#IMWAYR MARCH 21, 2016

Hello #IMWAYR! Jen at Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki atUnleashing Readers host this weekly event when readers and bloggers of kidlit get together to share what they have been reading. 

It's been a while since I last participated. I'm an all or nothing kind of person, and if I'm part of this, I feel the need to read everyone's posts and comment. But February was a hard month. My mother ended up in the hospital again. I was in the throws of last minute organization for Winter Tonic, our annual Teacher Librarian professional development and social event. And then, my Aunt Yvonne died. She was only a few years older than I am. I couldn't do and cope with everything, so I prioritized. Once the tonic was over, I carved out some space to grieve and started spending more time with my mom who hasn't left the hospital. 

Anyone who is a school librarian knows that libraries are about so much more than books. I took time to contemplate the workshops I attended at the Tonic, most especially creating more makerspaces in our library. I am loving the kit of Littlebits I purchased and hoping to round up money for more. Then there was the intensity of end of term work with students: finishing up book trailers and helping my young writers publish their stories. (coming soon)

I started out this first week of spring break by attending my last BCTF AGM. I love participating in democracy and appreciate everything I learn when I am there. I had no time to read or even listen to a book for four days! I did read lots of resolutions and rationals for them though.

Although I took a break from blogging, I did not take a break from reading. Reading is my break from real life and one of my first priorities! Here are some novels I have been reading. Don't worry, I'm only going to highlight my favourites today.

NOVELS

Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon

This is a fascinating look into an illness that I know nothing about. Sometimes when an author's writing draws you into their world with such finesse, you just trust them, and go along for the ride. This is what happened to me here. Madeline Whittier has SCID. This means that leaving her house can kill her. Up until now, Madeline has been content with her life, but that all changes when new neighbours move in next door and she starts up an online relationship with their very attractive teenage son.
Some of what I enjoyed most about this book were Madeline's musings and decisions about what it means to have a life. (Ok, So I also loved Madeline's dictionary entries and her Spoiler Reviews)
At one point I thought I would stop reading because I anticipated a tragic, heartbreaking ending. I'm glad I didn't. 

The Boy in the Black Suit by Jason Reynolds

I could have sworn I took notes and wrote about this book, but I can't find them anywhere. I read it while travelling home from my aunt's funeral. Of course I cried. I just adored the sweetness of this story about a young boy who has lost his mother. He attends funerals to watch the mourners and find a connection to others who have experienced his level of grief. It's also a bit of a quirky romance. I love love love all the characters in this story.

Orbiting Jupiter by Gary Schmidt

I am in awe of the way Gary Schmidt crafts his characters. His are young boys to become smitten with in so many ways. This book is no different. Jack lives in a happy family with his mother and father. They take in Joseph, a troubled young man a couple of years older than Jack. Joseph has had a hard life. He lived with an abusive father. Then at 13, he ended up falling in love and getting his girlfriend pregnant. What ensued was a year of hell. By the time he came to Jack's family he was badly damaged. Most of this book is about the redemptive quality of love and acceptance. It reminds us how important a few select adults can be in a child's life. Over time Joseph shares his story with them. More than anything he wants to see his baby girl, Jupiter.

I suspected what was going to happen with Jupiter. I did not like the way Joseph's story went.

Dory and the Real True Friend by Abby Hanlon

I adore Dory! If the gods had given me a daughter, I would have wanted one just like her. I suspect she would have driven me around the bend and I already have two boys who do that.

In this chapter book, Dory goes into grade one. I love the advice her older siblings give her:

You can't wear that dirty old nightgown.

You can't talk to yourself.

Do not move furniture around in your classroom to build a fort.

No matter what, do not use your imagination!

DON'T BE YOURSELF.

At school, after disregarding these directions, Dory finally makes a real best friend. Unfortunately her older siblings don't believe her.

My younger readers are devouring this series!

