It's Monday, What Are You Reading? September 23, 2019

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

Here are a few books I have been able to read over the last couple of weeks. Click on the covers to go to the book's page on Goodreads. 

by Pam Berkman

Dorothy Hearst

Illustrated by Claire Powell

Published by Margaret K McEldery Books

August 2019

Goodreads Summary:
Join Filigree, a five-pound Pomeranian, as he stows away on Paul Revere’s midnight ride in this first book of the At the Heels of History series, inspired by important events and told through the eyes, ears, and noses of dogs.
Filigree may be a small puff of a Pomeranian but he has a big, brave heart. As the Revere family dog, he’s ready to do his part to help the American colonists stand up to the British soldiers. But the other dogs, like Jove, Sam Adams’s Newfoundland, and even the Revere cat, Anvil, think Filigree is a joke. The Reveres’ daughter Frances is the only one who believes in him.

When Frances’s father, Paul Revere, leaves home on a secret mission, Filigree and Frances know they have to help, no matter how dangerous it might be. Will a pint-sized pup just be in the way, or can Filigree prove that even a very small dog can fight for freedom?

I love this time period and would definitely add this one to any 3-5 classroom or school library! There are more to come in this At the Heels of History series. 

by Ellen Javernick

Illustrated by Colleen Madden

Published by Two Lions 

August 2019

Goodreads Summary: What if everybody were more thoughtful before they judged someone?
If you see someone in a wheelchair, you might think he or she couldn’t compete in a race. But…you might be wrong. What if you see a child with no hair? Do you think she is embarrassed all the time? How about a kid who has a really hard time reading? Do you think that means he’s not smart? You might think so. But…you might be wrong.

With clear prose and lighthearted artwork, this companion book to the bestseller What If Everybody Did That? explores the preconceived notions we have about the world and encourages kids to be more thoughtful. 

This is the 3rd in the "What if Everybody..." series. The others are What if Everyone Did That? and What if Everyone Said That?

by Michael Engler, 

Illustrated by Joëlle Tourlonias and Laura Watkinson

Amazon Crossing Kids

Sept. 2019

Goodreads Summary: Life is more fun when you’re a tiger like me!
A little boy—um, no, a tiger!—tells us all about what he gets up to on an ordinary day: how he wakes up in his tiger den, what he eats for breakfast at his feeding spot, and how little tigers feel when they are wide awake, hungry, thirsty, or in the mood for adventures. But at night, even the wildest of tigers is happy to curl up in bed with Tiger-Mom and Tiger-Dad and become a cuddly little tiger cub.

With warm illustrations and playful text, this delightful story first published in Germany shows just how sweet life can be for a little tiger!

by Lynne Kelly

Published by Feb. 2019 by Delacorte Press

Goodreads Summary: In the spirit of modern-day classics like Fish in a Tree and Counting by 7s comes the story of a deaf girl's connection to a whale whose song can't be heard by his species, and the journey she takes to help him.
From fixing the class computer to repairing old radios, twelve-year-old Iris is a tech genius. But she's the only deaf person in her school, so people often treat her like she's not very smart. If you've ever felt like no one was listening to you, then you know how hard that can be.
When she learns about Blue 55, a real whale who is unable to speak to other whales, Iris understands how he must feel. Then she has an idea: she should invent a way to "sing" to him! But he's three thousand miles away. How will she play her song for him?
Full of heart and poignancy, this affecting story by sign language interpreter Lynne Kelly shows how a little determination can make big waves.

What are you reading friends?

Teachers, I Feel You

The first week of school is done and we are ready to start again with week 2.  I was a classroom teacher for many years and I remember how tough the first week(s) can be. As an instructional coach during the first week of school, I visit classrooms and try to be helpful. I assist teachers with finding resources and pop into classrooms and help as the students learn new routines. I do some read alouds and book talks and answer lots of questions. Part of the role of a coach is to watch and listen carefully. Last week I saw so many beautiful moments in my schools as all of the adults in our buildings collectively supported students in the transition back to school that I wanted to write about them.

