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...

Stroller Coaster by Matt Ringler and illustrated by Raúl the Third and Elaine Bay

Sam is feeling grumpy, but dad knows what to do to put a smile back on her face and tire her (them both) out. Sam's ride through the neighborhood in her stroller is fun and imaginative. The illustrations and the creative use of text make this a really interesting book to read. 

The More the Merrier by David Martin and Raissa Figueroa

A bear starts off a dance party in the woods and one by one other animals join in. They all have their own unique dance moves, but they all have fun. I can see students moving along to this book as they read/listen.

30,000 Stitches: The Inspiring Story of the National 9/11 Flag by Amanda Davis and illustrated by Sally Wern Comport

This is a beautiful story about the flag that was hung at Ground Zero. It was taken down when it became torn and then traveled throughout the fifty states as people had a hand in repairing it. In addition to the lyrical text, there is additional information about the flag at the the end of the book.

Secondhand Dogs by Carolyn Crimi

A pack of rescue dogs all live with Miss Lottie, an older woman who has adopted them. When a new dog joins the family, the dogs' comfortable and happy life starts to change and Gus, the pack leader, must protect them all. Each of the dogs, as well as the other characters, have a lot of personality and the plot is engaging. Themes related to family, belonging, loyalty, and bullying are addressed as well. I think kids will adore this book. 

Violets Are Blue by Barbara Dee

Wren is adjusting to changes in her family life - not only have her parents divorced, but her mother has been exhibiting behavior that seems peculiar and uncharacteristic. She is also navigating new friendships as she has moved and started at a new school. Throughout the challenges in her life, Wren discovers her talent for special effect makeup and finds comfort in pursuing this hobby. As the author has done in previous books, hard topics are addressed in an age-appropriate way. The book is realistic and heartfelt. Thanks to Media Masters Publicity for a review copy. The book publishes in September. 

Professional Read: How to Prevent Reading Difficulties

How to Prevent Reading Difficulties: Proactive Practices for Teaching Young Children to Read 
by Mark Weakland
(Corwin Press, 2021)

Reading is a fundamental and essential skill. Students' success in school and life is linked to their ability to read.

Reading is also a complex skill. Unlike language, our brains are not wired for this task. While learning to read comes easy for some students, it is much harder for others.

Effective instruction in reading is necessary for all students, but especially those who face challenges with learning to read.

In How to Prevent Reading Difficulties: Proactive Practices for Teaching Young Children to Read, Mark Weakland shares insight into instructional practices, based on how the brain learns to read, that support students as they build their skills to become proficient readers. As Weakland explains, there is research pointing to effective ways to teach children to read, write, and spell and reading difficulties can be reduced when instruction in the early grades is aligned with this research.

Chapter One of the book, titled "The Reading Brain," provides an understanding of the complex process the brain undergoes in order to read. Weakland describes the role of semantics, orthography, and phonology in reading, making clear that each is important to becoming a proficient reader. 

Chapter Two focuses on reading difficulties and the importance of identifying the cause of students' reading deficits. The Simple View of Reading is presented as a lens to observe and assess students so that instruction can be designed to ensure students have both the language comprehension and word recognition skills that are necessary for reading.

The majority of the book, chapters three through seven, include techniques, activities, and routines for building the foundational skills associated with reading. These are based on what researchers know about how the brain reads and learns best. Chapter Three describes the following general evidence-based teaching practices that enhance student learning:

• Repetition and Distributed Practice
• Direct and Explicit Teaching
• Instant Error Correction
• Wait Time

There are chapters devoted to instructional practices for building students' language comprehension, phonological, and orthographic skills. Chapter Seven focuses on practices that involve students in extended and varied reading practice including guided, repeated, and independent reading. 

Throughout the book, Weakland gives examples of the instructional practices he describes. There are also quite a few QR codes included that link to video demonstrations. The clear explanations will help teachers easily implement the ideas from the book. The "For Future Study" sidebars throughout the book consist of resource lists that will be useful to teachers who want to seek out additional information.

How to Prevent Reading Difficulties will be a great resource for any teacher providing reading instruction in the primary grades. Teachers will gain knowledge about the process of reading and the instructional techniques that are informed by research. The book serves as a bridge between the information that exists about how students learn to read and what teachers can do to be effective in helping students become skilled readers.

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.