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...

Only My Dog Knows I Pick My Nose by Lauren Tarshis and illustrated by Lisa Bronson Mezoff

The title of this book will definitely grab the attention of students! Based on the title, I was expecting humor, but was surprised that it was really sweet, too. This is a story about the adventures of a child and dog and the love they have for each other. Readers are going to want a dog best friend after reading this one. Thanks to Scholastic for providing my book review group with a review copy.

You Are a Reader!/You Are a Writer! by April Jones Prince and illustrated by Christine Davenier

This is a fun and clever book that celebrates reading and writing. Written in rhyming text that connects in the center of the book, one side is about being a reader and the other being a writer. Both stories will help to inspire and empower readers and writers. The illustrations of kids engaged in reading and writing are lovely and filled with joy. The author shared with me that there are twenty-six characters that each appear in both stories and the center spread. I look forward to sharing this with students at the beginning of the school year.

Fish and Sun (I Can Read Comics) by Sergio Ruzzier

Fish is bored so he swims to the surface where he meets sun. They have fun together until sun sets and disappears. Fish doesn't understand what has happened, but returns the next day and gets a pleasant surprise. This is a sweet early reader graphic novel about two unlikely friends.

She Persisted: Florence Griffith Joyner by Rita Williams-Garcia & Chelsea Clinton and illustrated by Alexandra Boiger & Gillian Flint

She Persisted: Sonia Sotomayor by Meg Medina & Chelsea Clinton and illustrated by Alexandra Boiger & Gillian Flint

Inspired by the She Persisted picture books, there is now a chapter book biography series. Both these books are informative and inspiring. This is a series I am excited to put on my shelves because the message about working towards one's dreams and not giving up is an important one.

Summer Reading Recommendation 

Not a Happy Family by Shari Lapena

This is a quick, entertaining read that was perfect for my beach reading. A mystery/suspense, I couldn't put it down until I knew who did it!

Picture Books About the Experiences of Immigrants and Refugees

For the sixth year, I am participating in the annual Picture Book 10 for 10 event hosted by Cathy Mere of Reflect and Refine: Building a Learning Community and Mandy Robek of Enjoy and Embrace Learning. Every August, those who participate share a list of ten favorite picture books. It's always a joy to see all the picture book love!

These are my lists from previous years:

Ten Picture Books for a New School Year (2020)

Ten (Plus One) Picture Books About Friendship (2018)

Ten Picture Books to Share This School Year (2017)

Picture Books About Books (2016)

Picture Book 10 for 10: Effort and Perseverance (2015)

This year my list includes picture books that tell stories of immigrants and refugees and give insight into their experiences. This summer, I read Life, Literacy, and the Pursuit of Happiness: Supporting Our Immigrant and Refugee Children Through the Power of Reading by Don Vu, a book about cultivating a literacy culture that will allow immigrant and refugee children to thrive. I saw him present a webinar on this topic, as well. He discussed the importance of sharing books about the immigrant and refugee experience. By doing so, we offer students with similar experiences the opportunity to see themselves reflected in the pages of a book. We also help to foster compassion and empathy by giving students who have not had these experiences insight into the challenges and issues related to being an immigrant or refugee.

My 10 For 10 List...

The Arabic Quilt: An Immigrant Story by Aya Khalil and illustrated by Anait Semirdzhyan

This book has now made my list two years in a row. It's a beautiful book about embracing differences and accepting others' cultures and languages.

Danbi Leads the School Parade by Anna Kim

Being new to America, Danbi is unfamiliar with the games and activities of school. Using her imagination, she brings a little magic to everyone's day and begins to feel like she fits in. This is a sweet story about new beginnings and the joys of connecting with others.

Dreamers by Yuyi Morales

Autobiographical, this book tells of a mother's journey with her son as they leave Mexico and travel to the United States. It's a story of hope and resilience that also shows the power of books. 

I Dream of Popo by Livia Blackburne and illustrated by Julia Kuo 

This is a poignant story about a girl who moves to the United States from Taiwan and maintains a connection with her popo in spite of the physical separation.

