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!

Wednesday: Penguin Random House FIFA World Cup Round Up

Friday: Student Voices: Reading Benefits from Alexa S., Brenda O., Cecilia G., and Maddie M.

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

Kellee

It’s my week off! However, 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 enjoyed the nonfiction American Spirits by Barb Rosenstock. I got this one in my ALAN Box. Kellee and I read it along with a couple of other ALAN friends. We had a great discussion about it, and my tween read it, too!

Adult

I suffered through Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky. This is what we call type 2 fun.

Adult Romance

And I read some romances because these bring me joy. The first two books in Liz Tomforde’s The Windy City series were lovely. They read a bit long, but I fell in love with the characters. These are solid sports romances (Mile High and The Right Move). I also read Tessa Bailey’s books, The Au Pair Affair, Dream Girl Drama, and Pitcher Perfect. These were also excellent sports books. I recommend all five of these books if you like contemporary romance!

The Escape Game by Marissa Meyer and Tamara Moss

Wednesday: Sofia’s YA Book Nook: When Haru Was Here by Dustin Thao

Friday: Student Voices: Reading Benefits from Julianna G. and Merida W.

Sunday: Author Guest Post: “Mahmoud, Aunt Melodie, and the Fight Against Censorship: Including LGBTQ+ Characters in Books for Kids” by Kristine Rudolph, Author of The Twin Stars and the Soccer Superstar

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!

Wednesday: Sofia’s YA Book Nook: Homeschooled by Stefan Merrill Block

Friday: Student Voices: Reflections on the Current State of the World from Livie S. and Edie M.

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

Kellee

It is my day, but I was not able to post; however, 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!

Wednesday: Penguin Random House FIFA World Cup Round Up

Friday: Student Voices: Reading Benefits from Alexa S., Brenda O., Cecilia G., and Maddie M.

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!

Wednesday: Student Voices: Lindsay Currie’s Visit to Kellee’s Middle School

Friday: Student Voices: Reflections on School from Faten I., Ajani G., and Amber D.

Sunday: Author Guest Post: “How Fiction Provides a Safe Place for Young Readers to Explore Celebrity, Fame and Fandom” by Mima Tipper, Author of Channeling Marilyn

**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

Adult

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman has been on my list for a long time. I enjoy all of Backman’s books, and this one was no different. I was a bit surprised that this makes so many “Top Ten Books of All Time” (and similar lists) because it felt like some others that I’ve read that I liked a tiny bit more. That said, it was a pleasure to read!

This thriller, This Story Might Save Your Life by Tiffany Crum was recommended on a few lists, so I gave it a try. It took me on a wild ride. My sister and I listened to it together, and we absolutely loved it.

Adult Romance

This book, One & Only by Maurene Goo has a really neat premise, and it was a GoodReads challenge book. It’s not a spicy romance, and it offers deep thinking about a lot of topics. I really enjoyed it.

I read book 5 before book 1 of this series, and now I’ll read the others in between. I love sports romances!

Ricki

I am currently punishing myself with Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky. It’s slow…but I do like the complex themes!

Wednesday: Sofia’s YA Book Nook: Homeschooled by Stefan Merrill Block (not quite a YA book, this time!)

Friday: Student Voices: Reflections on the Current State of the World from Livie S. and Edie M.

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 by Priya Swaminathan, Author of Deepa M.D.

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

Kellee

Middle Grade

• Night Stories: Folktales from Latin America by Liniers, Introduction by David Bowles: This graphic novel version of three Latin American myths combines humor and tradition into a book that will introduce readers to folk tales they may not know (or bring to life folk tales they’ve always known). And I LOVED the introduction–so informative!
• A Comic Book History of The Big Bang and Beyond by Anna Claybourne, Illustrated by Rikus Ferreira: I loved the mix of formats in this one–it is more than just a “comic book” like it says on the cover. It is so informative, and I like that it is chronological and focused on space science and life science. Additionally, it had humor!
• A Planet is a Poem by Amanda West Lewis, Illustrated by Oliver Averill: I really loved this book. I would love to use it in a classroom, and I am so glad I just got it for my library (though I worry about the fold outs being destroyed). Not only are the poems really well written, the instruction about poetry is on point and all the space science included information is fascinating as well!

Picture Books

 

• Grandma, Cho Cho, and Me by Morgan Christie, Illustrated by Paulica Santos: This book is filled with imagery that will make your mouth water! And combined with the colorful illustrations, the book sings. This book, looking at a family’s tradition, is a perfect addition to add to early education when it comes to talking about the difference of families. I’d add it to a book set about mealtime with families and then have students tell their own stories.
• Barbed Wire Between Us by Mia Wenjen, Illustrated by Violeta Encarnción: What a powerful use of a reverso poem to tell two stories about detainment: one in the past and one in the present. The way the author and illustrator worked together to tell both stories through the poem and stunning visuals is truly going to stick with me for a long time. The author and illustrator also do not hold back, showing the truth during both times in our history. This book is so meaningful and important.
• The Elephant and the Piano by Colette Hiller, Illustrated by Nabila Adani: I am so glad I learned about Paul Barton from this book! This is a book based on a true story of Paul who visited an elephant sanctuary and felt that one elephant, who seemes especially disconnected, could be comforted by the piano. And he was! And others were! Check out his You Tube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzSEchvesNHbIdXClhtq1JoBgOx8D6378. This book is another example of how animals are alive and much more like us than many want to believe; it is a book about caring and love and the power of music.

