Tag Archives: fiction

My Must Read Novels of 2014

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The season of reading goals – and books to read next are always foremost on my mind!

The Shadow Throne Must Read 2014 There's a Book for That!

One of the best things I did last year was to take a serious look at my TBR lists and piles and think about what I wanted to make sure I read over the year before new titles kept me from ever getting to important titles on my list. Last year I had 20 must read titles. This year it is 30. Of course, I plan to read many more books over the year but this list ensures I don’t miss books that are real priorities.

Last year my focus was on some specific genres: fantasy, historical fiction and books set in other places. This year I have some more realistic fiction on the list. These titles just sort of organized themselves in this way. I went through my To Read Shelf on Goodreads, various book stacks around the house, my library holds and then checked out my children’s bookshelves. (Often I suggest book titles for them from Grandmas and Aunties that I want to read too!)

must read in 2014 challenge

In no particular order . . .

Sequels, next in a series – titles I can’t miss and am eagerly waiting for! 

Must Read 2014 There's a Book for That!

1. Jinx’s Magic by Sage Blackwood   (Read June 22nd, 2014)

2. The Shadow Throne by Jennifer A. Nielsen (Read March 31st, 2014)

3. Blue Lily, Lily Blue (Raven Cycle 3) by Maggie Stiefvater Had to share this gorgeous cover here – had been impatiently waiting for release of this title, cover and official publication date (October 28th, 2014) (Read December 27th, 2014)

Blue Lily, Lily Blue #MustReadin2014

4. Rose Under Fire by Elisabeth Wein  (Read December 28th, 2014)

5. Allegiant by Veronica Roth  (Read March 23rd, 2014)

6. Cress (Lunar Chronicles #3) by Marissa Meyer   (Read July 5th, 2014)

Titles by authors I have loved

Must Read 2014 There's a Book for That!

7. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell  (Read January 3rd, 2014)

8. Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures by Kate DiCamillo  (Read February 15th, 2014)

9. A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray  (Read December 22nd, 2014)

10. The Summer of Letting Go by Gae Polisner  (Read July 15th, 2014)

11. Threatened by Eliot Schrefer  (Read April 18th, 2014)

Realistic Fiction/Potential emotional reads

Must Read 2014 There's a Book for That!

12. Boy 21 by Matthew Quick  (Read January 11th, 2014)

13. Me, Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews

14. Forgive me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick (Read January 25th, 2014)

15. The Boy on the Porch by Sharon Creech  (Read March 20th, 2014)

16. We were Liars by E. Lockhart (Read July 15th, 2014)

Thieving (borrowing) 🙂 from my children’s book shelves

Must Read 2014 There's a Book for That!

17. Small Medium at Large by Joanne Levy (Read March 6th, 2014)

18. Listening for Lucca by Suzanne Lafleur (Read February 23rd, 2014)

19. After Iris by Natasha Farrant  (Read October13th, 2014)

20. Wake up Missing by Kate Messner  (Read December 30th, 2014)

21. The Grimm Legacy by Polly Shulman

22. Every Day After by Laura Golden  (Read March 6th, 2014)

Other titles based on persuasive recommendations from the #IMWAYR community and book loving friends:

Must Read 2014 There's a Book for That!

23. More than This by Patrick Ness

24. Witchlanders by Lena Coakley

25. Prisoner 88 by Leah Peleggi

26. Legend by Marie Lu  (Read January 7th, 2014)

27. The Living by Matt de la Pena (Read January 31st, 2014)

28. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie (Read April 20th, 2014)

29. Better Nate than Ever by Tim Federle (Read March 19th, 2014)

30. Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy by Karen Foxlee  (Read May 15th, 2014)

Anyone else out there have must-read titles in their huge To Be Read pile? Please share! 

To learn more about #MustReadin2014 – read here.

Monday December 30th, 2013

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It’s Monday! What are you reading?

IMWAYR

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. One of the very best ways to discover what to read next!

Oh how I love, love, love the reading time the holidays afford! Doesn’t hurt that my #nerdlution goal is to read aloud daily to my children (from the novel we are reading). We just skipped Christmas day because I was ill and family events took up much of the day. Other days we made up for it and read in front of the fireplace for hours! We now begin our third novel since #nerdlution began, The Vengekeep Prophecies by Brian Farrey.

I have made some “hang out and read picture books” visits to my local library with my daughter. My 10 favourites of the week:

Joone by Emily Kate Moon

I first heard of this title back during the picture book 10 for 10 event – some lovely fellow blogger recommended it to me as my list was all about books with a theme of connections across generations. This title is about Joone and days passed with her grandfather and her pet turtle, Dr. Chin.  Rock collecting, swimming in the pond, reading to Grandpa – a story of sweet little moments.

Joone #IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Ladder to the Moon written by Maya Soetoro-Ng and illustrated by Yuyi Morales

Wow. An emotional, beautiful, significant read. A story of connection between female family members that spans generations and mortality. Images are stunning. The author’s and illustrator’s notes in the back reveal much more to this story.

