Monday, January 23, 2017

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 1.23.17

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

Books I wish the new president and his Cabinet would read.

I really feel strongly that all readers should check out the upcoming book by Angie Thomas, The Hate U Give

My Sibert Award guesses

A Mock Geisel update

Picture Books

Egg
Egg by Kevin Henkes
4/5 stars
I quickly read this book at NCTE, but I have a hard time focusing when I'm reading in public and so much is going on around me.
This book really is a gem and if you read it too quickly you'll miss many details within the illustrations.  Great introduction to reading in frames (graphic novels).  I'm sure the 2018 Geisel committee will be taking a close look at this one! 

What This Story Needs Is a Bang and a Clang
What This Story Needs Is a Bang and a Clang by Emma J. Virján
3/5 stars
I like that this series tells a humorous story using very controlled text.  This one didn't work as well as others in the series.  Some of the sound words will be difficult for early readers.  I'll keep buying the books in the series though, because they are always checked out!

That's Me Loving You
That's Me Loving You by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
4/5 stars
Sweet story in the vein of I'll Love You Forever.  A perfect cuddle up bedtime story to read to your toddler.
I can also see this book being read to a child who is having separation anxiety.
Beautiful illustrations by Teagan White.

Where Do Pants Go?
Where Do Pants Go? by Rebecca Van Slyke
3/5 stars
Do you have a 3-5yo in your life?  This is the next book you'll want to find for them.  Silly and repetitive, this book will support them as they begin their reading life and they get to read the words underwear and bottom over and over.  This is a book they will pick up and read over and over!

Ella and Penguin: A Perfect Match
Ella and Penguin A Perfect Match by Megan Maynor
4/5 stars
Need a book to help a little one understand the concept it's ok to be different from a friend?  
May also be read to middle schoolers.....

Your Alien Returns
Your Alien Returns by Tammi Sauer
3/5 stars
Cute story about a young human going on a playdate with his alien friend up to the alien's world.  Young readers will make connections as the friends go on their playdate.  Would be a good book to use for making connections and encouraging students to add their thinking to their connection.

Informational Texts

I Am Jim Henson
I Am Jim Henson by Brad Meltzer
4/5 stars
I'm so glad there is an early biography on this creative genius.  Even today's generation knows Kermit.  It's sad they aren't as familiar with Sesame Street because that show really was a gift for the young generation.
I hope young readers today pick up this biography and get a glimpse of Jim Henson, his creative brilliance and kind message.

Currently Reading

It's been a slow reading week, as you can tell, I'm reading the same two books as last week. I've made progress in both and I'm really enjoying them!  Just low reading time.

The Wizard's Dog
The Wizard's Dog
by Eric Kahn Gale
Very fun book - check back on Thursday for a full review!

A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #2)
A Court of Mist and Fury
by Sarah J. Maas
Really love this series.  If you enjoy fantasy, especially about the faerie world, I highly recommend you check this series out!

Happy Reading!


11 comments:

  1. Great book choices. I really like your description of Ella and Penguin. Sounds like a great book to use in a teachable moment.

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  2. I'll have to get my hands on Egg. The Wizard's Dog is a fun read. It's a combination that I think will interest some of my students - a dog and magic. I Am Jim Henson sounds great. I'm putting it on my tbr list.

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  3. I can't wait to get my hands on Egg! (Also, I love your idea of a To Read list for the president and his cabinet. I don't think I'd be able to cut my list down!)

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  4. Thanks for that review of The Hate U Give. I connected to what you had to say about being privileged and reading books that take me outside myself. It's not easy, but it is so worthwhile. I'm looking forward to reading it.

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  5. Oh, I love Teagan White's illustration style, so adorable but not too adorable. What a fantastic array of books, perfect for the age group I typically work with, yay! :-)

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  6. Great picks and I agree, ones the new president should read. If he could read.

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  7. I had Egg on my list this week, too! With all the stress this time of year brings at school, it's tough for me to find time and energy to read. And the mild weather we've had means we haven't even had a decent snow day to get caught up! Have a great week!

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  8. If I had to pick a book for the president and the cabinet to read I think I would pick Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson - That book has such an important message about how our actions impact others.
    Thanks for telling us about Egg and What this Story Needs is a Bang and a Clang - Can't wait to read them.

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    1. Agree! Each Kindness is my go-to beginning of the year book; it should be the beginning of a presidency book too.

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  9. I am so looking forward to The Hate U Give--thank you for your review!

    Happy reading this week :)

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  10. I've been wanting to read The Hate U Give! It is on my list of books to get to ASAP! Thanks for the full review! :)

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