Unleashing Readers

National Geographic Kids: History’s Mysteries: Curious Clues, Cold Cases, and Puzzles from the Past by Kitson Jazynka

February 7, 2018 by Kellee

Histories Mysteries
Author: Kitson Jazynka
Illustrators: Various
Published October 17th, 2017 by National Geographic Society

Summary: Why were the Easter Island heads erected? What really happened to the Maya? Who stole the Irish Crown Jewels? The first book in this exciting new series will cover history’s heavy-hitting, head-scratching mysteries, including the Lost Colony of Roanoke, the Bermuda Triangle, the Oak Island Money Pit, Stonehenge, the Sphinx, the disappearance of entire civilizations, the dancing plague, the Voynich manuscript, and so many more. Chock-full of cool photos, fun facts, and spine-tingling mysteries.

Review: I feel like a broken record, but I just feel like it needs to be repeated: National Geographic Kids are publishing some truly phenomenal books for kids to read independently and/or for teachers to use in the classrooms. This one is no exception! It is beautifully structured with each mystery being shared with background, more details, clues, and theories along with illustrations and photographs. It is broken up into 7 chapters with mysteries all within the chapter around a specific topic. The chapter topic’s are: vanished civilizations, unexplained deaths and disappearances, creatures of myth and legend, freaky phenomena, mystifying monuments, cryptic codes and lost languages, & treasure troves.

Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: I felt very similarly about this book as I did about What Would Happen?, another National Geographic book–I just want to bring it into a classroom and let kids just inquire about any of the mysteries that tickle their fancy! How much fun it’d be to just allow students to get obsessed with a mystery then share it with their classmates.

Discussion Questions:

Which mystery do you want to do more research on?
[For each mystery] Do you agree with the theory shared? OR Which of the theories shared do you agree with?
What other mysteries would you like to learn more about?

Flagged Passages:

Read This If You Love: History, Mysteries, National Geographic Kids books

Recommended For:

Stop by Kid Lit Frenzy to check out the link up of other Nonfiction Picture Book reviews!

**Thank you to Media Masters Publicity for providing a copy for review!**

Top Ten Tuesday: Books That Have Been on our TBR Lists the Longest

February 6, 2018 by Ricki

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish and is now hosted at That Artsy Reader Girl. This feature allows us to make lists, which may be one of our favorite things to do!

Today’s Topic: Ten Books That Have Been on our TBR Lists the Longest

Ricki

This was an easy post to write! I popped onto GoodReads and found the five oldest books. I added these almost a decade ago.

1. Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things by William McDonough

This book is all about rethinking the way we make things to support sustainability. Even the actual book is made with sustainable materials.

2. On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King

I know that a lot of creative writers find this book to be very helpful.

3. Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson

I am really interested in reading about Einstein’s life. The book is quite long, and I think that’s why I haven’t started it. Shame on me!

4. Stitches by David Small

I’ve heard this graphic novel is life-changing.

5. Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine

This book comes highly recommended! I need to read it!

Kellee

Like Ricki, I went on Goodreads and found the first five books I added the first day I joined Goodreads (January 24th, 2009) that I haven’t read yet.

1. Down the Rabbit Hole by Peter Abrahams

2. Bad Kitty by Michele Jaffe

3. Firestorm by David Klass

4. The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

5. H.I.V.E. by Mark Walden

Which books have been on your TBR list the longest?
Have you read any of these books?

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It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? #IMWAYR 2/5/18

February 11, 2018February 5, 2018 by Kellee

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? From Picture Books to YA!

It’s Monday! What are you Reading? is a meme started by Sheila at Book Journeys and now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date. It is a great way to recap what you read and/or reviewed the previous week and to plan out your reading and reviews for the upcoming week. It’s also a great chance to see what others are reading right now…you just might discover the next “must-read” book!

Kellee and Jen, of Teach Mentor Texts, decided to give It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? a kidlit focus. If you read and review books in children’s literature – picture books, chapter books, middle grade novels, young adult novels, anything in the world of kidlit – join us! We love this meme and think you will, too.

We encourage everyone who participates to support the blogging community by visiting at least three of the other book bloggers that link up and leave comments for them.

