It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? #IMWAYR 5/25/26

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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!

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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**

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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!

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Ricki

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

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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.

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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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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

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“How Fiction Provides a Safe Place for Young Readers to Explore Celebrity, Fame and Fandom”

When I began writing my YA paranormal fantasy novel Channeling Marilyn, I wasn’t thinking of celebrity or how young people relate to fame and fandom. Through drafting a book that included Marilyn Monroe’s spirit as a main character, however, I grew more and more convinced that fiction could provide a safe place for young readers to explore these concepts. With fiction, young people are able to experience the lives of characters from their safe reader position. And how great for those readers to have the possibility of exploring fame and fandom from the shoes of a fictional or fictionalized celebrity in a completely made-up story? The magic of fiction, too, is that it allows those readers draw their own conclusions about whether the experience felt positive or negative.

In Channeling Marilyn, part of the inspiration behind the book was me acknowledging the fact that even though Hollywood superstar Marilyn Monroe has been dead for over 70 years, a huge number of fans are still obsessed with her and her films. That fandom spoke to me. I wanted to look more deeply at it—at the why of it. Because these Marilyn fans are not necessarily young people, I became even more interested in the possibility that focusing on a celebrity like Marilyn Monroe could be an inspired bet for a YA audience: to take a celebrity from long ago, and imagine how her persona and her fame could affect a young person, and tell that story.

My main character, seventeen-year-old Lexa, is one of those non-obsessed with Marilyn Monroe people, yet via the story—no spoilers—she becomes aware of Marilyn, and then encounters Marilyn’s well-known allure. Ultimately, Lexa is not immune to the power of Marilyn (after all, her influence on pop culture is everywhere), and that’s where Marilyn’s fame comes into play in the story. That is also the place where Lexa’s teen sensibilities reflect what I’ve come to learn are documented observations about how young people relate to the concepts of fame, celebrity and fandom.

Between social media and reality tv, everyone is obsessed with celebrity these days—their own and that of others. For most people, the fascination is merely a diversion, but let’s look more closely at some reasons young people fixate on celebrities. Common Sense Media points out, “Celebrity obsessions are a natural part of growing up. As kids enter adolescence and begin forming their identities, they begin to seek out media figures for cues on how to look and act… Tweens in today’s media environment can feast on an endless supply of information.”

This observation didn’t surprise me, or that celebrity crushes for young people are deemed by some authorities to be a natural and even potentially positive aspect of growing up. Dr. Alan Ravitz of New York’s Child Mind Institute states: “As kids individualize themselves from their parents, which is a natural part of development and growing up, they try to establish psychological and emotional independence … No matter the culture, they need somebody to look to, aside from their parents, for guidance and a model for becoming an adult. In our culture, this is often a sports figure, an actor, or a pop star.” In recent articles in both Psychology Today and at www.modernrecoveryservices.com, writers agree with Dr. Ravitz’s statement, going a step further to suggest that in our modern world, fandoms often provide a positive and inclusive community for teens.

These observations suggest a teen’s fascination with a celebrity is most likely harmless: Harmless until people—young or older—take their fandom too seriously. In a recent article in The Teen Mag on how fans feel about their celebrity crushes, journalist Arrohi Shah says, “When a celebrity looks like us, loves like us, or struggles like us, it validates our own experiences. It’s not just about them– it’s about what they represent to us. But we often forget that what we see is carefully constructed: behind every photo is lighting, editing, media training, or even cosmetic enhancement. If even they need help to appear that way, why do we hold ourselves to those impossible standards?” Even more harmful, the Common Sense Media article goes on to point out that a young person’s fixation on a celebrity can, “… go to extremes that have a negative impact. They may spend all their money to try to look like their favorite stars. They may engage in risky body alterations to imitate them. Or they may actually inflict physical harm on themselves … to demonstrate the depth of their feeling.” In the Modern Recovery Services article, it’s noted that, “For teens already struggling with heavy psychological burdens, being a member of a toxic fandom can intensify their trials. It can be particularly tough for fan girls, who often face more scrutiny and pressure than boys because toxic fandom communities tend to be sexist.” And, “The development of parasocial relationships—one-sided relationships in which fans feel deeply connected to a celebrity based on illusions of intimacy—is another way fandom can become unhealthy. Teens might start to believe they have a special connection with a pop-culture icon, which can lead to unrealistic expectations and crushing heartbreak when their fantasies inevitably don’t come true.”

