#road2reading Challenge - Chapter Book Summer, week 1 - 6.13.19

This summer I'll be sharing chapter books that are perfect for a range of readers.  

Stop by every Thursday and find a round up of books you'll want to use with your readers!

If you are a regular reader of my blog, you know that a passion of mine is to share books that are appropriate for our younger readers - those who are starting their independent reading journey and those who are older but may need some supports.  This summer I'm featuring a round-up of books that are good for....

• readers who are just starting chapter books.  They need shorter chapters, but high interest plots they will want to stick with.
• readers who are older who need shorter books because they are still working on stamina.
• readers who are looking for longer books - they want chapters - but aren't ready for middle grade novels yet.
• readers who aren't quite ready for the complexities of longer novels.

No matter the length, no matter the size of the words, all of these books are engaging stories with high interest plots and memorable characters.  Some books make you laugh, some make you think, some you'll want to talk about.

This week I have a round-up of books that give just the right amount of chills!  Kids are always asking for the creepy and scary books - even if sometimes they don't really want the scariest!  Here are a few that might give them what they are looking for!


Desmond Cole Ghost Patrol:  The Haunted House Next Door
written by Andres Miedoso
illustrated by Victor Rivas
In this series our main character is also our author :)  Andres and his family have just moved into a new home.  Thanks to neighbor Desmond Cole, now he knows it is a haunted house!  Luckily for Andres, Desmond is on Ghost Patrol and knows just how to handle the spiritual realm.  Andres and Desmond team up together and the rest of the series are about them handling the local spirits!  
Short chapters, larger font, and illustrations on every page make this a chapter book series that is perfect for those readers who are ready for longer texts (just over 100 pgs), but won't take them weeks to finish reading.  


The Binder of Doom series
by Troy Cummings
I bet you're already familiar with "The Notebook of Doom" series.  It's well loved by readers, but has come to an end.  Now we're at the start of a new series by Cummings.  Alexander and his best buds from "The Notebook of Doom" series are back and so are the monsters.  It's time for the Super Secret Monster Patrol to team up again and make sure the town of Stermont is clear of monsters.  This time, all file notes go in a, you guessed it, a binder.
Although this series is shorter in length (coming in under 100 pgs), the font is a bit smaller, text longer, and plot just a bit more complex that the "Desmond Cole" series.  However as part of the Branches series, you know there will be lots of visual supports along the way to help the reader. 
The first book in the series is out and the second will come our way in September.


Edison Beaker Creature Seeker: The Night Door
by Frank Cammuso
A graphic novel to complete this round-up of creepy books!  Edison is a character who is always afraid of the dark.  To help him, his father gives Edison a flashlight to keep away the nighttime monsters.  Soon after gifting him the flashlight, his father disappears.  A few years go by and now Edison and his younger sister, Tesla, are being watched over by their Uncle Earl.  Uncle Earl gets a work phone call and they are all off to go get rid of some pests as part of the family business, Creature Seekers Pest Control.  It's very quickly we realize that the pests aren't of the buggy nature, but actual monsters.  Edison and Tesla have to go through the Night Door in order to save their Uncle Earl.  Fighting monsters, creatures and his own fears, it's up to Edison to keep his family together.  Full of just enough creatures and suspense to give you the shivers, this series (next book publishes in November) is sure to be a hit!


Hope you found a new series to add to your library!  Keep stopping by on Thursdays this summer to find some other books for your newly independent readers!

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.

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday - what's in my nonfiction stack? 6.05.19

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.

Some nonfiction books that have been in my stacks:



The Truth About Crocodiles
by Maxwell Eaton III
I've really enjoyed this series.  Humorous voice, interesting facts, lots of learning.  In all of the books I've always read something that made me look at the animals in a new, curious way.  This one, nope, still don't like crocodiles!  But I certainly learned some new reasons not to like them too!


Handimals: Animals in Art and Nature
written by Silvia Lopez
art by Guido Daniele
This book is amazing.  Kids are going to pour over the photos of the animals because they are all created with paint and hands.  It is AMAZING how everything lines up so perfectly!  The artist creates these animals to bring awareness to the animals and their surroundings for conservation efforts.  Lopez provides some narrative that gives information about each animal and what makes them unique.


Our Flag Was Still There: The True Story of Mary Pickersgill and the Star-Spangled Banner
by Jessie Hartland
While Betsy Ross is credited for the design of our flag, do you know the story of the flag from the War of 1812?  The one that inspired the Star-Spangled Banner?  This is the story of that flag - the one that measured 42 feet by 30 feet.... the flag that waved after a full day of fighting... the flag that continued to wave as the British retreated.
It's a story that probably isn't as widely told but has a place in our history.
Add this one to your history collections!


