Monday December 30th, 2019

Posted on by
7

It’s been a while my reading friends . . .

But happy to celebrate my love of books and some recent reads with this community!

#kidsarereading independently and with their buddies. Reading growth is happening and reading joy is blooming.

Homemade bookmarks.

Join Jen from Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki from Unleashing Readers and share all of the reading you have done over the week from picture books to young adult novels. Follow the links to read about all of the amazing books the #IMWAYR community has read. It’s the best way to discover what to read next.

Some recent reads:

Small in the City by Sydney Smith

All the feels. This book is exquisite and has so many levels and perspectives. Can’t wait to share it with children!

My Papi Has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero and illustrated by Zeke Peña

A celebration of love, community and the joy of a ride!

Explorers by Matthew Cordell

A wordless peek into a family’s day at the museum. All kinds of magical.

Happy Right Now by Julie Berry and Holly Hatam

Lovely message about choosing happiness!

The Very Last Castle by Travis Jonker with illustrations by Mark Pett

I have a thing for castles so the premise of this book is very appealing. Mysteries, courage and the possibilities of friendship.

The Girl and the Wolf by Katherena Vermette with illustrations by Julie Flett

An engaging and beautiful twist on a known fairytale – in the woods, a lost girl, a wolf – but this one leads us down a different path. Delightful.

Don’t Touch My Hair! by Sharee Miller

The title is pretty clear. Loved this one,

Our House Is on Fire: Greta Thunberg’s Call to Save the Planet by Jeanette Winter

Very powerful as a read aloud in my room. My students can’t get enough of Greta and her choices to stand up and be heard.

Chick and Brain: Smell My Foot! by Cece Bell

Super duper silly stories with high kid appeal served up in an early reader. Very popular in my Grade 2 and 3 classroom.

Rabbit’s Bad Habits by Julian Gough and Jim Field

A sweet title in this transitional chapter book series. Rabbit learns what it is to have and be a friend.

Up next? The True Story of Lyndie B. Hawkins by Gail Sheppard

 

#Mustreadin2019 Year end update

Posted on by
15

In January, I had 30 titles on my #MustReadin20189 list and a plan: read at least 20 books on the list.  Permission to read most of the titles makes for a more enjoyable year of reading. I still have unread titles on my list. And that’s okay! It was, as always, a happy process to make a reading plan and try to commit to it.

Making a list like this is about being enthused about a year of reading ahead. It is also about building community. 28 other bloggers joined me in making #MustReadin2019 lists of their own. Many people remained connected all year, posting (purely optional always) updates.  Others only occasionally glanced at their lists. It doesn’t matter. It’s all about being excited about an ever growing and changing book list. And sometimes, just making the list signifies a commitment to being a reader even if you don’t read a single title from your list! Other reading happens. And life happens. And so we do our best.

This year I finished only 18 of the 30 titles on my list. All things considered, this is amazing. Something to celebrate even if it is not the progress I usually make.

Since the fall update, I completed these titles.

Wonderland by Barbara O’Connor

Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly

My dear #MustRead community, I am hoping to get it together enough to host this challenge for 2020. Please look out for signs that I pulled it together by January 1st. If it doesn’t happen, know that I am with you in reading spirit.

Monday October 28th, 2019

Posted on by
6

We are fully into fall and my classroom is all about stories, book love and community.

#kidsarereading at our first visit to the Vancouver Public Library.

When buddies perch together over a book in the same colours, it’s extra cute.

How lucky am I? My original book worm has a friend. Both student made. Blessed.

Writers are readers and readers are writers. Scenes from Story Workshop.

Join Jen from Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki from Unleashing Readers and share all of the reading you have done over the week from picture books to young adult novels. Follow the links to read about all of the amazing books the #IMWAYR community has read. It’s the best way to discover what to read next.

Books I read:

Who is the Mystery Reader? by Mo Willems

I so wish I was loving this series a little more. But I am just not. It’s cute enough but it just doesn’t have quite enough for me to get excited about. But remaining hopeful about future titles. The first one was better, in my opinion. This one? Okay.

Hide and Seek by Anthony Browne

Gorgeous forest scenes as siblings play hide and seek in the woods.

Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall

So yes, this is a wow book – fully Caldecott worthy. Love the historic details and extra information in the back matter. Oh this beautiful lonely lighthouse.

