Kellee – Page 236 – Unleashing Readers

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? 2/16/15

July 27, 2015February 16, 2015 by Kellee

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? From Picture Books to YA!

It’s Monday! What are you Reading? is a meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journeys. It is a great way to recap what you read and/or reviewed the previous week and to plan out your reading and reviews for the upcoming week. It’s also a great chance to see what others are reading right now…you just might discover the next “must-read” book!

Jen Vincent, of Teach Mentor Texts, and Kellee decided to give It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? a kidlit focus. If you read and review books in children’s literature – picture books, chapter books, middle grade novels, young adult novels, anything in the world of kidlit – join us! We love this meme and think you will, too.

We encourage everyone who participates to support the blogging community by visiting at least three of the other book bloggers that link up and leave comments for them.

Last Week’s Posts

Tuesday: Top Ten Things We Like/Dislike When It Comes To Romances In Books

Sunday: Author Guest Post!: “Three Bowls of Porridge” by Lisa Heathfield, Author of Seed

**Click on any picture/link to view the post**

Last Week’s Journeys

Kellee: I read The Crossover this week, and I am so glad I did! I am so happy that a book that won the Newbery is one that I love and that is accessible to my students. Oh, and it is diverse! I cannot wait to review this book because this is a book that belongs in a classroom.

With Trent, we read Pete the Cat probably 15 times, Fifteen Animals probably 10 times, and Personal Penguin probably 5 times. The boy finally has favorite books! I know it will eventually become tedious, right now I am loving that he loves these books.

Ricki: I was boring this week. I read 200 pages in a manual about coding qualitative data and read half of a book on qualitative data analysis. Henry has started a new sleeping trend. We read the typical 4-5 books together. Then, we put him down to sleep. He cries and cries unless we read another 4-5 books. We have tried starting off with ten books. Nope. The break—when Mommy and Daddy say goodnight—is required between the ten books. I am not quite sure how to break this trend, but hey, at least the kid wants to read! His current favorites are Trucks by Roger Priddy (a slide and find book), B is for Bear by Roger Priddy (a fantastic alphabet book) and Where’s Spot by Eric Hill (a lift the flap book). He reads each of these at least 15 times per day.

This Week’s Expeditions

Kellee: I am still listening the The Lions of Little Rock, and I am loving it! I am actually listening to it at the same time one of my students is reading it, so I am really enjoying chatting with her about it. As for what book I’m going to read this week, I am going to have to decide, but I think I am going to grab The Cure for Dreaming because I student loved it, and I would love to chat with her about it as well. Trent and I will probably continue reading the same books, but I do want to get Fox in Socks in there because my aunt gave it to Trent and haven’t gotten to it yet.

Ricki: This week, I will be finishing The Secret Hum of a Daisy by Tracy Holczer. My friend, Wendy, gave me several new picture books for Henry, so I am excited to get to those, too.

Upcoming Week’s Posts

top ten tuesday

Tuesday: Top Ten Book Related Problems We Have

Friday: How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Birthday by Jane Yolen (& Can You Believe Trent is ONE?!)

So, what are you reading?

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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From Kellee’s (Huge) Library Pile Part Four | Miss Brooks Loves Books! (and I don’t) by Barbara Bottner; The Cat, the Dog, Little Red, The Exploding Eggs, The Wolf, and Grandma by Diane Fox; The Very Inappropriate Word by Jim Torbin; Come On, Rain! by Karen Hesse; & The Girl Who Heard Colors by Marie Harris

July 5, 2016February 13, 2015 by Kellee

Because of It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? posts, I find myself often with huge piles of picture books from the library that were highly recommended by fellow bloggers. I celebrate many of the nonfiction pictures books on Wednesdays, but I want to share some of the fiction picture books I have enjoyed. So, I decided to start series here on UR where I can pass on the love for these books sporadically as I read them. Here is a list of some great pictures books that I’ve read recently from my huge library pile (part 4!).

