Monday, October 9, 2017

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 10.09.17

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

I love what this transitional chapter book series brings to readers - diversity, non-stereotypes, and a really fun read!  Check out Jada Jones!

What's in my pile?  Here are the picture book biographies I have in my stacks.

So excited for this book!  Don't miss the book birthday of The Peculiar Incident on Shady Street!

An #ownvoices graphic novel - really excited to have this author writing books for readers!  Pashmina - last day to enter the giveaway!  This is one you won't want to miss!


Picture Books

No One Else Like You
No One Else Like You 
written by Sitka Goeminne
illustrated by Merel Eyckerman
This is a book I'm planning on reading right away with students.  It's a great book to use at the beginning of the year to start the conversation on identity.  

Snappsy the Alligator and His Best Friend Forever (Probably)
Snappsy the Alligator And His Best Friend Forever! (Probably)
written by Julie Falatko
illustrated by Tim Miller
I think this one flows even better than the first one.  And I'm really glad we have a name for the narrator.

Windows
Windows 
written by Julia Denos
illustrated by E. B. Goodale
Perfect small moments story.  Taking a walk at dusk, taking a look at the lit up windows, wondering and imagining what is happening inside.

The One Day House
The One Day House
written by Julia Durango
illustrated by Bianca Diaz
And this is the book that I learn Julia Durango is an Illinois author!  Yay, Illinois!
Very sweet story about building a home between a boy and his beloved grandmother.  I read another story this week, also about building a home and a boy and his grandmother.  That one left me sad, this one hopeful.  This book shows that children can really build a kinder generation for the future!

Smoot: A Rebellious Shadow
Smoot A Rebellious Shadow
written by Michelle Cuevas
illustrated by Sydney Smith
I can't decide if I like this book or love it.  
I do love the illustrations.  You're familiar with Smith's work from Town Is by the Sea and Sidewalk Flowers.
The theme of this book is a good one - stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new.  I would love to see how young readers react to this book - what their initial reactions are and their discussion of the theme.  I ordered the book and I'm looking forward to sharing it at #classroombookaday time!

The Wolf, the Duck, and the Mouse
The Wolf, the Duck and the Mouse
written by Mac Barnett
illustrated by Jon Klassen.
In my opinion, this is my favorite collaboration by the two of them.  So fun.  Full of laugh out loud moments.  This is a must have book.

The Book of Gold
The Book of Gold
by Bob Staake
A book about the love of reading featuring a reluctant reader.  Our main character really doesn't enjoy reading until he is warned about "The Book of Gold".  While searching for this elusive book, he might even start reading along the way...

Young Adult

Dear Martin
Dear Martin
by Nic Stone
Wow.  Do not miss this book.  This book brought up so many points - made me think about the diverse sides to many controversial topics.  
It's books like this that might just change our future - but kids need to read them and kids need to discuss them.
High schools, get these books in your classroom, get them in libraries.
I'll have a longer post on this book later in the month as I get to participate in a blog tour for this brilliant book.

Currently Reading

Paper Chains
Paper Chains by Elaine Vickers
I am loving this book!  Stop by on Thursday for a longer review.

Happy reading!

13 comments:

  1. I am looking forward to reading Dear Martin. Thanks for the review.

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  2. I loved Paper Chains! Anna's and Katie's friendship and their individual stories teach us great lessons!

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  3. Great picture books on your list! I am waiting for my copy of The Wolf, the Duck, and the Mouse. Paper Chains is on my list to read when it publishes. Sounds great.

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  4. Windows does sound like a wonderful small moment story. Can't wait to read it. We are intrigued by what you write about Smoot. Let us know about your students' reactions.

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  5. I thought Paper Chains was terrific! Hope you're enjoying it, too. Have a great week!

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  6. So many picture books I want to get my hands on here - Smoot, Windows, The One day House. I feel like so many amazing titles are coming out this fall! So much fun!

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  7. I loved The One Day House, have Windows and loved reading it, but forgot to share! Thanks for sharing Smoot and the new Barnett/Klassen. It looks great, too. I have Dear Martin on my list too. Thanks for all, Michele. You always make my list grow!

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  8. I'm now eagerly looking forward to reading The Peculiar Incident on Shady Street and Dear Martin. Also I have to get my hands on Smoot. I adore Sydney Smith's work.

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  9. I loved the book Windows but it wasn't that popular with my students when I read it to them. It kinda went over their head.

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  10. Yes! Dear Martin is so important! And it made me cry!!!!
    Pashmina is one I need to get--I added it to my cart :)
    I have Snappsy to read also--I need to get to it!

    Happy reading this week :)

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  11. I'm very eager to get Dear Martin. I've heard so many good things about it.

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  12. I must have placed all your books in my To Read list on Goodreads. So many new-to-me awesome books here! Thanks so much!!!

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  13. AHHH! I am really excited to read Dear Martin. Also...I went to high school with Julia Denos! Her sister and I were best friends in middle school. :)

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