This weekly post comes from Jen at Teach Mentor Texts
It's a great source to find new books to use with your students.
Last Week's Adventures
With the end of the year comes end of the year voting - Cybils and Nerdy Book Club awards! If you're looking for some new inspiration for early readers, try these books!
I finish up the October "What's in my Nonfiction Pile?" series with a roundup of biographies.
This is a must-add to your MG library - Greetings From Witness Protection!
A great book to use when talking about facing your fears - Willy and the Cloud
Picture Books
Peep and Egg: I'm Not Taking a Bath
written by Laura Gehl
illustrated by Joyce Wan
Oh how I love these characters! This is another great read aloud, I had second graders lined up to take this series home!
How to Make Friends With a Ghost
by Rebecca Green
Perfect book for a fall read aloud! And if you want a catchy tune to go along with it, don't miss Emily Arrow's video!
Sam and Eva
by Debbie Ridpath Ohi
This is my favorite Debbie Ohi so far! So much to look at as you read this silly story about drawings that go a little too far!
Alfie
by Thyra Heder
Heder's stories always surprise me. You think you know where the story line is going... in this one we learn about perspective and thinking of others.
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut
written by Derrick Barnes
illustrated by Gordon C. James
Beautiful beautiful book. I would love to hear this one narrated by the author. Important #ownvoices book and one you'll want in your library. Don't miss the author's note at the end and I also recommend reading his Goodreads bio.
Most People
written by Michael Leannah
illustrated by Jennifer E. Morris
So this is a book I will read every school year here on out. It's a book about most people but it's one that everyone needs to hear. I
Informational Texts
My Awesome Summer by P. Mantis
by Paul Meisel
I classified this one as informational because it is full of fascinating (and weird and amazing and gross) facts about the praying mantis. However, it is told by a praying mantis, so not sure if that negates the nonfiction part. (this post that Melissa Stewart pointed out to me is still swirling around in my brain) I love the use of the end pages to place facts that do come up throughout the story (which means you'll miss some if you get a library copy like I did). This humorous story almost made me like the praying mantis. Maybe!
Muddy: The Story of Blues Legend Muddy Waters
written by Michael Mahin
illustrated by Evan Turk
Wow, what a fantastic biography. The words spoke to my heart - they were soulful and moving. I think the artwork is some of Evan Turk's finest. Definitely a Caldecott contender.
Middle Grade
Revenge of the Christmas Angels and Revenge of the Happy Campers
by Jennifer Ziegler
These are the second and third books in the Brewster Triplets series and I'm so happy I got to spend more time with them. What I love about Dawn, Delaney and Darby is they are unexpectedly different - they each have their own characteristics, but they have similar interests in... democracy! presidents! history! These girls know what they want and they go after it. Great role models for kids today. If you aren't familiar with this series, change that now.
Currently Reading
The Many Reflections of Miss Jane Deming
by J. Anderson Coats
Had to skip on some reading to continue with my NCTE panelists books, but it's ok. I'll get to them at the end of November. No stress with books, right?
Happy Reading!
The picture books all sound great! I can't believe NCTE is in just a few weeks!
ReplyDeleteWitness Protection was fun. I liked Miss Jane Deming, but am not sure how well it would do with my students.
ReplyDeleteLots of interesting books on your list. I will have to find Most People.
ReplyDeleteI'd still like to read How To Make Friends With A Ghost though Halloween is almost over. I loved Most People, think it would be a wonderful read aloud & discussion for a class. Thanks, Michele!
ReplyDeleteOn your recommendation, I just requested Greetings from Witness Protection. I enjoyed Miss Jane Deming a lot. Love reading about all of these picture books! How to Make Friends with a Ghost looks especially delightful!
ReplyDeleteYou have convinced me to read Greetings from Witness Protection and Most People.
ReplyDeleteMuddy: The Story of Blues Legend Muddy Waters isn't available from my library (at least not yet)
Muddy: The Story of Blues Legend Muddy Waters really sounds fascinating, I think our library definitely needs a copy!!
ReplyDeleteSo looking forward to NCTE! I'm off to buy Muddy and Crown.
ReplyDeleteI just requested Alfie from my library. Looks awesome! Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteMost People and Alfie are going on our TBR list. We love your descriptions of these books
ReplyDeleteMost People is really a comforting book - even for me. I can't wait to see Crown and the Sam and Eva book.
ReplyDeleteHello :) :) :)
ReplyDeleteLoved Jane Deming's story!
But I *gasp!* haven't read any of the others!!! Thanks for always sharing your favorites with me on Twitter :)
Happy reading this week!
Crown looks so good! I can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeleteI love Thyra's art too, Michele. I was lucky to have her as the illustrator of my Penny & Jelly books :)
ReplyDeleteThat's so funny - the P. Mantis book made both of our lists! Your list reminds me I need to reserve and read Crown and Most People - they both sound amazing! What a huge week of reading you had!
ReplyDelete