Monday, May 29, 2017

It's Monday! What are you reading? 5-29-17


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.


Last week's posts:

The Explorers: The Door in the Alley blog tour
Orphan Island blog tour +giveaway


Last week I finished reading:

Saving Red by Sonya Sones 

Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco
Pride: Celebrating Diversity and Community by Robin Stevenson 


Picture books that stood out in the pile:
 
Blue Sky White Stars by Sarvinder Naberhaus, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
Kadir Nelson's illustrations always stir my soul and move me to near tears. This book is no different. A lovely, spare, and inclusive tribute to our flag.


Bravo! Poems About Amazing Hispanics by Margarita Engle, illustrated by Rafael Lopez 
Margarita Engle's poetry always manages to be simple, lyrical, and profound all at the same time.


We're All Wonders by R.J. Palacio 
When I heard that there would be yet another spinoff Wonder book, I have to say that I was rather dubious. It seems like every year there's a new book to try to capitalize on the popularity of the original middle grade novel that was published in 2012. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book as well as the artwork. RJ Palacio isn't just a talented writer, but also a gifted artist. 


Currently reading:

The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner  

7 comments:

  1. I won a copy of Orphan Island, will read it soon! We're All Wonders is new to me. I'm glad you thought it was good! Hope you enjoy The Serpent King. I certainly liked it. Thanks, Beth.

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  2. I was unsure about We're All Wonders, but now that I've read your thoughts, I'll give it a try.

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  3. Orphan Island is on my to read list and I hope to get to it some time this year. I've not kept up with all the Wonder follow ups, but hope they all contribute to the creation of kinder communities.

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  4. Orphan Island is a favorite for this year. I thought Laurel's Nerdy post was so interesting, but I wold love to see either a sequel or prequel!
    I liked Explorers too! I gave it to my 11yo and I think she liked it even more than I did. Will be interesting to see how more kids react to it.

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  5. I'm eagerly awaiting the release of Orphan Island. :) I also want to get my hands on Blue Sky White Stars.

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  6. I was also dubious for We're All Wonders, and then I loved it!!! I can't wait to hear your thoughts on The Serpent King. I love, love that book.

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  7. Can't wait for Blue Sky, White Stars. And Bravo and Orphan Island are on my TBR list.

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