It's Monday! What are you reading? #IMWAYR

Thanks to Jen at TeachMentorText  and Kellee at UnleashingReaders for the weekly meme highlighting children's literature - picture books to young adult.  Don't forget to visit their sites so you can see what everyone else is reading this week!

Poppy the Pirate Dog by Liz Kessler and illustrated by Mike Phillips

My second graders just love dogs.  And this early chapter book is a perfect addition to my class library.  In this story Poppy is afraid of boats and her family struggles to find a way to help her enjoy their vacation by the sea.

Bean Dog and Nugget: The Ball by Charise Mericle Harper

Super silly beginner graphic novel starring lovable stick figure-ish characters.  I could see my students writing and drawing their own Bean Dog and Nugget stories.  I think this is the beginning of a series too, which would be fun.

This is the Rope: A Story From the Great Migration by Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by James Ransome

The book tells the story of an African American family's history as they move north for a better life.  The rope serves different purposes as it is passed from one generation to the next.  I love Jacqueline Woodson's books.  In this story she is able to show how a family stays close together, looks for a better life, yet continues to remember their past.  And she does this with a rope!  It ties the story together.  Get it?  I'm so funny.  I would recommend the book for grade 3 and up.  And did I mention the illustrations?  I love how realistic they are.

Thomas Jefferson Builds a Library by Barb Rosenstock and illustrated by John O'Brien

This book tells of Thomas Jefferson's love of books and how that love helped to create our Library of Congress.  Along with the main text, each page is filled with additional information written in an alternate font and floated throughout the illustrations.  A great way to introduce one of our founding fathers while focusing on the love of reading.   

A few years ago, I finally got to visit Washington D.C. and take a tour of the Library Congress.  It was wonderful!  The building is beautiful and the docents do an amazing job with the tour.  Seeing the collection that Jefferson donated to the library was exciting, even though most of his original books have been replaced due to a fire in the library.

Sit-in: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down by Andrea Davis Pinkney and illustrated by Brian Pinkney

This book tells the story of the 1960 Woolworth sit-ins, where 4 students sat at the Woolworth lunch counter to stage a peaceful protest.  A great read aloud that explains the sit-in and other related student demonstrations that occurred during the civil rights movement.  I would recommend for grade 4 and up.

The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzoli

What child hasn't worried about swallowing a watermelon seed?  This book takes a look at the crocodile's fears once he realizes he has swallowed a seed.  Will he grow a watermelon vine in his tummy?  Perfect beginner book, but a terrific read aloud as well.

Wednesday, February 19th,  I will participate in 10 for 10 Non-fiction books.  Click on the image to find out more about this event! 












What books have you been reading?

It's Monday! What are you reading? #IMWAYR

Thanks to Jen at TeachMentorText  and Kellee at UnleashingReaders for the weekly meme highlighting children's literature - picture books to young adult.  Don't forget to visit their sites so you can see what everyone else is reading this week!

I took a break last week from posting for #IMWAYR, but I did visit other blogs to see what everyone else was reading.  Most of my reading time last week involved an adult book. I know. Shocking.  I do that sometimes.  I read The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd.  I highly recommend it.  Here's what I read in the kid lit. world;

Zita the Spacegirl (#1) by Ben Hatke

Graphic novels are not my favorite genre - they have to be extremely good to hook me and keep me interested.  With that being said, I love this book!  In this story Zita's best friend is kidnapped by aliens and she follows along to save him.  The story is full of intergalactic adventure, humor and a spunky heroine.  Will Zita save her friend?  Will Zita get back home to Earth?  You will have to read to find out!  Third graders will definitely be able to read the book independently and so will many second graders.  I will definitely purchasing a copy to add to my classroom library.  There are 2 other books in the series.  You can watch the book trailer here.

