My screenshot of the books I read this past week is below. I am looking forward to sharing all four of the picture books I read with my class next year.
I read some great books this past week, but not as many as I wanted. I chalk that up to reading two longer YA novels that I savored :) Sometimes you just want to "stay" with a book, ya know?
My screenshot of the books I read this past week is below. I am looking forward to sharing all three of the picture books I read with my class next year: Arnie the Doughnut, Julia's House for Lost Creatures, and Bulldozer's Big Day. Heart and humor - the perfect combo!
I teach sixth graders, so Noggin and 100 Sideways Miles are not books they can read yet...but, I am comforted to know that my students have such wonderful books awaiting them as they mature as readers. YA is where it is AT, and I wish these books existed when I was a younger reader. I probably would've loved reading more than I did if that had been the case.
I read some great books this past week! I borrowed an idea from Katherine Sokolowski (@katsok) and just took a screen capture of my Goodreads page. Thanks for the idea!
Books I Read Last Week...
Every book I read this week was enjoyable. I especially look forward to sharing Where Are My Books? and I Wish You More with my students in the fall. Of course, Babymouse is a hit in my classroom already and the newest book in the series, about Babymouse becoming a babysitter, is a hoot. There are so many small details in the Babymouse books that truly are gifts to readers. I also LOVED the gentle nod to Comics Squad: Recess! (Babymouse is reading that early in the book.)
I really enjoyed Stella Brings the Family, but I felt that it missed a big opportunity at the end. A boy is Stella's class becomes worried about the upcoming Father's Day celebration because he has two moms and doesn't have a dad to invite. The whole message of the book is that family is bigger than just your parents' gender and extends to your larger family. I would've liked to see a different ending to the book.
I am so happy I met Grandma Dowdel this summer. Thanks to my friend, Tammy, who recommended the series to me. She did not like A Year Down Yonder as much as A Long Way from Chicago, but I did. I may have liked A Year Down Yonder more, in fact. I felt that I got a deeper understanding of Grandma through the eyes of Mary Alice. There were less laugh-out-loud moments for me, however.
Summer just began and I am super excited to ramp up my reading and reviewing. I look forward to a freer schedule, which allows me to get lost in good books. Last summer, I said I would still try to do my 'It's Monday' posts and to continue reading a lot. Well, I kept reading a lot, but was not successful with the posts. *Sigh* You can't win 'em all, right?
I read great books this week, so please check out my reviews below!
Books I Read Last Week...
A Long Way to Chicago, by Richard Peck, @RichardPeckAuth (5 out of 5 stars)
A Long Way to Chicago quickly became a heart print book as I was reading it this past week. Rarely does a book make me LAUGH OUT LOUD once, let alone multiple times! Grandma Dowdel is now one of my favorite characters in all of children's literature. Her wise cracks, schemes, and stories are a hoot. My favorite part of the book was the last chapter, where Grandma Dowdel stands on her front porch waving at her grandson, Joe, as his train passes by her town. When you read the book, you'll understand why this part made me tear up. I encourage all who haven't to read this wonderful book.
Teen Boat by Dave Roman (@yaytime) and John Green (@johngreenart) (4 out of 5 stars)When I bought this book at the Downtown Cincinnati Friends of the Public Library sale, I bought it because I a) really like Dave Roman and b) I recalled seeing the book discussed on Twitter a few years back. I did not look that closely at the cover, where the tagline for the book said, "The angst of being a teen; the thrill of being a boat." Had I done that, I would've been prepared (and not surprised) when the main character TURNS INTO AN ACTUAL BOAT. Once I realized logical thinking was unnecessary for this book, I really enjoyed it. There were many clever jokes tucked into the dialogue and even though the main character TURNS INTO AN ACTUAL BOAT, many of the plot events are relatable for teens who are struggling as they grow up. This would be a hit with upper middle-school readers and older, but probably not a book for a fifth-grade classroom.
The Book with No Pictures, by B.J. Novak
(4 out of 5 stars)
I liked this book a lot and it would be a perfect read-aloud for my sixth-grade classroom next year. To really enjoy this book, you would need a very creative and ebullient reader. An expressive reader makes or breaks this book! I think this could be a great book to read early in the school year to reinforce with students that pictures are not necessary for a reader to visualize in their head. As each page presents a new silly line of text, the reader can picture that in their head.