Last Week’s Posts

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

Tuesday: Books We Can’t Believe We’ve Read

Thursday: Guest Review!: Forest of a Thousand Lanterns by Julie C. Dao

Last Week’s Journeys

Kellee

I am so glad that I finally picked up a Gae Polisner book! The Memory of Things is such a special book. It is so much more than just a time machine back to one of the worst days in our history, it is a look at the human spirit.
I am officially done with the published Whatever After books! I love them still; I think Abby and Jonah are such fun kids and their adventures teach such great lessons amidst crazy plots.
Rebels by Accident by Patricia Dunn was recommended to me by a student of mine that is in my class for the second year. She begged and begged for me to read it so she could talk to me about it, and I am so glad I finally did. She is from Egypt, and I can definitely see why this book is special for her. She really only had one concern about the book’s representation of her country; other than that, she (and I!) loved it though we were left wanting more of Miriam’s story.

For this season, Jim, Trent, and I have season tickets to the Orlando Philharmonic’s Storytime Symphony which is every couple of months. This last storytime presentation focused on jazz music, and we were read the story The Jazz Fly by Matthew Gollub, and we were so lucky to have the author there to read to us. We enjoyed it so much that we bought a copy to listen to in our car.
The first Storytime Symphony of the season, in December, was Paddington, so after we listened to The Jazz Fly, I found some Paddington audiobooks through our library to listen to.
In the car on the way to school, we have continued listening to an audiobook every morning. The new ones we’ve listened to recently are Never Play Music Right Next to the Zoo by John Lithgow and King Bidgood’s in the Bathtub by Audrey Wood. The first was a new to me book as well, and it is pretty funny, with a great rhyme & rhythm, and loved the inclusion of a variety of animals. King Bidgood is a book that we read often when I was a kid; however, we had a different audiobook than the one that came with our copy. I wish I could find one that was the same because I can still hear it in my head. This new audiobook adds extra things to the story which, in my opinion, it doesn’t need.

Ricki

I’ve been working on coding data this week. Because I’ve been staying up until 2/3 am each night, I haven’t been able to read as much. I am excited to check out your blogs and see what you all are reading!

I REREAD Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz for the fifth time. Gosh, I love that book so much. I am looking forward to teaching it tomorrow afternoon. If history repeats itself, it will surely be a great class. 🙂

The boys and I read A Color of His His Own by Leo Lionni. I enjoy his books. They are fun to read and colorful. He reminds me a bit of Eric Carle.

This Week’s Expeditions

Kellee

After the Whatever After series, I made quite a drastic change, and I am now listening to Prisoner B-3087. Alan Gratz just is so talented at tying story and history; however, I will tell you that I have to emotionally be ready to listen to it.
Ink by Alice Broadway is such a unique concept, and I cannot wait to share more with you when I finish it.

Ricki

A third of my class is reading Whale Talk next week, and I am excited to be facilitating their group conversation! I will definitely be reading it to prepare!

Upcoming Week’s Posts

Tuesday: Books That Have Been on our TBR List the Longest

Wednesday: History’s Mysteries by Kitson Jazynka

Friday: SuperPowers!: A Great Big Collection of Awesome Activities, Quirky Questions, and Wonderful Ways to See Just How Super You Already Are by M.H. Clark

Sunday: Author Guest Post!: “Art in Stories” by Nancy K. Lodge, Author of Mona Lisa’s Ghost (Lucy Nightingale #2)

So, what are you reading?

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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Forest of a Thousand Lanterns by Julie C. Dao

February 1, 2018 by Ricki

Forest of a Thousand Lanterns
Author: Julie C. Dao
Published: October 10, 2017 by Philomel

Guest Review by Kaari von Bernuth

Goodreads Summary: An East Asian fantasy reimagining of The Evil Queen legend about one peasant girl’s quest to become Empress–and the darkness she must unleash to achieve her destiny.

Eighteen-year-old Xifeng is beautiful. The stars say she is destined for greatness, that she is meant to be Empress of Feng Lu. But only if she embraces the darkness within her. Growing up as a peasant in a forgotten village on the edge of the map, Xifeng longs to fulfill the destiny promised to her by her cruel aunt, the witch Guma, who has read the cards and seen glimmers of Xifeng’s majestic future. But is the price of the throne too high?

