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 the other linked blogs.

Happy reading!

Wednesday: The Moon by Sandra Laboucarie, Illustrated by Didier Balicevic

Sunday: Author Guest Post: “Sating the Thirst of Bloodthirsty Teens” by Darren Simpson, Author of Thirst

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

Kellee

This is 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 am sorry that I am unable to offer an update this week! I’ll return in two weeks!

Wednesday: The Brontosaurus is Back!: A Dinosaur’s Name and Return to Fame by Sarah Albee, Illustrated by Chris Hsu

Sunday: Author Interview with Eloy Moreno, Author of Invisible

Link up below and go check out what everyone else is reading. Please support other bloggers by viewing and commenting on other blogs. If you share your Monday post, tag 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 the other linked blogs.

Happy reading!

Wednesday: Sofia’s YA Book Nook: The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson

Sunday: Author Guest Post: Author Guest Post (and Giveaway!): “Getting Unstuck” by Jennifer Liss, Author of Wide Eye

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

Kellee

Middle School

• Uprooted by Ruth Chan: This is one of my favorite graphic novels I have read in a long time. It is a memoir of Ruth who moves from Toronto back to her parents’ home town, Hong Kong. It is about figuring out your identity when you don’t feel like you belong and finding your voice when you don’t speak the language well. The author does a brilliant job showing the language barrier and keeping the story engaging while navigating these tough themes.
• The Girl Who Sang by Estelle Nadel, Illusrated by Sammy Savos: This one is rough. It is about Estelle, a young Jewish girl who lives in Poland in 1939 as the Nazis invade. It is a story about how she survived, how some loved ones did not, and how those who are willing to stand up to injustice are the difference between survival and death.
• Many Voices: Building Erie, the Canal That Changed America by Laurie Lawlor: My sister works at the Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse, NY, so I knew that the Erie Canal was an important part of industry within the early United States, but it wasn’t until I read this book that I realized that there was so much more to it. First, the book begins at the beginning when the land was not the colonists’ for the taking, through the stealing of the land, and then the building of the canal. Then, you learn about how the canal changed EVERYTHING in 1825–it opened up a way to the mid-west, made travel easier, made trade easier, and so much more. It was a GAME CHANGER. It is fascinating to read about something that we would definitely take for granted today changed everything then.

• Dear Dad: Growing Up with a Parent in Prison — and How We Stayed Connected by Jay Jay Patton with Kiara Valdez, Illustrated by Marika Jenai: This book was very different than I thought it was going to be: it mostly focused on Jay Jay’s relationship with her dad after he came home from prison and their collaboration on coding and creating an application for families of incarcerated individuals to keep in touch. Jay Jay is so impressive and truly is making a difference in this world!
• Wish I Was a Baller by Amar Shah, Illustrated by Rashad Doucet: I now see why my kids love this book! Although it is definitely about basketball (an 90s heyday basketball at that–so nostalgic!), but it is also about having a passion and following it. It is so cool to know that Amar followed his passion and made a living out of what he loved when he was younger.

• My Tokyo Summer by Abby Denson, Illustrated by utomaru: Manga fans are going to love this story of two friends who met as pen pals and grew closer during an unforgettable summer in Tokyo filled with fun as well as collaborating on a comic. I love the collaborative writing aspect of the book and showing the power of story and creating.
• History Smashers: Earth Day and the Environment by Kate Messner: Earth Day and the Environment starts before the first Earth Day (in 1970) and shares how the environment became the issue it is today, how the celebration started, and why taking care of the environment is important. It was so interesting, and now I want to read all of the History Smashers books now–I loved how it is set up! So, the premise of this series is that Kate Messner takes things that we know about and clears up mix ups, debunks historical myths, and shares actual truths of history. Much of what we learn has been passed down, like the game of telephone, and is shaped by human memory and retelling, often with beliefs and biases changing the truth. History Smashers is working to change what we know in a way that is easy to follow with lots of visuals and mixed-media, including photos, graphic novel sections, and side bars, with backmatter support that includes source notes and timelines.

Young Adult

• The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black: Although I felt like the ending was a bit fast, I loved how this book wrapped up, and I have already begun recommending the series to friends because I really enjoyed all three of the books. (Now I just have to read the novellas and spin off!)

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

 

• Reading: Stealing Little Moon: The Legacy of American Indian Boarding Schools by Dan SaSuWeh Jones
• Listening: Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn

Wednesday: The Moon by Sandra Laboucarie, Illustrated by Didier Balicevic

Sunday: Author Guest Post: “Sating the Thirst of Bloodthirsty Teens” by Darren Simpson, Author of Thirs

Link up below and go check out what everyone else is reading. Please support other bloggers by viewing and commenting on other blogs. If you share your Monday post, tag 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 the other linked blogs.

