Monday July 10th, 2017

Posted on July 9, 2017 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

Each week I share a reading photo of the week. I have no students to celebrate during the summer so I searched back through the archives to find a buddy reading moment. A room full of reading together is always my favourite!

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:

Little One by Jo Weaver

Gentle with amazing illustrations. A mama bear shows her cub the world and then they find their den to hibernate for the winter. Seasons. Nature. Connection.

World Pizza by Cece Meng with illustrations by Ellen Shi

Don’t wish for world peace when you might sneeze! What happens when everyone in the world shares the gift of food? (in the form of tasty pizza) Great conversation starter in the classroom. How do we connect? What makes us happy? How can we share?

The Infamous Ratsos Are Not Afraid written by Kara Lareau and illustrated by Matt Myers

Perfect transitional reader. I want to get this series for my Grade 3 classroom this fall. Themes of friendship, bravery and taking responsibility.Blooming at the Texas Sunrise Motel by Kimberly Willis Holt

This novel has so many elements I love – a connection between the generations, interesting family dynamics, introspective musings. Well written, emotional realistic fiction for MG readers.
The Many Reflections of Miss Jane Deming by J. Anderson Coats

Fantastic historical fiction set in the Pacific Northwest. The Mercer expedition brings war widows and young women west and Jane comes along with her father’s young widow and her younger brother. Washington is vastly different than what was expected. Adventure, a strong female character and lots of interesting history!

the-many-reflections-of-miss-jane-deming

Lucky Broken Girl by Ruth Behar

Based on the author’s childhood. One of the best MG titles I have read this year! Ruthie Mizrahi and her family have come to New York from Cuba and slowly Ruthie is adjusting. Then a car accident lands her in a body cast and isolates her from her new world. Full of poetry, art and beautiful relationships.Highly recommended.

lucky-broken-girl

I read One Crazy Summer when it first came out and was delighted to read the next two books in the trilogy back to back. I adore Delphine, Vonetta and Fern and learning more about their family was an absolute treat. I loved both books!

P.S. Be Eleven by Rita Williams-Garcia

Gone Crazy in Alabama by Rita Williams-Garcia

Reading Progress updates:

2017 Chapter Book Challenge: 37/75 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 150/365 books read

Progress on challenge: 39 books behind schedule (This hasn’t changed in a week! But it hasn’t got worse. All the novel reading means no picture books!)

#MustReadin2017: 18/30 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 21/50 titles

Diverse Books in 2016: 27/50 books read

Up next? I am reading What Elephants Know by Eric Dinerstein

Monday July 3rd, 2017

Posted on July 2, 2017 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

Each week I share a reading photo of the week. Here are a few from the past week. This will be the last week of student photos for a few months as summer break has started.

This one was taken on the last day. This buddy reading duo migrated to the stairwell. I love the connection books foster.

Here is a student browsing the shelves to put together a list of recommended titles. I put all of these suggestions together here and will add some of my own as the summer progresses so my students have a central spot for book recommendations. We spoke a LOT about summer reading during the last few weeks of school.

#classroombookaday titles were books I wanted to ensure I had a chance to read aloud to this class. We had some fantastic discussions as I knew we would.

Books I enjoyed:

If I was Your Girl by Meredith Russo

This is definitely a YA title. It has all of the themes of a romance themed teen novel: coming of age, rocky friendships, identity and self-esteem worries, family complexities and relationship highs and lows. It also has a main character who is a young trans woman who has just transitioned. Hope that copies of this book are in high school libraries.

Pandas on the Eastside by Gabrielle Prendergast

I read this charming little novel in one sitting this afternoon. Set in the downtown east side of Vancouver (where I taught for 21 years) and set in the early 1970s, this is historical fiction with some what-if elements. I loved the opportunity to wander through story, time and place.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Possibly one of my favourite novels in some time. Incredible. Powerful. Necessary reading for anyone who happens to currently be human. Some things I particularly loved: Starr’s strength and voice, the cast of supporting characters and the close love of family. A wow book, deserving of all the hype.

