Monday February 20th, 2017

Posted on February 19, 2017 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

Each week I share a reading photo of the week.

This week we started classroom book clubs. Here is my basket of book selections almost full of everyone’s choices.

Happy readers!

I forgot to take a photo of our #classroombookaday titles last week so I made a collage. These titles were incredibly inspiring.

This week, this is what we read:

(Had to include this lovely drawing on the white board by one of my students inspired by Bluebird)

Our theme? Some said friendship. Others said kindness. Others said heroes.

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.

On the blog:

For Valentine’s Day, I couldn’t resist: 10 picture books about love for Top Ten Tuesday

Books I enjoyed:

100 Things That Make Me Happy by Amy Schwartz

Best striped end pages! What makes you happy? Could you list a hundred things? And do some rhyming?

Step Right Up: How Doc and Jim Key Taught the World about Kindness written by Donna Janell Bowman and illustrated by Daniel Minter

I had never heard of this amazing horse and his companion. Such a story!

Welcome by Barroux

Barroux manages to say so much by saying so little. In this book, three lost polar bears search for a new home. How are these newcomers received? A timely story in our world.

Duck, Death and the Tulip by Wolf Erlbruch

A duck and Death spend some time at the pond. Unusual. Touching. Philosophical.

Adrift at Sea: A Vietnamese Boy’s Story of Survival by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch with Tuan Ho Art by Brian Deines

A picture book that depicts a true story of the escape from Vietnam in 1981. Full of dangers, emotions and leaving home. I bought it for our class collection.

Ballet Cat: What’s Your Favorite Favorite? by Bob Shea

This is not my favorite favorite of the Ballet Cat titles but still amusing enough to be enjoyable.

Hilo #3: The Great Big Boom by Judd Wick

Quite possibly I enjoyed this one more than Hilo book 2. This is a fantastic graphic series! So entertaining that I always read them first before bringing them into my classroom library – because then, I will never see these titles again!

Newsprints by Ru Xu

Gorgeous illustrations. I found some of the story line confusing but think this graphic title will have many fans.

Finding Perfect by Elly Swartz

An emotional MG read about one young girl’s OCD that begins to spin out of control. Highly recommended.

It Ain’t So Awful, Falafel by Firoozeh Dumas

Just fantastic! This book explores the Iranian Hostage Crisis, dealing with middle school while still figuring out America and all of the complexities of family and friendship a 12 year old girl from Iran might experience. And it’s super funny and touching and so wonderfully written! A must have for classroom libraries.

Reading Progress updates:

2017 Chapter Book Challenge: 10/75 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 52/365 books read

Progress on challenge: 3 books ahead of schedule!

#MustReadin2017: 6/30 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 10/50 titles

Diverse Books in 2016: 7/50 books read

Up next? I am reading Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer by Kelly Jones

Monday February 13th, 2017

Posted on February 12, 2017 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

Each week I share a reading photo of the week. Here are three.

Early morning and my room fills up with students reading books with each other. How I love this!

Student led conferences often included a read aloud from a favourite one or two Mock Caldecott titles. The Night Gardener is being shared here.

Finding a reading nook 🙂

On the blog:

For Nonfiction 10 for 10: Dive Down Deep

Books I enjoyed:

The Tree: A Fable by Neal Layton

There is something wonderfully powerful about this title. Powerful and refreshing. How do we share a natural space? Would pair perfectly with Where’s the Elephant? by Barroux

Tony by Ed Galing and illustrated by Erin E Stead

Oh these illustrations. Gentle. Lovely.

I Am Not a Chair! by Ross Burach

Wonderfully hilarious. A book about being who you are and being courageous enough to make sure others know it.

Nope! A Tale of First Flight by Drew Sheneman

Basically wordless. First flight can seem terrifying and a well executed “nope” should be respected, shouldn’t it?

The Rooster Who Would Not Be Quiet! by Carmen Agra Deedy and illustrated by Eugene Yelchin

So if you are going picture book shopping, this title needs to go on the top of your list. Don’t leave the store without it. I couldn’t. An allegorical tale that will make you giggle and nod vigorously and leap up and shout in agreement. Our voices cannot be silenced. Oh, this book is timely. Cannot recommend it enough.

Not Quite Narwhal by Jessie Sima

Who we are, where we belong, how big all of this can be. Lovely little book.

