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 Bright Side by Chad Otis 

The boy in this story lives with his family in an old school bus. He finally gets to go to school, but has difficulty fitting in. Knowing what it means to look on the bright side, he uses positive thinking to help the class with a disappointing situation. This book highlights creative thinking and optimism while also giving a glimpse into the life of a character who is homeless. 

Chip by Federico Gastaldi

Atticus wakes up one morning to find that Chip is not in his fishbowl. This book about loss shows the power of memories.    

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh by Mo Willems

While Santa goes to wrap some gifts he gives the reader a reminder that the pigeon is not to drive the sleigh. Another humorous pigeon story!

Mole is Not Alone by Maya Tatsukawa

A shy mole heads off to Rabbit's party but worries the whole way there about whether it's a good idea or not. Mole is clearly an introvert not interested in being in a crowd, but finds himself in good company. Readers who can relate to Mole will enjoy this story.

Patchwork Prince by Baptiste Paul and illustrated by Kitt Thomas

Based on the author's childhood in St. Lucia, this story tells of a boy whose mother makes him a cape out of pieces of discarded fabrics. Feeling like royalty in what some would consider trash, the boy is joyful and confident. This sweet story is full of love and positivity. 

Detective Duck: The Case of the Strange Splash by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver and illustrtated by Dan Santat

A duck named Willow is involved in solving a mystery and removing a tire, irresponsibly disposed of by a human, from Dogwood Pond. This is a cute chapter book with some humor and suspense and a message about caring for the environment.

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...

Penguin Huddle by Ross Montgomery and illustrated by Sarah Warburton

Penguins huddle together to keep warm and end up frozen together. When friends can't help them they get unstuck, they travel across the ocean to find someone who can help. This book is both amusing and sweet and includes some fun use of interesting words.

Santa's Gotta Go! by Derrick Barnes and illustrated by Courtney Lovett

Monte and Mabel want Santa to hang out at their house, but once this happens they start to have some regrets. This is a very humorous story featuring a modern version of Santa. Love the ending.

The Welcome Home by Amy June Bates

Mr. and Ms. Gargleson-Bittle feel that something is missing from their lives so they welcome one animal after another into their home. Even when the animal is not exactly what they wanted, they show acceptance and love. A sweet book about a home that grows not just in number, but also in joy.

When the Fog Rolls In by Pam Fong

A puffin makes his way through the fog in spite of stumbling, getting confused, and running into obstacles. This metaphor for getting through the uncertain parts of life shows that there is power in continuing to move forward.

The Skull: A Tyrolean Folktale by Jon Klassen

This is an interesting and quirky story of unlikely friendship. It's a bit dark, but will definitely appeal to those who enjoy reading stories with some creepiness.

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...

Lila and the Jack-o'-Lantern: Halloween Comes to America by Nancy Churnin and illustrated by Anneli Bray

In Ireland, in celebration of Halloween, Lila and her family always carved a face into a turnip to trick a clever spirit named Jack. In America there aren't any turnips, but Lila has decided she is going to find a way to continue the tradition. The story and the note from the author at the end gives insight into how Halloween came to be celebrated in America.

Oh, Panda by Cindy Derby

A panda wants to climb a big, icy hill, but isn't having success. The narrator who suggests other activities eventually realizes panda's determination and offers a helpful solution. A book that highlights empathy and the power of being supportive and encouraging. Gorgeous illustrations.

Ploof by Ben Clanton and Andy Chou Musser

This book invites the reader to interact with a cloud, named Poof, that shows a variety of emotions throughout the story. It's a cross between a board book and a picture book. Poof is a cute character and readers will enjoy the interaction. 

Something, Someday by Amanda Gorman and illustrated by Christian Robinson

Amanda Gorman's poem and Christian Robinson's illustrations showing a young child making the world a more beautiful place are a powerful and lovely combination. The message that a small act can have a big impact is sweet and inspirational. We could always use more hope in this world!

Just a Pinch of Magic by Alechia Dow

In the enchanted town of Honeycrisp Hill, two twelve-year olds become friends and work together to save the town from a curse. The magic and a bit of spookiness, as well as the mention of yummy pastries make this a fun read. It's also a heart-warming story about friendship and family. 

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...

An Ofrenda for Perro by Judith Valdés B. and illustrated by Carlos Vélez Aguilera

While mourning the loss of his dog, Benito learns about Día de los Muertos and the importance of celebrating those who have passed. This is a beautiful and touching book about grief and loss. 

How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen

The narrator offers ideas about how Santa is able to go down chimneys and get into houses to deliver presents. This is an amusing exploration of a question that many children are curious about. The illustrations are fun, too.

The Runaway Dosa by Suma Subramaniam and illustrated by Parvati Pillai

As the author notes at the end of the book, this story was inspired by the traditional Gingerbread Man tale and a Southern Indian Tamil rhyme. As a family is enjoying dosa, an Indian meal made with rice and lentils, the last one jumps off the plate and runs away. Two siblings chase after it inviting mythological creatures they encounter along the way to join in the pursuit. This is an interesting retelling of a tale that is familiar to many young readers.

Spreckle's Snack Surprise by Sandra Salsbury

Spreckles, a dragon, was born on a farm, but unlike her chicken siblings, she is not happy eating dried corn and slugs. She is not successful in her search for a decent snack and is about to give up when she accidentally turns an ordinary snack into one that everyone enjoys. 

A Pie For Us! (Best Buddies #1) by Vicky Fang and illustrated by Luisa Leal

A cat and dog with the cutest names - Scratch and Sniff - are involved in three different humorous situations in each of the chapters of this book. One involves a pie, the other a box, and finally a new mirror that appears in their home. This is the first in a new series in the Acorn line of books for early readers. 

