It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 12.14.2020

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.

Hang on, lots of picture book recommendations this week!  I had a huge stack of picture books to get through, but that also seems to be all that is holding my attention for the week.  

Last Week's Adventures

I celebrated the world around our young readers with this post.

Board Books

Have you noticed publishers are focusing on our youngest readers and making sure they have some excellent reading material from the start.

         

Don't miss these math concept books from Grace Lin.  Featuring concepts such as spatial relationships, geometrical shapes, measurement, and division and problem solving, they give young readers an understanding to the world around them.  I love the black and brown characters in each book.

i Am! Affirmations for Resilience

written by Bela Barbosa

illustrated by Edel Rodriguez

It's easy to use negative self-talk, but how do you turn it around to use positive words, especially when needed?  Quick affirmations that kids can easily to use for positive feelings.  While it is a board book, it's one that will also fit in with classroom libraries and for a read aloud with students.

Picture Books

Lubaya's Quiet Roar

written by Marilyn Nelson

illustrated by Philemona Williamson

A needed book.  Our quietest voices sometimes have the biggest things to say, if we just listen.  Also, quiet voices should be respected as much as the loud voices.

My Rainbow

written by Trinity and DeShanna Neal

illustrated by Art Twink

Trinity is a Black transgender girl on the autism spectrum.  She knows there is something missing about herself - she wants longer hair to be seen as her true self, but growing her hair leaves her feeling itchy and not right.  Mom to the rescue as she makes a beautiful rainbow wig for Trinity.

What We'll Build: Plans for our Together Future

by Oliver Jeffers

Don't mind me over here in a puddle of tears.  This book is such a beautiful ode of a parent's love for their child and all of their hopes and dreams.  While the book features a father and daughter, it really does transcend character gender and can relate to all parents and children.

Rocket Says Clean Up!

written by Nathan Bryon

illustrated by Dapo Adeola

I really like the Rocket stories.  This time Rocket is cleaning up the beach by her grandparents' home and gets local help.  Showing sustainability and recycling, a good book to have when talking about the environment and plastics.

Leif and the Fall

written by Allison Sweet Grant and Adam Grant

illustrated by Merrilee Liddiard

Leif is a leaf who does not want to let go and fall to the ground, despite all of the other leaves saying it's just what leaves do.  Would be a good book to add to your SEL collection to talk about how it's ok to feel differently and it's ok to be nervous about something.  A student at school recommended this one to me and I'm glad she did!

Bunheads

written by Misty Copeland

illustrated by Setor Fiadzigbey

Oh, I loved this sweet little ballet story.  Mostly because as someone who danced a little, and then watched my daughter dance for awhile, I think this book captures the feelings of working hard for a goal, and the joy of being onstage.  I really enjoyed Fiadzigbey's illustrations.  He captured the movement of ballet, but also the smoothness and perfection of the dance.

The Couch Potato

written by Jory John

illustrated by Pete Oswald

Another great addition to the collection (series?  not sure what it is called!) and it carries a message that should be talked about with young readers a bit more often - the need to unplug and be with people, outside, and enjoying what life has to offer... when you don't have to plug it in.

Rain Before Rainbows

written by Smriti Prasadam-Halls

illustrated by David Litchfield

I read a digital copy of this one a few months ago and was struck by its beauty.  The finished copy is just as gorgeous.  A wonderful message about rising up and looking for the good in the next day.  I think this book was published at the most appropriate time.

Wherever I Go

written by Mary Wagley Copp

illustrated by Munir D. Mohammed

Beautifully illustrated!  A moving story about a young girl's experience in a refugee camp before being placed in a new country.  This would be a great book to provide background information before reading the graphic novel When Stars Are Scattered.

Currently Reading

I didn't finish any middle grade novels this week.  I averaged about a chapter a night.  Just too much going on right now!  

Girl Giant and the Monkey King

by Van Hoang

I am about halfway through and I really like this one.  Definitely hand it off to your readers who are enjoying the Rick Riordan imprint that features mythological stories from different cultures.

