What I've Been Reading. . . Lately

We are more than halfway through January, and I am putting away the snowman decorations in the library. I am getting ready for February displays, pulling fairy tale and rock books, and implementing Makerspace once a week during Genius Hour. It's really busy, and I have to keep track with TWO Happy Planners (one for me and one for the library). 

Throughout it all, I am always reading (of course)! These are the titles I have been reading and I am grateful to their publishers for sharing them with me. 

The Books: 

Thank you, Workman Publishing, for this nonfiction book that comes complete with a kit to help solve a mystery! (Did I mention this was a TRUE story?) 

Thank you, Little Brown, for sending Sophie Blackall's upcoming picture book Hello Lighthouse (which publishes in April). Her art is absolutely stunning!! 

Thank you, Peachtree Publishing, for sending Leslie Bulion's upcoming Leaf Litter Critters -- a collection of poems about decomposers! I am reading it now! This one publishes in March. 

Thank you to Simon & Schuster for sending me the ARC of Avi's The Player King (which is out now). Very suspenseful and based on a true story! 

I read the ARC of Tumble & Blue by Cassie Beasley (Thank you, Penguin Kids!) but this one is already out in stores now. I just finished this one and will be rereding the last chapters tomorrow to make sure I caught everything! 

I am happy to share these titles here on my blog! I am still processing thoughts on each of these, and will no doubt share more about them in the upcoming weeks. 

THE SHOES: 

Today I wore a pair of booties by Sugar. The style is very similar to this one. They are super comfortable and go perfectly with leggings!

Happy Librarian Moment

As I continue blogging in 2018, I am trying out a new format of sorts, hoping to write more regularly, share more titles, and stick to a plan. Thanks to all who stop by my little blog! This summer, my blog will turn SEVEN years old! 

At the end of each post, I will share what shoes are my current favorites, trying to incorporate my blog name and other love (of shoes)!  


The Book


One day this week I was working at the circulation desk in between classes. I had a few learners in the library working on projects and reading.  One of them walked up to me excitedly, sharing what was happening in the book he was reading and how events had been building so far. (He was throroughly enjoying the read.) I listened with intent (and happiness).

Then he said, "This book just got good!" (Which made me even happier!)

I completely understood what he meant.

As a reader, I have felt this way as well. You are going along reading a book, then from (seemingly) out of nowhere, the author puts in a plot twist and however disruptive and incredible it is, this event/detail makes the entire previous portion of the book click. As a reader, this kind of moment makes you stop and marvel. How DID the author do that? As teachers, we know it is the result of craft, skill, talent, and lots of writing!

Whatever brings about this moment, I am grateful. Readers come to this points in books with a sense of discovery, and after the awesomeness sets in, they are forever left with the understanding that these type of plot surprises (and the excitement that comes from them) comes through books and reading and connecting with story. And then they keep reading, and keep looking for moments like these, finding so many good books along the way.


What I’ve been reading:

The shoes: 

It is my day off, so for running around and doing my errands, I am wearing Skechers Microburst Supersonic Sneaker in black!

Back from Winter Break

The Book: 

When I returned to school from winter break last week,  I set out some books about snow, snowmen,  the cold, etc. (See my Dec. 21st post here.) Of course, I came across this book by Amy Hest (illustrated by Caldecott Honor Winner Lauren Castillo) about a boy and his dog who enjoy a time of sledding together. I'd read this book years ago, and thought it would make for a perfect read-aloud the first week back - especially as we have conversations with our learners about setting reading goals for the new year. 

With a title like The Reader, you might also see why I especially appreciate it! 

Yes, the boy is a reader, taking a book on his excursion. At first glance, it seems like a quiet book about a lovely time shared between "Two Good Friends" (from the book), but as I read it to each 1st and 2nd grade class, I quickly realized that it was about a lot more. I realized that it is definitely about reading and the things readers do. 

We aren't given any name for the boy except for "the reader". This is his title. This is how we will know him.

The boy has prepared for his time of reading. He brought along snacks, dressed warmly, and chose the perfect book. (See title in the book.) 

Do we prepare ourselves for our times of reading? A cozy blanket, a cup of tea? Whatever the accoutrements, how does this help us read? And do our learners do this, too? 

"The reader" also knows where he is going, choosing a very specific destination. He has a spot to read that is perfect for him, and that he settles into comfortably. 

Do readers have special places where they like to read? 

More observations: 

To get to this special place takes effort. The boy has to coach himself, understanding the obstacles, setting out on his course, and pushing through what might stop him. Do readers set goals and push through obstacles? Whether they are about reading or other things? 

When he reaches his goal, he celebrates with raised arms, joy, and by making a few snow angels. Do readers celebrate milestones and achieving goals? Do we celebrate ourselves when we read? 

And as the reader enjoys the book with his dog, he makes a connection with the story. He pronounces this connection proudly to his dog. 

As you can see, I found a lot of gems in this delightfully illustrated picture book. (Lauren Castillo takes us softly into the reader's snowy world, and we experience what he experiences.) And I discovered more of them the more I read it. One reading -- two readings -- never enough! 

Other Books I have read recently:

Coming in June 2018 from Little Brown! 

The Shoes:

Lately, I have have been LOVING my brown waterproof tall boots from Rockport. They have a low wooden heel, my jeans fit into them, and I love wearing them with leggings!