I is For Immigrants by Selina Alko

An alphabet book that celebrates our diverse American culture.

Lilah Tov Goodnight by Ben Gundersheimer and illustrated by Noar Lee Naggan 

With few words, this book tells a meaningful story about the resilience of a refugee family and celebrates nature.

Lubna and Pebble by Wendy Meddour and illustrated by Daniel Egnéus 

Lubna, a refugee girl, comforts another and makes a friend in this heart-breaking, but hopeful story.

Story Boat by Kyo Maclear and illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh

This is a beautiful and lyrical book about a sister and brother who flee their home and go in search of another. 

Watercress by Andrea Wang and illustrated by Jason Chin

The author based this story on her experiences growing up as a child of immigrants. It's a beautiful and poignant story.

Wishes by Muon Thi Van and illustrated by Victo Ngai 

This story of a family's journey as they leave their home in search of another, told through a series of wishes, is poetic and incredibly moving and powerful.

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...

Except Antarctica by Todd Sturgell

A turtle sets off on a journey to disprove the fact that turtles live on every continent except Antarctica. Other creatures, who also do not live on Antarctica, join the expedition to the frozen continent. This is a humorous book which includes some interesting facts about the animals and Antarctica at the end.

Noah's Seal by Layn Marlow

Noah is at the beach with his Nana and really wants to see a seal. When he doesn't see any out at sea, he sculpts one out of sand. After waiting out a storm, Noah and Nana get a surprise which leads to another adventure. This is a sweet story about an intergenerational relationship that celebrates imagination and includes a hint of magic. Gorgeous illustrations.

This Very Tree: A Story of 9/11, Resilience, and Regrowth by Sean Rubin

Wow! This is an incredibly moving book that had me in tears before I was even half way through reading it. Written from the perspective of a Callery pear tree that stood in the plaza providing access to the Twin Towers, the book tells of the tree's survival. The story of this tree, known as the Survivor Tree, is inspiring and hopeful. The author's note at the end provides additional information about the tree, 9/11, and the World Trade Center.

Chunky by Yehudi Mercado

Wanting to please his parents, Hudi tries out different sports although his talents align more with comedy and drama. This graphic novel about fitting in and staying true to oneself is one that many kids will be able to relate to. They'll enjoy the humor, too.

Sunny Makes a Splash by Jennifer L. Holm and illustrated by Matthew Holm & Lark Pien

Sunny's summer starts off on a boring note until she gets a job at snack shack at the community pool. This graphic novel is a fun and realistic portrayal of summer life for a tween as she navigates a first job, learns about friendship and crushes, and strives to gain more independence. Very charming. Thanks to the publisher, Scholastic, for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with an advance reader's copy.

Cuba in My Pocket by Adrianna Cuevas

Set in the 1960's after the Bay of Pigs Invasion, twelve-year-old Cumba flees Cuba in search of safety in the U.S. When he arrives in Miami, he must navigate a life in a different home and without his family. This was an engaging read, giving insight into the life of a refugee and providing information about Cuba's history. Cumba is a character readers will root for. This is an inspiring story of courage and hope. Thanks to the publisher for a digital review copy.

Professional Reading Recommendation

Start Here Start Now: A Guide to Antibias and Antiracist Work in Your School Community by Liz Kleinrock

This was my second professional read this summer. It's inspiring, practical, and essential. Read more about my thoughts here.

Second Professional Read of Summer

Being an educator, I can get lots more reading done during the summer months. I always try to read at least a few professional books to get ideas that I can implement during the upcoming school year. My second professional read of this summer was Start Here Start Now: A Guide to Antibias and Antiracist Work in Your School Community by Liz Kleinrock. 

Some professional books I read are good, others are great, and then there are those that I think should be essential reading for all educators. Start Here Start Now falls into the essential reading category. As Liz Klein writes in her book, "Antibias and antiracist education is not optional" (pg. xxviii). Liz Klein makes it clear why ABAR (antibias antiracist) work is essential in our schools and classrooms and offers the tools to make it possible. 

