#IMWAYR October

I haven't posted a #IMWAYR in quite a while, so now is as good as time as any to get caught up with some of my October reads! Back to school this year has been insanely busy as I get to know my new readers, learn and teach the new Units of Study and implement #classroombookaday. I may not have been reading quite as much as "usual" but I feel like I'm finally starting to feel on top of things that are happening in the classroom.

So, here's what my reading life has looked liked recently...

I purchased Ryan T. Higgins' latest gem as birthday present to myself and I'm so glad I did! It may be my favorite of the Bruce series so far. Bruce, the mice, and the goslings are all back and looking for a new home! The end papers and "undies" of this book are my favorite of 2017! We also read all the Bruce books for #classroombookaday and the students were not disappointed either. I highly recommend this book as a read aloud for any classroom.

I had seen so much social media press about this story. So I had to pick up a copy and read it for myself. This story was great and did not disappoint me or my fifth graders. Loved the messages that change takes time and everyone gets to create their own destiny. I also loved that Bad Seed taught us that no one is perfect even bad seeds trying to be "good."

This was a recent read. I picked up a copy at our local book festival, Books by the Banks. I loved all the photographs of shelter dogs and their rescue stories. I wish there was a little more about each dog or their new lives but I think this will make a nice addition to my classroom library along with my other photography based books like Strong is the New Pretty.

My audiobook for October was Dumplin' and I'm a Julie Murphy fan for life. I love her writing style and the story of Willow Dean. I can't wait for  the next installment Puddin'. From the Dolly references to the local beauty pageant - this book takes the crown! Loved Willow's sassy and bold voice while also showing that she can be insecure and vulnerable too. A great audiobook and fantastic story! 

I'm absolutely loving the voice of Karma is in this new middle grade novel. Perfect for upper grade readers that are starting to notice changes in themselves and with their friends. Karma's dealing with a lot from family changes to the seventeen hairs she discovers on her upper lip, this story is sure to connect with lots of kids, especially girls who find it hard to fit in during those middle school years. I can't wait to finish this book and share it with my students! I'm also super excited to meet author Kristi Weintge as she's coming to a local indie, Blue Manatee Bookstore in November!

I picked this book up last year prior to the Newbery awards. But I just couldn't get into it. I wanted to love it as I absolutely love Medieval historical fiction (major Karen Cushman fangirl! Catherine Called Birdy & The Midwife's Apprentice were my jam back in 6th grade) and really enjoyed The Canterbury Tales in high school. But alas, I just couldn't dig into it. So, I rebooted this time as an audiobook. I'm enjoying the audio although it is a little hard to keep track of all the characters telling the tales even though there is a whole cast of narrators. I also almost put it down again but I've reached the farting dragon and I think I'm finally hooked enough to finish this story! Finally, starting to feel like the story is coming together and moving in a direction I can get behind.

What are you currently reading?

#IMWAYR June Wrap-Up

I haven't joined in the #IMWAYR  in a while, so I thought this would be a great way to wrap up some amazing reads that I finished in June! A big focus this month has been on Mock Newbery contenders. I try to read as many of the books as possible so I can be a better book talker to my students (and of course be able to make my own predictions.) I'm also throwing myself into as many picture books as possible so that I can hit the ground running with #classroombookaday next year. You can see all my picture book reads and reviews on goodreads. I'll focus on middle grade books for this post!

This diverse collection of short stories is a must for any middle grade classroom! I enjoyed listening to this book as a audio because each story was read by a different narrator. It kept the book moving forward and made the stories come to life. Kwame Alexander and Matt de la Pena had two of my favorite stories along with author Grace Lin. Many of the stories tackle issues that kids can relate too including stereotypes, fitting in, and finding your own way. You won't be disappointed in this collection and it'd be a perfect fit for the Reading Without Walls Challenge. Grades 5+.

This story and the cast of unforgettable characters captured my heart! Carter Higgins has created a fantastic read that will have you craving sweet potato fries and hot dogs. Everything is better at the ballpark and this story is no exception! Students will instantly connect with Derby and her love of all things food, family, and fun! From helping out a friend in need to training turtles this book has it all. Lots of great discussion to be had about losing a loved one and how friends and family can help you move on. On my #MockNewbery list for 2018. Grades 4+.

I have so many mixed feelings about this novel. I had heard some great things and read stellar reviews on goodreads, so I knew I had to pick up a copy. I'm glad I've read this book and was able to journey with Rydr as she comes to grips with loss, love, and life as she makes her way to an uncle she's never met. The writing is fantastic! However, I think School Library Journal and the author are a little out of touch with middle grade literature. This is NOT a middle grade novel in my opinion. From the Ginsberg references to the drug/relationship inferences - I'm not sure any 5th or 6th grade will fully comprehend the author's intent. I also was left without much hope for Rydr because her future was so uncertain. While I'm not saying the ending should be perfect - most MG books leave the reading feeling a sense of hopefulness for the future. I didn't get that feeling. I see this more of a YA book for 7th and 8th grade students. I believe that more books need to confront the drug problem we're facing in today's world but I'm not sure this is the book for younger students. Grades 7+.

