It's Monday! What are you reading? Is a wonderful community of readers, teachers, and librarians. Hosted by Jen over at Teach Mentor Texts along with Kellee and Ricki at Unleashing Readers, participants share their reading adventures from the past week along with their reading plans for the week ahead.
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.
Last week I finished reading:
As Brave As You by Jason Reynolds
While I didn't connect with this book as much as Reynolds' YA novels, I'm also thrilled to see that the sweet, gentle stories that Reynolds is known for have made their way to the hearts and minds of middle grade readers. It's also one of those books that I have discovered is growing on me in fondness the more that time passes.
I also finished reading with my ears:
Vivian Apple at the End of the World by Katie Coyle
I really enjoyed the audio of this book. Thanks to the summer Audiobook Sync program for all the great free YA listening experiences. I definitely need to read the sequel now!
Picture books that stood out in the pile:
A Pig Parade is a Terrible Idea by Michael Ian Black, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes
Who knew being a killjoy could be so much fun? I love Michael Ian Black's dry, deadpan humor. It definitely makes his picture books stand out.
What Do You Do with a Problem? by Kobi Yamada, illustrated by Mae Besom
Definitely a text I will be using for classroom community building in the future.
Finding Wild by Megan Lloyd Wagner, illustrated by Abigail Halpin
Equally stunning writing and illustrations.
This is Not a Picture Book! by Sergio Ruzzier
A lovely, simple story about the power of words. A book I will undoubtedly be using next year with my students.
If You Ever Want to Bring a Piano to the Beach, Don't! by Elise Parsley
Don't bring a piano to the beach. You'll probably lose it. Absolute delightful absurdity. If you're in a bad mood, read this book. It's sure to put a smile on your face.
The Thank You Book by Mo Willems
The perfect ending to the Elephant and Piggie series, though I'm sad there will be no more books.
Currently Reading:
Ms. Bixby's Last Day by John David Anderson
I'm looking forward to being one of the blog tour stops for this book next week.
Currently reading with my ears:
100 Sideways Miles by Andrew Smith
Another Audiobook Sync selection. I'm really enjoying this one so far.
I download those SYNC titles most weeks but have only listened to a couple of them. I really need to spend more time with audiobooks. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteI've ordered A Pig Parade Is a Terrible Idea from my library and am looking forward to reading it. I loved What Do You Do With an Idea, so I'm sure the new book will be great, too. Lots of other great picture books this week. Glad it's summer and I have lots more time to read! Have an awesome week!
ReplyDeleteThe Reynolds was a little slow, but Ms. Bixby... violence to cheesecake! If you're interested in the 48 Hour Book Challenge for next year, let me know! http://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/2016/06/sic-transit-gloria-mundi-48-hour-book.html
ReplyDeleteI always forget about those Audiobook downloads! I really need to get on the ball and download each week. You have a whole pile of picture books here that I think I'm going to end up having to purchase.
ReplyDeleteSo many funny books this week! I always get requests for funny books, so I'm definitely going to add a few of these to my library holds list!
ReplyDeleteLots of blog buzz about Ms. Bixby's Last Day - sounds wonderful!
ReplyDeleteWe love This is Not a Picture Book and haven't heard of Finding Wild - Can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteI just put a hold on As Brave as You Are. I adore Jason Reynold's young men!
ReplyDeleteI also love audiosync. I usually download them during the summer and listen to them throughout the other seasons.
I am very intrigued by As Brave As You. I've been having discussions with others about how versatile Jason Reynolds is, and how much we love this. I think I will definitely be checking this one out.
ReplyDeleteWhat Do You Do with a Problem? is a fantastic read. I plan to read it with my pre-service teachers next semester, for sure.
I really would like to get to Jason Reynolds' new book! Ms. Bixby is another one I want to read.
ReplyDeleteI super like the look of If You Ever Want to Bring a Piano to the Beach, Don't! Looks like a hilarious book - perfect for read aloud. :) I am curious about 100 Sideways Miles - I love how delightfully weird Andrew Smith can be.
ReplyDelete