King and the Dragonflies

by Kacen Callender

I have this one from the library but it's due and I can't renew it.  So pausing Girl Giant so I can quick read this one.  So much buzz for it!

Lots of picture books this week, now I'm looking forward to getting some middle grade and YA reading done for the rest of the year.  PIcture books will wait until January!  Looking forward to getting to some of the novels that have been piling up!

This is my last #IMWAYR for 2020!  I have a few more posts for the end of the year and then I am so excited to move on to 2021 reading!  I will see the #IMWAYR community in 2021!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 12.07.2020

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

Don't miss these nonfiction picture books that celebrate people in the arts!

Picture Books

Prairie Days

written by Patricia MacLachlan

illustrated by Micha Archer

I love Micha Archer's work and I think this book has some of her best.  Her multilayered pieces look beautiful in the outdoor illustrations that fill this book.

This seems like a love letter to MacLachlan's younger days, growing up on a farm, in a small town, and living on a large area of land.  Both wildlife and the joys of living in a small town are celebrated in this book.

I looked up where MacLachlan was born and it said Wyoming.  While you can sense her joy when writing about what it was like to grow up this way, I also wonder where you draw the line... what is the proper way... to acknowledge the original land dwellers, which Native American tribe first lived on the land when talking about a time in the past.  Is it ok to leave it out, or should it be woven into the story somehow?  Honestly asking and wondering.

Gurple and Preen: A Broken Crayon Cosmic Adventure

written by Linda Sue Park

illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi

What kind of thinker are you when things go wrong unexpectedly?  Do you panic and look at the negatives?  Or are you someone that works at the problem, a little at a time?

Robots Gurple and Preen have crash landed and their cargo (crayons) have spilled everywhere.  While Gurple keeps breaking crayons and random objects, animals, and eventually people, come out, it's Preen who is able to see how everything can work together to leave again.

Featuring Ohi's broken crayon art, this book has a good message that will get kids thinking about how they problem solve.

I Will Dance

written by Nancy Bo Flood

illustrated by Julianna Swaney

I really like this one because of the inclusion of a character with a disability.  It strays away from ableism because it's not about the able bodied kids helping the disabled character.  Our main character is in a wheelchair as a result of a congenital disability.  She has low lung capacity and only moves her arm and hands.  She is in a motorized wheelchair, but that has not stopped her from her desire to dance and her passion for it.  She just hasn't figured out a way to do so in a public capacity.  One of her moms finds an inclusive studio that is looking for all abilities to try out for their dance program.  Once arriving, the girl sees people of all physical abilities, including others in a wheelchair, using a walker, or a prosthetic.  Among them are able bodied dancers.  Working together and encouraged to participate and stretch to their own ability, all of the humans there find ways to dance and dance together.

Me & Mama

by Cozbi A. Cabrera

A beautiful love letter to the bond between mothers and young daughters.  I loved some of the comparisons the author used, like this one, "The clouds outside are wearing shadows.  The wind is painting the outside window with beads of water."  Just beautiful!

Stand Up! Speak Up! A story inspired by the Climate Change Revolution

by Andrew Joyner

In some ways I think this book hit the mark it was aiming for, and in other ways I think it missed it.

Joyner (author of The Pink Hat) gives us a black/gray/white illustrated story with touches of green to reflect the color associated with climate change and a story with two word phrases that encourage an "up"stander action.  

I like the color theme.  I like the idea.  But while I get the two word phrase with "up"  being the second word, the idea of climate change is probably new with a lot of young readers.  I don't think a book needs to be too wordy, but a little more information would have taught more than this book did.

