Monday February 2nd, 2015

Posted on February 1, 2015 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

I have been sharing a reading photo of the week each week. This week I am sharing a photo of students engaged with a variety of nonfiction texts during “Nonfiction Reading Day” – where we devote our Reading Workshop time to reading nonfiction. Of course, for many readers, nonfiction reading happens all week but this focus allows all children to read more nonfiction, more widely.

I was excited to share our #MockCaldecott results and reflections here. In mere hours, we will know the actual medal and honor winners. So excited!

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.

I realize that much of my reading this week was nonfiction picture books. Lots of variety and as usual, I learned so much. Some highlights:

The Top of the World: Climbing Mount Everest by Steve Jenkins

If you want to climb Mount Everest, what would you need to know? This book is filled with facts about history, geography and the myriad of challenges that climbers might encounter.

Animals in Flight by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page

An older Jenkins title that I found in my school library. I was most interested in the history of flying creatures and the different ways various wings function.

A Place for Butterflies by Melissa Stewart and illustrated by Higgins Bond

Focuses on a variety of butterflies and the threats to their environments. Framed with specific ideas about how to change human actions to make a difference to butterflies like planting native plants, protecting swamps and marshes and not trying to catch live butterflies for collections.

Mites by Valerie Bodden

Magnified things we never actually see in our day to day life are quite creepy – yet incredibly fascinating. Made me want to vacuum.

I also read

Nine Words Max by Dan Bar-el and illustrated by David Huyck

Max is too talkative – wouldn’t it be great if he could only say nine words at a time? Ideal, think his brothers. But is it? Clever.

Dolphin SOS by Roy Miki and Slavia Miki with illustrations by Julie Flett

This was one of those read alouds where at one point the silence in the room was thick – surrounding us like fog – it seemed like we could see it and feel it all at once. Such a beautifully emotional book about three dolphins off the coast of Newfoundland who became trapped in the ice in a cove. The townspeople had to listen to their cries for days before they finally intervened when government wouldn’t help. There is a moment between a dolphin and one of the rescuers that is just awe inspiring. Based on a true story.

The Memory Tree by Britta Teckentrup

Death and grief healed by memories and community. A lovely, accessible picture book.

A Gift for Mama by Linda Ravin Lodding illustrated by Alison Jay

I love Alison Jay’s illustrations and this book, set in Vienna, was an absolute visual and historical treat. A circular story about Oskar trying to find a perfect gift for his Mama for her birthday. Yet, he keeps encountering people in need of his gift and trades each of them for something new. Themes of kindness, generosity and optimism.

I also finished The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

I finished this morning. Incredible.

#bookaday The Crossover by @kwamealexander A novel in verse bursting with heart, rhythm and truths Highly recommended for MG/YA readers

— Carrie Gelson (@CarrieGelson) February 1, 2015

Up next? My children and I continue reading The Shadowhand Covenant (Book Two of the Vengekeep Prophecies) by Brian Farrey. With my class, I have started Each Little Bird that Sings by Deborah Wiles. Oh, so very good!

I am starting The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher by Dana Alison Levy (one of my #MustReadin2015 titles)

Updates on my 2015 Reading Goals:

2015 Chapter Book Challenge: 6/80 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 43/415 books read

#MustReadin2015: 4/24 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 10/100 titles

Diverse Books in 2015: 3/50 books read

Monday January 26th, 2015

Posted on January 25, 2015 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

I have been sharing a reading photo of the week each week. This week with all of the buzz of #MockCaldecott, I had many to choose from. But this photo of these two boys quietly reading is my favourite. It captures what happens when there are a few free moments in our class – students grab books and read. Choices and habits that are simple, sure, solid. Love.

For a peek at some related #booklove attached to our #MockCaldecott, head over to my classroom blog and read about our guessing of title #3 in Aaron Becker‘s trilogy: Journey, Quest , . . . .?

Favourites of the week:

A Perfectly Messed Up Story by Patrick McDonnell

There are many things I adore about this little title. The value it places on books. It’s philosophical musings. The coffee rings. The wit. Lovely, lovely, lovely!

