It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 12.19.16

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.

Yay, time for winter #bookaday!

Last Week's Adventures

A list of books that I WISH were eligible for the 2016 Caldecott, but are not!

A list of longer nonfiction that the Sibert committee may be looking at!

Picture Books

Dinosaurs in Disguise by Stephen Krensky

4/5 stars

Oh, I can see young dinosaur enthusiasts loving this one!  I loved the environmental friendly message at the end.

Poles Apart by Jeanne Willis

3/5 stars

A book that allows me to work on my accents - fantastic!  The penguin family decides to go for a trip, but due to the dad's directional sense... they end up in the North Pole, where they meet a polar bear (I do like how the book subtly teaches kids that penguins and polar bears do not live in the same location).  The polar bear wants to see where the penguins live so the dad penguin and his directions are off again.  With stops in the United States, England, Australia (see, lots of accents!) and other locations.

Informational Texts

A Poem for Peter by Andrea Davis Pinkney

5/5 stars

A beautiful celebration of the life of Ezra Jack Keats.  A longer biography, but written in poetic verse format which may keep younger readers going (instead of longer prose).  The illustrations by Lou Fancher and Steve Johnson, done in Keats' style are absolutely gorgeous and recapture the magic very well.  I love the cover art with young Peter holding Keats' hand.

Transitional Chapter Books

Press Start! Game Over, Super Rabbit Boy! by Thomas Flintham

4/5 stars
A new series from the Scholastic Branches and it's going to be a hit with young readers.  I simply love how this series reaches a variety of readers.  I think it's a perfect series for students in 1st-4th grade.  Mostly transitional chapter books, they are so fun that even when kids are reading full-fledged middle grade novels, they return to the series when new books are released.
This new series combines adventure with video games!  How many of your readers will be interested just knowing that?  I know a lot of mine will!  Short chapters, illustrations that come right out of an 8-bit game and familiar video game lingo will keep them reading.  The first book is already in the January Scholastic catalog, check it out!

Middle Grade


What Elephants Know by Eric Dinerstein
4/5 stars
An amazing book.  Beautifully written. Follow Nandu in this coming of age story where he tries to help save his family's elephant compound.
Fans of The One and Only Ivan who read it when it first published, will enjoy this book.  I think it is well written, but I wonder how young audiences will respond to it.


Fenway and Hattie and the Evil Bunny Gang by Victoria Coe
5/5 stars
A longer review will be published in a couple of weeks, but just know I love this second book in the series even more than the first.  There is so much to do with this great book!

Currently Reading


Hook's Revenge by Heidi Schultz
Another #mustreadin2016 book I'm trying to squeeze in!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 12.12.16

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.

Oh goodness, where have the last 4 weeks gone?  I haven't posted on a Monday in 4 weeks!  Between NCTE, going to Florida for my daughter (Paralympic Canada American swimming championships and outpatient surgery on her knee) and holiday business... I just haven't read!  I tried to get into a little reading groove this weekend and here's the results of that and the little bit I got done in November.

Last Week's Adventures

Trying to add more nonfiction in your read alouds?  How about trying a Mock Sibert in January?  Need books?  Here are 10 picture books I would recommend for a Mock Sibert.  Here are 10 more from Alyson Beecher.  And check out Melissa Stewart's ideas to get a Mock Sibert started!

It's important to discuss same/different in a positive light with students today.  These three picture books came up multiple times at NCTE and they should all have a place in your classroom.

I was able to get to some of the publishers booths at NCTE and take a good look at the picture books and early chapter books that are coming our way.  Make sure these are on your 2017 TBR radar!

Picture Books

Little Penguins by Cynthia Rylant

3/5 stars

Anytime there are illustrations by Christian Robinson, the book is already a good one!

Sweet story about winter coming.  Maybe a little silly that it's penguins getting ready for the winter arrival....

Waiting for Snow by Marsha Diane Arnold

4/5 stars

The animals are anxiously waiting for the first snowfall (there seems to be a pattern in my book choices so far...)

