It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?
Sharing Picture Books, Early Readers, Middle Grade Books, and Young Adult Books for All Ages!
It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly blog hop co-hosted by Unleashing Readers and Teach Mentor Texts which focuses on sharing books marketed for children and young adults. 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.
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!
We are taking a 2 week Winter Break to be with family and recharge.
We hope that you all are able to do the same!
See you in 2022!
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!
It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?
Sharing Picture Books, Early Readers, Middle Grade Books, and Young Adult Books for All Ages!
It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly blog hop co-hosted by Unleashing Readers and Teach Mentor Texts which focuses on sharing books marketed for children and young adults. 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.
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.
Redemptor by Jordan Ifueko: I am so glad that I finally listened to this sequel to Raybearer! First, I highly recommend the audiobooks if you are going to read these books–they truly bring it to life! Also, although I was satisfied when Raybearer ended, Redemptor takes Tarisai on her true journey to figure out how she fits. Beautifully crafted in both voice and plot.
Sunny G’s Series of Rash Decisions by Navdeep Singh Dhillon: I was so excited to write a teaching guide for this one, and I cannot wait to share it! I adored the nerdiness of this book–it has cosplay, fandom, and fanfiction references throughout that so many are going to love. Sunny is also such a wonderful character–both caring, funny, but also dealing with some real stuff. I also loved the allusions to rom-coms; it added an extra fun element to it. And on top of the story, I loved the representation in the book and was so happy to read reviews from readers who found themselves reflected in this novel. For me it was a window that I loved looking into, but for those who it is a mirror, it seems to mean a lot.
It Will End Like This by Kyra Leigh: What a messed up book!!!! Like, I don’t even know how to review it other than sharing that if you like psychological thrillers, this book is for you. And when you finish, talk to me because I still have so many questions!
Concealed by Christina Diaz Gonzalez: This book was such a fun book to read with my lunch book club. There were so many twists and turns that it gave us a lot to discuss and predict. The revelations were quite mind-blowing, too; many we did not see coming! This is a book so many middle grade readers are not going to be able to put down!
Treasury of Magical Tales from Around the World by Donna Jo Napoli, Illustrated by Christina Balit: I love the Treasury series from National Geographic because it gives such a beautiful glimpse into whatever the topic of the book is. This one focused on tales from around the world and included stories from 29 places, “from the Arctic to Africa to Asia to Australia to Europe to the Americas.” This book is THE book of magical tales you want on your book shelf for your kids/students as it removes the Eurocentrism of fairy tales and takes readers on a journey through stories all over the world. And it is written by Donna Jo Napoli, so you know it is beautifully crafted! (And there was a review that said the audiobook was good; I now want to go listen to it!)
Love is Everything by Charles Ghigna, Illustrated by Jacqueline East: Ghigna’s focus on hope and love was so clear from the beginning of this book. Though the text was sparse, it was lyrical which makes from a wonderful read aloud. This new picture book will be a wonderful gift for young ones in our life to show that we love them and believe in them and that there is hope and love in the world. (Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/So0rP_GSESw)
Clean Getaway by Nic Stone: This was a reread for me, but my teacher book club was reading it, so I wanted to be fresh on the details. Although I love the road trip aspect and learning about G’ma’s history in an interracial relationship, I found the closure on it to be unsatisfying (and I cannot tell you why because it is from the end of the book), but I still found the book enjoyable, know students love it, and am glad we read it for book club so I could revisit it.
It’s finals week, and I am completely swamped, so I have to bow out this week! I will be reviewing on Thursday!
This is our last IMWAYR post for a couple of weeks as we are going to take a Winter Break!
We wish you all happy holidays (if you celebrate), happy winter break (if you get one), and happy new year!
Thursday: Waffles and Pancake: Planetary-Yum by Drew Brockington
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!
A Seat at the Table: The Nancy Pelosi Story Author: Elisa Boxer
Illustrator: Laura Freeman
Published September 7, 2021
Summary: This inspiring picture-book biography about Nancy Pelosi shows her journey from the child of Baltimore’s mayor to her marble-ceiling-shattering four terms as Speaker of the House, including the historic events of January 6th, 2021.
Nancy Pelosi grew up watching her father, the mayor of Baltimore, welcome in people of all different backgrounds to sit at their table and make their voices heard. Nancy’s mother always stood beside him, working behind the scenes to help her husband and the people he served. When Nancy grew up, she continued working behind the scenes in politics until a friend asked her to run for Congress herself–jump-starting a 33 year career as a political representative and taking her higher than she could have once imagined.
Young girls, especially, will be inspired by Nancy’s journey and her commitment to using her voice to help others and to make sure women are heard in government. The backmatter also includes an exclusive interview with Nancy Pelosi herself.
