It's Monday! What are you reading? From picture books to YA - 3/23/15

March 23, 2015 Alyson Beecher

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.

It has actually been a fairly crazy past two weeks, and I missed posting last week. So I combined the two weeks into this post. There are some very special books in the list below.

Here is what jumped out f the pile over the past two weeks:

Cloud Tea Monkeys by Mal Peet, Elspeth Graham; Illustrated by Juan Wijngaard (Walker Books 2010) - I can't believe that there will be no more of these beautiful collaborative books. I may not have read other books by Peet but the work he did with his wife have become books I love.

Sweep Up the Sun by Helen Frost; Photographs by Rick Lieder (Candlewick, March 10, 2015) - This is a follow-up to Frost's Step Gently Out. Beautiful photographs bring the poetic text to life.

Something About a Bear by Jackie Morris (Frances Lincoln Children's Books, 2014) - I love both the illustrations and stories that Morris creates. Of course, anything about my favorite wild animal will garner my attention, but this one is definitely worth reading and owning.

Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom: My Story of the 1965 Selma Voting Rights March by Lynda Blackmon Lowery, Elspeth Leacock, Susan Buckley; Illustrated by PJ Loughran (Dial Books, January 2015) - Powerful story about the Selma Voting Rights March as seen through the eyes of a 15 year old Lynda Blackmon Lowery. A quick read but one that will stick with you.

Lies and Other Tall Tales Collected by Zora Neale Hurston; Adapted and Illustrated by Christopher Myers (HarperCollins, paperback release January 2015) - I am still trying to figure out what to say about this one, but I found it fascinating and one that I would love to share with older students as a mentor texts.

Circus Mirandus by Cassie Beasley (Dial Books, June 2, 2015) - I was invited to a tea with Cassie Beasley by Penguin Publishers and bumped this up. Though in real life, I have mixed feelings about circuses, it would seem that magical circuses are more my thing. A great book to put on your summer TBR list.

In Defense of Read Alouds: Sustaining Best Practice by Steven Layne (Stenhouse Publishers, January 2015) - This one I read slowly. I wanted to enjoy and savor each chapter. Layne provides teachers with the research and thought behind the importance of reading aloud in the classroom but for those of us who already believe in reading aloud the book is a bit of a love song to the practice.

So, what are you reading?

It's Monday! What are you reading? From Picture Books to YA - 3/9/15

March 9, 2015 Alyson Beecher

Oh there are so many good picture books that have been coming out or about to come out. Here are some of my favorites from the past two weeks plus a few I missed at the end of last year.

Here is what jumped out of the pile this past week...

H.O.R.S.E.: A Game of Imagination and Basketball by Christopher Myers; Narrated by Dion Graham (Live Oak Media, April 30, 2014) - I can see why this audiobook won an Odyssey.

Night Sky Dragons by Mal Peet, Elspeth Graham; Illustrated by Patrick Benson (Candlewick, October 14, 2014) - It was sad to learn recently of Mal Peet's death. Last year, I discovered this "series" of books by Peet and his wife Elspeth Graham. The illustrations are beautiful and the stories engaging.

The Case of the Weird Blue Chicken: The Next Misadventure by Doreen Cronin; Illustrated by Kevin Cornell (Atheneum Books for Young Children, September 30, 2014) - Another fun installment with some of my favorite chickens.

Special Delivery by Philip C. Stead; Illustrated by Matthew Cordell (Roaring Brook Press, March 3, 2015) - Children will enjoy one little girl's adventure in trying to mail an elephant to her great-aunt. Chugga, chugga, chugga. Beans, beans, beans.

I Wish You More by Amy Krouse Rosenthal; Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld (Chronicle Books, March 31, 2015) - Another sweet feel good story by the team of Rosenthal & Lichtenheld.

Beach House by Deanna Caswell; Illustrated by Amy June Bates (Chronicle Books, May 12, 2015) - Beautiful illustrations and lively text.

How to Read a Story by Kate Messner; Illustrated by Mark Siegel (Chronicle Books, May 5, 2015) - An enjoyable and humorous lesson on how to read a story.

My Family Tree and Me by Dusan Petricic (Kids Can Press, April 1, 2015) - A creative way of looking at a child's family history on both sides of the family tree.

If You Plant a Seed by Kadir Nelson (Balzer & Bray, March 3, 2015) - Another illustrative masterpiece from Kadir Nelson with a message of kindness.

A Fine Dessert: Four Centuries Four Families One Delicious Treat by Emily Jenkins; Illustrated by Sophia Blackall (Schwartz & Ward, January 27, 2015) - This book made me hungry and also appreciative of my Kitchenaid Mixer.

To the Sea by Cale Atkinson (Disney-Hyperion, May 19, 2015) - A sweet tale of friendship with charming illustrations.

If I Had a Triceratops by George O'Connor (Candlewick, February 10, 2015) - O'Connor has another story of the fun and challenges of having a pet dinosaur.