Everything You Need For a Treehouse written by Carter Higgins and illustrated by Emily Hughes 

Exquisite language and incredible illustrations. Full out inspiration for tree house imagining.

What John Marco Saw written by Annie Barrows and illustrated by Nancy Lemon

Little John Marco notices what nobody else does. And then . . .

 

Get up, Stand up inspired by the song by Bob Marley – written by Cedella Marley Booker with illustrations by John Jay Cabuay

Act with justice and care in mind in the face of bullying and unkind, insensitive acts.

Mighty Jack and Zita the Spacegirl (Mighty Jack, #3; Zita the Spacegirl, #4) by Ben Hatke

What a treat this one is for the fans of both books! Packed with action and adventure;

Monday September 30th, 2019

Posted on by
21

It’s been ages since I have posted. Ages.  Thrilled to be back and sharing some recent reads!

A few #kidsarereading photos for inspiration. Here is my new Grade 2 and 3 class lost in their books. I asked them to clean out book boxes and they all just started reading after this task was done! Can’t ask for more.

First day reading to our K buddies – this duo got cozy and giggled through Elephant and Piggie.

Join Jen from Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki from Unleashing Readers and share all of the reading you have done over the week from picture books to young adult novels. Follow the links to read about all of the amazing books the #IMWAYR community has read. It’s the best way to discover what to read next.

Books I read:

A Stone Sat Still by Brendan Wenzel

A companion story to They All Saw a Cat. Simply spectacular. I love how this book travels with us over time and provides an opportunity to discuss perspective.

Sea Bear: A Journey for Survival by Lindsay Moore

This will be one of our Mock Caldecott titles. Absolutely gorgeous but also emotional. This book got me teary. Told in the voice of the polar bear as she travels across seasons. The impact of climate change is clear and discussed specifically in the author’s note at the end of the book.

Bear Came Along by Richard T. Morris with illustrations by LeUyen Pham

So much here. Themes of perspective, community, connections. Delightful read aloud for younger students and lots to discuss with older listeners.

The Worst Book Ever by Elise Gravel

Absolutely terrible! Atrocious! So bad that my students yelled and yelled for me to KEEP reading!

I Will Race You Through This Book! by Jonathan Fenske

Interactive and super silly. An early reader with high success for young readers.

Harold & Hog Pretend For Real! (Elephant & Piggie Like Reading!, #6) by Dan Santat

These Elephant and Piggie Like Reading titles are hugely popular in my Grade 2 and 3 classroom. Children will read anything recommended by Elephant and Piggie! This one is especially cute because the whole book talks about Elephant and Piggie! Delightful!

Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga

A novel in verse. Jude and her mother travel to live with family in the States leaving her father and beloved older brother back home in Syria. This story talks about identity, home and family and touches on issues such as racism, living in a new country, hanging on to culture. Highly recommended.

Up next? I am reading Mighty Jack and Zita the Space Girl by Ben Hatke

#MustReadin2019 Fall update

Posted on by
15

It’s time for our first #MustReadin2019 update!

Are you making progress with your list? Distracted by other titles? Please share!

This year, my list is again 30 titles strong. I always have the goal of trying to read at least 20 of the books on the list. I have completed 15 of the 30 titles on my list so half way there!

Since the last update, I have completed these 6 books.

The Size of the Truth by Andrew Smith

Andrew Smith and middle grade? Yes, please. Such a read. Just love his characters and his brain.

Size of the Truth by Andrew Smith

The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart  

A story of grief and a whole lot of humanity. Beautiful book.

Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise

The Lost Girl by Anne Ursu 

Kind of creepy. Part magic, part harsh reality, unbelievable and completely relatable. Devastating and full of hope. Wow.

The Lost Girl

The Dollar Kids by Jennifer Richard Jacobson

Such an interesting subject for a novel. A former mill town needs to attract residents to keep its schools and town from completely shutting down. A number of homes are offered to families for just $1.00 if they meet criteria and comply with specific conditions over the next year. This is the perfect chance for Lowen and his family to have a new beginning and more opportunities. It’s also a way for Lowen to try to leave behind the memories of a young friend who was shot. Would be a fantastic middle grade read aloud.

The Dollar Kids

Hey, Kiddo by Jarrett J. Krosoczka 

This is a tough one. But so glad it was shared.