Happy reading!

Sunday: Author Guest Post: “Most Lessons Begin with a Book” by Mary Louise Kelly, Author of Dogs in Coats

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

Kellee

It is 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 am delightedly planning a grad student gathering today, so I am unable to post my books. I’ll catch you back here in two weeks!

Wednesday: Sofia’s YA Book Nook: The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson

Sunday: Author Guest Post: Author Guest Post (and Giveaway!): “Getting Unstuck” by Jennifer Liss, Author of Wide Eye

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 share your Monday post, tag 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 the other linked blogs.

Happy reading!

Sunday: Author Guest Post: “Writing from the Margins” by Romina Garber, Author of Lobizona & Cazadora

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

Kellee

What I’ve Read Since August 24th

Middle Grade

• Double Crossed: The WWII Spies Who Saved D-Day by Rebecca E.F. Barone: Barone writes some great narrative nonfiction! This book is a must read for anyone interested in World War II or spies because it was fascinating and hard to put down. It is so wild all that the intelligence agencies did during WWII!
• Nature Explained: A Family Guide to 20 Nature Cycles by Helen Brown, Illustrated by Claire Scully: I adored this picture book, and I truly believe it is for all ages because it is a deep dive into nature and its systems. It is such a cool book for everyone!
• Check-Ups, Shots, and Robots by David Rickert: I didn’t read Rickert’s first book but now I understand a bit why it was talked about–Rickert’s format and art were on point! I loved learning about the science and history (and future!) of science and medicine. Some of it truly is wild!

• Science Comics: Wild Weather: Storms, Meteorology, and Climate by M.K. Reed, Illustrated by Jonathan Hill: Weather is one of the science topics I really enjoy, and I thought this Science Comics was so much fun to read! I picked it up because my school’s Earth Space 7th grade teacher wanted help with creating a unit around this graphic novel, so I read it and came up with some activities to go along with it to help her in addition to her science expertise. She’s doing it right now, and it is going well! I am so excited!
• Chernobyl, Life, and Other Disasters by Yegenia Nayberg: This was a very unique graphic novel memoir. It was unique in art, story, and point of view, so I think because of this, it was an essential read.
• Weirdo by Tony Weaver, Jr., Illustrated by Jes & Cin Wibowo: I love Tony Weaver, Jr. on social media, so I was excited to read his memoir. The story was definitely REAL right from the beginning, looking at the highs and lows of being different than the norm. But Tony’s story is so important for kids to have for a mirror to not feel alone or a window to understand those around them.

• How to Say Goodbye in Cuban by Daniel Miyares: Another graphic novel memoir that shows a different time in history that not many kids may have background knowledge of. I think the story was told in such a way that is engaging, hard to put down, and also just so informative. Also, I loved the illustrations!
• Spying on Spies: How Elizebeth Smith Friedman Broke the Nazis’ Secret Codes by Marissa Moss: This was the first WWII book I have read that looked at the US’s spies and how the CIA was part of the intelligence angencies and their spying and code cracking. Also, like others, I do love the focus on women and how they were such a huge part of the work done behind the scenes.
• Harboring Hope: The True Story of How Henny Sinding Helped Denmark’s Jews Escape the Nazis by Susan Hood: Wow. Susan Hood can write a novel in verse! I loved how this one was written–it was beautifully done in so many ways: the story kept me on the edge of my seat, the verse was written in so many different ways that kept it innovative, and I also learned about history that I was not aware of. I just couldn’t put it down.

• Lionel Messi’s World Cup Triump by Chris Barish, Illustrated by Nate Sweitzer: I understand Messi more now after reading this book. It was done in a way to give history of not only Messi’s triumph but also soccer and the World Cup in general. lthough I am not a huge soccer fan, I found the graphic novel interesting and also helped me understand the hype of Messi.
• Science Comics: Prehistoric Mammals: From the Jurassic to the Ice Age by Joe Flood: This book included SO MUCH information! That is a lot to learn from this book!

• Three Summers: A Memoir of Sisterhood, Summer Crushes, and Growing Up on the Eve of War by Amra Sabic-El-Rayess with Laura L. Sullivan: I loved all of the girls in this book. I loved Amra’s family. I was surprised by the freedom of the teens but also loved them being able to figure out themselves. However, this book is more than the cover makes it seem–it is not just a fun book about summers and cousins, it is a roller coaster about family during a ominous and tumultous time in Bosnia leading up to the Bosnian Genocide.
• Science Comics: Electricity: Energy in Action by Andy Hirsch: Electricity is not a science that I understand well, so that is why I love Science Comics because it makes science more accessible! This is another book that a science teacher is looking to teach, so I am going to work on some activities for it too; I hope it goes as well as Wild Weather.