A Greyhound, a Groundhog written by Emily Jenkins and illustrated by Chris Appelhans

A beautiful book. Wonderfully playful illustrations. Wonderfully playful word play. Find a group of little ones and read this aloud!

Earthling by Mark Fearing

Don’t get on the wrong bus! What a fun graphic novel! This will be a well read, well loved title in my classroom.

The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

Wow. Yes, this is a YA love story but it’s more than that. Love stories don’t often hold my interest. This book is a story of being ridiculously human. About hope and faith and choices and kindness. About family and responsibility and dreams.

I have also been reading a lot for the Cybils awards (nonfiction category) Winners will be announced tomorrow!

Reading Progress updates:

2017 Chapter Book Challenge: 8/75 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 44/365 books read

Progress on challenge: 2 books ahead of schedule

#MustReadin2017: 5/30 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 10/50 titles

Diverse Books in 2016: 6/50 books read

U next>I am reading Finding Perfect by Elly Swartz

Monday February 6th, 2017

Posted on February 5, 2017 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

Each week I share a reading photo of the week. This one is my favourite this week. One child. A new book. Time standing still as he wasn’t going to move until that book was done.

Our #classroombookaday titles continue to focus on some important themes as we explore home – leaving, losing, finding, coping . . .

On the blog:

I continue to celebrate our Mock Caldecott process: Celebration: More Mock Caldecott Love This post is told mostly through tweets and images – including some amazing art by my students.

*Particularly exciting? This post is very much about Aaron Becker and our Skype conversation with him and he commented on the post!

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday: Swimming with Sharks

Books I enjoyed:

It wasn’t intentional but it seems I read mostly poetry picture books this week.

I Hear a Pickle: and Smell, See, Touch, & Taste It, Too! by Rachel Isadora

Playful and simple exploration of the five senses. Fun for little ones. Perfect for young writers.

Wet Cement: A Mix of Concrete Poems by Bob Raczka

Poems are shaped and arranged in creative ways all over the page. A delightful experience bringing meaning to all of it through the images and text.

Beastly Verse illustrated by Joohee Yoon

The poems are from Lewis Carroll, William Blake, Robert Desnos, Hilaire Belloc, William Cowper, Christina Rossetti, and D.H. Lawrence. The art? Well, wow. Colour and wild and imagination are all over these pages. Absolutely fantastical!

When We Collided by Emery Lord

A 2017 Schneider Family Book Award winner. Love. Family Mental health. Grief. Our human capacity to be broken and find ways to heal.

Every Single Second by Tricia Springstubb

I actually found myself getting angry reading this book as I wasn’t prepared for how difficult and emotional a read this was going to be. This title touches on so much from friendship to family to community dynamics. So many things are explored: trust, loyalty, commitment, forgiveness, judgement, prejudice, love. A powerful middle grade read.

Reading Progress updates:

2017 Chapter Book Challenge: 7/75 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 30/365 books read

Progress on challenge: 5 books behind schedule

#MustReadin2017: 4/30 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 8/50 titles

Diverse Books in 2016: 3/50 books read

Up Next? Almost finished The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon and then moving on to my huge stack of books that all just arrived for me at the library! But Scar Island that I just bought is kind of calling my name!

Monday January 30th, 2017

Posted on January 29, 2017 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

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

Finding a quiet place to read 🙂

Pouring over Aaron Becker‘s work. Our Skype call with him last week will be detailed here soon! Amazing, amazing, amazing.

We did some pulling apart of the room to arrange things for our Skype call. Before we put it back together, we enjoyed new places to sit and read.

Our #classroombookaday titles were on important themes of home, change, leaving, finding new place.

Books I enjoyed:

The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey

This little illustrated chapter book is ideal for Grades 2-5. Lots of humour perfectly suited to this age group. Can’t wait to get other titles in the series. This is the first one.

Templeton Gets his Wish by Greg Pizzoli

So if you could wish your family away . . . Would you miss them?

P. Zonka Lays an Egg by Julie Paschkis

Kind of a wow title. P. Zonka doesn’t lay eggs because of “pale mornings, the soft dark moss . . . ” and some incredible other reasons. When an egg finally arrives, it is a sight to behold. I personally think she could have just got by on those beautiful excuses.

Hannah and Sugar by Kate Berube

Gentle and sweet. Explores fears and courageous acts.

