Spotlight Friday: new poetry books 2.14.2020

Spotlight:  Poetry!

Just a few new poetry books you may want to add to your collections!

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: The Poetry of Mister Rogers

Lyrics by Fred Rogers

Illustrated by Luke Flowers

This collection has 137 pages of the songs Mister Rogers brought to his show.  Presented here in poetry format, these beautiful lyrics remind young readers it’s ok to have feelings and express themselves.  

I really appreciate there being an index at the end of the book.  Educators can refer to it and find different social emotional learning topics and the corresponding poems.

With illustrations from Luke Flowers (see if you can find some cameos, like Mobi Shinobi, within the illustrations), readers will enjoy picking out different poems to read.


I Remember: Poema and Pictures of Heritage
complied by Lee Bennett Hopkins
This collection of poetry - each poem written by a different poet and accompanied by an illustration from a different artist - is reflective of heritage, family, and moments of time.  Different cultures are represented, each one celebrating a different way of remembering.  
Each poem and illustration has the creator's name by it as well as a quote from the creator giving us a glimpse into their feelings about their art or words.
Backmatter includes a quick biography of each poet and artist.


Being Frog
by April Pulley Sayre
The title of this book is so important because Sayre is celebrating the frog as a "being", not a character.  So many of us are familiar with different frog characters, but Sayre wants you to get to know the actual frog, not the almost humanized characters of frogs.
In this book that is one lyrical poem, Sayre celebrates all that a frog does throughout their days - hunting, hiding, growing, communicating, and leaping!  With amazing photographs by Sayre, this book should be leaping into your collections :)

Happy poetic reading!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 2.10.2020

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

Take a look at these nonfiction picture book biographies.

Some books for readers who are starting to read independently.


Picture Books


Where Lily Isn't
written by Julie Paschkis
illustrated by Margaret Chodos-Irvine
A sweet book that will touch hearts, especially readers who have lost a beloved pet.
We see a young girl loving and playing with her dog, Lily, until Lily is no longer with her.  She remembers all the things they did together, but at the end finds peace that Lily still lives in her heart.


Black is a Rainbow Color
written by Angela Joy
illustrated by Ekua Holmes
This is a book that will stick with me for a long time and one that takes multiple readings to unpack.  It reminds me a lot of Fry Bread in that way.  You can't just get everything about this book in one reading.
First of all, there is so much in the backmatter to pay attention to - you'll want to play the music that is listed in the background, you'll flip back and forth from the backmatter to the corresponding pages to learn more and get greater depth of understanding.
I'm really looking forward to hearing how educators and librarians use this book with readers and the conversations that occur.


Are Your Stars Like My Stars?
written by Leslie Helakoski
illustrated by Heidi Woodward Sheffield
The book uses colors to compare how children from different parts of the world see their surroundings.  I wish there had been more information included in backmatter about the different locations, cultures, and traditions.


Hosea Plays On
written by Kathleen M. Blasi
illustrated by Shane W. Evans
Written about Hosea Taylor Jr., this story imagines a day in the life of Hosea doing what he was known for - bringing music into the lives of youngsters that lived near him.  
In this story, we see Hosea set out to play his saxophone on the city streets and collect money that he is saving to buy something.  We find out it is a trumpet for a teenaged neighbor.  
Information about the real Hosea Taylor Jr. is found on the endpage of the book.  I wish the publisher had made this information available in backmatter instead of the endpage because I had a library copy and had a difficult time reading around the taped on book jacket.


Overground Railroad
written by Lesa Cline-Ransome
illustrated by James Ransome
Beautifully written and illustrated story about the Great Migration.  You are probably familiar with the Underground Railroad, but do you know about the Overground Railroad?  Trains were a way of transportation for millions of Blacks as they ran away and to new lives in the North in the 1900s.


The House at the End of the Road
by Kari Rust
I have seen people post about this book but I had trouble finding it and then I kind of just forgot about it.  So glad I finally read it because I really loved the story.  Three cousins find an old house they are pretty sure is haunted.  But what may look old and scary can be deceiving, as they find out.  Their grandmother introduces them to the inhabitant, old Mr. Peterson, and they learn to not always judge a book by its cover!


In a Jar
by Deborah Marcero
A sweet story about friendship and how the things we enjoy with friends can continue even when the miles between are long.


The Heart of a Whale
by Anna Pignataro
I think what most people want is to have that companion, that one to talk with, share time with, and just enjoy space with.  This book captures that essence.  It also shows the power of friendship and helping a friend.  All of this in a beautiful, lyrical story with water-colored illustrations that flow across the pages.


