It's Monday! What are you reading? From Picture Books to YA (22)

It's Monday! What are you reading? is hosted by Sheila of Book Journey. Jen & Kellee from Teach Mentor Texts have adapted this to focus on Picture Books to Young Adult Books.

Last week's book adventures:
Though I read several stacks of picture books this past week, I didn't feel that much jumped out at me.  You can check out my Hot Off the Press post for some new picture books that I read or re-read this week.

Three Book Highlights from the Week:

Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Cardboard Box by Murray Shaw (adapter) - This is an adapted version of Sherlock Holmes in graphic novel format.  I need to see what my students think of this one. 

The Legend of Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke - I was so excited to be able to read an e-galley of this one.  I loved the first Zita the Spacegirl book and I am glad that she is back.  Now of course, I will have to wait forever until the next one.

With or Without You by Brain Farrey - This one is a Stonewall Award Honor Book of 2012.  I read it for our book club meeting.  I can see why it was selected as one of the Stonewall winners.  I was pretty surprised at how quickly I became invested in this book.  Farrey did a great job of making the main character, Evan, someone that you care about.  I ended up truly caring about what happened to Evan and his (really hot) boyfriend, Erik.  There was a part of me that couldn't put the book down and a part of me that wanted to so I wouldn't have to find out what kind of "train wreck" (completely figuratively speaking - there are no train wrecks in this book) was going to happen to Evan.  I won't spoil the ending but if you haven't read any of the Stonewall winners, you could certainly start with this one. 

So, what are you reading this week?

Here is what is sitting in my currently-reading pile:
 

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein - I picked up a e-galley of this one and after the first 25 pages which had me a bit confused I seem to finally be settling into this one.  I am only about 55 pages in so I still have a lot to go.

Crow by Barbara Wright - I am also at about page 50 with this one.  I am very interested to finish reading it since I have heard so many great things about it.

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi - I started this on audiobook and had to switch to a book format since the narrator wasn't working for me.
 

Audiobook: Boneshaker (The Clockwork Century #1) by Cherie Priest - This is a long audiobook and I am about halfway through.  I am actually enjoying it but just haven't had any extended time to listen. If you are fans of steampunk and zombies, you might want to check this one out.

I have promised myself that I can't start anything else until I finish at least 2 of these books. The good news about this pile is that I like every one of these books so far.  The bad news - there has been so little time to get lost in reading so I end up going to books I can read in a shorter time span or ones that I have to read.

Wish me luck and I hope you have a wonderful book week.

Hot Off the Press! (17)

Hot Off the Press is a weekly feature of picture books that are recent releases.  I base the post on my weekly visits to Vroman's Bookstore and browsing through their wall of new picture books.

Minette's Feast: The Delicious Story of Julia Child and Her Cat
Author: Susanna Reich

Illustrator:  Amy Bates
Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers
Audience: Ages 6 and up

An interesting selection of a narrator to help children learn about the famous chef, Julia Child.  This story is told from the perspective of Julia Child's cat, Minette.  It is set in Paris and tells of the early years of Child's journey to becoming a chef.  Of course, while Julia Child is whipping up these amazing feasts, Minette is totally preoccupied with the fresh catch of the day (a mouse).  The story does include additional features such as an author's note, bibliography, and actual quotes which can be used by older children.  Thanks to a note, I realized that this is in time for Julia Child's 100th birthday (August 15, 1912). 

Chloe, Instead
Author/Illustrator:  Micah Player
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Audience: Ages 4 and up

I am an older sister and reading Chloe, Instead was a humorous reminder of what it is like to have a younger sister who is nothing like you.  I remember multiple times when I asked myself how we ended up in the same family.  It might have taken me a bit longer to appreciate my younger sister than it takes Chloe, but this is a book that older and younger siblings will relate to and see themselves in the characters.  I really enjoyed the bright illustrations with the oversized features.  The book trailer does a nice job of giving you a taste for the story.
 
