Book List – Page 27 – Unleashing Readers

Top Ten Tuesday: Most Anticipated Debut Novels For 2015

August 4, 2016January 6, 2015 by Ricki

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. The feature was created because The Broke and Bookish are particularly fond of lists (as are we!). Each week a new Top Ten list topic is given and bloggers can participate.

Today’s Topic: Top Ten Most Anticipated Debut Novels For 2015

These authors debut in 2015, and we are looking forward to their books!

Ricki

1. Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast by Josh Funk

I am very much looking forward to this picture book, which comes out in the fall of 2015!

2. Mosquitoland by David Arnold

I keep hearing about this book from everyone! A tease: “I am a collection of oddities, a circus of neurons and electrons: my heart is the ringmaster, my soul is the trapeze artist, and the world is my audience. It sounds strange because it is, and it is, because I am strange.” I can’t wait to read this one.

3. My Heart and Other Black Holes by Jasmine Warga

Mental illness and suicide are very important topics for me. I think it is very relevant for many teens, and I am grateful for all of the authors who publish excellent books on this topic. Books save lives.

4. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

Many of my friends have listed this book on their TBR lists. The summary is enticing, and I suspect it will be very popular.

5. More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera

Because the cover entices me. Oops. Was I not supposed to judge a book based on its cover?

Kellee

1. Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast by Josh Funk

Because Josh is hilarious, a wonderful supporter, and those sketches (above from Josh’s blog) are AWESOME!

2. The Honest Truth by Dan Gemeinhart

Because people I really truth have this book 4 and 5 stars.

3. I Don’t Want to be a Frog by Dev Petty

Because Colby Sharp recommended it.

4. Simon vs. the Homo Sapians Agenda by Becky Albertalli

Because Andrew Smith blurbed it.

5. Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

Because the concept (being allergic to the outside world) terrifies me, and I want to see what the protagonist does to overcome this.

Which debut books are you most anticipating?

Check out the Fearless Fifteen website for some other debut authors publishing YA in 2015.

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Kellee’s Favorite Reads of 2014

January 3, 2015January 2, 2015 by Kellee

This year was a bit different when it came to reading than the years in the past. Usually, my main focus is on middle grade and young adult novels, but with the addition of Trent, all of a sudden I read more picture books than the past 3 years combined and less MG/YA novels than in the past. In total I read 408 new books (Goodreads does not track rereads) in 2014. 58 were children’s, middle grade, or young adult novels, 38 were graphic novels, and 305 of them were picture books. Although it is a bit different than my past stats, I am still super proud of them.

Today, I want to share with you my favorite reads over the last year. Most of these are not 2014 titles; they are just titles I read in 2014. I highly recommend all of these titles; you cannot go wrong with any of them! And if you missed Ricki’s Top Ten Favorites, you can check them out here.

*If you click on the covers, it will take you to our review or the book’s Goodreads page*

Young Adult

Young Adult Graphic Novels

Middle Grade

Kid Lit and Middle Grade Graphic Novels

Picture Books
Many of the picture books I read this year were with Trent, my son. These are not my favorites for reading to him (you can find those on my “Kellee and Trent’s Favorites” posts: 0-3 months, 3-6 month, 6-9 months, & 9-12 months coming in February). These are my favorites in general: for myself, for my students, for my son, for everyone.

Nonfiction Picture Books

noisy

What were your favorite reads of 2014?

Happy new year!

From Kellee’s (Huge) Library Pile Part Three | Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin by Chieri Uegaki; Mix It Up! by Herve Tullet; My Pet Book by Bob Staake; Soccer Star by Mina Javaherbin; & The Listening Walk by Paul Showers

July 5, 2016December 26, 2014 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 3!).

Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin
Author: Chieri Uegaki
Illustrator: Qin Leng
Published August 1st, 2014 by Kids Can Press

I’m so glad that Carrie Gelson recommended this one to me. This book is about family, memories, music, and dreams. Hana Hashimoto is influenced by her grandfather’s violin playing when she visited him in Japan. So much that although she has only had 3 lessons on the violin, she enters her school’s talent show. Although her brother doesn’t believe she will succeed, little Hana says she is going to play anyways. The ending of the book is perfection, and I just love our protagonist so much for her creativity and perseverance.

Mix It Up!
Author: Herve Tullet
Published September 16th, 2014 by Chronicle Books

I love how interactive Tullet’s books are. If you are a fan of Press Here, you will find this one just as enjoyable.

My Pet Book
Author: Bob Staake
Published July 8th, 2014 by Random House Books for Young Readers

I love a good book-tribute book, and this is a super-cute, silly one. A young boy wants a pet, and his parents take him to get one: a brand-new, frisky, red hardcover! The book then tells about the boy and book’s time together (and their time apart when the book disappears) in catchy, rhyming text. I especially think kids will like the illustrations because they are so vibrant and cartoon-like. A very fun book!

Soccer Star
Author: Mina Javaherbin
Illustrator: Renato Alarcao
Published April 8th, 2014 by Candlewick Press

This is a special book. It tells the story of Felino who finds the greatest joy when he is playing soccer with his friends. Although he works for a living as a child, lives in poverty, and already is facing many harsh realities that children shouldn’t face, Felino is never negative and has true dreams of soccer. His story is inspiring and so worth reading.

Listening Walk
Author: Paul Showers
Illustrator: Aliki
Published February 28th, 1993 by HarperCollins

A great call to listen. Would be fun to read with a class then go on a listening walk. Also great onomatopoeias!

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.

Top Ten Tuesday: Books We Wouldn’t Mind Santa Bringing Henry and Trent

February 14, 2021December 23, 2014 by Ricki

Today’s Topic: Top Ten Books We Wouldn’t Mind Santa Bringing Henry and Trent

Please, Santa, bring these books for us our boys.

Ricki

1. Last Stop on Market Street by by Matt de la Peña

It comes out on January 8. Does Santa do pre-orders?

2. Freedom Summer by Deborah Wiles

I took this out of the library, and I fell in love with it. I’d love to own a copy, so Henry and I can read it again and again!

3. Crossing Bok Chitto: A Choctaw Tale of Friendship and Freedom by Tim Tingle

I am trying to expose Henry to native tribes other than his own. I’ve heard this book is excellent.

4. Noodle by Munro Leaf

Henry and I loved this story, but we only borrowed a library copy.

5. The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner

As a child, I loved these books. Go big or go home, right? Santa, Henry is requesting the complete set for when he is old enough to understand them.

Kellee

These are books that Santa actually is bringing Trent this year. This is only a handful of the literal box of books he is getting.
There are hundreds of other books I hope Trent gets at one point or another, but I thought I’d share some of the books he IS getting this year.
P.S. I very much want Matt de la Pena’s picture book too!

1. The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt

This book is one of my favorite recently published picture books, and it was Ricki’s gift recommendation, so I listened to her and got it for Trent.

2. Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson

I love this book, and I am very excited to have it to share with my son and my students. It is a special book.

3. How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You by Jane Yolen

I was SO lucky to meet Jane Yolen at NCTE, and I knew I had to get a Dinosaur book signed me her. This is the one that Anderson’s had, so I picked it up. I cannot wait to read it to him.

4. Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker (Sound Book)

I remember that Jen Vincent’s son loved this book, so when I saw the sound book of it at our Scholastic Warehouse Sale, I knew I had to pick it up.

5. Bob Dylan Picture Books

Every time I see a Bob Dylan picture book, I know I need to get it for our collection. Bob Dylan was a huge part of my childhood, and I want him to be part of Trent’s as well. We already have Blowin’ in the Wind, so we had to add these two.

Which books should Santa bring our boys?