Fandoms have always existed, but it’s perhaps due to the wealth of information now available on social media that heightens and intensifies the celebrity adoration teens experience today.

The darker sides of teens’ relationship to celebrity, fame and fandom reveal where fiction could come in, providing that safe space for young people to explore these concepts outside of social media, without the baggage of an actual celebrity crush or of belonging to a fandom community.

In Channeling Marilyn, Lexa has the opportunity to see Marilyn Monroe as a real person, not as a celebrity. To see her as a human being who makes mistakes, who has needs, who wants friendship and love. Through the fictional lens of Marilyn’s spirit coming back as a kind of fairy godmother to Lexa, the book avoids the cliché of more common storylines like: Marilyn’s rugged early years, her abuse by handlers, her physical and mental health, her lack of privacy, her dealing with fans, etc. Instead, this story is about Lexa bonding with Marilyn as a spirit, and Marilyn guiding her through a tough time. And, wonder of wonders, through the power of fiction, Lexa is able to help Marilyn’s spirit move forward on her journey, too.

Bibliography

Leno, Michele, PhD, “The Healing Power of Pop Culture Communities” www.psychologytoday.com July 17, 2024, The Healing Power of Pop Culture Communities | Psychology Today

Shah, Aarohi, “Why are we so obsessed with Celebrity Drama? The Psychology Behind our Obsession” https://www.theteenmagazine.com  May 8, 2025. Why Are We so Obsessed with Celebrity Drama? the Psychology Behind Our

“Should I be Concerned about My Kid’s Celebrity Obsession?” www.commonsensemedia.org June 4, 2020 Should I be concerned about my kid’s celebrity obsession? | Common Sense Media

“The Psychology of Fandom—Pop Culture’s Influence on Teens” www.modernrecoveryservices.com The Psychology of Fandom – Pop Culture’s Influence on Teens

“Why Teenagers Obsess Over Pop Stars?” www.childmind.org May 5, 2011, Why Teenagers Obsess Over Pop Stars – Child Mind Institute

Publishes June 1st, 2026 by She Writes Press

About the Book: Seventeen-year-old Lexa Donovan’s timid, plus-size life goes sideways when the spirit of Marilyn Monroe takes up residence in her body.

High school senior Lexa Donovan longs to be more than a bit player in her own drab life—and when she’s chosen to be part of her school’s spring production of Bus Stop, she thinks her wish has come true. But her thrill turns to panic when she’s tapped to play the leading role, sexy showgirl Cherie. One thing tall, plus-size Lexa knows for sure is that she is the exact opposite of the most famous Cherie ever: sex-goddess Marilyn Monroe.

Lexa wants out before she makes a fool of herself in front of everyone. But then something entirely unexpected happens: the spirit of Marilyn Monroe appears, ready and willing to be Lexa’s personal acting coach. Before the curtain rises on opening night, Lexa and Marilyn learn to trust their own hearts and act on what each truly needs to move forward—in life and in death.