Stepping Stones: A Refugee Family’s Journey by Margariet Ruurs Artwork by Nizar Ali Badr

Sharing this title with my students this week was very powerful. We have been reading titles about home – leaving home, moving, losing a home. This story and powerful artwork brought a deep and introspective silence over the room. This is a must own, must share title.

The Inquisitor’s Tale by Adam Gidwitz

When the Newbery awards were announced, I was midway through this title and was not surprised this book was honoured. Incredibly researched, full of magical and historical details.

Reading Progress updates:

2017 Chapter Book Challenge: 5/75 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 25/365 books read

Progress on challenge: 3 books behind schedule

#MustReadin2017: 3/30 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 8/50 titles

Diverse Books in 2016: 3/50 books read

Up next? I am in the middle of When we Collided by Emery Lord – a Schneider Family Book award recipient for 2017.

Monday January 23rd, 2017

Posted on January 22, 2017 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

Each week I share a reading photo of the week. I have missed some Mondays getting back into the swing of school so I have a few photos to share.

Students were eager to check in with their reading goals and think about which genres they needed to read.

I loved reading their reflections.

When you finish a beloved series and the next book is not yet published.

Time to read everyday!

Reading to some Grade 2 students who came for a visit.

Eager audience.

Hurray for Mock Caldecott! Here are our winners.

On the blog:

Our Mock Caldecott list for 2017

Joining in with the Nonfiction Picture Book 2017 challenge with Alyson Beecher

My Must Read in 2017 novels

I still have people sending me links to #MustReadin2017 lists Join us here

Celebration: Mock Caldecott Reflections 2017

Books I enjoyed:

I have decided to include briefer summaries/responses to the books I am sharing in order to buy more time to do more reading and more blogging. So the book love remains but it will be expressed in fewer words.

Fog Island by Tomi Ungerer

Mysterious and a little scary. Stunning illustrations.

Coyote Moon written by Maria Gianferrari and illustrations by Bagram Ibatoulline

I absolutely loved this nonfiction title about a mother coyote needing to feed her pups. Definitely reminds us how challenging survival can be.

Little Elliot’s Big Fun by Mike Curato

Friendship and fun. But sometimes big fun can be a little intimidating and we really need our friend.

Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn by Kenard Pak

Just incredibly illustrated. An ideal seasons book full of so many sensations.

I am Not a Number written by Jenny Kay Dupuis and Kathy Kacer and illustrated by Gillian Newland

This will be a title I share with my students as we start to read about the residential school experience next month. Heartbreaking.

Everyone . . . by Christopher Silas Neal

Everyone feels all kinds of things. Simple with the power to soothe and remind us how similar we all are.

Ada’s Ideas by Fiona Robertson

LOVED this biography of Ada Lovelace. I learned so much.

Ada Twist, Scientist written by Andrea Beaty and illustrated by David Roberts

This is my favourite in the series!

Saving Red by Sonya Sones

YA. A novel in verse. Many themes are covered. Mental health, homelessness, family. Really enjoyed this title.

The Serpent King by Jeff Zenter

YA. Easy to fall hard for the characters here.

Reading Progress updates:

2017 Chapter Book Challenge: 4/75 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 18/365 books read

Progress on challenge: 3 books behind schedule

#MustReadin2017: 2/30 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 6/50 titles

Diverse Books in 2016: 2/50 books read

Up next? I am almost finished reading The Inquisitor’s Tale by Adam Gidwitz

Monday January 2nd, 2017

Posted on January 2, 2017 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

Each week I share a reading photo of the week. Here are some displays of previous Caldecott award winners set up to greet my students when they return from their break. We launch our Mock Caldecott unit on Tuesday! I am so excited!

On the blog:

Nonfiction favourites from 2016: 10 titles I loved

Year End Update for #Mustreadin2016

Want to join us in 2017? Check back on Thursday (the 5th) to connect to everyone making a #MustReadin2017 list

Celebration: Writing I celebrated a year of words and highlighted posts that told the story of my year.

Books I enjoyed:

We Sang You Home written by Richard Van Camp and illustrated by Julie Flett

This title is absolutely beautiful – lyrical and celebratory, it speaks to the joy and wonder of welcoming a new one into our lives. Of course, a perfect gift for new families.

This is My Book! by Mark Pett

Just saying, I think Pett might have had a little help here. See for yourself! Would be an engaging read aloud!