Teachers, I Feel You

To the teacher with the new student 

Who can not keep his hands to himself. 

You cheerfully say, 

"It looks like you could use more space, 

How would you like to use the table?" 

I feel your patience.

To the teacher who gently holds the hand 

Of an exhausted little guy as he sobs, 

"I miss my mom". 

I feel your kindness. 

To the teacher with that challenging class.

You read a book to them called, I Believe in You.

I listen as you talk about ways to support them.

I feel your devotion.  

To the teacher who dropped your own child at day care 

for the first time this morning.

You dry your tears and give your best self to your students. 

I feel your strength. 

To the teachers who walk their classes in lines. 

Saying, "I see walking feet." 

"I see students facing forward." 

I feel your optimism. 

To the teacher with the "resistant" student

Who refuses to come to circle.

"We simply can't do this without you." is all you say.

I feel your respect. 

To the nervous new teacher. 

Who greets a class of eager students for the first time

With a wide smile and knocking knees.

I feel your courage. 

To ALL the educators who work so hard for our students

Every day.

I feel your passion, your dedication, your hope and your exhaustion. 

I am with you.

I feel you. 

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? July 22, 2019

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

Here are a few books I have been able to read over the last couple of weeks. Click on the covers to go to the book's page on Goodreads. 

This one was not exactly my cup of tea, but many kids will like it. Grades 2-4. 

So glad I found this series from Capstone. Great for late 2nd to early 4th. 

Daisy finds that she can talk to animals in this delightful series. Grades 2-4. 

Really sweet story to add to your collection of #Ownvoices.

Currently Reading

Up Next?

What are you reading friends? 

Pie in the Sky by Remy Lai

Pie in the Sky 
by Remy Lai
Published May, 2019
Henry Holt & Co.
385 Pages
Fiction
Review copy provided by publisher


Goodreads Summary
When eleven-year-old Jingwen moves to a new country, he feels like he’s landed on Mars. School is torture, making friends is impossible since he doesn’t speak English, and he's often stuck looking after his (extremely irritating) little brother, Yanghao.
To distract himself from the loneliness, Jingwen daydreams about making all the cakes on the menu of Pie in the Sky, the bakery his father had planned to open before he unexpectedly passed away. The only problem is his mother has laid down one major rule: the brothers are not to use the oven while she's at work. As Jingwen and Yanghao bake elaborate cakes, they'll have to cook up elaborate excuses to keep the cake making a secret from Mama.
Told in prose and graphic novel elements, this middle-grade novel is about a boy's immigration experience, his annoying little brother, and their cake-baking hijinks!

My Thoughts

Remy Lai has done a wonderful job portraying what it can be like for children who relocate and do not speak the language of their new country. Jingwen is confused, embarrassed, frustrated and angry. It doesn't help that his little brother seems to be making friends and learning English far more easily. Jingwen's desperation is palpable as he feverishly tries to finish making all the cakes he and his father had talked about making for the Pie in the Sky cake shop, hoping that he will feel better by honoring his father. 

Although the book is 385 pages, parts of it are presented using a graphic novel format which help move the story forward. Australian people are drawn looking like aliens and their speech bubbles are nonsense symbols representing how Jingwen sees them. 

This book offers many discussion possibilities for students. It can serve as a mirror for students who are English Language Learners and a window for native students to see what new students may be experiencing as they acclimate to a new country. 

I would recommend it for grades 4-6. 

I would also not recommend that you read Pie in the Sky on an empty stomach. Those cakes just sound so yummy! 

Images from the Macmillan website.

See What Others Have to Say About Pie in the Sky:

Fuse 8 from School Library Journal

Kirkus

Publishers Weekly

Visit Remy Lai's website

New Series "By the Numbers" from Steve Jenkins

I wanted to share this super-cool new series from Steve Jenkins. So far there are two in the series published by HMH Books for Young Readers. 

