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
Thinking about superlative animals... Steve Jenkins' new books spotlight animals that use their "super powers" - being stinky, fast, deadly and tricky - to protect, hide, and eat! Read about them here.
This summer I'll be spotlighting some transitional chapter books that may be new to you! These books will be important to know if you teach in grades 1-4. Here's the first post.
Picture Books
The Better Tree Fort
written by Jessica Scott Kerrin
illustrated by Qin Leng
In today's world where bigger is better and more is always the way to go, this book has a refreshing message. Great to use when talking about central message/theme.
Doll-E 1.0
by Shanda McCloskey
Another book that has a good message - what happens when a child gets too tech-y? A mom gives her child who is obsessed with computers, coding and all things electronic a doll to play with. While there is not a total transformation (and I'm glad there wasn't), the young girl does learn to do some pretend play.
The Map of Good Memories
written by Fran Nuño
illustrated by Zuzanna Celej
If you have a refugee collection, you'll want to add this book. A young girl is leaving her war torn city, but before she leaves, she makes a map of all the places she loves. I could also see using this as a mentor text for writing if you ever do anything with mapping to get story ideas.
Rock 'n' Roll Soul
written by Susan Verde
illustrated by Matthew Cordell
I liked this book even more because I had seen the book trailer before reading the book. I had music going through my head as I read it!
Night Out
by Daniel Miyares
I really liked the message about having something to share to help you feel included. Told in minimal length sentences, the reader will still understand there is a deeper meaning.
Poetry
Seeing Into Tomorrow
haikus written by Richard Wright
illustrated by Nina Crews
Before his death, Richard Wright wrote thousands of haiku poems. This book spotlights some of his haikus and are illustrated by gorgeous photographic collages by Nina Crews. Each illustration features an African American boy exploring nature.
Wonderful biography written by Nina Crews that gives us more background on Wright.
Middle Grade
Just Under the Clouds
by Melissa Sarno
This is a gorgeous debut with language that will stick to me for awhile. I love how Sarno writes about what it is like to be "houseless" but still going through the day to day situations of life. I think it will be a powerful window book, and for others a mirror that let's the reader see they are not alone.
Harbor Me
by Jacqueline Woodson
I'm sure you've already read about this book. I'm sure you've already heard people say how wonderful and amazing it is. They are not leading you astray.
I love the concept of "harboring" someone - being the safe place for someone.
Make sure this book is on your purchase list for August!
Tight
by Torrey Maldonado
I devoured this book (9 hour car ride helped). This book has the power to be such an important book. It has the voice of Matt de la Peña's YA books but this one is for a MG audience. It reminded me a little bit of a MG Hate You Give - not the same topic but it holds some really important themes and truths. I think no matter what your background is, you'll recognize the universal themes, but if it's a mirror book it will be important to see representation within the pages of a book. Look for it on Sept. 4th.
Currently Reading
The Storm Runner
by J.C. Cervantes
It's another series from the new Rick Riordan imprint. Looking forward to reading more about Maya mythology!
The Door to the Lost
by Jaleigh Johnson
I made some more progress on this book this week. I'm really enjoying it. Another book with some universal themes. I think your fantasy enthusiasts will love this book.
I will be taking a week off from #IMWAYR as I will be traveling back from ALA. I bet there will be a lot to share next week!
I am really looking forward to both Harbor Me and Tight. Have a great time at ALA!
ReplyDeleteHave fun at ALA! I can't wait to hear all about it! Adding basically everything here to my TBR, of course. Especially excited about Mapping of Good Memories, as I do some mapping exercises in my writing classes and this looks like a wonderful mentor text that will let me introduce some additional themes.
ReplyDeleteSO many people are reading HARBOR ME right now. Feeling a little envious. :)
ReplyDeleteI just got NIGHT OUT from the library but haven't read it yet. Definitely looking forward to it after reading your thoughts.
I love what you said about Tight! I'm definitely adding it to my TBR list right now. And, of course, I'm excited about both Just Under the Clouds and Harbor Me. I appreciate all your reviews -- thanks for sharing everything, this week. Hope you have safe travels home from ALA!!
ReplyDeleteSo jealous that you are going to ALA. Some day! Thanks for recommending the Better Tree Fort. Just Under the Clouds is a book that stays with you long after reading. Looking forward to my turn reading Tight and Harbor Me with #bookexcursion! Have a great time in New Orleans!
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of The Map of Good Memories, & yes, I know about Harbor Me, hope to get to it soon. Thanks for sharing Tight and Just Under The Clouds. There are more children than we realize are living homeless, and perhaps finding books for them and for their classmates to try to understand is good. Have fun at ALA!
ReplyDeleteI liked Just Under the Clouds. It is a good window book for young readers who may not conceive what it is like to experience homelessness. This definitely might help kids gain empathy for other kids in these circumstances, and help them develop relationships. I definitely need to check out the other books on your list. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to Night Out by Daniel Miyares. I now have a hold on it and Rock 'n' Roll Soul at my local library. I'm also excited about The Door to the Lost. I loved The Mark of the Dragonfly.
ReplyDeleteWe all need harboring! Can't wait to read it! Enjoy ALA!!
ReplyDeleteI love, love, love, Qin Leng's illustrations, so I'll happily pick up any book she works on!
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate the review for The Map of Good Memories. I didn't know about it, so I am going to add it to my list.
ReplyDeleteAlso, Tight looks great. I am really jealous that you can read during car rides!
DeleteThanks for you comment about You Go First and Hello Universe - we agree with you. We liked You Go First better too. We are getting a copy of The Better Tree Fort - such an important message for students of all ages. Thanks for the recommendations!
ReplyDeleteI loved the idea of Harboring also--what a great metaphor for what we should think about with our lives.
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely checking on your transitional chapter books now that Trent has found a love of them--thank you for always teaching me :)
And I can't wait to read Tight.
And see you!!!!
Happy reading this week :)
I have Tight coming through my book group and I enjoyed reading your comments on it and your other "window" book which I will be adding to my TBR list. The Map of Good Memories seems like a good add for my library which has lots of check-outs of Refugee, Home of the Brave and books about refugees.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely loved The Map of Good Memories - I thought it was cleverly and sensitively depicted. Thanks for sharing so many great titles here. :) I am looking forward to finding Harbor Me. - Myra (GatheringBooks)
ReplyDelete