Ladder to the moon #IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Wow! Ocean by Robert Neubecker

I wish I had this book before I took my children to Hawaii for the first time. Bright colourful ocean scenes for children to get lost in! So many pages that just really are WOW! moments. Like the jellyfish page. The pull out page on whales. A page of rays. And so many details not to miss – like the nurse’s cap on the nurse shark. I used an earlier Neubecker title Wow! City to inspire an art project – art ideas just leap off the page of this one too!

wow ocean #IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Baby Bear Counts One by Ashley Wolff

Another must own title if you have little ones or grandchildren. A beautiful counting book about forest animals preparing for the winter. Colourful pages with perfect counting opportunities. One woodpecker. Two squirrels. Three beavers. Four . . .

baby bear #IMWAYR There's a Book for That

The Pig on the Hill by John Kelly

Two neighbours. One, stodgy and set in his ways. One, creative and expressive. Much humour as the story unveils.

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Lemonade in Winter written by Emily Jenkins and illustrated by G. Brian Karas

This has been on my “to read” list for ages and I loved it as much as I was anticipating. I am such a fan of G. Brian Karas and appreciated all of the muted shades of a snowy winter backdrop. Yes, I love the math connection (although not so good for me as all money pictured in back is American and Canadian money looks much different – we don’t even have dollar bills!) but I loved the story. An idea that grows between siblings and changes and adapts with the weather and various circumstances. Why not a lemonade stand in a snowstorm? Such fun!

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That

While We Were Out by Ho Baek Lee

A little rabbit sneaks through the house while the family is out. And of course, they will never know except for the little surprises he left everywhere. Can you guess what? Very sweet.

while we were out #IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Crafty Chloe: Dress Up Mess Up written by Kelly Dipucchio and illustrated by Heather Ross

While I didn’t love this as much as the first Crafty Chloe, I did appreciate the very real struggle of trying to please more than one friend and staying true to yourself. And wow, some pretty creative costume ideas!

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Ike’s Incredible Ink by Brianne Farley

A great title for would be writers. No story ideas are coming for Ike. Maybe if he had the perfect ink? He sets out to make it using found ingredients like shadows and the dark side of the moon.

Ike's Incredible Ink

The Money we’ll Save by Brock Cole

This was another of our holiday reads. A hilarious story of a family who decides to save money by raising a turkey for Christmas dinner rather than purchasing one for the occasion. A turkey in a small apartment? You can imagine . . .

The Money we'll Save #IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Other reading:

Danny’s  Doodles: The Jellybean Experiment by David A. Adler

This is a chapter book for the younger/beginning reader. I am always on the lookout for titles in this category so was pleased that one, I liked the story and two, it is part of a new series! Humour and school day escapades but a little more depth than other novels in this category. Characters and emotions that are a little more interesting and not what is expected.

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

This book literally felt like it transported me elsewhere. I don’t typically read such high fantasy. At times, I would be reading and think, I don’t really know about this . . . But then I was hooked and completely held by the story until the end. Big drama. Other worlds. Battle scenes. Wild imagination. Compelling.

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Reached by Ally Condie

I really enjoyed reading this series – one book after the other. Definitely some new aspects to the dystopian love triangle theme. And not a disappointing ending which I often find with this genre.

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Rump: The True Story of Rumplestiltskin by Liesl Shurtliff

This was an absolutely delightful read aloud with my children. I will always look at this book and think of our cozy read aloud sessions by the fireplace – lots of giggles, both kids drawing and constant interruptions with connections and predictions. I now want to read this aloud to my students. Such an interesting twist on the fairytale we know (often twists are not interesting at all). I will definitely read all of the titles in this genre that Liesl Shurtliff writes.

Rump #IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Happy reading in 2014 to all my fellow book loving friends!

Favourites of 2013

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So excited to share my favourites of 2013! I had a wonderful year of reading – thanks to the amazing authors and illustrators out there that enrich our lives in so many ways.

The best of the best (published in 2013) for me?

13 favourites and no more than 13 words of raving about each title. This was my challenge last year (12 books, 12 words) with my 2012 Favourites. This year I get one more book and one more word to play with!

I decided to split these titles into 4 categories of what I read most of – middle grade novels, young adult novels, picture books and nonfiction picture books. 4 x 3 titles each and one bonus book = 13 titles for 2013 🙂

Middle Grade Titles:

Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan

Brilliant, unique characters who teach us what it means to have “people”

Counting by 7s Favourites of 2013 There's a Book for That

Beholding Bee by Kimberly Newton Fusco

Inclusion. Bullies. Women’s rights. Orphans. Magic. Love where it’s needed.

Beholding Bee Favourites of 2013 There's a Book for That

The Runaway King by Jennifer A. Nielsen

High drama, adventure and intrigue led by Jaron: loyal, brave and charmingly plucky.

The Runaway King Favourites of 2013 There's a Book for That

Young Adult Titles:

Living with Jackie Chan by Jo Knowles

Teenage vulnerability and humility. Best kind of uncle. Two well written male characters.

