Monday, July 21, 2014

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?


I'm participating in the meme #IMWAYR started by Book JourneyTeach Mentor Texts, and Unleashing Readers.


I was out of town last week, so I'm displaying two weeks worth of books today!

PICTURE BOOKS:


My New Friend Is So Fun! by Mo Willems

A fun book about the value of friendship.



I Am Invited to a Party! by Mo Willems

Another fun addition to the Elephant and Piggie series. Natalie and I especially loved the end--where all of the characters attend a fancy, costume pool party. Ha!



More Tales of Amanda Pig by Jean Van Leeuwen, Illustrated by Ann Schweninger

We found more Amanda Pig at the library! A nice book of short stories involving Amanda and her brother.



What Do You Do With An Idea? by Kobi Yamada, Illustrated by Mae Besom

A great addition to the writing workshop picture book genre! This book validates what it feels like to have no ideas when faced with the task of writing. I think a lot of kids will be able to relate.



Tuesday Tucks Me In by Luis Carlos Montalvan and Bret Witter, Photographs by Dan Dion

Tuesday is the service dog for a veteran, Luis Montalvan, who suffers from PTSD and traumatic brain injury. This charming story is told from Tuesday's point of view. The reader can immediately empathize with Luis and see all the good Tuesday does to help Luis feel more comfortable in civilian life. A touching story to share with any animal lover.



The Porcelain Man by Richard Kennedy, Illustrated by Marcia Sewall

This is a strange one. A girl pieces together porcelain that her oppressive father finds in the street. A porcelain man is created and declares his love for her. The girl's father smashes the man and she reforms it into a horse who carries her away. The horse destroys itself so she can once again create the man. Another young man is passing by and helps the girl collect the pieces. They take the pieces back to his house where they create a full dinnerware set. They fall in love that day. During dinner, a plate proclaims it's love for the girl and she tells it to be quiet. The man and the girl live happily ever after. (?) Maybe I'm missing something??



Letter Lunch by Elisa Guiterrez

I loved the illustrations and the graphic novel format of this book, but didn't completely understand the author's choice to make the hungry kids collect letters. It felt a little forced.



A Thirst For Home: A Story of Water Across the World by Christine Ieronimo, Illustrated by Eric Velasquez

This is a great addition to our empathy unit, to use in conjunction with A Long Walk to Water. Alemitu is a young Ethiopian girl who collects water with her mother daily. Once her family has no food left, her mother is forced to give up Alemitu for adoption. Alemitu is adopted by an American family and becomes Eva. She never forgets her roots, though. The story is perfect for young readers to understand the hardships so many people in the world face.



Have You Heard the Nesting Bird? by Rita Gray, Illustrated by Kenard Pak

A nice story about a nesting robin surrounded by other birds in the forest. The end has a great interview with the mother robin.


YOUNG ADULT:


We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

Oh my goodness. Cady, what a burden you carry. Lockhart masterfully crafts characters that you at once sympathize with, yet don't fully understand. A gripping novel about a wealthy American family taking a hit from within.


ADULT:


This Is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper

This is the story of a lost man, whose father has just died, wife has been found cheating with his husband, and he must sit shiva for seven days with his dysfunctional family. It's a glimpse into someone's life who is on the brink of breakdown, but told in a humorous way.



The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty

I loved this book about Cora who chaperoned Louise Brooks (a famous film star) when she first set out for NYC from Wichita, Kansas. Cora embarks on her own journey to find her roots in New York and finds a whole new world. I'd highly recommend this!


CURRENTLY READING:


The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater


AUDIO BOOKS:


Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick



I'm also contemplating starting a nonfiction book.  I have so many good ones I want to get to!

What are YOU reading?











1 comment:

  1. Your Mo Willems books reminds me I should pick some up for our CR trip. Stella recommended them as good ESL/ELL books. I loved some of the same books you featured this week. I NEED to read We Were Liars, and I LOVED the audio of Leonard Peacock.

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