Because in order to achieve greatness, she must spurn the young man who loves her and exploit the callous magic that runs through her veins–sorcery fueled by eating the hearts of the recently killed. For the god who has sent her on this journey will not be satisfied until his power is absolute.

Kaari’s Review: The entire time, I wasn’t entirely sure if the protagonist was the hero or the villain. And, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing! I appreciated this book because it made me think. I’d be cheering for Xifeng and wanting her to win, and then she’d do an awful thing to help her win, and I’d be repulsed by her. This book highlights the struggle of ambition, and how difficult it is for a woman to achieve the dreams she has. And, while I am off put by Xifeng’s methods and don’t necessarily think they were the right decisions, her actions and the way she achieves power could spark great discussions.

The setting and the plot of this book was thrilling, and I Ioved the way that fantasy was woven into a world so seamlessly. The creatures and ideas introduced were thought provoking and had amazing descriptions that made me feel like I was living in the enchanted world with the characters. I do wish that there had been some more resolution regarding some of the magical beings and the warnings they gave, but I think that Dao intends for this to be the first in a series, and I’m sure that more resolution will come in later novels.

Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: I would definitely include this book in a classroom library for kids to check out if they want to read it. However, while this book is interesting, and explores an interesting take on female empowerment, I don’t think I would teach this book in a classroom setting, or use it in literature circles. I am a huge advocate for female empowerment, and discussing the paths for women to claim their power. However, I think that because Xifeng’s methods were so morally questionable, and readers aren’t sure if Xifeng is a hero or a villain, that Forest of a Thousand Lanterns is not the best novel to discuss for this topic. There are many other books that discuss female empowerment in a much more productive light. So, I’d include it in a classroom library, but not necessarily teach it in any way.

Discussion Questions: Do you think Xifeng’s methods were justifiable?; What does the social hierarchy look like in this novel?; Is Xifeng a hero or a villain in this story?; What is the effect of portraying a strong female protagonist in this way?; How is the fantasy world characterized?

We Flagged: “‘I’m a good man, Xifeng. I let you have your own way and speak your mind…’

‘You think I don’t know that? That I’m so blind and stupid?’

‘Yes, I do!’ he shouted, his face bright red. ‘I offer you the world…’

‘Yes, the world as you see it!’

‘I saved you from that evil woman!’

‘Only to trap me yourself.’ She watched him turn away and run a trembling hand over his head. ‘I was Guma’s, and now you want me to be yours. I have my own soul and my own destiny, and I’m tired of belonging to someone else’” (Advanced Reader Copy p. 125).

Read This If You Loved: Monstress by Marjorie M. Liu; Gunpowder Alchemy by Jeannie Lin; Girls Made of Snow and Glass by Melissa Bashardoust

Recommended For:

**Thank you to Kaari for reviewing this book!**

Top Ten Tuesday: Books We Can’t Believe We Read

January 30, 2018 by Ricki

Today’s Topic: Ten Books We Can’t Believe We Read

Ricki

1. Les Misérables by Victor Hugo

It took me a long time to get through this book. I think I read it in year two of the blog. It was on my “currently reading” section of the IMWAYR post for a solid four months. I was teaching high school at the time, and I remember a student saying, “How are you still reading that?” I took a lot of breaks, but I finished it. Finally.

2. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

I listened to this book on audio. As a tip, if you want to read this book, get it in print. It is incredibly difficult to understand Ray Bradbury’s voice.

3. A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

I have read several Charles Dickens books. I really want to enjoy them, but I find them very difficult to enjoy for whatever reason. I read this book on my honeymoon, too. Ha!

4. All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque

I read this in high school and loathed it. I wonder if I’d like it as an adult?

5. A Certain Book with “Grey” In Its Title

My only memory of this book was that it was ridiculous. There was one paragraph in which 8 sentences in a row started with “I.” This was a trendy book, though, so I decided it was in my best interest to read it. My husband made fun of me relentlessly. Needless to say, I had no interest in seeing the movies when they came out.

Kellee

I’m taking this post topic as, “OMG! I cannot believe I finished it! Yay me!” These are all books that I read during my literature degree that I was so proud of myself for finishing!

1. The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner

If you have read Faulkner, you know how tough his style is! This was my first exposure, and I was so proud of reading it.