Reading Progress updates:

2017 Chapter Book Challenge: 32/75 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 143/365 books read

Progress on challenge: 39 books behind schedule Clearly, I need a picture book reading spree!

#MustReadin2017: 15/30 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 21/50 titles

Diverse Books in 2016: 25/50 books read

Up Next? I am reading Blooming at the Texas Sunrise Hotel by Kimberly Willis Holt

Monday June 26th, 2017

Posted on June 25, 2017 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

Each week I share a reading photo of the week. Here are a few from the past week.

A row of readers.

Getting comfy.Pouring over I Yam a Donkey! during buddy reading.#classroombookaday photos. I have a few to share! We have explored lots of themes in this last month!

So, I have been missing in action here for about a month. Lots of reasons – all about being busy, busy, busy. My daughter’s dance year end show and competitive season has been a very enjoyable full on commitment (involving many full weekends). Any extra time has been about the year end stuff – report cards, class organizations, supporting friends who are switching jobs. And . . . I have been filling my own fitness schedule with lots of dance – Zumba classes, an Adult Hip Hop and a month ago, I started Adult Tap. So much fun! I took years of tap dancing when I was a child and it is all coming back to me. I am looking forward to a summer full of dance, gardening and reading catch up. Hurrah for the #bookaday challenge.

Other relevant news – I am returning to my primary roots and will be teaching Grade 3 again in the fall. Very excited to transform my room from a Grade 4/5 class back to a primary room. Especially excited to once again, work on the classroom library!

Books I enjoyed:

Dragon was Terrible written by Kelly DiPucchio and illustrated by Greg Pizzoli

Absolutely charming and ever so naughty, this dragon. I am now on the lookout for a classroom copy of this book. Who can tame this dragon? It is no easy feat. But the journey is beyond hysterical!

Give Me Back my Book! by Travis Foster and Ethan Long

Two friends argue over one green book. As their argument progresses, the reader learns all about the components of a book and enjoys some humorous twists.

Goldfish Ghost written by Lemony Snicket and illustrated by Lisa Brown

This title might be passed over by some as a little too out there and dark. I think it is quietly clever and speaks to some important themes: the cycle of life, belonging and companionship. A Well Mannered Young Wolf written by Jean Leroy and illustrated by Matthieu Maudet

It seems that good manners do not serve wolves very well. Loved this one!

Juana & Lucas by Juana Medina

Oh, how I want this title for my Grade 3 classroom library this fall! Juana does NOT love learning English or a bunch of other things. But she also is very specific about what she does love. All is detailed in this wonderfully illustrated early chapter book. Hoping for more of Juana in the future!

See You in the Cosmos by Jack Cheng

How I adore Alex Petroski – an 11 year old who records his world on his iPod to sent into space to show what Earth is really like. His journey to capture the essence of Earth reveals all the details of his vulnerable and complicated existence. HIGHLY, highly recommended!

Gem & Dixie by Sara Zarr

A young adult realistic fiction read. Two sisters. Two parents that haven’t delivered. A lot of pain, neglect and figuring it out. My fourteen year old loved this one.

The Other Boy by M.G. Hennessey

Shane has moved to a new city with his Mom and his classmates at his new school only know him as Shane, a baseball playing guy in middle school. But Shane’s past surfaces and how he navigates the upset and stressors of this is handled so believably. An important book for our school and classroom libraries – this one about a trans child transitioning from female to male.

Reading Progress updates:

2017 Chapter Book Challenge: 29/75 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 139/365 books read

Progress on challenge: 36 books behind schedule (yikes!)

