It’s Monday! What are you reading?
Each week I share a reading photo of the week. Or two, or three . . .
Friday afternoon reading peace.
This is kind of my all time favourite photo right now! These two are celebrating Spring Break reading choices. Reading is the thing!
More Spring Break reading plans
#classroombookaday titles
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.
On the blog:
It’s Slice of Life Season so many posts (and not quite as much reading):
Reading Workshop Truths: Slice of Life #12 12 truths of Reading Workshop
Inspiration sources: Slice of Life #11 On Spring Break, where will I find writing inspiration?
The Buddy Reading Phenomenon: Slice of Life #10 Buddy reading is about so much more than reading
Finding Community: Slice of Life #9 Feeling at home in my new school
But I’ve got this: Slice of Life #8 I want my room to be where life long readers are made
Kid collecting: Slice of Life #7 My morning walk involves a kid or two
Room 202: Slice of Life #6 Wondering why my new classroom feels so much like home
Books I enjoyed:
Bloom by Deborah Diesen and illustrated by Mary Lundquist
A beautiful book about seasons and time and growing. A perfect gardening book. Also a perfect parent child connection book.
Liam Takes a Stand by Troy Wilson and illustrated by Josh Holinaty
Sibling rivalry can sometimes be way over the top. What if you’re the littlest brother? This book will make you smile. And kind of thirsty.
Noisy Night by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Brian Biggs
Lots of noise in this very tall apartment building? Who is making it? A fun story time read aloud. Warning: it might get loud!
The Fabulous Friend Machine by Nick Bland
Oh yes – clever commentary on our social media world.
A Year of Borrowed Men by Michelle Barker and illustrated by Renné Benoit
During the war, three French Prisoner’s of War are sent to work on Gerda’s farm in Germany. Told from a child’s perspective, this book is a very human look at hard times in European history. Full of tender and sweet moments and the harsh realities of suspicion sand cruelties of war.
The Dance of the Violin by Kathy Stinson and illustrated by Dušan Petričić
A story of young violinist Joshua Bell. He wants to compete in an important competition. Can he convey the movement he hears as he plays? Or will nerves win out? Incredibly illustrated.
The Great Antonio by Elise Gravel
This Toon tale made me a little sad. A biography of sorts of The Great Antonio, the true story of Antonio Barichievich, Montreal strong man. All the things he could do! Gravel doesn’t shy away from featuring Antonio’s eccentric and troubled later life.
Upside Down Magic by Sarah Mylnowski, Lauren Myracle and Emily Jenkins
I had a group of students reading this book for Book Club and it was the only title I hadn’t read. I quite enjoyed this story of a special Upside Down Magic classroom for a group of children who can’t seem to learn or execute magic in more normal ways. Well developed and sensitive characters elevate this young middle grade novel beyond a simple fantasy story.
Reading Progress updates:
2017 Chapter Book Challenge: 12/75 complete
Goodreads Challenge: 73/365 books read
Progress on challenge: 3 books ahead of schedule!
#MustReadin2017: 6/30 complete
Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 13/50 titles
Diverse Books in 2016: 11/50 books read
Up next? I am reading Scar Island by Dan Gemeinhart
There's a Book for That 
Such great books on this list. The cover of The Fabulous Friend Machine makes me chuckle. I enjoyed Upside Down Magic, too. There was more to it than I thought there would be.
Yes, I ordered the next 2 books in the series for my classroom library.
Agreed, I was doubtful of Upside Down Magic (cover and title) and was pleasantly surprised! That will teach me…maybe 😉
A wonderful surprise!
Haha, that second picture is totally me when a book I’m looking forward to finally comes in at the library.
Book joy!
These are all new picture books to me, so I’ll have to get to the library and find them. Spring Break is still a month away, as our school district waits until Easter. I’ll be ready for a week of reading when it finally rolls around!
It is so wonderful to have extra reading time!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about Upside Down Magic – It is good to have a fantasy series that is easy-to-read because so many are very complex. The Fabulous Friend Machine sounds like a good book to pair with It’s a Book!
So true – this has an entry point of even a strong Grade 2 reader. But my 4s also enjoyed!
I continue to try to comment on your post. Argh, for some reason the comments keep disappearing! Here’s another try! Most of these are new to me, Carrie, so thanks for the list! I’m interested in The Great Antonio. Did you grow up knowing about him?
Oh dear! I wonder why this is happening? Glad to see you here! And no, I didn’t grow up knowing about Antonio.
Thanks for the book recommendations. I look forward to adding to my “to read” pile every Monday after I finish reading your blog.
That makes me so happy to hear! Thank you
I’ve read a few of these picture books and am crazy about the Upside Down Magic series. I purchased the first as a lit circle set as soon as I read it. I might have liked the second even more and am looking forward to the third.
BTW, I’ve just started listening to Scar Island!
I am hooked. Looking forward to getting back to it later tonight!
Fabulous Friend Machine looks fun. Thanks!
It’s pretty clever!
I’m glad you enjoyed Bloom! 🙂
It’s wonderful Debbie!
I can’t wait for the Joshua Bell book!
Loving the look of The Great Antonio.