Stormy Night by Salina Yoon

Sweet through and through. A stormy night and a brave little bear (with the help of his family) handles the noises of a storm.

Jonathan & Martha by Petr Horácek

Playful and fun with lift up parts, cut outs and worms that battle into a tied up companionship, this books has huge potential for our buddy reading collection.

Elizabeth, Queen of the Seas written by Lynn Cox and illustrated by Brian Floca

What a story! An elephant seal that felt at home in a river in Christchurch New Zealand. When the well meaning townspeople bring her out to the ocean where they assume she will be safer and more content, she manages to return time after time.

Maudie and Bear written by Jan Ormerod and illustrated by Freya Blackwood

Anything Freya Blackwood and I am a little in love. Interesting reactions to this title. Our little Maudie is full of spunk, personality and . . . .but bear is calm, solid and consistent. Full of patience and love. Would be interesting to talk with children about what they think about the interactions. I think Maudie actually represents many little ones who are quite focussed on self.

I also finished (book #4 from my #MustReadin2015 list) The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

Lots of love. Lots of pain. Grief and mourning muddled up with falling in love and living. Some stop you in your tracks images and lines. Wow.

Up next? I finished reading Twerp by Mark Goldblatt to my children as our family read aloud. I highly recommend this title if you haven’t read it. It would make an ideal middle school read aloud (Grade 6 and up I think) Tonight we started reading The Shadowhand Covenant (Book Two of the Vengekeep Prophecies) by Brian Farrey

I am reading The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

Updates on my 2015 Reading Goals:

2015 Chapter Book Challenge: 5/80 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 32/415 books read

#MustReadin2015: 4/24 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 5/100 titles

Diverse Books in 2015: 2/50 books read

Monday January 19th, 2015

Posted on January 18, 2015 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

I have been sharing a reading photo of the week each week. This week, the photo I love best was taken during Reading Workshop on Friday. Everyone was so excited to get down to reading. These girls all settled on the carpet reading various comics and picture books. Two girls are engaged in an animated discussion about Sam & Dave Dig a Big Hole. Lots of books. Lots of book love.

Favourites of the week:

Are You Awake? by Sophie Blackall

This book is all about adorable little child questions that happen when there should be sleeping. From the Mom’s perspective, oh dear, go to sleep little one. From the reader’s point of view? Pure delight. And I adore Sophie Blackall‘s work, so = extra great!

The Camel in the Sun written by Griffin Ondaatje and illustrated by Linda Wolfsgruber

Not sure where to begin with this book. Such an emotional and serious read. A beautiful book all around. Themes of kindness, compassion and empathy. More suited for older readers/listeners. Although, in an interactive read aloud, younger listeners could manage it. A fable of sorts.

Gus & Me The Story of My Grandad and my First Guitar written by Keith Richards and illustrated by Theodora Richards

I was seriously skeptical with this one. Musician writes a children book . . . and his daughter illustrates it . . . ? But, actually, this was a lovely title. The text was well done. I really liked some of the illustrations – especially the guitar atop the piano page. And, it has so many elements I love in a picture book – a relationship between generations, family connections, special memories. Well done, Mr. Richards.

Priscilla and the Hollyhocks written by Anne Broyles and illustrated by Anna Alter

This is the story of Priscilla, a young slave, who is sold to a Cherokee family and then must walk with them along the “Trail of Tears” when they are relocated. Hollyhock flowers represent a link to her childhood memories of family and her mother. An important historical read.

My Blue is Happy written by Jessica Young and illustrated by Catia Chien

This book almost leaps about shouting, “Don’t you want to use me for a writing activity prompt? You do, don’t you?” Yep, yes I do! I fell quickly for this book exploring the emotions of colour, asking us to look at typical colour feelings from another perspective. And, wow, Catia Chien is impressing me at every turn. Gorgeous illustrations.

I also read two novels:

How to Outrun a Crocodile When Your Shoes are Untied by Jess Keating

Captures the intensity of this middle school age – the navigating the social world, the figuring out of who one is with lots of humour, surprises, embarrassment and joy. As my daughter, who happens to be 12, and have a twin brother, said “this book is so real.” Ana is a character you will want to keep reading.I will definitely be picking up Jess Keating’s next novel and soon!