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Need a Last-Minute Holiday Gift? Ricki and Kellee’s Top Picks

July 20, 2018December 18, 2014 by Ricki

Need to buy a gift, but do not know what to get?! Well, you can’t go wrong with the gift of books! Here are our recommendations for the best book gifts.

The requirements we set for ourselves were: a) books published within the last year or two, and b) books that would be appreciated of all ages, regardless of the category they are listed in.

Children’s Literature/Picture Books

Ricki’s Pick: The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt

My husband and I giggled as we read this one when it first came out. It is sure to delight!

Kellee’s Pick: Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla by Katherine Applegate

An important story told in the perfect way.

Upper Elementary/Middle Grade Literature

Ricki’s Pick: Wonder by R.J. Palacio

This book made me want to be a better person. Henry will be reading this book when he is old enough to understand it.

Kellee’s Pick: Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin

Beautiful story. Rose’s voice will stick with you long after you finish reading.
(I almost picked brown girl dreaming, but I figured that it’d be on most lists. I decided to spread the love.)

Young Adult Literature

Ricki’s Pick: Dr. Bird’s Advice for Sad Poets by Evan Roskos

I think every high schooler should have access to this book.

Kellee’s Pick: Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass by Meg Medina

This book will make you feel. All teens should read it.
(The AEWA2014 books are great choices too, but I wanted to switch things up.)

Adult Literature

Ricki’s Pick: The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin

It’s a book about life, and it is beautifully written.

Kellee’s Pick: Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman

Gaiman has a way with words and a way to suck you into a story. His most recent is no different. Bonus: The audiobook is phenomenal too.

Which books would you recommend as holiday purchases?

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Top Ten Tuesday: Books Ricki Read in 2014

January 3, 2015December 16, 2014 by Ricki

Today’s Topic: Top Ten Books Ricki Read in 2014

Kellee donated this day to me! Yippee! I can pick ten books. Wait, only ten? Ah!

Kellee will be doing her post on January 2. If she limits her list to ten, I might just fall off of my chair. 🙂 Love you, Kel!

I’ve divided the books into categories, but I hate categories. If you are human, you will like these books, regardless of your age. This year, out of all of my reading years, I read widely in each category, so I am proud of this book list. Many of the texts are popular choices, but they are so good, that I’d be remiss if I didn’t include them as my favorites this year. Also, not all of these books came out in 2014, but most are very recent.

And check out Kellee’s Favorites, too!

Children’s Literature/Picture Books

1. This is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen

This book is quirky, weird, and oh-so-good.

2. The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt (Illustrated by Oliver Jeffers)

Technically, I read this at the end of 2013, after my Top Ten List came out. My husband I loved this book. It was so much fun to read with our son, and we have read it many times since.

Upper Elementary/Middle Grade Literature

3. brown girl dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

You know when you hear a song that is so perfectly in tune, and you get the shivers? That is this book for me.

4. A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd

This book made me, as an adult, believe in magic.

Young Adult Literature

5. Dr. Bird’s Advice for Sad Poets by Evan Roskos

I think every high schooler should read this book.

6. We Were Liars by e. lockhart

Exceeds the hype. e. lockhart is a genius.

Adult Literature

7. The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin

This is a reader’s book. In other words, if you like to read, you will like this book.

8. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

This isn’t an extremely literary book, but it had me hooked. If you want to get lost in a book, I highly recommend it. I am still thinking about the ethical side of the book, months later.

Professional Development Texts

9. Culturally Responsive Teaching by Geneva Gay

I would love to see this book as required reading for all pre-service teachers, in my opinion. I used a whole highlighter on this book.

10. Literature as Exploration by Louise M. Rosenblatt

She just gets it. This book stands for everything I believe in—as a teacher and as a reader.

Which were your favorites in 2014? I’d love to read them in 2015!

Kellee’s NCTE/ALAN Top Books

July 27, 2015December 5, 2014 by Kellee

Part of what makes NCTE/ALAN so worthwhile and amazing is that I get introduced to new-to-me books and upcoming releases. Today I want to share with you some books I’m excited about and some books I’m excited to share with my students.