Living with Jackie Chan Favourites of 2013 There's a Book for That

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Because teenage love stories don’t often look like this. Gets you but good.

Eleanor and Park Favourites of 2013 There's a Book for That

The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater

Intrigue, mystery, twists, upsets, revelations. Oh these Aglionby boys. And Blue . . .

The Dream Thieves Favourites of 2013 There's a Book for That

Picture Books (fiction):

The Man with the Violin written by Kathy Stinson and illustrated by Dušan Petričić 

Because we all need reminders to stop and honour the magic all around us.

The Man with the Violin Favourites of 2013 There's a Book for That

The Mighty Lalouche written by Matthew Olshan and illustrated by Sophie Blackall

The joy and humour of boxing adventures and the triumph of the underdog.

The Mighty Lalouche Favourites of 2013 There's a Book for That

Mr. Tiger Goes Wild by Peter Brown

Wild Thing! I think we love you. Just divine. Swoon.

Mr Tiger goes Wild Favourites of 2013 There's a Book for That

Picture Books (nonfiction):

The Boy who Loved Math: The Improbable Life of Paul Erdos written by Deborah Heiligman and illustrated by LeUyen Pham

Mathtastic magic that inspires little thinkers. The wonders of number devotion.

The Boy who Loved Math Favourites of 2013 There's a Book for That

On A Beam of Light- A Story of Albert Einstein by Jennifer Berne and illustrated by Vladimir Radunsky

Wonder, curiosity and thinking outside of the box. Accessible Einstein!

On a Beam of Light Favourites of 2013 There's a Book for That

Lifetime: The Amazing Numbers in Animals’ Lives  written by Lola Schaefer and illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal

Math is all around us. Gorgeous illustrations. Fascinating animal facts.

Lifetime Favourites of 2013 There's a Book for That

And one more – published in North America in 2013. And in Australia in 2012.

Herman and Rosie by Gus Gordon

Pancakes. Jacques Cousteau. Jazz tunes. New York City. Someone who gets you.

Herman and Rosie Favourites of 2013 There's a Book for That

Please share your own favourites of the year . . . 

Monday December 23rd, 2013

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It’s Monday! What are you reading?IMWAYR

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. One of the very best ways to discover what to read next!

A favourite comment I received last week was from Elisabeth Ellington who after reading that I had had a week full of 2/5 and 3/5 books, wrote:

Enjoy your week! Hope it’s filled with 5/5 books!

Such a lovely wish and I am happy to report that it certainly was a week full of wonderful books! And so, please pardon the large number I will be sharing here – I narrowed it to my ten favourite picture books of the week!

I had a lot of book celebration this week. Earlier in the week I met my Chapter Book Challenge goal and finished my 95th novel of the year! (Now I am going to try to reach 100 by the 31st! Thankful for the #bookaday challenge!) And this morning I completed my Goodreads goal of 625 books read this year! Now I have just one more reading challenge – to read the last 2 titles on my list of My Must Read Novels of 2013. These two titles are on my shelf as I type ready to be devoured by December 31st! Much to celebrate 🙂

I feel grateful for the wonderful #IMWAYR community that makes celebrating reading such a priority. Such a honour to be part of this passionate community of readers.

So . . . back to the books! My top ten picture books of the week:

These first 6 titles are all about finding joy, honouring acceptance and celebrating calm. It is an understatement when I say the last few weeks in my classroom have been challenging. These books all found me at just the right time.

Red Sled by Lita Judge

A little red sled brings an evening of adventure for some adorable forest creatures. Basically wordless except for the delicious sound effects

Scrinch scrunch scrinch scrunch scrinch scrunch

Gadung Gadung Gadung Gadung

Whoa!

My children and I Ioved the illustration of the porcupine clutching on to the antlers. Delightful!

Red Sled #IMWAYR There's a Book for That!

Homer by Elisha Cooper

I don’t have a dog. But this book is not just a dog lover’s book. It is also a book about family. About spending happy time. About waiting for everyone to return and about knowing someone is waiting. Love, love, love Cooper’s soothing illustrations.

Homer #IMWAYR There's a Book for That!

A Funny Little Bird by Jennifer Yerkes

A funny little bird who learns to appreciate his “invisibility” as an asset rather than a deficit. Unique. Definite book I want to share with a group of children to see what is discussed.

A funny little bird #IMWAYR There's a Book for That!

Augustus and his Smile by Catherine Rayner

Stunning bold black lines on the gorgeous Augustus. This tiger discovers in his smile, the simple hidden happiness we carry with us always as long as we let it in. An important message about how we all navigate the world.

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That!

All in a Day written by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Nikki McClure

Truly a book that highlights the importance of being mindful – of understanding that each day is a gift of multiple small and meaningful moments. Would be wonderful to share with All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon and Marla Frazee.

All in a Day #IMWAYR There's a Book for That!

Whimsy’s Heavy Things by Julie Kraulis

A quirky little title I have never heard of – a true find at my public library. Some fairly hefty themes here of facing what weighs us down, of rethinking obstacles and finding ways to cope with what is heavy in our lives. Much to ponder. I am still thinking about how I might share this with a class.

whimsy's heavy things #IMWAYR There's a Book for That!

