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...

How to Apologize by David LaRochelle and illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka

This book offers a straightforward explanation of why it's important to apologize and how to do it. The illustrations add humor. Readers will be entertained while learning a useful lesson.

The Little Wooden Robot and the Log Princess by Tom Gauld

This is a charming and quirky fairy tale about two inseparable siblings who have an adventure that takes them far from their kingdom, to the frozen North, and back again. With bravery and kindness, they step in to help when the other needs it. This imaginative picture book is written in graphic novel style.

Norman Didn't Do It!: (Yes, He Did.) by Ryan T. Higgins

Norman, a porcupine, and Mildred, a tree, are best friends who do everything together. When another tree pops up and their twosome turns into a threesome, their friendship gets complicated. Norman's jealously leads to behavior that he later regrets and needs to make right. An amusing story of friendship.

Rissy No Kissies by Katey Howes and illustrated by Jess Engle

Rissy is a lovebird who does not want any kisses. The others think something is wrong with Rissy and even Rissy begins to feel this way, too. With the help of her mother, Rissy learns that there are other ways to show one cares. The author's note at the end includes information for kids about using their voice to tell how they feel and information for parents about bodily autonomy, consent, and boundaries.

Playing the Cards You're Dealt by Varian Johnson

The men in Ant's family have always been champion spades players and Ant is determined to measure up. As he practices for the annual tournament, he also is navigating new and old friendships and trying to figure out what is going on with his father's peculiar behavior. This is a heartfelt book about friendship and family that will give those who are unfamiliar with it an introduction to the card game spades. Thanks to the publisher for providing my book review group with an advanced reader's copy. The book publishes in October.

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 Froggies Do Not Want to Sleep by by Adam Gustavson 

The Froggies do not want to sleep so they hop out of bed and engage in a variety of more preferred activities. The things they do want to do get more over-the-top with each page. Readers will be amused with the frogs' antics and the humorous illustrations.

Not Now, Cow by Tammi Sauer and illustrated by Troy Cummings

This is a fun exploration of the seasons. Preschool and kindergarten readers will enjoy the silliness as cow figures out what to wear. With rhyme and repetition, kids will want to join in on the reading. 

Friends do Not Eat Friends: Ready to Read Graphics (Thunder and Cluck) by Jill Esbaum and illustrated by Miles Thompson

Thunder believes his roar should scare others. Cluck does not run away and avoids getting eaten by convincing Thunder they are actually friends. This is an amusing graphic novel. After reading this, I think early readers will be asking for more adventures about Thunder and Cluck.

Barakah Beats by Maleeha Siddiqui

Nimra starts going to a public school for the first time after attending a private Islamic school. She is excited to be in school with her best friend, but instead of becoming closer they seem to be moving apart. When Nimra has the opportunity to join a band she takes it, but has to keep it a secret from her parents who would not approve. This is a sweet book about making friends and learning the importance of being true to oneself. Thanks to Scholastic for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with an advanced reader's copy. The book publishes in October.

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...

Cat Problems by Jory John and illustrated by Lane Smith

Being a house cat is not easy! The third book is the Animal Problems series is narrated by a cat who spends the day complaining. The cat's thoughts and behavior are amusing and those with feline pets will probably relate.

Isabel and Her Colores Go to School by Alexandra Alessandri and illustrated by Courtney Dawson

Isabel, who speaks Spanish and prefers it over the English language, is scared to go to school on the first day. She has difficulty understanding and fitting in, but her passion for coloring helps her make a friend. A very sweet story with lovely, colorful illustrations and text in both English and Spanish.

My First Day by Phùng Nguyên Quang and Huỳnh Kim Liên

A boy living in the Mekong River Delta paddles a wooden boat to school for the first time by himself. The boy's determination and bravery as he makes his way through rough waters and the jungle to arrive at his destination is inspiring. After reading this book I wanted to know more about the Mekong River and I think kids will, too.

GoldiBooks and the Wee Bear by Troy Wilson and illustrated by Edwardian Taylor

This book-themed retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears melted my literacy-loving heart. It's amusing and charming and has a great message about the power of books to bring people (and bears) together.

Scribbly: A Real Imaginary Friend Tale by Ged Adamson

Having moved to a new town with her mom, Maude is in need of a friend, so she draws one and names him Scribbly. Although imaginary, Scribbly helps Maude make friends. Her mom gives her wise advice about not needing Scribbly for others to like her and gives her a sweet surprise. This is a really cute book about the challenges of making friends and the importance of being oneself.

Thao by Thao Lam

This is a cleverly illustrated book that gives insight into the experience of having a name that others mispronounce and misspell. Thao's story is empowering and the message about the importance of using one's correct name is meaningful.

Tiny Tales: Shell Quest (I Can Read Comics) by Steph Waldo

A lonely slug, not realizing he is a slug, tries to fit in with the snails. The slug realizes he can be himself after discovering another creature without a shell. This is a fun early reader graphic novel.

An Update on My 2021 Must Read List

At the start of the year, I made a list of books I planned to read in 2021 along with the #MustReadin2021 community. This is an update on the progress I've made with my list. Updates from other bloggers can be found at Library Matters or by following the hashtag on Twitter.

Picture Books I Have Read

     

   

   

All of these picture books were fantastic!

Picture Books I Have Not Yet Read

Because this book is not available at my library or local bookstore (before purchasing children's books I always preview first) I have not read it yet.

Middle Grade Books I Have Read

 

   

        

I enjoyed each of these middle grade reads. 

Adult Books I Have Read

   

I highly recommend all of these.

Adult Books I Have Not Read

I started to read Shiver, but it didn't capture me so I abandoned it. A few people have shared their thoughts with me about Of Women and Salt and I'm not sure if I'll end up picking it up.

Overall, I've made great progress with my list. I hope you've read some great books this year!

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.