About the Author: Half Greek, half American, Mima Tipper and her writing reflect her heritage—a little bit old-country, a little bit rock and roll: one foot wandering through the dreamy realms of myths and faerie tales, the other running on the solid ground of fast-paced, contemporary story. She earned her MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts, and is the award-winning author of the YA novel Kat’s Greek Summer (SparkPress, ISBN-9781684633067). Mima has also published YA fiction in Hunger Mountain and Sucker Literary Magazine. Her novel Kat’s Greek Summer was the 2025 silver medalist for YA fiction in the 2025 Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards, her YA short story “A Cut-out Face” received an honorable mention from Hunger Mountain’s Katherine Paterson Prize, and her work-in-progress version of Channeling Marilyn came in second place for Paranormal Romance in the Chesapeake Romance Writer’s annual Rudy contest. Beyond devoting most of her time to writing, Mima helps at Inklings Children’s Books in Waitsfield, Vermont, volunteers at her local library, and is committed to promoting literacy and supporting the writing community. Currently, Mima lives in Vermont with her family; find her at www.mimatipper.com.

Follow Mima Tipper on social media:
Facebook: @mimatipper | X/Twitter: @meemtip
Instagram: @mimatip  | Substack: @mimatipper

Thank you, Mima, for this thought-provoking look at a topic that affects many teens!

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

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Reflections on School

“Student Literacy Leaders at HCMS” by Faten, 8th grade

As students we have very important jobs, one of these jobs is being helpful to others. One way me and many other students fulfill this trait is by taking a class called student literacy leaders.

What are student literacy leaders?

Student literacy leaders are students a part of Ms. Moye’s library class. As student literacy leaders, we help around the library by shelving books, doing a daily task (my class does recycling), doing fun projects, and checking out books to students, spreading the love of literacy, etc.

What does our daily routine look like?

  • At Hunter’s Creek Middle School we take pride in reading and logging on beanstack, so usually when we get to the library, we will start the day by logging 10-15 minutes on beanstack.Once we finish logging on beanstack me and my class mates will go and do our daily task.The daily task for my period is recycling. Me and my classmates will go around the library, collect all of the recycling and take it to the bins outside to the recycling. On Wednesdays we will do our Wednesday shelf. Wednesday shelves are when each student gets a shelf and every Wednesday we need to check them to make sure everything is organized and put in the correct place. Once we finish everything we might work on assignments we have, help around the library, or if there is nothing that needs to be done Ms. Moye will let us work on something for another class or give us free time.

Some projects we’ve done this year.

Every year we have an author come to our school to visit and give us a presentation. As student literacy leaders we help Mrs.Moye and Ms.H prepare for this visit by making projects and posters to put around the library and the school. Every year we have a door decorating contest, and this year for the library each period was in charge of making a certain part for the door. The door was based on Christina’s books. My class period got the books Return Fire and Moving Target. Every period needed to decorate a circle based on things that represented the book. Here’s a photo of the door:

We also had an individual project where we needed to make something that represented Christina or her books. Some people made posters, some people made drawings, some people (including myself) made dioramas. Here’s a picture of mine:

Me and my classmates have also worked on other projects together like coming up with games for students to play for literacy week, painting and decorating the main door of the library, and creating posters to hang up around the school encouraging reading and promoting some good books.

What does being a student literacy leader mean to me,and others?

Being a student literacy leader is so important to me because it’s not just about helping around the library, but it’s also learning how to be responsible, and learning how to help others with the right advice and patience.Taking this class has taught me so much. My reading skills have improved, the amount of books I’ve read has gone up drastically, and my ability to work with  others, especially bigger groups has gotten much better. Students around the school get to enjoy a comfortable and welcoming environment to read, and they also are able to get answers to the questions they might have. The students also get to partake in the fun activities we help put together for them. By student literacy leaders helping to maintain the library, we are also helping encourage other students to come check out books and enjoy reading.

All students in our school make a great and big impact, but student literacy leaders are a bit different. We are role models to many other students, and we help maintain the library, one of the most known places in our school where everyone comes to hangout and checkout books.

Being a student literacy leader is something so special. Getting to see other students happy, being in a welcoming place with beautiful diversity and decoration is such a lucky privilege because not too many schools get blessed with that. It helped me come a long way and I’m sure it did with many other students too.

