Monday, April 14, 2014

It's Monday, What Are You Reading?





It's Monday! What are you Reading is a meme began by Sheila at Book Journeys as a way to share what you read and/or reviewed the previous week and what is in store for the upcoming week. Jen Vincent, of Teach Mentor Texts, and Kellee and Ricki of Unleashing Readers use the inspiration to host a kidlit focused link up every Monday. 

This is my first time linking up to #IMWAYR and I cannot be more excited! Last week, I read some fabulous books. As a third grade teacher, I am always on the lookout for books appropriate for third graders. This can provide tricky at times, but I definitely read some great ones last week. These are some of my favs (in no particular order). 



I absolutely LOVED The Chicken Squad. I thought it was the perfect short chapter book with awesome picture support for some of my struggling readers. And could the topic be any more engaging?! I'm always a chicken book fan. If you are interested in reading more about my love for this book, head over to my blog post about it. 



I have been rather IMpatiently awaiting the third installment of the LULU series so I was so excited to grab this book Tuesday! Judith Viost did not disappoint in the newest book, LULU's Mysterious Mission.  I did struggle to get used to the new illustrator in this book, but after adjusting, I fell in love with the story. Lulu goes on a mission to get rid of her new babysitter and along the way finds out a secret that has her scheming again! A great addition to our classroom library. 


Everyone has that author/illustrator who they would walk on hot coals to meet. Well Dan Santat is that person for me- which is why this is one of my favorite moments:


Or maybe this....






This is why I was beyond excited to get my hands on his new story. I knew it was going to be a favorite even before I got it. Dan Santat's inspiration for this book was his son, and you can feel that in the text and pictures throughout the book. The Adventures of Beekle is the beautiful story of an imaginary friend who goes in search of his person. And if loving the book wasn't enough, my students went WILD when I showed it to them. (They may have inherited a little of my crazy when it comes to Dan)


Under the Egg by Laura Marx Fitzgerald was my surprise book of the week. I had ordered it after hearing about it at MRA this year. I had had it for a few weeks, but hadn't got around to it. Finally, this weekend, as I was lazily lounging in the gorgeous weather, I grabbed it mostly because it was close and I wasn't about to go hunting. Well that was one of the best decisions because I fell in love with this book! I immediately felt attached to the main character, Theo, who was such an eccentric little girl with a resilient spirit. Then I fell in love with the story, which has roots in World War II. The history nerd in me just about fell over when I realized what the story was actually about. I have heard this book described as Chasing Vermeer meets From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. Check it out- it does not disappoint!


This Weeks Reads:

 

 

  

So, what are YOU reading today??






3 comments:

  1. What a great selection of books. I loved those chickens in the first two books so am sure to enjoy them again. Lulu is back at it huh? I didn't know that had been released. I am eager to read Under the Egg now. Sounds great. Thanks!

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  2. Welcome to #IMWAYR - what a great list of books you've shared!! I love chicken stories, too. ;-) Looks like you've found a winner with The Chicken Squad! Do you know I've never read the Lulu books? Shame on me! I've heard nothing but great things about them. I need to get them! Love the Dan Santat pics, and I can't wait to read Under the Egg! Happy reading!

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  3. Those photographs with Dan Santat are priceless - such fun! Lane Smith isn't illustrating the Lulu books any longer? Aww. Love Judith Viorst though, so I'm sure the series is in good hands. Im intrigued by Under the Egg, will be on the lookout for it. Have a great reading week.

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