It’s Monday! What are you Reading? is a weekly blog hop hosted by Kellee and Ricki of 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.
Head over to Unleashing Readers to join the link-up and share your reading!
It’s Halloween week, so my students are asking, “Where are the scary books? Where are the spooky books?” I have so many on display in the school library! Here are some of my favorites:
It’s Watching by Lindsay Currie
Scritch Scratch by Lindsay Currie
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! by Charles M. Schultz
Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
It’s Monday! What are you Reading? is a weekly blog hop hosted by Kellee and Ricki of 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.
Head over to Unleashing Readers to join the link-up and share your reading!
Physical Books: I’m enjoying reading over the fall break and I’ve cut my activity to smaller chunks of time, which seems to be working well. I read Dear Primo by Duncan Tonatiuh after hearing him speak last weekend. He was so funny with the children during story time at the Raclin Murphy Museum at Notre Dame. I also finished Red Bird Danced (Quigley) and Sherlock Society by James Ponti. I’m recommending both titles for our Battle of the Books list for next year. They are sooo good!
Libro.fm: I listened to the new Jason Reynolds title, Twenty-four Seconds From Now, which is fabulous! The story chronicles the weeks, days, and minutes before “the first time” from a male teen’s point of view, which is greatly needed in the high school reader community. Narrated by Guy Lockard, this one is a must-listen. (For ages 13+, in my opinion.)
It’s Monday! What are you Reading? is a weekly blog hop hosted by Kellee and Ricki of 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.
Head over to Unleashing Readers to join the link up and share your reading!
It’s Indigenous Peoples Day! (NOT Columbus Day) I’m celebrating by reading, and there are stories out there that I want my students to know. I want my students to read and grow to be intelligent citizens who want better for our country, and our world. Here are some titles I recently read and loved:
Harvest House by Cynthia Leitich Smith – This is one of my favorite middle-grade/young-adult titles for fall. The countdown to Halloween is a perfect way to set this story (the chapter titles are a timeline — “23 Days Until Halloween,” etc.) and the characters seem like people I would be friends with if I were still in high school, especially Hughie and Marie. Then there’s Celeste, the ghost, who was murdered years ago. But I’m not giving anything away. A perfect, creepy Halloween story. Read it.
Red Bird Danced by Dawn Quigley – Ariel and Tomah are two urban Natives who are worried about Ariel’s missing auntie. Ariel is a ballerina who isn’t really into dancing like a bird while her auntie is away; Tomah tells jokes to cover up what he really feels. The two together live through the seasons together and learn to grow into the future by learning more about their pasts.
Buffalo Dreamer by Violet Duncan – Summer and her cousin, Autumn, spend summer vacations with their families on the Cree reservation in Canada where Summer’s mom grew up. This year, the girls are old enough to understand what happened there many years ago when the reservation schools took children from their homes and “taught” them “American” ways. This happened to Kokum and Mosom. As Summer and Autumn begin to ask questions of their grandparents, they learn what makes the family so strong, and vow to become activists for saving their culture in the future.
It’s Monday! What are you Reading? is a weekly blog hop hosted by Kellee and Ricki of 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.
Head over to Unleashing Readers to join the link up and share your reading!
Yes, I really did skip posting in September. I had a new school year begin, a crazy cough/cold, and many other things that kept me away from this site. I have been reading, though! Here are some highlights:
Libro.fm:I listened more often since I had more time in the car. I loved The Misfits: A Royal Conundrum by Lisa Yee, read by Cindy Kay and I can’t wait for book two, A Copycat Conundrum. The short children’s story, Into the Uncut Grass, by Trevor Noah and read by him, surprised me — so much sweetness packed into 38 minutes. Now I’m listening to Hotel Balzaar by Kate DiCamillo…you cannot go wrong with a “Kate” book. I love the voice of Allan Corduner, who narrates this one.
Physical Books: Whenever I get into a reading rut, I reach for the picture books. There are so many good ones out there! Recent releases include My Magic Breath: Finding Calm Through Mindful Breathing by Nick Ortner and Alison Taylor (pictures by Michelle Polizzi), I’m Sorry You Got Mad by Kyle Lukoff (illustrated by Julie Kwon), One Small Spark by Ruth Spiro (illustrated by Victoria Tentler-Krylov), Zooloween by Alan Katz (illustrated by Stephanie Laberis), B is For Belonging by Shannon Anderson (illustrated by John Joven), and Quiet Violet Finds Her Voice by Gabrielle Nidus (illustrated by Stephanie Dehennin). I loved all of these!