“Things I Think Other Schools Should Have in Their Library that the HCMS’s Library has” by Ajani, 7th grade

  • Make a website on where to recommend books

The HCMS Library has a Google Form where students can recommend books to the librarian so they can get it for the student and other students too. Not all students have interest in the books that a library provides, and maybe there’s a couple of students who all want the same book/series and the school library does not have it.

  • Providing schools supplies

Some students may run out of supplies in the middle of the school year without knowing and then might not be able to get any, but in HCMS library there are pencils, pens, and bookmarks. It’s not much but it still helps and might come in handy for a student.

  • A system to look for books

Not every kid is gonna be able to find a book easily, that’s why in HCMS there is an app where you can type in a book or a genre and it will show you where it is and you can go find it. There should also be labels on the book and the app so they know where to find it exactly, and the books should be in order and not mixed up so it’s not mixed up and not being able to find them.

  • Author visits

Author visits can inspire students to become authors, and give some other students ideas for what they want to do in the future. The author explains deeper into the books that they made to show us the true meaning of this book, they also give us ideas on how to make a book, In 2026 Ms. Moye had Mark Oshipr, Christina Diaz Gonzalez, and Lindsay Currie come to HCMS for author visits! During Christina Diaz Gonzalez’s visit, she had explained that making a book doesn’t have to be as hard as it seems; she made a book from seeing a middle schooler going to Starbucks recently and ordering each drink with a different name so she made Concealed out of this idea beause it is about a girl and her parents who are in the Witness Protection Program, so she changes her name often so nobody knows her true identity. This book really made me interested in making books, and author visits in other schools could possibly give other students the same impact.

  • Supporting all students

Not alls tudents are the same identification, race, etc., and they might not always feel safe, but at HCMS, including the library, we have posters and signs showing that all are welcome and protected and for them to know it’s okay to be who they are.

  • Decorations

How would you feel if you had to go to school and see plain walls and colors that feel like they are screaming at you? It wouldn’t really feel nice. Being able to walk in a library that looks happy instead of just plain colors is so nice. People wouldn’t feel safe or welcome if a library just looked like a prison, it should look more colorful so students and teachers would not be scared to walk in.

  • Better chairs and outcome

Students may be unfocused on something when sitting in a chair that has no support and is uncomfortable for them. At HCMS, chairs in the library are more supportive and comfortable. Students are able to read in comfortable seats and not be distracted. Even changing the “normal” chairs leads to a good outcome. There will be more focusing in schools if they can take away the distractions from uncomfortable chairs.

We can help the students in our schools, we just need to think about what can help and make a good outcome for them.

“5 Habits That You Can Make Outside of School that Can Help Make School Better” by Amber, 8th grade

A school day can feel long and stressful but small changes in routines can make a difference. Students can create a more positive and productive school experience. These five changes that I will be talking about  would make the school day better and more organized for many students, including myself.

1. Use School Apps to Keep on Track

School Apps like Canvas, ClassLink, and Skyward help students keep track of assignments, grades, and announcements to keep them more on task and more organized. I use Canvas every morning/afternoon to check what’s due and what I have to do, and I use ClassLink to get into all my school apps quickly and efficiently! I feel way more organized and less stressed doing this and I would advise others to do the same to help them reach their full potential.

2. Set Alarms to Stay on Track

Students can set alarms for waking up, leaving for the bus, starting homework, taking breaks, checking messages, and getting ready for bed.This habits make you feel more put together and make you spend your day more productive and efficiently.

I use alarms after school to remind me to start homework, because if I don’t, I get distracted easily. I set an alarm at 5:00 PM to start my homework, and even though it’s simple, it helps me stay consistent.Alarms help students become more responsible and start a routine where they are staying consistent, not wasting any time bedrotting and feeling guilty for it.

3. Prioritize Healthy Habits

Eating a good breakfast improves energy and mood. I’ve noticed that on days when I actually eat breakfast, I feel more awake in class and feel more focused on my school work.Studys have shown that was the case too, that’s why teachers always advise students to eat before they take a test so they are more focused and do well.