I Campaigned for Ice Cream: A Boy's Quest for Ice Cream Trucks
written by Suzanne Jacobs Lipshaw
illustrated by Wendy Leach
There are a lot of picture book biographies about people who have made a difference in the world.  They fought hard for something, showed a whole lot of determination, and changed the world.  But most of those people are adults - some young adults, some old adults.  It's hard to find books that show a child making a difference in the world.  And if we want to inspire this generation to by changemakers, then they should probably read about how kids can make a difference!
That's exactly what young Josh Lipshaw did when he found out it was outlawed for ice cream trucks to roam the streets of his town.  He followed the proper protocol to change the laws and that's what he did!  
Backmatter has a note from the author and a glossary of terms used to talk about the protocol vocabulary to change a law.


Hope you found some more nonfiction reading!  

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 6.03.19

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

Well, last week didn't happen as far as blogging.  Took a little break to be with family as we celebrated my daughter's graduation from 8th grade!  As I'm learning, not every state holds a big graduation ceremony for 8th grade but where I live in IL it has always been a tradition.  Between that and a weekend long swim meet, I decided to put blogging on hold.  Luckily, this was my last week of school so now it's time to get back to a reading life!

Here's what popped up in my nonfiction picture book stack 2 weeks ago!


Picture Books


Just Like My Brother
by Gianna Marino
Such a sweet book for young readers about identity - and with a surprise ending!  Marino's illustrations are beautiful, as always.


You Are Your Strong
written by Danielle Dufayet
illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin
I'm so glad I caught Aliza Werner's tweet about this book.  This is one you want for your SEL collection.  It shows how sometimes you need to lean on others for positive emotional support, and other times you must look deep inside yourself to find positive emotions - calming, soothing, gentle yet strong and brave - in order to deal with tough times.  Also includes a note to parents and caregivers in the backmatter.


Lion and Mouse
written by Jairo Buitgrago
illustrated by Rafael Yockteng
A retelling of the Lion and the Mouse fable, this one has just a bit more to the story and ending without it being overly long.


Sea Glass Summer
written by Michelle Houts
illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline
Loved this story!  A young boy finds the magic of sea glass - with each piece he finds that summer he dreams of the story of where the sea glass originated from and the story behind it.  The story ends up coming full circle.  Perfect end of the year, beginning of summer read.  And some great end of the year writing tie-ins with it!


Koala is NOT a Bear
written by Kristin L. Gray
illustrated by Rachel McAlister
A book that clears us some misconceptions, but also has way deeper meaning.
Koala is headed to camp for the first time and is a bit nervous about fitting in.  Upon arrival, turns out she's right because know-it-all Kangaroo informs her all of the ways she is not a bear.  A story about wanting to fit in and find your group, and maybe even the kind way to pass on knowledge... this is one of those books you'll want to talk about what is it really about.


There's Only One You
written by Kathryn Heling and Deborah Hembrook
illustrated by Rosie Butcher
A book about all the ways that make you unique and who you are.  I like the different representations in the book.  Not only diverse in race, but also in families, physical and hearing challenges, even down to freckles.... seems like a strange thing but kids who have a lot of freckles rarely see other characters that have them.  Would be a good read at the beginning of the school year.  Pair with Pat Zietlow Miller's Remarkably You.


Papa Put a Man on the Moon
written by Kristy Dempsey
illustrated by Sarah Green
A narrative story about a young girl waiting for the day when the first American would land on the moon.  Extra special for her because her father worked in the textile mill that helped make the space suits.  
There is a brief author's note that gives a bit more information about the mills that worked on the special fabric.  I wish there had been more information about this woven into the story.  Would be interesting to learn more!


Linus the Little Yellow Pencil
by Scott Magoon
LInus the pencil and Ernie the eraser are entering an art contest where the winning piece must be full of heart.  The art may have to have heart, but what really does is this book.  It's sweet and touching and has a great message about cooperation, working together, and the joy it can bring you.  It also makes you think about perspective and thinking about things in different ways.  Oh yeah, and the illustrations are really fun too!  And it's pretty "punny".  Definitely a book for your collection.


Camp Tiger
written by Susan Choi
illustrated by John Rocco
Just read a finished copy of this one.  It's simply gorgeous.  I will come back to this one over and over just to view the illustrations.
I think this story was meant to be a metaphor for growing up.  I'm just not sure readers will catch on what this story is trying to say.  It's one I'll have to share with several groups of readers to gage their reaction.