Almost Time
written by Gary D. Schmidt and Elizabeth Stickney
illustrated by G. Brian Karas
The passing of time can be hard and difficult to measure for a young child.  Especially if the passing of time means the weather has to cooperate!  A young boy and his father are waiting for it to be time to collect sap from the trees to make syrup.  The days need to be longer and warmer and that just doesn't seem to be happening!  He also is waiting for a tooth to get looser and fall out.  After a while, green grass starts to appear and it takes just a bit longer to turn on the lights at night, and then it's time for sap!
I've read books recently about the passing of time and this one just struck me right in the heart!

Nonfiction Picture Books


The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read
written by Rita Lorraine Hubbard
illustrated by Oge Mora
Wow.  Just an amazing story.  Mary Walker never had a chance to learn to read.  Not only was she just working to stay alive as a slave, it was also outlawed for her to learn to read.  So she waited.  She waited until she had outlived her family - her parents, her husbands, and her sons.  She waited, but she eventually learned to read... at the age of 116!  Just an amazing story.  
Oh, and it's illustrated by Caldecott Honor winner, Oge Mora.  
I appreciated in the backmatter the author included a note that while there are certainly things known about Mary Walker's long life, there are many holes to it, too.  The author admits to filling in some of the holes with her own imaginings in this book.  And that's why you read the backmatter to young readers!  They need to know that information!


Middle Grade


The Ambrose Deception
by Emily Ecton
This book took me by surprise!  I really enjoyed it and wonder why I haven't heard more about it.  It's definitely for readers who enjoyed Mr. Lemoncello's Library, The Book Scavenger, or even the game/movie Clue.  
I also loved that it took place in Chicago, it was fun to read about familiar landmarks.
Melissa, Wilf, and Bondi have been selected from their middle school to compete in a scholarship competition.  How they were chosen is sketchy at best, figuring out riddles to win a scholarship is a bit unconventional, but with $10,000 on the line, the trio doesn't worry about the details.  As each individual goes all around Chicago, with a personal driver and cell phone, the reader gets a glimpse of Chicago history and goes along for one wild adventure!

Currently Reading


Becoming
by Michelle Obama
I've made no progress on this book because my reading life has gone to three places:

1.  assessment reading - we just got the new Jennifer Serravallo Complete Comprehension Assessment kit and I've been avidly reading the new-to-me titles.  Since I'm assessing kids using these books, I read the books too.
2.  committee reading - just wrapped that up!
3.  picture books - I've had stacks of library books pile up and needed to make a dent in them.

I'm almost done with the assessment reading.  A few more to go.  Meanwhile I have a lot of MG and YA that are piling up!  I'm sure I'll find time soon.....


Did you know today is #nf10for10 day?  Bloggers are putting together lists of 10 books (or so) that are about nonfiction topics/ideas.  Be sure to search for the hashtag on social media for lots of nonfiction picture book ideas!

Here is my post:  10 nonfiction picture book biographies that celebrate KIDS showing us the way!

#nf10for10 - Kids Are Showing Us the Way! 2.10.2020

Thank you to 

Cathy Mere (@cathymere) at Reflect & Refine 

and

Mandy Robek (@mandyrobek) at Enjoy and Embrace Learning

and 

Julie Balen (@jacbalen) at Connecting to Learn

for this wonderful day of nonfiction picture book sharing!

Be sure to follow #nf10for10 to get lots of new nonfiction picture book ideas.

Here are my posts from previous years. 
2017 #nf10for10 - a science roundup
2016 #nf10for10 - it's all about the series
2015 #nf10for10 - nf can be interesting!
2014 #nf10for10 - themes in nonfiction


It's been awhile since I've participated in #nf10for10.  It always creeps up on me and I lose track of time.  Before I know it, it's here and I don't have a post.  For some reason I was thinking about it early this year!

There has been a huge insurgence of picture book biographies.  They are well enjoyed by educators, librarians, and readers.  Maybe because of their narrative stories.  Maybe because they are inspiring.  But most of them are about people who seem out of reach to our young readers.  They have trouble thinking of them as real people.  I love finding picture book biographies about kids.  When you read a book out loud about some of the things they have done, you can almost see a lightbulb go on in the eyes of readers.  They start thinking, maybe they can do it.  Maybe it influences something in their life.  Maybe it gives them a thought of what they can do.

10 nonfiction picture book biographies that feature kids:



Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln
written by Margarita Engle
illustrated by Rafael López
Teresa Carreño shows us the power of music and how it can make us feel many emotions.  


Hello, Crochet Friends! Making Art, Being Mindful, Giving Back: Do What Makes You Happy
written by Jonah Larson with Jennifer Larson
Jonah reminds us that we can find what we are passionate about and use it to help ourselves and others.