#MustReadin2017: 15/30 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 21/50 titles

Diverse Books in 2016: 23/50 books read

Up Next? I have a stack of novels from the library and am part way through If I was Your Girl by Meredith Russo

Monday May 22nd, 2017

Posted on May 21, 2017 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

Each week I share a reading photo of the week. Or two 🙂

These two are pointing out that we just have the first six titles in this series and . . . don’t I feel like doing a little book shopping? Because there are more titles . . . Hint. Hint. How can I resist?

Kids and books are everywhere during buddy reading!

#classroombookaday photo We have been travelling the world learning about biomes, ecosystems, evolution, endangered animals, etc. Love nonfiction books!

Books I enjoyed:

The Red Bicycle: The Extraordinary Story of One Ordinary Bicycle written by Jude Isabella and illustrated by Simone Shin

This Citizen Kid title would make an excellent read aloud in the classroom. One very special bicycle makes its way from North America to West Africa.

Melvis and Elvis written by Dennis Lee and illustrated by Jeremy Tankard

My children were raised on Dennis Lee! I love sharing his work in the classroom too and this title will find a spot next to all of our other Dennis Lee titles in the poetry section on our shelves. Lots of silly here!

The Case of the Stinky Stench written by Josh Funk and illustrated by Brendan Kearney

Another full out fridge adventure. Some suspicious stenches accompany Josh Funk’s delightful rhyming text. Another winner!

My Canada: An Illustrated Atlas by Katherine Dearlove and illustrated by Lori Joy Smith

Can’t wait to share this one in my classroom. Perfect title for students to navigate.

Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly

This might be my favourite title so far by Kelly. Four main characters and some delightful supporting roles (love Virgil’s Lola). Unique characters here. Individual. Lonely. Determined. A highly, highly recommended middle grade read.

Reading Progress updates:

2017 Chapter Book Challenge: 26/75 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 129/365 books read

Progress on challenge: 11 books behind schedule

#MustReadin2017: 15/30 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 21/50 titles

Diverse Books in 2016: 20/50 books read

Up next? I have a few titles on the go including Blooming at the Texas Sunrise Motel by Kimberly Willis Holt and See You in the Cosmos by Jack Cheng

Monday May 15th, 2017

Posted on May 14, 2017 by carriegelson

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

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

Monday April 24th, 2017

Posted on April 23, 2017 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

Each week I share a reading photo of the week. Typically, I have more than one to share!

I love happening upon keen readers perched all over the room.

I am the #1 Reader spotter. I find them no matter where they hide!

Buddy reading spots

Lots of #classroombookaday photos to share. Can you see a theme in each collection?

Books I enjoyed:

Out of Wonder Poems Celebrating Poets by Kwame Alexander with Chris Colderley and Marjorie Wentworth illustrations by Ekua Holmes

Here, I am speechless about this book. I can’t wait to begin reading poems from it aloud to my students. It will be inspiring more words. More poetry. More imagining. BUY this book! Your classroom or library need to have this title.

This is How We Do it: One Day in the Lives of Seven Kids from around the World by Matt Lamothe I featured this title here.

Piper Green and the Fairy Tree: Going Places by Ellen Potter with illustrations by Qin Leng

This series is so popular with a few of my students. It has appeal for independent readers from a really broad age range. I had Grade 2s who loved this series. Now I have Grade 4s who love these books. This fourth title is a lot of fun. I love Piper’s bold conviction.

Princess Cora and the Crocodile written by Laura Amy Schlitz with illustrations by Brian Floca

I am pretty certain that most pet lists do not include crocodiles. This one turns out to be pretty amusing and wonderfully, hilariously heroic.

Terror at Bottle Creek by Watt Key

An incredible adventure story that will have you on the edge of your seat. A Gulf Coast Hurricane creates conditions absolutely terrifying for 13 year old Cort and his two neighbours he is trying to keep safe.

Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson

Jade is a black student on scholarship at a mostly white private school. She questions the supports and opportunities offered to her as she struggles to figure out what she wants in her future. This title explores so many relationships: family, friendships, mentor/mentee, student/teacher. Jade’s voice is one that will weave questions into your head that will remain there for some time. Loved all of the things this book made me think about.

