Every Monday, I send out a #booksaroundtheroom via Twitter, so my students can share what they’re reading with the world. “It’s Monday! What are you Reading?” is a meme co-hosted by Jen and Kellee at Teach Mentor Texts. Just like #booksaroundtheroom, it is a way to share books you’ve been reading, reviewing, and loving during the last week. I read a lot, both on my own and with my two kids, Corbchops (4.63) and The Iza (2.56). I’m excited to hear what you’ve been reading.
I feel like I’ve kind of gotten back on track with my reading this week. My January meetings petered out, along with the month itself, and now I just have February meetings to look forward to. Despite its pleasant length, and the welcome inclusion of a four day weekend which we always use for a cross-country ski trip, February might be my least favorite teaching month. I always feel overwhelmed, overworked, and a little burnt during February. So I always look forward to the WWU Children’s Literature Conference, a perfectly timed day of rejuvenation if there ever was one. But that’s not for a few weeks.
Here’s what I’ve enjoyed during these last seven days:
Middle Grade:
I finished two middle grade novels and two informational books last week.
- Pickle, by Kim Baker. I finished reading this book aloud to my class on Friday. We really enjoyed it, and my students have been loving the swag Kim sent us! I was able to meet Kim during ALA Midwinter–she is great. Also, happy to report that no pranks have started at my school.
- The Dead Boys, by Royce Buckingham. This is the second Royce Buckingham book I’ve read recently, as I prepare for the annual Young Authors conference. I thought this one was a better fit for middle graders than Demonkeeper.
- Citizen Scientists: Be Part of Scientific Discovery from Your Own Backyard, by Loree Griffin Burns. I really enjoyed this book about real scientific contributions people (including kids!) can make in their own backyards, neighborhoods, and communities. It is perfect for all ages.
- How They Croaked: The Awful Ends of the Awfully Famous, by Georgia Bragg. I reread this fantastic book for my Guys Read book club. We had a great meeting, grossing out ourselves, and our parents, with our favorite deaths. Things got kind of nasty, but we didn’t lose our appetite for brownies.
Graphic Novels:
I read three graphic novels last week. I love graphic novels.
- Hilda and the Midnight Giant, by Luke Pearson. This was the only book on the Schu-Jonker Top 20 that I hadn’t read when it came out. I loved it! Really creative and clever. Can’t wait for the next volume.
- Chickenhare, by Chris Grine. This one popped up in NetGalley and then in the Scholastic book order. Is there anything more appealing to a middle grader than a wise-cracking half hare/half chicken hero? I think not. A sure hit.
- Nursery Rhyme Comics: 50 Timeless Rhymes from 50 Celebrated Cartoonists, by a whole bunch of folks. I’ve been wanting to read this for a long time, and I finally picked it up from the public library. It is wonderful. There are some familiar creators in there, like kids-comics heavyweights Raina Telgemeier and Dave Roman, early reader favorite Nick Bruel, and adult comic creator Mike Mignola. Really great collection.
Picture Books:
I read 12 picture books last week, and nearly all of them were fantastic. My favorite three were:
- Princess in Training, by Tammi Sauer and Joe Berger. The Iza and the Corbchops loved this story of a quirky, energetic princess.
- Crankenstein, by Samantha Berger and Dan Santat. I love everything Dan Santat is involved in, and this was another gem. I was lucky to be able to read an F&G at ALA Midwinter. Actually, I think I must have read this two weeks ago. Hmm…Goodreads user input error.
- Nelson Mandela, by Kadir Nelson. Yet another gorgeous nonfiction picture book by Kadir Nelson. He is a master artist.
Reviewed:
I didn’t review any books this week, but I will be back with another next week. Especially if I’m going to keep my three-reviews-per-month goal.
AND
Right now, I’m reading:
Impossible Rescue: The True Story of an Amazing Arctic Adventure, by Martin W. Sandler.
SO
What are you reading?