It's Monday! What are you reading? 4-7-14

Originally hosted by Sheila at Book Journey, Jen over at Teach Mentor Texts along with Kellee and Ricki at Unleashing Readers also host a kidlit version of It's Monday! What are You Reading?

I had a great reading week, starting with finishing this little-known gem:
 
Open Mic: Riffs on Life Between Cultures in Ten Voices edited by Mitali Perkins
I can't recommend this book highly enough. I hope Mitali Perkins tries to make this a series of books. I wanted to read more. What a great idea to tell humorous, lighthearted stories to talk about race and culture. It doesn't have to be so serious all the time.


I finished reading with my ears:

Panic by Lauren Oliver   
While the plot didn't bowl me over, what ultimately kept listening was Oliver's spellbinding prose. Her way with words is both simple and elaborate at the same time. She is definitely one of my go-to YA authors.


Some picture books I particularly enjoyed reading last week:

The Pigeon Needs a Bath by Mo Willems
Visiting Langston by Willie Perdomo, illustrated by Bryan Collier

Me and Mr. Mah by Andrea Spalding, illustrated by Janet Wilson
Beautiful story about a young boy who moves to the city after his parents' divorce and befriends his elderly Chinese neighbor.  


Poetry collections I read and loved last week:

What the Heart Knows: Chants, Charms, and Blessings by Joyce Sidman, illustrated by  Pamela Zagarenski
Firefly July: A Year of Very Short Poems, selected by Paul B. Janeczko, illustrated by Melissa Sweet
Both of these books a very special and would be wonderful classroom library additions. I love it when books of poetry are created for children that have a serious side. Poems for kids don't have to all be silly and nonsensical, as both of these lovely collections prove.


Currently reading and listening to:

A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd
I never reread books. But I'm rereading this book because I get to meet Natalie tomorrow!! I haven't loved a book like this since I read John Green's The Fault in Our Stars. This is hands down the book I will be rooting for to win the 2015 Newbery.


 Current giveaways:

Moon at Nine by Deborah Ellis 
Elephant Run by Roland Smith (ends today) 

Vegan Chocolate Pudding

I have mentioned on this blog many times before that I like the idea of being vegan better than the practicality of it. Due to some major digestive issues I've been trying to sort out, I've recently toyed with the idea of doing a 21-day detox that includes a 3 day juice cleanse followed by a completely plant-based, gluten-free diet for the remainder of the time. I haven't mustered the courage to put this plan into action as of yet, but I have tried some of the recipes in the detox, which come from the book The Detox Prescription by Dr. Woodson Merrell.

One of the recipes I recently tried that was absolutely delicious was a vegan chocolate pudding (Merrell calls it a mousse in the book but it has more the texture of a pudding than a mousse).

One thing I have to point out here is that technically the original recipe isn't vegan since it includes honey, but if you want to follow the letter of vegan law, I suppose you could use agave nectar or maple syrup instead.

The main reason this is classified as vegan in the book though is because the recipe calls for using coconut milk and avocado to create its creamy texture instead of milk and eggs. As someone who can spot a substitute a mile away and is very finicky about texture, I am here to say that this recipe is perfectly creamy and satisfies your chocolate craving.The best part about this pudding is that it's actually easier to make than a traditional mousse or pudding because it involves absolutely no cooking. Just throw the ingredients in the food processor, refrigerate for a few hours and you're done. I have to say though, I'm going to assume the reason my version turned out more like a pudding than a mousse is because I just threw all the ingredients in at the same time, rather than just starting with the avocado and gradually adding ingredients. So if you prefer a mousse-like consistency, be more patient. If you don't care, just throw everything in at once.

What's also great about this recipe is once you have the base down, you could get creative with it, using almond extract instead of vanilla and sprinkling some slivered almonds on top, or making a spicy Mexican version with cinnamon and chile pepper.


Moo-less Avocado-Chocolate Mousse (or pudding in my case)

2 ripe large avocados, pitted and scooped
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 teaspoons orange zest, divided
2/3 - 1 cup coconut milk

Optional toppings:
1/2 cup sliced strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries
1/2 cup unsweetened toasted coconut flakes or chopped nuts

In a food processor, blend the avocado for about 30 seconds, or until smooth.

Add the honey, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of the orange zest (reserve the remainder of the zest) and process until mixed through.