Mango Moon
written by Diane de Anda
illustrated by Sue Cornelison
A book about losing a parent due to not being a citizen, this book comes at a perfect time.  Whether you are introducing the topic, continuing the conversation, or needing a book that just right book for a child, this is a good book to have.


My Fourth of July
written by Jerry Spinelli
illustrated by Larry Day
One of my favorite holidays is the 4th of July.  It's one of those holidays that has always been full of traditions for me.  Spinelli shares the traditions of one family and it's a joy to be able to share in the celebrations!

Middle Grade


The War I Finally Won
by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
I finally put this one on my #mustread list because I kept not getting to it.  At first, it was because I loved the first book so much I was a bit nervous about starting this one.  Sometimes when you hold a book to such high standards, it's hard to follow it.
I think I still love the first book the most, but this one was a beautiful follow up.  I loved seeing Ada's character arc and watching her grow and change.  I appreciated that she was so unworldly and needed so much guidance.  It felt very true to her character.  I will miss Ada and Susan!

Currently Reading


York: The Clockwork Ghost 
by Laura Ruby
This series is one of the smartest mysteries I've ever read for young readers.


Looking forward to my official summer break!  The last two weeks have been really difficult for me to find reading time.  Time to start making up for lost time!

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday - what's in my nonfiction stack? 5.29.19

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.

Some nonfiction that jumped out of the stacks recently:



Magic Ramen: The Story of Momofuku Ando
written by Andrea Wang
illustrated by Kana Urbanowicz
Anyone who has been through college, probably survived in some point in time, on ramen noodles.  This is the story how they came to be!  A story about determination and making do with what you have, a story about an inventor whose product has withstood the test of time!  


If You Had Your Birthday Party on the Moon
written by Joyce Lapin
illustrated by Simona Ceccarelli
This book is so cool!  
Melissa Stewart has talked a lot about voice and nonfiction reading.  This is one I would add to her conversation.
Lapin takes the idea of having a birthday party on the moon and then explains how the logistics of everything would work.  For instance, how long it will take you to get to your birthday party (answer:  3 days via rocket ship, another 9 birthdays if you choose to walk...) and how while you're celebrating, the sky from the moon will look black even though if you're party was on Earth is would be blue (answer: it has to do with the fact that Earth has air in the atmosphere and the moon doesn't).  And did you know there are some "artifacts" left from space trips on the moon?  Who knew there was a four-leaf clover, golf balls, and moon boots?
I'm looking forward to pairing this one with Stacy McAnulty's upcoming Moon! Earth's Best Friend (publishes June 11th).


Two Brothers, Four Hands: The Artists Alberto and Diego Giacometti
written by Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan
illustrated by Hadley Hooper
I always find it fascinating when I read about someone I should probably know but I don't.  That's the case with this one, and I'm grateful for the backmatter since I found photos of the artwork of the Giacometti brothers that looked familiar.
A biography that really goes through the lifetime of the brothers - organized with headings that detail the years it is discussing, readers travel from the early years to their deaths learning about the passion of these two artists.
Illustrated by Hadley Hooper, it is a gorgeous picture book, one you'll want to have some time to read.


Super Summer: All Kinds of Summer Facts and Fun
by Bruce Goldstone
If you ever need a book to teach about the seasons or patterns in a day/month/year, this series is perfect!  It is one of the most kid friendly book when teaching about the seasons because it does such a great job making connections to young readers.  The book is clearly organized by a main heading and then it connects the information being learned to something in a young reader's life.  



Hope you've added a new book to your stacks!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 5.27.19

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

Nonfiction books that encourage you to raise your voice!

Engaging books for the PreK-1st grade reader.


Picture Books


We Are (Not) Friends
written by Anna Kang
illustrated by Christopher Weyant
While not a new take on the friendship of three is tough topic, it's still a fun read.  Told through decodable text and sight words, young readers can clearly understand the difficulties these three have with playing a game that is meant for more than two players.


The Magic of Letters
written by Tony Johnston
illustrated by Wendell Minor
Oooh, this is a book you're going to want to read at the beginning of the year to talk about the power of letters and words.  Perfect for intro to Reader's and Writer's Workshop.


Little Taco Truck
written by Tanya Valentine
illustrated by Jorge Martin
Little Taco Truck is used to have the city street all to himself, but what happens when as the city grows, new food trucks arrive?
Great for author's message and to talk about what was this book really about?


