IMWAYR

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!

Sunday: Author Guest Post: “Fostering Empathy in Kids Through Literature” by Claire Swinarski, Author of Take it From the Top

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

Kellee

Here is what I read since November 4th 📖💙

Middle Grade

• Best Wishes: Like a Boss by Sarah Mlynowski & Hena Khan: I am such a fan of Sarah Mlynowski’s work, as you know, and this newest book is no different. Like a Boss, the newest book in the Best Wishes series, tackles another wish that seems like a good idea (being in charge of everything) and in the end the reader learns that not everything is so clear cut.
• Archives of the Unexplained #1: Unwanted Guests by Steve Foxe, Illustrated by Naomi Franquiz & Archives of the Unexplained: Area 51 by Steve Fox, Illustrated by Fran Bueno: This new series looks into historical mysterious events such as Area 51, the House of Blood, and the Guyra Ghost. Steve Foxe did a great job turning these mysteries into graphic novels and making the history of it accessible.
• Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hot Mess by Jeff Kinney: This is one of my favorite of the recent Diary of a Wimpy Kid books. Anyone who has gone on a big family vacation will definitely find the truth and humor in this book.

Young Adult

•  The White Guy Dies First edited by Terry J. Benton-Walker: These 13 horror stories had something for everyone! Like all anthologies, there were some truly amazing stories while others that weren’t for me, but overall it was a fascinating read that definitely caused some nightmares.
• Compound Fracture by Andrew Joseph White: This is my first AJ White book, but it will definitely not be my last. It is hard to explain this complicated, dark, thought-provoking, anger-inducing, and twisty novel which tackles Appalachia, gender identity, neurodivergency, revenge, history, and much more, but I can tell you that this was a book that I had trouble putting down and that has kept me thinking nonstop.
• Saints of the Household by Ari Tison: This debut from Ari Tison is just gorgeously written, and I am so glad that I got to read Jay’s and Max’s story. I can definitely see how this book won all the accolades that it has, including the Walden Award from ALAN, and I loved seeing Ari speak at the ALAN workshop.
• An Outbreak of Witchcraft by Deborah Noyes, Illustrated by Melissa Duffy: This is a historical heavy nonfiction graphic novel that truly delves into the hysteria of Salem.
• The Lies we Conjure by Sarah Henning: This book is like The Inheritance Games but with witches! So many teens are going to love it, and they will not be wrong.
• Wander in the Dark by Jumata Emill: Amir leaves a party with Chloe and falls asleep at her house. When he wakes up, he finds her murdered, and immediately becomes a suspect. Wander in the Dark is murder mystery thriller which has a twist that takes it in a dark direction that is discovered by Amir and his half brother as they work to solve the mystery.
• Huda F Wants to Know? by Huda Fahmy: I have loved everyone of Huda’s books, and this one is no exception. She just knows how to combine humor and important topics in the perfect way.
• Lying in the Deep by Diana Urban: So much murder on this boat, and there isn’t much you can do to get away when you all are stuck on the sea together! Murder mystery fans will find themselves on the edge of their seat while trying to figure out what is going on.
• Murder Between Friends by Liz Lawson: This murder mystery starts with the Jake, the boy that had been found guilty of murdering his high school teacher being, released on a technicality, and when Jake’s brother begins to try to clear his name, he finds himself in the middle of a dark secret.
• Fortune’s Kiss by Amber Clement: Fortune’s Kiss is about dreams and what the characters will risk to achieve their dreams. This book filled with mystery, death, deceit, friendship, and romance keeps the reader guessing as two best friends, Matyé and Lo, gamble everything in hopes of gaining what they want and are worthy of.

Kid Lit

• I am a Space Tiger by Jarod Roselló: This silly series is going to definitely be a favorite of so many young readers! Perfect for fans of Mo Willems’s Unlimited Squirrel series, Ben Clanton’s Tater Tales, and other silly long-form picture books!

And you can always learn more about any of the books I’ve been reading by checking out my read bookshelf on Goodreads.