Other titles I loved:

Toot & Puddle – Let it Snow by Holly Hobbie

I am always a sucker for Toot and Puddle. The comforts and coziness of home are always depicted in the most soothing of ways by Hobbie. Thinking about Christmas gifts. Quiet time. A beautiful winter ski through freshly fallen snow. A beautiful holiday book!

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That!

Spuds written by Karen Hesse and illustrated by Wendy Watson

A serious title in many ways. A family who has little has each other and big plans. Maybelle leads her two younger siblings into the night and into Kenney’s potato field. The children dig up potatoes and drag them home. When they arrive and stack their loot on the kitchen floor, they have quite a surprise.

Spuds #IMWAYR There's a Book for That!

Sophie’s Fish written by A.E. Cannon and illustrated by Lee White

This is a hilarious story that grows more and more funny and finishes with a bang. Jake has huge worries about looking after Sophie’s fish Yo-Yo. Why, oh why, did he agree to take care of him in the first place? Do fish need stories read aloud? Do you need to play games with them? What if they cry? My, oh, my the things to wonder about. The last page of this book makes it absolutely awesome! Such fun.

Sophie's fish #IMWAYR There's a Book for That!

The Long, Long Line by Tomoko Ohmura

What a wonderful book for the younger set – a great way to learn animal names. Amusing. Interesting. Lots to look at on every page. What is this line up for? An amusement ride you certainly were not expecting! And one younger readers will want to visit again and again!

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That!

Novels I finished:

The Fire Chronicle by John Stephens

I finished this sequel to The Emerald Atlas with my children as a read aloud. Hugely suspenseful. Full of adventure, mystery, intense drama and intrigue. The perfect family read aloud. We are eagerly anticipating the third book in this trilogy which now finally has a release date!

The Fire Chronicle #IMWAYR There's a Book for That!

Crossed by Ally Condie

I don’t often get to read a trilogy one title after another but that is exactly what I am doing with this set of YA dystopian titles by Ally Condie. And it’s kind of great! Matched hooked me with the characters and philosophical questions. Crossed is full of much more adventure, drama and survival – a perfect set up for the third novel which I am just about to start. 

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That!

What’s next? My children and I are reading Rump by Liesl Shurtliff  I have launched into the final book in the Matched trilogy, Reached by Ally Condie. I then plan to read the last two titles on my Must Read for 2013 list: The Hero’s Guide to Saving the Kingdom by Christopher Healy and The Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor.

Happy reading and Happy holidays to all!

Monday December 16th, 2013

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It’s Monday! What are you reading?

IMWAYR

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! This is always my favourite way to discover what to read next.

I read a lot of mediocre books this week – not intentionally! But many were 2/5 or 3/5 ratings. I won’t share them here.

A few were standouts however and saved my reading week!

The Tree Lady by H. Joseph Hopkins and illustrated by Jill McElmurry

I will admit that I bought this book because I have been in awe of its gorgeous cover and I knew it was about an inspirational woman who transformed an entire city. Love it for its passionate celebration of nature. For its gorgeous illustrations. Or for its important historical journey back in time beginning in the 1860s with a little girl named Katherine Olivia Sessions. A little girl who brought lush, green life to the city of San Diego. A woman who studied science when other women and girls did not. A woman who took what she had learned it and applied it in the most important of ways and brought a city to life. And oh, that cover . . .

The Tree Lady #IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Herman and Rosie by Gus Gordon

Just delightful. Intricate, amusing illustrations. A tribute to New York City, “groovy jazz music” and the importance of finding the one that “gets you”. Herman and Rosie is a treasure. A book that my students loved but so did my Dad. Something for everyone, that’s for sure. I think this book is like a bottle of fine wine – it just gets better with age. However, it should not sit on a dusty shelf. It should be explored and pored over multiple times. Read my student’s reviews here.

Herman and Rosie #IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Other books I enjoyed:

Two of Everything by Lily Toy Hong

Full of humour and fantasy, this story is all about a magical pot that makes double anything that is dropped inside of it. Double the coins, double the purses, even double the people! A perfect math book to inspire some work with doubles!

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Strega Nona’s Gift by Tomie dePaola

Ah, Strega Nona and Big Anthony- such endearing characters. This story captures a month long series of holiday festivals in Italy beginning with the Feast of San Nicola on December 6th.

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That

All-I’ll-Ever-Want Christmas Doll written by Patricia C. McKissack and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

Set in the Depression, this story explores the importance of family. Three sisters long for a store bought doll in times when money is very scarce. The doll does not bring them the happiness they imagined, but they learn the value of time together.

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That

I have continued reading a holiday picture book every evening to my children as part of our book advent experience. These are the titles we read this week:

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That

I finished Matched written by Ally Condie

A dystopian YA novel that was a pleasant surprise. Yes, there are themes/similarities to other novels in this genre but enough felt fresh and interesting enough to really hold my attention. I have Crossed, the next in the series ready to begin tonight and look forward to reading it! Many philosophical questions pondered by the main characters. Not a book of extreme action – more an in your head kind of read.