Ricky Ricotta's Mighty Robot vs. The Stupid Stinkbugs From Saturn. by Dav Pilkey and Martin Ontiveros

I admit to never having read a book from this series, even though it seems very popular on Scholastic book clubs.  I have never seen a student in my class read the series or check a book out from our school library either.  But someone gave me a copy, so I read it.  I think it would be a great series for reluctant readers in third and fourth grade.  Ricky and his robot have to battle alien stinkbugs from outer space that are attempting to kidnap his cousin.  There is lots of imaginative battle scenes, including "grow gum balls" that the aliens chew and become gigantic.  The illustrations are great and full of action too.  This book had one chapter that included images that could be flipped to become animated and at the end directions for drawing some of the characters is included.  This copy will be added to my class library after a proper introduction. 

One by Kathryn Otoshi

A very simple book that teaches the lesson of standing up for yourself and others.  So many books about bullying often beat the reader over the head with the message.  This book does not do that.  I loved it!  Great to pair with The Dot.

It's Monday! What are you reading? #IMWAYR

Thanks to Jen at TeachMentorText  and Kellee at UnleashingReaders for the weekly meme highlighting children's literature - picture books to young adult.  Don't forget to visit their sites so you can see what everyone else is reading this week!

It's an exciting day today because the Caldecott Medal winner will be announced.  In fact, probably as you are reading this post we already know which book was selected.  The timing of the announcement will come as my students arrive in the morning.  I hope to have the live event projected on my Smartboard as my second graders arrive.  Our whole second grade participated in a Mock Caldecott.  If you would like to read about it you can click here or here.

But now on to the highlights of my reading week!

The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp by Kathi Appelt

I hesitated to read this book because talking animal fantasy turns me off generally - or at least I think it does - but then I think of Charlotte's Web or The One and Only Ivan.  And I didn't read the Harry Potter books right away because I thought, "Hmmph... I don't care for fantasy."  But my daughter who was in 6th grade at the time harassed me so much, that I sat down and read the first book and then promptly read the next 2!  So, I need to be more open minded.  I think if the book is written well, it won't matter the genre or the types of characters.  

So, anyway, this book is written so well.  I love the author's style of narrative and the way she has weaved legend into the story.  I love how the story is about saving Sugar Man Swamp, but also helping a young boy come to terms with his grandfather's death.  I love how Kathi Appelt brought all the different characters and their stories together.  I love how she chose to have the narrator speak to the reader in such a humorous way.  A great book I would definitely recommend for 4th grade and up.  It would make a great read aloud for 3rd grade and up. 

Urgency Emergency! Big Bad Wolf by Dosh Archer

A new early transitional reader that I really enjoyed.  The Big Bad Wolf comes through the emergency room and has swallowed something large and can't breath.  What will they do?!  Hilarious fractured fairy tale that I know my second graders will love.  I think there are 3 others in the series.  I got this from the library, but I will be purchasing it for my class library soon.

And don't forget to come back on Wednesday for my non-fiction reads of the week.

What have you been reading?

Its's Monday! What are you reading? #IMWAYR

Thanks to Jen at TeachMentorText  and Kellee at UnleashingReaders for the weekly meme highlighting children's literature - picture books to young adult.  Don't forget to visit their sites so you can see what everyone else is reading this week!

Space Taxi: Archie Takes Flight written by Wendy Mass and Brawer

This is the first book in a new early chapter book series that I think young readers are sure to enjoy.  One night Archie goes to work with his dad and finds out he isn't an ordinary taxi-driver - he drives a Space Taxi.  Archie learns how to be his dad's co-pilot and is soon involved in helping solve some intergalactic crime.  The book is a little bit sci-fi and a little bit mystery.  I believe it will be available April 1st. I received the Advance Reader Copy from a parent who attended NCTE.

11 Experiments That Failed written by Jenny Offill and illustrated by Nancy Carpenter

The little girl in the story is very curious and full of questions, so she designs a series of experiments...which are hilarious.  Each section opens with a question and hypothesis, then goes on to explain what happened.  Needless to say things don't always work out the way the girl expects.  A very funny book that would be a great introduction to the scientific method.