Wild Symphony

written by Dan Brown

illustrated by Susan Batori

When I first heard Dan Brown was writing a children's book, I might have grimaced a bit.  I feel like that doesn't always equal out - even though you're an excellent writer of adult fiction, doesn't mean there will be the same success as a children's book author.  Especially when you're adding music and writing in rhyme!  But surprisingly, it worked!  Each page has music composed that reflects the animal on the page.  The rhymes are well written and flow.  Each animal story has a moral that goes along with it.  And there is a puzzle to solve on each page.  In order to access the music, readers need to have a device that has a QR scanner, or can go to a website, or pull up an app.  I think the music really does add a fun piece to the experience, but you do not have to listen to the music to understand the book.  I wish there had been a little more direction or hint to the puzzles at the start of the book.  The answers to the puzzles are in the app, but that was even hard to find.  Once I saw the answers, I better understood what I was supposed to be doing with the puzzles.

As you can tell, there really is a lot to enjoy with this book.  I think this works better as an individual child/grown-up read aloud than one you do with a whole class, but it does work.  Make sure you have time to really enjoy it!

The Blue Table

by Chris Raschka

While not a Thanksgiving book, it does fit in perfectly with food and gathering together.

The blue table is the focus of this book.  At first it's a place for a family to come together, and while we never see faces, we see plates and glasses and items that are often found at a table.  Then the table expands as a leaf is added to the table and more people come to gather and be thankful around the blue table.  Told in simple words and phrases, I like the idea of the table being the focus and to think about everything that does happen around a table!

I Believe I Can

written by Grace Byers

illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo

A book that reminds young readers that they can achieve their dreams and goals with hard work and perseverance.  

Sugar in Milk

written by Thrity Umrigar

illustrated by Khoa Le

Both an immigration and refugee story, both focusing on perspective.  A young girl is an immigrant in a new country.  She at first feels alone and disconnected, but then her aunt tells her a story about Persian refugees who flea to India.  At first, they are not allowed to enter the new country but after a smile, a story told without words, and a hug, the refugees are allowed to stay.  The little girl understands that in order to make friends, a smile may help.

Middle Grade

A Place at the Table

by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan

I really enjoyed reading this dual-authored story that features two marginalized voices - one Pakistan American character and one Jewish character.  I thought both voices brought a different understanding to the table.  One is a brown character who often faces judgement based on the color of her skin.  The other, while being white, faces her own discrimination as a non-Christian religion character.  Too often when we read about a Jewish character it's about WWII.  I think it will be important for readers to gain a new perspective.  Exploring ideas of friendship, family, and cultural identity and belonging, this would be a great story to use for a middle school book club.

See You at Harry's

written by Jo Knowles

This was my November #mustreadin2020 book.  I have no idea how long I've owned it, just that when I bought it everyone had been raving about it for awhile.  Since it's been in my stack for so long, I knew I wanted to finally get to it.

I do think our opinions of books are influenced about what is going on in our lives when we read them.  This book is a book about grief and how it impacts one family.  Maybe reading it during COVID19 was not a solid choice.  Maybe reading it during the pandemic when we had just celebrated a holiday where I could not get together with loved ones was not the right time.  I ended up skimming through most of it just because it was such a heavy topic and that is not what I was ready to handle at this time.  

Definitely an upper middle grade read.  Jo Knowles continues to be an author I enjoy reading.

The In-Between

by Rebecca Ansari

I believe this is Ansari's sophomore novel, and I think I enjoyed it even more than her first.  Ansari's stories, which are longer in length, but will definitely pull in readers who want mystery and suspense.  This one took me a bit to fall into, but once I did, it was hard to put down.

There is a lot going on in siblings Cooper and Jess' lives - an absent-remarried-new family father, a mom who is working too hard, friendship issues, and Jess' diabetes.  When Cooper and Jess start piecing together a mystery surrounding the house across the alley, involving a very mysterious and silent girl,  they learn that the effects of the mystery may involve their own lives.  When a new friend, Gus, gets involved, it's not until the end when they see how much their lives are intertwined.

Really fun ending.  Once I got there, I could not put it down and wanted an immediate reread.  Look for this in January 2021.

Thank you to edelweiss for the advanced e-galley.