A few things:

1.  Raccoon bangs on pots and pans to try and get the snow to fall.  I would never. Not ever.  Do that.  

2.  There is an overhead projector in one of the illustrations.

3.  They are playing Chinese jump rope in one of the pictures.  Anyone else remember that?  I spent hours playing that!

A Well-Mannered Young Wolf by Jean Leroy

4/5 stars

Whoo hoo, another sarcastic book to add to my collection!  I love these tongue in cheek stories, they make me laugh out loud.

A  book about keeping your promises.  And karma.


The Friend Ship by Kat Yeh
3/5 stars
Sweet story about friendship.  Little Hedgehog is feeling sad and lonely until she hears that "friendship is out there".  Except she thinks it's The Friend Ship.  She gets to work building her ship and when she sets sail, Hedgehog learns there are many other animals out there looking for the same thing.  This book has a good theme - finding friendship - and would be great to use for discussions on finding friendship (how to find them, where to find them).  I wish the ending of the book was just a bit stronger - I thought Hedgehog needed a bigger revelation - but this book will still be loved by young readers.

Margarash by Mark Riddle
4/5 stars
Have you ever thought about where all of those things go that fall in between the couch cushions?  Apparently they go to Margarash, the monster that lives under all of the couch cushions, collecting the coins, TV remotes, silverware and pens that have dropped in the depths between.  Poor Collin finds himself trapped within this world but perhaps his magic coin will do in a trade?
I think this would be a perfect book to use with older readers to talk about ideas for writing.  Linda Urban explained our missing socks in the dryer (Milo Speck, Accidental Agent), now we know what happens with everything that falls between the couch cushions.  What other mysterious losses can be explained???


Today by Julie Morstad
4/5 stars
This is a book I would've poured over as a child.  A page that asks a questions and gives many options - what to wear with all sorts of clothing choices with labels, or what to eat for breakfast, with many breakfast food options and labels.  I adore Julie Morstad's illustrations and this is another one that will draw you in.


The Bossier Baby by Marla Frazee
4/5 stars
Anyone who has witnessed baby #2 arriving home, or if you ask young readers if they remember when it happened in their house, would probably say this book is a fairly accurate adaptation of when baby comes home! 


Bunny Slopes by Claudia Rueda
4/5 stars
If you're familiar with Cat (Santa Cat, Tooth Fairy Cat) from author Deborah Underwood, you'll be familiar with illustrator Claudia Rueda.
Rueda is the author-illustrator for this fun interactive book.  Bunny is off to the slopes but needs just a bit of help from the reader along the way.
My students love interactive books so I know it will be a hit!


Luis Paints the World by Terry Farish
5/5 stars
Really beautiful story about the way a young boy copes when his older brother is deployed in the army.  Love seeing art used as therapy. 

Information Texts


My Name is James Madison Hemings by Jonah Winter
4/5 stars
Pieces of history that I was never taught growing up is starting to be written about in children's literature today.  It wasn't until I was older did I learn that Thomas Jefferson was the father of many children - most being born by his slave, Sally Hemings.  Yet another layer of our history that is being exposed and hopefully so we don't repeat it.

Graphic Novels


HiLo 3: The Great Big Boom by Judd Winnick
5/5 stars
I think this is my favorite HiLo yet!  As the series goes on it shows more heart and creativity than ever! 

Poetry

Dear Wandering Wildebeest by Irene Latham

5/5 stars

If you aren't familiar with Irene Latham's poetry, you will want to change that!  Beautiful poems that are accompanied by additional information about the topic.  Perfect for a science (animal habits) or social studies unit (ecosystems).

Middle Grade


The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann
4/5 stars
This was on my #mustreadin2016 list and I'm glad I finally got to it.  It's a fun fantasy series that will appeal to middle grade readers.  This book is meant to appeal to readers of the Hunger Games and Harry Potter, and that is well marketed.  Now that the Hunger Games movies are out, there aren't as many younger middle grade readers flocking to the series.  I love the series, but it has themes that are meant for older middle grade readers.  "The Unwanteds" series has elements of Hunger Games, but not as mature.  And lucky for us we get more Harry Potter with the "Fantastic Beasts" series, but the theme of magic is one that kids can never get enough of.  This book blends the dystopian world and magic very well - add in suspense and mystery and you've got a hit!