Getting enough sleep or taking screen free breaks can help students refocus. These small choices make a big difference in how students feel throughout the day, ending their night with a smile on their face knowing they had a great day and many more ahead. Some healthy habits I do are putting down my phone at night so I can be well rested in the morning, so I can be more awake (especially in algebra).

4. Spend More Time Outdoors

Being outside reduces stress, increases creativity, and improves mood. Sometimes after school, I take a quick walk before starting homework, and it helps me.Fresh air helps students refresh after long periods of sitting in class. Outdoor learning can also make schoolwork feel more enjoyable.Some ways I get more outside in a school week is to go to my friend’s house or take a walk to the park.

5. Practice Positivity

Students who use positive thinking perform better academically and handle stress better.

One thing that helps me is celebrating small accomplishments can improve motivation. Positivity also spreads to others, helping others feel more included and welcome. There was this time where I was having a bad day and someone decided to make a random act of kindness, that made my day so much better than it was.You might regret being rude to someone, but you will never regret being nice to someone.

Conclusion

Improving the school day doesn’t always require big changes. By using school apps, setting alarms, building healthy habits, spending time outdoors, and being more positive. These habits help students feel more confident and make their school day/after school better.

Thank you so much to my student voices today and their reflections on school!

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

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I am so lucky because my principal began an initiative at my school where we get to have an author visit our school yearly (2026: Christina Diaz Gonzalez, 2025: George O’Connor, 2024: Jerry Craft, 2023: Christina Diaz Gonzalez, 2022: Nathan Hale, 2020: Neal Shusterman, 2019: Jennifer A. Nielsen), and this year we ended up having THREE: Mark Oshiro in November, Christina Diaz Gonzalez (whole school) in February, and Lindsay Currie in April!

I was so excited when we were contacted that Lindsay Currie was in town, and we had the opportunity to have her come visit our school. We split the visit with two other schools with two hours at each school. At my school, about 100 kids came to see her speak for a period then they could ask as many questions that they wanted to (she was so gracious about the Q&A!), and then she signed for students. It was truly a wonderful visit!

Here are some reflections from my students after the visit:

How did you like the visit overall?

  • I loved the visit overall and I thought the Lincoln Park story was extremely interesting.
  • I LOVED IT!!
  • i really liked it, she had many interesting things to share.
  • I really liked it, and I loved the advice she gave in the end.
  • I thought it was amazing.

What is your biggest educational take away?

  • For me it would be listening to how she created her book because for other genres you could easily like to get at a restaurant or see it at a park or anywhere for horror you can’t just see that anywhere could you write horror books or that kind of stuff you’re not well hopefully you don’t just see that anywhere so how she had the ideas and all that kind of stuff was probably the biggest education will take away from me.
  • My biggest take away is the writing techniques she spoke about in her presentation.
  • I liked learning about the history of her books and the ghost stories.
  • My take away was when she would talk about how she got her ideas for her books and how she tries new things that led her to being very successful.
  • The many ghost stories and how the smallest things can spark the biggest ideas/curiosity.
  • She taught and told us sooo many cool ghost stories that actually were interesting and she also taught us that it’s okay to lose interest easily that all you need is good planning and a story that you can relate to.
  • Sometimes you find inspiration for stories in random situations.
  • She gave some things to do like walking different ways, and writing tips and other really cool stuff.
  • I liked how she told us to be bored to find ideas–I think its a very good tip. And I also learned a bit about how to write characters and settings.
  • To always just do something and trust your gut.

How did the visit impact you as a student?

  • How it impacted me as a student would probably be to be able to learn about a new author in all about her in.
  • It impacted me as a student because it’s my last author visit so it was quite sentimental.
  • What impacted me the most was how she used interesting real life story’s and made them correlate on the life of a author.
  • It impacted me as a student by showing me that there can be deeper meanings to a book then you may think.
  • It reminded me to always be curious and try new things.
  • It made me realize that even authors lose interest in their own works and that its okay! Things that might help with that is good planning and a story that you can actually relate to and find interesting 🙂
  • It showed me more books to read.
  • I think learning about writing from an actual author is such an amazing opportunity and the fact that it happened is already impactful
  • It made me more aware of my surroundings and it taught me to not really care what others think and I think that’s important for me especially in middle school.

