It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It's Monday, and it's time for me to link up again with Jen and Kellee over at Teach Mentor Texts. Like #bookaday, "It's Monday" helps me stay focused!

This week was my first full week of summer. I did have one presentation this week, and I have started my grad work, but I continue to read. It's my reward for hard work!

What did I read this week?

Picture books:

The Lonely Book by Kate Bernheimer

I Am the Dog by Daniel Pinkwater

Leonardo, the Terrible Monster by Mo Willems

Flight of the Dodo by Peter Brown

Giddy Up, Cowgirl by Jarret J. Krosoczka

Brownie and Pearl Grab A Bite by Cynthia Rylant

Blue Chameleon by Emily Gravett

I loved Leonardo, the Terrible Monster the most. It was a really cute story about a monster who wants to be scary, but isn't.

Graphic Novels:

Johnny Boo: Twinkle Power by James Kochalka

Johnny Boo: Happy Apples by James Kochalka

(These are super silly and fun, and they're about a ghost named Johnny Boo and his friend, Squiggle.)

Middle Grade/YA:

One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Published by: Nancy Paulsen Books (Penguin Group for Young Readers-USA)
Published: May 10, 2012

This book is one I won't soon forget. I wouldn't want to! It tells the story of Carley, a young girl in foster care and her stuggles to understand herself, her mother, and the family who has taken her in. Her life has been difficult, but she's developed ways to cope. When an incident with her mother and her mother's boyfriend erupts, she moves in with the Murphys, and she narrates her story in a voice that is true and touching. The plot and the emotion completely took over.  One for the Murphys broke my heart in a way good books usually do! You must also know that it was a late night book--the kind of book you MUST finish before you can sleep.
Read this book as soon as you can!

Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson
Published by: Delacorte Book for Young Readers
Published: September 26, 2006
Awards: Newbery Honor (2007); Rebecca Caudill Young Reader's Book Award Nominee (2009)

Hattie Big Sky is one of my new favorites.  It's a wonderful book about a girl who must "prove up" a homestead claim left to her by her uncle. She's lost her parents, and living with her aunt and uncle is difficult. So she journeys on her own to Montana to take up acres of land, lots of work, and her dreams. Hattie is hard-working, witty, and strong. I was so inspired by her character that after reading this book, I noticed how spurred on I was to do more in my own life! Kirby Larson's writing is so incredible and perfect it will make you wish the book never ended.

There is a sequel coming. I am as anxious for it as I am for a shoe sale at my favorite department store!!

This week I am reading:

Guys Read: Funny Business--Edited by Jon Scieszka
Maya B. - A Novel by Caroline Starr Rose
                                          
I'm also participating in #summerthrowdown. I can't let #teamteacher down. I must read!
What are you reading this week?