Praise:
“Pays due homage to its subject.“–Kirkus Reviews
“Sends a resilient message.”–Publishers Weekly
“An accessible introduction with a focus on Pelosi’s influences and role as a woman in politics.”–School Library Journal
About the Author: Elisa Boxer is a Maine-based, Emmy-winning journalist and columnist whose writing has appeared in publications including The New York Times, Inc., and Fast Company. Having worked in newspaper, magazine, and television journalism, Elisa is thrilled to bring her reporting and storytelling skills to the world of children’s literature. She is the author of A Seat at the Table: The Nancy Pelosi Story and The Voice That Won the Vote: How One Woman’s Words Made History.
Marta Álvarez Miguéns is an author and children’s book illustrator living in A Coruña, Spain. In 2007, her artwork was selected and exhibited at the Bratislava Biennial of Illustration (BIB). She illustrated Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist, which was named one of the Best Children’s Books of 2017 by Parents Magazine, and won the Blue Spruce Award in 2018. She also painted the funny and charming illustrations for What Is Poo?, which won the Silver Award at the Junior Design Awards 2017.
About the Illustrator: Laura Freeman received her BFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York City and began her career illustrating for various editorial clients. Laura has illustrated many fine children’s books over the years, including Fancy Party Gowns: The Story of Fashion Designer Ann Cole Lowe, written by Deborah Blumenthal, and the Coretta Scott King Honor book Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race, by Margot Lee Shetterly. Laura now lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband and their two children.
Review and Teachers’ Tools for Navigation:Elisa Boxer has crafted a very informative homage to Nancy Pelosi showing her foundation and her ambition. It was wonderful reading about how Pelosi climbed to the top of politics and became the highest-ranked female (until Kamala Harris). I think it is important to note that although we do learn about Nancy Pelosi’s views and most important platforms, the book itself is written as a non-bias biography. This will be a wonderful addition to a picture book biography text set and/or history unit. (And don’t miss out on reading Boxer’s entire interview with Nancy Pelosi at https://elisaboxer.com/nancy-pelosi-interview-elisa-boxer.html.)
Discussion Questions:
How did Nancy’s dad’s job as mayor inspire her?
Although her mother wasn’t in politics, how did her mother inspire Nancy?
How has the view on women changed since Nancy’s childhood?
How did Nancy’s privilege of position help propel her into politics? On the other hand, how did being a woman add obstacles to her journey?
What does the saying “a seat at the table” mean and how does it relate to Nancy’s story?
Why did Nancy change the saying to “marble ceiling” instead of glass?
How did Nancy moving to minority leader in 2011 effect Nancy?
It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?
Sharing Picture Books, Early Readers, Middle Grade Books, and Young Adult Books for All Ages!
It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly blog hop co-hosted by Unleashing Readers and Teach Mentor Texts which focuses on sharing books marketed for children and young adults. 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.
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.
Just didn’t get to this IMWAYR before the end of the night Sunday–my apologies!
(I did want to give you an update on my FAME conference though: it was so phenomenal to be back face to face with authors and colleagues, and I learned so much! It was rejuvenating.)
I read The 1619 Project: Born on the Water by Nikole Hannah-Jones and Renée Watson. This book is one of the most beautifully done picture books I’ve ever read. The writing is masterful and the illustrations took my breath away. If you haven’t read this important book, I recommend you pick it up today.
Ricki
I am listening to With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo. I read it when it came out, but I wanted to hear Elizabeth Acevedo read the book aloud.
Tuesday: A Seat at the Table: The Nancy Pelosi Story by Elisa Boxer, Illustrated by Laure Freeman
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!
It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?
Sharing Picture Books, Early Readers, Middle Grade Books, and Young Adult Books for All Ages!
It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly blog hop co-hosted by Unleashing Readers and Teach Mentor Texts which focuses on sharing books marketed for children and young adults. 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.
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!
Kellee
Time Bomb by Joelle Charbonneau: What an intense book!! The prologue starts with the reader learning that there are bombs going off in a high school, there are kids stuck in the school, and the news shares that one of them is the bomber. Then you get to meet all of the characters. This book challenges biases and thoughts and totally caught me off guard.
Roxy by Neal Shusterman & Jarrod Shusterman: I am a Shusterman fan. Period. I find that the concepts that he brings to life in his books are always so unique and mind blowing. This book is no different. And this one is definitely going to be controversial. I don’t know what side of the controversy I am on, but I do know that I couldn’t put the book down.
I’m still sucked into the Assassination Classroom series! It is such a weird feeling to want the kids to assassinate Koro Sensei while also rooting for him to keep teaching the kids because he is an amazing teacher. 1/3 of the way through the series–looking forward to seeing what happens.
You’ll Be the Death of Me by Karen McManus: Another McManus thriller that keeps you guessing until the reveal! I do have issues with representation of an educator in the book; it uses a trope I do not like. But even with the trope, I had to get to the end to find out the finale!
I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys: Oh, Ruta Sepetys! You are a historical fiction author magician! This book blew my mind because it takes place when I was 7 but in Romania, and comparing my life to the tyranny and oppression Cristian and his family faces on a daily basis. Ruta educated me. Schooled me. Whoa.
Firekeeper’sDaughter by Angeline Boulley: Probably one of my favorite reads ever. The writing is beautiful, the representation is everything, the plot is intense, the characterization is full, it culturally immerses the reader in the story, and has such ridiculously strong women. Also, the focus on missing & murdered indigenous women was missing in YA lit until now. Highly recommended.
