Head over and meet Jen & Kellee at www.teachmentortexts.com and www.unleashingreaders.com for more on this awesome meme. There are many other
"It's Monday" links.
I read a lot of good books this week - some I should have read a long time ago! How had I never read Hound Dog True, Frindle, or Counting by 7s? There is never a shortage of wonderful books to discover - new and old.
Books I Read This Past Week...
Frindle by Andrew Clements
(5 out of 5 stars)
Nothing is better than going to The Echo - my favorite brunch spot - and getting my favorite tuna sandwich and reading. Frindle was an enjoyable read. I loved everything about it - the unique plot, the intelligent (yet fun) main character Nick and of course the positive message about teachers and words. Mrs. Granger is one of my new top favorite teacher characters in a book. I have always recommended this book to my students, knowing by word of mouth that is was a winner. But, now I know why.
Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan, @HGoldbergSloan
(5 out of 5 stars)
Willow Chance is a character that you cannot help but love. She endures tragedy, but comes out on the other side with a one of a kind family that I as the reader never expected. I loved the quirks of Willow's character and kids will easily grow to like her. I am so happy to have this is my classroom to book talk and recommend.
Bonus points for a book that almost makes me want to garden...almost.
Hound Dog True by Linda Urban, @lindaurbanbooks
(5 out of 5 stars)
How did this book not receive a Newbery Award or Newbery Honor? I demand a recount! This stands as one of my all-time favorite books and I feel like it became one of my favorites early on - I simply just fell in love with this story. I often think of writing a book with some of the seed ideas I have collected over the years. Hound Dog True makes me feel like I could actually write that book someday. This is a simple story of bravery and friendship, but no less powerful and meaningful than books with more expansive plots. The character of Uncle Potluck is unforgettable.
Imogene's Antlers by David Small
(5 out of 5 stars)
This was just the cutest, most playful book. I loved the character of Imogene and how she just wakes up with antlers. The people in her life react in different ways. I especially loved the mother, who fainted several times. This is a classic, beautifully illustrated book. Take a moment and check it out of the library!
Other Books I Read This Past Week...
The Hummingbirds' Day by Harry Allard (1 out of 5 stars)
This and That Bread by Joan Ellis (3 out of 5 stars)
What are you reading, friends?
I had never heard of this book by David Small before. I loved his graphic memoir Stitches so I'm definitely going to check this one out.
ReplyDeleteIt was just a really cute story - would be a good read aloud! ;-)
DeleteHi Ryan, great titles you have here. I loved Counting by 7's ! Frindle is always a fave in my classroom. I have not read Hound a Dog True. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteOh Gigi - you MUST read Hound Dog True. I know I am little late to the party, but it is in my top books I've read all year. I loved it. I really enjoyed Frindle, too. Don't judge me - I hadn't read it!
DeleteOh wow, these are great books indeed, I agree. I love Imogene's Antlers - I think I featured that one when we had our Girl Power theme. And yes, Counting by 7s. I hold my hand to my heart. Such a beautiful beautiful, life-affirming novel. We read that for my book club for young readers here in Singapore. :)
ReplyDeleteI do get a sense of Girl Power from Imogene's Antlers. I am sure your young readers enjoyed it.
Delete