2. Tender is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Although I ended up liking The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald is not my thing. I really love Hemingway’s bluntness and dialogue while Fitzgerald is a bit wordy for me. I had trouble finishing this novel, but was glad I did when I was finished.

3. The Prince by Machiavelli

Reading a book that some terrible people feel is the most important book ever is a bit tough.

4. The Monk by Matthew Lewis

I took a Gothic Literature class, and I ended up loving so much of what we read in that class with The Monk probably being my favorite. Super scandalous from 1796!

5. Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens

Like Fitzgerald, Dickens just isn’t my thing, but I ended up really loving Oliver Twist, and it actually started a huge research project for me looking at how prostitutes were written about and viewed in Victorian England.

Which books can you not believe that you read/finished?

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It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? #IMWAYR 1/29/18

January 29, 2018January 29, 2018 by Kellee

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? From Picture Books to YA!

We encourage everyone who participates to support the blogging community by visiting at least three of the other book bloggers that link up and leave comments for them.

Last Week’s Posts

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

Tuesday: Books We Liked A Lot But Cannot Remember Much About

Wednesday: Ellie, Engineer by Jackson Pearce

Thursday: Guest Review!: There’s Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins

Friday: Pandamonia by Chris Owens

Last Week’s Journeys

Kellee

I apologize for missing another Monday, but for personal reasons, I am taking this week off.

Ricki

You get me this week! Henry and I have been busy reading the Animal Crackers graphic novels. He likes to read graphic novels lately, and I enjoy reading them, too!

We read the Circus Mayhem book tonight. It’s great!

I am so excited to be teaching History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera tomorrow. I’ve divided my class into thirds (I have two great interns), and we each are reading a text that features the theme of grief. This book is simply phenomenal for discussing this theme, and I am really looking forward to hearing what my students think about it!

This Week’s Expeditions

Ricki

I’m almost done with We Are Okay and The 57 Bus. I am loving them both!

Upcoming Week’s Posts

Tuesday: Books We Can’t Believe We’ve Read

Thursday: Guest Review!: Forest of a Thousand Lanterns by Julie C. Dao

So, what are you reading?

and

Pandamonia by Chris Owens

January 26, 2018 by Kellee

Pandamonia
Author: Chris Owen
Illustrator: Chris Nixon
Published 2017 by Kane Miller Books

Summary: Here’s something to remember: when visiting the zoo, whatever you do, DON’T WAKE THE PANDA!

Join in the fantastic fun of Chris Owen and Chris Nixon’s Pandamonia, as one could-be-grumpy-if-woken-up sleeping panda sets off a frenzy of wild partying.

There’s grunting and growling and prancing and prowling and … so much more in this rollicking, rhyming text. It is so filled with energetic art and action and noise and alliteration that it just begs to be read aloud.

There is a playfulness, a rhythm and an energy to both the text and the illustrations, a cumulative growing and building of words and pictures, plus a whole bunch of animals you might never have seen in a picture book before. And the hilarity will have listeners and readers on their feet!

This is one for story time, or anytime!

Review: This picture book quickly became a regular in our reading because my son is just a bit obsessed with animals and there is such a wide variety introduced and shared in this title. Sometimes we read all the way through and just have fun with it while other times we look up the animals and find them in the pictures and find videos of the sounds they make. A different experience each time. And with the party-filled pages and colorful illustrations, every experience is fun.

Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: This book will be such a fun read aloud! The illustrations are really colorful, the text is alliterative with a ton of onomatopoeias, and there’s lots of fun to be had! In addition to alliteration and sound words, it can also be a way to talk about animals or zoos.

Discussion Questions:

How did the author use the word pandemonium and panda as a premise to his book?
What animals did the author include that you didn’t know?
What type of medium do you think the illustrator used to make the illustration?
How did the author use onomatopoeias and alliteration in the story?
What do you think will happen if the panda gets woken up?!?!

Flagged Passages:

Read This If You Love: Du Iz Tak? by Carson Ellie, Nothing Rhymes with Orange by Adam Rex, The Curious Case of the Missing Mammoth by Ellie Hattie, Hello Hippo! Goodbye Bird! by Kristyn Crow, Can Aardvark Bark? by Melissa Stewart, Other books about animals or zoos

Recommended For:

**Thank you to Lynn Kelly from Kane Miller for providing a copy for review!**