Hey, Kiddo

The Bridge Home by Padma Venkatraman

I shed more than one tear with this title. Definitely a must read book.Padma Venkatraman The Bridge Home

If you have been participating in #MustReadin2019 and written an update post, please share using the #MustReadin2019 hashtag!

Leave your link in the comments if you have written a post. Please try to visit a few of the other #MustReadin2019 bloggers/readers and get inspired! And of course, everyone loves comments to know that you have visited!

Want to know more about #MustReadin2019? Read here This post also includes links to all of the bloggers who wrote Must Read lists. This is a community of inspiring readers!

Next update will be on December 26th 2019!

HAPPY READING EVERYONE!

Monday May 13th, 2019

Posted on by
15

Trying to post at least once a month to be part of this amazing reading community and to share all the wonderful titles I have been reading.

A few #kidsarereading photos for inspiration. Our visit to the Vancouver Public Library. Everyone left with a book and a library card if they didn’t have one. Our arms full of books, our heads full of stories, we skipped all the way back to school. Summer reading – we are getting ready for you!

Love how my students want to read EVERYTHING. The size of the book box is never big enough.

Nothing is quite as lovely as buddy reading moments.

Join Jen from Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki from Unleashing Readers and share all of the reading you have done over the week from picture books to young adult novels. Follow the links to read about all of the amazing books the #IMWAYR community has read. It’s the best way to discover what to read next.

Books I read:

Tomorrow Most Likely by Dave Eggers and illustrated by Lane Smith

What will tomorrow bring? A delightful and beautifully illustrated collection of possibilities.

Growing Season by Maryann Cocca-Leffler

A sweet little book about friendship, flowers and all kinds of growing.

Dog Vs. Ultra Dog by Troy Wilson with art by Clayton Hanmer

So much in this book – having faith, wanting to matter – an emotional book wrapped up in super hero style and cute humour.

Our World is Relative written by Julia Sooy with illustrations by Molly Walsh

You know when you play 20 questions with a group of kids and they ask questions like, “Is it big?” or “Is it little?” and you keep trying to prompt, “Bigger than a . . . ” Well, this book would be perfect in times like this! My only complaint – that measurements are not in our Canadian metric system. Otherwise, so ideal! I will be sharing this one in the classroom often. Releases August 13th 2019

Bat and the Waiting Game by Elana K. Arnold

This character! Bat is beyond endearing. I absolutely adore him.

The Dollar Kids by Jennifer Richard Jacobson

Such an interesting subject for a novel. A former mill town needs to attract residents to keep its schools and town from completely shutting down. A number of homes are offered to families for just $1.00 if they meet criteria and comply with specific conditions over the next year. This is the perfect chance for Lowen and his family to have a new beginning and more opportunities. It’s also a way for Lowen to try to leave behind the memories of a young friend who was shot. Would be a fantastic middle grade read aloud.

The Lost Girl by Anne Ursu

There is always something remarkable about Ursu’s titles. Part magic, part harsh reality, unbelievable and completely relatable. Devastating and full of hope. Wow.

This is How it Always Is by Laurie Frankel

A rare adult read highly recommended by my sister. Rosie and Penn have 4 boys and then they have Claude. Another boy who actually wants to be a girl. And then everything becomes about how to best let this little human be who they are supposed to be. A truly must read novel.

Up next? I am reading The Size of the Truth by Andrew Smith

#MustReadin2019 Spring Update

Posted on by
29

It’s time for our first #MustReadin2019 update!

Are you making progress with your list? Distracted by other titles? Please share!

This year, my list is again 30 titles strong. I always have the goal of trying to read at least 20 of the books on the list. I feel like I am well on my way! More importantly, can’t wait to get to more of the titles on this list!

Like last year at this time, I have read 9/30 titles which is close to one third of my list.

Here are the titles I have read so far and some brief reactions/summaries.

Harbour Me by Jacqueline Woodson

Six students spend Friday afternoons together – their assignment to talk. When a place is made for stories and listening, a lot can happen. A powerful middle grade read.

All That I Can Fix by Crystal Chan 

This is an interesting book. It’s either going to be super appealing or super upsetting. There’s a lot packed in here. Mental health issues. A father who has made a serious suicide attempt. A mom who is kind of checked out while still holding on.A bunch of escaped exotic animals who are attacking people. Writing about this book it seems really out there. But while reading it, i was pretty engaged.

