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!
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