Young Adult

• The Escape Game by Marissa Meyer & Tamara Moss: In a story where a reality tv show about escape rooms ala Big Brother exists, the contestants find themselves in a true murder mystery, not just a game.

Adult

• Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson: I picked this book up for my book club thinking it was YA and while it is not (the protagonist is in her twenties and there is f bombs throughout), teen fans of Holly Jackson are definitely going to find this one and like it (and it’s okay!). I loved the premise of this book and it kept me reading: Jet is attacked in her home and finds out she has about a week to live. She decides that she is going to spend the rest of her life solving her murder!!!!
• Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt: People need to stop calling this the octopus book becuase if you go in thinking that is what it is, you may actually be disappointed. If you go in knowing that it is about changes in life for two very different characters and how they help each other figure things out, then you will have set your expectations correctly. Although I did figure out the “twist” before it was revealed, I am still glad I read it, and I look forward to watching the movie.
• I also read 4 Freida McFadden books since my last update–her books are so addictive!

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 share what I’ve been reading next week.

Kellee

 

• Reading with Trent who is reading it for ELA: The Lost Year by Katherine Marsh
• Listening: Death in the Jungle by Candace Fleming
• Also reading: More Freida McFadden books

Wednesday: Student Voices: Lindsay Currie’s Visit to Kellee’s Middle School

Friday: Student Voices: Reflections on School from Faten I., Ajani G., and Amber D.

Sunday: Author Guest Post: “How Fiction Provides a Safe Place for Young Readers to Explore Celebrity, Fame and Fandom” by Mima Tipper, Author of Channeling Marilyn

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!

Wednesday: Notre-Dame: The World’s Cathedral by Lynn Curlee

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

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

I am not able to post this week; I’ll see you all in two weeks!

Sunday: Author Guest Post by Priya Swaminathan, Author of Deepa M.D.

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 New Girl by Jesse Q. Sutanto

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

Kellee

Middle Grade

• Coral Reefs: Cities of the Ocean by Maris Wicks: This was my first Science Comics, and I really enjoyed it! I learned so much about coral reefs, and the structure of the text made it so easy to read (the narrator was FUNNY!). And it was perfect timing for reading it because I did science assessment review stations all last week.
• Kingdoms of Life by Carly Allen-Fletcher: I reread this awesome picture book before I did a review station about classification. It does such a good wonderful job of explaining each of the 6 kingdoms!

Picture Books

• Notre-Dame: The World’s Cathedral by Lynn Curlee: I will be reviewing this on Wednesday.
• Stories are the Heart of the World by Laurel Goodluck, illustrated by Nicole Neidhardt: This is a beautiful lullaby of a book that follows the story of a child who is born then nurtured through “ceremonies and rituals” until they set off in the world with the stories in their heart. The use of both narrative and lyrical writing added to the experience and combined with the family-centered colorful illustrations, the book is truly beautiful. (Additionally, the author’s note and activity in the back brings inspiration and connection between the reader and the book–LOVE!)
• One Last Snoot Boop by John Graff, illustrated by Xiao: This book is one that so many families need because the loss of a pet is so hard to process and this story shows the beauty of the journey of pet owning and the toughness of the end of a pet’s life. It is illustrated in soft tones, adding to the emotion of the book which is just so gentle, making it a perfect book for its purpose.

Adult

I’ve been on an adult book kick!

• 11/22/63 by Stephen King is one of the most brilliant books I’ve ever read.
• The Inmate is a typical Freida McFadden book–I can never see the twists coming!
• Everyone in my Family has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson is more of a whodunit murder mystery than a thriller, but I enjoyed reading it with my sister–again, I didn’t know how it was going to turn out.
• The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides was recommended to me since I am enjoying thrillers, and I am glad I read it (and, you guessed it, I didn’t see it coming!).

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, and I’ll be off next week too, so I’ll see you in a few weeks!

Kellee

• Reading along with Trent reading for language arts: The Lost Year by Katherine Marsh
• Listening: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
• Going to Start: I Witnessed the Great Train Robgery of 1963 by Andrea Debbink, illustrated by Crystal Jayme
• Going to Start: The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
• Listening Next: The Escape Game by Marissa Meyer and Tamara Moss

Wednesday: Notre-Dame: The World’s Cathedral by Lynn Curlee

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!

Wednesday: How a Bear Became a Book: The Collaboration That Created Winnie-the-Pooh by Annette Bay Pimental, illustrated by Faith Pray

**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 hadn’t read This Book Won’t Burn by Samira Ahmed, and I wanted to read it in preparation of my censorship class next semester. It was a fantastic book, and I loved the messaging!

Adult

A few people had recommended Sarah Wynn-Williams’ Careless People to me. I found it interesting. She worked as the head of global affairs for Facebook. Some portions felt less believable to me, and it was clear she was trying to release blame from herself. But overall, it does serve as a cautionary tale.

I had seen Chris Whitaker’s All the Colors of the Dark on a few lists. This was very well-written. I don’t enjoy thrillers, and this book leans more literary than thriller, so it was a bit slow for me.

Adult Romance

I enjoyed Christina Lauren’s first book in the series, so I thought this audio would be fun. It was cute, and I liked seeing the heartbroken sister (in novel one) fall in love!

I adored this romance. It was really charming. The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest will likely be one of my favorite romances this year.

Ricki

I am still reading Theo of Golden by Allen Levi!

Thursday: Sofia’s YA Book Nook: The New Girl by Jesse Q. Sutanto

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