Solving the Puzzle Under the Sea: Marie Tharp Maps the Ocean Floor written by Robert Burleigh and illustrated by Raúl Colón

Wow. I love when nonfiction is the perfect blend of incredible story and breathtaking pictures – increases the wonder factor exponentially! This biography of Marie Tharp is one I would like to own.

Poet: The Remarkable Story of George Moses Horton by Don Tate

Truly a remarkable story. George Moses Horton loved words so much he was able to teach himself to read as a child when slaves were never permitted to learn to read and write. As a young man, George wrote such beautiful poems that he was able to earn enough money to temporarily “buy” permission from his owner to live in town and just write. This of course required that he paid for this “temporary” freedom. His master would not agree to allow George to completely buy his freedom though and it wasn’t until after the Civil War that he was finally free. Just an incredible read.

The Marvelous Thing That Came from a Spring: The Accidental Invention of the Toy That Swept the Nation by Gilbert Ford

This title tells the story of the invention of the slinky but also celebrates an entire journey of invention and its impact on a family. Really interesting!

Camp Midnight by Steven T. Seagle and Jason Adam Katzenstein

So what if you happen to board the wrong bus to camp and ended up at a camp where campers got to be their true selves at midnight but you had no true self to reveal because you were really human, not hiding in a human form? Yes, that is the storyline of this creepy little graphic novel that I am sure kids will just eat up.

American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang

I must admit I had no idea how this story was supposed to work and wasn’t sure what exactly was going on or how I felt about some of it and then, wow, how this all comes together . . . Kind of brilliant.

The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater

I don’t often read more than a few books in a series because I find typically, the story starts to disintegrate and each book can’t hold its own and at the same time, tie everything together. Not so here. I remained completely engaged right to the end of this fourth book in The Raven Cycle.

The Nest by Kenneth Oppel with illustrations by Jon Klassen

Although this book is absolutely frightening, it is also absolutely beautiful and heartbreaking. Highly, highly recommended.

Garvey’s Choice by Nikki Grimes

A novel in verse not to be missed. Celebrate as Garvey is able to find himself and move beyond the self-doubt, the teasing and bullying and the pressure of his father’s expectations.

Reading Progress updates: I didn’t meet all of my goals for 2016 (but came very close) and I am letting that go . . . Moving on to 2017!

2017 Chapter Book Challenge: 2/75 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 2/365 books read

Progress on challenge: For today, ahead of the game!

#MustReadin2017: 1/30 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 0/50 titles

Diverse Books in 2016: 1/50 books read

Monday December 26th, 2016

Posted on December 26, 2016 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

Each week I share a reading photo of the week. This week I got a little carried away 🙂

Here is a photo of Reading Workshop taken in the last week of school. Nothing makes e happier than readers reading.

One day last week I snuck into school to label some new to my class books ready to be book talked in January. Here’s to thieving from our family bookshelves and some great new purchases!

Christmas gift bookstack (my children’s haul)

And for Elisabeth Ellington, one more student self-portrait

On the blog:

Favourites of 2016 – No more than 16 words about 16 favourite books

Books I enjoyed:

The Snurtch written by Sean Ferrell and illustrated by Charles Santoso

Well, if we all have a Snurtch – and I suppose we do – I would hope that mine is this cute. A charming story that reminds us of all the emotions and moods inside of us.

Blue Penguin by Petr Horáček

This is beautifully illustrated! My librarian friend and I went for coffee the other day but we started our visit at the bookshelf where we stood in the picture book section and helped strangers choose gifts for children and grandchildren. Something for a 3 year old? We both reached for Petr Horáček. And penguins?! Can’t go wrong.

The Polar Bear by Jenni Desmond

To say that I am more than happy that Desmond is going to create a series of books on endangered animals is an understatement. Each is a treasure. This one was my holiday gift to myself. A must own title.

The Journey by Francesca Sanna

The art. The sentiments. The story. This is a collage of a collection of stories of people migrating from one home in search of another. A beautiful, important book.

The Bear Who Wasn’t There by LeUyen Pham

Go looking for a bear and you just might not find him. But lots of giggles are on every page as you meet a cast of cheeky characters.

Gertie’s Leap to Greatness by Kate Beasley

Many endearing characters. Gertie, of course and her Aunt Rae. The only thing holding me back from 5 stars for this title is that Gertie’s personality didn’t quite match her age. She seemed younger and it distracted me. Still, looking forward to more from Kate Beasley.