Wild Blues by Beth Kephart

A title inspired by a story of a real life prison break. I love Kephart’s style. She makes art out of words. I seriously walk around the world in a different way when I read her books. This story of Lizzie, her Uncle Davy and her best friend Matias is dramatic, emotional and uplifting all at once. I love them all.

A Girl Like That by Tanaz Bhathena

A dramatic YA read set in Saudi Arabia. Part love story, part teen angst, part family drama and then there is everything else this book tackles – women’t rights, sexual violence, mental health, drug addiction. What a read.

Far From the Tree by Robin Benway

Cried through lots of this one. Three siblings who find each other as teens – two were adopted as infants, one has spend his life in foster care. Wow. One of those absolute page turners because the characters get under your skin.

The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang

Upper MG/YA graphic novel. A historical french setting. A prince who loves fancy dresses. A dressmaker trying to make it. Completely engaging.

Shouting at the Rain by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

An emotional read – the complexity or families and the complications of friends. I love how Delsie figures things out in a highly relatable way. Hunt delivers, again. a title that needs to be in the hands of young readers.

Sweep The Story of a Girl and her Monster by Jonathan Auxier

One of my favourites from this list so far. Historical fiction and important magic. Nan Sparrow is a chimney sweep who keeps beating the odds – surviving a daily dangerous job. How her story unfolds is quite incredible. An emotional beautiful read.

The Benefits of Being an Octopus by Ann Braden 

Zoey Albro lives in rural Vermont. Her mother and three younger siblings count on her abusive and manipulative step father Lenny for a roof over their heads because mom’s waitressing job does not guarantee that they won’t be homeless. This title deals with poverty, the huge responsibilities of a young girl and deep commitment to family. While we witness Zoey’s middle grade stressors and dreams, we also view the struggles of poverty and abuse through her eyes. A powerful novel.

If you have been participating in #MustReadin2019 and written an update post, please share using the #MustReadin2019 hashtag!

Leave your link in the comments if you have written a post. Please try to visit a few of the other #MustReadin2019 bloggers/readers and get inspired! And of course, everyone loves comments to know that you have visited!

Want to know more about #MustReadin2019? Read here This post also includes links to all of the bloggers who wrote Must Read lists. This is a community of inspiring readers!

Next update will be on September 5th 2019!

HAPPY READING EVERYONE!

 

Monday April 1st, 2019

Posted on by
18

This time weeks have passed instead of months – still feels like too too long since I have posted but here is a post full of a huge variety of titles I am celebrating!

Lots of nonfiction reading aloud happening in the classroom!

Because we are readers, we are writers #kidsarereading So proud of the engagement I witness in my students.

Join Jen from Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki from Unleashing Readers and share all of the reading you have done over the week from picture books to young adult novels. Follow the links to read about all of the amazing books the #IMWAYR community has read. It’s the best way to discover what to read next.

Books I read:

When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree by Jamie L. B. Deenihan with illustrations by Lorraine Rocha

You might be able to guess what you should do with said lemon tree – yet the answer is all wrapped up in a charming little title about family, making a plan, taking good care and patiently working towards a goal. Love the emphasis away from the overly material and onto amazing nature.

Thank you, Omu! by Oge Mora

Oh community! Generosity. And some incredibly smelling stew. Loved this one.

We Don’t Eat our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins

Because, really could you imagine? This little dino really could. And did. Hilarious.

Hey, Water! by Antoinette Portis

We are begiining a unit about water and will be talking everything from where we find it to where we don’t and why. This book will help us dive right in. Can’t wait.

The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander and Kadir Nelson

Wow. Described as a love letter to black live in the United States, this gorgeously illustrated book is magnificent.

The Monster Detector (Big and Little Foot #2) by Ellen Potter

A must have series in the upper primary classroom library. One young boy. One young Sasquatch. One mysterious mystery involving monsters.

The Storm Dragon (The Secret Rescuers #1) by Paula Harrison

A delightful little title about a storm dragon in need of rescuing. Sophy, a young maid at the castle is the perfect one to help.

