It’s Monday! What are you reading?
Each week I share at least one reading photo of the week. Here are a few.
Lone reader, lost in her book.
A Todd Parr reading binge.
The heart of Reading Workshop. Readers perched everywhere totally engaged in reading.
Student book talks are so very powerful!
Two weeks of #classroombookaday titles to share. Gorgeous titles about plants and gardens.
Books that help to transform our thinking.
Classroom Highlights
During our recent Celebration of Learning, two boys delighted in reading aloud to a captive audience. Their choice? Naked! written by Michael Ian Black and illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi
I loved watching students share student writing and voices about some of our recent read alouds.
Titles and student reactions on display for the Celebration of Learning.
Drawing our incredible structures created in the Art and Discovery studio.
Work on display during Celebration of Learning.
Last minute preparation before parents and caregivers are invited to explore our work.
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 loved
Julián is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
This is the latest book I cannot stop raving about and reading to anyone who happens to enter our classroom. Absolute picture book perfection. This title shows us “that anyone can be anything they want to be,” explained one of my students. It is about self expression. Dreams. The love of a grandparent. Creativity. The end pages are divine. This will be one of my Mock Caldecott selections for 2019.
A Stone for Sascha by Aaron Becker
More wordless amazing from Aaron Becker. This one is multi-layered and will require multiple rereads to absorb. An absolute stunner. Becker explores time, grief, history and chance in this beautiful book.
The book trailer gives a lovely sneak peek
A Seed Is the Start byMelissa Stewart
This book! You want this book! Primary teachers, this is the perfect title to share when discussing planting, seeds and gardens. Full of rich, descriptive language and incredible close up photography. Highly recommended!
But the Bear Came Back by Tammi Sauer and illustrated by Dan Taylor
Adorable. No persistent bears allowed until said bear no longer shows up.
Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
I sometimes do read adult novels – here is proof! Incredible writing. So very sad. Which is maybe why I don’t read a lot of adult novels.
Up next? I am reading The Heart and Mind of Frances Pauley by April Stevens and Jane, Unlimited by Kristin Cashore
Reading Progress updates:
2018 Chapter Book Challenge: 21/60 complete
2018 Transitional Chapter books: 8/40 complete
Goodreads Challenge: 100/300 books read
Progress on challenge: 20 books behind schedule
#MustReadin2018: 12/30 complete
Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 10/40 titles
Diverse Books in 2018: 17/40 books read
There's a Book for That 
I thought But The Bear Came Back was awesome & had a really sweet message – that you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone. I’ll definitely need to check out the other books on your list. Have a great week!
Happy reading Jana!
A Stone for Sascha is a beautiful book. I’ve read it through a few times, each time to absorb more of it. Melissa Stewart has such great nonfiction!
She really does. And yes, I am a huge Becker fan!
I hadn’t realized this Aaron Becker book was even out yet–and I was so pleased to discover that my library has a copy! And I am 1st on the hold list! I haven’t seen Julian Is a Mermaid yet, but feel like it’s one I will fall in love with. Loved all the photos from your classroom!
You will LOVE Julián is a Mermaid. Just for the end pages even, it will go on my favourites of the year! So, so good.
I love Julian, too, and A Seed Is to Start, both great for every classroom, and I have A Stone for Sascha, still haven’t shared. Love all the classroom pictures, Carrie. Those incredible structures, well, are incredible! Enjoy your end of the year time with the class!
I know! Aren’t they incredible? I was so impressed with their creativity
The book trailer or A Stone for Sascha is stunning!
I think I’m going to refuse to read any more sad books, except of course A Stone for Sascha, but definitely no more sad novels for at least 6 months!
It’s not really sad – more hopeful and interesting!
Carrie as always I value your input on books I’m off to go shopping for these titles! Thank you
Happy shopping!
We just ordered Julian is a Mermaid based on your recommendation – Can’t wait for it to arrive!
It is just beyond the beyond! Enjoy!
Oh my goodness, I’m really looking forward to A Stone for Sascha – Aaron Becker is such an incredible talent.
HE sure is!
I think I have everything you shared on my TBR list (except for the adult novel, which I’ll still go look into). Thanks so much for sharing all these lovely books. Have a wonderful reading week, Carrie!
You too!
Mark my words. Julian is a Mermaid WILL be the 2019 Caldecott medalist. I’d be willing to be money on it.
I sure hope so! It is FANTASTIC!!!
Visiting your blog just makes me long to spend hours and hours and hours in your classroom. So lovely and alive. I have added Stone for Sascha and A Seed is the Start to my Must Buy List, so thanks 🙂 Also, how are the blue shelves attached to your whiteboard?
Magnetic ledges! Magnetic display trays from Lakeshore Learning – order them!
Thank you!
I am so excited to read Julian. I have heard such wonderful things about that lovely book. I totally agree about A Seed is the Start. Yes, that adult book was a sad one. Good, but so sad.
Really sad. Can’t wait of hear what you think of Julian.