It's Monday, What Are You Reading? July 23, 2018

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 two weeks. Click on the book covers to learn more about the books. 

Finished

Read

Great new middle grade. Excellent for grades 4-5!

Sweet story of a special friendship. Grades 4-6. 

I have been getting many of my picture book ideas from my friend Michele Knott's blog Mrs. Knott's Book Nook. You should definitely go visit. 

A fun new interactive book for little ones. Ages 3-6.

Very sweet. Grades K-2

5 stars for this wonderful picture book. The grandmother is amazing! Ages 3-7

Another great story of acceptance. Ages 3-7

Currently Reading

And loving it!

Listening

Recent posts:

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Review and Giveaway of All is Assuredly Well

How to Trick the Toothfairy

Pink is for Boys by Robb Pearlman and Eda Kaban

Pink is for Boys 
by Robb Pearlman and Eda Kaban
Published June 5, 2018
Running Press
Fiction
40 pages
Review copy (F&G) was provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary
Pink is for boys . . . and girls . . . and everyone! This timely and beautiful picture book rethinks and reframes the stereotypical blue/pink gender binary and empowers kids-and their grown-ups-to express themselves in every color of the rainbow. Featuring a diverse group of relatable characters, Pink Is for Boys invites and encourages girls and boys to enjoy what they love to do, whether it's racing cars and playing baseball, or loving unicorns and dressing up. Vibrant illustrations help children learn and identify the myriad colors that surround them every day, from the orange of a popsicle, to the green of a grassy field, all the way up to the wonder of a multicolored rainbow.

Parents and kids will delight in Robb Pearlman's sweet, simple script, as well as its powerful message: life is not color-coded.

My Thoughts

How often have we heard kids (and adults) talk about colors like pink and purple being "girl" colors or associated with femininity?
This book reinforces the concept that colors do not have a gender specificity and ALL colors are for ALL people. 
The repeating text is sparse, but effective. Children will quickly be able to learn the story and read it themselves. 
However, the illustrations by Eda Kaban really bring this book to life. Each page is depicted in the color being showcased and the last pages put all the beautiful colors together. The characters are simply adorable with many ethnicities and abilities being represented so children will find someone that looks like them. 

I would happily share this story to kids ages 2-6

See what others have to say about this book. 

Publishers Weekly

Kirkus

Unleashing Readers

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday-Game Changer: John McLendon and the Secret Game

My Friend Alyson Beecher at Kid Lit Frenzy hosts a weekly link up to share Nonfiction Picture Books. Please visit her amazing website.

Game Changer: John Mclendon and the Secret Game

by John Coy

Illustrated by Randy DuBurke

Published 2015

Carolrhoda Books

32 Pages

Nonfiction Picture Book

Copy obtained from public library

Goodreads Summary

When they piled into cars and drove through Durham, North Carolina, the members of the Duke University Medical School basketball team only knew that they were going somewhere to play basketball. They didn't know whom they would play against. But when they came face to face with their opponents, they quickly realized this secret game was going to make history. 

Discover the true story of how in 1944, Coach John McLendon orchestrated a secret game between the best players from a white college and his team from the North Carolina College of Negroes. At a time of widespread segregation and rampant racism, this illegal gathering changed the sport of basketball forever.

My Thoughts

I love reading about bits of history that are not widely known. Coach Mclendon believed that basketball could change prejudices. The Duke University players had to cover their heads and block car windows so they could not be seen. Since this was during racial segregation, it was illegal for these two teams to play each other. At first, they didn't even want to touch each other. By then end? Well, you won't get any spoilers from me. 

The font looks like the story was written on an old typewriter and many of the pages have a light blue background giving it an "older" feel. 

The story is inspirational and completely relevant today. 

I think it would make a great read aloud for grades 3-6 near the beginning of the school year to spark discussion about differences and prejudices. 

See what others have to say about this book:

Kirkus

The Horn Book

Bookpage

Publishers Weekly

Visit the author's webpage.