The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang

Upper MG/YA graphic novel. A historical french setting. A prince who loves fancy dresses. A dressmaker trying to make it. Completely engaging.

Shouting at the Rain by Lynda Mullaly Hunt 

An emotional read – the complexity or families and the complications of friends. I love how Delsie figures things out in a highly relatable way. Hunt delivers, again. a title that needs to be in the hands of young readers.

The Benefits of Being an Octopus byAnn Braden 

Zoey Albro lives in rural Vermont. Her mother and three younger siblings count on her abusive and manipulative step father Lenny for a roof over their heads because mom’s waitressing job does not guarantee that they won’t be homeless. This title deals with poverty, the huge responsibilities of a young girl and deep commitment to family. While we witness Zoey’s middle grade stressors and dreams, we also view the struggles of poverty and abuse through her eyes. A powerful novel.

Sweep The Story of a Girl and her Monster by Jonathan Auxier

This title was a surprising favourite for me. Historical fiction and important magic. Nan Sparrow is a chimney sweep who keeps beating the odds – surviving a daily dangerous job. How her story unfolds is quite incredible. An emotional beautiful read.

Up next? I am reading Anger is a Gift by Mark Oshiro

Monday February 18th, 2019

Posted on by
14

Oh my – I haven’t written a Monday post in months! Busy, busy but doesn’t mean I haven’t been reading. There is no way to catch up on everything so I am going to choose just 10 of some amazing tiles I have read in last while and share them here.

Some reading photos #kidsarereading. The second one is adorable – one of my students reading to the little sister of a classmate while he has his student led conference with his mom.

IMG_2716IMG_2780

Join Jen from Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki from Unleashing Readers and share all of the reading you have done over the week from picture books to young adult novels. Follow the links to read about all of the amazing books the #IMWAYR community has read. It’s the best way to discover what to read next.

Books I read:

If Polar Bears Disappeared by Lily Williams

I read my class Lily’s book If Sharks Disappeared and they couldn’t stop talking about it so I knew this was a must have, must read title. I am such a fan of this series and it is such a rich jumping off point for so many discussions about our world, all of the living creatures, interconnectedness and environment. Highly recommended.

polar bears

Dreamers by Yuyi Morales

This was part of our Mock Caldecott collection this year and ended up being an Honor book in our classroom. Stunning with pages to get lost in. My students loved Yuyi’s author’s note in the back of the book and then of course we had to read this book multiple times again.

Dreamers

Blue by Laura Vaccaro Seeger

I couldn’t see how this could be as equally wonderful but still different from Green. But oh, it is!

BlueCover

Meet Yasmin! by Saadia Faruqi with illustrations by Hatem Aly

This is a collection of four of the Yasmin titles – the perfect transitional chapter title. I have now ordered more of the Yasmin! stories as this book continues to make its rounds around my room. Yasmin is an energetic, creative Pakistani American girl that you must meet!

Meet Yasmin

One Big Happy Family (Ivy and Bean #11) by Annie Barrows and illustrated by Sophie Blackall

Number 11! Oh how I love this series! This one is hilarious as usual! Worth reading purely to find out how Ivy and Bean plan to become twins!

Ivy and Bean #11

Breakout by Kate Messner

This book has so much going on beyond a prison break in a small town. It tackles a myriad of themes: friendship, systemic racism, small town dynamics, growing up. It is told through a collection of pieces meant for a time capsule: news articles, journal entries, text messages, transcribed recordings and some pretty incredible poetry (with hat tips to some sensational writers like Jacqueline Woodson, Nikki Grimes and Lin Manuel-Miranda), One main character has a brother in the prison, one has a family member soon to be named as a suspect and one has a father who is the superintendent  of the town’s maximum security prison. Highly recommended.

Breakout Kate Messner

Wild Blues by Beth Kephart

Another title inspired by a story of a real life prison break. Again, a book with so much more going on. I love Kephart’s style. She makes art out of words. I seriously walk around the world in a different way when I read her books. This story of Lizzie, her Uncle Davy and her best friend Matias is dramatic, emotional and uplifting all at once. I love them all.

