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.
I am coming off an amazing weekend! The Kids Read Comics convention was in Ann Arbor this weekend, and it was pretty sweet getting to hang out with the likes of Raina Telgemeier and Dave Roman, along with getting to see friends I don't get to hang out with that often. Check out the link above for a recap of the event.
Last week I reviewed:
Challenger Deep by Neal Shusterman
The World on a Plate by Mina Holland
I finished reading:
Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson
Who would've guessed that a graphic novel about roller derby could get me so verklempt at the end? I wasn't expecting to feel ALL THE THINGS by the end of Roller Girl because Astrid was initially a difficult character to get behind. It wasn't until about 3/4 of the way through that she started to redeem herself.
Displacement: A Travelogue by Lucy Knisley
I haven't finished an entire book in one sitting in a very long time but I couldn't put this one down. A sensitive, earnest, fatalistic look at family and mortality, yet also done somehow with a lighthearted touch.
I finished reading with my ears:
Glory Be by Augusta Scattergood
Given the events in McKinney, Texas, the subject-matter of this book compelled me to bring it to the top of my TBR pile. While I did wish that the story went deeper into the controversy of the town's pool closing, I also understand that Glory Be is told through the eyes of a young girl, and it was likely the right amount of depth for the age it was written for.
Interestingly enough, I only finished two picture books this week, and they both had the same title:
Pig and Pug by Laura Marchesani & Zenaides M. Medina, illustrated by Jarvis
Pig and Pug by Lynne Berry, illustrated by Gemma Correll
Currently reading:
Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead
Dogs are People, Too by Dave Coverly
Currently reading with my ears:
Things We Know by Heart by Jessi Kirby
Last week on my teaching blog I posted:
Ladies who lunch
The complexities of the human condition
Celebrate going rogue
I saw your pics from KidsRead and what a blast it looked!
ReplyDeleteNice variety! Come see my YA week here. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed Goodbye Stranger and I am looking forward to seeing your thoughts about it. The World on a Plate sounds like a fascinating book. I will definitely have to look for it. Have a good reading week!
ReplyDeleteI've put a hold on The World on a Plate. My partner is the cook in our house and it if looks good I will add it to his Christmas list. I've got Glory Be on my list. It looks like it would be just the book to pair up with Deborah Wiles Freedom Summer to build background knowledge.
ReplyDeleteRoller Girl and Goodbye Stranger are both on my must reads! I loved Glory Be, and you're right - perfect for 4th/5th graders!
ReplyDeleteThe World on a Plate sounds fabulous. Roller Girl got me too. I love Lucy Knisley and Displacement worked for me also. It was the perfect mix of seriousness & humor.
ReplyDeleteI love Lucy Knisley. Displacement really got me in the feels. Have a great week!
ReplyDelete~Megan
http://wp.me/pzUn5-2lv
Glory Be is just right for its intended audience, I think - I do love Augusta Scattergood!
ReplyDeleteI have Goodbye Stranger in my pile to read. It's 3rd in the YA pile right now!
ReplyDeleteI really loved Roller Girl. But I really wish they had not used that one word in the book! I can't put it out for 4th graders, and my principal won't let me sharpie it out :(
You are the second person I've heard mention Challenger Deep. Donalyn book talked it at All Write last week.
I saw your tweets this weekend, looked like you all had a great time!
I loved Roller Girl. I had no idea I had an interest in roller derby, but I sure do now. Both Pig & Pug titles look adorable. There's just something about a pug, isn't there? One of my favorite breeds....
ReplyDeleteBeth, thanks for some really good titles to consider. I have read Glory Be, and really love that book. I think it's a good book for addressing that period in history with 4th and 5th graders. Roller Girl is up next on my "to read" list-- the Goodreads Mock Newbery group I'm a part of is reading it as this month's book. After looking at your other titles I'm really interested in getting your opinions of the new Rebecca Stead book and Dogs Are People, Too!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, and enjoy your week. I'll be looking to see what you have to say about the books you're currently reading!
I just reserved Roller Girl and Displacement from the library and really looking forward to reading them! :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a really cool conference!
ReplyDeleteThings like two books called "Pig and Pug" amuse me. How do two people arrive at such a funny juxtaposition and both managed to get published without finding out about the other?