Check out the book trailer here:

How to Babysit a Grandpa
Author: Jean Reagan 
Illustrator:  Lee Wildish
Publisher: Random House
Audience: Ages 4 and up

I am so excited that this one is finally out.  I read this as an F & G (folded and gathered) back in November.  I have wanted to recommend it to people several times but always had to remind myself that it wasn't out yet.  And now it is finally here.  This is a fun story about how a grandfather comes over to babysit his grandson, but yet the grandson thinks he is the one in charge and gives tips to the reader about how to manage a grandparent when they come over.  Just a fun book and would make a good read aloud.  Additionally, it would be a good gift to a grandparent or from a grandparent. 

The Lonely Book
Author:  Kate Bernheimer
Illustrator: Chris Sheban
Publisher: Random House
Audience: Ages 4 and up

This picture book actually came out in February, but I didn't want to forget mentioning it.  (The Hot Off the Press Wall was just re-instated a few weeks ago.)  The first time I read this was as an F & G back in September.  It is a lovely story about a new book that at first receives all the attention, but over time becomes worn and lost.  One particularly child continues to search it out finally claiming it at the end. Beautiful story with gentle illustrations that compliment the text.  Any librarian, or book lover is going to like this one. 

Reading Aloud to Children: What I Have Learned

Several years ago, I started doing classroom read alouds.  Those of you who are teachers or librarians might be asking what is so special about that?!  We do it all the time you might say.  However, as a principal, it was easy to think that I didn't have time to go into a class and read aloud on a regular basis.  Yet, three years ago, I asked two teachers if I could come into their classrooms and read to their students weekly. At that point I couldn't tell you why I picked the books that I did or even what I hoped to get from the experience or what I expected children to come away with.  I just had this sense that I needed to read to them.  What I discovered about reading aloud is changing me as an educator and instructional leader.

Here are 5 things that I have discovered while reading aloud to children:

Reading aloud to children builds relationships. - When I go in 1 or 2 times a week to read with a class, I get to know the names of the children, and their personalities.  I have become a part of their learning community, and the books provide us with a shared history.  Even a year later, I can hold up the sequel of a book I read the previous year and we can all celebrate together.  We develop a common language and references from the books that we read with one another, and I have credibility when asking about other books they are reading.  I cherish the relationships I have built with my students from the time we have spent exploring books.

Reading aloud to children helps me identify student strengths and areas of need. - I have learned more about children's learning styles and abilities from reading aloud to them than I have in almost any other activity.  I have had children surprise me with these incredibly insightful comments when I had mistakenly thought they weren't "getting it".  I have sat in teacher - parent conferences and been able to speak often with incredible accuracy about a child based on the observations I have made when reading aloud.  I have also been able to advocate for services for children based on what I have learned as well.  One of the unexpected benefits of reading aloud or leading a Literacy Café for a class is that I can also identify gaps in learning.  This year I discovered while doing a Literacy Café on the Harlem Renaissance that some of our upper grade classes were struggling with timelines.  This enabled me to have a conversation about number lines and the gaps students had in math which were showing up in other areas.     
   

Reading aloud to children allows me an opportunity to expose them to new book titles. - Though I might love Sarah, Plain & Tall or Charlotte's Web, teachers and children need to be exposed to new titles and more diversity in the types of books that they are exposed to.  Whether it is a collection of books from the same historical time period, a new adventure novel, or some amazing character that they must meet, read alouds help me to introduce children to books that they would otherwise never find.
 

Reading aloud to children gave me a way to build a culture of reading at the school. - My students know that I value books and reading.  The parents know that I value books and reading.  My staff know that I value books and reading.  And as a result, my students are slowly developing a love for books and reading too.  They are beginning to recognize titles and authors.  Students will stop by my office to see what books I might have for them. They are now checking in with our part-time library tech to look for a title that I mentioned.  We may not have arrived yet, but we are certainly on the right path.

Reading aloud to children provides me with an opportunity to model for teachers how to create a passion for reading and learning with their students. - Whether it is through reading aloud, or during a Literacy Café, I have had opportunities to demonstrate new or different ways for celebrating books.  When I spend time reading or teaching in a classroom, I have to practice what I "preach".  If I expect teachers to make reading or learning relevant, then I must demonstrate it too.

As I share these observations, I want to remind everyone that I am still on the path to learning.  If I were to write this post in another year, I know I would have new observations or examples to share. I would also love to learn about the discoveries that you have made while reading aloud to children.      