Another short book that I will read again during fall break is Buffalo Dreamer by Violet Duncan. This one is a finalist for the National Book Awards, well-deserved! I cannot wait to hear the awards announcements.
It’s Monday! What are you Reading? is a weekly blog hop hosted by Kellee and Ricki of 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.
Head over to Unleashing Readers to join the link up and share your reads from this week!
Hello! Welcome back to school! Most of us have already started the first semester at our schools, and many more will start next week. Enjoy the fall season, everyone! And KEEP READING!
Last week I struggled to keep up, as usual, but I still have some great books in hand (and “on desk!”). I’m reading Tear This Down by Barbara Dee, listening to The Talk (almost done) by Darrin Bell on Libro.fm, and finishing When We Flew Away by Alice Hoffman on NetGalley.
Something special came to the bookstore, That Librarian by Amanda Jones, the Louisiana librarian who took the lead in fighting book bans in her community and all over the country. She is my library hero and I’m so grateful to know her, and now read her book. I know that it’s not a children’s book, but that’s what I am reading this week in order to better my work with my students. We need to read!
It’s Monday! What are you Reading? is a weekly blog hop hosted by Kellee and Ricki of 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.
Head over to Unleashing Readers to join the link up and share your reads from this week!
One of the things about being a librarian is that I work WITH books daily, but I don’t necessarily get to read those books while I’m processing them. That’s happening to me as we start back to school. I must stamp, barcode, and label books before placing them on shelves, before students are able to check them out. Our school is grades K-8 now; we added grades K-5 this month. So I’ll tell you this Monday I got a look at the Pinkalicious series, Barbie titles, Hunger Heroes, Clifford books, and many others, but I haven’t READ them. I cannot wait to meet the students at library orientation next week!
So what AM I reading this week, you ask?
Physical Books: Book mail is the best! Barbara Dee sent me Tear This Down, her upcoming middle-grade book about womens’ rights to vote and 7th-grader, Freya Stillman’s history project about a community leader who didn’t think women should have this right. Outrage! Activism! Drama! (I cannot wait to open this book as soon as I get this post done. Thank you, Barbara Dee and Simon & Schuster for the ARC, which I will share with readers of #booksojourn.)
Libro.fm: I am about halfway through The Talk by Darrin Bell, his personal accounts and anecdotes on growing up as a Black boy in America. Compelling! I’m learning so much.
NetGalley: I’m still reading When We Flew Away, which is wonderful so far.
It’s Monday! What are you Reading? is a weekly blog hop hosted by Kellee and Ricki of 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.
Head over to Unleashing Readers to join the link up and share your reads from this week!
Nothing new to report today – I start school on Wednesday. I’m sure I’ll be reading new policy manuals and curriculum guides this week. Other than that, I’ll finish those books I started last week.
Have a great week! If you’re back to school already, I hope you’re finding joy in the learning. If you have not started the school year yet, enjoy your last bit of time off!
It’s Monday! What are you Reading? is a weekly blog hop hosted by Kellee and Ricki of 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.
Head over to Unleashing Readers to join the link up and share your reads from this week!
Physical Books: I have one more week of summer reading; I cannot believe the break is almost over! I’m wrapping up the time with two middle grade novels that I’m sure will be available in the library this school year. The Beautiful Game by Yamile Saied Mendez and It’s Watching by Lindsay Currie.
The Beautiful Game is about growing up as a girl athlete. Valeria used to be confident, used to be the greatest soccer player. But since she got her period (!), she has lost her team, and herself. Can she perform the ultimate comeback? (This one is going to be a hit with 6-8th graders.) Publishing on September 17, 2024 by Algonquin Young Readers.
Are you ready for another scary tale by Lindsay Currie? We are! Coming in February, 2025, Josie, Jackson, and Alison will discover a sinister meme on their phones while gathering evidence of a famous ghost. The Bachelor’s Grove cemetery is calling them; their phone messages say, “I’m Watching.” OOH! This one will be a page turner. I’m sure we will need more than one copy in the school’s library.
Libro.fm: I’m still listening to Invisible Isabel while I drive places. I’m sure I’ll finish soon.
NetGalley: I’m so happy to receive When We Flew Away in my account. This novel “before the diary” of Anne Frank is a wonderful historical story that middle schoolers will love.
