A roundup of new chapter books - 11.15.22

One of my favorite type of books to find are chapter books.  These are books that are a necessary bridge for readers who are going up the reading ladder from picture books and early chapter books (think Henry and Mudge and Frog and Toad) and before they continue up the ladder to middle grade novels.  Here are some newer books and series you may want to check out!

      

Catalina Incognito series

written by Jennifer Torres

illustrated by Gladys Jose

This magical realism series is so fun!  Meet Catalina, she's a perfectionist and always has some ideas in her head.  For her eighth birthday, she receives an old sewing kit from her tia abuela.  She had been hoping for something else, but when she finds out it's a magical sewing kit, Catalina gets some great new ideas!   

   

Witches of Peculiar series

 written by Luna Graves

Meet twins Bella and Dee.  These sixth graders have finally come into their witch powers over the summer, and now they're thrilled to be invited to YIKESSS (Yvette I. Koffin's Exceptional School for Supernatural Students).  They'll finally fit in, but when their magical proves to be a little difficult to control, will they be able to stay at the school?  Will the other students accept them?  Not scary, but perfect for readers who are ready for all things Halloween!

         

Night Frights series

written by Joe McGee

illustrated by Ted Skaffa

In the town of Wolver Holler, there's always something just a little spooky and strange happening.  Each book in the series focuses on a different child living in the town and the spooky event that happens to them.  These stories definitely have a little bit of a scare to them compared to the Witches of Peculiar books.  I know there will be some readers that are happy to get a good scare in!

   

Alley and Rex 

written by Joel Ross

illustrated by Nicole Miles

Meet Alley.  He's really good at extreme schooling - meaning all of the rules of a traditional school are a bit of a challenge.  Meet Rex.  He's pretty much the opposite of Alley.  Unlikely friends, yes.  Good partners, possibly!  I like this series because the kids are in sixth grade, which means it's a very short read (135 pgs) for those older readers who are looking for something short.

      

Elf Academy series

written by Alan Katz

illustrated by Sernur Isik

Meet Andy, an elf in Santa's Workshop.  To me, he's a cross between Buddy the Elf and Hermie the Elf (you know, the misfit elf from Rudolph).  He has a heart of gold but always wants to do something a little different!

      

Life in the Doghouse series

written by Crystal Velasquez

illustrated by Laura Catrinella

Inspired by Danny Robertshaw's and Ron Danta's real life rescue (and subject of the documentary Life in the Doghouse, each book focuses on a different dog that is at the rescue home.  The stories follow the dogs as they try and fit in with their adopted families.  The stories are narrated by the dog so the readers know the dogs' thoughts and feelings.  Perfect for all of our dog lovers!

      

Adventures in Fosterland series

written by Hannah Shaw

illustrated by Bev Johnson

Another foster story, this one features cats, kittens, and other animals!  A perfect companion to the dog-loving series above!

      

Astrid the Astronaut series

written by Rie Neal

illustrated by Talitha Shipman

A STEM series with a female lead, yay!  Astrid loves all things to do with space and can't wait for her chance to learn and explore more.  But first she has to put her hearing aids in to help her hear better throughout her day.  Love that hearing aids are a part of the story, and not the focus.  Astrid is part of the Shooting Stars club at school and gets the opportunity to learn more about all things space.  Each book has a storyline with that but also focuses on friendship and getting along with others.

   

Audrey L and Audrey W series

written by Carter Higgins

illustrated by Jennifer K Mann

A series about friendship, identity, and last name initials!  Audrey has always figured out a way to notice things and notice what is great about everyone.  She knows she's the best Audrey in her class... until another Audrey moves in.  Now she's Audrey L, someone who needs an initial to stand out.  Surely she won't be friends with this new Audrey?

      

J.D.  series

written by J. Dillard

illustrated by Akeem S. Roberts

I love this series about all things hair!  Celebrating all things Black hair, this series is sure to give some new styling ideas, and maybe inspire a new entrepreneur!  