Matched #IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Monday December 9th, 2013

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It’s Monday! What are you reading?

IMWAYR

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! This is always my favourite way to discover what to read next.

Here are my favourite reads of the week:

Gracias Thanks written by Pat Mora and illustrated by John Parra

A dual language book written in Spanish and English. All about gratitude and celebrating all of the moments that make up a wonderful life. I plan to share this with my students before our Gratitude Circle this week. Each page shares a Gracias/Thanks:

For the ladybug that landed on my finger, a little red flying surprise, thanks.

Gracias Thanks #IMWAYR There's a Book for That

At Our House written by Isabel Minhos Martins and illustrated by Madalena Matoso

A new math inspiring book that I just discovered at the bookstore this weekend. And of course, I had to buy it! A counting book for the older set. How many people in your household? You too can count along like this book – how many teeth, nails, tummies, bones, pieces of hair exist under one roof? Such fun and fully bright and colourful graphics on every page.

At our house we have 40 fingers, 10 thumbs, 50 toes and 20 claws . . . That makes 120 nails to clip every Sunday.

This book begs to become a math project! 🙂

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Ook the Book and Other Silly Rhymes written by Lissa Rovetch and illustrated by Shannon McNeill

This title also followed me home from the bookstore this weekend. Perfect for my students as we work on rhymes during Word Work. These little poems are perfectly absurd as they highlight rhyming word families.

I am Id, Id the Kid.

Did you see what I just did?

I hid a Squid under old Sid.

Ook the Book #IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Hello, my Name is Ruby by Phillip C Stead 

Little Ruby travels the world introducing herself to the various birds she meets. Brave. Sweet. Determined to make new friends. Ruby is a treasure. A wonderful way to talk about birds around the world.

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Rosie Revere, Engineer written by Andrea Beaty and illustrated by David Roberts

This title has a beautiful lesson – our creative risks are mere steps to success but the road may be long. The point is to never give up. My students shared thoughtful reviews here.

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That

The Big Wet Balloon by Liniers 

I am a huge fan of Toon Tales and admire the diversity represented in their titles and author/illustrators. This little story is based on the author’s own two daughters and is all about the wonder and play that can be experienced by embracing a rainy day. Puddle jumping at its most adorable.

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That

King Pig by Nick Bland

Kind of odd but I like the message – treat others with kindness. Respect is earned not demanded.

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Max and the Tag Along Moon by Floyd Cooper

A reassuring and sweet story of a little boy who watches for the moon on his long drive away from Granpa’s house.

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Frog and Friends written by Eve Bunting and illustrated by Josee Masse

Three short tales in a beginning chapter book series. Well written and engaging. A title early readers will truly enjoy. Delightful and sweet plot lines and interesting characters. So pleased to have discovered this series.

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That

I also read #2 and #3 in the Frog and Friends series. I want to get all of them for my class! Just a lovely little early chapter book series.

I have been reading a holiday book every night to my children as part of a book advent experience. These are the favourites we shared this week:

Christmas books #IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Reality Boy by A.S. King

A.S. King writes gritty, raw plot lines and characters. No sugar. I imagine if I were a teen reading this, I would really feel like she had captured the voice of the age group better than most writers. This story was completely engrossing. How does a boy who had his very dysfunctional life highlighted on T.V. every week fare as he grows up? The dysfunction remains and now the results of “fame” compound the stress. I was surprised throughout. Both upsetting and wonderful. Characters to root for. I will read anything King writes.

Reality Boy #IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Next up? I have started reading Matched by Ally Condie

Gift Books 2013 – twelve picture books to give this season

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gift Books 2013

I spent close to three hours at my favourite bookstore yesterday – Vancouver Kidsbooks selecting books for a donor that wants to gift our primary students with new books to take home this holiday season. Books in hand and in home make so much difference! While my Teacher Librarian and I shopped, we were privy to many conversations between customers and the very knowledgable Kidsbooks staff. And it got me to thinking . . . Which 2013 picture books would I recommend for a gift list?

Of course, there are many amazing titles to choose from. I narrowed it to twelve. Twelve books I think are absolutely worth owning and therefore, worth gifting. My criteria? Is it a book that can be shared multiple times? Does it inspire creativity, thinking, inspiration? Does it make the readers think differently about something? Does it celebrate something important? Is it a book that brings joy? With those questions in mind, here is my list:

The Boy Who Loved Math: The Improbable Life of Paul Erdos written by Deborah Heiligman and illustrated by LeUyen Pham

This is a fascinating biography that not only makes math seem absolutely engrossing but gives us a glimpse into a mind that was truly one track. A beautiful balance between the mathematical life and the other life of Paul Erdos.

Gift Books 2013 There's a Book for That

On A Beam of Light- A Story of Albert Einstein by Jennifer Berne and illustrated by Vladimir Radunsky

A wonderfully accessible biography of Albert Einstein. This title has all the perfect themes of wonder, curiosity and thinking outside of the box.

