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.

 

PICTURE BOOKS

 

 

Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld

 

2015-book, bullying, friendship, picture-book,  rhyme, theme, wordplay

 

 

Clever word play in this simple book about Stick and Stone becoming friends. Even Pinecone learns a thing or two about friendship.     Grandma in Blue with Red Hat by Scott Menchin, illustrated by Harry Bliss     2015-book, art, grandparents, picture-book   The answers to the question Ms. Montebello asks her students in the art museum, "Why do you think this is in the museum?" remind me of  Mem Fox's Winifrid Gordon McDonald Partridge and the answers to the question, "What is a memory?"  This book explores the definition of art and what qualifies as art.  The young boy in the story is sure he has the perfect masterpiece!   MIDDLE GRADE BOOKS     The War That Saved my Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley   2015-book, abuse, adopted-foster-child, anger, audio-book, character-development, characters-with-disabilities, emotions, family, historical-fiction, intermediate-kids-book, journey, love, mock-newbery-2016, siblings, social-studies-connections, strong-girl-character, war   I like what she says about her setting decision - would be great to show kids so you can talk about how setting influences the plot.    I listened to this wonderful WWII story about Ada, a young girl born with a club foot that was never fixed, an abusive mother, and a playful younger brother, Jamie. She is held a prisoner in the flat because her mother is ashamed of her disability. It is torture for her when Jamie leaves her to play with friends outside. She endures terrible abuse at the hands of her mother such as being locked in a roach-infested cabinet all night when her mother feels Ada's done something wrong. When London is in danger of being bombed, children are evacuated from the city (like the children at the beginning of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe). Ada's mother plans on sending Jamie into the countryside, but not Ada; therefore, Ada takes matters into her own hands and escapes with Jamie. They are taken in by Susan, a recluse who doesn't want them, but is forced to by the woman in charge of the evacuees when no one else wants the bedraggled children. What ensues is a journey of the heart - Ada must deal with emotions that overwhelm her - doubt, anger, sorrow, etc., as she learns to love and be loved. Susan has her own demons to face, and together they work through many emotions.  It isn't often that you are met with perfect endings, but this one has one. Loved it and can't wait to book talk it to my fifth graders in the fall! Perfect JOURNEY or FEAR book for my literacy contracts.     Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer by Kelly Jones, illustrated by Katie Kath   2015-book, character-who-writes, chickens, humor, intermediate-kids-book, multicultural, multigenre, strong-girl-character, weneeddiversebooks   This book made me chuckle all the way through - it's so entertaining! Told in multiple formats and genres, Sofie's story about inheriting chickens with superpowers will be a favorite in my classroom. Henrietta's expressions throughout the story cracked me up - she is one cranky chicken! I appreciated the multicultural aspect of the book - it's understated, but there, and will help kids think about how stereotypes, while sometimes unintentional, are damaging.

CURRENTLY READING and LISTENING TO