It’s Monday! What are you reading?
Each week I share a reading photo of the week. It’s been a few weeks since I have posted so here are a few . . .
A student brushing up on the original fairy tale as she begins the story of Rump by Liesl Shurtliff
Some serious Scaredy Squirrel fans read together during buddy reading!
Here are a few #classroombookaday photos to share
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:
Town is by the Sea written by Joanne Schwartz and illustrated by Sydney Smith
I am not sure if it is humanly possible to illustrate this book more beautifully. I almost couldn’t breathe looking at these pages. The story is lyrical and full of vivid images. The beauty of the seaside is a sharp contrast to the reality of the daily life in a mining town.
The Fog written by Kyo Maclear and illustrated by Kenard Pak
Well. Where to begin with this book? There is so much that is clever and charming but there are heavier themes to explore for each reader to discover. I can’t wait to kid test this one and see what the reactions will be. Very worth getting your hands on this title!
Caring for Your Lion written by Tammi Sauer and illustrated by Troy Cummings
A wonderful mentor text for the primary grades. Often the text and the pictures don’t completely match and this is hilarious and scary all at the same time as we follow the step by step instructions of how to look after a mail order lion. I shared this with a group of Grade 1 students who were thrilled to share what animal they might like to order in the mail!
The Good for Nothing Button by Charise Mericle Harper
Another wonderful Elephant & Piggie recommended title. I loved this book and then I read this post by Travis Jonker and loved it more. (If fidget spinners have taken over your school – read the link for a smile)
Super Narwhal and Jelly Jolt by Ben Clanton
We LOVE Super Narwhal in my classroom! Love, love, love. It is the perfect blend of amusing, informative and just plain cute.
A Boy Called Bat by Elana K. Arnold
I read this in one sitting. An ideal read aloud for a Grade 2 or 3 classroom. There is so much here. Bat, his family and a little orphaned skunk make up a cast of characters that you must meet.
Real Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham
This book is flying through my Grade 4/5 classroom. Friendship issues, fitting in, sibling stressors and growing up. The perfect middle school title. A graphic novel.
Moon Shadow by Erin Downing
Some fantastic elements that middle grade readers will love. For me personally, too much magic. But I can see young readers devouring this book. Recommended for Grade 6 and older because of the romance themes and nasty friendship dynamics.
American Street by Ibi Zoboi
This YA novel is hard to put down. Fabiola Toussaint joins her aunt and female cousins in Detroit. Newly arrived from Haiti without her mother who has been detained by immigration, Fabiola has much to navigate in this new world full of dangers and threats and uncertain security. Highly recommended.
Reading Progress updates:
2017 Chapter Book Challenge: 25/75 complete
Goodreads Challenge: 123/365 books read
Progress on challenge: 10 books behind schedule
#MustReadin2017: 14/30 complete
Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 18/50 titles
Diverse Books in 2016: 18/50 books read
Up next? I have a few titles on the go including Blooming at the Texas Sunrise Motel by Kimberly Willis Holt
There's a Book for That 
I have Real Friends on reserve at the public library and am also ordering a copy.
Caring for your Lion sounds like fun, and it would be great for a read aloud. All the picture books are ones I’ll look for, Carrie. Town Is By The Sea has so many holds at the library, I may need to purchase that one! You and others have made it sound wonderful! Thanks for all, and have a great week!
So many great books on this list. American Street is on my list to read! Real Friends circled amongst the adults in my room before I could even get it to the kids! Love Narwhal and Jelly too 🙂
I want to get my hands on THE FOG. I haven’t been able to find it.
I knew Real Friends was going to be a hit! So glad. I just read A Boy Called Bat this week as well. So much sweetness. I adore the cover of Town is by the Sea. Can’t wait to read that one.
That cover of Town is by the Sea just sparkles! And Narwhal is a big hit at my library, too. 🙂
Sounds like a LOT of powerful reads this week! I couldn’t get into American Street after the incredible writing of Piecing Me Together and The Hate You Give, but maybe I’ll give it another try over the summer.
I just added THE FOG to my to-read list thanks to your post. I’m looking forward to reading it!
You have some of my favorite recent reads on this list! From silly Narwhal to very serious Moon Shadow with some Buttons, Fog, Bat, Lion, and Friends in between–I say you had a fantastic reading week 🙂
Happy reading THIS week!
I’m waiting for Real Friends eagerly. We do have fidget spinners and I read Travis’ post. Too amusing. 🙂
Henry makes me read Caring for Your Lion every night!
I really want to read American Street. I might just have to read it next. Thanks for sharing!
I’m so happy your kids enjoy Ben Clanton’s Narwhal books as much as mine! I think it’s the sweetest friendship series ever. Talk about serious book love. Did you see book three will be out in February?! As always, thanks for all the stellar recommendations.