Sunday, May 25, 2014

It's Monday, What Are You Reading-May 26, 2014

Please visit the amazing blogs: Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers who host this terrific meme each week.

Oh my word, it has been 3 weeks since posting my IMWAYR post. Life is just crazy-busy. I have read a bit, but just have not been able to post.

Here are the highlights from the last 3 weeks. Please click on the cover to go to the book's page on Goodreads to read more about it and to see my review. 







I listened to...

Currently Reading...

Currently Listening...

What Are You Reading Friends?

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday-Zombie Makers:True Stories of Nature's UNDEAD

My Friend Alyson Beecher at Kid Lit Frenzy hosts weekly link up to share Nonfiction Picture Books. Please visit her amazing website. 
by Rebecca L Johnson
Published 2013 by Millbrook Press
48 Pages
This book is on the 2014-2015 Maine Student Book Award Nominees

With 48 pages and a lot of text, this is not really a picture book so I am breaking the rules a bit here. However it offers some interesting, if not downright disturbing, information that older kids are sure to enjoy.

Goodreads Summary
Examines creatures that can take over the bodies and brains of other creatures and turns them into slaves, from a fly-enslaving fungus to a cockroach-taming wasp.

My Thoughts
Ew, ew, ew! This book tackles a really disgusting topic. I really could have lived without knowing about some of the ways an animal's body can be taken over by fungus, viruses, and insects. There are real photos and "behind the science" facts to accompany each example. While I found it hard to read, many kids will LOVE it for the same reasons I found it disturbing. I know some of my fourth graders will be reading it with their friends as the information is just too gross not to share.  I recommend it for grades 4-8. 

This video is listed in the "More to Explore" section. After showing it, you won't be able to keep this book on the shelf. 

Sunday, May 4, 2014

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? May 5, 2014


Please visit the amazing blogs: Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers who host this terrific meme each week.

Please click on the cover to go to the book's page on Goodreads to read more about it and to see my review. 

Fiction



Nonfiction
Visit on Wednesday for a full review.

Currently Reading


What Are YOU Reading Friends?