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.
Hello everyone! EXCITING NEWS! The 2020 Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award finalists have been named and I am so proud of all 5 of these books:
Lovely War by Julie Berry
Like a Love Story by Abdi Nazemian
Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay
White Rose by Kip Wilson
The winner will be announced next Monday.
Last week I read and enjoyed:
The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegate
| A wonderful and satisfying sequel to The One and Only Ivan, this time with the wily mutt Bob telling his story. |
Bites of Terror: 10 Frightfully Delicious Tales by Cuddles and Rage
Like Tales from the Crypt but with food and clay figures. I'm not entirely sure who the audience is for this book -- is it for kids? Adults? Regardless, it's still delightfully entertaining.
Sorry (Really Sorry) by Joanna Cotler, illustrated by Harry Bliss
A cow's mean behavior sets off a chain reaction of unkindness on the farm and soon it only takes one to show that kindness can spread just as quickly as meanness.
Grandma's Gardens by Hillary Rodham Clinton and Chelsea Clinton, illustrated by Carme Leminiscates
A beautiful book written by both Hillary and Chelsea Clinton about they way gardening has brought generations together in their family.
I Am Leonardo da Vinci by Brad Meltzer, illustrated by Chrstopher Eliopoulos
| Leonardo da Vinci was a jack-of-all-trades. The original Renaissance Man. He was led by curiosity and therefore created many brilliant works of art. And some not -so-brilliant things too. This would be a great book to read to talk to students about growth mindset and leading your life with curiosity. I could see this being a good introduction to genius hour/passion project/20% time. Currently (re)reading:  I Think You're Wrong (But I'm Listening): A Guide to Grace-filled Political Conversations by Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers I decided to re-read this book because I proposed a virtual book club to friends and family to read this book with me this month. I have been so despondent over the state of politics in our country right now -- even more so than I usually am -- that I decided to do something about it. I quote Pantsuit Politics all the time to friends and family that I decided it was high time my friends and family started listening to them too, either via their podcast or by joining me in reading this book. So far I've got a nice group of over 20 people who are reading it with me and I am really grateful that I am helping to spread the message that we NEED to talk politics with each other, and ESPECIALLY the people we don't agree with. The problem is we don't know HOW, and that's what that book does a great job at helping us out with. If you too are feeling despondent over the state of politics and want to learn a better way, I highly encourage you to read this book and/or listen to Pantsuit Politics. |
Except for books from the Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award finalists, I've not yet read any of these titles! And I can especially appreciate the personal bit you shared in regards to I Think You're Wrong (But I'm Listening). Lately, I've found my nerves are more shaken by the extreme division in our country than even by the Coronavirus. I love your idea of proposing a virtual book club for friends and family! I'm checking with my husband to see if he already has a copy of this title. Thanks for sharing, Beth!
ReplyDeleteI Think You're Wrong (But I'm Listening) sounds interesting, relevant, and needed. Grandma's Gardens is in my stack.
ReplyDeleteI'm anxious to check out The One and Only Bob! I'm eager for my library to reopen; I've gotten e-mails from them saying they're working hard to get ready. Thanks for sharing and have a great week!
ReplyDeleteWhy yes, I too am far more depressed by the state of politics (and, frankly, humanity) than I usually am. I will give Pantsuit Politics a listen and definitely get this book. Thanks for the rec! Also, I'm so eager to get The One and Only Bob! And Grandma's Garden sounds like one my mom and I would both enjoy.
ReplyDeleteHillary and Chelsea Clinton were supposed to come to the Indie by me this past month in celebration of their book. They weren't personalizing the books but you were going to be able to take a picture with them. Of course it was cancelled, bummed, but like everything else, you understand why.
ReplyDeleteI saw the Walden List came out. Still so many books to read from the list! White Rose and Patron Saints are the ones I really want to get to!
I have One and Only Bob on its way, am sure I will like it. I've seen Sorry, (Really Sorry) before & the cover & title is inviting. Thanks Beth for each one, all new to me. I love the look of Grandma's Gardens, love Carme Leminiscates' illustrations.
ReplyDeleteBites of Terror has one of the more unique descriptions. I hope to come across that one someday. Of course, I want to get The One and Only Bob and a few of the picture books too. Thanks for the shares.
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