Recent Reads-September 9, 2023

Hi everyone!

Here are a couple of books I have enjoyed reading lately. (Images from Goodreads). Click on the covers to learn more about each book. 

When looking for books to share around Indigenous People's Day, I read these two books. I loved them both and plan to get them for my library. 

Add this one to your collection of books on stereotypes and gender norms and expectations. 

I read there Maine Student Book Award books recently. 

I have a student who discovered skateboarding over the summer. 

I can't wait to share this book with him. 

Just Beautiful!

This gorgeous book is accessible to all students.

This was a really good audiobook. 

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? August 7, 2023

 

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

I am still enjoying summer reading! Here are a few recent highlights. Click on the book covers to learn more about the books.

This book is on the Maine Student Book Award List this year. It is a great historical fiction choice that gives a unique perspective of WWII. 

This graphic novel is also on the MSBA list. 

I predict that it will never be on my shelf. 

Told through the voice of a teacher trying to explain slavery to students. An honest, important book to read, share and discuss. 

Powerful illustrations add to the emotional experience. 

Listening 

Upcoming Reading

I am trying to work my way through many of the Maine Student Book Award book for this year so I can recommend them to my students. I am also reading books from various mock Caldecott lists. 

What are you reading friends? 

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? July 11, 2022

 

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

Here are a couple books I read last week.  

We Are Shapes

by Melinda Beck

Published April, 2022

Phaidon Press

32 Pages

Board Book

Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

A playful and clever board book about shapes and teamwork by a two-time Emmy-nominated children's content creator at Nickelodeon

Pitch-perfect for a preschool audience, this board book introduces shapes and explores themes of teamwork and resilience. Square, rectangle, triangle, circle, squiggly and lumpy all work together to build a house. Each shape makes a unique contribution, and collectively they achieve something that they could not do alone. With an emphasis on interpersonal development, and visually inspired by the children's books created by Russian Constructivists, this is an artful, fresh take on the evergreen topic of shapes. This charming book teaches young readers everywhere that we are far stronger together than alone.

My Thoughts

I am already thinking about using this book in my library for K-1. It offers the concept work of shapes and the attributes of shapes while also capitalizing on the theme of teamwork. The illustrations are intentionally simplistic, and each shape has its own unique personality. This will be a book kids want to hear over and over again. 

Here are some other books I read last week. Click on the cover to go to the book's page on Goodreads. 

From the 2022-2023 Maine Student Book Award List

Loved this graphic novel for younger students from the author of Mel Fell. And it's a series! 

I am kind of obsessed with all the Elephant & Piggies Like Reading series. 

 

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? July 11, 2016

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

Here are some of the books I have read over the last 2 weeks. Click on the book covers to learn more about the books.

Picture Books

Cute story of a unique friendship. Good for grades K-2. 

Reviewed this one last week. Click here to read my review. 

Middle Grade

Really enjoyed this book from the 2016-17 MSBA list. 

This book hit closer to home than I expected. Very powerful without being too focused on the "message". Upper middle grades.

I love Jennifer Nielsen's books and this was an excellent sequel to Mark of the Thief. 

 I have not read many historical fiction set during the Civil War. I really enjoyed this one. For YA readers.

An engaging audio book for YA readers. 

Currently Reading

I am reading this one very slowly because it is jammed packed with great ideas!

Also...

I am excited to be participating in my first ever #CyberPD this summer. We are reading DIY Literacy. Click here to read my first reflection. 

What are YOU reading friends?

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? June 27, 2016

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

It's good to be back. I took a hiatus from blogging since early May! This was not intentional. The end of the year craziness, combined with my poorly planned timing of taking the exam for National Boards, made May-June exceptionally busy.   I am excited for summer and have been reading quite a bit. Here are a few I have enjoyed recently. Click on the covers to learn more about them. 

 

Currently Reading

Up Next?

What Are You Reading Friends?

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? May 2,2016

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

Here are the books I got to this week. Click on the covers to learn more about each book. 

 

Kids will never look at their refrigerators the same way again. Super-fun!

Great beginning-of-the-year picture book!

An early chapter book about living in two homes. Important book for children dealing with divorce. 

Finished Listening

 Wasn't a favorite from this week, but some kids will like this story of the mysterious mud.

I really enjoyed this historical tale based on a true story. 

Currently Reading

What are YOU reading friends?

It's Monday, What Are You Reading-April 25, 2016

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

This blog is very dusty. I have not been able to post regularly for over a month and probably won't be able to until late spring or even early summer. However, I have been reading and since it is the end of vacation week, I have time to post some of the books I have read over the last few weeks. 
Click on the book covers to learn more about them. 

Really fun book about an unusual inheritance. 

Great story of the importance of friendship. 

Funny book of sibling revenge to the extreme.

Love Kwame!

Excellent mildly dystopian novel for upper elementary and middle school. 

Wish I had read it sooner! Edge-of-your-seat historical fiction!

Currently Reading

Up Next

What Are You Reading Friends?