Liz Kleinrock is an experienced educator and understands the challenges teachers face and the concerns they have related to ABAR work. Some of the big questions I have are related to finding time, facilitating difficult conversations with students, and communicating with parents. She gave insight into these questions, as well as others, that educators may have.

One of my takeaways from the book is that there is not one path to building an antibias and antiracist community in schools and classrooms. Situations and contexts vary and the strategies described in the book offer possibilities. There is only one choice as to the destination and, although there's not one prescribed way of getting there, it's essential that we work towards communities that are equitable and inclusive.

Kleinrock, L. (2021). Start here start now: A guide to antibias and antiracist work in your school community. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.

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...

Little Bat in Night School by Brian Lies

Little Bat is excited to start school until he gets there and realizes it's bigger than he thought and he doesn't know anyone. He meets a friendly classmate and together they have a joyful first day. This imagining of nocturnal animals attending school will amuse readers, but the book may also bring comfort to ease first day anxieties.

Summer Camp Critter Jitters by Jory John and illustrated by Liz Climo

The companion to First Day Critter Jitters is another book that will help to ease first day anxieties. A group of animals express worries about going to camp. In spite of their fears, they head to camp, and once there they discover their counselor is in a predicament and needs their help. Together the critters realize that camp is quite enjoyable. An endearing read.

Zuri Ray Tries Ballet by Tami Charles and illustrated by Sharon Sordo

Zuri loves trying new things, but when she begins ballet camp with her best friend she believes she isn't very good at it. Her ballet teacher encourages her to use her imagination and Zuri finds the confidence to be herself. This is a sweet story showing that new things can be fun even when they're hard.

Jop and Blip Wanna Know #1: Can You Hear A Penguin Fart on Mars? And Other Excellent Questions by Jim Benton

Jop and Blip, two very curious robots, explore the answers to the many questions they have on their minds. This is a funny and informative graphic novel. I think readers will enjoy the random facts they learn. Each of the three chapters ends with an activity for readers, as well.

The Most Perfect Thing in the Universe by Tricia Springstubb

Loah is in the care of Miss Rinker and Theo, the elderly siblings who live with her, while her mother is on an expedition in the Artic to find a rare bird. Loah knows exactly how many days her mother has been away and wishes she would come home. Her life at home becomes an expedition of its own when Loah must deal with a few problems including helping her mother who might be in danger. This is a sweet, heartfelt story about courage, resilience, and community. There are also some lessons related to the natural world interwoven into the story.

Room to Dream (A Front Desk Novel) by Kelly Yang

I continue to love this series! The third Front Desk book, about Mia and her family, is another heart-warming and empowering read. Mia and her family travel to China and when she returns home becomes involved in helping to save the Calivista, the motel they own. In addition, Mia moves forward with her goal of getting her writing published. There is an important message about using one's voice to make change, but the book addresses many other important and relevant themes. Thanks to Scholastic for sharing an advanced reader's copy with my book review group, #BookExcursion. The book publishes in September.

An Adult Reading Recommendation

The Book of Rosy: A Mother's Separation at the Border by Rosayra Pablo Cruz and Julie Schwietert Collazo 

This is one of those books that tells a story that sticks with you long after you finish it. It's a true account of one woman's experience being separated from her children after crossing the border into the U.S. The book is a quick read, giving insight into Rosy's life in Guatemala, her journey to the U.S., the challenges and heartache she faced when she arrived, and the support she received from those willing to help her be reunited with her children.

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...

Pangolina by Jane Goodall and illustrated by Daishu Ma

A pangolin tells about her life and how she was captured by a hunter and then saved by a human child. Readers will learn information about this unique creature and gain insight into the dangers they face. The author shares tips for helping to protect pangolins at the end of the book, but the broader message is to care for all animals in our world.