Miss Brooks Loves Books! (and I don’t)
Author: Barbara Bottner
Illustrator: Michael Emberley
Published March 9th, 2010 by Knopf Books for Young Readers

I am a sucker for books that celebrate books. I am also a sucker for books that celebrate teachers/librarians. This book does both. I love that the librarian never gives up and is such a book lover. I love that the little girl is real and someone that all teachers will encounter each year. And I love how the two come together with a perfect ending.

The Cat, the Dog, Little Red, the Exploding Eggs, the Wolf, and Grandma
Author: Diane Fox
Illustrator: Christyan Fox
Published August 26th, 2014 by Scholastic Press

This book is hilarious!
Cat is reading “Little Red Riding Hood” to her friend, Dog, but he keeps interrupting asking questions that Cat is not prepared, or doesn’t want, to answer. Dog is such a funny character! I am sure we all have friends or students or kids that do exactly what Dog does to Cat.
I really hope that Diane and Christyan Fox write more Cat & Dog stories because I’d love to hear their take on other fairy tales!

The Very Inappropriate Word
Author: Jim Torbin
Illustrator: Dave Coverly
Published August 20th, 2013 by Henry Holt and Co.

Michael is a word collector. He loves words! One day he finds a word he doesn’t know, but it turns out to be an inappropriate word.
I love how the teacher deals with Michael’s finding of this new word, I love how the words are exhibited throughout the book, I love how this book promotes learning and vocabulary, I love how fun the illustrations are, and I love the ending! Great book to share with kids. (BTW: Direct connection to A Snicker of Magic)

Come On, Rain!
Author: Karen Hesse
Illustrator: Jon J. Muth
Published March 1st, 1999 by Scholastic Press

I love Karen Hesse’s writing. She just has a way of putting words together and making them sound like dances. Come On, Rain! is the story of a young girl waiting for rain after a drought and the celebration she, and her friends and family, has after the rain comes. In addition to the beautiful writing, the watercolor illustrations adds an extra beauty to the story making it even more like a piece of art. I also truly appreciate the diversity of the families portrayed.

The Girl Who Heard Colors
Author: Marie Harris
Illustrator: Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Published September 26th, 2013 by Nancy Paulsen Books

Synesthesia is something that I only became aware of after reading The Noisy Paint Box, and the idea of seeing colors of words or hear colors or foods having colors when you eat them just is quite fascinating and intriguing. This is a picture book, a very well done picture book, that introduces Jillian who is a young girl who loves her 5 senses and specifically loves being able to see colors of things. She doesn’t realize that this is different until she starts school, but she soon realizes it isn’t something to be ashamed of but something to be proud of.

What picture books should I add to my pile next?

Want to see Part One? You can view it HERE.
Want to see Part Two? You can view it HERE.
Want to see Part Three? You can view it HERE.

I Am Jackie Robinson by Brad Meltzer

July 26, 2015February 11, 2015 by Kellee

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday is hosted by Kid Lit Frenzy and was started to help promote the reading of nonfiction texts. Most Wednesdays, we will be participating and will review a nonfiction text (though it may not always be a picture book).
Be sure to visit Kid Lit Frenzy and see what other nonfiction books are shared this week!

I am Jackie Robinson
Author: Brad Meltzer
Illustrator: Christopher Eliopoulos
Published January 8th, 2015 by Dial

Goodreads Summary: This New York Times Bestselling picture book biography series by Brad Meltzer has an inspiring message: We can all be heroes.

Jackie Robinson always loved sports, especially baseball. But he lived at a time before the Civil Rights Movement, when the rules weren’t fair to African Americans. Even though Jackie was a great athlete, he wasn’t allowed on the best teams just because of the color of his skin. Jackie knew that sports were best when everyone, of every color, played together. He became the first black player in Major League Baseball, and his bravery changed African-American history and led the way to equality in all sports in America.

This engaging series is the perfect way to bring American history to life for young children, providing them with the right role models, and best of all, inspiring them to strive and dream.

Kellee’s Review: Since Brad Meltzer published his first “Ordinary People Change The World” book, I have been intrigued by them. I am a huge fan of how he and Chris Eliopoulos format the books, and how they truly help engage their reader throughout. Their newest book in the series focuses on Jackie Robinson and how he went from a young kid loving and excelling at sports to changing the world by becoming the first black MLB player. It deals with acceptance and bravery and overcoming obstacles.

