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.