So, what are you reading?

It's Monday! What are you reading? From Picture Books to YA - 2/23/15

February 23, 2015 Alyson Beecher

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?

It's Monday! What are you reading? From Picture Books to Ya - 2/16/15

February 16, 2015 Alyson Beecher

It's been a bit crazy lately and I haven't had a chance to do a "What are you reading?" post. This is a compilation of my favorite books from the past few weeks.

Here is what jumped out of the pile from the past few week...

Bunny Roo, I love You by Melissa Marr; Illustrated by Teegan White (Nancy Paulsen Books, April 14, 2015) - It is sometimes hard to standout in a category of books where there are a lot of tender mother-baby books, but Melissa Marr not only does it in a way that adds something but feels like a classic at the same time. Whether an infant is suffering withdrawal or just normal newborn adjustment issues, this book is a loving tribute to the mother-infant bonding process.

Wait by Antoinette Portis (Roaring Brook Press, July 14, 2015) - With just two words, Portis captures the struggle between a busy mom and a curious child.

Goodnight Already! by John Jory & Benji Davis (HarperCollins, December 31, 2014) - A sleepy bear and a very awake duck make for an interesting evening of interruptions.

You Nest Here With Me by Jane Yolen, Heidi Stemple; Illustrated by Melissa Sweet (Boyds Mills Press, March 3, 2015) - Jane Yolen and her daughter, Heidi Stemple come together with a book of beautiful poems, which come alive even further with Sweet's illustrations.

Rodeo Red by Maripat Perkins; Illustrated by Molly Idle (Peachtree Publishers, March 1, 2015) - Perkins captures the voice and Idle captures the visuals in this story about a little girl, her stuffed dog, and the new baby brother. Will be a favorite of readers this year.

Orion and the Dark by Emma Yalett (Candlewick Press, March 24, 2015) - A great addition to the bedtime stories about the dark and the monsters in the night.

Grace by Kate Parkinson (Holiday House, January 1, 2015) - A fun early reader about a little girl who may want to dance but may actually have a talent in another area.

Ballet Cat: The Totally Secret Secret by Bob Shea (Disney-Hyperion, May 5, 2015) - Another early reader about two friends and what it takes to be truly accepting of one another.

Rocket's 100th Day of School by Fredric F. Hills (Random House, December 23, 2014) - I really like Rocket and this is no exception.

A Wilcox and Griswold Mystery: The Case of the Missing Carrot Cake by Robin Newman; Illustrated by Deborah Zemke (Creston Books, May 12, 2015) - A fun transition between early readers and longer chapter books this mystery will engage readers as they try to discover who took the missing carrot cake.

Sonia Sotomayor: I'll Be the Judge of That (Women Who Broke the Rules) by Kathleen Krull; Illustrated Angela Dominguez (Bloomsbury Kids, May 12, 2015) - A biography about Sonia Sotomayor for 2nd to 4th graders. Krull draws in readers and this biography will encourage readers to want to explore more about Sotomayor.

Gooseberry Park and the Master Plan by Cynthia Rylant, Illustrated by Arthur Howard (Beach Lane Books, April 2015) - A follow-up to Gooseberry Park and one where all of the animals work together to help one another out during a drought.

Wish Girl by Nikki Loftin (Razorbill, February 24, 2015) - A mix of magical realism, friendship, and learning to accept someone for exactly who they are fill this middle grade novel that will strike an emotional chord in readers.

Codename Zero by Chris Rylander (Walden Pond Press, 2014) - Middle Grade prankster turned secret agent. Definitely a fun read for 5th to 8th graders.

Tomboy: A Graphic Memoir by Liz Prince (Zest Books, September 2014) - This graphic novel memoir challenges the gender messages we send to girls (and boys) - Definitely 14+

So, what are you reading?

It's Monday! What are you reading? From Picture Books to YA - 1/19/15

January 19, 2015 Alyson Beecher

Here is what jumped out of the pile this week...

Books already out...

Madame Martine by Sarah Brannen (Albert Whitman, 2014) - An old woman, a dog, and a new adventure.

Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña (Putnam; January 8, 2015) - An outstanding story and love the message in this one.

A Letter for Leo by Sergio Ruzzier (Clarion Books, September 2014)- There are certain kinds of friendship stories that make me go "aww" and this is one of them.

Upcoming releases....

Red: A Crayon's Story by Michael Hall (HarperCollins; February 2015) - A good story to discuss differences and embracing our unique qualities.

Toad Weather by Sandra Markle (Peachtree; March 2015) - Love the cover and the lesson and the surprise at the end.

Float by Daniel Miyares (Simon & Schuster; June 2015) - A wordless picture book to add to your list.

In Mary's Garden by Tina Kugler and Carson Kugler (HMH Books for Young Readers; March 2014) - A beautifully illustrated, picture book biography that celebrates art, creativity, and imagination.

So, what are you reading?

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