Ogilvy
written by Deborah Underwood
illustrated by T. L. McBeth
Another great book for what is it really about - and the older the audience, the more in depth the conversation!
Ogilvy the bunny has just moved to a new town.  When Ogilvy hits the park where everyone is playing another bunny lays down the rules - bunnies in dresses play ball and knit socks, bunnies in sweaters make art and climb rocks.   Oglivy wants to do it all so quickly decides on playing ball and knitting days, it's a dress and on climbing and art days, it's a sweater.  The other bunnies get upset and demand Ogilvy pick a side.  That's when Ogilvy decides to ask the big question, why are all the bunnies obsessed with what each other is wearing?  Why are the clothes they wear the deciding factor on what they are allowed to play?
See.... what's the story really about, right???
Interestingly enough I noted no pronouns are ever used in the book....


Dear Boy,
written by Paris Rosenthal and Jason Rosenthal
illustrated by Holly Hatam
A companion picture book to Dear Girl, which is the final book by beloved children's author Amy Krouse Rosenthal, completed by her daughter Paris Rosenthal, this is a perfect bookend to the first book.  A wonderful book to give as a welcome baby gift, it really is a beautiful guidemap to navigating life as a young boy.


Brave Molly
by Brooke Boynton-Hughes
A wordless picture book that depicts the feeling of social anxiety in the form of monsters that crowd a young girl when she tries to enter a social situation. 


Home is a Window
written by Stephanie Parsley Ledyard
illustrated by Chris Sasaki
Gorgeous picture book written with a lyrical voice about all the things a home is.  A home is many things, but will it change when you move to a new house? 


The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!
by Mo Willems
So even though this book does not publish until July, I just want you to all know it's a must read.  It's a must pre-order.  You're going to read it at the very beginning of the school year, so you might a well make sure it's for sure going to be in your hands.
All of the things you expect to see in a Pigeon book by Mo Willems is in there.  And it will make you laugh out loud.  I promise!

MIddle Grade


A Wolf Called Wander
by Rosanne Parry
I didn't know what to expect with this one, but what I got was an amazing survival story that is full of heart.  Swift, a young wolf, is separated from his pack and must survive on his own.  He ends up on a journey where he learns to survive and live on his own, but he never gives up on finding his own family.  The book does not shy away from animal instinct and survival (some blood and gore described especially in the hunting for food parts), but is very respectful about the circle of life.  
With a writing style that was reminiscent of Katherine Applegate's The One and Only Ivan, not a word was wasted in this first person narrative told by the wolf.
I am very much looking forward to holding a finished copy so I can see the backmatter (it was not in the published ARC).  This story is based on an actual wolf's journey and I'm interested in reading about the parallel's of the two wolves.
This is a must have for your readers who love animal stories.


Silver Meadows Summer
by Emma Otheguy
I really enjoyed this coming of age story.  Otheguy does a wonderful job capturing that in between time - when you know you're supposed to be growing up, but want to stick to the joys of childhood.
Carolina has just moved to upstate New York from her home in Puerto Rico.  Moving in with her aunt and family is challenging, especially when everyone, including her own Mami, want her to hang out with her older cousin and try to be more New York than carry on her traditions from Puerto Rico.
The only problem I have with this book, and I know it won't be a problem for many, is there is a huge Tooth Fairy spoiler.  It is an important part of the story that has to do with the main character's struggle of balancing two cultures.  The main character is 11, so I understand that many kids already "know", but for those who still believe (and yes, I had a 5th grader who absolutely believed), this book would be a spoiler.  Again, know your readers......

Currently Reading


The War I Finally Won
by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
I know, so late to the party.  I held off reading this one because I loved TWTSML so much.  Having a daughter with physical disabilities, this book hit home.  Not because I'm like Mam (please, no) but because I see these kids and I want nothing but the best for them.  I was hesitant to start it because I didn't want to ruin that first reading experience.  But, it's time!


I hope you get some great Memorial Day weekend reading done!  This weekend has been filled with books, but not with the reading part.  I had a shelf collapse a year ago and I've been meaning to clean out, weed, and reorganize my books.  Finally started that this weekend.  What a process it's going to be!  I will be so glad when it's done!

#road2reading Challenge - readers for beginning readers! 5.23.19

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.

Last week I shared books that are part of the "Ready to Read" series from Simon Spotlight.  They are a great series for readers PreK-2nd grade.  You can check out the post here.

Today I've got some other readers to share with you.  These are so important to have for readers who are beginning their reading journey.  PreK-1st grade classrooms, these are a must!  We want to encourage independent reading, but that also means we need to have high interest books that are accessible for those readers.  Here are some suggestions!