It’s Monday! What are you Reading? is a weekly blog hop hosted by Kellee and Ricki of 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.
Head over to Unleashing Readers to join the link up and share your reads from this week!
Last week I attended the fabulous LITapalooza, a book festival and unconference, and met many more authors and illustrators while reconnecting with some of my favorite people in the bookish world! Someday I would like to see my local colleagues there, too. They don’t know what they are missing!
I received LOTS of books at the Anderson’s Bookshop event. I also had books left over from two weeks ago that I’m still reading. This week I’m concentrating on picture books and poetry.
Physical Books:A Walk in the Woods by Nikki Grimes and Brian Pinkney (and the late Jerry Pinkney) is the sweetest tribute to a master. I’ve written about this one before, but I revisited it while I was thinking about nature recently. The Last Stand by Antwan Eady and Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey is a wonderful book, supporting black farmers and a spirited way of life. Community is so important and this book is a book to share. Alan Katz’s newest, Zooloween, is so much fun! I almost cannot wait for fall to share this one in the library! The animal characters are special. Minh Lê and Dan Santat read their new collaboration, Built To Last, to the audience during their keynote at LITapalooza, and I’ve read the book a few more times since returning home. Friendships are built to last!
Pizza and Taco: Too Cool For School by Stephen Shaskan is the perfect back-to-school read for friends. And I’ll be reading the Little Golden Book, Taylor Swift, to 2nd graders this week as they study role models.
I finished Black Girl You Are Atlas by Renée Watson and Ekua Holmes, and I have the feeling I’ll be handing this title off to a certain middle schooler in the next couple of weeks. This little collection is beautiful.
Libro.fm: I’m not very far into Invisible Isabel yet, but I have some free time this week to listen.
NetGalley: I downloaded When We Flew Away: A Novel of Anne Frank Before the Diary by Alice Hoffman. This one will get me back on track with NetGalley. The cover is stunning and the story is breathtaking, as we learn more about Anne, her sister, and her family when Anne turns 13.
It’s Monday! What are you Reading? is a weekly blog hop hosted by Kellee and Ricki of 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.
Head over to Unleashing Readers to join the link up and share your reads from this week!
It’s going to be HOT and steamy this week. Last week it rained buckets. This weather provides opportunities to stay inside and read, and whoa! I have some HOT books for you on IMWAYR today!
Physical Books: I finished Moko Magic: Carnival Chaos just as our own county fair wrapped for the summer. Written by Tracey Baptiste and published by Freedom Fire. Excellent! Action-packed! Family fun! This is a great summer read!
Sunrise Nights, by Jeff Zentner and Brittany Cavallaro, is a love story that takes place over three summers at an art camp for teens. Another perfect summer read: it’s funny, true, and romantic without being sappy. I read this one and listened to the audiobook on my road trip to celebrate the book launch with the authors. A wonderful ride!
Please read Crushed by Melanie Conklin if you are a pre-teen, teen, adult, teacher, or anyone who uses social media. This is a “Me, Too” title designed for children and a call to speak up against bullying, poor friendships, and peer pressure. As I read, I pictured Sophie, Eve, Chaz, and Carter walking the halls of my middle school – MY students need to know the truth, too. I think this book will be an important addition to our library this fall. I hope the lessons learned will last throughout life.
My favorite bookseller and friend celebrated six years at Brain Lair Books on Saturday. (Happy Anniversary!) I was able to celebrate and purchased some new books that I’ll devour this week: A Little Bit SUPER, edited by Leah Henderson and Gary Schmidt (Clarion Books, 2024), Black Girl You Are Atlas, a poetry book by Renee Watson, with art by Ekua Holmes (Kokila, 2024), The Artivist, by Nikkolas Smith (Kokila, 2023), and A Walk in the Woods, by Nikki Grimes, Jerry Pinkney, and Brian Pinkney (Neal Porter Books, 2023).
Libro.fm: I finished Sunrise Nights, and I downloaded Invisible Isabel by Sally J. Pla, which I’ve seen on many other IMWAYR lists.
NetGalley: A cute picture book showed up and I downloaded it immediately: This Book Is NOT For You, by Howard Pearlstein and illustrated by Susanna Covelli is a hilarious journey through a book (think “Stop Turning Pages!” in The Monster at the End of This Book by Jon Stone and Michael Smollin). I love the author’s dog!
Reading Teacher Writes 