It's been some time since I've participated in IMWAYR, but after receiving/gathering/buying some amazing books at NCTE last weekend, this seems like a perfect opportunity to begin reading again. I will have to intersperse what I'm reading with what my students are reading since I already took a suitcase of books to school to share with my students last Monday, and we took a leisurely hour of reading workshop and did a book pass, previewing each book, and collecting titles they wanted to come back to when they had an opportunity. Based on what they recorded in their readers' notebooks, the books in the suitcase were a big hit!!
A few books that were waiting for me to finish them, a book that needed to be reread in preparation for a GREat Discussion (parent/child book club), as well as some new ones worth sharing:
The Shadow Throne by Jennifer Nielsen -- Thanks to Scholastic Press for sharing these and to Jennifer Nielsen for signing my Uncorrected Proof! The Ascendance Trilogy concludes. Once again, Jaron and his friends have to come together for a noble cause -- trying to save Carthya. This book is due out Feb. 25, so I don't want to include any spoilers for those of you waiting patiently/impatiently for the conclusion of this trilogy. I will say that the action remains fast-paced, and leaves you wondering if Jaron learned how to play chess at some point in his life; he is always thinking multiple moves ahead.
Counting by 7's by Holly Goldberg Sloan -- this is the GREat Discussion book for our 5th graders and their parents. It is possible that I cried more this time than the first time I read this book. Closer reading with purpose in preparing for a book club conversation forced me to slow down and pay attention to some details I missed the first time. If it's even possible, I fell more in love with all the characters even more, especially Willow! I can't wait to have this conversation with our 5th graders and their parents.
Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures by Kate DiCamillo -- This is a book I heard many people discussing at NCTE, and I knew I needed to read it myself. So when one of my students was returning the library copy on Monday, I snagged it for myself (apologies to the rest of the school). Because of the author's name, I'm not sure what I expected, but I was pleasantly surprised. A mix of chapter book-like text interspersed with illustrations and graphic novel-like sequences made this an enjoyable read. My favorite parts of this book were Flora's continual reference to and use of the books, Terrible Things Can Happen to You and The Criminal Element.
The 14 Fibs of Gregory K by Greg Pincus -- I met this author four years ago at a KidLitCon in Washington DC. I have followed him ever since on social media, knowing he had a love of poetry. I was so happy to see how he infused poetry into this delightful text that should be a sure winner with students! Combine the ideas of not fitting in with your family (Gregory loves to write; his family are all mathematicians), not telling the truth and digging the hole of lies bigger and bigger, disappointing friends, and your best friend moving far away, and you get this wonderful book. I really like that the word "Fibs" in the title actually could have dual meanings. Teachers should definitely be book-talking this with their students!
Navigating Early by Clare Vanderpool -- This is a lovely book, beautifully written. It is a story of two boys taking a journey that allows them to find themselves and gain a better understanding of family.
It's good to be reading again! I can't wait to add to my growing booklist by reading what others have read this week. Head on over to Teach Mentor Texts for more posts.
I just recommended Navigating Early to my adult book club reading YA novels. Hopefully we get to that by next year. Counting by 7s sounds amazing. Will have to find that one soon. Have a great reading week!
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