Going Over by Beth Kephart

I am not sure if this book spoke to me so intensely because I have read so much literature set in Central/Eastern Europe. Or because I lived in what was once Czechoslovakia from 1990 to 1992 just after the wall went down in a small town that really was slow to “westernize”and shake off Communist influences. All of that is part of it. A lot of it is that Kephart is so ridiculously talented. This is a story and a piece of art. I can see reading this book over and over because it is so very, very rich in imagery and emotion. It is painful. It is beautiful. It is haunting. Loved this book. And I haven’t even touched the plot. Just go. Find it. Read it. Let the images swirl about. Be with these characters. Fall into this time. What an experience.

Next up? Reading another title from my #MustReadin2015 list The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

2015 Reading Goals:

2015 Chapter Book Challenge: 4/80 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 26/415 books read

#MustReadin2015: 3/24 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 4/100 titles

Diverse Books in 2015: 2/50 books read

Monday January 12th, 2015

Posted on January 11, 2015 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

I have been sharing a weekly reading photo of the week each week. This week I had lots to choose from! My final choice is of students talking picture books with each other during Reading Workshop. Fantastic engagement!

I read some fantastic picture books this week! My favourites:

Time for Bed Fred! by Yasmeen Ismail

Fred certainly needs some help getting to bed. But what a wonderful adventure in avoidance. Fred is delightful in all of his energy and mess.

Flight School by Lita Judge

Oh this little penguin. He is persistent. Daring. Charming. Purely irresistible.

Have You Seen my Dragon? by Steve Light

A visual adventure in search of a dragon – along the way notice and count numerous other things in the city. This is a must have for my buddy reading collection. Love the black and white images and the bright colours of what we are counting. Delightful!

Mr. Ferris and his Wheel written by Kathryn Gibbs Davis and illustrated by Gilbert Ford

Such interesting details about how the first ferris wheel came to be – from brilliant idea to the real thing in all of its glory.

Sixteen Years in Sixteen Seconds: The Sammy Lee Story written by Paula Yoo and illustrated by Dom Lee

This is a powerful biography about Sammy Lee, a Korean American who faced discrimination and various challenges on his journey to Olympic gold. Pressure from his father, limited access to public pools (because non white patrons could only use the pool once a week) and training in a sandpit were all part of Lee’s journey. A true story of dedication and determination.

If You Wish written by Kate Westerlund and illustrated by Robert Ingpen.

My students’ reviews of this title can be found on our classroom blog. Turns out to be a wonderful writing prompt! A story celebrating imagination.

Speaking of picture books, I also shared the eleven titles on our Mock Caldecott list. Can’t wait to dive into more of these with my students this week!

I also read

Sticky Burr: Adventures in Burrwood Forest by John Lechner

So very unique. I know this will become an adored part of our graphic collection.

100 Sideways Miles by Andrew Smith

Smith writes such incredible young male characters. Likeable, honest, and vulnerable. They are stubborn. Questioning. At times, obnoxious. Navigating the challenges of teeenage times. Boys who don’t need to be perfect. Who are figuring it out. Who get much of it wrong but some of it really right.

Up Next? I am almost finished How to Outrun a Crocodile When Your Shoes are Untied by Jess Keating and then I will be reading Going Over by Beth Kephart

2015 Reading Goals:

2015 Chapter Book Challenge: 2/80 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 18/415 books read

#MustReadin2015: 2/24 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 3/100 titles

Diverse Books in 2015: 1/50 books read

Monday January 5th, 2015

Posted on January 4, 2015 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

I have been sharing a weekly reading photo of the week each week but because of winter break, I haven’t been with my students. So I decided to share a favourite from last January. It makes me excited to remember how keen the students are the first week back to dive into our classroom library!

I read A LOT of picture books (fiction and nonfiction) last week trying to meet my 2014 Goodreads goal. Some were okay, a few were terrible but thankfully, many were fantastic.