Currently Reading

Girl Giant and the Monkey King

by Van Hoang

This is a Vietnamese mythological story, told in the vein of the new Rick Riordan imprint stories.  Just getting into it, but fun so far!

Hope you're finding more time to read than me.  Mine is pieced together in weird bursts of time!  'Tis the season!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 11.30.2020

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 celebrated graphic novels!  Did you see all of the posts?

a roundup of new graphic novels

graphic novels for early readers

graphic novels coming soon!

And I celebrated a new poetry anthology - Friends and Anemones 

Picture Books

Unlimited Squirrels in I Want to Sleep Under the Stars 

by Mo Willems

While this book is probably my favorite in the series, I have to say it's not my favorite Mo Willems series.  It gets read because it's a Mo Willems book, but there is so much going on in these early chapter books, I think it can be overwhelming for young readers.

I like the story of this one - the squirrel friends keep misunderstanding exactly what their friend wants, but eventually not only get it right, but make a wish happen for their friend.  I don't love all the extras that come along with the story.  If it had ended once the story was over, I think it would be a better and stronger children's book.

The Ninth Night of Hanukkah

written by Erica S. Perl

illustrated by Shahar Kober

I loved this Hanukkah story that celebrates the power people have of looking for joy within each other and finding ways to celebrate that.

There are so many traditions that surround holidays and those traditions bring happiness and a real sense of that holiday, regardless of the holiday being celebrated.  But sometimes, especially when things go differently than planned, it's ok to look beyond those traditions and celebrate it in a way that still brings joy to the holiday.  This book is perfect for that message.

I Am The Storm

written by Jane Yolen and Heidi E.Y. Stemple

illustrated by Kristen and Kevin Howdeshell

Storms can be scary and this book acknowledges that and also reminds readers that storms eventually leave.  And while there is clean up involved, communities work together and life goes on and is celebrated.  I like that the story also reminds young readers they are strong too, which may give a young reader just enough courage to fight some fear.

There is some brief backmatter about the storms and wildfires that are mentioned in the story to give additional information.

The Most Beautiful Thing

written by Kao Kalia Yang

illustrated by Khoa Le

The relationships we have with our grandparents are special and treasured.  The knowledge that is passed down from grandparent to grandchild is different, almost more important, than what we learn from our parents.  There is a reverence to their knowledge that makes it all the more special.  Grandparents also have a way of explaining things that make sense to young children.

This is the case for young Kalia.  She lives with her grandmother and in the Hmong tradition, has a special task of caring for her grandmother.  While spending time and taking care of her, Kalia learns of not only stories about her grandmother growing up, but also lessons that she takes to heart.

Ten Ways to Hear Snow

written by Cathy Camper

illustrated by Kenard Pak

This was the week of grandparent/grandchild relationship stories!  And this is another must have!  Young readers who live in areas of big snows will surely relate to the idea of snow, something that seems to be quiet and noise-free as something can get, actually has many different sounds.  Young Lina is headed to her grandmother's assisted living home to help her make some food, but she has to walk through a lot of snow to get there.  Along the way, Lina figures out many ways to hear snow, but the final way is told to her by her grandmother.

Middle Grade

Saucy

by Cynthia Kadohata

Oh, I had so much hope for this one.  The book is a smaller, trim size and it's about a girl and her relationship with an orphaned pig.  I thought it was going to appeal to my heartstrings like Because of Winn Dixie.  It did at first, but then it didn't.  

Young Becca, the only girl in a set of quadruplets, is looking for her thing, what she is known for amongst her siblings.  When she finds Saucy, a young piglet who doesn't look like she will survive the night, Becca knows that this is what she can do - she can love and save this little pig.  And that she does!  But Saucy gets her name honestly as she gets into and destroys so many things, Becca has to keep a list of everything she needs to replace one day.  But the day she bites Becca's mom ends up being a bit too much and Saucy has to go to the pig sanctuary earlier than originally promised.  If the book had cut off right around here, it still would have been a sweet book.  But then it takes a turn and several more events happen and are wrapped up in a matter of chapters.  It becomes a whirlwind, that while a reader will be able to follow it, felt unnecessary and rushed.  The ending gets wrapped up just as fast all of these new events happen.

