Monday December 8th, 2014

Posted on December 7, 2014 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

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

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.

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

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

And I read some lovely books:

Haiti my country: Poems by Haitan Schoolchildren Illustrated by Rogé

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

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

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

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

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

I Loathe You by David Slonim

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

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

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

Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff

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

Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt

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

Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate

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

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

Reading Goal Updates:

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

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

#MustReadin2014: 21/30 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 128/65 complete

Monday November 24th, 2014

Posted on November 23, 2014 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you Reading?

My favourite reading photo of the week is of these two sisters reading early Friday a.m. before school had even started. Older sister invited little one to sit and listen. This captured moment is why I love having a room full of books that are beloved!

I had a funny picture book reading week. I read a number of “new to me books”, but only a few stood out. My favourites of the week:

Louise Loves Art by Kelly Light

Cute on every level. A celebration of a creative little artist who is also a big sister.

Little Elliot Big City by Mike Curato

This book could just be sweet and well, sweet. Yet, it has something more. The old fashioned era depicted in the illustrations? The nuances? The perspectives the illustrations reveal? Not sure. But this little title is light in words but heavy in impact. Themes of kindness, friendship and gratitude.

Come On, Rain! Written by Karen Hesse and illustrated by Jon J. Muth

A summer day that craves a rain storm. Hot, hot, hot. Beautiful images conveyed through both illustrations and text. Delicious words. Illustrations to linger on.

Mingan: My village Poems by Innu Schoolchildren by Rogé With participation of Joséphine Bacon, Rita Mestokosho and Laure Morali.

I featured this book in my Wednesday nonfiction post but loved it so much I am highlighting it again here. Poems and Portraits. Student voice. Stunning.

Stand Straight Ella Kate: The True Story of a Real Giant written by Kate Klise and illustrated by M. Sarah Klise

A fascinating story of a young woman who really did grow to be a giant. It turns out that it wasn’t only her height that made her stand apart from other women of the times.

I also read two brilliant middle grade novels

Nest by Esther Ehrlich

A difficult title to write about because there are plot points integral to the story that if revealed, give things away. I will say that this book captured me. I loved the character of Chirp, her neighbour Joey. Both so solid, yet so vulnerable. I love their observations. Their coping strategies. Their complicated friendship. Emotionally difficult. Absolutely beautiful. Highly recommended.

Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin

I started and finished this book in one sitting. Before the rest of the house was awake. I couldn’t imagine putting it down. Rose is a girl I might have met, but this novel gave me a deeper peek into how she ticks and for this, I am very grateful to Ann M. Martin. Any title that helps a teacher think bigger, better, more carefully about students that may come our way, is a true gift. Rose may do a lot of things very differently. She also does a lot much more bravely. Such a read.

Next up? I am reading The Turtle of Oman: A Novel by Naomi Shihab Nye

Reading Goal Updates:

2014 Chapter Book Challenge: 74/100 novels complete

Goodreads Challenge: 542/650 books read (40 books behind)

#MustReadin2014: 21/30 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 122/65 complete

Monday November 17th, 2014

Posted on November 16, 2014 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you Reading?

My favourite reading photo of the week is of these two boys acting out Elephant and Piggie titles during buddy reading. They got completely into the roles!

I found a wonderful bunch of picture books this week. Sharing my favourites here:

Countablock written by Christopher Franceschelli; art by Peskimo

This book is literally a block. A chunk of interesting pages in a sort of board book format but think super size. Count up to 100. Throw in a little cause and effect (Three boxes become. . . (turn the page) three forts) Lots of counting. Bright colours. And a surprise at the end. So much fun that I had to buy it for our classroom buddy reading collection. I know the kindergarten kids will delight in sharing this title with my students.

Waiting is Not Easy! by Mo Willems

Piggie has a surprise and Gerald needs to wait to find out what it is. If you know Gerald, you can imagine that waiting is not a talent he has. His impatience is very amusing. What exactly is the surprise? Well . . . it is worth the wait. And, no, I’m not telling.