Sparkle by Lakita Wilson

As Sparkle starts middle school she realizes her hair is falling out and is diagnosed with alopecia. The condition impacts her self-confidence, her relationships with her friends and classmates, and her dream of becoming a star actress. This book has a great message and the topic of alopecia is one I haven't seen explored in middle grade literature. Thanks to the publisher for an advanced reader's copy. The book publishes this week.

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...

Julie and the Mango Tree by Sadé Smith and illustrated by Sayada Ramdial

Julie has a giant mango tree in her yard and is eagerly waiting for one of the delicious and juicy fruits to drop. She tries to solve her problem, but then realizes she must be patient. When she finally gets more than she asked for she devises a solution to share with others. A book that will have readers craving mangoes.

The Little Green Envelope by Gillian Sze and illustrated by Claudine Crangle

After Olive's friend has moved away, Grandpa suggests she send her friend a letter. Hearing this, a little green envelope, who has been neglected, hopes to be chosen to go on the journey with the letter. This is a cute story about the joy of receiving a letter.

The King Penguin by Vanessa Roeder

Percival is a king penguin, so therefore the ruler of all the penguins. When his subjects protest and kick him out of the colony, he tries to find somewhere else to be a ruler. Although he fails to find subjects to rule over he learns about leadership and what it means to be part of a colony. A fun book with some great vocabulary.

More Than Words: So Many Ways to Say What We Mean by Roz Maclean

This book explores the many ways there are to communicate and express oneself in addition to talking and using words. The end pages provide further information about communication. An important and beautiful book.

Night Owl Night by Susan Edwards Richmond and illustrated by Maribel Lechuga

A girl is finally able to accompany her mother, one October night, as she waits for owls in the sanctuary where she works as a scientist. The girl is eager to see an owl on its way as it migrates south and help her mother study and tag it, but she is worried she may not get to see one. This is a very sweet story that made me think of Owl Moon by Jane Yolen. Gorgeous illustrations.

Jawbreaker by Christina Wyman

Max is bullied at school because of her overbite, not only by other kids, but also her own sister. Her home life is equally as complicated as her parents are always fighting. Max's best friend also seems to be struggling with something and becoming more distant. Inspired by the author's own experiences, this is a heartfelt story about feeling different and navigating complicated relationships. Thanks to the publisher for an advanced reader's copy. The book publishes this month.

Adult Reading Recommendations

Becoming Henry: The Fonz...and Beyond by Henry Winkler

This is just a nice, charming memoir. It gives insight into life in Hollywood, as well as Henry's challenges related to stardom, family, and having dyslexia. Growing up having watched Happy Days, I found it interesting. Thanks to the publisher for an advanced reader's copy. The book publishes this month.

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...

Baller Ina by Liz Casal

Ina is a ballerina who also gets out onto the basketball court in her tutu. Even when another play tries to discourage her, Ina shows off her confidence and continues to be herself. A joyous rhyming book.

The Boo Crew Needs You by Vicky Fang and illustrated by Saoirse Loug

It's time for the Monster Ball, but before it can take place the Boo Crew needs to make everything right in the neighborhood. The reader is invited along to help out. A cute book that encourages reader participation.

I Cannot Draw a Bicycle by Charise Mericle Harper

The narrator draws a cat with a skateboard and a horse who wants a bicycle. The narrator has never seen a bicycle and can't draw one so the cat and horse suggest a clever solution. Another amusing book by the author of I Cannot Draw a Horse.

Spanish is the Language of My Family by Michael Genhart and illustrated by John Parra

Manolo's school is having a Spanish spelling bee and, since his family speaks the language, he is excited to participate. Although he knows how to spell many words in Spanish, his abuela helps him learn more and also tells him stories of when she was little and was only allowed to speak English. This is an empowering book that celebrates language and culture.

History Smashers: Christopher Columbus and the Taino People by Kate Messner and Jose Barreiro and illustrated by Falynn Koch 

This is another insightful addition to the History Smashers series. The authors explore the myths surrounding Christopher Columbus, providing information about what is actually true. I learned a lot about Christopher Columbus and how the holiday came to be celebrated. Both adults and kids can learn from this book.

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...

Butt or Face?: A Hilarious Animal Guessing Game for Kids by Kari Lavelle

This is an interesting and entertaining concept for a picture book. Throughout the book there are photos and readers are asked to determine if it is an animal butt or face. Facts about each animal pictured are included. Fun and informational.

Dasher Can't Wait for Christmas by Matt Tavares

This is a magical and beautiful story of Dasher, who is so excited for Christmas sneaks off on adventure the night before and gets lost. A holiday story that is magical and beautiful. h

This Tank is Mine! (Fish Tank Friends) by Jonathan Fenske

Angelo's tank and everything in it belongs to him. When a new fish is dropped into the tank, Angelo does not want to share. Like other books by Jonathan Fenske, this is very amusing.

Vlad The Fabulous Vampire by Flavia Z. Drago

Vlad is a vampire who doesn't like his rosy pink cheeks so he tries to cover them up. With the help of a new friend, Vlad gains self-confidence and learns that it's better to show off one's uniqueness rather than hide it. As with the other books in The World of Gustavo series, the illustrations are amazing.

Cat On the Run in Cat of Death! by Aaron Blabey

A cat famous for her online presence finds herself on the run after she is accused of a crime. This graphic novel has lots of silly antics and adventure. There's a cliffhanger at the end that will leave readers wanting to know what happens next.