It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 8-6-18

Thanks to our dynamic hosts: Jen at Teach Mentor Texts and Kelle at Unleashing Readers. Head to either blog to find reviews as well as dozens of links to other blogs filled with reviews and recommendations!

This coming school year will be the year I really accomplish the Book a Day Challenge. Because of this, you'll notice more picture book reviews from time to time.

Books I Read this Week:

Good Rosie! by Kate DiCamillo

Illustrated by Harry Bliss

Candlewick Press, September 2018

36 pages

Oh, you can imagine my delight at opening this book mail!

This picture book is told through panels, try imagining zooming in on a graphic novel until the frames are large. That's what this resembles.

At first the simple text tricked me into thinking this would be a simple story. But slowly some bigger themes began creeping in. Loneliness, companionship, fear, friendship, they all show themselves in this beautiful story that is actually anything but simple.

I think the style of illustration is a perfect match to the story's tone.

This will be a must read for me in September.

(Instagram: bluestockingthinking)

Little Sid: The Tiny Prince Who Became Buddha by Ian Lendler

Illustrated by Xanthe Bouma

First Second, 2018

34 pages

From the jacket flap: "...Little Sid weaves traditional Buddhist fables into a classic new tale of mindfulness, the meaning of life, and an awakening that is as profound today as it was 2,500 years ago."

Even though he is surrounded with all the material things he could ever desire, Little Sid is lacking the love and attention of his parents. In order to feel fulfilled Little Sid leaves the castle to find happiness, which he ultimately returns home with.

I am no expert on Buddhist fables, so I cannot make claims to be, but I will be sharing this one with my third graders in September!

(Instagram: bluestockingthinking)

Littles and How they Grow by Kelly DiPucchio

Illustrated by AG Ford

Doubleday Books, 2018

28 pages

This is one of the most adorable books EVER! So cute I can barely stand keeping it to myself. This will now be my go to baby shower gift, especially if it's a second baby, I can just see the new big brother or sister eating this up! My 4-year-old wanted multiple readings of this sweet rhyming text!

I love the style of illustration, but beyond that I also love the variety of children and families and situations. 

The feedings, the baby-wearing, the boppy pillow, it brings me right back!

Merci Suárez Changes Gears by Meg Medina

Candlewick Press, September 2018

368 pages

Realistic Fiction

Recommended for grades 4-7

You're going to fall in love with Merci, she's the kind of girl we want to be friends with. 

But this story also hurts to read.

It hurt to read about this family knowing that there are real prejudices they need to adapt to.

It happens when Merci's older brother begins driving, and her parents remind him of how to act if he is ever pulled over.

It happens at the private school Merci attends, the school she has the brains to attend, but not the funds. While she completes extra community service to maintain her enrollment, she also feels as though it could be ripped away if she makes any ripples.

The hurt also surrounds Lolo, Merci's grandfather whose Alzheimer's is progressing. The depiction of Lolo was so well done, as it is hard and confusing and sad and frustrating to watch, just like it is in reality.

I knew my grandfather was gone the Christmas he opened his presents and then looked at me and asked if I wanted them back, and then told me to take any animals out of the barn that I wanted. They didn't live on a farm. There was no barn, no animals. It's a sad and horrible thing to watch.

And even for kids that can't relate to any of that, at the core this is a friendship story with a classic mean girl, a boy, and plenty of mishaps. 

I found it enjoyable from cover to cover.

I'm Currently Reading:

Have a great reading week!

Thanks for stopping by,