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!

Tuesday: Who Made this Mess? by Laura Gehl, Illustrated by Aleksandar Stojsic

Thursday: Meet the Megafauna! Get to Know the 20 Largest Animals Ever to Roam the Earth by Gabrielle Balkan, Illustrated by Quang And Lien

Friday: Students Voices: Book Recommendations from Sai B., Kyan V., Liam Z., and Gabi C., 8th Graders

Sunday: Author Guest Post: “Sometimes We’re All Furious and How Books can Help with that” by Timothy Knapman, Author of Sometimes I am Furious

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

Kellee

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

Ricki

Sorry I couldn’t post today–I will catch you all up with what I’ve been reading in 2 weeks.

Tuesday: Educators’ Guide for Symptoms of a Heartbreak by Sona Charaipotra

Friday: Student Voices: Character Reflection from Luci S., Caedan S., & Anna D., 7th graders, and Elisa, 6th grader

Sunday: Author Guest Post: “All Readers Benefit from Sad Stories” by Saira Mir, Author of Always Sisters

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: Worldwide Crush by Kristin Nilsen

Thursday: Paperfold Wild Animals: 10 Amazing Punch-Out-and-Fold Paper Creatures by Megan Montague Cash

Friday: Student Voices: Sharing Webtoons, Mangas, and Graphic Novels by Emma Y. & Jorge G., 8th graders, and Bibi C., 6th grader

Sunday: Author Guest Post: “Where Story Ideas Come From & Why Personal Narrative Writing Works Best for Me” by Charlotte Offsay, Author of Challah Day!

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

Kellee

• My Father is a Unicorn by Monaka Suzuki: Trent wanted to read this, but since it was marked Teen, I wanted to check it out first, and it is quite a ridiculous book! It is truly about a boy whose mother remarries a unicorn (who can transform into a human), but then she oddly has to go away leaving her son and her new husband/unicorn together. This leads to funny and sweet moments, all centered around the unicorn stepdad working on being a human/stepdad.
• Totally Psychic by Brigid Martin: A fun middle grade book about a middle school medium who is dealing with not only new powers but moving across the country. Fans of ghost stories and realistic middle grade school stories will both enjoy reading this book!
• Spy Family Vol. 1-4 by Tatsuya Endo: I was told a couple of years ago that I’d love this series. Then months ago my library clerk lent me the first 8 books. But they sat. Until last week when I finally knew I needed to read them to return the books, and THEY ARE SO GOOD!! WHY DID I WAIT SO LONG?!?!?! This book has spies, assassins, telepathy, humor, awkward situations… everything! I am loving every book, and I cannot wait to continue reading them.

• Hooked on Books by Margaret Chiu Greanias, Illustrated by Kristyna Litten: Oh, I love Pearl, the little anglerfish in this book, and I think many readers will connect with her as well. She wants to be alone to focus on her book, but as soon as she is done, all she wants to do is talk about it. What a valid feeling! Tied into this book-loving book is also science content with deep sea creatures being introduced along with Pearl. Can’t wait for this to be picked up and read by adults and kids alike!
• Bear with Me by Kerascoët: This duo really knows how to pull on your heart strings. In their book, I Walk with Vanessa, they looked at bullying. In Bear With Me, they look at change and comfort–specifically going to school and a comfort stuffed animal. This book will be perfect for back to school!
• Spreckle’s Snack Surprise by Sandra Balsbury: Spreckle just wants the perfect snack, but as a dragon born on a farm, he is having quite a tough time find one. I love the solution at the end–it is just perfect. And do yourself a favor by reading the back of the book. It is PERFECT!
• Who Made This Mess? by Laura Gehl, Illustrated by Aleksandar Stojsic: I’ll be reviewing this tomorrow!

• What a Map Can Do by Gabrielle Balkan, Illustrated by Alberto Lot: Oh, I love this book! It has a very specific purpose, but it does its job in a fun way that kids will find enjoyable while also learning. I was a fan of the different types of maps shared including bus map, museum maps, trail maps, weather map, and star map. It hits on symbols as well. A wonderful introduction implemented very well.
• Ten Dragon Eggs: A Book About Counting Down by Lynda Graham-Barber, Illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler: This book will be a read aloud favorite! With wonderful rhyming text, great rhythm, vibrant illustrations, and lessons in counting and colors, both adult and child will enjoy their time with this book.
• Where Have You Been, Little Cat? by Richard Jones: I love this! Ever thought about what outdoor cats do all day when they aren’t home? Well, this book has a fun theory! (Is it what the cat actually did?? Or is it the child’s guess?? It is up to you!) The story reminds me a little bit of Where the Wild Things Are but it is the cat going on its adventure which adds a nice rumpus tie in. I was also a fan of the illustrations as they had a nostalgic feel to them.
• In the Night Garden by Carin Berger: I can see why this book has been listed on many Caldecott lists–the illustrations are pieces of art. Each spread has so much to see, and I am truly impressed by the use of collage–it is amazing! (Don’t forget to check out her guest post, too!)

