It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 10.09.17

This weekly post comes from Jen at Teach Mentor Texts

 and Kellee and Ricki at Unleashing Readers.  

It's a great source to find new books to use with your students.

Last Week's Adventures

I love what this transitional chapter book series brings to readers - diversity, non-stereotypes, and a really fun read!  Check out Jada Jones!

What's in my pile?  Here are the picture book biographies I have in my stacks.

So excited for this book!  Don't miss the book birthday of The Peculiar Incident on Shady Street!

An #ownvoices graphic novel - really excited to have this author writing books for readers!  Pashmina - last day to enter the giveaway!  This is one you won't want to miss!


Picture Books


No One Else Like You 
written by Sitka Goeminne
illustrated by Merel Eyckerman
This is a book I'm planning on reading right away with students.  It's a great book to use at the beginning of the year to start the conversation on identity.  


Snappsy the Alligator And His Best Friend Forever! (Probably)
written by Julie Falatko
illustrated by Tim Miller
I think this one flows even better than the first one.  And I'm really glad we have a name for the narrator.


Windows 
written by Julia Denos
illustrated by E. B. Goodale
Perfect small moments story.  Taking a walk at dusk, taking a look at the lit up windows, wondering and imagining what is happening inside.


The One Day House
written by Julia Durango
illustrated by Bianca Diaz
And this is the book that I learn Julia Durango is an Illinois author!  Yay, Illinois!
Very sweet story about building a home between a boy and his beloved grandmother.  I read another story this week, also about building a home and a boy and his grandmother.  That one left me sad, this one hopeful.  This book shows that children can really build a kinder generation for the future!


Smoot A Rebellious Shadow
written by Michelle Cuevas
illustrated by Sydney Smith
I can't decide if I like this book or love it.  
I do love the illustrations.  You're familiar with Smith's work from Town Is by the Sea and Sidewalk Flowers.
The theme of this book is a good one - stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new.  I would love to see how young readers react to this book - what their initial reactions are and their discussion of the theme.  I ordered the book and I'm looking forward to sharing it at #classroombookaday time!


The Wolf, the Duck and the Mouse
written by Mac Barnett
illustrated by Jon Klassen.
In my opinion, this is my favorite collaboration by the two of them.  So fun.  Full of laugh out loud moments.  This is a must have book.


The Book of Gold
by Bob Staake
A book about the love of reading featuring a reluctant reader.  Our main character really doesn't enjoy reading until he is warned about "The Book of Gold".  While searching for this elusive book, he might even start reading along the way...

Young Adult


Dear Martin
by Nic Stone
Wow.  Do not miss this book.  This book brought up so many points - made me think about the diverse sides to many controversial topics.  
It's books like this that might just change our future - but kids need to read them and kids need to discuss them.
High schools, get these books in your classroom, get them in libraries.
I'll have a longer post on this book later in the month as I get to participate in a blog tour for this brilliant book.

Currently Reading


Paper Chains by Elaine Vickers
I am loving this book!  Stop by on Thursday for a longer review.

Happy reading!