Jen Maschari's newest book Things That Surprise You does not disappoint! I fell instantly in love wiht Emily Murphy and connected with her struggle to navigate the difficult world of middle school, divorce, and feeling like you matter. Emily's story is a must read for any middle schooler and Jen's own personal connections to the story make the story shine. It's realistic and true and students will appreciate some "messy" truths about life as a young adult. I read this book in just under 24 hours because the writing and story were so well crafted. You'll want to preorder this August release for your classroom or Mock Newbery book club. This title is definitely on my #MockNewbery 2018 list. Grades 4+.

Izzy Kline has butterflies about starting fifth grade and auditioning for the school play. She's also worried about friends and fitting in. Told in verse and through "small moments" in Izzy's life, this story is a fast read that students will love! Izzy's life is heart-warming and easily relatable to any one that's tried to set outside their comfort zone. Grades 4+.

Is it too early to say this is a Newbery contender? This story instantly took me back to my first time reading The Giver in 6th grade. The world that Laurel Synder has built is magical and realistic -- so much so you'll never want to leave Orphan Island. The characters and setting make for a wonderful tale of nine children thriving on an island. This story captured my attention from the first sentence to the last period. I read this book in 2 days trying to savor the ending. I've seen some mixed reviews about pacing online - but I felt the story flowed as you witness first hand the blurred lines between childhood and young adulthood. Jinny's story is one that many students will want to read again as they try and put together the puzzle that is Orphan Island. So many questions and metaphors, this book kept me thinking even after the last page. A must have for middle grade dystopian and fantasy lovers! On my Mock Newbery for 2018. Grades 4+.

Currently, I'm reading Hello, Universe & listening to the audiobook for See You in the Cosmos. 
What's your list for July?

#IMWAYR

It's Monday! What are you Reading?

I've been feeling the reading slump lately. I currently don't even have an audiobook which is very uncommon for me. I've been listening to A LOT of podcasts and trying to get myself organized during this end of the year push. Between writing a grant application and trying to get a lists of materials ready for Mock Newbery, I think I'm just feeling restless. Sometimes, you just need the right book at the right time. I think it's important to share these natural breaks in reading with our students. If you're not feeling it - you're not feeling it. It happens even to the most dedicated of readers.

If you enjoyed, The Distance to Home, you'll definitely want to check out Jenn Bishop's newest novel, 14 Hollow Road. This book centers around Maddie, who is trying to find her place as a soon to be seventh grader. She's a very real character that many girls will be identify with as she struggles with friendships and her first crush. To complicate matters, a tornado has hit Maddie's hometown and she's focused to deal with life at a neighbors and the disappearance of her beloved dog, Hank. As someone who experienced a tornado my freshmen year of high school, Maddie's experience brought back memories of seeing the devastation and having so many friends displaced for months. Look for Jenn's book out June 13th!

If you haven't seen this book on social media, you may need to reconsider who you follow! Seriously, this book has been blowing up on Instagram and Twitter. So, when Target had this title on Cartwheel - I was there! One of my absolute favorite picture books of the year! You'll be laughing as Rock, Paper, and Scissors do battle against household objects including dinosaur shaped nuggets! Laugh out loud funny and the perfect read aloud for ANY day!

Josh Funk is a picture book genius! I was singing this book aloud as I read it at home to myself before taking it into my fifth graders. From swabbing the deck to searching for buried treasure it's a pirasaurs life on the high seas. This book is filled with wonderful rhythms that'll make you want to sing this book aloud! Lots of fun word plays make this a great addition to any upper elementary classroom. We're Pirasaurs, Pirasaurs with spiky tails we'll raise the sails and we are never bored! Google the trailer, you'll have the song in your head all day! If you don't know much about Josh or Pirasaurs check out the {Book Trailer} and it's guaranteed to be the best minute of your day!

I could absolutely NOT put The Children of Exile down! #Unputdownable So, needless to say, I was very excited to get to read an ARC of sequel, The Children of Refuge. Refuge follows Edwy's journey from after he and Rosi split up in the woods. I'm enjoying the difference in perspective and voice and it really showcases Haddix's craft as an author. I'm hoping to settle into this book and give it the time it deserves this upcoming week! So far, the cliffhangers are on point! Haddix is the queen of the cliffhanger! Look for The Children of Refuge out September 12th! 

It's Monday, What Are You Reading?

It's Monday and I've actually been in a good reading groove this week. It also helps when you're reading some amazing books! Here are the books, I've been reading this past week! 