Matylda Bright and Tender by Holly M. McGhee

This little book is all kinds of tender indeed. It holds you up through the heartbreaking and consoles you through all the hard. A beautiful middle grade read about friendship and grief and all the many ways to hope.

Reading Progress updates:

2017 Chapter Book Challenge: 21/75 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 112/365 books read

Progress on challenge: On schedule!

#MustReadin2017: 13/30 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 18/50 titles

Diverse Books in 2016: 16/50 books read

Up next? I am reading a bunch of things including Moon Shadow by Erin Downing

Monday April 3rd, 2017

Posted on April 2, 2017 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

Each week I share a reading photo of the week. Typically, I have more than one to share! 🙂

Here are students making lists of books they want to read after I book talked some titles.

Two boys lost in their books. I love the recently book talked titles with a huge list of names above them. Many students want to read these novels!

A Ben Hatke story being shared during buddy reading.

On the blog:

The Slice of Life posts wound down. 31 days of published pieces!

Gentle: Slice of Life #31 Choose to be gentle as we teach

It’s that Good: Slice of Life #30 A reading classroom

Stand Up and Sing! Pete Seeger’s biography for nonfiction Wednesday

No Surprises: Slice of Life #28 Back to school after 2 weeks away

60% Chance of Rain: Slice of Life 27 Hoping for sun

Books I enjoyed:

Hoot and Honk Just Can’t Sleep written and illustrated by Leslie Helakoski

An adorable title all about being true to your nature and happiest where you belong.

Farmer Duck written by Martin Waddell and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury

The 25th anniversary edition of this classic tale! All of the farm animals help hard working Duck when the farmer persists in his lazy ways.

Milo and Georgie written by Bree Galbraith and illustrated by Josée Bisaillon

Milo and Georgie move with their Mom for her new job. Each approaches the move and all things new in very different ways. Georgie embraces the thrill of discovering a new place and all of the details of her neighbourhood. Milo vows to never have fun again and stations himself firmly inside his house. A wonderful story about what it’s like to have to deal with a move as a child.

Bad Guys: Episode 2 Mission Unpluckable by Aaron Blabey

We can’t get enough Bad Guys! Loved meeting Legs in this episode.

Bad Guys: Episode 3 The Furball Strikes Again by Aaron Blabey

This may be the biggest adventure yet. Lots of hilarious drama!

Like Carrot Juice on a Cupcake by Julie Sternberg and illustrated by Matthew Cordell

All kinds of difficult friendship dynamics are explored here. Love this series. Wish this third title wasn’t the last.

The Scourge by Jennifer A. Nielsen

A true adventure story. This middle grade novel will keep readers on the edge of their seat. Weevil and Ani are very likeable characters and it is easy to cheer for them. Mystery, adventure and interesting character dynamics. Can see my students becoming addicted to this title after just a few chapters.

Reading Progress updates:

2017 Chapter Book Challenge: 18/75 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 100/365 books read

Progress on challenge: 9 books ahead of schedule!

#MustReadin2017: 10/30 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 17/50 titles

Diverse Books in 2016: 13/50 books read

Up next? I am reading Terror at Bottle Creek by Watt Key

Monday March 27th, 2017

Posted on March 26, 2017 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

Each week I share a reading photo of the week. As we were off this past few weeks, I have a photo of a bookstore visit to the incredible Munro’s Books in Victoria B.C. Here is part of the picture book display.

With Spring Break and being away for a few days I missed last week’s IMWAYR so this post captures 2 weeks of reading.