Add 2/3 cup coconut milk and process until smooth. If the mousse is too thick, add the remainder of the coconut milk to desired consistency.

Spoon into three small ramekins, top each serving with 1 teaspoon of orange zest, and chill for 2 hours. Serve alone or with optional toppings.

Fool for Books giveaway hop: Elephant Run by Roland Smith

For my portion of this blog hop, I am giving away a copy of:

Elephant Run by Roland Smith
Published: September 25, 2007
Publisher: Scholastic
Format: Paperback
Pages: 324
Genre: Historical Fiction
Audience: Middle Grade

Goodreads Summary:
In 1941, bombs drop from the night skies of London, demolishing the apartment Nick Freestone lives in with his mother. Deciding the situation in England is too unstable, Nick's mother sends him to live with his father in Burma, hoping he will be safer living on the family's teak plantation.

But as soon as Nick arrives, trouble erupts in this remote Burmese elephant village. Japanese soldiers invade, and Nick's father is taken prisoner. Nick is stranded on the plantation, forced to work as a servant to the new rulers. As life in the village grows more dangerous for Nick and his young friend, Mya, they plan their daring escape. Setting off on elephant back, they will risk their lives to save Nick's father and Mya's brother from a Japanese POW camp.

In this thrilling journey through the jungles of Burma, Roland Smith explores the far-reaching effects of World War II, while introducing readers to the fascinating world of wild timber elephants and their mahouts.

Terms and conditions:
Must be 13 or older to enter and have a U.S. mailing address
One winner will be selected
Use the Rafflecopter widget to enter

It's Monday! What are you reading? 3-31-14

Originally hosted by Sheila at Book Journey, Jen over at Teach Mentor Texts along with Kellee and Ricki at Unleashing Readers also host a kidlit version of It's Monday! What are You Reading?

I had a really productive reading week last week.

First, I want to share a post I wrote yesterday where I re-examine my feelings about a picture book I ashamedly admit thought was "too political" back when I first read it in 2009. I re-read it yesterday and was completely embarrassed by my reaction the first time I read it.

Growth and change as seen through the lens of a picture book


Anyway, now that I've put that embarrassment behind me, here are some other picture books I read and enjoyed (or was perplexed by) last week:

A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip and Erin Stead
This book was also a re-read thanks to a bookstore event last week with both Philip and Erin. I liked it even better the second time around.

How Little Lori Visited Times Square by Amos Vogel, illustrated by Maurice Sendak
What a strange little picture book. It was published the same year as Where the Wild Things Are and despite the popularity of that book, this one illustrated by Sendak never really caught on. It's a shame though because it is a quirky little picture book that has a lot of fun hidden text in the illustrations that adds to the humor. I found out about this book from attending the Philip and Erin Stead event mentioned above. At this event, rather than reading from their own books, they talked about their favorite odd and obscure picture books. This is the first one they talked about in that presentation and as a result, I had to buy it because I fell in love with its strangeness.

 
When the Wolves Returned: Restoring Nature's Balance in Yellowstone by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent and Dan Hartman
A true cautionary tale about what happens when humans mess with the ecosystem.


Laika: Astronaut Dog by Owen Davey
It takes a whole heck of a lot for me to give a book one star on Goodreads, but this one reserves that honor. It completely trivializes history and does children zero favors by changing Laika's fateful end, presumably to protect children from the reality of death. Steer clear of sharing this one with children. Read it for yourselves, however, to see just how ridiculous it is. 


Finished reading with my ears:

Boston Jane by Jennifer L. Holm 
Jenni Holm has an amazing ability to write a story that you initially think you're not going to like (as Ruta Sepetys says -- historical fiction is often treated like the ugly girl at the dance: nobody wants to touch it) and then BAM! There it is. You suddenly have fallen in love with it and with the main character. I was initially dubious of Jane's motivations to up and move to the Pacific Northwest frontier for the sake of marrying a man she barely knew, but she quietly and unexpectedly grows on you throughout the course of the narrative. I look forward to reading book 2. 


I also finished reading:
 
Thrive: 5 Ways to (Re)Invigorate Your Teaching by Meenoo Rami 
This short book packs a punch for new teachers and veterans looking for inspiration. A great title to give to a new college grad ready to begin their first teaching job. I'll be writing a longer review of this one on my teaching blog.