I Crawl Through It by A.S. King

I'm finished this book, but I'm still trying determine what the heck happened. I've got synapses sparking all over the place, but I'm still working to identify the big ideas. In a strangely familiar parallel reality, four brilliant teens experience the build up to the insanity of high stakes testing week. In the midst of all this, the story is an exploration of the power of belief, truth and honesty, love and acceptance. At least that's what I've figured out so far.

Death by Toilet Paper by Donna Gephart

From the cover you might think this is a goofy book. It is not. While there is humour, it's also a profound story of a boy and his mother coping with the loss of father and husband. They are in dire financial straits and will be evicted from their apartment if they can't come up with enough money soon. Ben hopes to do this by winning some kind of contest.

Toilet paper comes into the story when Ben writes a letter to a toilet paper company telling them how much he misses their superior product now that his mother has to buy a cheaper brand. I enjoyed reading the toilet paper facts at the beginning of each chapter.

There is so much to love about this book. There are sensitive realistic characters dealing with complicated issues. 

The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin

Just bloody lovely. This is a beautiful novel that integrates nonfiction information about jellyfish into a heartbreaking story of loss, forgiveness and acceptance.

Neil Flambé and the Marco Polo Murders by Kevin Sylvester

The first in this series was published in 2011 and I'm only reading it now. I regret having missed it earlier. Neil Flambé is a 14 year old chef who runs his own restaurant. Because of his superb sense of smell, he helps the police solve crimes. 

GRAPHIC NOVELS

The Outside Circle by Patti Laboucane-Benson & Kelly Mellings (illustrator)

I wish I could say that all of the intergenerational pain dealt with in this book was news to me, but it isn't. It is the story of Pete, an indigenous young man who grew up with a damaged mother who came from a family damaged by the residential school system. He got tangled up in a gangster world of drugs and violence. Then he killed his abusive stepfather and ended up in prison. In prison he connected to a special warriors program that focused on healing him and saving his life.

This book is gritty, but ultimately hopeful. The notes at the end tell more about the program Pete attended.

One of my goals for this year is to read all the longlisted Canada Reads titles. This is my first finished one. Unfortunately, it didn't make the short list. The battle over which book will win begins tomorrow. 

PICTURE BOOKS

Worm Loves Worm by by J.J. Austrian & Mike Curato (Illustrator)

This book is perfection in so many ways. I could connect to the craziness of organizing a wedding since my son was married last September. But this book is so much more than this. I loved sharing it with students and talking about the biology of worms. 

NONFICTION PICTURE BOOKS

Swan: The Life and Dance of Anna Pavlova by Laurel Snyder (Goodreads Author), Julie Morstad (illustrator) 

Beautiful just beautiful. The text is a graceful dance. You must take time to look closely at the images for they are filled with surprises. This ending is the most beautiful reflection on dying.

"Every day must end in night.

Every bird must fold it's wings.

Every feather falls at last, and settles."

I took this in and read it to my mother. We were both in awe. 

Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras by Duncan Tonatiuh

I am such a fan of Duncan Tonatiuh's art. I loved this narrative that educates readers about Posada's art, Mexican history, political cartooning, and the meaning behind the day of the dead. 

This Bridge Will Not Be Gray by Dave Eggers, & Tucker Nichols (illustrator)

I adore the abstract illustrations and the straightforward narrative. Such a beautiful combination! 

I read this just after finished Funny Bones and I think the juxtaposition of the two books made me appreciate the art in each of them more. 

CURRENTLY

I am in the middle of trying to decide what audiobook to go to next. Otherwise I'm reading The Odds of Getting Even by Sheila Turnage and Audacity Jones to the Rescue by Kirby Larson. 

UP NEXT

I've just picked up All American Boys from the library and am nearly delirious with excitement to start reading it!

I'm heading away for a week's holiday next week and loading up on books, but not too many. In my need to prioritize and focus on spending time with my mom, I'm working hard not to overwhelm myself with things I must do, and that includes bringing home an overambitious number of books to read during breaks. Aside from what is on my device, here is what I'm bringing with me. 

I've got some of the longlisted Canada Reads titles as audiobooks and I think my partner and I will listen to one of them on our trip.