Mustache Baby Meets His Match, by Bridget Heos
(4 out of 5 stars)
Hilarious book! I think my students would enjoy this as a read-aloud. And who can be upset when there is a happy ending? Now, I need to grow facial hair as well as these two babies!
Positive experience in class today: While reading Wayside School is Falling Down by Louis Sachar (one of the best read-aloud series EVER btw), a student shared aloud her prediction that at the end of the chapter, Miss Mush's nasty potato salad would make two best friends - both boys - kiss. In a previous chapter, Miss Mush's "mushroom surprise" made a student kiss his teacher, Mrs. Jewls. Her prediction was rooted in the text and made logical sense to her - and the class. Not one fellow classmate made eww sounds, seemed offended, or said, "Gross!" They took her prediction as entirely plausible and treated it like every other prediction that was shared. I loved this moment. While some adults - religiously conservative and the like - continue to fervently hold on to their homophobia and prejudice against GLBTQ people, our youth seems much more matured on the subject. It's kind of like they're saying, "And? What's the big deal?" They see gay and lesbian families in their neighborhood, and have GLBTQ relatives, friends, and community members. A few years ago, a student comment such as this would've been received much more negatively. I was proud of my students today and proud of how far we've come. Of course, there are many miles left to travel. But authors like Jo Knowles (See You at Harry's) and Tim Federle (Better Nate Than Ever and Five, Six, Seven, Nate!) - amongst many others - are helping our kids learn to respect and appreciate diversity through reading. For that, I'm grateful. #WeNeedDiverseBooks
Summer is winding down, which sadly means my free reading time will soon be gone. Every summer I try to make it my goal to keep reading and reviewing books as often as I do in the summer, but the reality of that can be difficult. I would like to commit to still doing my It's Monday posts and reading during this next school year.
I read great books this week, so please check out my reviews below!
Books I Read Last Week...
Paperboy, by Vince Vawter, @VVAWTER (5 out of 5 stars)
Paperboy became a heart print book when I finished reading it this past week. Rarely does a book touch me to the point where I care so deeply about the characters that it causes me to cry. This book did it. About halfway through the book, I realized I was so connected with the characters. I could not put it down at that point and finished it, even though I savored the last few chapters. This is one of the books that you simply do not want to end. Vince Vawter, Newbery Honor Winner, shared the inspiration for this book below. It is clear this story means so much to him. I encourage all to read it and I will be singing its praises all school year.
The Dumbest Idea Ever, by Jimmy Gownley (5 out of 5 stars)According to my local indie bookshop Joseph Beth Booksellers (relayed by my friend Laurie), this title has been jumping off the shelves. I enjoyed reading this graphic novel memoir of author Jimmy Gownley's beginnings as a graphic novelist. It has many laugh-out-loud moments, a touch of romance, and lots of inspiration for those students who are artistically inclined and those that read graphic novels.
Cleopatra in Space by Mike Maihack
(4 out of 5 stars)
I enjoyed this graphic novel, which took an important historical figure and threw her into space through a time-warp. It had funny moments, some interesting information about Ancient Egyptians, and an action-packed plot. The end of the book leaves you on a bit of a cliffhanger. I will be ready to read the next one. Fans of the Astronaut Academy series would also enjoy this one. I have no doubt that my students will like to read this book.
There are times when you read a book and you say, "I HAVE to read this book aloud to my class!" I had that moment when I read My Teacher is a Monster by Peter Brown. It is simply just hilarious and the illustrations throughout the book morph beautifully before your eyes. I think we have all felt this way about teachers we have had - and I am sure some of my students have felt that way about me. I hope not too often, though! This book reminds us of the importance of not judging someone too quickly. Teachers, and students, are humans and there is more to connect us than what we may think. I will read this book the first day of school, August 19th, 2014.
Simply just cute, cute, cute. Every animal in the book is grumpy or not feeling well, but the animals are cheered up by what else? HATS! I just thought this book was so whimsical and beautifully illustrated. The video below will play the book trailer for Hooray for Hat! It is adorable - just like the book!