To learn more about any of these books, click on any title/image to go to the book’s Goodreads page or check out my read bookshelf on Goodreads.

Ricki

This is my week off–I’ll update you all next week on what I’ve been reading.

Kellee

• Reading: Spy Family Vol 5 by Tatsuya Endo & Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
• Listening to: The Extraordinaries by TJ Klune & Secondhand Dogs by Carolyn Crimi (with Trent)

Tuesday: Who Made this Mess? by Laura Gehl, Illustrated by Aleksandar Stojsic

Thursday: Meet the Megafauna! Get to Know the 20 Largest Animals Ever to Roam the Earth by Gabrielle Balkan, Illustrated by Quang And Lien

Friday: Students Voices: Book Recommendations from Sai B., Kyan V., Liam Z., and Gabi C., 8th Graders

Sunday: Author Guest Post: “Sometimes We’re All Furious and How Books can Help with that” by Timothy Knapman, Author of Sometimes I am Furious

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?
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!

Tuesday: The Fire, The Water, and the Maudie McGinn by Sally J. Pla

Thursday: Cat Jokes vs. Dog Jokes: Cat Jokes Told by Dogs, an Epic Comedy Battle by David Lewman, Illustrated by John McNamee

Friday: Student Voices: Book Recommendations from Kellee’s Students

Sunday: Author Guest Post by Hasan Namir, Author of Banana Dream

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

Kellee

It’s my week off! I will see you next week! To learn more about any books I’m reading, check out my read bookshelf on Goodreads.

Ricki

This is my second time reading Healer of the Water Monster by Brian Young. I love this book tremendously. The characters feel so real to me, and they are navigating life experiences that feel very relatable for me. I particularly love Brian Young’s author’s note at the end of the book. He does a wonderful job discussing the background of the text along with some of the creative decisions that he made. If you haven’t read this one, I highly recommend it (and its sequel!).

I am excited to share more about this fun activity book on Thursday! Paperfold Wild Animals: 10 Amazing Punch-Out-and-Fold Paper Creatures by Megan Montague Cash.

Ricki

I am listening to Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt (It’s amazing!). And I am rereading Man Made Monsters by Andrea L. Rogers. This book is so spooky!

Tuesday: Worldwide Crush by Kristin Nilsen

Thursday: Paperfold Wild Animals: 10 Amazing Punch-Out-and-Fold Paper Creatures by Megan Montague Cash

Friday: Student Voices: Sharing Webtoons, Mangas, and Graphic Novels by Emma Y. & Jorge G., 8th graders, and Bibi C., 6th grader

Sunday: Author Guest Post: “Where Story Ideas Come From & Why Personal Narrative Writing Works Best for Me” by Charlotte Offsay, Author of Challah Day!

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?
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!

Tuesday: Rivka’s Presents, by Laurie Wallmark, Illustrated by Adelina Lirius

Friday: Students’ Voices: Book Recommendations from Laura L., Anna Liz R., Mai B., & Brielle P., 2022-23 8th Graders

Sunday: Author Guest Post: “Unpacking the Layers of Meaning Hidden within a Picture Book” by Carin Berger, Author of In the Night Garden

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

Kellee

It has been a wonderful vacation for the Moye family–we spent time in Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia then went on an Alaskan cruise. If you’ve never experienced Alaska and ever have the chance, I HIGHLY recommend it. It is the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen.

All Ages Picture Books

• The Queen of Chess: How Judit Polgár Changed the Game by Laurie Wallmark, Illustrated by Stevie Lewis: Judit is so ridiculously inspiring! I’m so glad the author chose to tell this story to highlight her brilliance, tenacity, and legacy. Wallmark crafted her story chronologically through Judit’s first 15 years, but makes sure to tie in heart to the biography, specifically tension of games and Judit’s resilience, and Lewis’s illustrations bring the story to life and add to this biography that is for all ages. And like Booklist says, I am so proud that this story is out there to “[dispel] the notion that women are inferior chess players, this biographical picture book spotlights a triumphant child/heroine.”
• Marker by Anna Kang, Illustrated by Christopher Weyant: What a fun companion to Eraser! This time, we visit the teacher’s desk and look at the pressure of perfection and how important mistakes are for life and growth. And like always, Weyant’s illustrations are perfection. I just am such a fan of his style!
  • GIVEAWAY TIME! Comment below or tweet and mention @UnleashReaders (by Friday) to be entered into a giveaway of a copy of Marker and its companion, Eraser, courtesy of Two Lions (U.S. and Canada addresses).
• A Book for Bear by Ellen Ramsey, Illustrated by MacKenzie Haley: Oh, this book has quite the surprise at the end, and I LOVED it! This is a book about books and two friends who love to read, sadly, one is a bear who can’t visit anywhere to pick out his own book. You’ll root for the duo as they try to come up with the perfect plan to find the perfect book. What a clever book by Ramsey with such happy illustrations by Haley that is just a pleasure to read!