On the blog:

Continued Slice of Life posts mean daily posting:

Missing Primary: Slice of Life #26 I love Grade 4 and 5 but I miss the little ones

Shopping: Slice of Life #25 I am not a good shopper

So far: Slice of Life #24 So far from a year ago

Rain: Slice of Life #23 Caught in a deluge

Quiet Things: Slice of Life #22 The quiet things I love

Chapter book Challenges: Slice of Life #21 How we support students moving into chapter books

Writing cheats: Slice of Life #20 Words still eluding me

Missing words: Slice of Life #19 Writing steals my reading time

Simply easier: Slice of Life #18 Preparing to write about teaching before? Maybe soon

Slightly Awkward: Slice of Life #17 Thinking about the work that change in our practice involves

Mud: Slice of Life #16 Nothing to write about

For nonfiction Wednesday, Nic Bishop’s newest: Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday: Penguin Day – A Family Story

Capturing play: Slice of Life #15 The importance of play

Sometimes Guilt: Slice of Life #14 Sometimes, thinking back to leaving my previous school brings guilt.

The little girl I should have taught: Slice of Life #13 Thinking about a child who should have been in my class

Books I enjoyed:

Triangle by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen

Love the way these two partner up to make us smile and wonder and shake our heads. Little bits of sneaky. Lots of funny. And always, the stunning artwork from Klassen.

A Walk in the Forest by Maria Dek

Oh this book. Visually it is absolutely stunning. If this doesn’t make you want to wander through the woods and use every sense . . .

Shy by Deborah Freedman

Underneath a very sweet story is permission to be just who you are.

Rain by Sam Usher

Gorgeous rain. The pages seem slightly drowned. The images feel like they are full of puddles. And a lovely little story about a boy and his Grandpa.

A Unicorn Named Sparkle by Amy Young

More than an “I want a pet” story. This is “I want a unicorn story” With big expectations come big disappointments. And then, big love.

Life on Mars by Jon Agee

Not really about Mars. More about set up and surprises and wanting something to be so. Really liked this one.

Dear Dragon written by Josh Funk and illustrated by Rodolfo Montalvo

Charming and full of all kinds of classroom possibilities. Writing to a pen pal becomes even more exciting when you begin to share more and more about yourself. What happens when the chance to meet in “person” happens? Told in rhyming letters, there is a lot to this little picture book.

Egg by Kevin Henkes

I have a thing about picture books where the egg plays a starring role. This one is especially wonderful.

Squirrels Leap, Squirrels Sleep written by April Pulley Sayre and illustrated by Steve Jenkins

For years, I have made it clear that I do not like squirrels. At all. They steal my daffodil bulbs. They have tried to burrow into my house. They make feeding birds a battle. So, I wasn’t sure about how I would feel about a title devoted to these creatures. Must admit, I kind of loved it and I learned a lot. But, I still do not like squirrels.

Feathers and Hair, What Animals Wear written by Jennifer Ward and illustrated by Jing Jing Tsong

This is a must experience it yourself nonfiction title. Really incredible illustrations. Would be a beautiful addition to any school or classroom library.

Completely Clementine by Sara Pennypacker

I have been putting off reading the final Clementine title because I didn’t want to say goodbye. We found Clementine as an audio book years ago when my children were smaller and went on to read all of the titles. In fact, I have read all but 2 titles aloud to my children. At 14, they weren’t going to sit through this one but I am excited to share it with students who I know have been Clementine fans.

Feathers by Jacqueline Woodson

A story of hope.Of family. Of observations. What a lovely read.

Scar Island by Dan Gemeinhart

Dramatic and hard to put down. There were parts of this story I found absolutely creepy. Kids who love action driven books will love this story. I am a big fan of Gemeinhart. This is not my favourite of his three so far published titles. But definitely an action packed read.

Short by Holly Goldberg Sloan

Holly Goldberg Sloan has a way of showcasing characters in stories that we don’t always see together. This is what I loved about Counting by 7s – the diversity of characters who were in each other’s lives. In Short, it is all about friendships between generations. It’s also about a play and all of the wonderful behind the scenes preparations. I fell in love with the characters here. A must read middle grade novel!