A Whole New Ballgame by Phil Binder

This was a real find! Can’t wait to include this series in my classroom collection. I loved the friendship between Rip and Red. So much loyalty, faith and understanding between these characters.

LumberJanes: Beware the Kitten Holy by Noelle Stevenson

A little too wacky, colourful and busy for my tastes but I know this graphic series is throughly enjoyed by middle grade readers.

Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life by Wendy Mass

Looking for more mystery titles for my students and realized I hadn’t read this one by Mass. Really enjoyed the friendship here and Jeremy’s search for all kinds of answers.

The Odds of Getting Even by Sheila Turnage

A think a perfect summer would be to rent a little house in Tupelo Landing so that I could spy on Mo and Dale and get a closer look at their adventures. Love these books! (And yes, I know this is a fictional world but after three titles, it all seems so real)

Reading Progress updates:

2016 Chapter Book Challenge: 68/75 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 348/400 books read

Progress on challenge: 45 books behind! Under 50 books to go . . .

#MustReadin2016: 24/30 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 47/100 titles

Diverse Books in 2016: 49/50 books read

Up next? I am working on The Raven King – likely my last #mustreadin2016 I will manage to get to! I started this book in the summer but had to put it down when school got busy – it needs uninterrupted reading time.

Monday December 19th, 2016

Posted on December 18, 2016 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

Each week I share a reading photo of the week. This week I have two! Since I will be without students for a bit, I thought I should share an extra one.

This photo was taken about 20 minutes before school began on the last day before the break. Story time led by a Grade 6 student from next door. This scene brings me a lot of joy.

Could this face be any more serious? Which is wonderfully ironic as he had just told me:

“Oh I am just so happy. I finally learned how to speak Cave Man.”

Seriously, this kid! Made my whole day.

And one more self-portrait as I still haven’t recovered from how talented my students happen to be.

We have continued to explore themes for our #classroombookaday titles. This week we read some of my favourite holiday/winter themed books.

On the blog:

I shared the twenty 2016 titles I think a Grade 4 & 5 library must have here

Celebration: A special morning read aloud It’s taken a term and my new school is feeling like home!

Books I enjoyed:

Penguin Problems by Jory John and Lane Smith

A quietly comical tale of pessimism and getting back on track. Well at least mostly . . .

The Cranky Ballerina by Elise Gravel

We all just need to find our thing. Charming.

The Bossier Baby by Marla Frazee

What happens when baby number two comes on the scene? This. Exactly this.

How This Book was Made written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Adam Rex

Incredibly clever and thoroughly informative. Learn all about book publishing while being completely entertained.

The Artist and Me written by Shane Peacock and illustrated by Sophie Casson

A serious story of how Van Gogh was perceived and treated in a small French town. This book just made me so sad. Would need to be unpacked with kids.

Best in Snow by April Pulley Sayre

I am so happy I read this on a very snowy day – it made it all the more magical. And magical it is!

Cleopatra in Space:Target Practice by Mike Maihack

I know this series is going to be very popular in my classroom when I introduce it in the new year. A graphic tale full of adventure, action and Cleopatra!

Red: The True Story of Red Riding Hood by Liesl Shurtliff

Full of delicious magic, sweet honey, the complications of friendship and the stories that weave all around us, this is part adventure, part fairy tale and part testament to the connections we have to each other over a lifetime. A special story, Ms. Shurtliff!

Reading Progress updates:

2016 Chapter Book Challenge: 63/75 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 334/400 books read

Progress on challenge: 51 books behind! Still can’t break that 50 mark!

#MustReadin2016: 23/30 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 45/100 titles

Diverse Books in 2016: 47/50 books read

Up next? Gertie’s Leap to Greatness by Kate Beasley

Monday December 12th, 2016

Posted on December 11, 2016 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

Each week I share a reading photo of the week. I love finding readers perched everywhere during Reading Workshop time.

There was also some amazing art produced by my students this week. So many self-portraits were incredible. So I thought I would choose the one that belongs to that reader on the small stool above. I am in absolute awe of the artists in my room.

We have continued to explore themes for our #classroombookaday titles. This week we explored unexpected friendships and belonging.

On the blog:

25 books: 2016 Picture Books to Gift this Season Is some picture book shopping on your list? #GiveBooks

Books I enjoyed:

The Big Snow by Jonathan Bean

Yes, waiting for the snow can feel endless but when the world is blanketed in white then . . . wow. This book captures exactly that.