   

Miles Lewis series

written by Kelly Starling Lyons

illustrated by Wayne Spencer

I hope by now you are familiar with author Kelly Starling Lyons' Jada Jones series.  Now she gives us Jada's friend (so yes, we do see more of Jada), Miles Lewis.  Miles goes to the same school as Jada and his thing is science (probably why they are friends).  So whenever something comes up where he gets to put his science brain to the test, Miles is there.  Whether it's ice skating (physics) or the science fair, Miles is ready for a little competition.  With his family and friends always there to help him, or pick him up when things haven't gone his way, Miles is a friend all readers will want to meet.  Love seeing a young, Black boy represented in this chapter book series!

Are you making lists for books you hope to receive?  Make sure these series make the list - your readers will thank you!

New graphic novels for readers! 6.08.22

Graphic novels are enjoyed by all readers and I'm glad to see so many for different ages and different genres/interests.  Here are some new ones that have caught my eye in the recent months for readers who are starting their independent reading journey!  

     

A Really Bird Story series:

I Really Want a Bigger Piece!

I Really Want to Be First!

written by Harriet Ziefert

illustrated by Travis Foster

published by Red Comet Press

This series is written entirely in talk bubbles.  It does not have frames and boxes like graphic novels, but just getting used to talk bubbles is helpful for readers who are starting graphic novels.

This series introduces us to Really Bird - that's his name because he has REALLY big feelings.  In these first two books he REALLY wants to be first and have the biggest piece of pie.  In both books he argues with his friends in order to get what he wants.

On the one hand, young readers will relate to his big feelings.  On the other hand (the adult hand), I don't love how Really Bird doesn't always learn a lesson.  Even when what he wants can sound kind of snotty.  

     

Blippo & Beep and Blippo & Beep I Feel Funny

written by Sarah Weeks

illustrated by Joey Ellis

published by Penguin Workshop

Similar to the series above, this one does not have frames, but the entire story is told through talk bubbles.  Another great introduction to graphic novels for young readers.  Blippo and Beep are robot friends who are silly and show what friendship looks like.  Looking forward to more in this series.

Sir Ladybug

by Corey R. Tabor

published by Balzer and Bray

Corey Tabor is a master of crafting stories for young readers.  Whether they are early readers, picture books, and now, graphic novels.  Sir Ladybug is a fantastic new hero for young readers because while he may appear tough, it's with knowledge and logic he wins his battles!  With fantastic sidekicks in his herald (Pell, the roly-poly) and squire (Sterling, the snail), I am excited to have this new series on my shelf for young readers.

         

The Super Adventures of Ollie and Bea series

It's Owl Good

Wise-Quackers

Squeals on Wheels

Bats What Friends Are For

by Renée Treml

published by Capstone

Stories that are full of friendship and puns, this series will delight young graphic novel readers.  Ollie the Owl and Bea the Bunny are self-conscientious of their perceived short-comings, but that's what friends are for, to make you feel good about each other and have fun!  Some solid lessons in each story.

     

Surviving the Wild series

Star the Elephant

Rainbow the Koala

by Remy Lai

published by Henry Holt and Co

This series is based on actual accounts of animals who have survived different kind of environmental issues.  Star the elephant faced deforestation and Rainbow the koala was in a large forest fire.  While the accounts have been fictionalized, even young readers will see the dangers animals are facing in the wild.  With additional information in the backmatter including ways the reader can help the environment, these books are informative and interesting to read.

The Inflatables in Bad Air Day

written by Beth Garrod and Jess Hitchman

illustrated by Chris Danger

published by Scholastic

Definitely a book to hand to your readers of the Bad Guys series.  The characters are pool inflatables that live at a water park.  When a new  wave pool opens up on the other side, they know they have to get over there and check out all of the new action.  It's goofy and has a lot of "butt" jokes to make younger readers laugh (for adult reviewers, there is just eye-rolling).

I do wish this one had been done in full color.  Not sure why the decision was made to keep it black and white.

Book #2 comes out later this summer.

And one UPCOMING one to have on your radar!

Mimi and the Cutie Catastrophe

by Shauna J. Grant

published by Scholastic

publishes July 19th

Mimi and her magical plushie, Penelope, have some great and magical adventures.  But no matter what she does, Mimi is only seen as being "cute".  She does not want to be identified as cute, so she has Penelope magic her into different outfits so she is not seen as cute.  She tries out being a superhero, teacher, and a cool kid, but no matter what, it doesn't feel right.  Will she ever be ok with her own identity?