Young Adult

• Legendborn by Tracy Deonn: I reread (well, re-listened to it) because my friend is loving the series and couldn’t believe I never read the rest, so I wanted to refresh my memory. Here’s my original review: Oh, I now see why this book is so loved! It is full of adventure, pain, truth, exploration, and tradition. Deonn uses the Arthur legend to build her own mythology and unveil the truth behind good ole boys clubs, especially those in the south. And Bree, the protagonist, is such a phenomenal character! She just kicks so much butt and her, with her friend Alex, just won’t back down.

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 next week!

Reading: Queen of Nothing by Holly Black

Listening: Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn

Sunday: Author Guest Post: “Most Lessons Begin with a Book” by Mary Louise Kelly, Author of Dogs in Coats

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 share your Monday post, tag 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!

 

Wednesday: Educators’ Guide for Sneaks by Amy Tern

Sunday: “The Book That Taught Me to Ask WHAT IF?” by Jonathan White, Author of Secret of the Second Shelf

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

Kellee

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

Ricki

Young Adult

I enjoyed Gail Jarrow’s Spirit Sleuths, which explored the impact of magicians and detectives on ghost hoaxes.

The Pools by e. lockhart is an eery and symbolic novel that explores self-harm with the use of birds. It is a very powerful text, and I found it to be unforgettable.

If you are teaching The Crucible, you absolutely need to read (and include) Joy McCullough’s Suffer a Witch. It is her memoir of sexual assault, and layered within are the stories of the accusations of witches across time and place.

Adult

Because Margaret Atwood is speaking at the NCTE convention this year, I reread The Handmaid’s Tale! I love this book.

Adult Romance

I read the first book in Elsie Silver’s Rose Hill series, and I jumped to the fourth book, Wild Card, because I was getting a book for my birthday. I really liked this book a lot and found myself captivated by the romance! It made me want to do yoga! Elsie Silver is very talented at writing characters.

Joss Richard’s Let’s Kiss and Tell is a sweet romance that was very fun!

I don’t usually read historical romances, but this one was on a GoodReads challenge list. Sophia Benoit’s The Very Definition of Love is about a woman who is making a dictionary of all of the romantic words she doesn’t know. It was a great read.

Count me in for any bookstore romance, and I liked Brittanée Nicole’s Bonfire & Bliss Bookstore a lot!

I Reread These Texts to Teach Them Last Week!

I used Maia Kobabe’s Gender Queer in my Banned Books and Censorship class this week, and it fostered a LOT of conversation! The students loved it.

I always start with Angeline Boulley’s Firekeeper’s Daughter as an anchor text because it allows for great critical analyses. It is also a widely loved text, so I really enjoy discussing it with students.

We discussed Maria van Lieshout’s Song of Blackbird in one of the book groups, and it was widely appreciated. It gives students a lot to talk about!

Currently reading with my son: Everything’s Not Lost by Frederick Joseph

Sunday: Author Guest Post: “Writing from the Margins” by Romina Garber, Author of Lobizona & Cazadora

Link up below and go check out what everyone else is reading. Please support other bloggers by viewing and commenting on other linked blogs. If you post about your Monday post, tag the post 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!

Wednesday: Sofia’s YA Book Nook: Guard Your Heart by Sue Divin

Sunday: “Empathy and Gratitude Through Immigration Stories” by Nazanin Agange Ford, Author of My America Blooms

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

Kellee

I am seeing the Cubs play in Miami this weekend, so I wasn’t able to do IMWAYR today.
GO CUBS GO! ⚾

You can 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 see you next week!

 

Wednesday: Educators’ Guide for Sneaks by Amy Tern

Sunday: “The Book That Taught Me to Ask WHAT IF?” by Jonathan White, Author of Secret of the Second Shelf

Link up below and go check out what everyone else is reading. Please support other bloggers by viewing and commenting on other linked blogs. If you post about your Monday post, tag the post 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!

Wednesday: A Cheeky Reading List of Hilarious Picture Books About Butts from Sourcebooks Kids

Sunday: Author Guest Post: “Teaching the Next Generation About September 11th” by Jacqueline Joyce, Author of Smoke at the Pentagon

**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

It’s back to school, and I am very busy! I will update about my books next time!

Wednesday: Sofia’s YA Book Nook: Guard Your Heart by Sue Divin

Sunday: Author Guest Post: “Empathy and Gratitude Through Immigration Stories” by Nazanin Agange Ford, Author of My America Blooms

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