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!

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!