Monday, May 26, 2014

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?


Jen at Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee at Unleashing Readers cohost It's Monday! What Are You Reading?  Be sure and stop by to participate or see what others are reading and recommending this week.

Our last day of school was Friday, so it is time for summer reading and the summer Book-a-Day Challenge. Read here for more information about Donalyn Miller's summer reading challenge.


A Hundred Horses by Sarah Lean

This is a book by the same author who wrote A Dog Called Homeless, which I loved! Both books had moments of breathlessness.  A moment when I literally stopped breathing and goosebumps tickled my arms.  This is a book about family, friendship, and belonging.  It is a book that makes you question why things happen and why people are placed in your path.  I am a "heart fiction" reader and this book belongs right there.

Nell spends the beginning of a school vacation on a farm with family members she doesn't know.  She meets a young girl named Angel and with the help of a hundred horses and each other, they learn lessons about belonging.  



The Riverman by Aaron Starmer

I have read so many tweets and reviews about this book, but truly did not understand until I read the book.  This book left me with more questions than answers.  I was thrilled to learn that the answers will come because it is the first book in a trilogy.  This book is definitely on the higher end of middle grade and will certainly push you as an adult reader.

Fiona tells her friend Alistair about the Riverman, a creature who is out to steal the souls of children. Her soul could be next.  Does Alistair believe her and try to help her, or does he choose to believe something else?  



Tornado Alley by Marlane Kennedy

Because I teach 4th grade, I am always excited to come across books for lower reluctant readers.  If your students love the "I Survived" series, then they would enjoy this book. This is a great book for early chapter book readers who need plot-driven stories. The story line moves quickly, keeping the reader engaged!  This is the second book in the series with a third coming this fall.
  
Happy Reading!

10 comments:

  1. Scholastic also has a new Stay Alive series (#1 is Crash) that might suit fans of the "I Survived" series. http://store.scholastic.com/Books/Paperback-Books/Stay-Alive-1-Crash

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  2. I like that - "heart" fiction reader! So am I :)
    I bought the 2 Disaster Strikes books after you sent me the recommendation. Hope to get to them soon. I know so many "I Survived" readers, this looks right up their alley (hopefully not tornado, ha ha). Have a great first week of vacation!

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  3. I'm definitely going to check out the Tornado Alley book. My 4th graders also enjoy the "I Survived" series. I also had three students that read the Stay Alive "Crash" book this spring and loved it.

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  4. The Riverman and A Hundred Horses have both been on my radar. Adding them to my ever growing summer reading list!

    Happy Reading!

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  5. Thanks for sharing about A Hundred Horses, Leigh Anne. I loved A Dog Called Homeless-magical! And must get to The Riverman-it keeps getting so discussed! Thanks!

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  6. Riverman is another book on my very long summer reading list. I have several trips with airplane flights so I am hoping to get a lot of reading in that way too. I like the "heart-fiction" term. I wonder what I would put on my "heart-fiction" list.

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  7. Happy vacation! Happy reading!!

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  8. A Hundred Horses is on my TBR list. I really loved A Dog Called Homeless - planning to do this with my Junior book club next year. Lean is some writer.

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  9. Hi Leigh Anne, your tidbits from each book have enticed me to want to read each one :-) The more I participate in online reading and writing communities, the longer my TBR list grows!

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  10. I love the premise of The Riverman - but now that I know it's the first book in a trilogy, I'd probably wait until all three books have been published before I start reading it. :) Love to read my series all at one go.

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