American as Paneer Pie

by Supriya Kelkar

Yes yes yes to this middle grade.  Stories like these are exactly what we need for our middle grade readers.  Stories that lay out the microaggressions that marginalized cultures deal with all the time by white people.  The more kids understand how their words affect others, the more we're building a new, kinder, and more understanding generation of citizens.

I love that Kelkar includes swimming as a sport that the main character excels in.  I know my daughter would have loved reading this when she was younger.  And I love that this book mentions several Hindu celebrations including Diwali.  

Be sure to have this middle grade novel in your classroom libraries and be sure to book talk it like crazy!  Get it into readers' hands!

Currently Reading

A Place at the Table

by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shoven

I thought I would have more time over the Thanksgiving Break to read, but as always, Christmas traditions kept me busy!  All at home, but that's is ok!  Hope you find time to snuggle under a warm blanket and read!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? Graphic Novel week! 11.16.2020

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.

This week on the blog I will be celebrating Graphic Novels!  Today's IMWAYR post is a roundup of newly published graphic novels I've read!  Check back this week for more graphic novel fun.

Thursday - new graphic novels for early readers

Friday - graphic novels coming soon!

Last Week's Adventures

Check out these new animal informational texts for your young readers.

Some much needed sequels have been published for some favorite chapter book series.

Graphic Novels!

Class Act

by Jerry Craft

Unless you're hiding under a non-kidlit rock then you know and have already read the 2020 Newbery winning graphic novel New Kid.  I loved reading this book but loved it even more after reading it with kids in our Mock Newbery discussions last year.  I work with 4th grade readers and it was interesting who understood the microaggressions the book explored and who didn't see it at all.

This time we see the story more through Drew's eyes, although Jordan is always around.  If the first book explored microaggressions that marginalized cultures experience in a school environment, then this book explores what it's like to be a Black kid.  There are things that happen to Drew because he is Black.  Some people make assumptions for him, but not for Jordan, who is a little lighter skinned than him.  People think it's ok to touch Drew's hair without permission.  Drew knows he is at a prestigious school and he has to work even harder to be accepted there.  But there are also people in the Black community that assume things about Drew because he is at that school, and that doesn't feel good either.

Both books in the series give people something to think about.  Many people who are white are going to learn something when reading them.  It may make you uncomfortable (usually adults), but it's going to open a new level of understanding for many kids.  It's also going to help other readers feel seen and appreciate their story being in a book.

Twins

written by Varian Johnson

illustrated by Shannon Wright

You probably know author Varian Johnson from his novels The Great Greene Heist and The Parker Inheritance.  This is his first written graphic novel, and he made the transition to the GN world seamlessly!

Twins is about Maureen and Francine who are starting sixth grade and figuring out, on their own time tables, who they are as an individual, instead of a "twin".  Francine is already starting to become her own individual and this is not sitting well with Maureen, who would rather remain a set.  It all comes to head when they both decide (for very different reasons) to run for class president.  

This is a story about siblings, a story about becoming yourself, and a story about trying new things.  I like how Johnson always weaves microaggressions and elections through the story so they are there, but don't take over the story.

This graphic novel is going to be well enjoyed by readers!

Lightfall: The Girl and the Galdurian

by Tim Probert

Woah, I am so excited to have found this new GN and upcoming series!  It is absolutely going to appeal to readers of the Amulet, Zita the Spacegirl, Cleopatra in Space, and 5 Worlds graphic novel series.