I am able to type a little better than a week ago but resting my arm (serious pinched nerve issue in my neck) in anticipation of work tomorrow so sharing only covers, not details.

Here are my 10 favourites:

I also read two novels:

Wake Up Missing by Kate Messner

Whoa – so much suspense. Hard to put this title down.

Glory O’Brien’s History of the Future by A.S. King

Everything A.S. King writes is so unique and makes me more of a fan. This is a wild ride. Glory O’Brien has some voice.

A final update on my 2014 challenges:

Reading Goal Updates:

2014 Chapter Book Challenge: I finished 89 novels. My goal was to read 100 novels

Goodreads Challenge: My pledge was to read 650 books. And . . . at around 11 p.m, thanks to a picture book binge I completed 651 titles!

#MustReadin2014: 25/30 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: I wanted to read 65 titles. My final total was 146 nonfiction books!

My reading goals for this year come down in numbers in certain places, up in others and reach out in terms of range. I know I will be reading many books regardless – these goals help ensure I read widely.

2015 Reading Goals:

2015 Chapter Book Challenge: 1/80 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 5/415 books read

#MustReadin2015: 1/24 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 0/100 titles

Diverse Books in 2015: 0/50 books read

For anyone out there who would like to participate in the #MustReadin2015 challenge, read here for more information and to check out the lists being shared. Create a list and send it to me and I will include it!

Monday December 29th, 2014

Posted on December 28, 2014 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

I have been sharing a weekly reading photo of the week each week but because of winter break, I haven’t been with my students. So I decided to share a favourite from late spring during buddy reading time. How I love all of the reading that happens in my room.

I did a lot of reading this week trying to meet my 2014 goals. Unfortunately, my plans have been sidelined by a very painful possible pinched nerve in my shoulder and an allergic reaction to medication. Not a lot of fun. I can read, but not as much and typing is many shades of excruciating. So I am trying a few minutes at a time to write this post today.

Here are my favourite picture book titles of the week – covers only. Can’t type the details.

In novels I finished:

A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

Unfortunately, not a fit for me. Too much paranormal not enough normal for my tastes.

Drama by Raina Telgemeier

Again, Raina nails the teenage voice.

Milo: Sticky Notes and Brain Freeze by Alan Silberberg

Fantastic middle grade read. Made me smile and cry.

Blue Lily, Lily Blue by Maggie Stiefvater

I am a huge fan of the Raven Cycle books.

Rose Under Fire by Elizabeth Wein

Absolutely incredible and completely heartbreaking.

Next up? I have just started Wake up Missing by Kate Messner. Then I am going to try and meet my Goodreads goal so lots of picture books and hopefully a few more novels before the 31st. Trying to reach 90 novels instead of 100.

Reading Goal Updates:

2014 Chapter Book Challenge: 88/100 novels complete

Goodreads Challenge: 617/650 books read (26 books behind)

#MustReadin2014: 24/30 complete (finished 3 this week!)

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 143/65 complete

Monday December 22nd, 2014

Posted on December 21, 2014 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

My favourite reading photo of the week is this picture of two girls buddy reading together at the carpet. I loved watching them take turns reading pages and making predictions about the story.

Warning: This post contains a lot of picture books! I tried to only feature my favourites of the week. I had a lot of favourites! I will try to be very brief in my commentary.

Nana in the City by Lauren Castillo

Picture book perfection. LOVE this title and everything it says about home and family.

Blizzard by John Rocco

A title full of different things for different readers – nostalgia for a different, simpler time, adventure imagined, celebration of family and neighbourhood and just plain wow of winter and weather. Rocco is fast becoming one of my very favourite book creators.

Lion vs Rabbit by Alex Latimer

Just saying, this is one clever rabbit. And he is more than he seems. Lots of layers to this story.

Songs of the Water Boatman written by Joyce Sidman and illustrated by Beckie Prange

Come to the pond and experience it like you have never imagined through vivid images, fascinating facts and gorgeous illustrations.

