It's Monday! What Are You Reading? July 22, 2013

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? From Picture Books to YA!

These memes were started by Teach Mentor Texts and Book Journeys, to inspire readers to share books they have read and will be reading. I have found many of my current reads by following bloggers participating in It’s Monday! What are you reading? Be sure to check out their sites for more information on what they are reading, and learn how to participate. 

                  



Last Week’s Favorites:

Title:  Every Day After
Author:  Laura Golden
Review:  Lizzie Hawkins lives to make her father proud, by never giving up.  However, the Great Depression has brought hard times to the Hawkins family, and Lizzie's father leaves.  Lizzie must learn how to cope with him being gone, but most of all she must learn how to count on those around her to help her through a difficult situation.  This is a book I will be adding to my classroom library.  A story filled with strength, disappointments, determination and coming to know one's self.  



Title:  The Sasquatch Escape
Author:  Suzanne Selfors
Illustrator:  Dan Santat
Review:  I loved the imagination and friendship that was developed throughout this story.  Ben Silverstein is sent to the town of Buttonville, for the summer, so his parents can work out some issues.  Ben becomes friends with the town trouble maker, and is instantly immersed into a summer of adventure.  Together these two must work together to find an escaped Sasquatch, while also keeping this secret from the rest of the nosy town's people.  



Title:  Star Wars:  Jedi Academy
Author:  Jeffrey Brown
Review:  This is set to be released August 27th, and I have already ordered a copy for my classroom.  Check out the review I wrote, about this book, last week.  



Title:  The Hypnotists:  Book 1
Author:  Gordon Korman
Review: Thanks to an eARC from NetGalley, I was able to read this book before it's release date on July 30.  Be sure to check out my review.




Title:  Backstage Cat
Author:  Harriet Ziefert
Illustrator:  Jenni Desmond
Review:  Simon, the backstage cat, must stay backstage while his owner performs for the Opera.  However, one day he escapes and refuses to listen to anyone, no matter how desperate they try to plead with him.  This story is a new take on the typical cat in the tree story.  No matter how great of intentions the humans have, the cat keeps climbing higher and higher.  If you are a cat lover, this is a perfect book for you!  Not to mention the illustrations are beyond amazing! 



Title:  Snippet:  The Early Riser
Author:  Bethanie Deeney Murguia 
Review:  My kids LOVED this book!  If you have taken your kids to see Turbo (mine have only seen the previews), you need to read this book to them.  Snippet is an early riser, but his parents are not.  He tries to think of creative ways to help wake them up.  If you have young children, I'm sure you might appreciate this book more than they do.  ;-) 



Title:  Sea Monster and the Bossy Fish
Author:  Kate Messner
Illustrator:  Andy Rash 
Review:  Bullying can happen anywhere, even in a school of fish.  Sea monster is starting at a new school.  After being bossed around by a fish, he decides to start a club where everyone is invited.  This story is a great reminder that no one likes a bossy fish. 

 

Title:  Imagine
Author and Illustrator :  Bart Vivian
Review: Simple language and beautiful illustrations.  Readers are encouraged to imagine simple, everyday things becoming something more creative and beautiful.  I plan on reading this books with students to help encourage their creativity.

 

Title:  Savvy
Author: Ingrid Law
Review: Mississippi Beaumont is turning thirteen years old, and is anxiously awaiting to learn what her new savvy will be.  However, her father is in a horrible crash just days before her birthday, and things don't turn out as planned.  I couldn't put down this story full of hope and friendship.  As readers, we are reminded that people are not always what they seem on the outside.  Each of us have voices from past experiencing guiding who we are as people.  I would recommend reading A Tangle of Knots by Lisa Graff, if you enjoyed Savvy.


 

Title:  Fallout
Author:  Todd Strasser
Review:   I happened upon this book on NetGalley (to be released Sept. 10) and was hooked within the first chapter! What would have happened if the Cuban Missile Crisis hadn't been prevented? Not knowing much about this time period, I was intrigued by the angst felt within all households at this time. How do you prepare for the incomprehensible? Todd Strasser does a fantastic job describing what almost happened!

 

Title:  Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library
Author:  Chris Grabenstein
Review: I have heard nothing but amazing things about this story, from my Twitter friends. As always, their reviews did not let me down!  Twelve twelve year olds are selected stay at a lock-in to celebrate the opening of Alexandriaville's new library.  However, to escape the library they find a solve a series of clues.  Mr. Lemoncello's Library reaffirms what a love of reading can do for someone.  The language was similar to that of the Phantom Tollbooth, and the adventure reminded me of Willy Wonka (just replace the candy with books).  I can't wait to read this with my students!

Reading Plans for this Week:  (Excuse the crazy formatting - no matter what I do, the font is HUGE!)





Title:  Counting By 7s
Author:  Holly Goldberg Sloan

 

Title:  Twerp
Author: Mark Goldblatt

 

Title:  Skin
Author:  Donna Jo Napoli

 

Title:   999 Frogs Wake Up
Author:  Ken Kimura
Illustrator:  Yasunari Murakami




Title:  Penguin on Vacation
Author:  Salina Yoon





Title:  Ball
Author/Illustrator:  Mary Sullivan