the publisher for a digital advanced reader's copy.

Adult Reading Recommendation

Somebody's Daughter by Ashley C. Ford

This is a memoir about complicated family relationships and resiliency. There were parts that were tough to read, but it's a very beautiful, honest, and moving book.