Reading Progress updates:

2017 Chapter Book Challenge: 17/75 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 94/365 books read

Progress on challenge: 11 books ahead of schedule!

#MustReadin2017: 8/30 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 17/50 titles

Diverse Books in 2016: 13/50 books read

Up next? I am reading The Scourge by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Monday March 13th, 2017

Posted on March 13, 2017 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

Each week I share a reading photo of the week. Or two, or three . . .

Friday afternoon reading peace.

This is kind of my all time favourite photo right now! These two are celebrating Spring Break reading choices. Reading is the thing!

Monday March 6th, 2017

Posted on March 5, 2017 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

Each week I share a reading photo of the week.

Last week I was here – Western Washington’s Children’s Literature Conference with Rita Williams-Garcia, Laurie Halse Anderson, Christian Robinson and Matt Phelan so I didn’t post. I just lived in literary love land. It was pretty darn amazing. I came home with bags of signed books and a head full of inspiring words.

So two weeks of literacy snapshots from my classroom are here:

When UBC (University of British Columbia) students come to teach us science for three days, you should also ask them to read aloud The Book with No Pictures. Hilarious!

Loved that I had both big kids (from UBC) and little kids (my 4s and 5s) reading during quiet reading time.

Sarah Lean sent us some books – this is a group of readers showing her their excitement!

Finally, the Grade 1/2 teacher has agreed to be our buddy reading class! Our first session was all that I knew it would be.

And because I can’t resist – here are my students doing their version of slam poetry – which is basically alternating poem lines in a loud dramatic fashion. They are rocking a Silverstein poem. Kind of hilarious.

#classroombookaday titles

On the blog:

It’s Slice of Life Season so there’s a lot here:

Advice on the Fly: Slice of Life #5 2 minutes to give teaching advice? What would you say?

Elevated Love Notes: Slice of Life #4 A letter from a student that knocked me over.

Proof: Slice of Life #3 A necessary post to help me process some stuff I don’t like observing

Listening During the In-Between: Slice of Life #2 The precious things we hear when there is time to listen.

Doubts: Slice of Life #1 Because you might as well start off a month of writing being sure you can’t do it . . .

Books I enjoyed:

Bob, Not Bob! written by Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick and illustrated by Matthew Cordell

When we are sick, we clearly need our Mom most of all. This may not be possible to make perfectly clear. Lots of tissues and blowing of noses here. Funny!

Antoinette written by Kelly DiPucchio and illustrated by Christian Robinson

Antoinette is pretty charming.

School’s First Day of School written by Adam Rex and illustrated by Christian Robinson

Finally, I got my hands on a copy of this book. A beautifully tender first day book told from the school’s perspective.

A Family is a Family is a Family written by Sara O’Leary and illustrated by Qin Leng

Oh how I LOVE this book. Families all look amazingly and wonderfully different. This book celebrates this perfectly.

Preaching to the Chickens The Story of young John Lewis written by Jabari Asim and illustrated by E.B. Lewis

Gorgeous paintings by Lewis accompany an inspiring story of John Lewis in his childhood.

Before Morning written by Joyce Sidman and illustrated by Beth Krommes

Wow. This book is all about leaving and returning to a cozy home on a winter’s day. Just absolutely beautiful and poetic.

A River by Marc Martin

Take a journey along a river through your imagination. The colours here are just incredible.

My Beautiful Birds by Suzanne Del Rizzo

This will be another title about a refugee family’s experience that I will be sharing with my students. One little boy must leave his home and his birds behind as he and his family seek safety in a camp.

When we Were Alone written by David A. Robertson and illustrated by Julie Flett

An important story of family and remembering. A grandmother tells her granddaughter about her residential school experience. Beautiful art by Flett.

Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer by Kelly Jones

This is one funny book.But it’s also sweet and full of grief and change. Fantastically illustrated letters tell the story of a girl and the chickens she has inherited. She needs lots of help and advice along the way.