Wild Blues

Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers by Deborah Heiligman

Such a read. Walk through Vincent and Theo Van Gogh’s lives as though walking through a museum. Stop and enjoy a scene from their childhood. Marvel at their supportive connections. Shake your head at their many intense quarrels. Peek at their relationships – often unrequited, hidden or secretive and never ending in happiness. watch as Vincent settles into the life as artist. It is far from easy. But each step is fascinating. An emotional, beautifully written, well-researched story of the lives of Vincent and his brother, Theo Van Gogh.

Vincent and Theo- The Van Gogh Brothers

No Fixed Address by Susin Nielsen

Set in Vancouver. Such a story of friendship and family dynamics is told while exploring aspects of poverty, mental health & homelessness.

No Fixed Address

Far From the Tree by Robin Benway

YA. Cried through lots of this one. Three siblings who find each other as teens – two were adopted as infants, one has spend his life in foster care. Wow.

Far from the Tree

Up next? I am reading The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang

 

Favourites of 2018

Posted on by
6

While January 1st is all about looking ahead to a new year, it is also a day to gaze back. I am celebrating a year of reading that was not as vast as usual but full of quality and meaningful reads.

Which books stand out?  Which titles still enter my thoughts? Which books would I consider rereading? Which books have I read to multiple audiences? What are the books that spoke to me the loudest? Books full of wonder. Inspiration. Humanity. Sorrow and hope. Books I recommend highly. Books I am pleased to celebrate here.

The 18 books that made the final cut? I chose across multiple genres.

18 books and no more than 18 words of raving. This was my challenge last year with my Favourites of 2017. Each year it has been the same: Favourites of 2016 (16 books, 16 words)  Favourites of 2015 (15 books, 15 words), Favourites of 2014 (14 books, 14 words), Favourites of 2013 (13 books, 13 words) and (12 books, 12 words) with my 2012 Favourites. Each year, I get one more book and one more word to play with!

Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal

“Where did your name come from?” A wonderful way to learn so much.

A House That Once Was written by Julie Fogliano with illustrations by Lane Smith

No longer a home but definitely a house full of secrets, stories and imagined memories.

I Walk with Vanessa: A Story about a Simple Act of Kindness by Kerascoët 

Witness what it is to be an upstander. There are all kinds of ways to respond.

Julián is a Mermaid by Jessica Love 

Be who you are. Find your community. Feel loved. All the feels.

Julian is a mermaid

The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld

Sometimes it is all about being heard.

Bloom: A Story of Fashion Designer Elsa Schiaparelli written by Kyo Maclear and illustrated by Julie Morstad

A fantastic biography of a wonderfully creative individual and how she perceived the world.

Shaking Things Up: 14 Young Women Who Changed the World written by Susan Hood and illustrated by 13 extraordinary female illustrators

Nonfiction perfection – inspired poetry, additional information and incredible illustrations. Introducing readers to inspiring female role models.

The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle by Leslie Connor

Root for Mason Buttle as every kind of grief soaked kind of bad luck gets thrown at him.

The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani

Just a beautiful, heart wrenching title. Written as a diary to a mother that died in childbirth.

The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani

Nowhere Boy by Katherine Marsh

Find hope, courage and an important reminder of what it is to be a citizen of the world. Outstanding.

Front Desk by Kelly Yang 

Immigration. The sacrifices of immigrant parents. Poverty. Discrimination. And the will and spirit of a one young girl.

Lousiana’s Way Home by Kate DiCamillo

Take an emotional walk alongside Louisiana Elefante as she tells her story. Served with chocolate marble cake please.

Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World by Ashley Herring Blake

Ivy’s family survives a hurricane but that’s just the beginning. Family. Loss. New love. Amazing!

Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World

The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson

A testament to a racist & troubled history. Family ties. Beginning friendships. Modern day mystery is woven through history.

Resistance by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Chaya is a courier in the Jewish ghettos. Everything is about danger, life and death and unthinkable choices.

Resistance

No Fixed Address by Susin Nielsen

Such a story of friendship and family dynamics is told while exploring aspects of poverty, mental health & homelessness.

No Fixed Address

In Sight of Stars by Gae Polisner

Beautiful writing takes us through the hard and heartbreak of the grieving process – sometimes overwhelmingly muddled.

In Sight of Stars

A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi

When first love is complicated by the rest of the world and their racist and stereoptypical perspectives.

A Very Large Expanse of Sea

Please share your own favourites of the year . . .

Wishing everyone a 2019 full of new favourites and lots of reading!