What makes this story of Jackie so unique though is how it is executed. First, I love how it is told in first person. Second, they included humor throughout. For example, there are two kids that keep guessing what the “B” on Jackie’s hat stands for, and they are such comic relief. Finally, the book is a picture book/graphic novel mix which I think really adds to the engagement of the book. And on top of all of this, the book is inspirational! Jackie’s story is always an awe-inspiring one, but this book specifically focuses on how you can truly change your own life if you put your mind to it even if there are truly tough obstacles.

Ricki’s Review: This book! From time to time, a book really impacts me, and I absolutely fell in love with this one. I have always found Jackie Robinson to be inspirational, but the way this story is crafted is uplifting. I am thrilled that kids will be exposed to this story–it teaches resilience and strength, and above all, it shows an extraordinary human being who made a difference in the world.

Like Kellee, I love the way this book is formatted. It will be great for all types of readers, and teachers will love how accessible it is for reluctant readers. The graphic novel style (with one panel per page) is intriguing and engaging. The last page provides a visually appealing fact-page to learn more about Robinson. I will absolutely be getting more books in this series.

Teachers’ Tools For Navigation: Meltzer’s series is a wonderful introduction to some phenomenal people in history that all children should learn about and aspire to be. “Ordinary People Change The World” would actually be a fantastic unit. You could read all of Meltzer’s titles (whole group or in lit circles) then research Lincoln, Parks, Einstein, Earhart, and Robinson to learn more about them. The students could then look into other ordinary people who have changed the world.

Discussion Questions: What do you think the hardest thing about being the first black MLB player would be?; Why do you think Jackie was chosen as the first black player?; What did the B on his hat stand for?

We Flagged:

From http://bradmeltzer.com/book/i-am-jackie-robinson/

Read This If You Loved: Any of the Ordinary People Change the World series books by Brad Meltzer, Henry Aaron’s Dream by Matt Tavares, Baseball Is… by Louise Borden, Something to Prove: The Great Satchel Paige vs. Rookie Joe Dimaggio by Robert Skead

Recommended For:

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**Thank you to Penguin for providing copies for review!!**

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? 2/9/15

July 27, 2015February 9, 2015 by Kellee

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? From Picture Books to YA!

We encourage everyone who participates to support the blogging community by visiting at least three of the other book bloggers that link up and leave comments for them.

Last Week’s Posts

Tuesday: Top Ten Graphic Novels We Can’t Believe We Haven’t Read

Wednesday: More Great Nonfiction from 2014

**Click on any picture/link to view the post**

Last Week’s Journeys

Kellee: First, I want to mention the book awards from last Monday and say how excited I was to see so many wonderful titles that I love win or be honored! I am especially happy for El Deafo by Cece Bell, Andrew Smith, Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin, Dan Santat, Kwame Alexander, brown girl dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson, Noisy Paint Box by Barb Rosenstock and Mary Grandpre, Sam & Dave Dig a Hole by Jon Klassen and Mac Barnett, Gabi, A Girl in Pieces by Isabel Quintero, and so many other books I’ve blogged about or shouted out over the last year. I LOVED them all, and I am so happy they were recognized. Congratulations to all of the winners/honorees (and I hope I didn’t miss anyone)!!

This week, I also had a very good reading week! First, I read Baseballogy by Kevin Sylvester which was a nonfiction informational book about baseball that threw in a bit of humor and some wonderful graphics. As a baseball fan, I really enjoyed it. Then, I finished listening to Never Fall Down by Patricia McCormick (one of my #mustreadin2015), and it, like her other book Sold, will never leave my heart. It is so powerful! On Friday, in one sitting, I read the Schneider winner Girls Like Us by Gail Giles which has voices that are hard to get out of your head, and it truly makes you think and look at the world around you. Finally, on Saturday night, also in one sitting, I read the heart-wrenching The Secret Hum of a Daisy by Tracy Holczer (also one of my #mustreadin2015) which is about grief and the strength to overcome it.