Game Changers: The Story of Venus and Serena Williams
written by Lesa Cline-Ransome
illustrated by James E. Ransome
Venus and Serena reminds us of the power of family, hard work, and determination can help us reach our goals.


Our House is on Fire: Greta Thunberg's Call to Save the Planet
by Jeanette Winter
Greta encourages everyone to use their voice - because it is necessary - to protect our planet.


Nadia The Girl Who Couldn't Sit Still
written by Karlin Gray
illustrated by Christine Davenier
Nadia teaches us that it's ok to fall... just get back up again and rise!


The Boy Who Grew a Forest: The True Story of Jadav Payeng
written by Sophia Gholz
illustrated by Kayla Harren
Jadav shows that even young kids can care and learn about their environment and make a difference for generations to come.


Trombone Shorty
written by Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews
illustrated by Bryan Collier
You're never too young to discover your passion is the message from Trombone Shorty.  And play music all the time!


The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist
written by Cynthia Levinson
illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton
We can stand up for our rights and our beliefs like Audrey Faye Hendricks did!


Anybody's Game: Kathryn Johnston, the First Girl to Play Little League Baseball
written by Heather Lang
illustrated by Cecilia Puglesi
Kathryn had a passion for baseball but because of gender rules, she had to fight for her right to play.  Be like Kathryn and fight for equal gender rights!


Ada's Violin: They Story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay
written by Susan Hood
illustrated by Sally Wern Comport
Reduce, reuse, and recycle has a whole new musical meaning after reading the story of Ada and friends.  What maker idea can you create?


Round up some of these picture book biographies and see what ideas your readers can come up with and create!

#road2reading Challenge - early reader stack - 2.06.2020

All journeys have a starting place.

This is a weekly place to find books and tools

that you may use with readers 

at the start of their independent reading journey.

Join in the conversation at #road2reading.

This week I've got some early reading books to share with you.  Perfect for readers who are beginning their reading journey.  These books have simple plots, rely on a lot of sight words and decodable text, and are fun to read!

I'll first start with a couple of new to me books from the 2020 Geisel Award!


Flubby Is Not a Good Pet!
by J.E. Morris
I've seen the Flubby books but apparently I have never picked one up to read, I thought I had.
This one is cute.  Readers will enjoy meeting Flubby the Cat because he is not necessarily an agreeable cat.  Flubby's owner really wants him to do "pet-like" things... like the other pets, but Flubby wants nothing to do with singing, playing catch, or jumping.
Sweet ending to the story.
Decodable text, a minimal amount of words, but fun storyline, make this a good start for readers beginning to read independently.


Stop! Bot!
by James Yang
This year's Geisel winner is one that I had never even heard of before the awards show.  My colleague was able to locate it at her library so I got a peak at it.  It's cute and clever.  A young boy loses control of his bot (a robot head) and it floats upwards, next to a tall apartment (?) building.  The residents have a variety of ways to try and get the bot, but they keep missing.  With all of these neighbors at the ready, it seems like an occurrence like this has happened before... in fact the savvy reader will notice while the bot is travelling up, up, up, on most pages there is a banana going down, down, down.  The ending is cute and has a great one-liner that will make you laugh out loud.  Don't read through the minimal amount of text too quickly, be sure to find the details in the illustrations.
Probably not my favorite Geisel winner, but definitely a cute story.


Some newly published picture books:


Bug Dipping, Bug Sipping
written by Marilyn Singer
illustrated by Lucy Semple
This rhyming poem will be fun for young readers to read and practice reading their -ing chunks!  Some words will be tricky because the picture clues might not be enough to help readers figure out the word - ceiling, meadow, disguising - but also is full of decodable words.
I love seeing more nonfiction texts for independent readers.


Jack at Bat
written by Mac Barnett
illustrated by Greg Pizzoli
I'll be honest, I'm not a huge fan of this series.  Sometimes having a flawed character makes the story really fun to read.  And while Jack is plenty flawed, I really don't care for him.  I could see kids enjoying his naughtiness, and while I haven't really promoted the series with kids yet, I haven't seen anyone flock to this series.  I need to book talk it soon, I would be interested in seeing what kids think.
Out of the four published books, I guess this one is "my favorite".  Please know I use that term very loosely.  There were parts that made me chuckle - Rex taking off with the ball, Jack being sidetracked by what looks like Cracker Jacks (who wouldn't be sidetracked by that???).  But the rest is questionable.


