This time weeks have passed instead of months – still feels like too too long since I have posted but here is a post full of a huge variety of titles I am celebrating!
Lots of nonfiction reading aloud happening in the classroom!
Because we are readers, we are writers #kidsarereading So proud of the engagement I witness in my students.
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.
When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree by Jamie L. B. Deenihan with illustrations by Lorraine Rocha
You might be able to guess what you should do with said lemon tree – yet the answer is all wrapped up in a charming little title about family, making a plan, taking good care and patiently working towards a goal. Love the emphasis away from the overly material and onto amazing nature.
Thank you, Omu! by Oge Mora
Oh community! Generosity. And some incredibly smelling stew. Loved this one.
We Don’t Eat our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins
Because, really could you imagine? This little dino really could. And did. Hilarious.
Hey, Water! by Antoinette Portis
We are begiining a unit about water and will be talking everything from where we find it to where we don’t and why. This book will help us dive right in. Can’t wait.
The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander and Kadir Nelson
Wow. Described as a love letter to black live in the United States, this gorgeously illustrated book is magnificent.
The Monster Detector (Big and Little Foot #2) by Ellen Potter
A must have series in the upper primary classroom library. One young boy. One young Sasquatch. One mysterious mystery involving monsters.
The Storm Dragon (The Secret Rescuers #1) by Paula Harrison
A delightful little title about a storm dragon in need of rescuing. Sophy, a young maid at the castle is the perfect one to help.
The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang
Upper MG/YA graphic novel. A historical french setting. A prince who loves fancy dresses. A dressmaker trying to make it. Completely engaging.
Shouting at the Rain by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
An emotional read – the complexity or families and the complications of friends. I love how Delsie figures things out in a highly relatable way. Hunt delivers, again. a title that needs to be in the hands of young readers.
The Benefits of Being an Octopus byAnn Braden
Zoey Albro lives in rural Vermont. Her mother and three younger siblings count on her abusive and manipulative step father Lenny for a roof over their heads because mom’s waitressing job does not guarantee that they won’t be homeless. This title deals with poverty, the huge responsibilities of a young girl and deep commitment to family. While we witness Zoey’s middle grade stressors and dreams, we also view the struggles of poverty and abuse through her eyes. A powerful novel.
Sweep The Story of a Girl and her Monster by Jonathan Auxier
This title was a surprising favourite for me. Historical fiction and important magic. Nan Sparrow is a chimney sweep who keeps beating the odds – surviving a daily dangerous job. How her story unfolds is quite incredible. An emotional beautiful read.
Up next? I am reading Anger is a Gift by Mark Oshiro
Oh my, what a wonderful week of reading you’ve had. I loved Thank You, Omu, The Benefits of Being an Octopus, and Sweep!! And I have Shouting at the Rain on my list and The Prince and the Dressmaker checked out right now. In fact, it’s on my #MustReadin2019 list (which I think the first quarter post is coming up SOON…). It looks like I’m going to have to get Big and Little Foot #1 read this year, too. Thanks for all the shares, Carrie!
Yes, update posts can be shared starting Thursday! You are right on there. Isn’t Sweep fantastic! I just fell in love with it.
Oh my goodness, We Don’t Eat Our Classmates just made me grin from ear to ear, so much fun!!!
Yes, so much fun!
Loved SWEEP! Also looking forward to reading Lynda’s new book. What fun seeing your class-reads, too. Happy reading!
Thanks Augusta. I loved Sweep a lot too!
You have had a fabulous reading week. I absolutely adore this series by Ellen Potter. (maybe more than Piper) I liked Sweep and am much looking forward to reading Shouting at the Rain (the VPL finally has it on order) The Benefits of Being an Octopus is on my Must Read List for this year.
My class is eating up this Ellen Potter series. Hope she keeps them coming!
Lots to love from your books, Carrie. I have The Benefits of Being an Octopus & need it to be next or almost next. And I loved Sweep, was sad when it ended, too. It is such a beautifully magical story. I still need to read Lynda Mullaly Hunt’s new book, know it will be good. Thanks for all!
Think we have a Sweep fan club here!
I love reading about the books you are reading/loved; however, I mostly love seeing the engagement and literacy love of your students!
So kind – thanks Kellee
From your list of books I read Thank You Omu to each of my 3rd & 4th grade classes. They all really enjoyed it. The timing was perfect too because we’d been in the middle of studying collage in illustration. They really appreciated Oge’s art and her story.
I would love to own a copy of this book. It’s going on my wish list!
I loved Antoinette Portis’ “NOW” and so glad to see that she has a new title. Thank You, Omu is gorgeous! Thanks so much for sharing so many wondrous titles yet again.
BTW, Carrie, our Asian Festival of Children’s Conference (AFCC) team is trying to get ahold of you – and they have tried Twitter and through here as well, have you received their email?
I haven’t received anything on twitter and rarely check my email associated with this blog. Going to check it now.
I want to get The Undefeated right now. I finally got Thank You Omu from the library but left it at work. I liked but didn’t love Princess and Dressmaker. Big Foot and Little Foot is one I need to just purchase. My students are always looking for mysteries (especially quicker reads).
Oh yes, you want a copy of Undefeated. I guarantee it.