It's Monday, What Are You Reading? January 25, 2016

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

Hello friends, I have been very fortunate to read several ARC's of books to be released this spring recently. There is much to look forward to. Please click on the covers to go to the book's page on Goodreads. 

 Fiction Picture Books

 

A wonderful new bedtime story coming in April!  

 A sweet story of finding one's own voice. 

Coming in March.

 

A second book by Boats for Papa author Jessixa Bagley.  Loved it! February release.

 

A must-have new beginning of the school year book! 

Coming in June. 

 Humorous story that recognizes and celebrates the "little guy". Coming in June.

 A remarkable wordless picture book.

Due to be released in April.

 

A smart, humorous book that kids will want to hear over and over again. Coming on Feb. 2!  

Nonfiction 

Using close up photos and factual clues, readers guess which animal's eye is shown. Released Jan. 30.

 

Young readers learn about birds through poetry. 

February 23rd released date. 

Middle Grade 

 

It will be difficult for many to wait until April for this book. I am planning a full review for tomorrow, but in short, it is perfection. It was so good that I reread it right after finishing it. Kate DiCamillo has a remarkable gift.

Currently Reading 

 I love Leslie Connor's books and this one is great so far!

Just received this in the mail over the weekend. Excited to really get into it this week. 

What Are YOU Reading Friends?

The Nora Notebooks: The Trouble with Ants by Claudia Mills

The Nora Notebooks: The Trouble with Ants 
by Claudia Mills

Expected publication: Sept. 22nd 2015 

by Knopf Books for Young Readers

179 Pages

Realistic Fiction

Middle Grade

Review copy is an advanced readers copy provided by Blueslip Media.

Goodreads Summary

Science-obsessed fourth grader Nora has ants all figured out—now she just has to try to understand her fellow humans!

The trouble with ants is . . .

. . . people think they’re boring.

. . . they are not cuddly.

. . . who would ever want them for a pet?

Nora Alpers is using her new notebook to record the behavior of ants. Why? Because they are fascinating! Unfortunately, no one agrees with her. Her mom is not happy about them being in the house, and when Nora brings her ant farm to school for show and tell, her classmates are not very impressed. They are more interested in cat videos, basketball practice, or trying to set a Guinness World Record (although Nora wouldn’t mind that).

Mostly they are distracted by the assignment their teacher Coach Joe has given them—to write a persuasive speech and change people’s minds about something. Will Nora convince her friends that ants are as interesting as she thinks they are? Or will everyone still think of ants as nothing but trouble?

With real science facts, a classroom backdrop, an emphasis on friendship, and appealing black-and-white interior illustrations from artist Katie Kath, The Nora Notebooks is perfect for newly independent readers—especially budding scientists like Nora!—and adults who want to encourage awareness of STEM subjects in young readers.

My Thoughts

Claudia Mills writes many fabulous books for early middle grades. I have read and enjoyed several in her Franklin School Friends series. Like that series, The Trouble with Ants (and likely the entire upcoming series) contains characters the reader gets to know well through their interactions and the author's descriptions. The characters are diverse and complement each other well. Readers may recognize Mason from Mills' Mason Dixon series. This book is a bit longer and "meatier" that the Franklin School series for student who are ready for a bit more of a challenge. 

Nora is an intelligent and delightfully quirky girl who is not afraid to proudly and publicly like what she likes. She loves science, but currently thinks ants are the most fascinating creatures and wants others to feel the same. She is a multifaceted character who also enjoys sports and is a great basketball player. This shows readers how it is possible to like something, but also have other talents and interests. 

Nora is also a bit socially awkward and is navigating the increasingly complex world of friendship. She is not what one would call "girly" and struggles to see the allure of cute cat videos and tea parties that seem to be capturing the interest of the clique of girls at school.  I think many middle graders will identify with Nora's difficulty with the confusing and increasingly strange social world of upper elementary school. 