Jack Goes West
Just.  No.
Too much I don't like and I don't get why it is in a children's book.
White guy being the savior except you know, he's the bad guy.  And he's trying to woo a much older lady.  Because that goes in a children's book.  
And why the old west setting?


The following books are just a bit longer and feature chapters.  Perfect for readers who still need support with picture clues, sight words, decodable text, but are looking to increase stamina with longer reads.
I'm grateful to have these books for readers who still need these supports but want something fun, engaging, and COOL!!!  Love that these books keep readers reading!



Don't Worry, Bee Happy
by Ross Burach
I enjoy Burach's humor and I know readers are going to laugh out loud at some of the funny stories in this early graphic novel.  This is a series I'll be watching and adding to my collection.


Moby Shinobi and Toby Too! Surf's Up!
by Luke Flowers
I have readers who really enjoy the Moby Shinobi pictures books, excited to see this as an early chapter book.  Full of colorful and busy pictures, these rhyming chapters are fun to read and this particular one has a fun setting - the beach!

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday - biographies - 2.05.2020

Wednesdays I join Alyson Beecher from kidlitfrenzy and other

#kidlit bloggers to share wonderful nonfiction picture books.

The intention of today's blog post is to give professionals that work in the
education field new nonfiction reading material and ideas to use 

with students to promote a love of reading nonfiction materials.

These influential men made their impact on the world in different ways.  Have they made a difference in your life?



Soldier for Equality: José de la Luz Sáenz and the Great War
by Duncan Tonatiuh
So grateful for Mr. Tonatiuh and his books.  They always educate me about people, customs, and traditions that I may not know a lot about.
This book introduces us to Luz, a Mexican American born in Texas (Tejano), who felt the injustices and racism because of his descent.  He enlisted to fight in World War I as a way to honor his country and show that Mexican Americans are an important people in this nation.  Luz continued his fight throughout the War but continued to educate through peace and his teachings.  He continued this education once he returned to the States, even helping to form the League of United Latin American Citizens.


Fred's Big Feelings: The Life and Legacy of Mister Rogers
written by Laura Renauld
illustrated by Brigette Barrager
I am excited to see the picture book biographies that are being published about Mister Rogers.  I grew up with Mister Rogers and his neighborhood.  In fact my mom still says I learned to much of my early education through PBS - Mister Rogers' Neighborhood and Sesame Street - while my poor younger sister was raised on cartoons - Tom and Jerry and The Flintstones - because I had moved on by the time she was young.  Ha!
I do have wonderful memories and after reading the biographies, I remember even more about his show.  As an adult I can see the positives in what he was accomplishing with his young audience.
After reading some picture book biographies I pulled up some of the old shown on youtube.  Dated, yes, but the values he embodied are still so important today.
This book really focuses on the way Mister Rogers so effortlessly talked about feelings and the importance of naming them.  I'm looking forward to sharing this book with young readers and maybe even inspiring a new generation of Mister Rogers fans!


Infinite Hope: A Black Artist's Journey from World War II to Peace
by Ashley Bryan
I have long admired Ashley Bryan's work and who he is as a human being.  To get this glimpse into his history is a gift.  To be able and witness this history, how art saved who he was as a person, is not something I take lightly.  A story about art, but also about the social injustices of our country that extend far beyond our borders.  I sincerely hope that middle school social studies and literature teachers, as well as librarians, use this book with students.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 2.03.2020

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

Last week was the ALAYM Awards - did you watch?  I took a week off of blogging to find some time and catch up (is that really a thing??).

Some science books for your stacks.

These chapter books have been in my stacks for too long!


Picture Books


The Perfect Seat
written by Minh Lê
illustrated by Gus Gordon
I've loved this book since Minh shared it with an audience at ALA Annual this past June.  It's a book I would plan on reading at the beginning of every school year to talk about finding the perfect seat for reading.  Also good to have the conversation how the perfect seat might change, over time or from location to location!


The Upper Case: Trouble in Capital City
written by Tara Lazar
illustrated by Ross MacDonald
Perfect to use with older readers to talk about puns and figurative language.