Definitely a new graphic novel series to know about since it features an awesome Black girl as the main character!

Yay for lots of new graphic novels!  I know these books are going to hook some readers!

#road2reading Challenge - Chapter Book Summer series - books for foodies! - 8.26.21

You've made it to the final Chapter Book Summer series post!  I hope you have found these posts to be helpful and you've found loads of chapter books for your readers this fall.

Today's focus is on food!  Maybe you should introduce these books after lunchtime!

      

Phoebe G. Green series

written by Veera Hiranandani

illustrated by Christine Almeda

A series for young foodies!  In the first book, Phoebe can't help but drool at the foods her new friend Camille, who happens to be from France, brings to school.  Chickpeas, goat cheese, and... duck!  She makes it her mission to be invited over to Camille's house to try even more delicious food!

Each book in the series has something to do with food and it also shows the characters (third graders) going through some pretty typical problems that other readers will be able to connect with.  Whether it's friendship or telling the truth, readers will see themselves within the pages of the book... even if they haven't tried the fancy food!

Illustrations are featured throughout the chapters and the books are a trim size, coming in at just over 100 pages.  I have so many books about foodies and bakers and cooking, but this is the first chapter book series for these young gourmet readers!

Recommendations:

for read aloud: grades 1-2

for independent reading: grades 2-3

Aven Green Baking Machine

written by Dusti Bowling

illustrated by Gina Perry

This is the second Aven book this month and the second "Green" series of this post!  I just love her - she is such a real character!  I love her sassiness.  I love the way she says what she thinks.  I love the way she makes mistakes and learns from them.  

Aven has given up her detecting and switched to baking.  She is determined to win the baking competition at the county fair and she going to enter it with her three best friends.  They each decide to bake something and then choose one of the recipes for their entry.  But Aven won't keep her mind open to selecting anyone else's choice, just hers.  And she doesn't understand when not everyone agrees.  Her opinions continue to turn people away when she even upsets a classmate at recess over baking ideas.  But with some great advice from great-grandma, Aven learns to keep her mind open and be ok with trying some new experiences.

I love Gina Perry's illustrations and I know they will help give readers images that will support their understanding.  Quick chapters will keep readers turning the pages!

Recommendations: 

for read aloud:  grades 2-3

for independent reading: grades 2-4

Want to win a copy of Aven Green Baking Machine?  Sterling Publishing has generously donated a copy for giveaway (open to US and Canada residents)!  Winner will be selected on September 2nd.

I hope you've been able to follow along on this Chapter Book Summer!  If you have missed any posts click here to find a roundup of them!  Throughout the year I post books similar to this and for even younger readers.  Follow along with the hashtag #road2reading.  

#road2reading Challenge - Chapter Book Summer series - Time for School - 8.19.21

While it may feel like summer out there, some of us have started back to school!  So this week I have chapter books that take place in school!

Twins vs. Triplets: Back-To-School Blitz

written by Jennifer Torres

illustrated by Vanessa Flores

This is the first series from the Harper Chapters series I am featuring this week.  I really like the series, they are similar in length and complexity to series like Horrible Harry or The Magic Tree House, but feature a more diverse cast of characters.  At the end of each chapter there is a list of chapter numbers and after completion of the chapter, the number is colored in.  Just one way kids can celebrate the amount of reading they are doing.  At the end of each book, it celebrates reading in numbers - how many chapters, pages, and words the child read.  Finally, there are some ideas to continue the fun in the story.

This first book in the series introduces us to our narrator, David.  He is getting ready to start the third grade and he is super excited to join the Globetrotters, a geography club at school.  He's even found a way to make sure that he won't be in the same classroom as his archrivals that live on his street, twins Ash and Iris.  But little does anyone know, the twins are about to meet their match because triplets - Bird, Bennie, and Beckett - have moved in to a house on their street and things are about to get interesting!  Unfortunately they are in David's class and they do bother him, but what bothers the triplets the most is the territory the twins have covered at recess... the slide!