When looking at the title, I thought that The Nora Notebooks would be "notebook style" books that are all written as though the character has written them. That is not the case. While there are a few interesting pieces of Nora's ant notebook scattered throughout, the book is written in third-person narration in a font size that will be comfortable to many readers.

Katie Kath's adorable black and white illustrations give the reader occasional images of the action. This will help readers who are beginning to read longer prose. The pictures are adorable and compliment the text beautifully. 

I would recommend The Nora Notebooks for students ready for a challenge in grade 2, but mostly for grades 3-5. 

Read what others are saying about The Nora Notebooks: Trouble with Ants.

Publishers Weekly

Visit Claudia Mills' website and Illustrator Katie Kath's website.

It's Monday, What Are You Reading-Feb. 23, 2015

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

Be sure to enter my giveaway of a signed hardcover copy of Lynda Mullaly Hunt's Fish in a tree here.

Thanks to a trip to the book store, I was able to read a bunch of picture books. Click on the covers to learn more about them.

Really cute book about counting and sharing. K-2

A book about fate and friendship. K-4

I really love the illustrations in this book about 

the ingredients necessary to make a good book. K-3

Neat story of creativity, persistence and making 

mistakes. Good for K-3.

LOVED this adorable parallel story. Great for any 

child who has ever been afraid of monsters. K-3.

Betty wants to peel her banana by herself. If you have 

spent any time around toddlers, you will totally recognize this scenario. 

I finished....

Thanks to my friend Jason Lewis for lending me this arc. 

Loved it! Good for grades 6+. Review later.

Currently Reading....

Really loving so far!

What Are You Reading Friends? 

Review of If It Rains Pancakes:Haiku and Lantern Poems

If It Rains Pancakes: Haiku and Lantern Poems
by Brian P. Cleary
Illustrated by Andy Rowland
Published by Millbrook Press
Expected publication May 1, 2014
32 pages
Genre: Poetry
Disclosure: Review copy provided by Netgalley.com


Summary
Brian Cleary introduces the reader to the ancient poetry forms of haiku and lantern poetry in this colorful and fun collection. The book is divided into two sections dedicated to each of the two types of poems. He briefly describes a bit of history behind each form and directions for writing them at the beginning of each section. The poems cover many different topics from classic nature-themed poems to a pig doing karate. 

My Thoughts
I enjoyed reading this short book of poems. The variety and humor will interest young readers as will the colorful, cartoonish illustrations. Cleary lists a variety of helpful resources for teachers and parents to use in the back of the book. I would use this book to introduce students to haiku and lantern poems or as part of a poetry unit for grades 2-5.
Here is one of my favorite haiku's from page 17 called The Mind.

The Mind

Memory is like

a room where tiny boxes

hold our yesterdays.

Companion Texts

Stack It Up Sunday-April 13, 2014

I love for Sundays to be lazy days focused on home and family so I don't normally do a big post. However, I like to share the random piles of books around my house. I originally posted about my piles on this celebration post. I'm sure you have stacks of books piled around and as I like to say...

Each pile has its own story.

These are my bedside stacks. Many have been there for quite a while. I am not currently reading any of them, but I like to keep them close. 

 This is the stack on top of the bedside table. The top book was recommended by my principal, but I have not read it yet. Then be different is a book that I have started and not finished. Finally, From Norvelt to Nowhere is an ARC I received at NCTE. I loved the first one, but have not read this one yet.

This is the stack on the bottom shelf of the bedside table. It contains various arc's and two books I plan to review. 

The cluttered kitchen counter usually has a stack or two. Right now it holds two books my daughter insisted she must have at the Scholastic Book Fair and a book about Greek Mythology by Ken Jennings (from Jeopardy). 

What books are in your stacks friends?

A Review of Genie Wishes by Elisabeth Dahl

Genie Wishes
by Elisabeth Dahl

288 pages
Publication Date April 2, 2013
from Amulet Books
Review copy provided by Netgalley.com
My Rating 5 out of 5 stars!


