My Monday posts are generally just a highlight of what I've been reading during the week so if you'd like to see all that I've been reading, follow my Goodreads page.
Last week I reviewed:
Drum Dream Girl by Margarita Engle, illustrated by Rafael Lopez
I finished reading:
French Milk by Lucy Knisley
This was a re-read for me. I read it back in 2009, but wanted to read it again because I have been on a Lucy Knisley kick lately, wanting to read ALL THE BOOKS by her.
Dogs are People, Too by Dave Coverly
Reminds me of a dog-centric version of The Far Side. Clever and funny. What more could you ask for?
I finished reading with my ears:
Things We Know by Heart by Jessi Kirby
I don't really have much to say about this book. It was a sweet summer romance but I won't be remembering much about it a few weeks from now.
Picture books I enjoyed last week:
I'm Trying to Love Spiders by Bethany Barton
Who says factual books can't be funny and full of voice? Certainly not Bethany Barton! This book helps arachnophobes come to grips with their fear through humor and logic.
Night Animals by Gianna Marino
Who knew that those nocturnal animals we're all scared of were scared of each other?
Black Cat by Christopher Myers
As much as I loved the illustrations, I am dying to type the text out and have it stand alone because Myers paints his words with such imagery and sensory detail. I definitely want to use this in my poetry writing unit.
Space Boy and His Dog by Dian Curtis Regan, illustrated by Robert Neubecker
This is a story about Niko and his dog, Tag, who go into outer space to look for Mrs. Jarabaldi's lost cat. But it is definitely NOT a story about Niko's sister, Posh.
Currently reading:
Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead
Jumped In by Patrick Flores-Scott
Currently reading with my ears:
Echo by Pam Munoz Ryan
This book is incredibly special. At one point I had to stop listening just to process all the things I was feeling from such profound, beautiful writing.
Last week on my teaching blog:
The promise of a blank notebook
Celebrate past, present, and future
Hi Beth, What a great reading week! I just read Space Boy (which is SO not about his sister ;-) Echo is amazing! I am curious about how the audio version would be. I am hearing lots about Goodbye Stranger. Enjoy your week!
ReplyDeleteNice assortment of books this week. I have also been hearing good things about Echo and Goodbye Stranger. I'll be eager to hear what you think. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteLoved Echo as well! :) Can't wait to read Drum Dream Girl... happy reading to you!
ReplyDeleteFrench Milk sounds fun. My teenage daughter and I are going to London for two weeks next year, so maybe I should read it! Curious to see what you think of Goodbye Stranger.
ReplyDeleteGlad you are enjoying Echo. It is special! Thanks for the spider book, which I'll get immediately for my daughter-perhaps it will help! The Black Cat and Night Animals also look good, Beth. I learn about new authors from you, will look for French Milk, too!
ReplyDeleteI just keep seeing Echo and always raves. I need to order.... I read Black Cat ages ago--no memory of it whatsoever. Sounds like one I'd like to use in my Methods course in the fall--I'm looking for PBs with really strong poetic writing. Thanks for bringing it back to my attention!
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping to get to Echo eventually this summer. I will purchase I'm Trying to Love Spiders, but if Be Nice to Spiders couldn't make me feel more loving towards them, I doubt anything will. I'm interested in Jumped In, but I'm worried that it might not be appropriate for my readers. I'll just have to read it first I guess.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter and I are listening to Echo right now, too! I read the book first, but I am loving the music in the audio. And the accents! We just finished Friedrich's story.
ReplyDeleteI'll be getting to Stead's book in the next 2 weeks. I've been hearing mixed reviews...
So much to comment on Beth!!
ReplyDeleteFirst, I hope you enjoy Jumped In. It has a special place in my heart, and I just love those boys!
Let me know how the Echo audio is. Echo is one that I really want to read, and audio would be a perfect way to listen to it.
I have Night Animals and Space Boy to read as well--I look forward to them. Your review of Black Cat intrigued me, and I am going to see if my library has it.
Happy reading this week! :)
What a great selection of books you read this week! How are you enjoying the audiobook of Echo? Do you enjoy the narrator? I love audiobooks for long drives and I am curious if this one would be worth it to listen to vs. reading. Decisions!
ReplyDeleteEcho does sound like an exquisite book - and one that should be savored. I would want to read it myself though - I have issues with audio book. :) I already own a copy so I hope to find the time to read it in the next few weeks. :)
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