Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Booktalk Tuesday

Wow, summer is flying by!!  Summer is a great time to catch up on reading and I've read so many amazing book already. 

In the past, I have kept two blogs...this one to share what is happening in our school library, and http://mrsandersonbookblog.blogspot.com/ to share great books that I've read.  Since it has been difficult to maintain both, and since the audience for both blogs is similar (our school community as well as other teachers and librarians), I have decided to begin talking about books on this site and discontinue writing on the book blog site.  My goal is to add books here on Mondays (based on It's Monday What Are You Reading #IMWAYR) or Tuesdays (Booktalk Tuesday #booktalk).  Mostly, I'll just add one or two books per week but I have a lot of catching up to do, so, here goes!






These are pictures of all of the books that I read in June!  Here are a few summaries:



The Goldfish Boy by Lisa Thompson (mystery, grades 4-8)

Are you a fan of mysteries or stories where the main character overcomes adversity?  In this book, Matthew has severe OCD and rarely leaves his bedroom for fear of getting sick.  While looking out his window, he often notices things about his neighbors.  One day, his neighbor's grandson goes missing and it's up to Matthew to figure out what happened.  While reading this book, I felt myself cheering for Matthew to not only figure out the mystery, but also to get the help that he needs to go back to living a more regular life.  The Goldfish Boy is on the 2019 Rebecca Caudill list.




Endling: The Last by Katherine Applegate (fantasy/adventure, grades 4-8)

Katherine Applegate, author of The One and Only Ivan and Wishtree, wrote this fast-paced fantasy adventure.  Byx, a young dairne, lost all of the other members of her pack and she sets out to see if any other dairnes still exist.  On her dangerous journey through war ravaged land, she is joined by Tobble, a faithful and brave little wobbyx, Gambler, a proud and strong felivet, and a human named Khara.  They soon learn that their "allies" are not who they seem and their lives are in danger.  I loved these endearing characters and the fast-paced story will keep readers engaged throughout.


Lily and Dunkin by Donna Gephart (realistic fiction, grades 5-8)

Two very different kids find friendship with one another!  Lily is transgender and Dunkin is bipolar.  Both have issues that they are dealing with but they find happiness in their friendship.  I LOVED this beautifully written book. This story has the power to open the eyes of readers to become more understanding and empathetic of those who are different. It also provides representation to middle grade readers who are transgender and those who have a mental illness. While tough issues such as acceptance and bullying are presented, they are handled in a way that is hopeful and also in a way that is anchored with positive relationships (through friends and loved ones in the story). Lily and Dunkin is on the 2019 Rebecca Caudill list.

Harrison families, how many reading BINGOs do you have?  Remember to keep reading this summer!!

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Happy Reading!


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