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...

Brave Every Day by Trudy Ludwig and illustrated by Patrice Barton

Camilla is a worrier and thinks about all the things that could go wrong during her class field trip to the aquarium. When she discovers that Kai is afraid of getting close to the stingray, she helps him and realizes she is braver than she thought. This is a sweet book about overcoming fears.

I Won't Give Up My Rubber Band by Shinsuke Yoshitake 

A child finds joy in an everyday object. After finding a rubber band that was thrown out, the narrator claims it and imagines all the things that can be done with it. Some are very humorous. Kids who have treasured their own ordinary random objects will be able to relate.

The Legend of the Spirit Serpent by Adaiah Sanford and illustrated by Ken Daley 

This is a retelling of a legend from the island of Dominica about an adventurous and curious girl who visits the Spirit Serpent who guards her village even though she has been warned not to. It's an engaging story about courage. The illustrations, especially the vertical, two-page spread of the serpent are gorgeous. The author of this book was seven years old when she wrote and won the 1st Annual Caribbean Writer's Contest. 

Mr. Bat Wants a Hat by Kitty Black and illustrated by Laura Wood

Mr. Bat is pretty content, but when he notices people with hats he decides that a hat is what has been missing from his life. He spots a sleeping baby with a hat with pink roses and glitter and snatches it for himself. When the baby wails Mr. Bat learn a lesson and he rights his wrong. This is an amusing story and I think readers will enjoy Mr. Bat.

Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega and illustrated by Rose Bousamra

Marlene's mother brings her to the salon every Sunday to get her hair straightened. She dislikes going to the salon and feels that her hair is not beautiful because it is curly. Although her mother leads her to believe that her hair is more acceptable straight, Marlene's tía helps her learn to embrace her curly hair. This is a heartfelt and engaging story centering around Marlene's struggles with her hair that addresses themes related to self-acceptance and standing up for oneself. There are lots of important ideas for middle readers to discuss. The illustrations are lovely. This is definitely a must-have for middle grade classrooms.

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 Coquíes Still Sing: A Story of Home, Hope, and Rebuilding by Karina Nicole González and illustrated by Krystal Quiles

Elena loves her Abuela's mango tree and the song the coquí frogs sing while they hide in the garden at night. When a hurricane makes landfall, her family stays safe sheltering in their house, but all is destroyed outside her house, including the garden, and the coquíes are silent. Her community gathers together as they rebuild their garden and finally a familiar song brings hope. This is a powerful story of strength and resilience based on Hurricane María which hit Puerto Rico in 2017. The backmatter includes information about Hurricane María and Puerto Rico.

Don't Worry, Murray by David Ezra Stein 

Murray has a lot of worries, but with encouragement from the narrator of the book he faces his fears. This is a very sweet story that celebrates bravery. 

Little Bat Up All Day by Brian Lies

As Little Bat's family drifts off to sleep he heads outside in order to find out what it's like during the day. He meets a squirrel and they become fast friends, but Little Bat can't resist falling asleep. Even though one is awake during the day and the other at night they find a way to remain friends. A delightful and fun story. 

Lou by Breanna Carzoo

Lou, a fire hydrant, thinks he is nothing more than a toilet. The background in the illustrations shows that Lou will be needed for something more than just a place for dogs to pee and Lou eventually realizes his purpose. A clever story.

A Spoonful of Frogs by Casey Lyall and illustrated by Vera Brosgol

A witch on a cooking show is demonstrating how to make Frog Soup. When it's time to put in the spoonful of frogs, the frogs refuse to cooperate. The witch's struggle to get the frogs onto her spoon so she can put them in the cauldron is amusing. Capturing the witch's frustrations, the illustrations are great. 

Gemstone Dragon's #1: Opal's Time to Shine by Samantha M. Clark 

The Gemstone Dragons each have their own magical power. Opal doesn't believe her own power of invisibility is very special. When the dragons are at risk of losing their powers, Opal realizes the true power of her invisibility and of kindness. A charming chapter book about friendship, teamwork, and recognizing one's value.

My Life Begins! by Patricia MacLachlan

Jacob really wants puppies, but instead his family grows with the addition of triplets. He shortens "triplets" and nicknames his siblings "The Trips" and does research by observing them and writing about what he notices in his notebook. This is a sweet book about small moments in the life of a big brother.

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...

Acorn Was a Little Wild by Jen Arena and illustrated by Jessica Gibson

Acorn is adventurous and free-spirited and is the first to leave his tree even though Oak warns him not to. Acorn's journey includes climbing with squirrel and sitting in the grass in the rain. He doesn't quite like being buried in the ground, but then a whole new adventure begins when he starts to change. A very cute book.