Gift Books 2013 There's a Book for That

The Man with the Violin written by Kathy Stinson and illustrated by Dušan Petričić 

This is an important story of what we miss by not being in the moment. How many beautiful experiences are lost on us as we rush through our days? Based on a true event where famous musician Joshua Bell played in the metro and was basically ignored. My students shared reviews here.

Gift Books 2013 There's a Book for That

The Matchbox Diary  by Paul Fleischman illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline 

History, stories and memories told through unveiling of various contents of a number of matchboxes. Perfect to inspire storytelling between the generations.

The Matchbox diary Gift Books 2013 There's a Book for That

Peace by Wendy Anderson Halperin

Full of quotes to read, share and ponder. Love the message that peace needs to be everywhere (in our hearts, homes, schools, countries . . .) in order to impact peace everywhere else.

Peace Gift Books 2013 There's a Book for That

Lifetime: The Amazing Numbers in Animals’ Lives  written by Lola Schaefer and illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal

Gorgeous. Want to reveal how math is all around us? This is the book to do it. There is counting and estimating and wondering and a whole bunch of other mathematical applications – in addition to being a beautifully illustrated books with lots of fascinating animal facts.

Lifetime Gift Books 2013 There's a Book for That

The Snatchabook written by Helen Docherty and illustrated by Thomas Docherty

Know a family with a new baby? Give them this beautiful book which sends the message loud and clear – we all need to be raised with daily read aloud moments.

The Snatchabook Gift Books 2013 There's a Book for That

Once Upon a Northern Night written by Jean E. Pendziwol and illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault

Lyrical, soothing and visually beautiful. Let the text lull you to sleep with dreams of the magic and quiet of winter. A perfect book to celebrate this coldest of seasons.

Gift Books 2013 There's a Book for That

Journey by Aaron Becker

Grab your imagination and enter a magical world where anything might happen. A wordless treasure.

Journey Gift Books 2013 There's a Book for That

Papa’s Mechanical Fish written by Candace Fleming and illustrated by Boris Kulikov

Papa models the curiosity and persistence of an inventor. This book is “almost true” based on the life of Lodner Phillips who really did build The Whitefish, an actual functioning submarine.

Papa's Mechanical Fish Gift Books 2013 There's a Book for That

Count the Monkeys written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Kevin Cornell

Because we all need to laugh together! Interactive. Will make you want to leap out of your chair in delight! Giggle, giggle, giggle.

Count the monkeys Gift Books 2013 There's a Book for That

My First Day by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page

Children love to hear about what it was like when they were a baby. This nonfiction title reveals what the first moments are like for different animals. So much to discuss.

My first day Gift Books 2013 There's a Book for That

Books are gifts to treasure! This season give books!

Monday December 2nd, 2013

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It’s Monday! What are you reading?

IMWAYR

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! This is always my favourite way to discover what to read next.

I read many picture books this week – many aloud to my own children, all to make up for not getting to read as much as I wanted to last week while writing report cards.

I selected my ten favourites to feature here:

Hank Finds an Egg by Rebecca Dudley

Just perfectly delightful. A book about a problem that needs solving and having wonderfully, persistently, kind intentions. Sweet. Honest. So engaging. And did I mention wordless. . . ?

Hank finds an Egg #IMWAYR There's a Book for That

No Bears written by Meg McKinlay and illustrated by Leila Rudge

A wonderful book for inspiring story writing. Meet Ella, a little girl who loves a creative story but doesn’t love bears. She thinks there are far too many of them in stories today. So Ella is creating a story that will have absolutely no bears. Not a one! But is seems her story is getting a little assistance from a furry creature on the sidelines . . .

No Bears #IMWAYR There's a Book for That

The Dirty Cowboy written by Amy Timberlake and illustrated by Adam Rex

“Wow Mom, that illustrator did a really good job keeping all the privates private!” remarked my son after we read this book. My daughter said, “Disgusting!” a lot. What an amusing story of a very dirty (filthy, with his fair share of critters crawling just about everywhere) cowboy who decided to take a bath in the river. What happens when his loyal dog doesn’t recognize his clean scent? VERY amusing.

The dirty cowboy #IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Busing Brewster written by Richard Michelson and illustrated by R.G. Roth

A picture book with many important themes: having a dream, the power of libraries to be transformative and what it was like to be black at an all white school. Set in the 1970s when integration was being “helped” along by forced busing – bringing black students into white schools, this story gives children a glimpse into the racial tensions of the time and the complexities of integration.

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That

The Tortoise and the Hare by Jerry Pinkney

Love the desert setting of this classic tale brought to new life by the brilliant Pinkney with an almost wordless title. I particularly enjoyed the last gestures of the hare – an interesting and surprising twist with an equally important message about competition.

