It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?
For readers of all ages
It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly blog hop we host which focuses on sharing what we’re reading. This Kid Lit version of IMWAYR focuses primarily on books marketed for kids and teens, but books for readers of all ages are shared. We love this community and how it offers opportunities to share and recommend books with each other.
The original IMWAYR, with an adult literature focus, was started by Sheila at Book Journeys and is now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date. The Kid Lit IMWAYR was co-created by Kellee & Jen at Teach Mentor Texts.
We encourage you to write your own post sharing what you’re reading, link up below, leave a comment, and support other IMWAYR bloggers by visiting and commenting on at least three of the other linked blogs.
Happy reading!
**Click on any picture/link to view the post**
Kellee
I hope everyone had a wonderful summer! I return back with students tomorrow, and I know it is going to be an amazing year!
I am excited to share what I read over summer, and thanks to Storygraph, I can share my June & July cover collages!
June
- Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins: I was so glad that I reread the original trilogy to read the newest in the series because Sunrise was such a fantastic read.
- I Know Your Secret by Daphne Benedis-Grab: This book is a great reading ladder for middle schoolers who want to read One of Us is Lying or other murder mysteries that they may not be developmentally ready for. I listened to this with Trent, and he liked trying to figure out all the clues and found it be suspenseful as we looked to find the culprit.
- The Giver series by Lois Lowry: After rereading the Hunger Games series, I felt I wanted to revisit my favorite book ever (The Giver), and it was just as brilliant as it is every time I read the book. When I finished, I realized that I didn’t remember much about the rest of the series, so I dived in, and I am so glad that I did–the series is so thought provoking, intricate, deep, and a wonderful read.
- Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm: When I shared that I was going to Key West, my friend Beth said I had to read this book, and I am so glad I did. I loved Turtle, connecting with the city I was visiting, and learning more about my state’s history, all inside a wonderful read!
- Seasparrow by Kristin Cashore: The final book of the series! Though I truly hope there will be more. This book fulfilled my want of learning more about Hava, and, like all of her books, Cashore’s character development and world building is second-to-none. I loved my reread so much that I talked two of my friends into read the series, and it is now one of their favorite series.
July
- Gilded duology by Marissa Meyer: Although this book wasn’t my favorite, I know that there are dark, high fantasy readers who are going to adore this spinning tale.
- The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet by John Green: I think I may relisten to this book yearly. If you haven’t listened to it, please do so now. You’ll see why as soon as you start.
- Alex & Eliza trilogy by Melissa de la Cruz: I loved diving into the Hamiltons’ romance! The books were a perfect mix of history and romance that made them so fun to read. Hamilton, American history, and historical romance fans, pick this series up. (Though I do wish there was a bit more information on what was true and what wasn’t.)
- The Naturals series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes: My students have been begging me to read this series, and I am so glad I finally did! The story is about kids with natural abilities that the FBI is helping foster, but it, of course, leads to them helping with investigations. I loved the mystery of it all, and the characters are so complicated yet loveable.
- The Metamorphis of Bunny Baxter by Barbara Carroll Roberts: I was lucky enough to be able to wok on the educators’ guide, and I loved getting to know Bunny. The story truly reflects the anxieties around starting middle school, specifically at a new school, and I loved the added awesome quirk of the insect and gardening love that Bunny has.
August
- The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys: I didn’t know much about General Franco’s dictatorship, but when I was in Spain, it was mentioned often, and my sister-in-law recommended I read this book (which was a no brainer since Ruta Sepetys is brilliant). The book did no disappoint. The history of Spain during this time should be talked about more–it was filled with oppression and danger. Sepetys tells us not only about the history but throws in a wonderful story that keep you from wanting to put the book down.
- It Watches in the Dark by Jeff Strand: Trent choose for us to listen to this book, and I will say it is as creepy as the cover seems. Middle grade readers who want horror will love this one. (Though the ending was a bit unsatisfactory…)
And you can always learn more about any of the books I’ve been reading by checking out my read bookshelf on Goodreads.
Ricki
I’ll be back from my summer break soon!
Kellee
- Rereading: The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
- Listening: The Deadly Fates (The Conjureverse #3) by Dhonielle Clayton
- Listening with Trent: Tell Me What Really Happened by Chelsea Sedoti
Wednesday: Student Voices: Understanding Depression & Books About Mental Health from Maya D. and Tatiana S.
Sunday: Author Guest Post: “Finding Inspiration in Video Games” by Julie Kagawa, Author of Fateless
Link up below and go check out what everyone else is reading. Please support other bloggers by viewing and commenting on at least 3 other blogs. If you tweet about your Monday post, tag the tweet with #IMWAYR!
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