Taking place in the world of Irpa, readers meet Bea, a young girl who lives with her grandfather, a pig wizard.  While off on an errand to collect various ingredients for a potion, Bea meets Cad (who happens to save her life from a long fall).  Bea learns that Cad is a Galdurian, a species that is long thought of being extinct, if they even existed at all.  He's on a mission to find the pig wizard.  Upon returning to her house, Bea and Cad find her grandfather is gone but he has left a very cryptic note.  Bea is quite upset because her grandfather tends to be forgetful and she doesn't like that he has adventured off alone.  He's also left her with a special Jar that she is to keep in her possession.  

Of course, Bea and Cad are immediately on a quest to find her grandfather and that's when the adventure begins.

Some interesting character traits play out in this story.  It certainly seems as if the grandfather has some form of dementia.  And Bea definitely suffers from anxiety.  I like that she is a multi-dimensional character.

The cover says "book one" and it ends on a cliffhanger so we know there are more stories coming.  I'm ready for it now!

Measuring Up

written by Lily LaMotte

illustrated by Ann Xu

Cici has just been uprooted from Taiwan to move to Seattle with her parents who have new jobs in America.  Cici has always grown up with her A-má (grandmother), they share an enjoyment of cooking and it's something special they do together.  Cici has a hard time leaving her behind and adjusting to life in American without her A-má.  Cici gets the idea to fly her over for a surprise for her dad for his birthday.  But first she needs to come up with a way to get the money for a ticket.  That's when she sees a kids cooking contest and the prize is $1000.  Cici enters and learns many lessons about herself, cooking, and friendship along the way.

Cooking and baking shows are still pretty popular with kids right now so I can see readers picking this up based on that alone.  The subjects of immigration and friendships are seen in many books right now and it's great to continue to give readers an understanding through these #ownvoices stories.  I think this will be a popular graphic novel.

Mellybean and the Giant Monster

by Mike White

This is going to be such a fun series!  

Melly is a very friendly dog who lives with three cats.  They definitely do not see eye-to-eye on activities to do, and the cats even trick Melly to hide a shoe (inevitably to get her in trouble).  While digging, Melly actually finds a portal to another world.  One where a very mean king is stealing all the gold from everyone and putting them in the dungeons if they can't pay.  Melly also meets a giant monster who is constantly being attacked by the king's knights.  It's with Melly's incessant questioning that we learn Narra, the monster, used to have magical powers but Wilma the Wizard took them away to use them for herself.  Melly and Narra end up meeting three orphan kids who are trying to find their human who was taken away to the dungeons by the king.  The five decide to take on the king and his men and get him to change his mind.  They are able to use the king's weakness, his inability to say no to a contest he thinks he can win (i.e. cheat), to try and win back the gold and release everyone from the dungeon.

This book was full of giggles and heart.  Melly is an adorable character who never falters from being herself and showing being kind is always better than being greedy.

I am so glad this will be a series.  We need more Melly!

History Comics: The Great Chicago Fire - Rising From the Ashes

written by Kate Hannigan

illustrated by Alex Graudins

Perfect for I Survived readers who need a visual piece to help the historical fiction part come to life.  Sometimes when reading about history, young readers need some visual supports because it's hard to picture something that has never been seen before.  This series of graphic novels will be a perfect compliment.

In this first book, written by Chicago author Kate Hannigan, we meet siblings J.P. and Franny.  Separated from their family, they make the long trek north with a puppy that has also been separated from its mom, trying to get away from the ever-growing fire.  Rooted in facts and with quotes from primary sources, this fictional story gives the readers a glimpse into what those fateful days were like for Chicagoans.  There is even some backmatter to give additional information - I actually started with the backmatter first and it helped me as I read the story.

I am looking forward to seeing how this new series resonates with young historical fiction readers.

I hope this helped you find a new graphic novel title or two for your readers.  Wildly popular, I know we may need more than one copy of these titles!

Hope to see you later this week for more graphic novel fun!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 11.09.2020

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 ended up taking last week off as a break from all things social media.  For sure needed a breather!  So from two weeks ago:

Nonfiction picture books that celebrate people who followed their dreams.