Picture Books

Until recently, I did not have any Jason Chin books in my library. Gasp! What? I know. He's so talented and I've admired his books for a while. So, when I saw Amazon list Gravity for $6.99. I knew I had to pick up Gravity and Grand Canyon. Both books have stellar pictures. I was hoping for a little more "story" or information in Gravity but I loved all the cool science facts about gravity at the end of the book. I know my fifth graders, who are currently studying space, will snatch this book up instantly tomorrow.

I was, however, absolutely blown away by Grand Canyon. I wasn't sure if a picture book could do the Grand Canyon justice and Jason Chin proved me wrong. The images are grand and breath-taking plus it is loaded, loaded, loaded with facts! I learned so much about fossils and rock formations thanks to Jason's handy illustrations and hidden cutaways. This book is worth every penny especially if you also teach Social Studies or regions of the country. I highly recommend Grand Canyon for upper elementary classroom libraries.

Middle Grade

I love Augusta Scattergood's historical fiction. Her books are so accessible to kids and are perfect for kids that may think they "don't like" historical fiction. Currently, many of my students are reading Making Friends with Billy Wong and Glory Be in our historical fiction book clubs. Because they've loved those stories so much, I picked up another novel by Augusta Scattergood. I recently finished the audiobook of The Way to Stay in Destiny and was once again impressed by Scattergood's talent at weaving in believable and interesting characters into historical time periods. From a local tomboy who rather play softball than dance to a young boy who sneaks down to play the piano, this book does a great job at showing students that there are no such things as boy or girl hobbies. Students do not need a lot of historical background before reading which is great for students that may want to do additional research on this time period. I'd recommend for grades 4 and up.

I'm now currently reading See You in the Cosmos as a potential #MockNewbery list. It has shown up here and there on Twitter and Travis Jonker featured it as a potential 2018 Newbery on 100 Scope Notes. With such endorsement, I bought a copy and I'm giving it a shot. I don't know much about science (history or science) and I'm hoping to learn a little more as I get to know Alex better through his transmissions. So far, I'm not sure I'm connecting with Alex. I'm hoping to connect on a deeper level more emotional level as he continues to read his transmissions on the golden iPod, much like Carl Sagan's golden record. This book has definitely forced me to do a little extra outside research on Carl Sagan as he's clearly a hero and idol of Alex, so much so he's named his dog Carl Sagan.

Young Adult

How could one not read, The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas after all the buzz on Twitter and social media. I ordered a copy on Amazon and by page 27, I knew I couldn't put it down. It took me less than three days to finish from cover to cover. The writing is exceptional. Can we call the Printz award, now? It's going to win. It's that good. It's not a fluke that's the number one on the New York Times' Young Adult Hardcover list. It will leave you speechless and laughing out loud all within a few paragraphs. The emotion, honesty, and rawness of the book are powerful. Plus, the questions Star asks are ones that are relevant to our students today. Angie Thomas has perfectly captured the imperfectness of high school, relationships, and family. I highly recommend this book to all teachers & readers grades 9 and up.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It's been far too long since I've joined #IMWAYR hosted by Jen at Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee at Unleashing Readers . The year started off with me in a deep reading slump. I had read so many wonderful books in 2017 that I was feeling a major book hangover early on in 2018. I'm feeling back in the groove, so I figured I'd share what I'm reading this week with It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

Middle Grade Fiction

The Ethan I Was Before by Ali Standish

I finished up a five star read early in the week. If you haven't put The Ethan I was Before on your TBR, you need to add it right now! The book is so well written and unique as it blends several subplots (including flashblacks) into one story that is unforgettable. It focuses on main character, Ethan, as he begins to examine how he was before witnessing a tragic event. Ethan's PTSD makes him an unreliable narrator at times as he comes to grips with his life before the accident in Massachusetts and his new life in North Carolina. This book will strike a chord with lovers of The Thing About Jellyfish, The Bridge to Terabitha and Walk Two Moons.

This is a great book you'll want in your classroom library. I felt like this book tackled many tough issues but on an appropriate level for middle grade readers. The story will be one that'll stay with you long after you've put it down! I can't wait to see what debut author Ali Standish releases next!

When Friendship Followed Me Home by Paul Griffin

My love affair with dog books continue. I did a post earlier this month about my students' obsession with dog books, you can check it out {here}. Because I also love a good dog story, I downloaded When Friendship Followed Me Home as my next audiobook. The author himself is the narrator on the audiobook. This book had me hooked from the very beginning.

Well crafted characters and an adorable homeless dog make this story unputdownable! I'm about half way through the audiobook and plan on finishing it this week even if I have to drive around town as an excuse to finish it up! Readers that loved Maxi's Secrets or The Honest Truth, will love this "more than a dog" story!

Up next in my TBR pile... 

Fenway and Hattie and the Evil Bunny Gang by Victoria J. Coe

What are you reading this Monday?