Currently reading:

The Awakening by Kate Chopin
For an early American lit class that I'm currently taking


Currently (still) reading with my ears:

Panic by Lauren Oliver  


 Current giveaway:

Moon at Nine by Deborah Ellis 

Growth and change as seen through the lens of a picture book

It's amazing what a few years and some experience can do to change your mind and heart about something. Back when I first read the book And Tango Makes Three (a book that often shows up on the frequently challenged list) in 2009, I was still shaking off some of my very conservative Catholic upbringing. I wasn't offended by a book about two male penguins raising a baby penguin, I was just leery that it was too political to subject children to in the disguise of a children's book.

Because my beliefs have progressed over the years, I read this story today with a much different perspective. What I once thought was too political for a children's book now seems like just a regular story about how families come in all shapes, sizes, and kinds.

I do feel the need to apologize for even thinking that And Tango Makes Three had a political agenda. It's only political because we are still fighting for certain families to be accepted as "normal" and to be allowed the same rights as families with a mom and a dad. I hope that one day we can all read a book like this and just think to ourselves, "Oh, what a sweet family." I cringe to think that only a few years ago I didn't feel that way but am glad I have since seen the light.

Giveaway: Moon at Nine by Deborah Ellis

My current giveaway is for a finished copy of the following book:

Moon at Nine by Deborah Ellis
Publication date: April 1, 2014
Publisher: Pajama Press
Pages: 224
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Audience: Young Adult
Disclosure: Finished copy provided by the publisher

Goodreads summary:
Fifteen-year-old Farrin has many secrets. Although she goes to a school for gifted girls in Tehran, as the daughter of an aristocratic mother and wealthy father, Farrin must keep a low profile. It is 1988; ever since the Shah was overthrown, the deeply conservative and religious government controls every facet of life in Iran. If the Revolutionary Guard finds out about her mother’s Bring Back the Shah activities, her family could be thrown in jail, or worse.

The day she meets Sadira, Farrin’s life changes forever. Sadira is funny, wise, and outgoing; the two girls become inseparable. But as their friendship deepens into romance, the relationship takes a dangerous turn. It is against the law to be gay in Iran; the punishment is death. Despite their efforts to keep their love secret, the girls are discovered and arrested. Separated from Sadira, Farrin can only pray as she awaits execution. Will her family find a way to save them both?

Based on real-life events, multi-award winning author Deborah Ellis’s new book is a tense and riveting story about a world where homosexuality is considered so abhorrent that it is punishable by death.

Terms and conditions:
Must be 13 or older to enter and have a U.S. mailing address
One winner will be selected
Use the Rafflecopter widget to enter

It's Monday! What are you reading? 3-24-14

Originally hosted by Sheila at Book Journey, Jen over at Teach Mentor Texts along with Kellee and Ricki at Unleashing Readers also host a kidlit version of It's Monday! What are You Reading?

Last week I reviewed:

Starters by Lissa Price


Last week I also finished reading:

Grasshopper Jungle by Andrew Smith
I don't even know how to describe this book other than it defies labels. You just have to read it for yourself. I don't even think I can review this one. I'm going to have to ruminate over it for a while.


Picture books I really enjoyed last week:

Rooting for You by Susan Hood, illustrated by Matthew Cordell 
When a little seed is scared to sprout, his underground friends encourage him to keep growing so he can become what he is meant to be. Less an educational book about how seeds become plants than a book that shows the benefit of taking risks in life to become who you were meant to be. The ending was absolutely perfect. It just made me feel good. 


This is a Moose by Richard T. Morris, illustrated by Tom Lichtenfeld
A thoroughly enjoyable read all around: great illustrations and hilarious story. I could see this being a read aloud hit. My favorite part is duck's realization at the end.  


Sparky! by Jenny Offill, illustrated by Chris Appelhans 
I feel like you can't go wrong when you write a story about a pet sloth.


Currently Reading:

Thrive: 5 Ways to (Re)Invigorate Your Teaching by Meenoo Rami  


Currently reading with my ears:

Boston Jane by Jennifer L. Holm
Panic by Lauren Oliver 


Current giveaway (ends today):

The Secret Side of Empty by Maria E. Andreau 


Posts last week from my teaching blog, Use Your Outside Voice:
The day the music died
#MRA14 in tweets