It's Monday! What are you reading? Is a wonderful community of readers, teachers, and librarians. Hosted by Jen over at Teach Mentor Texts along with Kellee and Ricki at Unleashing Readers, participants share their reading adventures from the past week along with their reading plans for the week ahead.
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.
Staff meetings start this week. And then next Monday is the first day of school. I am wholly unprepared despite the fact that I've been going into school at least three days a week since the end of July to work on organizing the library. But I'm excited to be the librarian this year and I can't wait to share my love of books with the WHOLE SCHOOL! :)
Last week I reviewed:
Three 9/11 themed books to put on your TBR pile
This is NOT a Cat by David Larochelle, illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka
Last week I finished reading:
Highly Illogical Behavior by John Corey Whaley
I absolutely LOVED this book. I have a full review scheduled to post tomorrow.
Picture books that stood out in the pile last week:
Gary by Leila Rudge
So I think I need to read this one to a group of students to take the pulse of this book. I didn't really get this one, but at the same time, there's also that feeling bubbling up inside that I'm missing the point and I need a group of kids to help me figure it out (like my 8th graders did with Shaun Tan's Rules of Summer).
Ooko by Esme Shapiro
What wonderful writing! My favorite line: "I would much rather be stinky and play stick than be squeaky clean and play itchy games." :)
Chik Chak Shabbat by Mara Rockliff, illustrated by Kyrsten Brooker
I have a review scheduled of this one on Wednesday, but I'll give you a little teaser and say that this book totally exceeded my expectations.
Hey, Coach! by Linda Ashman, illustrated by Kim Smith
Ashman and Smith perfectly capture the chaos and feeling of herding cats that is coaching beginner sports for little kids. This book is both humorous and sweet. An absolute delight to read.
Explorers of the Wild by Cale Atkinson
A book that reminds us to always view the world with wonder and amazement -- and to find friends who can share it with you. Love the adorable illustrations in this one.
Currently reading:
March: Book Two by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell
Still reading with my ears:
The Hired Girl by Laura Amy Schlitz
Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow
Last week I also reviewed the Memory of Things and nine, ten, but I haven't read Towers Falling. I will add it to my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteI will have to read Gary because that's my husband's name. I hope you will blog about it if your students find a different way to view the story.
There are some interesting picture books in your list. I don't know Chik Chac Shabbat, but I just looked it up and it sounds heart-warming. So many of my students play soccer, I'll have to check out Hey, Coach. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe it's already back to school! I have so much work to do this week to prepare. John Corey Whaley's books never quite work for me, but I always think they're really interesting, so I'm looking forward to the new one.
ReplyDeleteI have not gotten to the three 9/11 book but they have been on my list all summer. Thanks for bringing them forward again - a good reminder to dig them up and read them.
ReplyDeleteI really want to read Highly Illogical Behaviour, and it is even available at our local library, but sometimes here at IMWAYR, I feel like a kid in a candy store. I want to read (eat) everything, but realistically, it isn't possible!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to your thoughts on Chik Chak Shabbat. I liked it, but didn't love it. Hoping you found something that I missed!
ReplyDeleteI've ordered Chik Chak Shabbat from my library; looks awesome! Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting array of books on your list this week! I read The Memory of Things (loved), but not the other two yet. I want to read all three! So interesting they all came out this year. Just finished the audio of Highly Illogical Behavior, and loved the characters. I just love the cover of Ooko. It made me buy it. ;-)
ReplyDeleteLooking forward (though not prepared for the tears) of reading the 9/11 books that are out right now, but they all look brilliant. Also looking forward to your Illogical Behavior review tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteHappy reading this week :)
You just inspired me to pick up Highly Illogical Behavior off of my bedroom floor. I've been meaning to get to it for too long!
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