Norman, Speak! written by Caroline Adderson and illustrated by Qin Leng

So what happens if the dog you get from the animal shelter doesn’t understand your language? Well, Norman’s new family are willing to do a lot so that they can begin communicating with Norman. My students found this book very interesting!

May the Stars Drip Down written by Jeremy Chatelain and illustrated by Nikki McClure

A beautiful, soothing lullaby. A work of art.

Watch this video of Nikki McClure talking about making the images for this book. Soothing. Calm. Slow. Beautiful.

Big Bad Bubble written by Adam Rubin and illustrated by Daniel Salmieri

Rubin and Salmieri are quite the team. They make quirky books. This one is especially silly and the monsters especially fetching. It will not appeal to everyone. Some might find it too odd. I think as a read aloud it has big potential and will be one of those books that certain kids will obsess over.

Leonardo the Terrible Monster by Mo Willems

More monster love. Leonardo may not be the best monster but he has some pretty great endearing qualities.

Small Medium Large: A Book about Relative Sizes written by Emily Jenkins and illustrated by Tomek Bogacki

Amazing title to support the vocabulary around describing sizes from minuscule to enormous. So very clever.

Flora and the Penguin by Molly Idle

Oh Flora, on ice and with an energetic penguin, you are the perfect blend of graceful and flummoxed as your skating partner appears and reappears mid move. Absolutely charming.

Sam & Dave Dig a Hole written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Jon Klassen

Reading Sam & Dave Dig a Hole pulls you deep into a “theorizing hole” and digging in, around and out is highly satisfying. Picture book brilliance through and through.

I loved that after reading this title, I could finally read Travis Jonker‘s fantastic post:

6 Theories on the Ending of Sam & Dave Dig a Hole

I am not going to add any of my theories here. I just love that 1) Right from the cover, the wondering begins.

“I hope they don’t bury the dog,” my husband commented when I handed him the book to read.

And 2) as soon as you finish, you have to start again to deal with that “Huh? Hold on” kind of feeling.

Can’t wait to share this with my class.

What Can a Crane Pick Up? written by Rebecca Kai Dotlich and illustrated by Mike Lowery

I bought this book for many reasons. So many that I will actually start a list.

I love the rhyming text. And I don’t usually like rhyming text.
I think this is a perfect book to read and reread to get the rhythm right.
So . . . it is the ideal buddy reading book and will go in our buddy reading bin.
Any excuse to visit the nostalgic place of construction equipment that I no longer get asked to read since my son is 12 and not a toddler anymore. Sigh.
The bright illustrations.
And . . . there is a page of cartons and cartons of library books (held up by cranes using chains and hooks). Yep!
So with number 6, I was pretty much sold. Which is probably obvious.
I need this crane to come with me to the library 🙂

I also finished the brilliant Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

Verse novels hold so much power to literally wrap us up in evocative images and in this case, personal history. In some senses, it feels like spying to be so close. A beautifully written memoir of a time and a place – oh so personal but yet, with connections and links to many more than young Jacqueline Woodson. A gift to readers.

Next? I am in the middle of Nest by Esther Ehrlich and then plan to read Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin

It’s Picture Book Month! This week I shared two posts in celebration:

Picture Books that Celebrate Courage

Picture Books that Model Perseverance

Reading Goal Updates:

2014 Chapter Book Challenge: 72/100 novels complete

Goodreads Challenge: 531/650 books read (38 books behind)

#MustReadin2014: 21/30 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 120/65 complete

Monday November 10th, 2014

Posted on November 10, 2014 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you Reading?

My favourite reading photo of the week is of these boys who discovered that I changed the books displayed in one of our picture book shelves and immediately plopped themselves down to begin reading. Book love!

