It’s Monday! What are you reading?
Each week I share a reading photo of the week. This week I snapped a photo of brothers visiting my room in the morning before school and reading together. It doesn’t get much cuter than this.
We have continued to explore themes for our #classroombookaday titles. What theme do you see in these titles?
And these? Just in time for Halloween! (Sorry for the blurry image)
I actually blogged this week! Sharing celebrations of my growing learning community here.
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 enjoyed:
Dreams of Freedom in Words and Pictures by Amnesty International
I love the possibilities this book offers us in our potential conversations about human rights and freedom. Beautiful, beautiful illustrations.
Because of an Acorn by Lola M. Schaefer and Adam Schaefer with illustrations by Frann Preston-Ganon
An acorn is the beginning. A story of the Earth, environment, nature and the possibility of a tree. Such beautiful art.
The Water Princess by Susan Verde and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
This might be my favourite title by this author/illustrator pairing. I wish it had existed when I was studying water and access to water with my class last year as it would have been a wonderful complement to the titles I shared with the students. The illustrations here are incredible.
The Storyteller by Evan Turk
Speaking of incredible illustrations – I don’t even have words. This will be part of my #MockCaldecott2017 list for sure. I am in absolute awe. Storytelling is the theme – told through stunning art, a visual journey and a tale that weaves into another tale into another . . .
The Great Pet Escape by Victoria Jamieson
A fun early graphic series. These little school pets have some big personalities.
Ghost by Jason Reynolds
Impossible to put down. Impossible to not bemoan that the next title is not yet published. Impossible to not visit a myriad of emotions on every page. Absolutely one of my favourite middle grade titles of the year. Everything from Jason Reynolds is 5 glowing stars.
The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey
This was gifted to me by my mother in law and I was waiting for the right mood to hit so I could sit and savour this little book. For those that love nature, who believe in the power of deep thought and introspection, who realize that life and health is some kind of miracle, this book is a must read. A rare adult read for me. So very special.
Reading Progress updates:
2016 Chapter Book Challenge: 48/75 complete
Goodreads Challenge: 283/400 books read
#MustReadin2016: 22/30 complete
Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 37/100 titles
Diverse Books in 2016: 33/50 books read
I am currently almost finished Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk
There's a Book for That 
Ghost is still one I’m wishing for, but have too many others to read first. What great books Jason Reynolds has given us so far! I loved Because of An Acorn, a beautiful book as you said. Thanks for sharing that last one, Carrie. I put it on my list! Happy Halloween!
Your reviews always send me off with a list of titles to request from our library. Love that pic of the brothers reading before school.
Wonderful list of books, as always! I cannot wait for the next book in the Ghost series, just loved this first one.
I read Because of An Acorn about 6 times this past week. I used it as part of a Woodlands Day our school is doing. Loved the cause/effect relationships it showed. Didn’t have time to blog about it this week, maybe next!
I’m being more selective in the picture books I read these days but The Water Princess is one I want to get my hands on. I admit that you have convinced me to add The Storyteller to that list as well. I’m waiting for ghost to become available from the VPL!
I haven’t seen The Storyteller before, and now I’m absolutely fascinated! Another great selection of new books to explore, as usual. 🙂
I loved The Water Princess! I think it would pair really well with Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park. The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating looks awesome! I’ll have to check it out. Have a great week!
It is a really beautiful little read.
As you know, I loved The Water Princess, too! And like Jana said, it’d be a perfect pairing with Park’s title! Cannot wait to read Ghost–it is on our December Mock Newbery list 🙂
Happy reading this week!
Ghost is a WOW!
Now I have to read the snail book. I want to get my hands on The Water Princess. It looks beautiful. I just read The Storyteller. I enjoyed the story and the artwork.
It is a special story. Would love to hear what you think.
I’ve ordered The Stoyteller for sometime now, but it hasn’t arrived in my doorstep yet, so am avidly waiting for it. Love the look of the Snail novel too. 🙂
I think you will love them both!
Every time I see pictures of your classroom and read your reviews, I wish I taught across the hall and could pop in for conversations throughout the day. Happy teaching, Ruth
Now that would be amazing! In a new place, it is hard to find community right away. Just the idea of a visit from you makes me smile!