The Candy Corn Contest by Patricia Reilly-Giff

Part of the Polk Street School series, this book continues the story of Richard Best, otherwise known as "The Beast".  In this story Beast struggles with his decision to invite Matthew to his sleepover, even though Matthew smells and is known to wet the bed.  Along the way Beast learns lessons about friendship and honesty.  I am currently trying to read a stack of books from my class library that never seem to circulate - this book is one of them.  Beast is starting to grow on me. You can read my review of another Polk Street Series book here.  I think Patricia Reilly-Giff has done a great job of creating a very believable character in Richard, "The Beast".  

I have read a lot of non-fiction this past week, so come back on Wednesday when I write about those books!

Non-Fiction Wednesday, #NFPB2014

Thanks to Alyson at KidLitFrenzy for hosting this weekly challenge.  There are so many wonderful non-fiction picture books these days - I just don't want to miss any of them!

 Let's Go Nuts! by April Pulley Sayre

This book pays homage to seeds - from the tiny lentil to the giant coconut.  The fun and rhyming text make it a great read aloud.

There are 2 other books that are companions to this one - Rah! Rah! Radishes! and Go! Go! Grapes!







Eat Like a Bear by April Pulley Sayre and illustrated by Steve Jenkins

What a great book!  This book is full of information about what bears eat.  But I think the best part is the writing.  April Pulley Sayre describes in narrative style the bears' eating habits through the changing seasons.  Full of strong vocabulary it would make a great mentor text for writing.  And of course Steve Jenkins' artwork is wonderful.  So amazing what you can do with collage!  Along with writing, this book would be a great addition to a study of animals, seasons or hibernation.

April and Steve have teamed up before - check out their book, Vulture View, which was a Theodor Geisel Honor Book.

April Pulley Sayre has written a lot of terrific books and has a nice website you might want to check out.  I think there are even some teacher guides or lesson plans.

It's Monday! What are you reading? #IMWAYR

Thanks to Jen at TeachMentorText  and Kellee at UnleashingReaders for the weekly meme highlighting children's literature - picture books to young adult.  Don't forget to visit their sites so you can see what everyone else is reading this week!

I have a huge stack of books that have been sitting around since the summer and I really wanted to read them NOW!  But, I am easily distracted by the next, best book.  I have started several graphic novels, but haven't finished them yet and I have also started The Quirks: Welcome to Normal by Erin Soderberg.  I was lucky to get an Advanced Reader copy from a parent who visited NCTE in November.

One of my reading goals is to read more early chapter books that would interest my second graders.  I have books in my class library that I have had for quite awhile, but never get read.  So, I decided to read them so I could figure out how to "advertise" them.

Second-Grade Pig Pals by Kirby Larson
So, the title is a bit silly, but its a great realistic story about friendship.  The main character Quinn has made friends with the new student Manuela, but finds she has accidentally messed things up.  I found the characters and their problems to be very typical for second graders!  Girls, especially, will be able to relate to the story.  And you can't beat the Newbery Honor Author!

The Beast in Mrs. Rooney's Room by Patricia Reilly Giff
Richard Best, who refers to himself as "The Beast" has been left back and now will be repeating the second grade.  He is worried about his old friends and being stuck with the baby class.  He also has a knack for getting into trouble.  Along the way The Beast accepts his reading struggles, makes new friends and finds he has something that he is good at and helps his class win the school banner award.  Another book that takes a realistic look at what goes on in the lives of children in early elementary school.

This book is part of the The Kids of Polk Street School Series.  I have copies of several of the other books that I brought home to read, so maybe I will feature them next week.

These aren't the type of books my second graders pick up on their own. Most second graders are drawn to series books with a familiar character.    They tend to like "funny books" and will not choose a book with a realistic problem automatically - although they do love listening to realistic fiction.  I do believe I have readers that would really enjoy these books.  Now I have to figure out a way to hook them on these titles.  Any suggestions?