With Trent, we did a lot of rereads this week (our current favorites are Fifteen Animals by Sandra Boynton and Book of Sleep by Sung Il Na), but we also read two new books. Last Sunday we read Freight Train by Donald Crews (recommended by Linda B!) which is a fantastic book about colors and trains and movement. Coincidentally, Donald Crews just won the Wilder Award, and I can see why. I think we will need to read more of his in the future. Then, we read Peanuts: A Scanimation Book by Rufus Butler Seder. Trent really likes the moving aspects of the book, but he also just really wants to rip the page open and see what the “secret” is.

Ricki: I completely agree with Kellee about the ALA Youth Media Awards! We have blogged about some of the books together that she posted above, but I want to add how thrilled I was about A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd (which I have mentioned in about fifteen posts, but apparently I never gave it a full review–shame on me!), brown girl dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson (for its multiple awards), The Carnival at Bray by Jessie Ann Foley (for its two awards), You Are (Not) Small by Anna Kang, and How it Went Down by Kekla Magoon. I am excited that many of the books are on my #mustreadin2015 list!

This week, I read two great books that will be published later this year. Look! by Jeff Mack has only two words, but the story is very meaningful. It is a story about friendship, technology, and the power of reading! I also adored the whimsical nature of By Mouse and Frog by Deborah Freedman. This is going to be a favorite this year. It is also a great book about friendship, but it is very different for Look! it teaches about both listening and creativity. Lastly, I loved Brad Meltzer’s I am Jackie Robinson. I can see why everyone has been raving about it. The format was lovely!

This Week’s Expeditions

Kellee: I am going to start listening The Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine this week, but it will probably take 2 or 3 to finish. As for reading, I am going to have to see what fancies me. My friend, Vivi Barnes, just had her second book Paper or Plastic come out, and I may pick that one up or I could go with a #mustreading2015 or another book from my numerous piles–we’ll see!

Ricki: A group of friends wanted to do a book club, and I told them I would only join if they made it YAL only. They agreed—yes! Our first book is The Secret Hum of Daisy by Tracy Holczer which I am really looking forward to!

Upcoming Week’s Posts

top ten tuesday

Tuesday: Top Ten Things We Like/Dislike When It Comes To Romances In Books

Sunday: Author Guest Post!: “Three Bowls of Porridge” by Lisa Heathfield, Author of Seed

So, what are you reading?

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How To Speak Dolphin by Ginny Rorby

December 21, 2015February 6, 2015 by Kellee

How to Speak Dolphin
Author: Ginny Rorby
Expected Publication May 26th, 2015 by Scholastic Press
(Though available in Spring Scholastic Book Fairs)

Goodreads Summary: Schneider Family Book Award-winning author Ginny Rorby has created an irresistible dolphin story about a girl’s struggle to help her autistic brother and herself.

Lily loves her half-brother, Adam, but she has always struggled with him, too. He’s definitely on the autism spectrum–though her step-father, Don, can barely bring himself to admit it–and caring for him has forced Lily to become as much mother as sister. All Lily wants is for her step-father to acknowledge that Adam has a real issue, that they need to find some kind of program that can help him. Then maybe she can have a life of her own.

Adam’s always loved dolphins, so when Don, an oncologist, hears about a young dolphin with cancer, he offers to help. He brings Lily and Adam along, and Adam and the dolphin–Nori–bond instantly.

But though Lily sees how much Adam loves Nori, she also sees that the dolphin shouldn’t spend the rest of her life in captivity, away from her family. Can Adam find real help somewhere else? And can Lily help Nori regain her freedom without betraying her family?