Moon Shadow by Erin Downing
5/5 stars
This book will have its own blog post closer to release date (May 2017), but for now just know that this book must be on your TBR list.  Perfect upper middle grade read.  Loved loved loved.


Terror at Bottle Creek by Watt Key
4/5 stars
This is the book you hand off to the student who finishes Hatchet.  This is perfect for the reader who has trouble sticking with a book.  Once the action started (hurricane), I found it very hard to just stop reading at the end of a chapter because it was always at a place where some high action was taking place!

Currently Reading


What Elephants Know 
by Erin Dinerstein
For those readers who read The One and Only Ivan and are ready for the next book on the reading ladder!  Would also pair with Lynne Kelley's Chained.


Fenway and Hattie and the Evil Bunny Gang
by Victoria Coe
Can't wait to see what Fenway is up to next!


The Hate U Give 
by Angie Thomas
I'm reading an e-galley of this book when I workout which is why it's taking so long.  But oh my... it's going to be a very important book for YA readers.

Happy Reading to all!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 11.14.16

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

Just because something is labeled nonfiction, doesn't mean it is full of true facts.  Use these books to help students be critical thinkers.

Getting ready for the holidays yet?  Here are some new Christmas books you may want to add to your list!

Picture Books

We Came to America by Faith Ringgold

5/5 stars

After Tuesday, many of us were at a loss.  If that sounds familiar, this book may be a good place to start and talk.  Ringgold shares how a diverse group of people make up who lives in America.  That these people brought, and sometimes lost, their culture, their names, their dress.  And all of these people make up America.

A Small Thing... but Big by Tony Johnston

4/5 stars

Use for growth mindset.  In order to grow, try new things, do something you're afraid of... you just need to start with a small step forward.

Du Iz Tak? by Carson Ellis

4/5 stars

This is a book I would really like to read with kids, because I'm not sure how they will like it.  It might go over well, and others may be bored.  I found myself getting frustrated with the made up words (hello ELL learners....) and not even concentrating on them, just using the illustrations.  

Since this book is really carried by the illustrations, it will be interesting to see if the Caldecott committee is looking at this.


Is That Wise, Pig? by Jan Thomas
4/5 stars
This book is a must for preK-1st gr libraries.  Laugh out loud funny for kids.  With the short text and repeating lines, it's a book we added to our Mock Geisel unit.


The Boss Baby by Marla Frazee
4/5 stars
Oh, how I love Marla Frazee's work.  This book would pair nicely with Kate Beaton's King Baby.

Informational Texts


Lift Your Light a Little Higher: The Story of Stephen Bishop Slave-Explorer by Heather Henson
3/5 stars
This book had a different focus than I thought it would.  Bishop was a slave that literally led tourists through Mammoth Cave.  I thought this was going to be about the Underground Railroad.  It was an interesting story, but left me with some questions.


The Great Leopard Rescue: Saving the Amur Leopards by Sandra Markle
5/5 stars
If you ever want to find beautifully written non-fiction, look to Sandra Markle.  Her writing is clear and concise.  It's a mentor text for organization, tight writing, and engaging word choice.  
Markle details these animals, their habits and where they live.  She goes into detail about the rehabilitation effort that is starting to take place and why it is needed.  Her use of text features enhances the information and gives readers another way of looking at information.  The photographs are stunning and left me wondering about these magnificent creatures.
Fascinating nonfiction - can't wait to use it with readers.

Poetry


Best in Snow by April Pulley Sayre
5/5 stars
Make sure you expose students to poetry like this - that spreads out over a book.  So often young readers think that poetry has a formal format - that it reads across a single page.
This is how I would like to view snow - through a photograph.  And far away from outside my door!  Unfortunately, the weather featured in this book is coming and students will definitely have schema for it.  What Sayre does that makes this book stand out is include fantastic back matter about snow and weather.  I love the science connection in this book.

Middle Grade

Zack Delacruz: Just My Luck by Jeff Anderson
4/5 stars
Love this middle grade series.
Return tomorrow to see a review and a giveaway!

Currently Reading


The Diabolic by S. J. Kincaid


Lucky Broken Girl by Ruth Behar

Just starting both of these books.