The Misadventures of Salem Hyde: Spelling Trouble by Frank Cammuso

In this new graphic novel series Salem, a sassy, impulsive and lovable little girl, is a witch.  In order to help her adjust and learn to be a proper witch her grandmother sends for an animal companion.  Whammy, the cat, has his hands full as he tries to help Salem prepare for the the Spelling Bee.  All sorts of hilarious problems occur as one spell after another goes wrong.  Thanks to a parent for this Advance Reader Copy!  Readers that like Frannie K. Stein will enjoy this series.

These are just a few of the books I read this week.  Please visit my Goodreads page to see what else I'm reading!

It's Monday! What are you reading?

Thanks to Jen at TeachMentorText  and Kellee at UnleashingReaders for the weekly meme highlighting children's literature - picture books to young adult.  Don't forget to visit their sites so you can see what everyone else is reading this week!

Having a couple of weeks off from school has allowed me to read a lot.  Here's some highlights from my week.

Invisible Inkling by Emily Jenkins

Hank has an invisible friend, but he's not imaginary!  He's a bandipat from the Peruvian Woods of Mystery, and he helps Hank deal with the day to day problems of a school bully.  There are 2 sequels to the book also!

Waiting for the Magic by Patricia MacLachlan

There's something about dogs that just make a our lives so much better!  In this book 4 dogs help a family cope when the father decides to leave.

How to Steal a Dog by Barbara O'Connor

Georgina decides to steal a dog to help her homeless family find an apartment. A great story about a girl  in a horrible situation struggling to do what is right.

Clementine and the Family Meeting by Sara Pennypacker

I just love the Clementine series.  I still crack up laughing every time she calls her little brother vegetable names!   In this installment Clementine has a difficult time adjusting to the family news.  (I won't give away the news.)

I read a few series that I have been meaning to try.  I enjoyed them and look forward to adding them to my class library.  I would consider these Early Chapter books, grade 2 and up.

Middle Grade and Young Adult books that I enjoyed.  Loved, loved Eleanor and Park.

Graphic Novels I enjoyed and recommend - The 26-Story Treehouse is more of a combination early chapter book and graphic novel.  While this installment of The Flying Beaver Brothers wasn't my favorite the series deserves a place in my class library.  I think my students will love those crazy beavers. And I continue to be a giant fan of Toon Books!  They do an awesome job of creating graphic novels that are high interest and that my reluctant readers can read independently.  

 In my search for more mentor texts for my upcoming personal narrative unit in writing workshop I came across these little gems.

If you want to see what else I read this past vacation please check out my Goodreads list!

Happy Reading!

It's Monday! What are you reading?

Thanks to Jen at TeachMentorText  and Kellee at UnleashingReaders for the weekly meme highlighting children's literature - picture books to young adult.  Don't forget to visit their sites so you can see what everyone else is reading this week!

I haven't posted for #IMWAYR since August! Yikes.  So these are the highlights of my recent reading.

Journey by Aaron Becker

This is such a beautiful illustrated and imaginative wordless picture book.  I love how Aaron Becker used the color red!

Locomotive by Brian Floca

I am a big fan of this author/ illustrator.  This book is amazing.  The illustrations are so detailed.  It is beautifully written with a poetic quality, but filled with historical details as well.  The illustrations compliment the writing so well - perfection.  I even love how the text is laid out on the pages.  I am a huge train fan.  When my children were young we always found old steam trains all over California to ride - from the Santa Cruz mountains to the Sierra Nevadas.  Our vacations always had a train theme!  Now, as a New Yorker I ride the Long Island Railroad!  Such a great piece of history.  I am sure I will have many second graders that will enjoy listening to this book.

Daredevil, The Daring Life of Betty Skelton by Meghan McCarthy

Love, loved this picture book biography on the life of Betty Skelton.  It's so wonderful to see all these great biographies coming out on not-so well-known people - especially women, doing something they loved even when they were different.  This one is perfect for younger students in grades 2-5.












