In January, I had 30 titles on my #MustReadin2017 list and the intention to read at least 20 of these books. Distractions always happen and sometimes certain books are not to be read. Some books are in the pile and just haven’t been read yet. The year isn’t over – perhaps I will be updating this update in the next few days!
Making a list like this is about being enthused about a year of reading ahead. It is also about building community. 30 other bloggers joined me in making #MustReadin2017 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.
I started teaching Grade 3 again this fall and ended up reading numerous transitional chapter books which pulled me away from MG and YA novel reading but I still finished 25 out of the 30 titles on my list!
I have posted updates all year so will include just a few words about the last books on this list that I finished. Our last update was in early September. I finished these four titles since that date.
Wish by Barbara O’Connor
So much here – this books explores the amazing and the challenging about family and friendships and allows us to question what matters when it comes to home and security. What is important enough to wish for? As always, I adore Barbara O’Connor.
A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz
Oh my goodness me. This book is fantastic. Creepy. Gruesome. Lots of blood and gore but lots of suspense and great story telling (and retelling) Despite the creepy and violent parts, this is definite middle grade material! Fairy tale sharing at its finest.
Mighty Jack and the Goblin King by Ben Hatke
I was so excited to finally have the chance to read this book and I couldn’t put it down. It was full of surprises and the ending just about knocked me over. I now feel like my students who read Mighty Jack last year and then whined all year about the second in the series not yet being published. Just wondering . . . when is Book 3 coming?
Snow White: A Graphic Novel by Matt Phelan
This book is beautiful and really quite brilliant. I loved hearing Matt Phelan talk about this title in Bellingham last spring and treasure that my copy happens to be signed. A fairy tale retelling like you would never have imagined. Set in New York City during the 1920s, this is Snow White like you have never seen.
Want to know more about #MustReadin2017? Read here This post also includes links to all of the bloggers who wrote Must Read in 2017 lists.
Thinking about joining us for 2018? Please do! Make a list and read some, none or all of the titles on it. Reading is amazing but reading plans are pretty wonderful too! Just reading all of the lists is a great reason to pour a big cup of coffee and do some book dreaming! I am always in awe of the creative ways people plan and think about their reading lives.
We will be sharing lists beginning January 2nd 2018! Please join in using the twitter hashtag #mustreadin2018 or by leaving me a comment on this blog (when the post is up) and I will add your list.
Thank you so much for hosting this reading challenge. Here is my update http://readingtl.blogspot.com/2017/12/mustreadin2017-update.html
A pleasure to host Crystal! Thanks for participating!
Happy holidays!!
Here’s our update at Unleashing Readers:
http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=14913
Thanks for participating you two! Love that you are part of this community.
And I love being part of it!!! ❤
Looks like a successful run! I have long given up worrying if I actually finish all of the books.
Wish seemed like a book you would really enjoy 🙂
Here’s my update:
https://mrsknottsbooknook.blogspot.com/2017/12/final-mustreadin2017-update-122817.html
Thanks for sharing Michele! I love everything Barbara O’Connor. Everything!
Thanks for hosting! Here is my update: http://www.literacyonthemind.com/2017/12/mustreadin2017.html
Wish is one of my favorites! It’s a perfect middle grade novel. Students are always asking me about the third Mighty Jack book. I have students who also love Zita the Spacegirl so they are excited that she will become a part of Mighty Jack’s story.
Yes, Ben Hatke has many fans in my school too!
That last twist at the end was great. I was glad to have read it before it got in my class so I could watch a couple of boys in grade 6 finish it and gasp at the end. One of my most memorable teaching moments of this year.
I’m so thankful the work you do to host us. I’ve already started a 2018 list with A Tale Dark and Grimm added to the list that wasn’t in my original plan. 🙂 Here is a a final reflection from me:
http://simplylearningtogether.blogspot.com/2017/12/must-read-in-2017-end-of-year-update.html
A Tale Dark and Grimm was an unexpected addition for me last year and I am so pleased that I read it!
I added the second book to my 2018 list. I need the excuse to go back to that series. Loved it.
Thanks so much for hosting this again! Here is my last update:
https://theabsolutelytruereadingdiaryofaparttimelibrarian.wordpress.com/2017/12/28/mustreadin2017-final-update/
This was so much fun, hope to do it again next year.
I am so pleased that you will once again join us! I am making my 2018 list right now!
Thank you thank you thank you! As always, this was super fun, and I can’t wait to go through and read all the final updates. Here’s mine: http://dismalwhimsy.blogspot.com/2017/12/must-read-in-2017-final-update.html
I am so pleased you joined us! It is always so interesting checking out all of the update posts and I can’t wait for the new lists!
Pingback: Final #MustReadin2017 Check-In | The Englishist
25 out of 30 is so baller. Also, I’m glad I made the list and participated because it really did inspire me to read some of the books. Accountability! It works! theenglishist2.wordpress.com/2017/12/28/final-mustreadin2017-check-in/
The link wasn’t complete: https://theenglishist2.wordpress.com/2017/12/28/final-mustreadin2017-check-in/
Accountability does work! These lists keep me very motivated. Thanks for participating!
I so want to read the rest of the Gidwitz series–I loved the first one! If I hadn’t already made my 2018 list, I’d definitely have put them on there. Hopefully I’ll remember!
I love Snow White and Mighty Jack, too, and Wish is on my 2018 list 🙂
Thank you as always for hosting!
My pleasure! Hope you enjoy Wish.
Here are my favorite picture books of 2017. I can’t wait to start the 2018 challenge https://picturebooks4learning.wordpress.com/2017/12/31/my-favorite-picture-books-of-2017/
Lovely list!
So sorry to be late. My company left yesterday! I’ll try to visit everyone through the next days, finding books for the next list, I’m sure! Thanks, Carrie for hosting. I too loved Phelan’s Snow White! My link: http://www.teacherdance.org/2017/12/final-mustreadin2017-update.html
I agree – these lists are dangerous and often result in my next list becoming much longer!
I finally incorporated my Must Read in 2017 recap in my look back post: https://thechroniclesofachildrensbookwriter.wordpress.com/2017/12/31/looking-back-at-2017/
Looking forward to more great reading in 2018!
Thanks for sharing Earl!
I LOVED Wish! Snow White was on my list, too. Such a unique book!
It really is.
Oh, and here is my link to my #mustreadin2017 update! https://hollymueller.blogspot.com/2018/01/mustreadin2017-update-and-favorite.html
Okay, here I am . . . two months late with my 2017 update! Soon I’ll post my #mustreadin2018.
I totally loved Wish!
https://pleasuresfromthepage.blogspot.com/2018/02/a-procrastinators-year-end-update.html