It’s Picture Book Month! This week I shared two posts in celebration:

A celebration of sharing Any Questions? by Marie-Louise Gay

A conversation with a little guy about some nonfiction: Talking Spiders

I am late getting this post up as I was away for the weekend so I am only highlighting a few titles from the week:

The Conductor by Laëtitia Devernay

This book is an incredible wordless title to share with a group of creative and observant children. Nothing is as it seems and the pages fill with imagination, movement and music. It was magic in my room. My favourite exchange:

Child 1: “He can conduct birds because birds make music. They make beautiful sounds.”

Child 2: “Not crows. Crows just yell.”

Once Tashi Met a Dragon written by Anna Fienberg and Barbara Fienberg with illustrations by Kim Gamble

This isn’t a book that I would have picked up to read but I loved watching my students respond when a guest reader brought it to my room. They were intrigued by the folklore elements of dragons bringing rain, the detailed illustrations and the humour of the dragon family interactions. A lovely, longer read aloud.

Cloudwalker by Rob Henry Vickers and Robert Budd

What a beautiful book! This is the ancient story of Gitxsan hunter who is dropped into the clouds by a group of swans. Stumbling on his walk through the sky, he spills water from his cedar box (a guloonich) and new lakes and rivers are created on the land below providing life producing waters for his people. This book highlights how nature interacts and our responsibility to respect it.

The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm

I loved everything about this title. There are so many layers to this book and so many reasons to rave about it. The characters! Wow. The themes of science, family, friendship and the struggles of age and aging. Perfect middle grade literature. A must read.

Up next? I am in the middle of Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson and will likely finish it today. I then plan to read Nest by Esther Ehrlich

Reading Goal Updates:

2014 Chapter Book Challenge: 71/100 novels complete

Goodreads Challenge: 513/650 books read (45 books behind)

#MustReadin2014: 21/30 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 119/65 complete

Monday November 3rd, 2014

Posted on November 2, 2014 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you Reading?

My favourite reading photo of the week comes from buddy reading Wednesday afternoon:

It’s Picture Book Month!

So far, I have shared two posts in celebration:

Same of Different? featuring The Hueys in The New Jumper by Oliver Jeffers.

Picture Books to Help you Giggle 20 titles to read aloud (and laugh along with) to little listeners (Kindergarten/early primary and beyond)

But back to sharing my reading from the week: 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.

The picture books that stood out:

The Girl who Heard Colors written by Marie Harris and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

I have been quite curious about synesthesia after reading A Mango Shaped Space by Wendy Mass. I had no idea there was a picture book about it that could introduce synesthesia to children in a way that makes sense. I think this book does a brilliant job. Highly recommend this as a read aloud in primary/early intermediate classrooms.

Some Bugs written by Angela Diterlizzi and illustrated by Brendan Wenzel

The text is delightful and the illustrations, divine! I see why this title is getting Caldecott buzz. I want to shrink down to insect size and crawl about this insect world.

Fall Walk by Virginia Brimhall Snow

Wow. What a simply gorgeous title. Lyrical and full of wonder. A beautiful book to highlight the magic and vast variety of falling leaves. I found myself searching the ground for diverse leaves on my walks all last week after reading this book.

The Cat, the Dog, Little Red, the Exploding Eggs, the Wolf, and Grandma written by Diane Fox and illustrated by Christyan Fox

Hilarious. This one is going to haunt me until I am able to read it aloud – such a craving! Funny, funny, funny – kind of like having a backseat driver “helping” tell a story. Annoying for the narrator. Amusing for the readers.

I saw this trailer on KidLit Frenzy this week and immediately sought out the book.

The Very Inappropriate Word written by Jim Tobin and illustrated by Dave Coverly

So very clever. I love the word collecting. The power of the “inappropriate” word and how a word lover is intrigued by the sounds, the images and the impact!

The trailer is quite amusing:

Miss Brooks Loves Books (and I don’t) written by Barbara Bottner and illustrated by Michael Emberley

After reading Ms. Brooks’ Story Nook (where tales are told and ogres are welcome!) last week, I realized I hadn’t read this title yet. How was that possible? LOVE this book. Love Miss Brooks. I covet her book piles. Her inspired outfits. Her lounge about and read moments. And of course this book is worth reading just for the stick on warts page.

