I love Mondays. After I get home from work, I get to laze on the sofa and learn what other bloggers are reading. If you are wondering what to read next, come join the fun with hosts Jen from Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki from Unleashing Readers.
While other literature has entertained me this week, I've mostly just had energy for picture books.
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| 5 stars |
Sam & Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett
It's a good as everyone says it is. I loved the complicated messages that a group of grade 2/3/4 students took from it. They probably got it better than I did.
5 stars
If You Want to Find Golden by Eileen Spinelli and Stacey Schuett.
Just beautiful. I have to remember this title when teachers are doing units on colours or poetry.
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| 5 stars |
I revisited Whitewash by Ntozake Shange
I've used this book with students as part of a critical literacy unit many times. It never fails to move me to near tears, and I am always humbled by the students responses to it.
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| 4 stars |
Cock-A-Doodle Doo, Creak, Pop-Pop, Moo by Jim Aylesworth
"This is the story of a day in the life of an old time farm. I enjoyed the rhythm and rhyming in the language. Brad Sneed's illustrations are both beautiful and fun at the same time. Together, the two of them capture the noisy busy life that once was."
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| 2 stars |
Everyone Can Learn to Ride a Bicycle by Chris Raschka
"I really wanted to love this book, and I think the text is very powerful. The pictures just didn't work for me though."
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| 2 stars |
Two by Kathryn Otoshi
"This is another book I wanted to adore and just couldn't. I didn't mind the first part, but then the story got too preachy and out of control. There is nothing better than a simple story well told. Unfortunately, this isn't one of them."
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| 5 stars |
Otis's Busy Day by Loren Long
I wish all emergent readers were as entertaining as this one. It has simple text and glorious images.
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| 4 stars |
I finished listening to The Familiars by Adam Jay Epstein
This book has been on my radar for a bit. I'd read some good stuff about it, but it wasn't picked up by my readers, so thought I better read it myself. I'm glad I did. Sometimes you need a sweet fantasy with a bit of action.
Here's a spot of serendipity for you. I no sooner finished this title, than a young boy came to ask if we had it in the library.
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| 5 stars |
brown girl dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
This beautiful book worked for me on so many levels.
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| 4 stars |
Hound Dog True by Linda Urbane
Linda Urbane can really do no wrong in my opinion. She excels in the simple story done well category. In this one, a shy young girl learns to be brave. Although I enjoyed it, it will take me a bit to find just right readers for it.
Currently,
I've started How Not to Be Wrong: The Power of Mathematical Thinking by Jordan Ellenberg, and I am intrigued by it, but this past week my nonfiction reading has mostly focused on radiation therapy and other cancer related journal articles.
I'm listening to Paperboy by Vince Vawter and reading, with my eyes, Andrew Smith's Winger.
I'm quite fond of Otis. And, I agree with you about Two and Raschka's book.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it sad when you are expecting so much more from a book.
Deletehow to Outrun a Crocodile was very good- a HAPPY book for a change! It's exactly the sort of book my students want, unlike the vast amount of introspective, depressing navel gazing books out there!
ReplyDeleteI'm ready for something upbeat, although I am really enjoying Paperboy.
DeleteSo many lovely books! We are huge fans of the first Otis book. I didn't realize there were others!
ReplyDeleteHi Erin, this is a penguin reader. Given this, it is still a fabulous read. I accidently picked up an Otis Activity book also. I'm not sure how it will go over in a school library, but it's here. There are actually many Otis books and even an Otis tractor doll!
DeleteI just finished All Alone in the Universe this week and loved it! Even more than Criss Cross really, though I do admire Criss Cross very much. I agree with you about Linda Urban--her books are just so, so good. I haven't seen Whitewash but it looks like a must-read for me, so I am offer to request. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWhitewash is not for the faint of heart. It's a picture book that needs to be mediated through an adult. I can't wait to get to All Alone in the Universe.
DeleteWe have never read White Wash and from your description it sounds like an amazing text. Thank you for telling us about it.
ReplyDeleteIt is, but it's also very disturbing. I'm amazed at the thinking of the grade 4/5's I'm using it with.
DeleteYou've got great reading goals ahead of you! Sam and Dave was my favorite from 2014. I'm really hoping it has a shiny sticker on it next week :) I loved Two, but mostly because it was the right book my daughter needed at the right time. Enjoy Croc - it is one of the most witty MG books I've read in a long time!
ReplyDeleteThanks Michele, I am really looking forward to Croc. I'm ready for something light and witty.
DeleteThese all look great! I'm especially excited about If You Want to Find Golden. I love Eileen Spinelli, but this title is new to me. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteIt is a great multicultural text. Although it was published in 2000, it still holds true.
DeleteHmmm...second time I see Sam and Dave Dig a Hole. Have to put it on my wishlist! I'm reading Brown Gilr dreaming too.
ReplyDeleteLisa
LisaTeachR'sClassroom
Isn't it stunning? You will love Sam and Dave. The discussions we've been having with kids of all ages as a result of it are humbling.
DeleteI didn't like Two either. Just too forced and awkward and blah. Loved One so was sad. Sam and Dave was our #MockCaldecott winner. Loved in a big way in my room. Bea is the right reader for Hound Dog True. But she has read it. A lovely book. Love Urban. Speaking of Bea, I gave her Croc for Christmas and she really enjoyed! I read it too. Great! I LOVED Paperboy. Enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI'm walking home these days and it is my constant companion. I'm learning so much from it! I love these books with these beautiful boys. Croc is up next. I've decided not to work more on Winer until I get some fun stuff under my belt.
DeleteHi there Cheriee, that's a LOT of reading. Didn't know about Whitewash - it's too bad it's not available in any of our public libraries - so will definitely recommend to our librarian. Brown Girl Dreaming is beautiful. Loved it too. Can't wait to read sam and dave dig a hole this weekend. :)
ReplyDeleteIf you can find a copy of Whitewash, it is worth reading. We're having amazingly rich conversations using it.
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