My Monday posts are generally just a highlight of what I've been reading during the week so if you'd like to see all that I've been reading, follow my Goodreads page.
Today is my first day back in the classroom -- with students! Wish me luck!
Last week I reviewed:
The Unfinished Life of Addison Stone by Adele Griffin
I finished reading:
Burnt Toast Makes You Sing Good: A Memoir of Food and Love from an American Midwest Family by Kathleen Flinn
I'm looking forward to using this book as a mentor text to get students telling family stories that revolve around food. Flinn is also coming to Ann Arbor on Wednesday and I'm looking forward to hearing more about her life in the kitchen.
I finished reading with my ears:
Bigger Than a Bread Box by Laurel Snyder
A book that all kids who are going through a parents' divorce will identify with. The main character's wishes manifest themselves through a magical bread box, which she soon realizes is just a crutch that causes more problems than it solves.
My favorite picture book last week was:
Tadpole's Promise by Jeanne Willis, illustrated by Tony Ross
Oh my gosh! The ending broke my heart. I so wasn't expecting that. Definitely a discussion-worthy book to share with students.
Currently reading:
Horrorstör by Grady Hendrix
Horror novel or IKEA catalog rip-off? You decide. I love the eclectic collection of books Quirk has in their arsenal.
Currently reading with my ears:
Life by Committee by Corey Ann Haydu
Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman
Last week on my teaching blog:
New beginnings: A look into my past, present, and future
Thanks for sharing, a lot of these titles are new to me. You've got me intrigued on Tadpole's Promise!
ReplyDeleteHope you have a wonderful first day! My semester starts today too but I don't have any Monday classes. I love food memoirs so I'll definitely be looking for a copy of the Kathleen Flinn book. Your post also reminded me that I started Bigger Than a Breadbox back in May and didn't finish it--I need to find it and finish. I was enjoying it but got sucked into a different book and never got back to it.
ReplyDeleteYes...yes. Go back to Bigger Than a Bread Box. :)
DeleteHappy first day of school! Burnt Toast Makes You Sing - what a great title and I love the idea of a book that promotes family stories about food! the Tadpole book is one I'm definitely going to check out - sounds like a good one for class discussion. Thanks for your list!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed Bigger Than A Breadbox, thought it was very connected to those kids going through that tough time. Still waiting for Burnt Toast... I've pre-ordered it & know it will be good. I'll look for your reviews of those final two books, Beth. They are new to me.
ReplyDeleteBigger Than a Breadbox is a special book. I am so glad it exists for the kids that need it.
ReplyDeleteHappy reading this week! :)
I LOVE Bigger Than a Breadbox. It's so much more than a book about divorce, Rebecca's feelings and struggles are so REAL for so many kiddos. I've had really great success with the classes in which I've read aloud or used for small group instruction-with both girls and boys. They appreciate the raw/authentic feel that Laurel Snyder writes into her work. I'm glad you found it!
ReplyDeleteI love, love, love food books! Thank you for sharing Burnt Toast Makes You Sing Good: A Memoir of Food and Love from an American Midwest Family. I plan to find it in my library!!! :)
ReplyDeleteI've been meaning to read Bigger than a Breadbox for the longest time. Sounds like an important book that would resonate with a lot of young readers. Thanks for sharing your adult reads too. The Burnt Toast title caught my eye. :)
ReplyDeleteI've noticed lots of books recently in which food plays an important part. Food and books do bring people together!
ReplyDeleteSo . . . how was the first day? Hoping full of inspiration and excitement! Breadbox is a fantastic MG read. I really enjoyed it. I am intrigued by this book by Willis and Ross - must find a copy.
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