The Monsterator by Keith Graves

Mixed reviews on the story in my classroom but the mix up a monster flaps at the end got lots of attention.

When a Monster is Born written by Sean Taylor and illustrated by Nick Sharratt

I book talked this title early in the week and heard it be read over and over during buddy reading. Lots of fun to read aloud. Has the “if – then quality” of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie

I also read:

The Misadventures of Salem Hyde: Spelling Trouble by Frank Cammuso

I have a thing for witch characters with lots of spunk. Maybe because they aren’t the stereotypical pink girly girl? Not sure. But Salem will be popular in my room. I am sure about that.

The Mark of the Dragonfly by Jaleigh Johnson

Like others, I am hoping there will be other books to follow this title because these characters and this world are just too intriguing to say goodbye to. As I was reading, I kept thinking how great this title would be as a read aloud – mystery, adventure, suspense, fantastical characters. I could also put it in the hands of so many previous students and know that it would be loved. But it also has wide appeal – I know both my 12 year old daughter and son would fall into this book. It hooks you quickly and keeps you intrigued throughout. Perfect middle grade fiction.

Up next?

This is a challenge! I have so many great titles that just came in at the library. But I think The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm is the one calling loudest to me!

Reading Goal Updates:

2014 Chapter Book Challenge: 70/100 novels complete

Goodreads Challenge: 508/650 books read (continue to remain 36 books behind, now under 40 titles! Take that you 55 from a month ago!)

#MustReadin2014: 21/30 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 118/65 complete

Monday October 27th, 2014

Posted on October 26, 2014 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you Reading?

I hope everyone was able to get lost in a book or two or three just like these guys did in Buddy Reading this week!

My favourite picture books of the week:

Ms. Brooks’ Story Nook (where tales are told and ogres are welcome!) written by Barbara Bottner and illustrated by Michael Emberley

In this delightful tale, Miss Brooks gives her students the opportunity to connect with their inner story telling selves. But things get really interesting when Missy realizes that she can use her creative energies and wild imagination to tackle real life problems. Say problems named Billy Toomey . . .

Check out my students’ reviews here.

The trailer is delightful

Giant Dance Party written by Betsy Bird and illustrated by Brandon Dorman

Stage fright explored by big blue fluffy monsters and a feisty little girl.

Don’t Play with Your Food by Bob Shea

This book is absolute kid humour. In fact, one of my students found it at the library and insisted I read it and consider reading it aloud. I think I just might because it would be a LOT of fun to share with a group. A hungry monster continues to be outwitted by a group of ever multiplying bunnies.

H.o.r.s.e. a game of basketball and imagination by Christopher Myers

I read this aloud at dinner to my family and my twelve year old son and husband – both who enjoy basketball – were quite enthralled. Love the friendly banter and boasting and the focus on stretching both skills and creativity.

Rosie and Buttercup written by Chieri Uegaki and illustrated by Stéphane Jorisch

Oh, so very, very real when it comes to sibling relationships. Don’t you sometimes wish you could just give your annoying little sister away? What if you could? This title explores that question in such a tender and honest way. No blame – just exploring normal feelings of being irritated and having reached the point of frustration.

Nancy Knows by Cybèle Young

Such an interesting title – exploring the concept of memories – so Nancy, our elephant main character, is perfect.

Oliver’s Tree by Kit Chase

Adorable illustrations of these three friends. What kind of tree can an elephant belong in? Two friends support Oliver to find out.

Early readers/younger chapter books:

Annie’s Adventures (The Sister’s 8 Book 1) written by Lauren Baratz-Logsted with Greg Logsted & Jackie Logsted

My daughter devoured all nine titles in this series and I have some girls in my room beginning to read the series so I thought I should read one so I can talk with my students. Lots going on – mystery, sibling negotiation and sister power. Quite sophisticated writing and longer than a typical early chapter book – verging on a middle grade read at over 100 pages.