One thing I did not like is David's friend Edith is Asian and there are two illustrations drawn with her eyes being slanted in a line.  I was surprised with the illustrator's bio saying she is a strong advocate for representation, yet it lacks integrity with Asian representation.

Recommendations:

for read aloud: grades 1-2

for independent reading: grades 1-4

     

S.O.S. Society of Substitutes series

written by Alan Katz

illustrated by Alex Lopez

The next series in the Harper Chapters line is written by an author I enjoy because of his great sense of humor!  In this series, Noah the part time classroom pet, part time evil pet mastermind is going to get quite a few laughs!  

Meet Milton Worthy, second grade student who is more focused on what he is forgetting to do than what is really going on.  And he misses some big things with Noah the ferret.  But never fear, Mrs. Worthy, Milton's mom, is here to be the substitute teacher.  Milton learns that Mrs. Worthy is actually part of the Society of Substitutes and they know about about Noah and his evil ways.  Whether they are chasing him around the school or a zoo, S.O.S. has it under control!

Recommendations:

for read aloud: grades 2-3

for independent reading: grades 2-4

     

Geeger the Robot series

Geeger the Robot Goes to School and Lost and Found

by Jarrett Lerner

This is part of Simon and Schuster's Quix lineup, which I have reviewed other series from this line as part of Chapter Book Summer.  This series has a couple of more chapters than the other books, but still includes larger font, a decent amount of white space, and lots of illustrations.  It also has a cast of characters at the beginning of the book, a glossary and discussion questions at the end of the book.  The series keeps the same, familiar characters and has a plot line that is easy for young readers to follow.

The first book in the series has Geeger going to school for the first time.  Because he is a robot that needs to eat a lot of food (which we learn in the first book is old, moldy food that he is able to recycle for energy for the town), the first lesson he has to learn is you don't eat everything!  This translates to needing to stop and think about your actions before doing them!

The second book is a reintroduction to Geeger.  The nice thing is if this is the first Geeger book a reader picks up, they'll be fine to read it out of order.  In fact, there are not numbers on the spines, so those of us who have issues with reading books in order even when you don't have to, won't get as caught up in that problem :)  The new problem in this book is the class pet has gone missing.  We see Geeger continuing to grow some (human) social emotional skills because he saves some moldy bananas to feed to the class hamster, however, the hamster disappears right after Geeger feeds him.  Could Geeger have eaten Fudge the Hamster???

Lucky for us we have even more Geeger coming our way!  At least two more books are publishing this fall and late winter!

Recommendations:

for read aloud: grades 1-2

for independent reading: grades 1-3

Harry Versus the First 100 Days of School

written by Emily Jenkins

illustrated by Pete Oswald

I thought this was a picture book so I was really surprised when I picked it up from the library and it was a sizable chapter book!  It's larger in size (wider) and longer, coming in at 226 pages.  It's full of colored illustrations, on almost every page.

The story is written in diary format, yet it's also broken up in to chapters.  The plot takes us through the first 100 days of school.  Experiences will be very familiar to school-age readers.  There are some positive things - talking about why we call it Indigenous Peoples' Day instead of Columbus Day, they have a Storybook Costume parade instead of dressing up for Halloween to be cognizant of classmates who don't take part in the holiday.  The discussion of families and how they are different and they don't all look the same happens at the beginning of the school year.  Common fears and problems that occur in school are explored.  

There was one thing that bothered me.  One character keeps snapping the waistband of the main character and threatening to pull his pants down.  Eventually the main character uses his voice and tells him to stop.  I was bothered that an adult was not aware that this was taking place over and over.  While I am sure this is also a realistic situation, since it happened over and over, I wish an adult had found out.  This would be a part of the story that I would discuss with readers and make sure they understand the importance of telling an adult when that happens.

Recommendations:

for read aloud: grades 2-3

for independent reading: grades 1-3

Like what you see here?  Be sure to stop by every Thursday for more chapter book suggestions!  If you want to see all of the posts in the series, click on "Chapter Book Summer Series 2021 under the "Labels" section, located on the right side of the blog.  See you again next week!