My Review: How to Speak Dolphin is a tale that looks at the struggles and triumphs of growing up with an autistic family member. Lily has lost her mom and is still mourning when we meet her, yet she is being expected to pretty much be her brother Adam’s caretaker. Because of this, Lily has very few friends and finds herself lonely and sad often. Her stepfather is lost in fantasy thinking that Adam is less work and less autistic than he really is. Lily is lost and tired though knows something needs to be done. She just wants her brother to be taken care of correctly, and she needs her stepfather to see it as well. It is through Lily’s guiding, and a bit of help from Adam’s new caretaker Suzanne, that Don finally seeks getting treatment for Adam through DAT, dolphin-assisted therapy, with a young dolphin named Nori recovering from cancer. During Lily’s journey through helping her brother (and herself), she becomes friends with Zoe, a young girl who lost her sight due to retinoblastoma, who also helps her realize that her life may not be what she’d expected, but it can still be good. This book, like all of Ginny’s, is quite a ride and makes the reader think about animal and human issues that are often ignored. Ginny Rorby has done it again.

Teachers’ Tools For Navigation: There are many books that look at autism or animal rights. I can definitely see this book being in a lit circle set (with the titles listed below) where students in groups can each read a book about the topic then share what they have learned from their book at the end. This could be done beautifully with most of Ginny’s titles (Hurt Go Happy, Outside of a Horse, and Dolphin Sky) because they each look at a human and animal struggle. Additionally, this book is going to be loved by students who love Rules, Out of My Mind, Wonder, and other books that look at overcoming differences.

I could also see inquiry projects blossoming out of the lit circles or a whole-class read of How to Speak Dolphin. In Dolphin alone, students could find themselves questioning animal captivity, DAT, autism, retinoblastoma, sign language, oil spill, and more.

Discussion Questions: Do you agree with the choice that is made with Nori at the end of the book?; Zoe was quite pushy with Lily when they disagree. Do you agree with how Zoe dealt with the situation?; Do you think it was Lily’s responsibility to care for Adam after her mother died?; Practice walking using echoing like Zoe does. How easy/hard is it?; Zoe is a very positive person. How does how she is dealing with her blindness help Lily be more optimistic about Adam and her life?; Why do you think Don had such a hard time admitting to himself that Adam may need help outside what he and Lily could give?

We Flagged: “Don holds Adam pressed to his chest, one arm around his legs and the other pinning his arms to his sides as I test the water temerature and start filling the tub. Don’s eyes are closed. I think from the pain of Adam’s screaming in his ear, but decided maybe it’s because his heart is broken. I was seven and a half when Mom and Don found out she was pregnant and that the baby would be a boy. Don was so over-the-top thrilled that Mom looked at me and said she’d wanted another girl. She was trying to make sure my feelings weren’t hurt, but it made me wonder if my real father had wished fora boy, too.” (p. 8)

Read This If You Loved: Rules by Cynthia Lord, Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin, Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine, Dolphin Sky by Ginny Rorby, Wonder by RJ Palacio, Hurt Go Happy by Ginny Rorby

Recommended For:

2015 Mock Sibert: Considered Nonfiction Picture Book Titles

February 4, 2015 by Kellee

First, I want to share my excitement for The Right Word, our Mock Sibert winner, becoming the actual Sibert winner! So ecstatic that we got it right! Also, Neighborhood Sharks was honored which makes me super happy because it might have been my favorite.

Part of hosting the Mock Sibert is reading as many nonfiction books (we focus on nonfiction picture books and children’s books) as possible. Today I wanted to share with you some of the amazing titles that we considered for the Mock Sibert, but that I hadn’t been able to post about yet. They may not have been in my top 5, but were definitely some of the best nonfiction titles I read in 2014.

A Boy and a Jaguar by Alan Rabinowitz
Published May 6th, 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

I loved loved loved this book. The messages about animals and human are the same: all living things should be respected. I am so glad that the Schneider committee recognized the power of this book.

Star Stuff: Carl Sagan and the Mysteries of the Cosmos
Published October 14th, 2014 by Roaring Brook Press

Carl Sagan is such an inspirational person, and this book is the perfect introduction to him. I really loved how this author tied Dr. Sagan’s childhood of curiosity and exploration to his success as a scientist. He is such an inspiring man and his story shows how anyone can build a repertoire of knowledge and grow up to make a difference.