• Weather Together by Jessie Sima: I love this series, and this is a wonderful new addition to it. Also, did you know there is a show?!?! I can’t wait to watch it!
• Âmî Osâwâpikones/Dear Dandelion by S.J. Okemow: This book was everything. I randomly picked it up at a book store in Vancouver, and I am so glad I did. It is BEAUTIFUL. It is about nature but also about resilience and goodness, all through the story of dandelions. I highly recommend picking this one up.
• Like the Moon Loves the Sky by Hena Khan, Illustrated by Saffa Khan: I couldn’t believe I hadn’t read this sweet book by Hena Khan yet. It is as wonderfully written as her novels and just a wonderful message from mother to child.
• The Song that Called them Home by David Alexander Robertson, Illustrated by Maya McKibbin: This picture book, based on the folklore of Memekwesewak, is crafted so well. The story transports you to Lauren & James’s story and the illustrations are animated movie level so it feels like you are there. I loved learning about this new-to-me story from indigenous legends.

Middle Grade

• Marisol Rainey series by Ein Entrada Kelly: Trent and I listed to this series, and I am a huge fan of Marisol, her adventures, and how her stories are written. The audiobooks were also quite good.
• The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn by Sally J. Pla: I’ll be reviewing this tomorrow!
• Worldwide Crush by Kristin Nilsen: I’ll be reviewing this soon!
• Yokai Cats Vol. 3 by Pandania: This is by far the weirdest cat manga that Trent reads. I think I’m good with reading the first 3, but Trent LOVES them–he thinks they’re hilarious.

Adult

• Murderland by Thomas B. Cavanagh: This murder mystery was written by my son’s sensai’s dad, and it is a perfect read for anyone who loves detective mysteries with some murder and a bit of humor. What adds a bit more fun is that it takes place here in Orlando within an imaginary theme park.

To learn more about any of these books, click on any title/image to go to the book’s Goodreads page or check out my read bookshelf on Goodreads.

Ricki

This is my week off–see you next week!

Kellee

I am currently reading both Kiss the Girl by Melanie Jacobson and Totally Psychic by Brigid Martin. I also have a ton of manga piled up to read that I hope to finish before students return to school on August 10th. As for listening, I will have to pick something as I return to work today–I’ll let you know in 2 weeks. Happy reading!

Tuesday: The Fire, The Water, and the Maudie McGinn by Sally J. Pla

Thursday: Cat Jokes vs. Dog Jokes: Cat Jokes Told by Dogs, an Epic Comedy Battle by David Lewman, Illustrated by John McNamee

Friday: Student Voices: Book Recommendations from Kellee’s Students

Sunday: Author Guest Post by Hasan Namir, Author of Banana Dream

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?
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!

Sunday: Author Guest Post: “Middle Graders are Unpredictable–and the Characters we Create for Them Should be, too!” by Linda B. Davis, Author of Food Fight

Kellee

It’s my week off, but I will see you next week! To see what I’ve been reading, check out my read bookshelf on Goodreads.

Ricki

Picture Books

   

My kids and I were excited to read Simon and the Better Bone by Corey R. Tabor. It’s a cute pup story about a dog who mistakes his reflection for another dog. We also really enjoyed The Digger and the Butterfly by Joseph Kuefler. This is a sweet story for vehicle lovers, especially, but I think everyone will enjoy its charm. We also enjoyed Spark, Shine, Glow!: What a Light Show by Lola M. Shaefer, Illustrated by James Yang. This one is great for teaching STEM concepts in the classroom!

Middle Grade

I am a sucker for Hansel and Gretel stories, so I wasn’t surprised that I really enjoyed Neil Gaiman and Lorenzo Mattotti’s version. I liked that Gaiman drew from Mattotti’s existing artwork. This one is dark, but it was nice to read an extended version of the story that felt true, in many ways, to the original.

My three kids have been sucked into Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events, and they loved The Bad Beginning. We had to (immediately) check out book two, of course.

Adult

I loved Barbara Kingsolver’s Demon Copperhead. It’s very well-written, and the characters felt so real to me. I was really sad when this book ended because I didn’t want to let the characters go.

Ricki

I am listening to Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt and rereading Healer of the Water Monster by Brian Young for a manuscript that I’m writing!

Tuesday: Rivka’s Presents, by Laurie Wallmark, Illustrated by Adelina Lirius

Friday: Students’ Voices: Book Recommendations from Kellee’s Students

Sunday: Author Guest Post: “Unpacking the Layers of Meaning Hidden within a Picture Book” by Carin Berger, Author of In the Night Garden

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?
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 took some time off from blogging for a summer vacation, but we are back this week with some posts!

Sunday: Author Guest Post: “Middle Graders are Unpredictable–and the Characters we Create for Them Should be, too!” by Linda B. Davis, Author of Food Fight

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?
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!

Tuesday: Blog Tour with Review and Educators’ Guide: Conjure Island by Eden Royce

Friday: Student Voices: “AI: The Flaw in Sci-Fi Books” by Derrick T., 8th Grade

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

We’re taking our summer vacation from the blog this week and next! See you on July 13th with our next review 🙂

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