This weekly post comes from Jen at Teach Mentor Texts
It's a great source to find new books to use with your students.
What a difference a week makes.... a day makes. I can't not start today's post without recognizing our current world's state. I'm in IL, so our schools all close tomorrow, mine closed starting today. We can't dine-in at any restaurants and many stores around us are starting to close for a couple of weeks. As a Catholic, I cannot attend mass right now. But, I have books at home so I'll carry on! I say that in full recognition not everyone, everywhere can say that. There are people who still have to go to work. And while I've seen some companies do some great things and keep their employees home while still paying them (go Bulls and Blackhawks for paying the United Center workers for times they would have been working at the now suspended games), I also know some people don't have that luxury and must continue to work. And I also see people on social media shaming and pointing fingers at those who may have to work. These are tough times. I'm hoping compassion for all. Understanding for what may be taken out of our hands. We'll get through this. As my new favorite t-shirt says, "it'll be fine". :)
Last Week's Adventures
I shared a beautiful new nonfiction picture book written in all haikus - Whoo-Ku Haiku. And now there is a giveaway! Make sure you visit the post and enter. Perfect for right now when so many libraries are closed - win a free book!
Picture Books
An Ordinary Day
written by Elana K. Arnold
illustrated by Elizabet Vuković
This book took my breath away. It's stunning simplicity speaks volumes. It's amazing all that comes in a day. Even more poignet today.
If you didn't get a chance to read the Nerdy Book Club post about it, check it out here.
Do I Have to Wear a Coat? A Journey Through the Seasons
by Rachel Isadora
A book about the seasons and the different clothing choices and things to do during that season. I feel like this book was written with the seasons that a little bit farther south than ours here in Chicago. It doesn't have the characters wear a coat in the spring time. We have to wear ours into May usually!
I Voted: Making a Choice Makes a Difference
written by Mark Shulman
illustrated by Serge Bloch
I really liked this one. Basic explanations, kid friendly, simple to follow.
Middle Grade
The Truth According to Blue
by Eve Yohalem
Blue is on a mission this summer. She's determined to find the long lost treasure that belongs to her family. Her grandfather was always searching for it, and he made sure Blue knew the details before he passed away. It's the start of summer and Blue is ready to begin. But first she has to make sure her blood sugar is stable enough to be out on the water. That's because Blue has diabetes. And she has her trusty dog, Otis, to help her constantly monitor it. She's even the poster child for the local diabetes fundraiser. And speaking of that, a supporter is a big wig director who has a daughter, Jules, that is just about Blue's age. Before Blue can say "diabetes stinks", she's stuck with stuck-up Jules for the summer. But maybe, just maybe, they can be friends and find the treasure.
Thank you to Edelweiss for the e-galley. Look for this book in May!
Scritch Scratch
by Lindsay Currie
Another e-galley I read courtesy of Edelweiss. I usually read these books while I am working out, which means lots of people nearby and it's in the daytime. Which was a very good thing with this book! I read Lindsay's debut middle grade, The Peculiar Incident on Shady Street while on an airplane, again in broad daylight. That book creeped me out. She has absolutely upped the creepy factor in this sophomore book. While at first it felt like a typical ghost story, as I continued to read I became fascinated with the way she combined the scary ghost story with actual facts. Of course the familiar Chicago setting was fun to read, too! As the story goes on, I found myself drawn into the story more and more until I just had to know how it ended. The completed book is going to include a map which will be a fantastic addition. Middle grade readers will need to wait until September to get their hands on it, but it will be worth the wait!
Tornado Brain
by Cat Patrick
One more book to wait for, one more you'll need on your TBR! This book debuts in May and it's one you'll want for middle grade readers. The story is told by Frankie, who is neurodiverse and is the first to tell you that things are complicated. She has typical friendship issues that are made more complicated by how she views life. In fact, her friendships are so complicated, she's not speaking to her best friend. Who seems to have been taken over by another two girls... one of them being Frankie's twin sister. But then her best friend disappears. And the reason she disappears may have something to do with Frankie.
