More Recent Reads

I'm excited to share this week's great reads!

Picture Books

A fun read full of great vocabulary and rhyming. I think this book would lend itself well to the Tune into Interesting Words strategy within the CAFE framework, and would be perfect for early readers for rereading. Ahoy, mateys!

A silly book great for reading aloud. Many of us probably have similar memories of our own kids being "interrupting chickens." Too funny!

Early Readers

A couple of weeks ago I attended a mini reading conference in Sioux City, IA, where I had the privilege of hearing "Coach" Ryan Sloth share his books and the stories behind each 

one. He was a dynamic speaker, and the fact that he played football at Iowa State was a definite bonus! Each book has a clear message, from perseverance to patience, and as an author he utilizes great vocabulary and alliteration along with repetition. Sammy Sloth (clever characther, huh?) is a character kids can identify with. I love the fact that Coach Sloth has more books in the works, including writing one with his daughter since he co-authored Jungle Safari with his son. They are perfect for beginning readers! I'm anxious to share these books as mentor texts for writing.

I learned of this series somewhere online - I apologize for not remembering exactly where. One of my favorite forms of humor is the use of puns, and this book is full of them. I loved it when Salem tries to "spell" her way through the spelling bee!  A graphic novel series that younger kids are sure to enjoy! 

Fashion Kitty is so much fun!  Perfect graphic novel for reluctant readers. I immediately ordered the rest of the series upon finishing. You can't help but smile when reading, especially with a fashion superhero to the rescue!

I just had to read this when I came upon it at my public library. I spend a lot of time at baseball games in the summer watching my high school aged son, so this seemed so fitting, and it wasn't one I was familiar with. A typical Boxcar Children book, which makes it perfect and comfortable for younger readers. Take me out to the ballgame!

Middle Grade

The premise behind Below was almost disturbing to me, yet fascinating at the same time. Cassie and Liam stumble upon a mystery at the manmade lake in their town, where their town leaders "drowned" their town more than a decade before. It is sure to suck readers in!

Adult

A friend introduced me to Mary Higgins Clark many years ago, and she has always been one of my "go to" authors for a good thriller. I'm still trying to figure out how this book is going to play out...it has definitely gotten under my skin!

Until next time...Happy Reading!