Tell Me a Tattoo Story by Alison McGhee, illustrated by Eliza Wheeler

While I still don’t love the idea of tattoos personally, this is sure a beautiful book of the many stories that make a life.

The Blobfish Book by Jessica Olien

Oh blobfish, 2016 seems to be your year in picture books! This is very amusing and informative.

Your Alien Returns by Tammi Sauer with illustrations by Goro Fujita

There are friends and there is home. Both have lots of appeal. A playdate that involves leaving the planet? Well, that is beyond exciting! But other places can make us feel literally like the other. Thankfully, our friends know how to make us feel at home. Home and away are both celebrated here in this sweet little story.

Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Ekua Holmes

The illustrations here are incredible – I am hopeful that another picture book is in Homes’ future (looks like there is one in Spring 2017: Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets). This is an incredible picture book biography told through poetic and lyrical language. Fannie Lou Hamer’s life is captured here – her struggles, her triumphs and her many inspirations.

The Memory of Things by Gae Polisner

Just an incredible read. Beautiful writing. A story about loss and hope and connection. Like a spotlight shone on one family when the world seemed to shut down. Highly, highly recommended. Gae Polisner you are a wonder. This story of 9/11 is unforgettable.

The Girl who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

In so many ways absolutely beautiful – what a story! That fantasy and nature intertwined was probably my favourite aspect. The only thing keeping me from giving it 5 stars was the idea of audience. Some themes seemed too dark for a middle grade audience. When I think of my Grade 4 & 5 class even as readers next year, I can only think of one child who would totally devour this on her own. That being said, I would have read it to my children when they were 10 or 11 and we would have loved the experience. The characters are wonderful – I adored Luna.

Reading Progress updates:

2016 Chapter Book Challenge: 61/75 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 324/400 books read

Progress on challenge: 53 books behind! Can’t break that 50 mark!

#MustReadin2016: 22/30 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 44/100 titles

Diverse Books in 2016: 47/50 books read

Up next? Reading Red: The True Story of Red Riding Hood by Liesl Shurtliff

Monday December 5th, 2016

Posted on December 4, 2016 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

Each week I share a reading photo of the week. These photos are from when our intermediate Resource Teacher, filling in for the K teacher (who didn’t get a substitute) brought the class upstairs and performed Hooray for Hat for my class! Doesn’t get much cuter! Picture book to the rescue!

We have continued to explore themes for our #classroombookaday titles. We had a week of silly.

And then a week of serious.

On the blog:

Celebration: And then this happened . . .

Books I enjoyed:

The Sound of Silence written by Katrina Goldsaito and illustrated by Julia Kuo

Okay, so, wow! This book is just incredibly beautiful in its simplicity – the search for silence. One to own and share and share again. The illustrations completely captivated me.

Imaginary Fred written by Eoin Colfer and illustrated by Oliver Jeffers

I found this title quite charming. The importance of friendship, of being needed and of spending time doing things you love with someone who matters – whether real, imagined or somewhere in between.

Leave Me Alone by Vera Brosgol

Sometimes we really have to go to great lengths to get the peace and quiet we crave. Incredibly amusing.

A Child of Books by Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston

Those of us who have had a life seeped in literacy will find this love letter to stories very relatable.

Du Iz Tak? by Carson Ellis

The illustrations? Oh my! And the invented language – I can’t wait to try this as a read aloud. Such fun.

The Day I Became a Bird by Ingrid Chabbert and Guridi

I am utterly enamoured by the illustrations in this book about a boy willing to be a bird to attract the attention of the girl he swoons over.

Little Man by Elizabeth Mann

Albert is just plain short. After seeing stilt walkers perform on the Caribbean Island where he lives, he longs to be one of them. A lovely little middle grade read.

CaveBoy Dave: More Scrawny than Brawny by Aaron Reynolds and Phil McAndrew

Oh is this funny. I book talked this title in class and everyone wanted to read it! And . . . it’s a series. Lots of kid appeal here. And poop. There is lots of poop. I did say kid appeal right?

When Friendship Followed me Home by Paul Griffin

“What are you doing?” my husband asked as I cried out reading this book and threw it down multiple times. And then a few pages later, I was weeping. This book. Oh, this book. It’s beautiful and heartbreaking and a must, must read. I adored these characters and rooted for them all.