It's Monday! What are you reading? is hosted by Sheila of Book Journey. Jen from Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki from Unleashing Readers have adapted it to focus on Picture Books to Young Adult Books.
This week, I did not get as much reading done as I hoped for but I do have some fun upcoming releases and a couple of older books to share. I am also sharing a couple of books that my two nieces have read from the pile of Advanced Readers that I brought back from ALA Midwinter and really enjoyed.
Here is what jumped out of the pile this past week...
Dory and the Real True Friend by Abby Hanlon (Dial, July 7, 2015) - Last fall readers were introduced to Dory in Dory Fantasmagory. Well Dory is back and so are her imaginary friends and some new school friends. I love this early chapter book and hope there will be more Dory books.
Little Roja Riding Hood by Susan Middleton Elya; Illustrated by Susan Guevara (Putnam, 2014) - This was one of the Pura Belpré Honor books that I had not read. Definitely a fun adaptation of the Little Red Riding Hood story.
Head Lice by Elise Gravel (Tundra Books, February 10, 2015) - This Disgusting Critters series tackles head lice with humor.
P. Zonka Lays an Egg by Julie Paschkis (Peachtree Publishers, March 1, 2015) - P. Zonka (a play on pysanky or Ukraine Easter Eggs) is a different kind of hen. She doesn't lay eggs on a regular basis but when she does they are as unique a she is.
Big George: How a Shy Boy Became President Washington by Anne F. Rockwell; Illustrated by Matt Phelan (HMH Books for Young Readers, 2009) - I have been on hold for this book since President's Day last year and it came just after President's Day this year. A solid picture book biography of George Washington and I loved Phelan's illustrations.
A Dog Wearing Shoes by Sangmi Ko (Schwartz & Wade, September 29, 2015) - A little girl finds a lost dog wearing yellow shoes. Should she keep the dog or try to find the owner? Lost and found dog and pet adoption is the focus of this upcoming picture book.
Gingerbread for Liberty!: How a German Baker Helped Win the American Revolution by Mara Rockliff; Illustrated by Vincent X. Kirsch (HMH Books for Young Readers, January 27, 2015) - A little known piece of history featuring a German baker who relocates to the colonies and provides valuable support to General Washington.
Night Animals by Gianna Marino (Viking, July 14, 2015) - What happens when nocturnal animals are afraid of the dark? I loved this twist on the typical bedtime/afraid of the dark book.
The Sky Painter, Louis Fuertes Bird Artist by Margarita Engle; Illustrated by Aliona Bereghici (Two Lions; April 28, 2015) - A picture book biography of Louis Fuertes told in verse with beautiful illustrations.
Peace is an Offering by Annette LeBox (Dial Books, March 10, 2015) - A very charming picture book that looks at finding peace all around us.
The Only Child by Guojing (Schwartz & Wade, September 1, 2015) - I wish this book had a cover image but I could not find one anywhere. However, I loved this wordless graphic novel/ picture book. The illustrations are gorgeous and it will invite multiple readings.
Here are a couple of recommendations from Jax, Age 14...
I am Princess X by Cherie Priest (Arthur A. Levine, May 26, 2015) - Jax enjoyed this book and liked the mystery and suspense of the story and is interested in seeing the final illustrations. She believes that this book will have wide appeal and that many different kinds of readers can enjoy it as well. Jax also identified with the main characters in the story and loved the sword carrying Princess X.
The Prisoners of Breendonk: Personal Histories from a World War II Concentration Camp by James M. Deem (HMH Books for Young Readers, August 4, 2015) - From a graphic novel hybrid Princess X to a nonfiction story recounting the histories of prisoners, who were held a Breendock shows that 8th graders can be very diverse in their reading habits. However, for as much as Jax enjoyed Princess X, she seemed to really love The Prisoners of Breendonk. Jax has been interested in the Holocaust since reading about Anne Frank when she was 9 years old. When I asked her about this book, I could hear the excitement in her voice. Jax enjoyed learning more about World War II, and hearing the stories of the prisoners along with seeing the photographs, which kept her engaged in the entire book.
Here is one from KK, age 8...
Hamster Princess: Harriet the Invincible by Ursula Vernon (Dial Books, August 18, 2015) - This new series by Ursula Vernon is packaged in a similar style to her Dragonbreath series. KK said she enjoyed the book and how it was similar to Sleeping Beauty's story. KK gives this a thumbs up and has already shared it with a friend already and it seems that it will be a hit with the 3rd grade population. She is already hoping for more Harriet adventures.
So, what are you reading?