Ricki

This is my week off; I’ll update you on what I’m reading next week!

Kellee

• Listening to: The Grandest Game by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Tuesday: Educators’ Guide for The Hotel Balzaar by Kate DiCamillo

Sunday: Author’s Guest Post: “Classic Remixes: On Learning to Appreciate Jane Austen” by Tirzah Price, Author of In Want of a Suspect

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!

  and

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!

Kellee

Today is my day off from IMWAYR, but you can learn more about any of the books I’ve been reading by checking out my read bookshelf on Goodreads.

Ricki

It is the last week of classes, so I am swamped! Kellee will be back with her update next week, and I’ll be back the week after that.

Sunday: Author Guest Post: “Fostering Empathy in Kids Through Literature” by Claire Swinarski, Author of Take it From the Top

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!

  and

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!

This is our 2nd week off for conference and family.

Today and tomorrow are the ALAN Workshop!! Then we’ll spend some time with family.

We’ll see you back on December 2nd for an IMWAYR from Ricki.

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!

  and

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!

Thursday: Sofia’s YA Book Nook The Cool Code by Deirdre Langeland

Sunday: Author’s Guest Post: “Heroes: One Size Does Not Fit” by Karl Fields, Author of The Accidental Warriors

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

We are taking off this week and next week because the FAME (the Florida Association of Media in Education) conference and NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English) conference are both this week and….

the Assembly on Literature for Adolescents of NCTE workshop starts right after NCTE–AHHHHH! (If you didn’t know, I, Kellee, am the ALAN President this year, so a year’s worth of work is coming to fruition!)

Then after ALAN, we are going to spend some down time with our families. We’ll see you back on December 2nd for an IMWAYR from Ricki.

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!

  and

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!

Tuesday: Bound to Dream: An Immigrant Story by Charles Ghigna, Illustrated by Anna Forlati

Sunday: Author’s Guest Post: “All in the Family” by Sarah Everett, Author of The Shape of Lost Things

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

Kellee

It’s my week off! You can always learn more about any of the books I’ve been reading by checking out my read bookshelf on Goodreads.

Ricki

Young Adult

I’ve been “cooking” with my reading, as my pre-teen would say. (That means I am really moving along.) I loved Black Girl You Are Atlas by Renée Watson. It’s an illustrated novel with incredible poetry and beautiful fine art. I found it very moving. I’ve already recommended it to many people. I also loved Where Wolves Don’t Die by Anton Treuer. I felt very connected to the character and loved the symbolism in the novel. I also really enjoyed Thirsty by Jas Hammonds. It explores powerful themes that will really resonate with readers.

Adult

And I enjoyed a little bit of contemporary romance. Abby Jimenez’s Life’s Too Short was a moving romance in which the main character is worried that she may die from ALS. The Hating Game is an office romance that blends the emotions of hate and love.

Ricki

I am halfway through Stephen King’s new book, You Like It Darker.

Thursday: Sofia’s YA Book Nook The Cool Code by Deirdre Langeland

Sunday: Author’s Guest Post: “Heroes: One Size Does Not Fit” by Karl Fields, Author of The Accidental Warriors

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!

  and

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!

Sunday: Author Guest Post: “Exploring The Inciting Incident: Using Objects as Inspiration and Ignition for Young Writers” by Brigit Young, Author of Banned Books, Crop Tops, and Other Bad Influences

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

Kellee

Picture Books

• An Adventure for Lia and Lion by Al Rodin: Rodin’s illustrations are pure pieces of art. It did not surprise me to read in his bio that he studied art at Cambridge because each page stands on its own as a piece of art. And along with the art, is an imaginative journey with two headstrong characters who find that you can be friends despite both wanting to be leaders.
• Where to Hide a Star by Oliver Jeffers: I loved this new BOY story. It was a fun adventure which tied together other Jeffers books and promotes the the idea of love, sharing friends, and letting go of those you love when you need to. Another Jeffers classic!
• Emilio Sloth’s Modern Manners by Renée Ahdieh, Illustrated by Alea Marley: Emilio Sloth is ADORABLE and is a great teacher when it comes to manners, including greeting others, listening, accepting differences, and making friends. Emilio would be a great way to start a school year or refresh on reminders of manners, all with illustrations that could make anyone smile.