Double Puppy Trouble by Danica McKellar and illustrated by Josée Masse

Moxie always wants more of everything - more cookies, more soccer goals, more A's. One days she finds a magical stick that gives her the power of doubling whatever she wants more of. When the stick malfunctions, she realizes that more isn't always better. This is a cute rhyming story to help kids learn about a math concept.

Granny's Kitchen by Sadé Smith and illustrated by Ken Daley

Shelly-Ann's granny teaches her how to cook, but neither the dumplins, ackee, saltfish, or plantains come out right. Knowing how much joy granny's food brings to others, Shelly-Ann decides to try again. This is a lovely story about resilience and the special relationship between a girl and her grandmother. The recipes and some fun facts about Jamaica are included at the end of the book.

Rick the Rock of Room 214 by Julie Falatko and illustrated by Ruth Chan

Rick the Rock sits on the Nature Find Shelf in Room 214. He wants to do more than sit; he wants adventure like he believes the rocks outside have. Cleverly, Rick makes his way outside in a student's backpack and, even though he's surrounded by other rocks, he realizes how lonesome it is. This is a very amusing story of a rock who learns his purpose and the joy of returning home.

Garlic and the Witch by Bree Paulsen

Garlic is traveling to the Magic Market on an errand for Witch Agnes. She needs to be brave since it's her first time, but in addition she is worried about the fact that she is turning into a human. This is a whimsical and magical graphic novel that touches upon anxiety and facing change.

If You Read This by Kereen Getten

When Brie turns twelve she receives some letters that her mother wrote before she passed away a few years earlier. The letters lead her on a treasure hunt that help her learn about herself and her family and strengthens her relationship with her father. This is a sweet and moving story.

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...
 

K Is for Kindness by Rina Horiuchi and illustrated by Risa Horiuchi

This is an adorable alphabet book that highlights many ways to be kind. A sentence for each letter shows how an animal friend was kind to another. The rhyme makes it fun, too. 

Punky Aloha by Shar Tuiasoa

Punky lives with her grandma who makes amazing banana bread. She tells the story of how she became a brave adventurer while on an errand to pick up butter for the banana bread when they run out. With her grandma's magical brave glasses and a mantra reminding herself to be helpful, giving, and brave, Punky has the courage to make a new friend. This is a lovely book with bright, cheery illustrations.

Skater Cielo by Rachel Katstaller

Cielo loves to skateboard, but when a new skate park opens up and she falls while trying it out she begins to think she is not very good at it. New friends at the park encourage her to keep trying and help her up each time she falls. The book has a great message about community and resilience. 

The Three Billy Goats Gruff by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Jon Klassen

A fun retelling of the classic tale. The troll, who scrapes wax out of his ears and goop out of his belly button and describes all the ways he likes to eat goat, is amusing. Thanks to the publisher for a review copy. The book publishes in October.

Freestyle by Gale Galligan

Cory and his seven friends are a part of a dance crew that has an upcoming competition. Cory is frustrated with the captain who is being very inflexible as far as their dance routine. In addition, Cory's parents are pressuring him to improve his grades. When he discovers his tutor and lab partner knows yo-yo tricks he becomes interested in learning, but this leads to complications in the relationships with his friends. This is an engaging and interesting graphic novel about middle schoolers navigating relatable challenges. Thanks to the publisher for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with an advanced reader's copy. The book publishes in October.

The Real Deal by Lindsey Stoddard

Gabe has been friends with Oliver since pre-K when they played on the teeter-totter together. When there is a new boy at school who doesn't talk, the other kids make fun of him and Gabe is conflicted about whether he should laugh along with them. Oliver has also been acting strange and seems to be keeping a secret from him. The characters in this middle grade novel are great and the plot is engaging. It's a touching story about friendship and listening to one's heart. Thanks to the author and publisher for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with an advance 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...

Frog vs. Toad by Ben Mantle

A frog and toad are both about to catch the same fly and they end up in an argument about who the better amphibian is which then turns into a mud fight. They wake up an alligator, who is definitely not a crocodile and, as the frog and toad are about to be eaten, they realize they aren't so different. This is a very humorous book that includes some facts about frogs and toads.

Maya and the Beast by Maya Gabeira and illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki

Maya lives in Nazaré where there is a big wave taller than a seven-story building known as the Beast. She has been told to stay away from it, but when she sees it up close she is amazed by its beauty and impressed by the boys who are surfing it. She doesn't know how to surf and the boys tell her it is too dangerous, but she is determined to make her dream come true. Inspired by the author's childhood, this is an empowering story about courage, determination, and the power of following one's dreams.

My Pet Feet by Josh Funk and illustrated by Billy Yong

Instead of a pet ferret, the narrator has pet feet. Kids ride go-cats, a friend has become a fiend, and there is not a flock of crows, but a flock of cows. This is a silly and fun book about what happens when the 18th letter of the alphabet disappears. 