8 Class Pets + 1 Squirrel Divided by 1 Dog = Chaos by Vivian Vande Velde

I found this book when I was visiting Portland this summer.  It listed on Oregon's Beverly Cleary book awards shelf.  It's a hilarious story about a squirrel that gets chased into an elementary school by a neighborhood dog.  Each chapter is told by the point of view of a different class pet as they experience the "chaos".  I plan on recommending it to my more advanced readers, who are reading longer chapter books right now in my second grade class.

It's Monday! What are you reading?

Thanks to Jen at TeachMentorText  and Kellee at UnleashingReaders for the weekly meme highlighting children's literature - picture books to young adult.  Don't forget to visit their sites so you can see what everyone else is reading this week!

My reading has slowed down a bit over the last couple of weeks.  I have been busying sewing curtains for my living room and trying my hand at some painting.  Trying to get my artsy crafty activities in before summer is over!  Here's some of my reading highlights from the past week.

 Penny and Her Marble by Kevin Henkes

This is the third book about the little mouse, Penny, and I am totally in love with this series.  I think this book is the best so far.  Penny finds a blue marble in her neighbor's yard.  "It was as blue as the sky." But Penny is soon consumed with guilt as she worries she has taken something that may not belong to her.  Kevin Henkes has such a wonderful way of writing about realistic problems that matter to young children.  And he has a real knack for writing meaningful and smart books for beginning readers.  I hope we see more of Penny.

 The Center of Everything by Linda Urban

This is the second book that I have read from Linda Urban.  The first book was Hound Dog True.  All I can say is she really captures the voice of those middle grade/pre-adolescent kids and seems to know what matters to them.  How Linda Urban is able to weave in the setting and the town's obsession with donuts is just awesome!  In this story, young Ruby has recently lost her grandma, the center of her life.  Ruby struggles to come to terms with her loss and be able to express her feelings.  A great story of friendship, love and family.

 Doll Bones by Holly Black

This book is a combination of a growing up story with a little bit of scary horror thrown in - when I was in 4th or 5th grade I would have absolutely loved it.  The 3 main characters - Zach, Poppy and Alice - love playing pretend and have continued with their fantasy game as they have grown into middle school students.  When Zach's dad decides to throw out all of his action figures Zach is too embarrassed to tell his friends, and instead explains he doesn't want to play anymore.  In an effort to pull her friends back into the game Poppy tells the creepy story about the Queen Doll and her past.  The 3 friends are soon drawn into the story and take off on an adventure.  Is the story true? Does the doll ghost really exist or is Poppy just making it up?  But what about the dreams and the creepy things that keep happening?

It's important to say this book is not just a horror story - at the core it is about friendship, acceptance and growing up.  Each character is struggling with wanting to be more grown up, yet still yearns to play the same childhood games.  They are starting to have different interests and each one is developing their own identity separate from the group.  For Poppy, she worries that her friends are changing and pulling away from her.  Both Zach and Alice struggle for acceptance with their families as well.  Zach's father doesn't understand him and would prefer he only play sports.  Alice's grandma doesn't understand her interest in the drama club and need for more independence.  All these struggles play out subtly as the 3 friends embark on their adventure.

As I read this book I was reminded of my younger 12 year old self playing a variety of adventure games with my neighborhood friends all through the summer.  We had such vivid imaginations and seemed to be able to easily "become" a character and get lost in the adventure.  Those pretend characters helped us grow up and change - they allowed us to try on different identities and practice being grown up.   Zack, Alice and Poppy's alter egos are part of their true selves - pretending and creating their fantasy games helps them to bridge the gap between adolescence and teenager.  I hope I have done justice to this book and have convinced you to read it!

AUGUST 10 FOR 10 is coming soon!

Select your top 10 picture books!  Hop on over to Reflect & Refine with Cathy Mere to learn more about this fabulous event you don't want to miss.

What are you reading this week?