The Right Word: Roget and his Thesaurus written by Jen Bryant and illustrated by Melissa Sweet

Illustrations to get lost in, absolutely stunning. Fascinating to have a glimpse into the thinking and passions of Roget. Inspires list making of many kinds. Looking forward to sharing this with my students.

The next four picture books were donated to Seymour School by author Hiromi Goto – I was able to take them home to read before they become part of our collection in January. Thank you Hiromi!

Wow Wow and Haw Haw George written by George Murray and illustrated by Michael Pittman

An adaptation of a Celtic legend. Enjoyed the colour palette, the connection to nature and the pacing of the story. I know this will be a hugely engaging read aloud.

Skydiver: Saving the Fastest Bird in the World by Celia Godkin

I am a big fan of Godkin’s information story books. I always learn many new things and this book was no exception.

The Tweedles Go Electric written by Monica Kulling and illustrated by Marie Lafrance

Lots of fun with the energetic and charismatic Tweedles and their choices that were very much ahead of their time. History. “Green” priorities. Charming energy to this one!

Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress written by Christine Baldacchino and illustrated by Isabelle Malefant

A title about diversity and gender stereotypes. Perfect title to spark discussions about acceptance, individuality and classroom community.

Duck in the Fridge by Jeff Mack

Never expected a bed time story about the joy of the read aloud to begin with a duck in the fridge and end with a household full of animals and the power of a story!

A Piece of Cake by LeUyen Pham

On route to visit his friend, mouse trades away all of the pieces of cake he was planning to deliver. No worries, some more trades can happen to find some ingredients to bake a new cake! Loved how the “offerings” on route back to make a cake were not the ones you would have suspected. Clever.

this ORQ (he cave boy) written by David Elliot and illustrated by Lori Nichols

A “child wants pet” “parent says no” story from “cave people time” Absolutely adorable.

The Flat Rabbit by Bárður Oskarsson

You know, I like this book – almost gave it a higher rating but thought intended audiences – children- might not know what to do with this title. Is that because we protect them from such subjects (death)? Not sure. There is something honest and real about this book. And the end, though abrupt on first read, is then somehow full of our fragility. Not many picture books allow the characters to just not really know. And leave it there . . .

Neighborhood Sharks: Hunting with the Great Whites of California’s Farallon Islands by Katherine Roy

Incredible. Sharks are probably the most terrifying of all creatures to me and yet I found myself fascinated and full of questions reading this book.

In other reading:

Tales of Bunjitsu Bunny by John Himmelman

Ideal to read and discuss a chapter at a time. Eastern philosophy bound up for the very young.

Super Lexi is not a Fan of Christmas by Emma Lesko

This series featuring Lexi by Emma Lesko is an important addition to our school and classroom libraries. Lexi reminds us that kids are unique, we can support them with flexibility and that we all have something to teach each other. I like how this story gives kids permission to find the holiday “hoopla” varying degrees of overwhelming! Realistic school setting and nice job with friendship dynamics.

The Wild Book by Margarita Engle

I have discovered so many beautiful novels in verse as of late. This title, by Engle, inspired by her Grandmother is full of courage, family and a rich history.

The Turtle of Oman by Naomi Shihab Nye

I finally picked this book up after weeks of setting it aside and enjoyed its conclusion. Quiet pace and some beautiful images – a story of a young boy and his strong connection to his grandfather.

The Red Pencil by Andrea Davis Pinkney Illustrated by Shane W. Evans

A truly beautiful and important book. Highly recommended. Another novel in verse – heavy in loss and anguish, light in hope and dreams of new possibilities.

Next up? I am reading A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray I have a huge list beyond this! Likely after this I will be balancing thin with thick novels in my TBR pile trying to reach my goal of 100 novels by 2015! Hopelessly ambitious, that’s me!

Reading Goal Updates:

2014 Chapter Book Challenge: 83/100 novels complete

Goodreads Challenge: 591/650 books read (41 books behind)

#MustReadin2014: 21/30 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 136/65 complete

Monday December 15th, 2014

Posted on December 14, 2014 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

My favourite reading photo of the week is this picture taken during Reading Workshop. It highlights that all kinds of readers choose all kinds of books. Dr. Seuss? Check. Browsing some Elephant and Piggie titles? Check. Some amazing graphic novels? In Raina Telgemeier‘s Sisters, absolutely!