What I Am by Divya Srinivasan

This is a lovely picture book to help readers explore identity and understand that how they describe themselves may change depending on the situation. I'm adding it to my list of books that are useful to read aloud at the beginning of the year. 

Geraldine Pu and Her Lunch Box, Too! (Ready to Read Graphics) by Maggie P. Chang

Geraldine loves her lunchbox and the lunches her Amah packs for her until her 

classmates exclaim that what she is eating is gross and weird. When another student has the same problem, Geraldine shows the benefits of having an open mind about the food others eat. Written as a graphic novel, this book has an interesting format, but it has an importance message, as well. 

Monday Into the Cave of Thieves (Total Mayhem #1) by Ralph Lazar

Dash's day of mayhem begins before breakfast and continues throughout his school day as he becomes involved in investigating the mysterious theft of a trophy and one of the world's most expensive bottles of perfume. This is a fast-paced story with adventure and lots of absurdity that will appeal to kids. It's not quite a graphic novel, but illustrations make up a majority of the book. 

Forever This Summer (Love Like Sky #2) by Leslie C. Youngblood

Georgie is spending the summer in Louisiana with her mother because her Aunt Vie who has Alzheimer's is in need of care. Georgie meets and befriends Markie Jean and becomes involved in helping her find her biological mother. She also decides to raise awareness of Alzheimer's with a community talent show. This is a charming story that explores friendship, family secrets, and activism. Books with great characters and a great setting are always a win for me. 

Adult Reading Recommendation

How the Word is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America by Clint Smith

I started listening to this on audio after receiving it through the Libro.fm Educator ALC Program, but also got a print version because I wanted to devote more concentration and deep thought to it than I'm able to do while driving or doing chores. It's an eye-opening and thought-provoking examination of how slavery is understood, revealing truths about its role in American history. The author visited memorials and landmarks throughout the U.S. and one in Dakar, Senegal and wrote a chapter about each, describing his experience. I learned something from each chapter. The author's lyrical writing is beautiful, both for listening and reading.

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...

Begin with a Bee by Liza Ketchum, Jacqueline Briggs, and Phyliss Root and illustrated by Claudia McGehee

This is a fascinating book about the life cycle of the rusty-patched bumble bee, with a focus on the importance of the queen bee. The notes at the end of the book include information about the rusty-patched bumblebee and ways that readers can help protect them. Very informative.

Paletero Man by Lucky Diaz and illustrated by Micah Player

A child runs down an L.A. street, passing the many vendors, in search of the Paletero Man, so he can get a paleta on the hottest day of the hottest month. Careful, observant readers will notice the child loses his money along the way. Luckily, the generosity of neighbors means everyone is able to enjoy a paleta. This is a fun book about community with bright, lively illustrations. The song the book is based on can be found here.

Trouble with Tattle-Tails (The Fabled Stables Book 2) by Jonathan Auxier and illustrated by Olga Demidova

Auggie is a boy who cares for beasts, whether or not they are strange, dangerous, or hard-to-love. In the second book in the Fabled Stables series, he has to rescue the Tattle-Tails. The portal in a new stall in his stable, brings Auggie to a village where the Tattle-Tails have attached themselves, like tails, to the villagers and are causing chaos by tattling on them. This is another adventurous, magical, and funny book in the series. Very entertaining.

J.D. and the Family Business by J. Dillard and illustrated by Akeem S. Roberts

J.D. is an eight-year-old barber working at a shop in his neighborhood. When he decides he wants to be known beyond his town of Meridian, he agrees to start a YouTube channel with his sister to highlight their skills doing hair and nails. This is another delightful book about J.D.'s adventures as he follows his passion. Thanks to the publisher for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with a review copy. The book publishes in August.

Samira Surfs by Rukhsanna Guidroz and illustrated by Fahmida Azim

Samira and her family are living in Bangladesh, after fleeing their home in Burma. Adjusting to her new life, she makes new friends, overcomes a fear, and decides to learn to surf so she can enter a contest and help her family. This novel in verse gives insight into the life of a refugee family and shows the power of friendship.