Humphrey’s Playful Puppy Problem written by Betty G. Birney and illustrated by Priscilla Burris

I find these Humphrey’s Tiny Tales to be the ideal balance between interesting plot and supported text to be the perfect early chapter title.

Novels: (both in verse)

Caminar by Skila Brown

There is something about a heavy story being light in words. Novels in verse can capture images and emotions with so much power that the reader must just stop. This is a beautifully done story – set in Guatemala in the early 1980s when mountain villages are wiped out in the name of searching for rebels. Family. Community. Courage. Nothing is what it once seemed. A powerful story for mature middle grade readers.

Libertad by Alma Fullerton

One night I read Caminar in one sitting and the next morning I woke up and devoured Libertad before getting out of bed. Another novel in verse, also set in Guatemala with a focus on courage and family, Libertad tells the story of a boy forced to protect both himself and his brother after their mother dies as they scavenge for garbage in the Guatemala City Dump. Determined to find his father in America, Libertad brings his brother Julio on a journey to family, freedom and safety. But will each decision be the right one? Is the risk too great? Is their dream even possible? I couldn’t put this book down.

Next up? I am still reading The Mark of the Dragonfly by Jaleigh Johnson and have a large pile of novels just in from the library that I am excited to dive into.

Reading Goal Updates:

2014 Chapter Book Challenge: 69/100 novels complete

Goodreads Challenge: 484/650 books read (continue to remain 48 books behind, still keeping it under 50!)

#MustReadin2014: 21/30 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 111/65 complete

Monday October 20th, 2014

Posted on October 19, 2014 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

I read a few picture books and many early/young chapter books and graphics this week.

Any Questions by Marie-Louise Gay

What a beautiful picture book. It highlights the story telling process, the magic of children’s questions and the imaginative journey of a gifted author/illustrator into the land of stories. Once upon a time . . . Marie-Louise Gay tells us that a story begins with a blank white page. But her pages are never blank and white – when they are gifted to us, lucky readers, they are full of whimsy, happy clutter and childhood. Layer upon layer for read through after read through with little readers. Always something to happen upon on each page even if you miss it the first time through.

The book trailer is delightful – especially hearing Marie Louise-Gay‘s warm and animated voice. After meeting her on Saturday at the Vancouver Children’s Literature Round Table’s Breakfast, it is even more charming. I am thrilled to bring my signed copy of her book into school this week!

Of course, I also had to purchase the two Marie-Louise Gay books I didn’t have in our class collection.

When Stella was Very, Very Small by Marie-Louise Gay

All of the Stella titles feature Stella as a young girl but this title takes us back to her toddler days. She is, of course, charming, curious and cute as a bug.

What are you Doing Sam? by Marie-Louise Gay

I particularly love the Sam titles – the interactions between Stella and Sam that begin with Sam are quite charming. In this book, Sam decides to teach his dog Fred some tricks. This is quite an interesting endeavour. Fred, as usual, has his own ideas.

Extraordinary Warren: A Super Chicken by Sarah Dillard

This was a wonderful find at the bookstore this weekend. Thanks to a donation to classroom libraries at my school, I got to go book shopping. My plan was to purchase more early chapter series and graphic titles for our class collection. This reads as part graphic, part early chapter. Filled with humour, adventure and interesting character interactions, I predict this will be a hit with many little readers in my room!

Baby Mouse: Monster Mash (#9) by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm

It is October. Halloween is approaching. Reading this title was only fitting. Love the layers to the story about friendship, peer pressure and bully behaviour.

Picture Day (Missy’s Super Duper Royal Deluxe #1) by Susan Nees

Another Branches series by Scholastic. I wondered if this title was going to be a “pink” book considering the cover and all of the rosy hues. I was pleasantly surprised by the character development and character interactions in an early chapter book title full of busy illustrations. Missy’s friend Oscar has some creative ideas about saving Missy’s identity crisis on picture day when her mother stifles her creative fashion spirit.