What was your favorite part of the visit (this doesn’t have to necessarily be educational)?

  • Probably her explaining like the books because like there were like interesting questions while she was explaining her books that could get people thinking that kind of stuff so yeah it probably just being able to be there with my friends for the visit
  • My favorite part was the Lincoln park story and the paranormal experiences she spoke about.
  • My favorite part is finding out that she has a short attention spam because I do too so I know her books will keep me interested.
  • My favorite part of the visit was when she told us about her new trail through Chicago that led her to writing some of her books.
  • I liked the part when she talked about how she writes her books.
  • My favorite part was when she told us her main thing that inspired her.
  • I loved when she was telling us about the history of where she lived because it’s like no one ever thinks of these things.

Why was this visit important? Why is it important and powerful to have an author visit our school?

  • This visit is important because it allowed us to learn more about an author’s writing process. Also it’ important and powerful to have an author visit our school because it allows a face to face chance to learn in person about a an author and have better interactions than on a zoom or teams call.
  • It was important because it was a main point for people to look around more, or else she wouldn’t have written that book. it is important because they teach lessons, and are entertaining, and some people may really already like that author.
  • it was important for me because i could relate to her in certain things.
  • This visit was important because as we read more books in this genre, we can relate to how we read other books in that same area from the actual author’s perspective. It is important and powerful because when we meet these author’s, we learn further more about her books and how it really is to be an author.
  • I think this was important because it talked about finding writing ideas which could be very important for (future) writers and it is important and powerful to have an author visit our school because:
    – students could more relate to the author’s books or be exposed to them (which could lead us to read more).
    – students may be able to learn more based on an author’s perspective and learn about the writing process itself.
    – students would have the opportunity to ask questions to authors (which they may not be able to do other times).
  • To show and motivate us (kids/teens) that even big successful authors have their own struggles and how to help/solve those problems. For me, them visiting also gives many pointers to writing and reading 🙂
  • It brought us advice for what we can do with our imagination
  • It was important because it showed how we can use actual things to write books.
  • This visit was important because it showcased a different, sometimes less talked about genre of book. It is important and powerful to have an author visit our school because it offers an enhanced educational experience that you wouldn’t be able to get from a normal day of school, and it also could inspire someone to become an author or writer.
  • Because we can hear about their writing process first hand and we are able to hear different perspectives and experiences from what being and author may be
  • It was important because a lot of people like to read her books and she taught a very good lesson. It’s important and powerful to have an author visit our school because they can change some students minds with their success, like if a student is afraid of trying something.
  • Authors visiting makes stories come alive and shows me how books are created. It’s powerful because it inspires me to read more and even write my own stories.

As you can see from the comments and love, my students (and I) would highly recommend an author visit and specifically Lindsay!

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It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? #IMWAYR 5/18/26

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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!

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

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

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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.

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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

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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

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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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Author Guest Post: “Illness is a Part of Life. A Good Book Can Help Kids Cope.” by Priya Swaminathan, Author of Deepa M.D.

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“Illness is a Part of Life. A Good Book Can Help Kids Cope.”

“Everyone who is born holds dual citizenship in the kingdom of the well and in the kingdom of the sick,” Susan Sontag writes in her seminal 1978 essay Illness as a Metaphor. “Although we all prefer to use only the good passport, sooner or later each of us is obliged, at least for a spell, to identify ourselves as citizens of that other place.”

Disease is something every child will encounter, as Sontag eloquently points out. Yet it is often shrouded in taboo. An illness in the family might be kept a secret or buried under mysterious language. Our bodies can become scary, dangerous – even shameful – when we don’t understand how they work in sickness and in health. Avoiding the subject leaves kids ill equip to talk about discomfort, pain, and the swirl of emotions that come with it.

