Dana Alison Levy | There's a Book for That

It’s time for Top Ten Tuesday, a meme created by The Broke and Bookish.

This week’s topic? Our choice

My choice? Ten dinner invitations I would accept in the world of MG and YA books. If these characters invited me for dinner, I would be there with bells on. Why? The conversation, the quirky family dynamics, the interesting characters and in some cases, a really true sense that the food would be great! It is dinner after all 🙂

If they asked, I would be there – in these books:

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly

Really I want to hang on every word from the Grandfather and some of those dinners did sound pretty amazing.

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

It might be squishy at that table when they move to the zoo but I have the feeling dinner conversations would be fascinating.

The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher by Dana Alison Levy

Partly it’s because I adore these boys. Partly it’s because I love the Dads. And oh, such a beautiful, messy, busy, loving family vibe.

The Truth about Twinkie Pie by Kat Yeh

It may be that I want to try one of these sugar filled dessert recipes just to see if I explode but also, I really am rooting for these girls.

The Penderwicks in Spring by Jeanne Birdsall

I would come and eat with the Penderwicks at any age and stage. I love this family up, down, sideways and around in circles.

Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage

I could hang out in this diner all day spying on small town curiosities. But I would definitely do a dinner or two.

After Iris by Natasha Farrant

I actually may not get served dinner in this eccentric family – but wow, would I like to do take out pizza with this sibling group.

The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron

Yes, I would like to squeeze into the trailer and dine with Lucky and Brigitte. And for dessert? Cookies of course. With Miles.

Listen, Slowly by Thanhhà Lai

Oh how I would love to attend dinner with this family. And I am sitting next to Grandma.

Each Little Bird That Sings by Deborah Wiles

Well. I would eat any meal with this family. It could be funeral fare. It could be leftovers. Sign me up.

And you? Which book do you hope invites you for dinner?

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

I have been sharing a reading photo of the week each week. This week, I had some computer glitch and lost my photos from the week – no idea why. Thankfully, I tweeted some so I can still share some book love happening in my classroom here!

A picture says it ALL. Books are the BEST! #buddyreading pic.twitter.com/rEH0KfwQjI

— Carrie Gelson (@CarrieGelson) February 5, 2015

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 read some fantastic picture books this week. I have decided to share – many but briefly – couldn’t get it down to under ten favourites. Not a bad problem. 🙂 Fiction and nonfiction picture book joy!

The Storm Whale by Benji Davies

What do you do when you find a whale lost in a storm? Help it of course. And it just might help you communicate something that needs telling. Sweet.

The Troublemaker by Lauren Castillo

Absolutely wonderful. Castillo is such a story teller. This book rings true with the magic of childhood, the nostalgia of summer holidays and the quirky dynamics of family interactions. Love the surprises!

Number One Sam by Greg Pizzoli

Being number one is always most important . . . or is it?

How to Wash a Woolly Mammoth written by Michelle Robinson and illustrated by Kate Hindley

This would be a fantastic mentor text for procedural writing. Adorable illustrations and a fun little escapade – bath time with a woolly mammoth.

Hermelin: The Detective Mouse as told to Mini Grey

I really do adore Mini Grey! This story is utterly charming.

Astronaut Handbook by Meghan McCarthy

Alyson Beecher pointed me in the direction of this book. Amazing nonfiction title about what it would be like to train to go into space! Perfect for the primary classroom.

Firebird written by Misty Copeland and illustrated by Christopher Myers

First read through, I spent this whole book swooning over the illustrations. And then I remembered that there was text. The first line of this book – just so beautiful:

the space between you and me is longer than forever

Bone by Bone written by Sara Levine and illustrated by T.S Spookytooth

I put this on a nonfiction wish list after reading some reviews. This is my newest nonfiction title to rave about. Really, you need this book if you have a primary classroom. So engaging. So fun. Lots to learn.

Have You Heard the Nesting Bird? written by Rita Gray illustrated by Kenard Pak

These illustrations are fantastic. Lots of facts at the end of the book and beautiful lyrical text through out.

Forest Has a Song poems by Amy Ludwig Vanderwater and illustrated by Robbin Gourley

The forest is possibly my favourite out-in-the-world place. So, these illustrations, these poems – well, I was smitten.

I also finished one novel. another from my #MustReadin2015 list:

The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher by Dana Alison Levy

I loved every member of this wonderful family. I rooted for each of them, celebrated them, smiled so big it hurt my cheeks. This is what family is. Loved the noisy, messy mumble jumble of every day love and family connection explored in this book. A happy, hilarious MG read.