Class Pets (Missy’s Super Duper Royal Deluxe #2) by Susan Nees

I tried out another title just to check consistency and I enjoyed this one too. Perfect level for beginning chapter book readiness. Lots of colourful photos, easy to connect to school settings/plot lines and lots of humour.

Monkey Me #1 Monkey Me and the Golden Monkey by Timothy Roland

This Branches series is a little more complex than the Missy titles – more text and less illustrations. Still, great for a young chapter book series. After eating a special banana at the museum, Clyde has the tendency to become a monkey (literally) for portions of every day. Sometimes more than once. Silly, humorous and full of adventure.

I also finished After Iris by Natasha Farrant

I so loved this book – I am a fan of the chaos, eccentricities and love in this Gadsby family. The parents? Yikes. The “au pair”/guardian? Fantastic. The sibling interactions? So true. Told through Blue’s film transcripts and diary entries, this is a must read middle grade novel. One of my #MustReadin2014 titles.

Up next? I am still reading The Mark of the Dragonfly by Jaleigh Johnson – so happy with this title as I think both of my children will love it. Thinking of purchasing it as a futre family read aloud. We are big fans of fantasy. Still reading Okay for Now to my children- such a book to inspire discussion

Reading Goal Updates:

2014 Chapter Book Challenge: 65/100 novels complete

Goodreads Challenge: 471/650 books read (currently 48 books behind – not getting this much lower but keeping it under 50! I need a picture book blitz day or two or three)

#MustReadin2014: 21/30 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 111/65 complete

Fall Update: #MustReadin2014

Posted on October 13, 2014 by carriegelson

I have been sitting at 20/30 titles read on my #MustReadin2014 list for so long that I thought I had read nothing since the summer update in July. This morning I finished a book on the list which brings me to 21/30 titles read so I thought, hurrah! I can list one book. But then I realized I have actually read four novels from this list. Wow!

What have I read since the beginning of July?

Cress (Lunar Chronicles #3) by Marissa Meyer (Read July 5th, 2014) YA novel 4 stars

I am fully captivated by these Lunar Chronicles stories even though I never thought I was going to be. I read Cinder on a whim and was hooked. I particularly love how all of the characters from previous books still play starring roles in the ongoing storylines. Dramatic, suspenseful, interesting characters. Great YA fantasy!

The Summer of Letting Go by Gae Polisner (Read July 15th, 2014) YA novel 5 stars

Should have been just so sad but somehow this title was light and full of hope. Truly beautifully done -this is the YA fiction I want my daughter to read as a teen. Easily one of my favourite YA titles of 2014. I loved the vulnerability in the characters, the exploration of grief, the superb writing and of course, little Frankie Sky.

We were Liars by E. Lockhart (Read July 15th, 2014) YA novel 5 stars

Eerie. Haunting. Painful. Beautiful. Captures family dynamics – holding these messy aspects up in all of their raw and real glory. If you have read this book, you know, it isn’t possible to write details that aren’t spoilers.

After Iris by Natasha Farrant (Read October 13th, 2014) MG novel 5 stars

I so loved this book – I am a fan of the chaos, eccentricities and love in this Gadsby family. But whoa, these parents . . . I gave my children extra attentive hugs today in response!

@NatashaFarrant1 Sigh I just finished your beautiful book. Feel like bustling my family away to a holiday house, beach walking & eating pie

— Carrie Gelson (@CarrieGelson) October 13, 2014

How is your To Be Read list treating you? I am excited still to tackle the rest of my list while I still do other reading. However, I can already predict that I might not get to two titles on my list. One, because I just can’t lay hands on it. And the other? Every time I do pick it up from the library, I end up returning it unread. Hmm . . . But I won’t call it yet.

I think it is interesting that certain books call to us at certain times. Some of my #MustReadin2014 titles sit on my bookshelf staring at me and I keep passing them by and reach for other books. It’s not that I don’t want to read them. I just don’t want to read them now. And then the mood hits . . . 🙂

If you have been participating in #MustReadin2014 and written an update post, link up below and share on twitter using the #MustReadin2014 hashtag! Please note that you need to click on the link below and it will take you to another page.

