It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

These are memes started by Teach Mentor Texts and Book Journey, and I'm excited to participate, along with many other bloggers, in reviewing books I read the previous week. I'll be reviewing picture books through adult books. 

 

It's been a couple weeks since I wrote a #IMWAYR post!

 

PICTURE BOOKS

 

 

 

Scarlatti's Cat by Nathaniel Lachenmeyer, illustrated by Carlyn Beccia

 

 

 

From the Author's Note: Domenico Scarlatti was an Italian composer and remembered for his sonatas. It was said that his cat, Scarlatti, inspired one of his famous compositions, "The Cat's Fugue." Nathaniel Lachenmeyer imagines how that happened in this cute story of a talented kitty.

 

 

Three Bears in a Boat by David Soman

 

I loved the illustrations in this charming story about 3 bear siblings who go in search of a blue shell to replace the one that belonged to their mother after they broke it.     Two Little Birds by Mary Newell DePalma   Cute little birds set off to join other birds on a journey full of peril and adventure until they settle back home. "Then these birds did what all birds do. They sang, they snuggled...they started something new." From the Author: This story is loosely based on the annual migration of orchard orioles form the northeastern United States to Central America and back.     Abuelo by Arthur Dorros, illustrated by Raul Colon   A young boy and his abuelo would ride together across the countryside, and he would teach his grandson how to stay dry in the rain, the wonder of the stars, how to find his way back to the trail if he got lost, and how to gently guide his horse without spurs. He taught him how to be strong. When the boy's family moved to the city, he used all his abuelo taught him about life. Spanish words are scattered throughout the book, and the illustrations are wonderful.       GRAPHIC NOVEL     Happy Birthday, Babymouse by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm     Oh no - poor Babymouse! She plans her ultimate birthday party on the same day as Felicia's. What are the chances?? All her previous birthdays were disasters, and all she wanted was to finally have a great one. Kids will love this latest installment of Babymouse's humor, antics, and resilience.   POETRY     Words with Wings by Nikki Grimes     I was rooting for Gabby, a daydreamer and outcast who just needed someone to believe in her when se moved to a new school after her parents' divorce. Novels in verse always amaze me because they can pack such a punch with so few, beautiful, and well-chosen words. Grimes's words, like Gabby's, definitely had wings.     YOUNG ADULT       The Living: The Fight Begins When You Survive by Matt de la Pena       Wow. Unbroken meets Titanic meets Wake Up Missing. Want a few hours/days of sitting on the edge of your seat, one thrilling moment after another? Then this is the book for you. La Pena tackles all kinds of things in this book - racial and social class issues, romance, friendship, survival, betrayal, ethics, science, storms, earthquakes, violence, and more. My only disappointment is that I have to wait until fall for the sequel. Ugh.   ADULT     The Aviator's Wife by Melanie Benjamin       I think I would have liked this book better if I had read it instead of listened to it. It was definitely fascinating to learn more about the Lindberghs and the fascinating lives they led. I couldn't help but feel sorry for them. Their fame definitely cost them a great deal. Charles Lindbergh was depicted as controlling, selfish, and unemotional. Anne seemed to be his pawn. It's interesting to ponder whether her life would have been as extraordinary if she had not married Charles. It certainly m...mor I think I would have liked this book better if I had read it instead of listened to it. It seemed to drag on at times. It was definitely compelling, though, to learn more about the Lindberghs and the fascinating lives they led. I couldn't help but feel sorry for them. Their fame definitely cost them a great deal. Charles Lindbergh was depicted as controlling, selfish, and unemotional. Anne seemed to be his pawn. It's interesting to ponder whether her life would have been as extraordinary if she had not married Charles.  It certainly may have been less painful.  It's sad that she did not get to be recognized as an aviator in her own right.     CURRENTLY READING     CURRENTLY LISTENING TO       My family loves to read, too!   My mom:     My dad:       Libby: