It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? 5/23/22

Bella and I are excited to share our latest reads in It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? #IMWAYR is a community of bloggers who link up to share what they are reading.  Kellee Moye of Unleashing Readers and Jen Vincent of Teach Mentor Texts decided to give it a #kidlit focus and encourage everyone who participates to visit at least 3 of the other #kidlit book bloggers that link up and leave comments for them.

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Our Recent Reads:

The Summer of June by Jamie Sumner

Hair-pulling was one of the ways 12 year old June dealt with her anxiety so after school ends, she makes the bold decision to shave her head.  In solidarity, her mom shaves her head and while her mom says her daughter is a “wonder to behold,” June regrets her decision 10 minutes later.  June’s mom is in charge of the town’s library teen department and June regularly accompanies her mom to work during summer vacation.  At the library, she meets Homer Juarez who quotes poetry and a widower, Luis, with a passion for gardening. Making friends is not her summer goal; taming her anxiety and owning her independence are.  

June has a great support system in her mom and her therapist Gina, but as her mom says “sometimes you have open yourself up to more than you got to know what you’re missing. And that can be scary for anybody.” So when both Homer and Luis help June in a time of crisis, she allows her circle of support to widen.  Feeling more in control, June stops taking her medication so when her anxiety is set off at a local event, June’s secret is revealed. Will her new friends accept her and more importantly, will June accept herself? 

Written from June’s perspective, Sumner did a beautiful job capturing her struggles and strengths. Of course, I loved that so much of the story took place in the library and June shared that books help ease her trapped feelings.  Her friendship with Homer was so endearing and once she was honest about her anxiety, he didn’t walk away and opened up to her. The Summer of June is a story that will fill your heart and soul. 

Thanks to the author for sharing an ARC with my #bookexcursion group. The Summer of June celebrates its book birthday on May 31, 2022. 

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Ribbit! The Truth About Frogs by Annette Whipple Illustrated by Juanbjuan Oliver

Whipple’s latest book in THE TRUTH ABOUT series! Ribbit teaches there is more to frogs than their leaping legs, bulging eyes, and sticky tongue. Here are a few of the questions explored. 

• What is the difference between frogs and toads?
• How do some frogs live underground?
• Why don’t frogs freeze to death?
• Are frogs important to people?

I love the format of this nonfiction picture book. for it is a great mentor text to teach children about text features.  A question is posed in a large and appealing font.  Each answer is written in kid friendly language so the facts are easy to understand.  Clear, crisp photographs of the frog match the question; a sidebar also appears on every page spread and includes Oliver’s illustrations and the frog’s humorous point of view on the topic. 

As an elementary reading specialist, I adore THE TRUTH ABOUT series because Whipple’s text is  accessible to kids at all reading levels.  After reading Ribbit, readers of all ages will be even more fascinated with frogs next time they see or hear one in their travels! To read my full review, click here.

Thanks to the author for sharing an eARC. Ribbit! celebrated its book birthday last week on May 15, 2022. 

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The Hiking Viking by Laura Gehl Illustrated by Timothy Grant

Leif was a Viking, but he didn’t want to battle, brawl, holler, and howl.  His dream was to hike and explore.  His family does not understand chiding Leif that he must help the clan win the Viking Games. Leif dutifully prepared and participated in the Games and while his strength was outmatched, the score was tied between the two clans. The clan showing the greatest treasure would prevail as winner. Leif’s clan learned that his strength was not in his physical body, but rather in his ability to see the treasure in nature.

Gehl’s inspiring text and Banks’ bold and expressive artwork reminds us to appreciate the beauty in the world’s natural wonder. I love that Leif showed loyalty to his clan but ultimately taught them a lesson on stamina and perspective.

Thanks to Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media for sharing a copy.  The Hiking Viking released in February 2022. 

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Bella’s Dog Pick of the Week

Wanting to spread the dog love, Beagles and Books has a weekly feature of highlighting a literary selection with a canine character.

Friends Fur-ever (Must Love Pets #1) by Saadia Faruqi

Summer vacation has begun and Imaan has one wish-a dog of her own.  Convincing her mom is no simple task, but perhaps, starting a pet sitting business with her best friend London and new friend Olivia will show her mom she is responsible.  And when her neighbor is in need of emergency pet sitting for her dog, Sir Teddy,  Imaan feels obligated to offer.  Didn’t her mom just say that neighbors are like part of our big family and we should take care of them if they need something? 

The thrill of pet sitting is tempered by reality.  When her little brother Amir starts to sneeze out of the blue, Imaan doesn’t want to admit he is allergic.  Imaan also doesn’t like sharing Sir Teddy with London and Olivia and her feelings are hard to hide from them. Due to circumstances, she relishes the opportunity to have Sir Teddy all to herself for a day but discovers that taking care of him alone is not as fun or as easy.  

With themes of family and friendship,  middle grade readers will relate to this pawsome series.  I love that Faruqi chose to have Imaan narrate because readers get to really know her as a character exposing her strengths and needs.  What I love most about Imaan is that she admits her mistakes and learns from them.  Looking forward to the next adventure in the series! Thanks to the author for sharing an ARC with my #bookexcursion group. Friends Fur-ever celebrates its book birthday on May 31, 2022. 

Bella and I thank you for visiting Beagles and Books!