As a child, my family talked a lot about disease. My father, a surgeon, discussed tough cases and triumphant ones at the dinner table. I remember paging through his medical textbooks and marveling at anatomical drawings of my insides. But novels like Little Women and The Secret Garden gave me a deeper understanding of the experience of illness.

While the classics have much to offer, a handful of middle-grad novels have broadened my understanding of “the kingdom of the sick,” as Sontag calls it. Reading them with my 11-year-old daughter has given us a shared language to talk about illness as a part of life.

Wink by Rob Harrell

Harrell’s semi-autobiographical novel about a 7th grader diagnosed with a rare eye cancer is hilarious, heartbreaking, and life-affirming. In other words, it’s brilliant. Harrell’s deft sense of humor invites you to examine the stigma that surrounds illness and the liberating power of art and human connection.

Merci Suárez Changes Gears by Meg Medina

Merci is a heroine for the ages. A 6th grader navigating private school as a scholarship student, her family is her rock, especially Lolo, her wise and warm grandfather.

Only Lolo’s been acting differently. An angry outburst, forgetting things, tumbling off his bike –  Merci can see Lolo changing, but no one in her family will tell her what’s going on.

Ultimately, Merci learns that her grandfather has Alzheimer’s Disease. Meg Medina offers a delicate portrait of how cognitive disorders unfold and effect families. Ultimately, Merci’s understanding of her grandfather’s condition allows her to step up and take on more responsibility. This empowering story offers a blueprint for how families can face illness together.

Dust by Dusti Bowling

In Dust, Avalyn moves to Arizona with her family in search of a climate that would prevent another asthma attack like that one that almost killed her ten years ago. Her world is thrown into chaos when dust storms kick up, coinciding with the arrival of a new student at school. Breath and the experience of having a chronic respiratory illness are at the center of this novel (at least until the source of those dust storms is revealed…no spoilers!). Bowling uses magical realism to take you inside the experience of illness in a way that will change your understanding of health.

Published May 19th, 2026 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

About the Book: A precocious seventh grader whose cancer has recently gone into remission assists her “medical detective” uncle while readjusting to life in middle school in this heartwarming and funny middle grade debut novel that’s Front Desk meets Roll with It.

Twelve-year-old Deepa is ready to un-pause her life. After spending a year in the hospital, she’s itching for things to go back to the way they were before she got sick.

Only everything’s changed. Her parents treat her like she’s made of glass, there’s a mean girl out to get her, and her best friend Renée forgot to mention she has a whole new life now.

But when her Uncle Jai, a genius doctor that patients love to hate and the “Sherlock Holmes” of medical mysteries, needs her help with a tricky case involving a teenage patient, Deepa steps up to the plate—because she knows better than anyone what it’s like to be sick.

But why, oh why, did her first patient have to be her bully’s older brother?

As the case spirals and her illness flares up, Deepa quickly learns that if she wants to save her patient, she’ll have to diagnose what’s going on inside herself first.

About the Author: Priya Swaminathan lived the dream of making movies and TV shows for 19 years. She helped launch Higher Ground productions, Barack and Michelle Obama’s production company, where she produced award-winning documentaries, films, and kids shows like Waffles + Mochi, Emmy-award winner Ada Twist, Scientist, and the NAACP award-winner We The People. Previously, she developed narrative films for Spike Jonze, Johnny Knoxville, George Clooney, and Bennett Miller and was the head of development at Annapurna Pictures. A few years ago, Priya decided to shake things up. She quit her job to write and go back to school. She graduates from UCLA School of Nursing in June and plans to work with oncology patients. She lives in Los Angeles with her family and hopes that someday she’ll convince her husband to get a big, fluffy dog. Deepa, M.D. is her debut middle-grade novel.

Thank you, Priya, for sharing this wonderful list and showing how books can help with tough times in kids’ lives!

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? #IMWAYR 5/11/26

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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!

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

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

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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!

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

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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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