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday (13)

As part of the Non-Fiction Picture Book Challenge 2012 (Twitter: #nfpb2012), my goal is to read and review as many of the new non-fiction picture books that are released this year.  Wednesdays will be my primary day to post the reviews.


I just realized that today is the last Wednesday of the month.  Where did April go?  Seriously!!!  It is time for a giveaway.  And it is also National Poetry Month.  So I might be stretching this a bit to fit a poetry book into a nonfiction review, but I'll share why below.   My nonfiction giveaway of the month will be a copy of Douglas Florian's unBEElievables.  You have until Wednesday, May 2, 2012 to enter the contest.  It is open to international participants. 

Author/Illustrator:  Douglas Florian
Publisher:  Beach Lane Books (March 2012)
Number of Pages: 32
Source: Personal Copy
Audience: K-5
Poetry * Bees * Nonfiction

Description from the publisher's page:
The buzz is big for Douglas Florian’s new poetry collection about the unBEElieveably unique lives of honeybees—and the vital role they play in our ecosystem. Come inside the honeycomb—a busy, buzzy, bee-filled home—and learn about the unexpected wonders of these tiny insects’ lifestyles, families, and communities. In fourteen funny, fact-filled honeybee poems and paintings, Douglas Florian explores the natural history of these often-unappreciated critters, revealing them to be a totally cool—and totally important—part of our ecosystem. Indeed, these buzzy bugs have been in the spotlight lately as wild bee populations are dwindling, honey prices are rising, and beekeeping has become a popular hobby. 

My thoughts on this book:
When I first saw this book, I fell in love with it.  My initial thought was how cool to mix poetry and nonfiction in the same book. Florian has a brilliant concept within the pages of this book.  There are 14 poems about bees (bees, bee anatomy, queen bees, types of bees, and more), and they are all very accessible for children (or for those adults who are still trying to figure out poetry).  Though I really enjoyed the poetry, I was impressed with how each poem was accompanied by a corresponding "bee fact" about the same topic as the poem.  There was even a few further reading suggestions at the end.

This is certainly one of those books that can be used with various grade levels and also in different parts of a curriculum.  I love books that I can keep referring to all through the year and not just for a specific unit or feature in a month.  I also like things that I can share with more than one grade level and allows for multi-age projects.  Additionally, Florian's illustrations had this great "kid" feel to them which gave me ideas of how to combine both art and poetry into a lesson for the students.

If you want a chance to check out this book, don't forget to enter the giveaway (no reviews necessary but you do need to fill out the form.) 

Also, if you are participating in the Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge, link up a recent review. 





Don't forget to add a link to your own nonfiction picture book reviews from this past week. Thanks for participating in the challenge.

It's Monday! What are you reading? From Picture Books to YA (21)

It's Monday! What are you reading? is hosted by Sheila of Book Journey. Jen & Kellee from Teach Mentor Texts have adapted this to focus on Picture Books to Young Adult Books.

Last week's book adventures:
I had one of those weeks were I am not certain where the week went and why I didn't have a chance to read a lot but there you have it - only 15 books (11 picture books, 2 early readers, 1 early chapter book, and 1 other).  And though I was surrounded by books and book people and book related activities at the LA Times Festival of Books this weekend, I never did get a chance to read.

Book Highlights from the Week:

The Obstinate Pen by Frank W. Dormer - This one was fun.  A pen that writes what it wants to write rather than what you want it to write. 

Wumbers by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld - More to come on this one.  I will be posting a review this week.

Players in Pigtails by Shana Corey, Illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon - I wish I had read this one before Wednesday.  I would have added this to my baseball themed Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday.  Fun learning a little bit about Women's baseball in the late 1940's.

Neo Leo & Now and Ben by Gene Barretta - This series is very informative and well done.  One on Thomas Edison is coming this summer or fall.  I learned a lot reading both of these books.  I think 2nd graders on up will enjoy them.

Fancy Nancy: Nancy Clancy, Super Sleuth by Jane O'Connor - Fancy Nancy is growing up and has become a detective.  For fans of the picture books, who are now ready for an early chapter book featuring their favorite character.

F in Exams: The Funniest Test Paper Blunders by Richard Benson - Not a kids book, but High School students and adults will enjoy this quick read of answers that people used on tests.

So, what are you reading this week?

 I am so hoping for a better reading week.  Wish me luck!