Summary from Goodreads.com
This sweet, funny novel follows fifth-grader Genie Kunkle through a tumultuous year. From the first day of school, Genie knows there will be good, bad, and in-between. The good? She’s in homeroom with her best friend, Sarah. The bad? Sarah’s friend from camp, Blair, is a new student at their school, and is itching to take Genie’s place as Sarah’s BFF. The in-between? Genie is excited to be elected to write her class’s blog, where she’s tasked with tracking the wishes and dreams of her class. But expressing her opinion in public can be scary—especially when her opinion might make the rest of her class upset.

My opinion
I think that many "tweens" will relate to Genie Wishes.  It could be the Are You There God It's Me Margaret for this generation.  Elisabeth Dahl tackles classic preadolescent challenges like friendship issues, jealousy, puberty, and popularity.  Genie, whose name is Genie Haddock Kunckle, is in fifth grade.  She is a sweet, innocent young girl who is forced to deal with the struggles of growing up when her BFF Sarah becomes close with the new girl, Blair.  Blair is somewhat superficial and is interested in flirting with boys, wearing makeup and being in the popular clique. Genie does not see what the rush is to grow up and is confused and hurt by the changes she sees in her friend Sarah.  As a result, the two friends grow further and further apart.   Throughout the story, Genie starts to learn tough lessons about true friendship and being happy with yourself.  

The writing is entertaining with many funny parts. Genie is a very endearing and likeable character.  I loved the part on Halloween when many girls were interested in looking "hot"in their costumes and Genie makes her own adorable fish tank costume.  

So many students will love this book.  It is listed for ages 8 and up (from the publisher). I, however, would recommend it for students in later 4th grade and up because of some sensitive issues such as wearing bras, flirting with boys, weight concerns and all the other wonderful things that come with going through puberty.  

I would consider Genie Wishes more of an individual or small book club book rather than a class read aloud because of the topics mentioned above.  I think it would be a valuable book for parents to read with their "tween".  It would be a nice springboard to having some important discussions about social difficulties and adolescent changes. I will be reading it with my own fifth grader.  
Kudos to Elisabeth Dahl for tackling some tough issues in her wonderful book. 

Check out the book trailer.   

It's Monday, What Are You Reading?- September 2, 2013

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

Please click on the picture to go to the book's page on Goodreads.

Being back at school, I did not get much reading done.  
Here is what I managed to get through.

The Invisible Boy 
by Trudy Ludwig
Release date: October 8, 2013 
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers
Picture book
40 Pages
Disclaimer: I received a digital copy from 
Edelweiss in exchange for my honest thoughts. 
I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Brian is an "invisible" boy.  No, not invisible in the sense that he cannot be seen, but invisible in the sense that no one seems to notice him.  He is quiet and shy and his teacher and classmates just seem to overlook him. He is not picked for recess teams or classroom groups.  Then one day a new student named Justin arrives at school.  After other make fun of Justin's lunch, Brian makes Justin feel welcome and accepted and soon the two are friends. Having one friend starts to change things for Brian, maybe he isn't so invisible after all. 

The illustrations are terrific.  I love the symbolism of how the illustrator portrays Brian in black and white and everything else in color.  

This book would make a great mentor text for a discussion about making everyone feel accepted.  It also serves as a reminder for teachers to make sure we try to give adequate attention to all of our students. 

Zero Tolerance
by Claudia Mills
I will be reviewing this book as part of a blog hop on September 11, please check back. 



Currently Reading

I am only a few pages into this book and it is AMAZING already!



Currently Listening

What's Next?
I was going to read The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom, but I have put it on hold because a book I requested from the library arrived.

What Are You Reading Friends?

Recent posts:

Nonfiction Wednesday

The Day the Crayons Quit Picture Book Review

A BIG Kindle Fire Giveaway and It's Monday, What Are You Reading? July 8, 2013

Just a reminder, to follow my blog 

via Bloglovin' just click on the picture below.

Before I get to my IMWAYR post, 
I'd like to tell you about a great giveaway.

