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,

Comments

  1. Loved all of your books this week, none of which I have had the pleasure of holding, but several of which were on my TBR list. You have made me more determined to purchase some of them in the Fall (DiCamillo, DiPucchio and Medina for sure). Thanks for the post.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I thumbed through a copy of Good, Rosie at a conference and I am eager to get a copy. Merci Suarez is so wonderful. Mad Doc Magee is on my list to read when it's published. Looking forward to your thoughts on it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm about 130 pages in so far and I'm really enjoying it! Yeah, Merci is wonderful! I kind of miss her now that I've finished the book!

      Delete
  3. I have Good Rosie! So good! And want to read Merci Suárez Changes Gears, sounds like a needed one at this time. Thanks for sharing what looks like a wonderful group of books!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, the more we keep promoting great books featuring diversity in all its many forms, the better!

      Delete
  4. These all look like wonderful titles this week, Nicole! But I admit I'm especially excited to read about Littles and How they Grow. I work with birth and breastfeeding groups and this appears to be an excellent title to add to our "new mom" (and new big brother or big sister) library! Thanks so much for sharing and have a wonderful reading week!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh my goodness, it would be perfect to share with that group!! If I have any others that feel like a good fit I will let you know! :) Those groups are some of the most important that women can belong to. I am still deeply connected to mothers I met in similar settings with my two boys.

      Delete
  5. Oh my, I want all of these! And now! Wish I didn't have to wait til Sept for Merci Suarez and Good Rosie, though I also realize that's only a month away! (Doesn't feel like it should be almost Sept!).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UGH, September is creeping up on me and I'm not ready! The stress is so powerful I am losing sleep over here! We can't get into our classroom until days before we start. I can't settle my mind. I hope you get these little beauties soon!

      Delete
  6. I had your same reaction when Good Rosie showed up on my doorstep. :)

    I hadn't heard of Little Sid before. I will definitely be checking that one out. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Happy to share one you hadn't heard of! That's hard to do around here ;)

      Delete
  7. A new Meg Medina title!? Can't wait. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oooh, so excited for Good Rosie, what a fantastic author and illustrator team!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Love all the books you highlighted! I'm hoping to start an ARC of Merci Suarez soon, it sounds so great!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular Posts