It's Monday! What are you reading? 2-10-2020

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.

I feel like I say this a lot, but it's been a minute, friends. Walden Award reading and a grad school class I'm taking has been keeping me away from my own personal reading. So here are a few books I've read and loved in the past couple months that I actually CAN share on my blog.

I recently reviewed:

A Kind of Paradise by Amy Rebecca Tan


I recently read and enjoyed:

New Kid by Jerry Craft

An important book that explores themes of race, friendship, identity, microagressions, and privilege -- all in the package of an appealing middle grade graphic novel. I especially love that New Kid takes on a new meaning at the end of the story. A wonderful choice for the 2020 Newbery medal.

Say Her Name by Zetta Elliott, illustrated by Loveis Wise
Even thought Zetta Elliott said that she doesn't consider herself a poet in the introduction of this book of poetry, but I'd venture to say that she's a legit, real-deal poet. I'd love to see more books of poetry by her in the future.

Facts Vs. Opinions Vs. Robots by Michael Rex

In a media landscape where everyone seems to have their own set of facts depending on their partisan beliefs, it's clear that it's time to revisit the difference between facts and opinions, starting with very young children. But also, it wouldn't hurt for some adults to read this book either. I especially love that this book doesn't just break down the difference between facts and opinions, but also discusses what can happen when we dismiss other people's opinions, especially when they're our friends.

With All My Heart by Stephanie Stansbie, illustrated by Richard Smythe
A sweet book about a parent's love as they see their child grow. Loved the cute cutouts from page to page.

The Cool Bean by Jory John, illustrated by Pete Oswald

A fun book that reminds us all that we don’t have to be friends with everyone but it’s still cool to be kind and respectful to everyone. Humpty Dumpty Lived Near a Wall by Derek Hughes, illustrated by Nathan Christopher If Dan Santat’s After the Fall were created by Edward Gorey... but not, because despite the dark and dismal setting, it manages to still end on a somewhat hopeful note. The Shortest Day by Susan Cooper, illustrated by Carson Ellis Gorgeous writing and illustrations about the winter solstice. Read this book when you’re getting your hygge on. We Love Babies by Jill Esbaum We love babies, yes we do. We love babies, how about you? Having a bad day? Need some cuteness in your life? Look no further.