Born in the Wild: Baby Mammals and Their Parents by Lita Judge
Published October 21st, 2014 by Roaring Brook Press

A beautifully illustrated picture book that focuses on what each baby needs to thrive.

Chasing Cheetahs: The Race to Save Africa’s Fastest Cats by Sy Mongomery
Published April 1st, 2014 by HMH Books for Young Readers

Beetle Busters: A Rogue Insect and the People Who Track It by Loree Griffin Burns
Published October 7th, 2014 by HMH Books for Young Readers

These were my first two “Scientists in the Field” books I’ve read after years of people suggesting them to me. I now know why everyone likes this series. They are interesting, have phenomenal illustrations, and makes the stories they are sharing accessible to their readers.

The Case of the Vanishing Little Brown Bats: A Scientific Mystery by Sandra Markle
Published September 1st, 2014 by Millbrook Press

This book takes the reader through the scientific inquiry process while the scientists work to figure out the mystery of the bats. Quite an adventure!!

When Lunch Fights Back: Wickedly Clever Animal Defenses by Rebecca Johnson
Published September 1st, 2014 by Millbrook Press

This book talks about some truly strange, fascinating, and cool animal defenses on the planet. The illustrations are amazing, and this book is going to definitely be a kid magnet.

We also considered The Noisy Paintbox, Gravity, and A Home for Mr. Emerson, but I have already reviewed them. Click on the book covers to read my review of these titles.

Also, check out my Mock Sibert partners’ lists of favorite 2014 nonfiction books (Alyson Part 1 Part 2 | Carrie) to see other titles that are must reads!

What were your favorite NF books from 2014?

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? 2/2/15

July 27, 2015February 2, 2015 by Kellee

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? From Picture Books to YA!

We encourage everyone who participates to support the blogging community by visiting at least three of the other book bloggers that link up and leave comments for them.

CONGRATULATIONS,
CASSIE LARSON
for winning the Candlewick Giveaway of 6 YA novels!

Last Week’s Posts

Tuesday: Top Ten Books We’d Love to Read With Our Book Club (If WeHad A Book Club)

Wednesday: Mock Sibert Winner Announced!

Sunday: Guest Post: “Beyond Setting: A Couple of Thoughts and Some Fun Writing Prompts” by Tricia Springstubb, author of Moonpenny Island

**Click on any picture/link to view the post**

Last Week’s Journeys

Kellee: This week I was able to get some more reading in which really does make my week better! I finished John David Anderson’s The Dungeoneers, and it is EPIC! You’ll want to read it; I promise. Part of the problem with reading an ARC, though, is I now have to wait even longer for the sequel. I also read Bob Shea’s new early reader Ballet Cat: The Totally Secret Secret which was such a great, funny book. Elephant and Piggie fans will definitely like this one. Trent and I struggled a bit with finding reading time every day this week. He loves books and flips through them and plays with them often, but this week we had trouble with sitting down before bedtime and reading because of business. However, this week we did read a DK ABC Baseball book and a Thomas the Tank Engine book (which was perfect because this weekend, My Gym had the electronic Thomas out!).

Ricki: I finished Audacity by Melanie Crowder. It is an inspirational book in verse based on the true story of Clara Lemleich. She was a Russian Jewish immigrant who was forced to work in horrible factory conditions in the early 1900s. Clara stood up for her rights and fought with the union. I will provide a full review soon, and I absolutely recommend it.

This Week’s Expeditions

Kellee: I am still listening to Never Fall Down by Patricia McCormick. It is such a tough book, but I am sucked in! I also hope to read A Cure for Dreaming by Cat Winters and/or Girls Like Us by Gail Giles. With Trent, I hope to make sure to have more time to read to him this week.

Ricki: I am excited to start The Secret Hum of Daisy by Tracy Holczer. I know many of you have read it, and I have heard it is wonderful! I also have to read half of a book on coding. Jealous? 🙂

Upcoming Week’s Posts

top ten tuesday

Tuesday: Top Ten Graphic Novels We Can’t Believe We Haven’t Read

Wednesday: More Great Nonfiction from 2014

So, what are you reading?

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