Sonny Says Sorry! by Caryl Hart and illustrated by Zachariah Ohora

When Sonny finds a present that's meant for Honey, he can't help but open it up. The cake inside looks delicious so Sonny and his friends gobble it up. There's a useful lesson about saying sorry and righting a wrong. Ohora's signature illustrations are delightful.

Theo Thesaurus and the Perfect Pet by Shelli R. Johannes and illustrated by Mike Moran

Theo loves words and animals. He really wants a pet and after beginning to think there is not a pet that is right for him, he finds a saber-toothed tiger. This saber-toothed tiger proves hard to train, but Theo figures out that he needs a different way to communicate. Readers will learn lots of new words.

Boo! Hiss! by Cyndi Marko

A ghost named Phyliss and a snake named Sheldon live in an old house where they are very content until a new family moves in. They decide to scare the family away, making many attempts to boo and hiss at each of the family members. This is a silly chapter book written in graphic novel format.

Bhai For Now by Maleeha Siddiqui

Shaheer and Ashar are long-lost twin brothers who didn't know the other existed until Shaheer starts his first day at a new school after moving to Virginia with his father and grandfather. They switch places to get to know their parents better. This is a heartfelt and amusing story of family and friendship inspired by The Parent Trap. Thanks to the publisher for providing my book review group with a review 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...

Abuelita and I Make Flan by Adriana Hernández Bergstrom

Anita is excited to learn how to make flan with her Abuelita, but she accidentally breaks the special plate that is used to flip the dessert. Anita works hard to prove she is a great helper, but knows she must admit to breaking the plate. This is a very sweet book about family and traditions.

Battle of the Books by Melanie Ellsworth and illustrated by James Rey Sanchez

A few of Josh's favorite books on his bookshelf argue about which one he will pick for his bedtime story. When Pirate Book ends up on the floor, the others decide to work together to rescue him. When Josh is about to read with his grammie, his book choice makes everyone happy. A fun book about books.

Pip and Zip by Elana K. Arnold and illustrated by Doug Salati

During the pandemic shutdown, a family goes on a walk and finds a couple of duck eggs in a lake. Since they are sheltering in place they can't bring the eggs to a wildlife center. The family incubates them, waits for them to hatch and observes them grow. Based on the author's life, this is a delightful story about a small joy that occurred during a challenging time.

The Tower of Life: How Yaffa Eliach Rebuilt Her Town in Stories and Photography by Chana Stiefel and illustrated by Susan Gal

During World War II, Yaffa survived the Jewish massacre that occurred in the Polish town in which she lived. Thirty-five years after the war, she gathered stories and photographs of survivors which are part of the Tower Of Life at the US Holocaust Memorial Museum. This biography tells about a dark time in our history and highlights the importance of bringing humanity to those whose lives were lost. Thanks to the publisher for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with a review copy. The book publishes in October. 

Two Degrees by Alan Gratz

There's a wildfire in California, melting ice and a polar bear attack in Manitoba, Canada, and a hurricane and severe flooding in Miami. Kids in three different locations are impacted by climate change and are fighting to survive. This book is intense and amazing. Readers will not only be hooked by the action, but will also gain insight into how climate change is impacting the planet and the importance of speaking out about it. Thanks to the publisher for an advance 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...

Howard the Average Gecko by Wendy Meddour and illustrated by Carmen Saldaña

Thinking he is the only one who is camouflaged, Howard announces that he is an exceptional gecko and deserves to be the king of the rain forest. Howard is so preoccupied with boasting that he doesn't notice the other camouflaged creatures. When a stick insect points out that Howard is actually just average, Howard is dismayed, but begins to notice others who are camouflaged including someone very special. Kids will be amused with the story and also enjoy discovering camouflaged creatures on various pages.

A Parliament of Owls by Devin Scillian and illustrated by Sam Caldwell

A child has called groups of different animals to gather together. This is a fun book as each group of animals make their entrance. Readers will learn the term for the different groups of animals. There are many which I did not know. 

Sunday Pancakes by Maya Tatsukawa

When Cat wants to make pancakes and has no eggs and milk, her friends Rabbit and Moonbear bring over what she needs. The three friends have fun making pancakes together and then eating their very special pancakes. This is a sweet story with warm pastel-colored illustrations. A recipe for Cat's Sunday Pancakes is included for those who get a craving for the breakfast (or any time of day) treat.

Odder by Katherine Applegate

Inspired by rescued sea otters at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, this is the story of a curious and adventurous sea otter who gets hurt after trying to save her friend from a shark. She ends up at an aquarium where she was raised as a young pup after being separated from her mother. This time she is unable to go back to the wild, but she is given the chance to help an orphaned pup so it can return to the ocean. This is a sweet story that provides information about sea otters. The book includes some illustrations which are adorable.