This is absolutely a complex story with some deeper issues. Kids who enjoy heartprint books and mysteries will love Frankie's story.
The Night Diary
by Veera Hiranandani
I have two books on my #mustreadin2020 list in this post!
I know, ridiculous I had not read it, but so glad I finally got to it.
Explaining a piece of history that I should know more about and uniquely told as the entire book enfolds through letters written in a diary. Nisha is writing to her deceased mother (who passed while giving birth to Nisha and her twin brother, Amil. The story takes place in 1947 when the British gives up control of India, but India splits into two countries (India and Pakistan) because of religious differences. Muslims ultimately take control of Pakistan and Hindus take India. Nisha, who has been raised Hindu, and her family must make a very difficult journey from their home that is now considered Pakistan and travel to a new home in Jodhpur, India.
Well told and I can see why it won a Newbery Honor. I am interested in how this book has connected with younger readers. What ages are picking it up the most? Who is sticking with it? What are readers saying about it? Leave a response in the comments!
Adult
Becoming
by Michelle Obama
Yay I finished! Even though it took me two months to read this book, I enjoyed every time I had reading this book. I just forget how long it takes to read adult books that have more font on the page and longer pages, lol!
While I loved reading this book and it made me fall in love with Michelle Obama and her family all over again, it made me very sad for the state of our country the past few years. Whether you are Democratic, Republican, or something different or in-between, I don't think anyone can say our current president is a good person. When you compare that person to Michelle Obama.... you can't help but feel sad.
Currently Reading
What Lane?
by Torey Maldonaldo
Regardless of where you are or what you do, I hope you are hunkered down, safe, and have some great books to read!
I love books written in letters but didn't realize The Night Diary was one. (though, obviously, diary!) Thanks for these recommendations, many of them new to me. (also loved Michelle Obama's book- loved the book and the person...)
ReplyDeleteScritch Scratch sounds like a fun, spooky read! Schools and restaurants have closed down here, too, and we're trying to adjust to school-at-home and new routines. Reading does help! Have a good week, and stay safe.
ReplyDeleteTornado brain sounds fantastic. Adding that to my TBR!
ReplyDeleteI'm eager to get to Tornado Brain - it's in my pile. I went to the library on Saturday to get my holds in anticipation that they might decide to close soon and An Ordinary Day is in that pile. Take care of yourself and your family!
ReplyDeleteI noted some of the picture books when you shared on twitter & An Ordinary Day looks wonderful. I'm looking forward to Scritch Scratch, have had it on my list, but the other two sound great, too, Michele. Thank you! Best wishes to you during this challenging time.
ReplyDeleteOur #bookexcursion group was fortunate to get an ARC of Scritch Scratch and I cannot wait to read. I am also can't wait to read What Lane? Anxious to hear your thoughts. I have heard so many good things from early reviewers. And as scary as things are right now, I agree that we will get through this. Glad to have books (and my pup) to help me through.
ReplyDeleteI am also looking forward to Scritch Scratch having enjoyed Lindsay Currie's first book as you did. I am using The Night Diary in my literature circles that are supposed to start in two weeks, but we will see (our province will announce something regarding schools in the next day or two and it will likely include a longer closure). The class across the hall got our set of books first and there were only a few kids that chose it but they seemed to enjoy it. It was a good response, but no one was over the top for it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the shares, Do I Have to Wear a Coat? and An Ordinary Day look good as well.
The cover of An Ordinary Day is gorgeous! I have Becoming on my must read list this year. I hope to get to it soon. I won't be touching Scritch Scratch with a ten foot pole. I don't do scary very well.
ReplyDeleteWe babysat my grandson today so my son could do some studying. He asked us if anything like this had ever happened to us before. Never. We are cursed to live in interesting times.
Starting your promotion before your book goes live will give you a head start. Start with teaser, trailer, beta readers, editing and marketing. I can help with creating a book trailer for free ! I love book trailers usabookreviewers.com can help with getting reviews to give your book a proper launch. Down the line, try bookbub for marketing.
ReplyDelete