Some books I found in my Scholastic Book Club order:

       
Big Dog and Little Dog and Getting in Trouble
by Dav Pilkey
Lots of sight words, most of the pictures support the text, some words that readers will have to figure out using comprehension, but lots of laughs with the doggy pair of friends!


       
Baseball Buzz and Basketball Break
by CC Joven
These books will be high interest because they are about sports.  There are some sports-driven vocabulary that kids will pick up if they are familiar with the sport.  Even with only one sentence/page, the stories are long enough to feature a problem and solution, sometimes a lesson learned, and will increase readers' stamina.


I Will Race You Through This Book!
by Jonathan Fenske
I love Fenske's humor in all of his books.  Sometimes tongue in cheek, but it always makes readers laugh!  Kids will appreciate all the excuses Bunny gives as to why the reader beat him.  I'm guessing the readers have even used one of these excuses or two before!



Birthday on Mars!
written by Sara Schonfeld
illustrated by Andrew J. Ross
This book is voiced by Curiosity, the rover on Mars!  It's Curiosity's birthday and it is celebrating a birthday and being curious!  I'm really happy to see a sight word reader that features a different topic - kids love space and this one is great because it has an exciting topic that kids can read on their own.
Publishes June 4th.


Bruce's Big Fun Day
by Ryan T. Higgins
I am really excited for this book and I'm hoping it will be a series.  Bruce is coming to early readers in this early chapter book.  If young readers know the character of Bruce, they know that fun and Bruce don't usually go together!  Each chapter takes us through the day in which Bruce and his rodent friend, Nibs, enjoy the outdoors together.  Nibs has planned a fun-filled day for Bruce, although you know what that means!  It of course doesn't go as planned, which leaves Bruce extra grumpy... or is he?
I know this chapter book is going to be well loved by early readers!  Publishes June 25th.

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday - raising our voices - 5.22.19

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.

Did you know June is Immigrant Heritage Month?  Here are some books that you may want to check out and share with readers.  The first two books are longer nonfiction books, however, they are written in a way that does not have to be read cover to cover.  Share stories or read it all, both books should be celebrated!



First Generation: 36 Trailblazing Immigrants and Refugees Who Make America Great
written by Sandra Neil Wallace and Rich Wallace
illustrated by Agata Nowicka
First of all, I love the title.  Nothing tongue in cheek at all here :)
Co-writers Sandra Neil Wallace and Rich Wallace have put together a collection of stories about immigrants who come from all walks of life - some athletes, others from academia, from fashion to technology - all of these immigrants have improved the American experience.  I liked that there were many new to me names here.  So many anthologies celebrate names that are well-known, this book helped me learn about many people who have done some really great things for America who did not have their start in this country.
I thought at first that I would quickly go through the book, reading a few of the bios, but the stories are so well written, each one drew me in.  I wanted to know more about these people's accomplishments, even when it was in a field outside of my comfort zone (hello anything to do with math....).
With backmatter that gives additional sources about each person featured, it's a great jumping off point to learn more information about these amazing people.


We Are Here to Stay: Voices of Undocumented Young Adults
by Susan Kuklin
This is such a powerful collection of stories and at the very beginning of the book, author Susan Kuklin shares how this book had to be changed right before publication.
This book features undocumented young adults.  They were very brave to share their stories.  However, as this book was very close to publication, the president took away DACA and the face of the book had to change.  Changes were made to protect their identity, instead of their names only first initials followed by a dash are used.  There are empty boxes within the pages of the book which were meant to have photographs of the young adults.  That had to change in light of this changing time.
What didn't change is their story.  Told in the first person, these stories are heartfelt and pack a powerful punch.  At times hard to read, at times a tough look at the truths of living in America, these stories have a right to be told and heard.  So often, it's the voices of young people who may change the future.  
I hope this book finds its way into hands of young adults everywhere.



Both of these longer format books are important for middle school and young adult readers.  But what about our young readers?  Here is a short roundup of books that you can use with students for conversation and discussion about using your voice.  While both fall in the fiction category, the truths within the books certainly lie within today's reality, so I am including them in this nonfiction post.


Peaceful Fights for Equal Rights
written by Rob Sanders
illustrated by Jared Andrew Schorr
If you go through this book too quickly you might notice it's written in an ABC format and it's full of words and phrases that explains to young readers what activism looks like.  But if you dig deeper, and use this book to have conversations about what these words/phrases mean, how they can make a difference.  Ideas that are out of a comfort level and those that spark an idea. 


Say Something!
by Peter H. Reynolds 
Reynolds gives us a story that encourages young readers to step up and say something.  Whether it's to deter a bully or to share a beautiful thought in words, no matter how big or small, your voice matters.