The Midnight Library by Kazuno Kahara
(3 out of 5 stars)
I loved this book for two main reasons: 1) I simply LOVE the idea of a night library. In fact, I wish there were night libraries for people, even though the night library in this book is for animals. 2) The illustrations and color scheme are gorgeous. There was not a huge amount of plot in this book, but it was enjoyable nonetheless. It celebrates libraries, books, and reading - so I'm on board!
Doug Unplugs on the Farm by Dan Yaccarino (3 out of 5 stars)
If you've ever read Dan's first book about Doug, called Doug Unplugged, you'll enjoy this one, too. On the farm, Doug and his robot parents are disconnected from their computer. So, Doug learns about the farm by experiencing it for himself, such as milking a cow and picking apples. I like the idea behind the series - "unplugging" - a lot :-)
Sisters by Raina Telgemeier, @goraina (5 out of 5 stars)
Raina Telgemeier has written another wonderful graphic novel memoir called Sisters, which highlights her relationship with her younger sister, Amara. There are many hilarious "incidents", but also a sad event in the family, as well. Raina's books are so easy to relate to, even though I do not have siblings. I think she perfectly captures the tumult of growing up, second-guessing yourself, and learning who you really are.
Reflecting on the past week, it's clear I have been busy doing errands and other tasks and therefore did not much read as I desired. But, the three books I read were SUPER, so I cannot complain. Very soon I will be returning to school. Can I keep up the reading and posting? Taking bets...?!
Check out my reviews below!
Books I Read Last Week...
El Deafo, by Cece Bell
(5 out of 5 stars)
Thanks to my friend Stacy, @mytweendom, who paid the kindness forward by mailing me the ARC of this book, I was finally able to read El Deafo. I was not disappointed! Cece Bell, @CeceBellBooks, has written an amazing, heartfelt story based about her experiences as a child with hearing loss. This book moved me. This book has a fresh perspective and I could not stop reading once I started! When the book comes out officially in September, my classroom will have several copies and I doubt they will ever stay long on the shelf.
I wish this book has been around a few years back. I had a student (one of my all-time favorites) who had a hearing impairment. I think this book would have helped him through some difficult times. I just e-mailed his mom to tell her about El Deafo and suggested her family read it. I hope they do.
Read this book as soon as you can - you won't be sorry!
This is the newest installment in the hilarious Bird & Squirrel graphic novel series. I just crack up at these books! I think the two characters are unique and fun. Wherever the two of them end up, adventures are sure to follow. This book finds them in the Arctic with a problem to solve - how to help a penguin village break free of the control of a whale. Will Bird & Squirrel be successful at helping the penguin village? At the end, Bird & Squirrel fly off to their next location - where will they end up next? Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
The Most Magnificient Thing by Ashley Spires, @ashleyspires
(4 out of 5 stars)
I encourage you to read this beautiful book. The main character, I'd say, is a perfectionist and tries throughout the book to make what she believes is the "most magnificent" thing. Sometimes in life, it takes more than one try to get things right. This book will be one of my read-alouds this year. Author Ashley Spires reminds readers below to look for a special, humorous part of the book. I had to go back to catch it! Kids will love it =)
This has been a lucky week for a reader - it is what I like to call a "Five-Star Reading Week". All of the books I read were amazingly awesome (or fantafabulous, if you are writer @_natalielloyd) and all earned 5 star ratings!
I can't choose a favorite! Check out my reviews below!
Books I Read Last Week...
Beekle, by Dan Santat
(5 out of 5 stars)
I think we all had imaginary friends as kids. I know I did, especially being an only child. Beekle is just too impatient to wait to be chosen as a friend by a child, so he sets out on a journey to find his friend. Beekle is a special character, one who did not just sit around and wait. This is a cute book and the ending was wonderful. I will let you experience it for yourself :)
Comics Squad: Recess!
Edited by Jenni L. Holm, Matthew Holm, and Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Comics by the above, plus Dav Pilkey, Raina Telgemeier & Dave Roman, Ursula Vernon, Eric Wight, and Gene Luen Yang
(5 out of 5 stars)
If you are an elementary classroom teacher, you better just bust out the credit card, head to your nearest local bookstore, and buy multiple copies of this hilarious compilation of comics all centered around the theme of recess. I know having 10 copies will not even be enough for my readers come this fall. It reminds me of when all of the popular cartoon characters, in 1990, got together to do that special against drugs**. Slimer, Alf, Garfield, and even the Smurfs appeared! The authors of the comics in this book are so talented and it will be a exciting for my students to see them all together.
