It's Monday! My summer is officially over, and I'm headed back to school to begin my 23rd year of teaching. But before I do that, I'm joining Jen and Kellee over at Teach Mentor Texts as we share our reading for the week. It's a great meme I'm happy to join.
Because I headed back to my classroom to set up for another year of 4th grade, my reading was limited!
What I read this week:
In my attempt to compile a read-aloud list for this year, I decided to reread HOW TO STEAL A DOG by Barbara O'Connor. I remember why I loved it the first time, but I found this read to be more fulfilling. It tells a story kids will clamor to hear, and I think it will help develop a sense of consideration and empathy in students. My copy came from my classroom library, and as you can see from the pic, it's been read many times. I'll need a new copy soon.
As I was sorting the books in my classroom library (see previous post for pic), I came across this title. I started rereading it in my classroom while I was supposed to be working, so I brought it home with me. I'd forgotten how exciting and good it was! I marvel at how Brian survived for so long, and how Gary Paulsen's excellent writing. I want to pull out many sentences for my grammar/editing lessons this year. I appreciate this one so much more now that I've been teaching longer.
I also picked up this curious picture book this weekend: THE INSOMNIACS by Karina Wolf (illustrated by The Brothers Hilts). This book has the most interesting illustrations! The story is very, very intriguing! It's about a family that is active at night, and sleeps during the day! It left me with questions, but I thought that was fine! (I'm not ready to write a review of it yet. I need to reread it a few more times.)
What I'm reading now:
Since I finished THE SECRETS OF THE FORTUNE WOOKIEE by Tom Angleberger last week, I thought I'd reread the first installment of this series. THE STRANGE CASE OF ORIGAMI YODA won our Texas Bluebonnet Award last year, and I'm planning on using it as one of my read-alouds. Since this book has been out since 2010, I don't think many of my incoming 4th graders will have read it. Also, I met Tom Angleberger at ALA this summer! He passed out FORTUNE WOOKIEE cookies.
What I plan to read this week:
Since it's my first day back to school for professional development, reading time may prove to be elusive. I'll scrounge up minutes here and there, and I'd like to begin reading this book:
THE ADVENTURES OF NANNY PIGGINS by R.A. Spratt and Dan Santat is a book I've been wanting to read for awhile. I've had the ARC for the latest book since ALA, but haven't read it. I picked up the 1st installment yesterday, and I'm happy I did.
My summer ends now. Even though it was busy, and not a relaxing one, I loved it because I learned so much, read a lot, and interacted with some amazing people. Because of this, I know I'm a better teacher. I can't wait to meet my awesome students next Monday. Another year of great reading begins!
What are you reading this week?