Earth by the Numbers

Dinosaurs by the Numbers

Each is hardcover with approximately 40 pages. They are filled with fascinating infographics and include a glossary of important terms. Kids will love examining the infographics and sharing their learning. 

These books would make a wonderful addition to your library for grades 3-5. 

Coming soon: 

The Solar System by the Numbers

Insects by the Numbers

Cowhide-and-Seek by Sheri Dillard and Jess Pauwels

Cowhide-and-Seek
by Sheri Dillard
Illustrated by Jess Pauwels
Published May, 2019
Running Press kids
Picture Book
Hardcover
Fiction
32 Pages
Review copy provided by publisher


Goodreads Summary
A fun and humorous picture book, perfect for fans of Click, Clack, Moo.
Where, oh where, could Bessie be? When Bessie hears the farmer counting his cows, she thinks he's starting a game of hide-and-seek. She hurries off to hide, determined to be the winner- but she's the only one playing! When her "hiding spot" walks away, she follows it . . . right off the farm! Ready or not, here comes the farmer! Will Bessie find the perfect place to hide?

My Thoughts

Kids love a good game of hide and seek. Imagine how they will enjoy watching Bessie and she tries to hide in plain sight. It reminds me of how toddlers play hide and seek as they crouch behind a small object and think that they can't be seen. This book is silly and fun. The illustrations are well done with mostly stark white backgrounds with colorful diverse characters. 

Kids from toddlers to age 5 will enjoy this book. 

Image from Amazon.com

See what others have to say about this book:

Kirkus

The Baby Bookworm Blog
Visit Sheri Dillard's website
Visit Jess Pauwels website

It's Monday, What Are You Reading July 1, 2019

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

Here are a few books I have been able to read over the last couple of weeks. Click on the covers to go to the book's page on Goodreads. 

The second in the series from Kayla Miller.  The story is all too relatable and timeless as Olive and Willow struggle with their friendship at summer camp when their personalities and expectations differ. Great for middle schoolers. 

Reading fantasy is a book gap for me. The Storm Keeper's Island was a nice way to fill it a bit. This is the first in the series. For 5th grade and up. 

This is the first in the super-cute graphic novel series, Monkey and Cake. First grade is the sweet spot for this one.  

Crabtree Publishing has a whole series of these fractured fair tales. If you are looking for books for second graders who are striving readers, want something entertaining, but not too young looking, this one does the trick. 

I really like Scholastic's Acorn imprint for young readers. There are currently 3 in this series. They are in full color and are written in  short chapters. Perfect for grades 1-2. 

Currently Reading

and 

What are you reading friends? 

Blog Tour: Moon! Earth's Best Friend by Stacy McAnulty and Stevie Lewis

Moon! Earth's Best Friend
by Stacy McAnulty 
Illustrated by Stevie Lewis
Published June 11, 2019
Henry Holt and Co.
Fiction
Picture book
40 pages
Advanced reader's copy provided by publisher. 
A Junior Library Guild selection. 



I am thrilled to be today's stop on the blog tour for Moon! Earth's Best Friend. It releases today!!

Goodreads Summary
From writer Stacy McAnulty and illustrator Stevie Lewis, Moon! Earth's Best Friend is a light-hearted nonfiction picture book about the formation and history of the moon—told from the perspective of the moon itself.

Meet Moon! She's more than just a rock—she’s Earth’s rock, her best friend she can always count on. Moon never turns her back on her friend (literally: she's always facing Earth with the same side!). These two will stick together forever. With characteristic humor and charm, Stacy McAnulty channels the voice of Moon in this next celestial "autobiography" in the Our Universe series. Rich with kid-friendly facts and beautifully brought to life by Stevie Lewis, this is an equally charming and irresistible companion to Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years and Sun! One in a Billion.