My favourite picture books of the week?

Ubiquitous: Celebrating Nature’s Survivors poems by Joyce Sidman and illustrated by Beckie Prange

The end pages alone are reason to own this book. (That’s my current #1 reason why I must have it) Poet and artist celebrate nature’s successes. Who has been around for a long time and continues to thrive? Introduced in order of their evolutionary arrival, read poems and facts about such creatures as the squirrel, ants, geckos and diatoms. Fascinating and a lyrical experience all at once. Blending of art, poetry and nonfiction.

Octopus Alone by Divya Srinivasan

Wow. These illustrations. So very, very beautiful. Octopus is overwhelmed by the curious seahorses who find her so fascinating. She seeks out a quieter home but eventually misses her friends. I like the honouring of needing space but that it isn’t necessarily forever.

123 versus ABC by Mike Boldt

Super silly – an ideal title for reading aloud and then left to be read and reread individually and with a buddy. Such fun! Is this an ABC book or a counting book? The argument between letters and numbers travels through the pages. It doesn’t take long to catch on to what is happening but it sure is fun following it all through to the end. I bought this book for my classroom library.

Goodnight Songs by Margaret Wise Brown Illustrated by 12 Award Winning Artists

Lovely lullaby poems made even lovelier by the various artists who illustrated this collection. It’s difficult to pick a favourite page but I certainly had fun trying. I did choose a favourite poem though: Wooden Town. I can just imagine that I would have been reading this poem to my children when they were younger again and again and again.

And in novel reading . . .

Serafina’s Promise by Ann E. Burg (Middle Grade)

A novel in verse set in Haiti. Serafina lives in poverty with her family and her ambitious dreams of one day being a doctor. At eleven, she tries to convince her parents to send her to school. Hardships and natural disasters abound but Serafina’s strength and dreams persist.

I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson (Young Adult)

What a read. Sad. Vulnerable. Full of raw mistakes and huge hopes. Grief. Passion. Love. Despair. Family dynamics of so many varieties. It seems a book that pulls the reader through so many emotions may leave that reader exhausted and done by the end of the pages. Yet, this title is strangely energizing. It leaves you wanting more. Rooting for everyone. Lighter.

Next up? I have started The Red Pencil by Andrea Davis Pinkney. I am still reading The Turtle of Oman: A Novel by Naomi Shihab Nye. I don’t seem to pick this title up very often and tend to keep starting other books. This week it’s time to get it read or abandon it.

Reading Goal Updates:

2014 Chapter Book Challenge: 79/100 novels complete (I have made the pile of 21 titles I must finish in order to meet this challenge. Will I get it done is the big big question)

Goodreads Challenge: 570/650 books read (49 books behind)

#MustReadin2014: 21/30 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 131/65 complete

Monday December 8th, 2014

Posted on December 7, 2014 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

My favourite reading photo of the week is another gem from buddy reading. I captured this little guy mid-point. I love how my students interact and have such fun with the K class. It is a highlight for all of us!

Oh you should see my beautiful piles of books to read – they are spread out in multiple places around my house. I did dip my toe into reading some of them. But people in my house were sick and I wasn’t = lots more housework for me. Housework and soup making. People in my house needed to go to lots of dance rehearsals = less time for reading for me. It’s the way it goes! My reading plans are still all about meeting my goals for the year but the countdown to 2015 is certainly on . . .

I did manage to choose my must own/must share picture books for my Gift Books 2014 post. Check it out if you missed it and see if your favourites are there. Would love to hear which books would make your list if you would like to leave a comment. #Booklove shared is the very best kind!

And I read some lovely books:

Haiti my country: Poems by Haitan Schoolchildren Illustrated by Rogé

This title is stunning. The portraits are incredible – full of joy, somber, movement and stories. And the poems . . . Written by Haitian teenagers – these poems celebrate nature. They touch all of your senses with the images of Haiti – pink flowers, ripe mango, dancing Haitian trees, humble little huts, a garden of gold . . . One of the New York Times Best Illustrated Books I had to purchase this title. I want to share it with my students and immerse them in the images these young poets create.

