Monday, February 13, 2017

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #IMWAYR 02/13/17


It's Monday! What are you reading? was started by Sheila at Book Journey and was adapted for children's books from picture books through YA by Jen of Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee of Unleashing Readers. You can visit either site for a round up of blogs sharing their weekly readings and thoughts or search Twitter for #IMWAYR.



Last Week's Posts

      • Diverse Books for Children: Love. We could all use a little more LOVE in the world. Come share your love-themed posts or find some great recommendations with #diversekidlit! 

      Poetry



      Here We Go: a Poetry Friday Power Book (2017) by Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong. I received my copy of this book this week, read it, loved it, and already wrote a whole post about it (click here). Even better, publisher Pomelo Books has offered to donate FIVE copies of the book for me to distribute to readers! Good luck!


      Picture Books



      When Marian Sang (2002) by Pam Muñoz Ryan and illustrated by Brian Selznick [a Caldecott Honor book]. I knew the story of singer Marian Anderson performing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, but this picture book biography does a great job of setting the context. Plus, those incredible illustrations!


      Red Bird Sings: the true story of Zitkala-Sa, Native American Author, Musician, and Activist (2011) adapted by Gina Capaldi and Q. L. Pearce and illustrated by Gina Capaldi. Fascinating biography of Zitkala-Sa, a Native American musician, teacher, and activist. Told in "updated" selections from her own writing, the book does a good job of showing the difficulties of her successful life - what it meant to leave her family and the reservation. A study that deserves to be better known.


      Jingle Dancer (2000) by Cynthia Leitich Smith and illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu. A modern day Native American story about a girl who longs to become a jingle dancer. I liked this gentle, repetitive story, but I wish there had been more emphasis on the work and practice to become a dancer. (The impression the book gave was that all she needed was a dress.)


      Fancy Party Gowns: the story of fashion designer Ann Cole Lowe (2017) by Deborah Blumenthal and illustrated by Laura Freeman. I know nothing of fashion designers, period, but I certainly hadn't heard about Ann Cole Lowe before. An interesting look at her life and impact on the pop culture of her time.


      Estas Manos; Manitas de mi familia / These Hands: My Family's Hands (2014) by Samuel Caraballo and illustrated by Shawn Costello. Love this simple poetic format, celebrating the hands of each family member. A great mentor texts for making a class book of similar poems.

      Happy Reading!

      13 comments:

      1. When Marian Sang is such a beautiful book. I haven't read any of your other picks. Thanks for the recommendations!

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      2. Love exploring the links to your other posts!

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      3. Will look for Red Bird Sings and These Hands Family Hands, look wonderful. I enjoyed Jingle Dance a lot, and have When Marian Sang, a beauty. Thanks, Katie.

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      4. The illustrations for When Marian Sang are just incredible, and what a powerful story that isn't nearly as well known as it should be.

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      5. I didn't know about Here We Go. It definitely sounds interesting.

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      6. My Kindergarteners study one poem each week, in depth. We discuss, illustrate, share connections and thinking. We also write our own poetry. During Writer's Workshop poetry paper is available in addition to blank books. Excited to add Here We Go to my collection!

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      7. I didn't know Here We Go, but I would love to share it with my students :)
        I always love the diversity you highlight--thank you!
        Happy reading this week :)

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      8. The only book on this list that I know is Jungle Dancer, although it's been a while since I read it. I'm now particularly keen on reading When Marion Sang and Red Bird Sings.

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      9. I love discovering poetry for young children. Poetry is a passion of mine, and I am always looking for ways to introduce it to the children.
        I love seeing some children's nonfiction here. It is a genre that I am working on expanding and updating right at the moment.

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      10. Fancy Party Gowns looks good. I have read and enjoyed the others especially Jingle Dancer. It's lovely.

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      11. This books looks soooo interesting. Would love to read it

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      12. I would live a copy to share in my library during poetry month.
        Attn: Narda Lugo
        Henry Ford Elementary
        1110 East Polk Ave.
        Pharr, Texas 78577

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      13. When Marian Sang is one of my favorites to share with kids. I always show YouTube video of her singing. I'll have to check out the other books on your list! Have a great week!

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