The tortoise and the hare #IMWAYR There's a Book for That

If the World Were a Village: A Book about the World’s People by David J. Smith and illustrated by Shelagh Armstrong

I read this title to my children and they were absolutely fascinated by the population data conveyed through the concept in this book – imagine that the world’s population was contained in a village of 100 (each person represents millions). Facts that shocked them: how many people had some kind of faith or another, predicted population growth and the blatant inequity amongst people. Only 24 people in this representative village of 100 have enough to eat? Heart breaking message about our world.

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Mud written by Mary Lyn Ray and illustrated by Lauren Stringer

Oh the messy, gloopy, squishy joys of mud – this title captures it all through lyrical language and richly coloured illustrations. Perfect to practice visualizing.

Mud #IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Full, Full, Full of Love written by Trish Cooke and illustrated by Paul Howard

Loved the celebration of food, family and affection as Sunday dinner with his family is seen through Jay Jay’s eyes. Language ideal for preschool, early primary children. Happy, happy book.

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That

I Lost my Bear by Jules Feiffer

A humorous ode to the child who likes to collect. A bear is lost and it seems like all is lost as we follow this little one on a melodramatic, anxious search.

iIost my bear #IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Billy Twitters and his Blue Whale Problem written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Adam Rex

Poor Billy Twitters, his parents threaten him with a blue whale if he doesn’t do his chores and keep his room clean. Of course, this is just a ridiculous threat, isn’t it? Well . . . no. And so Billy Twitters must now be in charge of a blue whale (have you noticed just how truly big they are??) and take it everywhere he goes. Eventually Billy Twitters discovers this “consequence” has an upside. Absurd and delightful, and it just so happens, the first picture book written by Mac Barnett.

#IMWAYR There's a Book for That

I am terrible about being ahead of the game for the holidays in terms of shopping, baking, decorating, etc but we do own a beautiful collection of holiday books. I set out 24 to read next to the Advent calendars – one for each night (and there are plenty more on the shelf for when the evening calls for a few!) The one thing in the holidays I do do well – celebrate holiday stories! Tonight’s read was a new one for me: 

Winter’s Gift by Jane Monroe Donovan

A beautiful story of hope and all that is important in the holiday season as an old man faces his first Christmas alone.

Winter's Gift #IMWAYR

I also finished The Real Boy by Anne Ursu

Magical. Lyrical. Beautiful. Mysterious. What a vulnerable, strange (in the best of ways) and hopeful of stories. On one level, this story is a fantastical tale of magic, mystery and monsters. On another, it is all about the most human element in all of us – wanting to be safe and belong. All along, I felt the story was beautiful. But by the end, I was in awe.

The Real Boy #IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Next up? A.S. King‘s Reality Boy. And plans for many more holiday stories . . .

Happy Reading everyone!

The Man with the Violin

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Our BLG book this week was The Man with the Violin written by Kathy Stinson and illustrated by Dušan Petričić Thank you to Lisa, our newest BLG reader for sharing this beautiful book with us!

There's a Book for That - The Man with the Violin

How lovely to have this book come into our classroom – it is already easily one of my favourite picture books for 2013 and both author and illustrator are Canadian! This book is also especially meaningful for students because music is such a large part of many of their lives. Some students are fortunate to be part of the St James Music Academy (SJMA) after school programs and play a variety of instruments. Every week all students sing joyously with Jill Samycia as part of the outreach program of St James Music. Music is magic. We need no convincing!

But this beautiful book reminds everyone about the power of music to touch us, if we only let it in.  Students were intrigued to hear how this book was based on a true event where musician Joshua Bell took his instrument into the metro in Washington D.C. for a free concert. Dressed in regular clothes and with no special signs, he just played. And sadly, he was mostly ignored. After 43 minutes of play, only seven people stopped to listen. Nobody clapped. His open violin case had only $32.17 even though people all over the world would easily pay $100 for a ticket to listen to him play on stage. Joshua did notice children try to stop and listen but they would be hurried along by their parents.

Kathy Stinson tells the story of what it might have been like for one particular child who experienced hearing Joshua Bell play in the metro station. With captivating illustrations by Petričić, this is an important story of what we miss by not being in the moment. How many beautiful experiences are lost on us as we rush through our days?

Student reviewers respond:

Gracie rated this book 4/5 and writes: I kind of liked this book.  It was pretty good. My favourite part is when the man played his beautiful music. Why did the famous violinist dress up as anybody? I play violin. I was surprised when no one listened to that pretty music.

Andrew rated this book 5/5 and writes: I have a connection because I play the violin too. I noticed the Mom didn’t notice anything. I have a connection to SJMA. When I went to the Surrey Flea Market, I saw a man playing his guitar.  Yesterday, my violin teacher went and played in the concert.

Kala rated this book 5/5 and writes: I like when Dylan was spreading the colour. He was listening and when others stared at him, they all started to feel the music from him. The Mom was just kept on going. Dylan stopped and looked at Joshua Bell. He did nothing and just standed there. But the Mom grabbed him and kept walking. When he left, he was still listening. 

Hyo Min rated this book 5/5 and writes: My favourite part was when he followed the music. I love the book! It makes me feel happy. I think his Mom is not listening to the music. Maybe she should listen instead of rushing.