Be sure to visit this post to read about Josh Funk's newest - It's Not Little Red Riding Hood - and find some teaching ideas.

Picture Books

For Beautiful Black Boys Who Believe in a Better World

written by Michael W. Waters

illustrated by Keisha Morris

If you are looking for a book that talks about the horrible loss of black lives in an appropriate way for young readers, this is the book you're looking for.

Young Jeremiah sees on TV again and again, over a period of years, young black people lose their lives for what seems to be no reason, at least that can be explained on TV.  Jeremiah questions his father about what happened, but does not want to engage in a conversation.  Eventually he does and appropriate ideas for all people are shared on how to use your voice - vote, march, pray, speak out are a few mentioned.

I like how the passing of time is noted not only by the names of the victims mentioned, but also by the desire of the main character's, Jeremiah, desire to grow locs, which take time.

There is a lot that I like about this book.  The violent ways that these victims' lives were ended are not mentioned in detail, but sometimes in a brief, matter-of-fact response or not at all.  It also has a very realistic portrayal of young kids when they see unsensible things happen - while some kids have questions, many others don't want to talk about the scary thing that has happened, it's too hard to process.  It is also noted that police officers have lost their lives and the blue ribbons honor their service and lives.  

The story is straight to the point, it would be very difficult for a reader to miss the message of this book.

There is an extensive discussion guide included at the end of the book.  Would be perfect to share with parents if they wanted or needed to extend the conversation.

Smug Seagull

by Maddie Frost

Fans of the Pigeon will like this one.  Seagull is just that - pretty smug.  He thinks highly of his snatching snacks skills.  Until he meets Crab, who is able to get snacks with a more gentle approach.

Northbound: A Train Ride Out of Segregation

written by Michael S. Bandy and Eric Stein

illustrated by James E. Ransome

Written in the perspective of a young Black boy who is taking a train ride from his hometown in Alabama up to Ohio, during the time of segregation.  As he travels, he discovers there are certain parts of the United States that allows people of different races to mix and mingle on the train.  Being a child, the young boy takes the opportunity to find a new friend from the "Whites only" section to play and explore the train with, until traveling into another area of the United States where segregation is enforced.

An excellent story to use when talking about the civil rights era and how different parts of the country viewed races and rights differently.

Shubh Diwali!

written by Chitra Soundar

illustrated by Charlene Chua

Diwali begins this weekend!  Brightly illustrated, this book gives a glimpse into celebrating this holiday.

Federico and the Wolf

written by Rebecca J. Gomez

illustrated by Elisa Chavarri

Fractured fairy tales are fun and I really enjoy ones that have a cultural spin on them.  This is a perfect one - Federico has gone to the market to get the ingredients needed to make some pico de gallo with his grandfather.  The tale goes pretty much as expected with a Mexican-American flair.

Rot, The Bravest in the World

by Ben Clanton

I adore reading Rot, the Cutest in the World out loud.  It's funny and I love seeing the look of surprise on faces when I get to the turning point of that book.  There is something special about hearing giggles as you read to children!

This one fell short for me.  I think kids will still like it because it features a younger sibling outwitting an older sibling.  And there are some silly moments.  I know I am going to enjoy reading "indubitably" out loud.  But it doesn't quite capture the charm of the first book.

The Night Before Christmas

written by Clement C. Moore

illustrated by Loren Long

Thank goodness I know the poem well because my eyes were feasting on the amazing illustrations by Loren Long.  Taking place in 4 different homes in different locations, the book shows that the heart of Christmas is family.

I don't buy too many Christmas books anymore, instead I have been focusing on having books of many cultures.  But this one was a must have!

Sun Flower Lion

by Kevin Henkes

I can see how the Geisel committee might be taking a careful look at this one.  Coming in at only 60 different words and a simplistic storyline, young, independent readers will enjoy reading this one on their own.  At first glance, the storyline seems simple and quick to read, but when you look deeper and notice the metaphors and similes, you can see how masterful Henkes is with his writing.

