This memoir was written over a decade ago, prior to the passing of the author, but it still needed published. Thank goodness that Jerry’s family shared — Mr. Pinkney’s story is relatable as readers are immersed into the all-Black block in Philadelphia called East Earlham Street. Readers get to know Jerry as a boy, drawingContinue reading “Book Review: Just Jerry: How Drawing Shaped My Life by Jerry Pinkney”
Category Archives: Book Reviews
IMWAYR: A Few New Titles
IMWAYR is a weekly blog hop with kid lit co-hosts Jennifer from Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki from Unleashing Readers. The original IMWAYR, with an adult literature focus, was started by Sheila at Book Journeys and is now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date. It’s a great way to share what you’re reading and get recommendations fromContinue reading “IMWAYR: A Few New Titles”
Book PREview: Race Against Death by Deborah Hopkinson
Race Against Death is a scary, suspenseful look at POWs’ lives after Pearl Harbor. Deborah Hopkinson brings the story of The “Angels of the Underground” to readers, detailing the horrific conditions the American and Filipino servicemen endured while stuck in the Philippines under Japanese military control. This a story of suffering and death attributed toContinue reading “Book PREview: Race Against Death by Deborah Hopkinson”
Book PREview: Sunshine by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
In this companion to Hey, Kiddo, Jarrett takes us with him to Camp Sunshine, a week-long camp for pediatric cancer patients and their families. Jarrett volunteered when he was a senior in high school, and it changed his life. Reading Sunshine changed my life – I can only read about Jarrett’s experience with Diego, Eric,Continue reading “Book PREview: Sunshine by Jarrett J. Krosoczka”
Book Review: HANDS by Torrey Maldonado
Book Review: Hands by Torrey Maldonado (Publishes January 24, 2023 — Nancy Paulsen Books) How do you use your hands? Trev wants to learn to box so he can take care of his stepdad, who threatened Mom before going to prison. Trev thinks that “throwing hands” is the answer to his family problems. His friendsContinue reading “Book Review: HANDS by Torrey Maldonado”
Book Review: An American Story by Kwame Alexander and Dare Coulter
This is an important, necessary picture book, perfect for the classroom. Teachers and librarians should add THIS American Story to their shelves and read it aloud with their students. To be a true American, we need to acknowledge the America of the past and strive to be what we may become in the future —Continue reading “Book Review: An American Story by Kwame Alexander and Dare Coulter”
IMWAYR: Graphic Novels COUNT as Reading!
I pulled a little collection of graphic novels out this week because we have three of them in our Battle of the Books stack this year and because Junior Library Guild delivered more with our school subscription last week. They will keep me busy, trying to keep up with the students and promoting the message,Continue reading “IMWAYR: Graphic Novels COUNT as Reading!”
IMWAYR: Listening to Craft Moves
It’s the day before Election Day in the USA. Times are tense. Anxiety runs high. I’m focused on reading. To keep my mind at ease, I think about the authors who craft their stories and question how they seem to get it all right so easily. I know that’s not true – there are manyContinue reading “IMWAYR: Listening to Craft Moves”
“Picture Books are Perfect” – Review of I Am Every Good Thing
I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James is the newest must-read picture book for middle school, and everyone else! This is a joyful celebration of all good things: gravity, moonbeams, cinnamon rolls, skateboarding, using a microscope, being polite, paper airplanes, swimming…and being human! I love the language — “I amContinue reading ““Picture Books are Perfect” – Review of I Am Every Good Thing”
Happy Book Birthday, Dusti Bowling!
The Canyon’s Edge by Dusti Bowling Nora’s therapist asks, “What do you fear?” (Dying.) and “Are you likely to die in this situation?” (Yes.) It’s been a year since Nora and her dad lost her mother in a violent, unprovoked event. Dad has been grieving by taking Nora out of school and avoiding people; NoraContinue reading “Happy Book Birthday, Dusti Bowling!”
Reading Teacher Writes 