Double Bass Blues
written by Andrea J. Loney
illustrated by Rudy Gutierrez
Since I've been watching the ALA Awards, this is the first time a book was announced in the Caldecott category that I had never even heard of it before.  There are always books that are announced that I have not read (I'm looking at you Geisel and Newbery), but to have never even heard of it was a new occurrence.  
I liked this book, and I think it may grow on me as I use it with readers.  The illustrations are very unique.  Between the bright colors and flowing lines and abstract movements, the illustrations really do seem to be echoing music, which is what the story is all about.
We first see young Nic when he is at school playing his double bass.  He looks to be at a private school since all of the students appear to be in a school uniform.  Based on the compliments he receives, the reader can assume that Nic is a pretty good musician.  Next we see him traveling across town via public transportation.  He seems to be going from a nicer area of town, to a more urban area.  People start making fun of Nic for carrying such a large instrument and he isn't getting the same kind of respect as he does at school.  Finally he arrives at his destination which is a place where his grandfather and grandfather's friends are gathered together to play music.  Again, he is well accepted because of his musical talent.
Sparsely told through onomatopoeia and a minimal amount of text, readers really do have to follow along with what is shown in the illustrations to put the whole story together.  I think this book will leave readers with something to think and talk about.  As I continue to read the book, I keep finding something new in the illustrations.
An interesting choice by the Caldecott committee.  Interesting because this book seems to have been plucked out of obscurity - I don't know too many people who had heard of it much less read it - but this book certainly has more to it than first meets the eye.

Middle Grade

I finished a few e-galleys recently.  You'll have to wait a bit for publication but they are all books to add to your TBR!


What Happens Next
by Claire Swinarski
I had not heard of this title when I requested it, but I can tell you after reading it, it will appeal to middle grade readers!
Abby is the youngest of three sisters and is slightly obsessed with astronomy.  With the upcoming eclipse, everyone is flocking to her small, vacation town located in Wisconsin.  Good for their family cabin rental business, and it brings Dr. Leo Lacamoire to her town.  Dr. Lacamoire, a renown astronomer, may be the key to help her solve a problem with her oldest sister who is dealing with anorexia.  However, what Dr. Lacamoire wants in return may have Abby sneaking around more than she is willing.
Publishes May 19th


Once Upon an Eid
edited by S.K. Ali and Aisha Saeed
A collection of short stories that celebrates and shares some light on the holiday of Eid.  I am celebrating the fact that it is intended for middle grade audiences.
Publishes May 5th


Black Brother Black Brother
by Jewell Parker Rhodes
This is the first book to go on my 2021 Mock Newbery long list.  Wow, is this a story to be shared.  Two brothers from a multiracial family - one presents as white, the other black.  Both go to a prestigious middle school.  One is celebrated as an athletic hero, the other is blamed for things, often because of the color of his skin.  The book jumps right into the social injustice of this but where it goes from there makes the book unique.  Dante, our main character who is considered the black brother, wants to best the kid who is making his life miserable because of the color of his skin by beating him at fencing, a sport he knows nothing about.  I love how Rhodes integrates the rules, moves, and thought processes of fencing into everyday life.  

And some other middle grade books that I read:


Finding Langston
by Lesa Cline-Ransome
Yikes, I've owned this book for too long and had not read it yet.  I really enjoyed the trim size of this story.  It got to the point and didn't waste a word.  Also enjoyed that the setting was in Chicago and so many famous wordsmiths from this city were mentioned!
A follow up to this one was recently published and I grabbed it from the library this weekend.  Looking forward to the new perspective this story will bring.


Normal: One Kid's Extraordinary Journey
written by Magdalena and Nathaniel Newman
I plowed through this book.  It's written by a mother and son and gives a very unique perspective of growing up with Treacher Collins Syndrome.  Nathaniel has been billed as the real "Wonder" kid, since his story echoed the book that we've read and loved.  Nathaniel was about the same age as Auggie when Wonder first published.  The book did so much for him and others with craniofacial issues.  
The story goes back and forth between Nathaniel and his mom, Magda, each giving their own perspective to things.  I really appreciated reading both because as a parent of a child with a physical disability, there was a lot I could relate to.
Because it is #ownvoices, I think people need to sit back, read, and think about what Nathaniel has to say.  So much of what he mentions in the book mirrors things my own daughter has said to me.  And I love the exploration of what is "normal" in this book.
Make sure you add this book to your TBR list and your library!

Young Adult


A Heart So Fierce and Broken
by Brigid Kemmerer
This is the follow up to last year's A Curse So Dark and Lonely.  I absolutely love both books in the series and I'm anxiously waiting the next one.
If you have readers that are looking for romance, but you want it on the cleaner side, daring sword fights, magic, royalty.... then you've got to have this series.  I think it's perfect for middle school readers who are looking for something edgy and for young adult readers who want a great story and fun read.  
I love Sarah Maas' Court series - this reminds me of that series but way more cleaner :)

Currently Reading


Becoming
by Michelle Obama
I've had to take a quick break from reading to finish up some committee work and to get caught up on some assessment reading.  I think I'll still be wrapping some of that up this week which means Michelle is going to have to wait another week still!  It's taken me this long to read it, I'm sure it will be ok to take a bit longer!!


Hope you have a happy reading week!