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!

Thursday: Ben’s Kids’ Corner: Imagine Nation by Matt Myklusch

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

Kellee

Because of Spring Break followed by the Florida Future Problem Solvers Competition, I was not able to get my IMWAYR post done–I’m sorry! However, you can learn more about any of the books I’ve been reading by checking out my read bookshelf on Goodreads.

Ricki

It is my week off–see you next week!

Tuesday: Werewolf Hamlet by Kerry Madden-Lunsford

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: Giant Rays of Hope: Protecting Manta Rays to Safeguard the Sea by Patricia Newman

Sunday: Author Guest Post: “Me, Myself, and My Five Senses” by Sarah Suk, Author of Meet Me at Blue Hour

**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

Middle Grade

I really enjoyed The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly. After it won the Newbery, I immediately checked it out of the library. This is a fantastic middle grade book that is engaging and literary.

My son read Amari and the Night Brothers by B. B. Alston for Battle of the Books, so I decided to read it, too. My middle son also read it. We all loved it. It swept us away into the fantastical world, and we are all looking forward to snagging the second in the series.

Young Adult

When I first read Jen Ferguson’s A Constellation of Minor Bears, I felt like it was different from other books that I’d read. I really like the hiking journey (especially as a Coloradoan), and I appreciated the care that she takes to discuss trauma. I decided to reread it last week, and I am glad I did. This time, I listened to the audio and loved it in this format, too.

The History of Everything by Victoria Evans is a graphic novel that transported me to high school and all of the feelings associated with it. It authentically portrays friendship and the tensions that come with first love and life changes.

I really loved Lily Braun-Arnold’s The Last Bookstore on Earth. It is a dystopian novel set in a time when weather has ravaged Earth, and the narrator lives in a bookstore. I love how it took on climate and the ways tragedy can change and shape who we are.

Adult

I was fortunate to meet Kristina McMorris a few weeks ago, so I read The Ways We Hide in anticipation of her upcoming book. Whew, this woman can really write historical fiction. This novel is beautifully researched.

I had been hearing a lot about The Wedding People by Alison Espach, so I picked it up. It’s about a woman who is recently divorced and goes to a beautiful hotel because she decides she wants to die by suicide. But when she gets there, the entire hotel is booked by people attending a very wealthy woman’s wedding. I appreciated the way this novel depicted the humanity of people.

Adult Romance

Ashley Poston’s The Seven Year Slip is about a woman whose apartment is being rented by a man who is living seven years in the past. It is a romance, but the question is whether they would still be in love when she leaves the apartment (which is set in present day).

Obviously I had to read Rebecca Yarros’ Onyx Storm. I liked it! You’ve heard about it, so I will say no more.

Elena Armas’ Know Your Newlywed is a full cast audiobook (only) that is about two people who pretend to be newlyweds and go on the game show. It’s very sweet.

Ali Hazelwood’s new book, Deep End is extremely spicy. That’s all I will say. If you really like spice, this is the book for you. Mature audiences only!

Ricki

I never read TJ Klune’s House of the Cerulean Sea, so I think I might check it out.

Thursday: Ben’s Kids’ Corner: Imagine Nation by Matt Myklusch

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: “The Best Advice is Free” by David A. Anderson, Author of The Drowners

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

Kellee

Middle Grade

 

• Olympians series, Odin and Thor by George O’Connor: Our annual author visit was with the amazing George O’Connor, so I reread/read all of his graphic novels in preparation. They are just such brilliant works of mythological storytelling. I have loved watching my students jump into the Greek and Asgardian mythology pool with these books. (And I will be sharing about his visit soon!)
• Amari and the Despicable Wonders by B.B. Alston: I thought this was a finale of the series, but B.B. Alston announced that there is actually going to be a 4th book! I cannot wait to see what Amari and her friends take on in the last book! (I sadly cannot share much about this story, other than how it was just as good as the other two, because it would include spoilers for the first two books.)
• The Mystery of the Radcliffe Riddle by Taryn Souders: What a fun mystery, and I did not see the conclusion coming which is always so unexpected in a middle grade who-dun-it. I also loved the cast of characters in Grady’s town–they added such amusement to the book. I really liked reading this one and can see why it is on our Sunshine State Young Reader Award list.

Young Adult

• Graceling by Kristin Cashore: I am rereading this series with my friend, and I was worried that it wasn’t going to live up to the love I had the first time I read it, but I am happy to say it does. Cashore does a beautiful job world building and Katsa is just a force to be reckoned with–it was such a wonderful read! (And this is coming from someone who can struggle with high fantasy.)
• The Davenports: More Than This by Krystal Marquis: I loved this finale of The Davenports. My review for it was “YAY!” because I was so happy with the conclusion of these amazing women’s stories.
• Dig Two Graves by Gretchen McNeil: McNeil truly is talented at writing thrillers that are unpredictable and unique. This book was not what I was expecting, and its twists and turns made it so I couldn’t put it down.

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 of IMWAYR. I will update you on my reading next week.