We Are Not Free by Traci Chee: Another terrible time in history that needs all of the spotlights. This book is brilliantly done and so intensely sad. The multiple perspectives makes the book even deeper than it could have been if written a different way.
I finished two young adult books, and I loved them both.
I listened to We Are Not From Here by Jenny Torres Sanchez, and it ripped my heart out. The print and audio of this book are both incredibly well done. I will continue to use this one in my classes as all of my students have really liked it.
I could not put I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys down. In fact, I texted Kellee and convinced her to read it (see above) because I needed to talk about it with someone. She texted me updates as she read, and we talked at length about it. I learned so much from this book and am so grateful that I read it.
Kellee
Reading so many books at once, but all with different purposes!
And we’ll see how much reading I get done this week because I am going to the Florida Association of Media in Education (FAME) conference for three days! Woot!
Reading: It Will End Like This by Kyra Leigh & Assassination Classroom Vol. 7 by Yusei Matsui
Reading with my sister: Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
Reading with my Lunch Book Club (and will finish by Monday’s lunch!): Concealed by Christina Diaz Gonzalez
Working on a Teaching Guide for: Sunny G’s Series of Rash Decisions by Navdeep Singh Dhillon
Listening: Redemptor by Jordan Ifueko
Ricki
I am also reading many books at once!
I am listening to With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo, reading Clarice the Brave by Lisa McMann with my 8-year-old, and reading Me (Moth) by Amber McBride in print.
Thursday: Have You Seen Gordon? by Adam Jay Epstein & Ruth Chan
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!
It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?
Sharing Picture Books, Early Readers, Middle Grade Books, and Young Adult Books for All Ages!
It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly blog hop co-hosted by Unleashing Readers and Teach Mentor Texts which focuses on sharing books marketed for children and young adults. 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.
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.
We are currently at the 2021 ALAN Workshop learning from a hundred middle grade and young adult authors, so we are taking this Monday off (and the rest of the week off)! Hope you have a wonderful week!
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!
Robin Robin Authors; Dan Ojari & Mikey Please
Illustrator: Briony May Smith
Published November 2nd, 2021 by Red Comet Press
Summary: The irresistible story of a robin and her adopted mouse family is the perfect treat from the creators of the holiday-themed film Robin Robin, created by Aardman for Netflix. This picture book version of the story, beautifully illustrated by Briony May Smith, is perfect for sharing with young children.
The mouse family all love Robin, and she is so keen to fit in she pulls her feathers into ears…but nothing can make a noisy, rather clumsy bird, good at sneaking crumbs for the family without disturbing the dreaded cat! After several attempts and with the help of a friendly magpie, she finally realizes that her special bird talents of singing and flying can be put to good use: Robin can be true to herself and a much loved member of the family.
Robin Robin is a heartwarming and humorous story with themes of diversity, community, inclusion and acceptance – it will win the hearts of families everywhere.
Streaming worldwide from Christmas 2021, Robin Robin is the new collaboration between Aardman, the animation studio behind Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep, and Netflix. Golden Globe® winner Gillian Anderson and Oscar® nominee Richard E. Grant lead the cast which also includes Bronte Carmichael and Adeel Akhtar.
About the Creators:
Dan Ojari and Mikey Please are co-founders of the BAFTA® Award-winning Parabella animation studio which is based in East London. They co-directed Robin Robin, the first production in association with Aardman and produced exclusively for Netflix. Together they authored an adaptation of the script of the Robin Robin holiday special to create the book. They both live in London. Learn more about Mikey Please at mikeyplease.co.uk and Dan Ojari at www.danojari.com.
Briony May Smith is a British illustrator who has published titles in the US and the UK, including Stardust, written by Jeanne Willis (Nosy Crow, 2019). She also wrote and illustrated Imelda and the Goblin King (Flying Eye Books, 2015) and Margaret’s Unicorn (Schwartz and Wade, 2020), a Fall 2020 Indie Kids’ Next List selection. She lives in Devon, England. Learn more at brionymaysmith.com.
Review:There is no way you can read this book without loving Robin Robin. Robin means well, tries their best, and never gives up, and just look at that silly walk in the flagged passages (they’re trying to walk like a mouse)–how can you not love Robin?! And the love for characters won’t stop there when it comes to the wonderful cast of characters that Kirkus says “any character in this picture book could be a main character in a different book.” I cannot wait to see the Netflix special because I know that I am going to fall in love with it, too!
Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: This book is so fun to read aloud, and with the themes it has and a Netflix special, there is so much that can be done in the classroom: theme, how an individual’s presence affects the plot, analyze the structure, and compare/contrast/evaluate content in diverse medias and formats. There’s just so much that can be done.
Flagged Passages:
Official Trailer for the Musical:
Read This If You Love: Picture books staring animals, with repetitive text, or with a moral
Recommended For:
**Thank you to Blue Slip Media for providing a copy for review!**
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