The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade written by Justin Roberts and illustrated by Christian Robinson

I like how the power of observation and the eye for detail are honoured here. But not just of the external, extraneous details. Instead, details of our interactions and our intentions. One little girl misses nothing and reminds everyone about how we treat each other.

Are you a Ladybug? A Backyard Book by Judy Allen and Tudor Humphries

I have many of these Backyard Book titles in my classroom collection and was happy to add this one. I posted about using these titles in my classroom here.

I Loathe You by David Slonim

If you are a monster, you might express your deep feelings by substituting the word loathe for love. Fun to read aloud and giggle over. A perfect addition to my list of monster stories.

Lord of the Forest written by Caroline Pitcher and illustrated by Jackie Morris

Oh, trust me, this cover is a mere peek. Each illustration is absolutely this stunning throughout the entire book! Little tiger goes in search of the Lord of the Forest. When he is grown and has cubs of his own, the secret of who is Lord is revealed.

Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff

Add me to the list of Albie fans. Being kind is still absolutely underrated which is ridiculous but true. Albie reminds us all of many things. Most of all – how very challenging it is to be true to yourself.

Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt

This was a reread for me as I read it aloud to my children. Easily one of my favourite novels of all time. Both of my children loved it. Incredibly written. Doug Swieteck is our hero. If you have read this book, you are nodding your head. If you haven’t, go, find a copy and soon. Can’t recommend this book highly enough. Middle grade perfection.

Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate

A novel in verse. Again, I will say, that novels with sparse words often haunt us with the most powerful images. This book made me very sad. Not quite ready to articulate the many reasons why. An important read.

Next up? I have started I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson. I am also still reading The Turtle of Oman: A Novel by Naomi Shihab Nye. With my children, I have begun Twerp by Mark Goldblatt

Reading Goal Updates:

2014 Chapter Book Challenge: 77/100 novels complete (yes, more than 20 to go! I have faith!)

Goodreads Challenge: 560/650 books read (48 books behind)

#MustReadin2014: 21/30 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 128/65 complete

Monday, December 1st, 2014

Posted on November 30, 2014 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

My favourite reading photo of the week was captured during buddy reading with the kindergarten class this week. Love the teaching and interacting that was going on between these two!

I was held hostage by report card writing this week and literally attached to my computer this weekend. I lamented and, at the same time, celebrated here. As a result I didn’t get the reading done that I would have liked to do. I also have a very limited time to get this post together as I need to go back and edit my reports one more time. Sigh.

So this is an abbreviated version of my typical #IMWAYR post

Here are some picture books that I enjoyed:

I See the Moon by Jaqueline Mitton; illustrated by Erika Pal

From There to Here written by Laurel Croza and illustrated by Mark James (student reviews will soon be published on our class blog)

Song of Middle C by Alison McGhee and illustrated by Scott Menchin

Two Frogs by Chris Wormell

All Kinds of Families! by Mary Ann Hoberman and illustrated by Marc Boutavant

In other reading? Tomorrow evening I will finish Okay for Now with my children. I think our next book is going to be Twerp by Mark Goldblatt. My daughter reads all over the map but my son pretty much sticks to graphics and fantasy/adventure. When I read realistic fiction, he gets totally into it but he would never read it on his own. So, I am sticking to realistic fiction for a while with my kids.

I am reading in spurts and starts The Turtle of Oman: A Novel by Naomi Shihab Nye. I then plan to read Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff. Then, I have a big mission. I had plans to read 100 novels this year. That means I have to get 25 finished in a month. Nobody cares but me. But I care. A lot. Our lengthy job action (on strike forever) should have given me excess time to read. Instead it froze me and I didn’t get to dive into the land of books like I wanted to. I resent that. I am bound and determined to meet this goal. I wouldn’t quite put money on it. But, I should at least get big points for big ambition. Here goes . . .