Kellee

• Reading: Fire by Kristin Cashore
• Listening: All Better Now by Neal Shusterman

Tuesday: Giant Rays of Hope: Protecting Manta Rays to Safeguard the Sea by Patricia Newman

Sunday: Author Guest Post: “Me, Myself, and My Five Senses” by Sarah Suk, Author of Meet Me at Blue Hour

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: Trent’s Favorite Books He Read When He Was 10

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

Kellee

It is my week off. But 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 writing this on a shuttle on my way home from the fantastic NCTEAR Conference (woohoo!). I am full of love and learning, and so excited to go back to my students tomorrow. But because typing on a bus isn’t good for motion sickness, I’ll have to update you with my reading next time. 🙂

Sunday: Author Guest Post: “The Best Advice is Free” by David A. Anderson, Author of The Drowners

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: Jeffrey Ebbeler’s I Like to Read Comics: Wait a Minotaur, I’m Ogre It, Kraken Me Up, & A Giant Mess

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

Kellee

I am so sorry I didn’t get a chance to do my IMWAYR post! It was a busy week with Trent’s birthday and party and this upcoming week is my school’s literacy night and annual author visit! Phew! But you can always learn more about any of the books I’ve been reading by checking out my read bookshelf on Goodreads.

Ricki

I’ll be back next week to share what I’ve been reading!

Tuesday: Trent’s Favorite Books He Read When He Was 10

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: The Secret of Honeycake by Kimberly Newton Fusco

Sunday: Author Guest Post: “Exercises for Being a Professional Daydreamer” by Shveta Thakrar, Author of Divining the Leaves

**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 am seeing Christine Day speak, so I am unable to update this week! I will catch you all the week after next!

  

Tuesday: Jeffrey Ebbeler’s I Like to Read Comics: Wait a Minotaur, I’m Ogre It, Kraken Me Up, & A Giant Mess

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: As You Wish by Nashae Jone

Sunday: Author Guest Post; “Connecting the Past with the Present for Students” by Sarah Raughley, Author of The Queen’s Spade

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

Kellee

Here is what I’ve read since 1/13:

Picture Books

• We Sing from the Heart: How the Slants® Took Their Fight for Free Speech to the Supreme Court by Mia Wenjen, Illustrated by Victor Bizar Gómez: This book, written by Mia at Pragmatic Mom blog!, tells the story of Simon Tam who would not ignore racism, even from a young age, and stood up against it all the way to the supreme court. The story is so interesting as a biography of Simon Tam and his band and truly making history, a look in the trademark process, the idea of reappropriation, fighting racism and for civil rights, and about free speech. The truly compelling story is accompanied by truly rockstar illustrations that capture the feel of the words and the story. They are stunning!
• The Little Puppy by Nicola Killen: This adorable picture book is a perfect look at finding the best situation for every personality, about forgiveness, and about how love is accepting someone for who they are. Not a traditional Valentine’s book, but I could definitely see it, with its quiet, pencil drawings accentuated with red and hearts, being a good read for February.

Middle Grade

• Not Nothing by Gayle Forman: So many of my friends posted about how this is one of the best middle grade books that they had ever read and Gayle Forman was amazing at the ALAN workshop, so I decided to pick it up, and I must say I AM SO GLAD I DID! First, I loved the message (which I’m not going to tell you because it takes the journey of the book to get there); second, I loved all of the characters–they were all so real; third, I knew immediately that a teacher at my school needed to read this with her class because they volunteer at an assisted living facility, so it fit perfectly. This book truly is one of the best. Don’t miss out.
• Kareem Between by Shifa Saltagi Safadi: This book was tough to read because Kareen really is put through the ringer. He is having trouble at school: He didn’t make the football team, he is being used by a popular boy to do his homework, he is so afraid of truly being himself. And it is even worse at home: His mom is not allowed to return home from Syria because of the travel ban from there in 2016. This book is beautifully written but deals with some tough, tough topics. However, I would recommend everyone read it because the book is so worth it.
• Kaya of the Ocean by Gloria L. Huang: I reviewed this wonderful book on January 28th–>check it out!
• The Secret of Honeycake by Kimberly Newton Fusco: I cannot wait to review this book tomorrow for you all!
• The Stupendous Switcheroo by Mary Winn Heider, Illustrated by Chad Sell: Fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Big Nate, Phineas and Ferb, and Captain Underpants would really love this book! It is silly, action packed, mysterious, and illustrated! My school’s lunch book club had a virtual visit with Mary Winn Heider on Friday, and she was a DELIGHT! I loved learning how the idea started (her and Chad Sell brainstormed it together to have it fit both of their personalities), how the process works with the illustrator, what super power she would want to have, and how specific characters were chosen. I now need to pick up book 2 because this one ends on a dramatic cliffhanger.

Young Adult

• Hell Followed With Us by Andrew Joseph White: This book was tough for me. I loved Compound Fracture, so I wanted to read another book by AJ, and I felt that this one was just not a book for me. I know it is written well and is acclaimed, but I struggled with the religious allusions and the lack of backstory for the setting. It is the right book for some though, so try it out if it sounds good to you!
• The Davenports by Krystal Marquis: This book is so historically beautiful with swoony romances and intertwined with African American history that is often not discussed in novels or textbooks. And although sometimes the characters make me want to throw the book across the room, overall, I love all four of the narrators for being just who they are!
• Shatter Me, Unravel Me, and Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi: I am going to be completely honest, if my students weren’t complete enraptured with this series and had promised me it got better, I would have abandoned it after the first one. Shatter Me is so whiney and dramatic. But they were right, it does get better once the world building really gets going and Juliette becomes her true self. I am now sucked in and have to see how it ends up.

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

Kellee

• Reading: Graceling by Kristin Cashore
• Listening: Restore Me by Tahereh Mafi

Tuesday: The Secret of Honeycake by Kimberly Newton Fusco

Sunday: Author Guest Post: “Exercises for Being a Professional Daydreamer” by Shveta Thakrar, Author of Divining the Leaves

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