It's Monday! What Are YOU Reading?

I'm participating in the meme "It's Monday!  What Are You Reading?" sponsored by Book Journey and Teach Mentor Texts.  There are more finished books here than I anticipated this week!  School started last week and we're in the process of moving.  Somehow, I managed to finish a few books (you might say reading is my therapy...).  Enjoy!

PICTURE BOOKS:

Enemy Pie by Derek Munson, Illustrated by Tara Calahan King

I read this on the second day of school and we talked about working with and being kind to everyone throughout the year. It's a great story of learning to spend time with those you think you don't like, and then discovering that you could be friends after all. We even discovered several themes within the book. A fun one to start off the year!

Journey by Aaron Becker

This is a beautiful book about a lonely girl who uses her imagination to unlock doors of discovery. I plan on using it with my students to talk about our hopes and dreams for our 5th grade journey. The illustrations are stunning, with something new to discover every time you look at it!  Check out Holly Mueller's excellent blog post on this book: Reading, Teaching, Learning

MIDDLE GRADE BOOKS:

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein

I wasn't sure I was going to like this one at first. I felt like it started slow, but...I loved it! There is a new library in town funded by Mr. Lemoncello, a popular maker of board games. Several kids at the local school write essays to qualify to get a sneak peek at the library. Once they are in for the overnight party, a new game begins. The kids must figure out how to get out of the library without using the main exits and/or fire exits. A mystery ensues filled with children's literature references. Will they make it out before the time is up?

YOUNG ADULT:

Crossed by Ally Condie

This one wasn't nearly as good as the first in the series. I think I didn't care for the male narrator's voice. I found myself plodding through it. Cassia has left her family to find Ky, along with other aberrations in the desert and canyons. She must stay strong in her search and fend off the Society that is trying to hold her back.

CURRENTLY READING:

(audio)

That's it!  What have you been reading?