Arianne rated this book 4/5 and writes: Dylan wanted to stop to listen to the music. Mom told him we have to go home now. Dylan pulled his Mom toward the music. Why did his Mom not listen? His Mom didn’t notice because she was rushing and maybe thinking she needs to cook.

Jorja rated this book 5/5 and writes: I love it because it was beautiful. Why did the boy want to stop?I wonder what the music sound like? I like the colours.

Kevin rated this book 5/5 and writes: I know that Dylan came home and listed to the music. I know that Dylan is peaceful and his Mom is in a rush and a hurry always. What kind of violin does the man play? I can’t believe that only kids came to hear the music and only pay him $32.17. I love that some of the pictures are back and white.

Ava rated this book 3/5 and writes: I have a connection because I play the violin. Dylan was the only one to stop to listen to the music of the violin. My favourite part of the story was the pictures. Dylan was the only one who was colourful.

Shereese rated this book 5/5 and writes: I think the book is a nice book. My favourite part is when he plays the violin. Dylan stops to listen to the violin, to the beautiful song.

Giovanni rated this book 4/5 and writes: Dylan liked the music. He wanted to stop and listen.

Heman rated this book 3/5 and writes: My favourite part is when Dylan and his Mom was listening to Joshua Bell songs in the radio. I connected like I play violin just like Joshua Bell. I noticed that the illustrator made the pictures black and white except the things that Dylan was noticing. I noticed that Dylan was floating when he was listening to the music.

Picture Day Perfection

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Our BLG book this week was Picture Day Perfection written by Deborah Diesen and illustrated by Dan Santat. This funny book was read to us by Peter, a BLG reader new to our classroom. Welcome Peter!

Picture Day Perfection: There's a Book for That

This book is quite a clever story with an interesting ending that surprised us all in a wonderful way. The boy in this story has been planning for Picture Day for months and months. It seems like everything that could possibly go wrong in his day, does. There is “sticky uppy” hair, breakfast that doesn’t stay on the plate, a favourite shirt that was unearthed from the bottom of the laundry basket. The day progresses to trouble on the bus, nausea from all the people saying “cheese” and art class mess. When it is finally time to have his picture taken, we discover that picture day perfection can mean many different things for different people. And a happy smile was perhaps not part of the plan . . . (except for Moms).

Spend time exploring the book jacket and end pages – many hilarious picture day snaps and even a frame to include your own photograph.

Student reviewers respond:

Kassidy rated this book 4/5 and writes: He put syrup on his face to make a worst smile. The photographer click the picture on time for him to smile. He did not like to get his picture taken. I liked the part where he smiles and the mother said, “This is the best one ever.”

Steven rated this book 5/5 and writes: At breakfast, he made a mess. He was dripping syrup. The picture was funny. When he smiled he has a missing tooth. I like the face.

Shereese rated this book 5/5 and writes: I loved the book. It was a funny picture when he wore a stinky shirt for picture day. His Mom picked a grey background that he did not like.

Sara rated this book 5/5 and writes: He is funny because he made a mess in his hair. It Iooks like his face is like the Grinch. He planned for next year.

Arianne rated this book 5/5 and writes: I thought it was weird – he wanted a bad picture day. He had syrup on his face. He wanted a funny picture.

Hyo Min rated this book 5/5 and writes: My favourite part was when he made a funny face. I love the part when he got caught from the click. Why did he made funny faces? The illustrator made pretty pictures. I liked the pictures because it’s all wonderful, like the faces makes me laugh.

Vicky rated this book 5/5 and writes: I love the part when he spit spitballs on the driver because it was gross and also funny. I think the photographer was tricking the boy to make him so he can make him smile. To the author: Why did the boy not have a name?

Ibtihal rated this book 100/5 🙂 and writes: It was sunny when he made faces. Why he didn’t paint on his shirt? Why did he pore syrup on his self? He looked sleepy. Why does he hate picture day? I have a connection – when it’s picture day, I have a bad hair day. 

Kelvin rated this book 5/5 and writes: What is the boy’s name? Why is the boy making silly faces? Why is the boy always goofy in picture day? I liked how the boy spit balls at the driver. I liked how the illustrator made every picture bright. If the colour was black and white, it will be boring. With colour, it will be beautiful. 

Gracie rated this book 4/5 and writes: I liked when the boy who has no name made goofy faces. It was surprising when his idea of a good picture day was a goofy face. Note to author: Why do you not tell us his name? My favourite part is when he was mad because his mom chose the same boring grey background. I liked this book. It was funny. 

Jerry rated this book 5/5 and writes: I liked when the boy try to choose a face. When it was picture day, he had to eat breakfast. At the bus he shoots spitballs at the driver. In school the teacher ask the boy have you choose a colour yet? The boy thought his Mom pick grey colour. When it’s picture time, the boy hates cheese. Then it’s his turn for picture time and he doesn’t like cheese so he chooses a funny face. Then his Mom sees him in the picture. He has a missing tooth but not his brother.