Welcome to our Kindle Fire HD giveaway! Sponsored by  Kid Lit Frenzy Read Now Sleep Later Nite Lite Book Reviews The Windy Pages The Book Pixie There's a Book The Late Bloomer's Book Blog Teach Mentor Texts The Reading Date Nancy Tandon Read Write Mom Show our blogger friends some love and at the same time earn entries into the giveaway! The Kindle Fire HD winner (US only) will also get their choice of 1 July or August Kindle eBook from Kid Lit Frenzy 1 YA Kindle eBook from Read Now Sleep Later 1 MG Kindle eBook from There's a Book If you are not from the United States, use the second Rafflecopter to enter to win up to $20 worth of books from BookDepository.com  and an ARC or signed copy of a book from Kid Lit Frenzy (A list of possible prizes will be posted after July 14, so check back!)

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Questions? Please email the organizer, Alethea, at frootjoos at gmail dot com.

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Now here is my It's Monday, What Are You Reading Post. Incidentally, it is my 100th post!

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

Here is what I read this week. Click on 

the cover to go to the book's page on Goodreads.com

View my review of this book here.

Still Reading (and loving!)

Currently Listening

Other recent posts:

My IMWAYR from last week

A Review of Miss Moore Thought Otherwise and a Tribute to Libraries and Librarians

What Are You Reading?

A Review of How Do You Burp in Space? by Susan E. Goodman

How Do You Burp in Space?
by Susan E. Goodman
Illustrated by Michael Slack

Release date July 9, 2013
Published by Bloomsbury USA Children's
Nonfiction
For ages 8 and up
80 pages
I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. 




Summary
Did you know if you cry in space, the tears just stay in your eyes because of the reduced gravity?  Or did you realize that each member of a space flight is allowed only 2 pounds of personal supplies because the fuel costs approximately $10,000 per pound!! 


In this relatively short "travel guide", the reader gets a taste of what might be experienced if one were to travel into space.  Starting from take-off, the author describes what the travelers might see, feel and do in space.  It contains factual information combined with some entertaining humor.  Some things the reader will learn include what to expect during take off, what microgravity feels like, what astronauts do for fun, and what daily activities, such as eating (and yes, using the bathroom) will be like. 

My Thoughts
I was very happy I decided to read this book.  It is not the type of book I usually choose to read.  I found it to be very entertaining and informative.  Having only seen clips of space travel on the news, I knew very little about what astronauts actually do in space.  I never really thought about how difficult everyday things could be in microgravity.  Think about it.  So much of what we do every day relies on gravity such as brushing our teeth, drinking, and eating just to name a few. 
The author also describes what can be seen looking down on Earth from space.  Space travelers might see erupting volcanoes, and storm systems as they look back on the "big blue marble". 

The book contains photographs of real astronauts in space interspersed with some cute cartoon-ish characters that I think kids will really like.  Throughout the book, there are interesting quotes from real astronauts.  A timeline of space travel and suggestions for further reading are at the end.  At 80 pages, the book is not too long, but is long enough to engage a wide range of readers. 

In the Classroom
I know some students in my 4th grade class that would absolutely love this book.  How Do You Burp in Space? will appeal to many students who like non-fiction and/or books about space exploration.  It would make a great addition to a classroom library nonfiction section or in a thematic bin of books about space.  I could also imagine reading aloud a few pages per day during a unit on space and discussing as a class. This book could be used when teaching about different points of view as it is a good example of a text written in second person.
The writing style is narrative expository.  How Do You Burp in Space? could be analyzed and used as a mentor text to explore this type of writing. Students would also have fun coming up with questions they have about space travel after reading the book. I know I have a ton of questions now. 

Visit Susan Goodman's Website
Visit Michael Slack's Website

For more info on space exploration
kidsastronomy.com
ESA Kids 
NASA Kids' Club

Writing Resources
Travel for kids- Click on a country to view a brief travel guide for kids.
Design a travel brochure at Read, Write, Think
Download travel guide templates 

More Books for Kids Who Love Space
Visit Amazon and Goodreads for lists of children's books about space and space exploration.


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