This is one of my favorite weeks of the year - NCTE week!  I can't wait for Thursday to come.  It's a few days of friends, books and learning.  It always jump starts my enthusiasm for what I do! 
Happy learning and reading this week!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 11.07.16

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 always enjoy picture book biographies, but these are some really great ones out there.

I always find lists of books so helpful!  Here is a list of books you may want to give as a "Welcome to the World" or Graduation congratulations gift! 

Picture Books

It Is Not Time For Sleeping by Lisa Graff

5/5 stars

This is going to be a bedtime story that is begged to be read by millions of young children in the years to come.  It's timeless.  

And of course Lauren Castillo's illustrations are as beautiful as always.  I pour over each detail.  I think they are endearing to young children - they speak to them.


Pond by Jim LaMarche
4/5 stars
I loved this book about young Matt who decides that he is going to try and restore an area that looks like there had been a pond.  As the pond comes back, so do the wildlife and animals.  Kids can make a difference in our world and this book could be the springboard to make a child think about that!


I Don't Want to be Big by Dev Petty
4/5 stars
I admit I like the first one better, but this is a silly follow-up.  Fun to be in the mind of this child - his reasonings of why he doesn't want to be something (a frog, or in this one, big) are pretty transparent in everyone's eyes... except his.  And I love how quickly he changes his mind.


A Voyage in the Clouds: The (Mostly) True Story of the First International Flight by Balloon
by Matthew Olshan
4/5 stars
The mostly true account of the two men, Dr. John Jeffries, an Englishmen, and Jean-Pierre, a Frenchman, who made the first international balloon flight.  It's humorous, many parts are silly when they are bickering.  Although mostly true, the story ends up fiction because of the liberties the author took in telling the story.


Informational Text


Because of an Acorn by Lola Schaefer
4/5 stars
I read this book and the next one over and over to small groups of students in honor of our school's Woodland Day.  This one was my favorite because of how much it teaches in such simple text and the wonderful illustrations.  Perfect book to use for cause and effect.


Coyote Moon by Maria Gianferrari
4/5 stars
Another book that I learned more and more from with each subsequent reading.  Perfect book to show the food chain and how animals use their defenses to get away from prey.  The back matter is also full of good information.


Giant Squid by Candace Fleming
5/5 stars
What an amazing mentor text!  I actually just used it to show my daughter how to write an exciting lead for a nonfiction text!
I guess I didn't realize how little we knew of the giant squid.  It's interesting to think about how many there are and how little we've seen.  
An exciting nonfiction text you definitely want to share with your students.

Poetry


Garvey's Choice by Nikki Grimes
5/5 stars
Wow.  Powerful.  Great middle grade themes - parental expectations, bullying, friendship, coming of age.  This book will speak to its readers.
Grimes writing is amazing as always.  Each poem/chapter is written in tanka verse.  The ability to tell a story while writing in a specific format will always amaze me.

Middle Grade

The Poet's Dog by Patricia MacLachlan
5/5 stars

I am not a dog person.  I did not grow up with a dog, and while I wouldn't mind having one now, my lifestyle - too much traveling for extended periods of time - really does not make sense for us to have a dog.  As a result, I am often not over emotional with dog stories.  It's the well written ones that I fall in love with.  And this book is one of them.  I love how the story threads go together.  I love how every word matters in this short book.  I'm not sure this book is for every reader, but it's definitely right for many!

Young Adult

Replica by Lauren Oliver

5/5 stars

This book is actually two in one.  Two girls' stories - Gemma and Lyra - that tell the story from two points of view.  But neither story can be told without the other.  

Oliver talks about how all of our stories are seen differently through the eyes of other people who are involved within the story.  This book shows this and it's a great talking point.

How you read the story is up to you - you can read in alternating chapters, although this requires you to flip the book upside down and start from the other side (this is what I did) or you can read through one girl's story and then the other.  

I was fascinated with the concept of the book and the theme - human cloning - and I finished this book quickly.  Now if the sequel would hurry up and arrive...

Currently Reading


Zack Delacruz: Just My Luck by Jeff Anderson

Happy reading to you this week!