My Thoughts

I am a huge fan of Stacy McAnulty and the "Our Universe" series so I was so excited to see a third book in the series. The entire series, including Moon! Earth's Best Friend, is super informative and entertaining. Readers (including me!) learn so much about Earth's moon in this book. 
Did you know that the moon was created 4.5 billion years ago as the result of Mars crashing into Earth? McAnulty has a way of tucking facts into the Moon's first person narrative that makes it easy for readers to understand. I have a much greater appreciation for Moon and what it does for Earth after reading this book. 

The illustrations, created by Stevie Lewis with colored pencils and digital tools, are fabulous and really make the information come alive. Readers will love the relationship between Moon and Earth!

Picture taken by me of a page from the advanced reader's copy. 

This book, and this whole series, is a must-have for elementary classrooms and libraries. 

Visit Stacy McAnulty's website for more information on her books. 

Visit Stevie Lewis' website  to learn more about her illustration work. 

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? April 22, 2019

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

I have not posted an IMWAYR post in ages. 

Here are some books I have read recently. 

Currently Reading

A Couple of New Titles Perfect for Spring!

A Little Chicken
by Tammi Sauer
Illustrated by Dan Taylor
Published March, 2019
Sterling Children's Books
Hardcover
Picture Book
Fiction
32 pages
Review copy provided by publisher.




Goodreads Summary
Dot is scared of lots of things: wolves, bears, the occasional lawn ornament. But when one of her mother’s eggs rolls out of the nest, this nervous chick must find the courage to save the day—and her new sibling! So she bravely ventures down the steep hill, into the deep pond, and into the dark woods. Perfect for any kid who needs a little encouragement to face the challenging world, this story proves that sometimes a big hero is just a little chicken.

My Thoughts
This fun read will appeal to little ones as they read to see if Dot can save the her future sibling even though she is scared. I loved the illustrations and page layouts. The repetitive phrase, "CLUCK-CLUCK. No luck." will invite kids to read along. 

See what others have to say about this book:

Kirkus

Katie Reviews Books

Visit Tammi Sauer's website

Visit Dan Taylor's website

Growing Season                    

by Maryann Cocca-Leffler

Published April, 2019
Sterling Children's Books
Hardcover
Picture Book
Fiction
40 pages
Review copy provided by publisher.

Goodreads Summary
El and Jo are the smallest students in their class—and best friends, too, like peas in a pod. Even their names are short. But in springtime, something BIG happens: Jo starts growing like a weed, while El feels smaller every day. On the last day of school, their teacher asked every child to pick a plant to care for over the summer. All the other kids reach over El to grab their plant, and she has to take the very last one: a tiny, flowerless aster. At first, she’s disappointed. But as summer progresses, the aster begins to bloom—and so does El!

El and Jo are the shortest kids in class, and they’re inseparable. But what happens when Jo starts to grow? This sweet picture book explores the joys and challenges of friendship and growing up. “A sweet story with emotional depth.” —Kirkus

My Thoughts

This story is perfect for spring time. Just as flowers are starting to bloom, our students have grown in many ways as well. 

When Jo starts to grow taller than El, she experiences many feelings that would make for great discussions. 

The illustrations are very sweet with adorable culturally and physically diverse characters. It would make an excellent addition to your library!

See what others have to say about this book:

Kirkus

Publishers Weekly

Katie Reviews Books

Visit Maryann Cocca-Leffler's website .

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? January 14, 2019

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

Here is my reading from the past few weeks. Click on the book covers to learn more about the books.

I LOVED the character of Little Charlie. 

I listened to this one on audio. So good! Grades 5+

Merci has a lot to deal with including navigating middle school and her grandfather's advancing Alzheimer's Disease. Grades 4-6.

I enjoyed this story and kids will like it as well. I wanted a bit more development and felt it moved a little too quickly. But you will want it for your classroom. Grades 4-5. 

Isabella's family becomes "blended" after her parents' divorce. She feels "blended" with a white mother and black father. Draper explores both of these aspects well. It ended abruptly in my opinion, but I did enjoy it. Grades 5-8. 

Currently Reading

Listening to...

What are you reading friends?