**Cartoon All-Stars to the Rescue, 1990
What Do You Do with an Idea? by Kobi Yamada
(5 out of 5 stars)
This book should be read by every student, read aloud in every classroom, and shared with families, too. It is one of those books that takes something we take for granted and turns it into a moving and poignant story. Anyone who has ever had an idea, that was ultimately misunderstood and/or criticized, can relate well to this book. Ideas are the most important contributions we can make to the world. I encourage you to read this beautiful book.
A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd
(5 out of 5 stars)
Words, words, and more words. I love words. Words are what make up books and what we share with the world around us. The main character in the book, Felicity, has a special gift when it comes to words. (One I wish I had!) She is yearning for a home and for magic to return to her town. This beautiful story will most likely be on the shortlist for a Newbery award and it would be well-deserved. Students would need to keep up with many characters in this book and at times the plot spun a bit, but ultimately this a book that readers will savor...much like the ice-cream discussed and consumed on almost every page!
It's been two weeks since I wrote an IMWAYR post. Sorry ;( I was not able to do one while I was at #nerdcampmi - too much learning and fun was going on! I followed the tradition of checking out a book stack of 10 books which were picture books or graphic novels. It was a fun two weeks of reading!
My favorite reads of the past two weeks were Gaston and Jellaby. Check out my reviews below!
Books I Read The Past Two Weeks...
The Great Fuzz Frenzy, by Janet Stevens
(4 out of 5 stars)
This is a darling book about some lucky prairie dogs who come encounter a fuzzy tennis ball. Suddenly, the fuzz becomes a precious commodity! There are some colorful characters and lots of fun dialogue in this picture book. It would be a great read aloud ;-)
Scaredy Squirrel Has a Birthday Partyby Melanie Watt
(5 out of 5 stars)
Um, Scaredy Squirrel is one of my TOP FIVE favorite picture book characters ever! I think it's because Scaredy reminds me so much of my young self - anxious and worrisome. I spent many a night unable to sleep worrying about tornadoes, criminals breaking in, and other frightening things. I just love how prepared Scaredy is to make sure he feels no worry or anxiety, but does his birthday party end up the way he plans? (Thankfully, for us the readers, the answer is NO!)
President Taft is Stuck in the Bath by Mac Barnett
(3 out of 5 stars)
I liked the book for being about a historical figure (President William Howard Taft) and the pictures are amazing! I thought the focus on the weight of the President overtook the book a bit and wish it could have included some of his more distinguishable, non-nude achievements. But, the funny was there, and I think my students would really like it, especially as a read aloud.
Gaston by Kelly DiPucchio
(5 out of 5 stars)
This book was a true delight - one of my favorite picture books of the year so far! Gaston feels as if he may not fit into his family upon visiting a local dog park one day. But, Gaston realizes that what may look right doesn't always feel right. The art in this book is beautiful and the story is truly heartwarming. Read it soon!
Jellaby #1 by Kean Soo
This graphic novel has been a hit in my classroom for several years and for some reason I had not yet read it. Now I see why my kids love it. Jellaby, a very strange creature, changes a little girl's life (Portia) by appearing one night outside her window. Jellaby may also hold some clues to Portia's past. The book is such fun, especially when the three main characters go looking for a secret door and are chased by a creepy man. Jellaby ended with a cliffhanger, and I cannot wait to read the next one! (It's currently packed in my classroom, but come August I will dig it out!)
Other Books I Read These Past Two Weeks...
Astronaut Academy: Zero Gravity by Dave Roman (4 out of 5 stars)
Julia, Child by Kyo Mclear (3 out of 5 stars)
Dear Mrs. LaRue: Letters from Obedience School by Mark Teague (4 out of 5 stars)
Mr. Wuffles by David Wiesner (4 out of 5 stars)
Skippyjon Jones: Lost in Spice by Judy Schachner (3 out of 5 stars)
The Hello, Goodbye Window by Norton Juster (5 out of 5 stars)
The Frog and Toad Treasury by Arnold Lobel (5 out of 5 stars)
