Weekly, the folks at Teach Mentor Texts, Jen and Kellee, host the meme “It’s Monday! What are you reading? From Picture Books to YA” It’s a chance to recap what I’ve read in the last week and a peek at what I’ll be reading in the week ahead. Check out Jen and Kellee’s site to join in or see the links of other reader/bloggers to find out where their reading adventures have taken them. Click on the cover images for the synopsis of each book. For my kids, it was spring break so I had some bigger chunks of time to concentrate on chapter books, as you’ll see below.
My Reading Adventures from the past week . . .
Middle Grade Chapter Books
My first, but certainly not my last Eva Ibbotson book. Great historical fiction book set in 1908 Vienna, Austria. Richly detailed story, which plays on the fairy tale theme of rags-to-riches, but the reader and main character, Annika, soon suspect all is not as it seems. A nice combination of historical fiction and a bit of adventure. A special thanks to Anita Silvey for bringing this one to my attention. Recommend for grades 3-7. (Dutton Children’s Books, 2004)
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I finished the 1927 Newbery Award winner. In this book, you’ll learn a lot about the life of Smoky from his birth, to his breaking by ranch hands, to life as a working horse out on the range. Much more enjoyable than some of the other 1920s Newbery books, though I think it will limited appeal today. Definitely check it out if you’re vacation plans include heading to a dude ranch! (Original published 1926, this edition 1993 by Aladdin Paperbacks)
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I just adored Granny Torrelli and her granddaughter Rosie! Over several days, twelve year-old Rosie is under the care of her grandmother while her parents work. During there time together they cook, but also talk about problems Rosie is having with her longtime best friend Bailey. Granny Torrelli artfully shares stories of her own past to give thoughtful advice to Rosie as she negotiates this new stage of friendship with Bailey. Rosie’s honest reflections on the challenges of friendship are refreshing. Sharon Creech masterfully blends humor into this quick-paced read for grades 3-6. (HarperCollins, 2003)
Upcoming Reading Adventures:
Continuing this chapter book . . .
We are continuing to read this as a whole family read aloud. I already want to paste quotes from it around my house.
Enjoy the book trailer below, made by Seattle-area school librarian, Julie Hembree:
Will be starting these chapter books . . .
A “grown up book” about a very mysterious circus that’s been highly recommended.
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A historical fiction book about the race riots of 1898 in Wilmington, North Carolina for older grade-school or middle schoolers. A 2012 release.
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And a stack of Caldecott Challenge books . . .
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Happy Reading!
Not For Lunch 