Monday, January 30, 2017

It's Monday! What are you reading? 1-30-17


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.

I missed posting last week because two weekends ago I attended the Women's March on Washington and didn't get back until late on Sunday. In honor of that historic event, I am giving away a Women's March-inspired prize pack.


I recently read and enjoyed:

P. Zonka Lays an Egg by Julie Paschkis
Beautiful, highly stylized, yet whimsical illustrations. Really enjoyed this book.  


Duncan, the Story Dragon by Amanda Driscoll
Poor Duncan. He loves books so very much, but when he gets excited, he can't help but breathe fire. And well, his books result in a pile of ash. Will Duncan ever be able to finish a book? 


Radiant Child:  The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat by Javaka Steptoe
I read the newly minted 2017 Caldecott medalist to my 1st-3rd grade students last week and even though many of them didn't completely understand it, the overall tone of their reaction seemed to be one of enjoyment. They were disappointed that the books they chose for our school's mock Caldecott didn't win, but they appreciated the opportunity to have a picture book read to them that they hadn't seen before. 




Currently reading with my ears:

Anna and the Swallow Man by Gavriel Savit
I was hooked on this 2017 Odyssey Award winner from chapter 1.  

9 comments:

  1. I need to take a look at Anna and the Swallow Man. Need more books on the Holocaust for the 8th grade.

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  2. I've been thinking about trying audiobooks again (I'm so interested in my various podcasts that I only listen to those on my commute) and Anna looks like a fine way to start with. I love P.Zonka. Radiant Child is far and away my favorite of many exciting moments from the Youth Media Awards.

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  3. It's quite fascinating to compare the actual Caldecotts with mock Caldecott results. I often take book awards with a grain of salt, because so often they award books that really are wonderful, but which appeal more to grownups who work with children than with children themselves. Still, sometimes the stars align!

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  4. I am very excited since Radiant Child is ready for me to pick up at the library! And thanks for the heads up about Anna and the Swallow Man, since I love audiobooks and this one is available in that format.

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  5. I've had Anna and the Swallow Man for a while, and haven't taken the time to read it yet. Hopefully soon. I liked Duncan, the Story Dragon a lot, very cute. Thanks Beth. It's wonderful that you're giving away the prize pack!

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  6. I need to reread Radiant Child. I read it quickly but then the school used my copy for Mock Caldecott. I should get it back soon :)

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  7. I really am looking forward to finding a copy of Radiant Child - I loved Basquiat's collaboration with Maya Angelou in Life Doesn't Frighten Me. - Myra from GatheringBooks

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  8. I really enjoyed reading Anna and the Swallow Man. Enjoy! Radiant Child is beloved in my classroom.

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  9. I need to reread Radiant Child, too! I really liked it, but then got busy and haven't gotten around to buying my own copy yet.

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