Want to know more about #MustReadin2014? Read here This post also includes links to all of the bloggers who wrote Must Read lists.

Monday September 15th, 2014

Posted on September 14, 2014 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

The picture books I enjoyed this week:

Loula is Leaving for Africa by Anne Villeneuve

How delightful is this little title? Loula is done with her brothers (triplets! can you imagine?) and has decided she is running away to Africa. Luckily the family chauffeur knows the way . . . Full of adventure and kindness.

Picture a Tree by Barbara Reid

Such a treat for the senses. Calming and inspiring at the same time. Surprised it’s taken me a while to get to this book. Now, of course, I want my own copy.

The Big Adventure of the Smalls by Helen Stephens

I know that if we had had this book when my children were teeny, it would have been part of our nightly story time ritual. A read again and again and again title. What child wouldn’t love a sneaky adventure in and amongst an adult dinner party?

What the Heart Knows: Chants, Charms and Blessings Written by Joyce Sidman and illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski

Just so beautiful. The text, wow . . . The illustrations, swoon. So thankful I purchased this title. It now sits on my night table so I can reread favourite poems and passages. While I love all of these poems rather passionately, Starting Now might be my favourite.

I also finished Revolution by Deborah Wiles

I have been raving about this book all day – at a rally for public education, to a friend on the street and then to my mother in law at dinner. Wow.

Where do I start with this incredible story? Maybe the best bet is how I captured its essence in less than 140 characters. Easily one of my favourite titles of 2014.

Oh @deborahwiles how brilliant are you? Revolution, a #bookaday that is now a part of me. Tears, faith, outrage, peace. What a story.

— Carrie Gelson (@CarrieGelson) September 14, 2014

Next up? I am reading Hostage Three by Nick Lake

I will admit that my nerves are still shot and I am not doing the reading I would like to be doing. I am worried about my students. (more here) I want to be working. I am tired of walking around a sidewalk. Waiting. Waiting. Waiting. Strikes are terrible. Plain and simple.

Reading Goal Updates:

2014 Chapter Book Challenge: 61/100 novels complete

Goodreads Challenge: 416/650 books read

#MustReadin2014: 20/30 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 106/65 complete

Monday August 25th, 2014

Posted on August 25, 2014 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

I thought I would have finished many more books this week. Problem is I can’t sit still. If I am still, I think. I think about how we are still on strike. How September is going to begin with us in limbo here in B.C. No teaching, no learning. Just sad. So I spent time I would usually be reading, doing other things. Sorting. Organizing. Puttering about to keep moving. And less reading was the result. Ridiculous really because reading is one of my favourite things but it’s been a hard week knowing that there is no resolution in sight. Taking a deep breath and trying to dive back into books.

Still, I read some great titles!

The picture books I loved:

A Boy and A Jaguar written by Alan Rabinowitz and illustrated by Cátia Chien

Oh wow. This book. It’s gorgeous. It’s special. It’s a must own and must share. A story of a boy who finds his voice and shares it in the best of ways.

Hooray for Hat! by Brian Won

This book was sent to me by the wonderful Alyson Beecher and it marched into my hands and begged to be read. Delightful. Charming. It whispers, “Hey, there is an art project just begging to happen here don’t you think?” Yep!

The Long, Long Journey The Godwit’s Amazing Migration written by Sandra Markle and illustrated by Mia Posada

I am always fascinated by migration stories. This title highlights the journey of the godwit’s migration. Almost unbelievable. Beautifully illustrated.

Chamelia and the New Kid in Class by Ethan Long

Perfect read aloud for little ones – addresses feelings of jealousy, wanting attention, accepting the new kid. Always relevant.

In New York by Marc Brown

A great introduction to an incredible city.

I also finished

A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd

Reading this book was kind of like stumbling into an eclectic antique store and picking up interesting items to examine. Stacks of sentimental. Little bowls of charm. Artifacts full of whimsy. Sorrow. Longing. Joy. Magic. What a book.