9 (+1) Books I Am Excited About Reading

This was a really, really hard list to make. There are so many I want to read! I had to just pick the ones that stuck with me the most; however, almost every book presented at ALAN is one I hope to read.

The Alex Crow (and the other Andrew Smith books I got) by Andrew Smith

I loved Stick and Winger, so I want to read everything by him.

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

This was a must-get at ALAN, and I am so glad I got one. It is supposed to be amazing.

When I Was the Greatest by Jason Reynolds

Jason Reynolds was one of the most entrancing speakers at ALAN, so I don’t know how you wouldn’t want to read his books. Also, the line from the summary “a small misunderstanding can escalate into having a price on your head—even if you’re totally clean” just sucks me in.

King Dork Approximately (and King Dork) by Frank Portman

I wanted to read King Dork when it first came out and never got to it then when I saw the sequel at ALAN and heard Frank Portman speak (on the hilarious music panel), I knew I finally had to read it.

Like Water on Stone by Dana Walrath

Karen Hesse, one of my favorite authors, says it is a mix of The Book Thief and Between Shades of Gray. Sold.

Some Assembly Required by Arin Andrews

Rethinking Normal by Katie Rain Hill

Arin and Katie’s books are on my list because of their panel and because I want to try to understand, be compassionate, and be empathetic towards every type of person. I cannot wait to read their stories.

Positive: A Memoir by Paige Rawl

Paige was born HIV positive, and this is her story.

The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski

I love Marie’s story about her book was inspired by the stock term where winning costs more than it was worth, so I am interested in learning about how she turned this into a high fantasy novel.

Honorary. The Porcupine of Truth by Bill Konigsberg
(Honorary because I didn’t get it at NCTE, but I want to read it so badly!)

Bill let me read the first page. Then he took the book. That was mean.

11 Books I Am Excited About Reading AND Sharing With My Students

These are all middle school books that I have not read and want to, and I also want to share them with my students because they sound so great!

Echo by Pam Munoz Ryan

Everyone who has read this loved it, and who is surprised? No one! It is Pam Munoz Ryan!

The Honest Truth by Dan Gemeinhart

Twitterverse is atwitter about this book. Tissues are in my future.

The Art of Secrets by James Klise

I met James Klise at ALAN, and he was such a pleasure. Also, the story of how this community rallies around a hate crime victim.

Kinda Like Brothers by Coe Booth

I truly enjoy Coe Booth’s YA novel Bronxwood, so I am looking forward to reading her middle grade novel.

The Madman of Piney Woods by Christopher Paul Curtis

Christopher. Paul. Curtis.

Nnewts by Doug TenNapel

My students and I love Doug TenNapel. I already read this one, and I already have a student who wants it (and when others find out about it, there will be a waiting list). Doug TenNapel is so unique and fun!

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

I am always looking for more well written sports books! Also, Kwame was such a pleasure to meet and was a favorite panelist.

Gameworld by C.J. Farley

My students love video games, so I am excited to read a book about video games. Heir Apparent by Vivian Vande Velde was pretty popular a few years ago, so maybe I need to pull it and this one out together.

Knock Out Games by G. Neri

I love Ghetto Cowboy and Yummy, so I cannot wait to read/share this one.

How It Went Down by Kekla Magoon

Trayvon Martin was shot and killed about 40 minutes from my school. It was a very close-to-home event. I love that this book would start a conversation about what happened and why.

Challenger Deep by Neal Shusterman

The summary sounds fascinating and leaves so much for me to speculate. I want to know! And Neal Shusterman’s novels are always well received, so I know this one will be too.

If you were at NCTE/ALAN, what books are you looking forward to reading? If you were not able to attend, what books are you looking forward to reading out of these?

P.S. There are so many great books shared that I had already read or shared with my students, so they were not included on this list. These are all books that I hadn’t heard of, owned, or read before NCTE/ALAN.