What confuses me are the use of chapters in this picture book.  It succeeds in splitting up each noun - sun, flower, lion - into its own chapter.  Even though the chapters are 1-3 pages each.

Fox Versus Winter

by Corey R. Tabor

The first page says it all, "Fox does not like winter."

Same, Fox.  Same.

The Elephant's New Shoe

written by Laurel Neme

illustrated by Ariel Landy

I really enjoyed this story about Chhouk, the Cambodian elephant, who, due to a wire snare, had his foot cut off.  Chhouk had difficulties walking and it was infected when animal rescuer Nick Marx found him.  Marx worked hard for years, integrating him into the Rescue Center and partnering with Cambodian School of Prosthetics and Orthotics to find ways for Chhouk to walk and run again.

Kamala and Maya's Big Idea

written by Meena Harris

illustrated by Ana Ramírez González

Maybe a good book to add to your reading rotation this week? 

Carries the message that kids can make a difference.

Middle Grade

Brother's Keeper

by Julie Lee

A historical fiction middle grade novel that takes place during the Korean War.  I don't have any books based in this timeline so it was definitely one to check out.  

Sora and her brother Youngsoo are separated from  their little brother and parents by a bomb while trying to get from North Korea to South Korea.  Sora must do what she can to keep her and her brother alive and continue their trek to their uncle's home in southern South Korea.  This story of survival gives readers what life was like during this time and the North Korean regime.

It's also a story of familial tradition in this Korean family, where boys are prized and girls are expected to train to be a proper Korean wife and mother.  Sora would rather learn and become a writer than learn about cooking and because of this, her mother sees her as a failure.  It was hard to read the scenes when her mom, thinking she was doing the right thing, be so harsh and not understanding of how Sora wanted to live her life.

While there wasn't anything that would keep me from handing it to a 3rd/4th grade reader, I think with the complexities of war and survival themes, this book is best for 5th grade and up.

No Place for Monsters

by Kory Merritt

One of the best things about this book is its hybrid format.  While a longer book (379pgs), it is FULL of fantastic black and white illustrations that add to the feel of the story.  I am looking forward to more hybrid books like this from the author.

Levi and Kat live in a town where nothing seems out of place, at least from what the people can remember.  Because there is something out there that is taking young kids and erasing all memories and physical things of that person.  But Levi and Kat remember and are working hard to make sure what happened to others, does not happen to them.  But with a creepy monster named the Boojam looking for them, and mysterious, elderly neighbors that seem to know more than they should, and a skeleton monster-dog named Willow trying to help, Kat and Levi figure out they may only have each other to lean on.

This was a good story to read at Halloween-time and while I was able to read it at night, it was a creepy read!  I was a bit turned off that this monster was after kids and took them at night.  I have 3rd and 4th grade readers and I can see that bothering them enough that it could give nightmares.  I would hand this one to older readers!

Adult Novel

The Last Story of Mina Lee

by Nancy Jooyoun Kim

One of the reasons I get frustrated with adult novels is the characters frequently act in a way that you know is just going to cause trouble.  They keep doing the same thing over and over, which you know if they just faced their issue, it would be over.  Of course that makes for a too short novel, so it would never work.  But because it goes on for so long, it just annoys me.  Middle grade novels have characters like that too but the problem has to be resolved in a quicker and tighter framework.  

This was one of the problems I had in the book.  While I understand some of the decisions by the character were made because of cultural reasons and the effects of being undocumented in a society that harshly punishes for that, it still left my annoyed when a character acted in a way that could have been resolved much quicker.  And the ending was wrapped up so quickly - you went along with the novel for so long and then it was wrapped up in a page or two!

Currently Reading

Breathless

by Jennifer Niven

Haven't heard much about this one, but I will give it a try!

I apologize that I have not been commenting on blogs the past couple of weeks.  It was hard to be on social media for a bit but I have so much hope for the future and a clearer head, I'll be back looking at what everyone is reading this week!