Middle Grade

• A Two-Placed Heart by Doan Phuong Nguyen: A Two-Placed Heart is a story of the struggles and joys that come with immigrating to the United States as well as the gap age can be when one sibling remembers the country they were born and the other doesn’t. This story is about two sisters, their different journeys, but also their love for one another. I can see why the author chose to write this book in verse. The figurative language, rhythm, and lyrical feel adds to the emotions our narrator feels.
• Spirit Sleuths: How Magicians and Detectives Exposed the Ghost Hoaxes by Gail Jarrow: Oh man, I LOVED this book. Anyone who says nonfiction is boring has to grab this one and give if a try. This book is the story about the history of spiritualism (mediums, psychics, etc.) and how Harry Houdini as well as other magicians and private investigators debunked fake mediums all over the world. It was just fascinating to learn about the treachery and diabolical actions of people pretending to speak to the dead.
• Big Tree by Brian Selznick: This is a very unique and special book. Originally written as a screenplay for Spielberg that was put to the side because of COVID, Big Tree is the story of two seeds starting during the crustaceous period through today. It shows how the natural world is all connected and is based on fascinating science. And, of course, the story is accompanied by Selznick’s BEAUTIFUL pencil drawings.

Young Adult

• The Immeasurable Depth of You by Maria Ingrande Mora: This book is hard to summarize, but it isn’t hard to review. It is an important addition to books about mental health; it definitely was a hard read, because the topic is hard, but it is also real (even though there is a ghost) and moving.
• A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal: This book is for all of you fantasy, historical, romance fans who want heists and romance and underground conmen. I mean, the cover itself shows you the vibe of the book, and it holds up.
• Promises of Gold by José Olivarez: This book of poetry is about love. But it is not full of love poems. It is about familial love and friend love and self love and romantic love and love of a country and love of life. This anthology of poems truly does fulfill its promise of gold.

 And you can always learn more about any of the books I’ve been reading by checking out my read bookshelf on Goodreads.

Ricki

This is my week off; see you next week!

Kellee

I’m currently reading quite a few books, which is not like me, but it is working for me right now.

• Reading:
  • An Outbreak of Witchcraft: A Graphic Novel of the Salem Witch Trials by Deborah Noyes, Illustrated by M. Duffy
  • Compound Fracture by Andrew Joseph White
  • The White Guy Dies First: 13 Scary Stories of Fear and Power edited by Terry J. Benton-Walker
• Listening to:
  • The Lies We Conjure by Sarah Henning
  • Amari and the Despicable Wonders by B.B. Alston (with Trent)

Tuesday: Bound to Dream: An Immigrant Story by Charles Ghigna, Illustrated by Anna Forlati

Sunday: Author’s Guest Post: “All in the Family” by Sarah Everett, Author of The Shape of Lost Things

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!

  and

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!

Tuesday: Drawn Onward by Daniel Nayeri, Illustrated by Matt Rockefeller

Sunday: Author Guest Post: “A Deep Dive into Summer Love: Bringing Characters to Life” by Robby Weber, Author of What is This Feeling? 

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

Kellee

It’s my week off! You can always learn more about any of the books I’ve been reading by checking out my read bookshelf on Goodreads.

Ricki

I think I’m close to reaching the end of Abby Jimenez’s books–ha! I finished this series by reading Yours Truly and Just for the Summer. They were both great. 🙂

Ricki

I am currently reading Real Americans by Rachel Khong.

Sunday: Author Guest Post: “Exploring The Inciting Incident: Using Objects as Inspiration and Ignition for Young Writers” by Brigit Young, Author of Banned Books, Crop Tops, and Other Bad Influences

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!

  and